Written by Jeffry Carillo and Joven Jacolbia

The pandemic did not stop the Organizational Communication Society in holding its annual traditions as they celebrated this year’s OrCom Week virtually from September 20 to 25. In celebration of the 36 th founding anniversary of the Organizational Communication program, OrComSoc staged a week-long line-up with the theme “On Board: Riding the Wave of Digital Marketing”. With the goal of upholding Orcom values––Unity, Camaraderie, and Leadership––the following webinars and social

events were hosted:

Eto Kami Ngayon

“Eto Kami Ngayon” is an annual seminar that features OrCom alumni to share their university life and how OrCom helped them flourish in their chosen career. This year, the OrComSoc invited three women leading the OrCom way in their different careers. The first speaker was Ella Ordonia, who worked as an Intern Manager in McDonalds, and is now currently working as a policy researcher for the City of Taguig. In her talk, she emphasized that being an OrCom major is more than being a communication student; she highlighted that OrCom majors are “jack of all trades, master of all”

The second speaker was Nikki De Guzman, a brand ambassador and a news

anchor at the ABS-CBN News Channel. She shared how she once questioned herself for taking the program––from her first year to her last. Eventually, she proved that the skills she gained from the OrCom program gave her an edge and advantage through

her journey in the media industry. This was seconded by the last speaker, digital

content creator and host Hershey Neri, who advised students to “always stand for the truth and do everything with honor and excellence.”

Buddy Auction

Freshies also had the first one-to-one buddy system in the Orcom program in years, which was launched to promote camaraderie not only between batches but also members. The event’s aim was successfully achieved as participants continue to build a strong bond between their partners. The first buddy task included buddy video calls and an OrCom Meme challenge.

Hopeful Realism

On the other hand, Prof. Chadwick Co Sy Su’s annual Hopeful Realism talk also became online. As a freshie noted, he “opened everyone’s eyes” on the real world waiting for us with tips on living a good life.

Orcomlympics

Orcom majors also showed their “OrCompetitive” spirit through the virtual comeback of OrComlympics. Each batch sent seven representatives to go through different games that tested their teamwork. The participants reportedly enjoyed the games despite the virtual setting. Eventually, the Fourth Year batch brought home the winning title for their final OrCom week.

Ready, Set, Sail

As part of its major event-lineup, OrComSoc also hosted a digital marketing talk series titled “Ready, Set, Sail.” Speakers provided insights regarding different techniques and strategies in achieving a better digital marketing strategy, especially under the community lockdown. Ayala Malls Digital Marketing Head Ernest Valencia shared his expertise in crafting effective digital marketing strategies while GIGIL Senior Art Director John Ray Bumanglang showcased their agency’s visual marketing which they call “ideas” and also discussed trends. Both speakers answered some timely questions on the future of marketing, especially in the context of market saturation and ideas generation.Lastly, Ms. Kara Santiago, managing partner at Spark It Marketing Communications, highlighted how content creation revolutionized the market industry as she guided attendees through its processes and trends.

Break the Walls 2020

Lastly, OrComSoc has indeed broken the walls of hindrance for a successful online acquaintance party the students fondly call Akwe. Aptly titled “Break the Walls 2020,” the event was organized by Junior Executive applicants with a wide range of partners and sponsors who provided endless prizes to the winners. Students from different batches were grouped to accomplish collaborative tasks and “reclaim” the city of Ba Sing Se. In the end, Team Katara was hailed as the winner while Team Cabbage Man won Best Photo. Orcom Junior Joven Jacolbia won best dressed as Katara while Freshie Marcus Calalo won the most-awaited Bingo session.

The Junior Executive slate was also announced at the end of the program with the following line-up:

Nikki Castillo (Internals-Members)

Charlette Inao (Internals-Events)

Jia Jarin (Externals-Publicity), and

Jezreel Manahan (Externals-Sponsorships).

Aki Billanes (Finance)

Majet Cirio (Junior Secretary)

Despite the challenges of virtual event planning, OrComSoc undeniably crossed the ocean of challenges and stress and provided an informative and safe space for Orcom majors.