Succulence here, there, and everywhere.

Since I was in grade school, I’ve always dabbled in small scale politics. I ran for election in the first-ever student council election of Don Bosco in 95, did a lot of orgs in high school in lieu of having a school council, and did university politics mainly by running for office and leading a school (political) party for a couple of years. I am a political animal indeed. Really, however, it isn’t politics for politics’ sake. I really believe I could enact change in the little things I do within my spheres.

So IMMAP is holding its annual board elections today. Together with esteemed friends from the industry, I am once again running for a seat. Things like this only make you busier and all for the love of the industry. I think much can still be done to push digital marketing in the Philippines and I hope I add value to it by being on the Board again next year.

I was asked a couple of times if I wanted to be President next year. I wonder. I am sure though that I won’t be elected president by those who will make it to the Board. Looking at the big names on the list, I am certain that they would much rather have somebody else there leading them than someone with not much seniority (pertaining to age) in comparo. I’d like to believe though that I have earned my stripes alright; what I do not have in the discrete number of years in the industry I compensate with how fast I have transformed digital and inspired organisations to adopt a certain way of thinking with regard to digital marketing. If all else fails in wanting to be that leader of the board, I would most gladly embrace my vision for what I could contribute to the industry next year.

I remember last year’s election amongst elected Board directors — from president down to muse, election was a process of nominating one name with everyone’s immediate concurrence as though the election was simply an appointment rite. I wonder how it would be this year. That’s me being presumptuous that I will get to that point. We’ll see.

Some things I would be an advocate for if I get the chance to be part of the Board again:

1. Self-regulation for digital media campaigns is a must – I don’t wish to head the Ethics committee but I feel strongly about the expertise of IMMAP to lead, evaluate, and regulate its members’ work. Principle of subsidiarity suggests that one specialised task must be given to the one who is an expert of it so others who are not specialists could focus on what they are likewise good at doing.
2. I’d like to introduce, launch, advocate, push exciting new platforms (whether actual industry platforms or program platforms) where members can showcase their expertise and encourage participation, interaction amongst members in the pursuit of their own business agenda and IMMAP’s as well. Imagine allowing small groups connecting to the country’s biggest VCs who can provide funding, mentoring and industrial backing as an example.
3. Open dialogue with both members and non-members on industry-level issues; advocate openness amongst players in the industry regardless of whether they are members of IMMAP or not. This openness reinforces the position of IMMAP as the thought leader and catalyst of the broader digital industry in the Philippines. In the end, economics of membership will improve greatly as well.
4. With these in mind, I would like to propose to refresh IMMAP’s brand so that we could keep up with the fast changing landscape of digital in the Philippines. Doing this will keep us relevant to our various stakeholders.
5. Lastly, I’d love to reinforce IMMAP’s position in the industry as a thought leader through and beyond the Summit. We love the Summit, but it should not be the only thing IMMAP could be known for.

I only have three minutes to speak later, but I hope I could share this succinctly yet strongly. Besides, my stage fright has never really disappeared. Believe it or not.