Anvil Publishing, Inc. will launch its first book on public relations, “The Adventures of a PR Girl : The Inside Story of Public Relations,” by Bettina Rodriguez-Olmedo, on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4, Ayala Mall.
The launch is in association with Chateau 1771.
The book is a narrative of the real-life experiences of Olmedo, a PR professional, in a career spanning over a period of close to four decades—from 1967 to 2005. It describes some of the country’s most successful PR projects in which the author conceptualized and executed the communications campaign, including Miss Caltex Contest, Philippine Jaycees’ “Ten Outstanding Young Men,” and the groundbreaking forum series between educators and “presidentiables” during the election years of 1992 and 1998.
These projects illustrate the principles of strategic planning, as well as the most efficient and effective way of communicating the client’s message to its target publics— the consumer, the media, the community and the general public—through the creative use of PR tools, including special events, mainstream publicity, collateral and community outreach projects.
The book is not only entertaining but also highly informative and instructive. Designed for CEOs, corporate communications managers, and Mass Com students and professors, it contains an introduction for each chapter giving helpful tips, including the basic rules of protocol, guidelines for handling crisis PR situations, pointers on dealing with the press, development of a good corporate reputation to earn the trust and loyalty of customers, and effective use of social media.
“The Adventures of a PR Girl” features real people in actual, on-the-ground situations that have now become a part of our history. It, likewise, offers intimate glimpses into the lifestyles of the rich and famous in Manila’s café society.
The book is capped by a description of the negative aspects (“spin,” “media hype”) and positive developments (corporate social responsibility) in the evolution of PR in the new millennium.
Olmedo graduated from St. Theresa’s College with AB and BSE degrees, both summa cum laude. She had a meaningful career in public relations, working at Philippine Advertising Counselors, two of the country’s largest hotels, and the Fund for Assistance to Private Education. Her feature articles have been published widely in leading newspapers and magazines. She is the widow of acclaimed artist Onib Olmedo. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.
“The Adventures of a PR Girl The Inside Story of Public Relations” is available at National Book Store and Powerbooks. It is also being sold online. Call Anvil at 4774752.
