Written by: Brian Joshua R. Salvacion

Reviewed by: Angela Loui Delos Santos & Karyle Gwenlian Ventura

For a program that opens doors to endless possibilities, it’s only natural for BA Organizational Communication students to wonder: where do our alumni find themselves now? Eto Kami Ngayon (EKN) answers that question, as they take the stage to share their journeys, lessons, and the realities of life beyond UP Manila. On a Tuesday morning, October 15, 2025, the spirit of connection and storytelling was not dampened by the gloomy and rainy weather. Stories filled the UP Manila Theater as the Organizational Communication Society (OrComSoc) opened the event right on the dot at 9:00 AM. This year’s EKN brought together three remarkable alumni who have made their mark in business, public relations, and content creation, namely:

Ms. Patricia Salvador: OrCom in Business

The first speaker, Ms. Patricia Salvador, is an OrCom graduate from batch 2016 and is an entrepreneur and a marketing professional. Ms. Patricia’s talk centered around the lessons she carried from her years in Organizational Communication. 

She began by emphasizing that OrCom is “not just a course, but a skill.” For her, communication extends far beyond classroom theories; it shapes how we connect, collaborate, and create understanding. She shared how the discipline taught her to speak with purpose, work harmoniously in teams, manage conflicts, and articulate ideas with clarity. “You start to realize that communication isn’t one skill among many—it’s the foundation that allows everything else to work,” she said.

Another key lesson Ms. Patricia shared was that every experience counts. She reminded the audience that no effort during college truly goes to waste for “Whatever path you take, the skills you learn now will show up again in surprising ways.” For her, the OrCom program doesn’t just teach theories; it provides students with everyday tools that quietly shape how they think, decide, and lead. She added that “every project, report, or group work you’re doing right now is quietly training you to be better than most professionals ever learn to.”

Ms. Patricia emphasized that growth begins with saying yes. She shared how many of her biggest opportunities came from moments that initially felt uncomfortable, such as taking on unfamiliar roles, joining intimidating projects, or pursuing ideas without a clear roadmap. “I said yes to OrCom—even when it didn’t always feel comfortable,” she shared with a smile. Being a good communicator isn’t just about speaking well; it’s about having the confidence to figure things out along the way because “That’s the real power of being in OrCom, you don’t just learn how to talk—you learn how to navigate.”

Ms. Patricia wrapped up her talk by sharing three practical pieces of advice. First, do not rush the process. “It’s easy to feel behind or unsure, but every phase teaches you something—even the confusing ones. Focus on learning, showing up, and letting things unfold in their own time,” she advised. 

Second, she encouraged students to build genuine connections with classmates, organization mates, professors, and mentors, pointing out that authentic relationships often open unexpected doors. According to her, “people remember how you made them feel, not just what you achieved.” 

Finally, she reminded everyone that honor should always come first before excellence. “Before striving to be the best, choose to be respectful, honest, and grounded. Excellence means more when it’s built on integrity and humility—values that make every success truly worth it.” 

With these lessons in mind, she inspired the attendees to embrace challenges, nurture connections, and pursue success with both courage and character.

Mr. Paul Cenizal: OrCom in Public Relations

The second speaker, Mr. Paul Cenizal, is an OrCom graduate from batch 2015 who currently serves as the category lead at CREO (formerly FUSE) under Omnicom Media Group. His talk traced his professional journey across various fields of communication. 

It began in his childhood. His fascination with creativity and storytelling was inspired by iconic pop culture icons such as Harry Potter, Sailor Moon, and Pokémon. These early influences nurtured his curiosity about how stories connect people—a curiosity that would later evolve into a passion for crafting meaningful narratives in the world of communication. 

True enough, he further took the audience through the colorful chapters of his career—from his early “magazine dreams” and “dancer era” as a member of the UPM Indayog Dance Varsity to his ventures in public relations and government communication. Each stage, he shared, was a reflection of how versatile OrCom graduates could be when armed with curiosity, creativity, and adaptability. One of his proudest milestones was helping deliver UP Manila’s first Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) Gold Award, a testament to the strong foundation that OrCom provided in crafting strategic, purposeful messages.

Transitioning from government to the fast-paced world of agencies, Mr. Paul embraced the vibrancy of fashion, beauty, and celebrity publicity by leading campaigns that blended storytelling with visual appeal. Among these, he highlighted his work on Dove’s #RaiseYourArms: The Invisible Game, a campaign that underlines the importance of communication in driving both confidence and social awareness. As he advances in his career, he eventually took on leadership roles in the agency world for brands like Ariel, Downy, and Tide. He reflected on how OrCom had quietly equipped him with the mindset to adapt, lead, and create with purpose. 

When asked by a student how to choose the right position or company for an internship, he advised being intentional in every decision while maintaining a curiosity to explore new opportunities. Internships, he explained, are not just about the title or the company name but more about gaining the experiences and skills that will shape one’s future. 

The talk Mr. Paul reminded the attendees that success comes not from sticking to a single path, but from embracing versatility, staying open to unexpected opportunities, and approaching each step with purpose. Through every twist and turn of his story, Mr. Paul showed that an OrCom graduate’s strength lies not in choosing one path but in thriving across many, all while staying true to the values of connection, authenticity, and communication with heart. Having navigated a wide spectrum of industries—from magazines and government communication to public relations, fashion, beauty, editorial, and agency work—Mr. Paul exemplifies the adaptability and breadth of experience that an OrCom graduate can achieve. His journey illustrates that career paths need not be linear; instead, they can be a tapestry of varied roles that each build valuable skills and perspectives. 

Ms. Jel Directo: OrCom in Content Creations

The final speaker, Ms. Jel Directo, is an OrCom graduate from batch 2010 and currently serves as the president of the Creator & Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) and deputy general manager of Hepmil Philippines—the company behind PGAG. Her  talk centered on why and how OrCom helped Ms. Jel carve her path from being an “org girl” who was active in campus life to becoming a leading figure in the fast-paced world of content creation and digital marketing. With warmth and wit, she shared how her degree was more than just theory; it was practical training for the real world. In fact, she emphasized that OrCom “…gives you the exact preparation, critical thinking, and exercises you need to do for the advertising and marketing field.” 

Drawing from her own experience, Ms. Jel recalled how, in her first job, she spent her initial six months creating pitch decks. This task felt strikingly familiar after years of doing the same for class presentations and organization projects. It was in that moment that she realized how the late nights, brainstorming sessions, and endless revisions as a student had quietly prepared her for the demands of the industry.

Ms. Jel also highlighted that OrCom is one of the best programs in equipping students with real-world skills. From crafting résumés and business letters in technical writing classes to dressing for formal presentations and mastering the subtleties of professional language, OrCom is a training ground for students to present themselves with confidence and poise. The talk stressed how these small but consistent practices—often overlooked in other fields—become invaluable once graduates enter the workforce, where effective communication, polished presentation, and self-branding can make all the difference.

Ms. Jel also emphasized that while presentation is not everything, it inituates everything. Reflecting on her own experience, she shared how OrCom equipped her with the confidence and communication skills needed to stand out in professional spaces. OrCom’s debate and argumentation class trained her to think on her feet and articulate her ideas clearly during discussions and meetings—skills she continues to rely on in her career. She also highlighted the impact of business writing courses, which she believes put OrCom students “ahead of the rest.” The lessons on writing professional letters and proposals built a foundation of clarity and credibility in workplace communication. Meanwhile, the countless pitch presentations throughout college became her most valuable preparation for the real world. “Be excited when you have it,” she advised as she encouraged students to embrace both solo and group pitches, since both mirror the dynamics of professional life. For Ms. Jel, success begins with strong verbal and written communication paired with the ability to present oneself and one’s ideas well. These skills, she said, naturally lead to confidence—the kind that shows mastery of your craft. “Never overconfident,” she reminded, “just the right level of confidence.”

On an interesting note, Ms. Jel asserted that OrCom, while a “jack of all trades” in the communication field, is, indeed, a master of one. She noted that graduates’ first working years will define their mastery—and Ms. Jel’s own journey proved this to be true. After graduating from the program, she explored various roles across media, brand management, and digital marketing before eventually finding her niche in the creator and influencer industry. Through her experiences in leading Hepmil Philippines and CICP, she mastered the art of culture-driven communication by translating Filipino humor, creativity, and community values into impactful content that resonates with audiences. Her path illustrated how OrCom graduates may start as generalists, but through real-world exposure and continuous learning, they eventually carve out their expertise that aligns with their passions and the evolving needs of the communication landscape.

Finally, Ms. Jel concluded her presentation with a reflection that resonated deeply with the audience: “It was nothing that was available nor foreseen back when I was in the University. But OrCom prepared us and equipped us to take on this continuously evolving industry.” Her words captured the essence of her journey, which serves as a reminder that while the communication landscape continues to change, the versatility, adaptability, and critical thinking honed in OrCom remain timeless tools for success.

As the morning drew to a close, it became clear that the journeys of Ms. Patricia Salvador, Mr. Paul Cenizal, and Ms. Jel Directo shared a common thread: versatility, adaptability, and intentional communication. From business and marketing to public relations, government work, fashion, beauty, editorial, and digital content creation, each speaker demonstrated how an OrCom foundation empowers graduates to thrive across industries, pivot between roles, and create meaningful impact wherever they go. Most importantly, their stories emphasized the importance of curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to embrace new challenges—qualities that transform experiences, no matter how varied, into stepping stones for growth. 

For the students in attendance, “Eto Kami Ngayon” was more than a showcase of success. It was a vivid reminder that careers are not defined by linear paths, but by the courage to explore, adapt, and build a professional life that reflects one’s values, passions, and creativity. And as the alumni took their leave, their parting message resonated loud and clear: In Organizational Communication, the possibilities are limitless—what matters most is how you choose to step into them.