INFUSING HOMEGROWN ARTISTRY with Bedan-inspired pieces, the San Beda Junior Marketing Association (SBJMA) displayed their innovation and wits in the unveiling ceremony of the Marketing Management Innovation Gala (MMIG) 2024: Showcasing Lion’s Pride and Filipino Craftsmanship, at the Abbott Lopez Hall last May 15.
The ceremony presented key product innovations, together with their prices, from Marketing Management sophomores, namely; from 2AMC’s Fountain of Knowledge, The Abbey Candle Holder Set, and Bedside Prism Lamp; from 2BMC’s Lion Heart Legacy and Campus Mane: Letterman Jacket; and finally, from 2CMC’s Beda Rine, Abbey Nook, and “SBU Carve.
“Our main purpose is to create a token-based and trophy-based product that, not only represents San Beda, but also the Philippines,” said Malik Roy De Leon, Junior Executive for Multimedia of SBJMA and Activity Chairperson for the event.
He also shared how a similar event took place last year, but with food items as the primary product. Hence, they decided to put a “twist” in this year’s innovations, saying “Ayun nga, parang our profs decided na, ‘let’s mix this up’ kasi, food ‘yung dati, so why not make it into a product or a token specifically?”
Prof. Gregorio G. Borja III, MBA, CPME, Chairperson of the Department of Marketing Management, headlined the event and shared a few remarks to the participants regarding the rationale behind MMIG 2024. “This is implemented in your subjects because we want a touch of innovation this time. Ito yung pinakamagandang time para maging malikot ang utak para, maging creative,” he remarked.
Following which was the event’s first featured speaker, Mr. Vincent Rosario M. Dela Cruz’s, President of C. District Coffee Equipment. During his talk, he showcased his company’s constant innovations on their coffee-related equipment and gadgets as a response to the ever-shifting trends. Among the goals of Dela Cruz was to “bridge the gap” between making quality coffee machines and ensuring competitiveness in its pricing.
To cap off his presentation, Dela Cruz shared a few words of empowerment to the Marketing majors, “Just start, because the only thing constant in this world is change, so start your own business, and welcome to the millionaire’s club”.
What followed was a talk led by Mr. Marl Gonzales, President and Owner of Purplebug Technology, who opened his discussion by imparting a glimpse of his entrepreneurial journey and a brief introduction to Purplebug Technology.
Subsequently, Gonzales summarized his talk, stressing the need for an “empirical” approach in multi-media marketing while creating genuine connections to consumers. “Good multi-media campaign is not about the designs but should be based on well-researched execution strategy that focuses on good communication; because better conversations mean better business,” he added.
Finally, a roundtable discussion between Dela Cruz and Gonzales took place, facilitated by Professor Aaron Ngui, MBA.
When asked about the prospects of another Marketing Gala in the coming years, De Leon reassured that an event similar to MMIG will take place again, albeit with a “different” theme and concept. “We really do this annually talaga. So, let’s just look forward kung ano magiging concept natin for the next batch of second year students.”
The prototypes of the tokens produced by the participants were displayed in a product exhibit at the Sabater’s Lobby last May 16-17.
(with Rolando Matthew Recel and Dianne Magallon)