THE FRIENDLINESS
OF UTILITY
& THE COURAGE
OF CONFRONTATION.
What makes good storytelling and why should we care?
Stories have inherent power. The best ones can build an identity, shape history, define consciousness, encourage or inspire, and even question and challenge what we know of the world. As a Public Relations and Marketing professional nurtured in the discipline of creative writing, it is my goal to tell stories as they’re needed --- and in the best possible way.
My work in PR, Marketing, and Lifestyle Journalism is practical and utilitarian in its friendliness: it always aims to inform, educate, inspire, and build up. As a creative writer specializing in fiction and creative non-fiction, my work often takes a look at difficult topics from different angles, encouraging confrontation and reflection.
WRITING + MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS PORTFOLIO
Selected works from a short, but storied career
VIDEO | OKADA MANILA JOINS THE ELITE OF THE WORLD’S BEST RESORTS AS IT RECEIVES INAUGURAL FIVE-STAR RATING FROM FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE
To celebrate this momentous milestone. Okada Manila held a press event. I was one of the key leaders in organizing this special event which was well-attended by the press.
VIDEO | OKADA MANILA'S YU LEI X RUSTAN'S X INQUIRER 2BU
I was responsible for this special holiday shoot at Okada Manila's Michellin starred restaurant, Yu Lei. Featuring the most glamorous looks from Rustan's high-end line, this collaboration with Inquirer 2BU is a visual feast for a dazzling and glamorous holiday.
VIDEO | MEDIA COVERAGE: JACK MA MAKES A SPEECH AT DLSU AFTER RECEIVING HONORARY DEGREE
De La Salle University gave Jack Ma an honorary degree when he visited the Philippines. I was responsible for generating media coverage for the event. In addition, I organized a press conference for Jack Ma. The event was well-attended. This video of the Alibaba Chairman and Co-Founder is from one of the leading online news sites in the country.
VIDEO | FLIGHT: THE LASALLIAN SCHOLARUM AWARDS SCULPURE
As the Program Coordinator of the Lasallian Scholarum Awards, I was tasked to start a partnership with renowned sculptor Daniel Dela Cruz and commission artworks for the University's media recognition program. I facilitated this video shoot, coordinated with Mr. Dela Cruz, collaborated with the video team, and did fact checking tasks for this video, which was featured in the Lasallian Scholarum Awards.
VIDEO | DLSU RUFINO CAMPUS INAUGURATION
I was tasked to coordinate the inauguration of the De La Salle University Rufino Campus, a green building which houses the DLSU College of Law, the Philippines' first human rights-centric law school. I also arranged media coverage for the event and developed print and video materials for it. One such example is this video, a collaboration with the University's Multimedia Coordinator, building donor, and students from the College of Law.
VIDEO | INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS CULTURE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This video is a supplementary material for a print magazine called "Involved," the University's special publication featuring social engagement projects. I collaborated with the Multimedia Coordinator, coordinated this video shoot, and interviewed Dr. Hazel Biana, one of the proponents of the project. I also wrote the article for the magazine. In the same year it was released, "Involved" won the prestigious Golden Anvil from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.
VIDEO | THE OTHER SIDE OF MBALA
The DLSU Green Archers' Benoit "Ben" Mbala is one of the Philippines' greatest stars in collegiate basketball. As part of the University's public relations efforts, I pitched a human interest story about Ben. One of the country's leading national newspapers, Manila Bulletin, picked up the story. This video is a supplementary material for the print article. I coordinated with editors, writers, and the video team for this project with Benoit Mbala.
VIDEO | GMA WINS BIG IN LASALLIAN SCHOLARUM AWARDS
Lasallian Scholarum Awards is the University's annual recognition program for student and professional journalists who cover youth and education stories. As the Program Coordinator for this endeavor, I was responsible for overseeing the entire awards program from working with a 3rd party media monitoring firm to ensuring media coverage for the event. This video is a news clip from one of the leading primetime news programs in the Philippines.
MORE ABOUT DONNA PATRICIA
Hi there!
I'm a creative writer, lifestyle journalist, media & public relations practitioner, and marketing professional.
Formally trained as a literary writer, I am experienced in SEO writing, technical writing, and developing instructional materials for publishing companies such as Mc Graw-Hill Education. I have also worked with Pearson: The World's Learning Company, as a writing instructor for Smarthinking, their online writing lab.
Looking for more ways to improve in my craft, I started writing lifestyle articles and editorials for reputable national dailies and glossies where I've had the privilege to interview and write about fascinating individuals: industry leaders, heads of state, and royalty.
To further enrich my professional skills, I earned my master's degree in Marketing Communications from De La Salle University, Manila.
My work in this field include being previously responsible for De La Salle University's Public Relations initiatives. I also handled marketing for the DLSU College of Law. These days, I am now the main storyteller of Okada Manila, Asia's largest ultraluxury integrated resort.
I've also done work locally and internationally. For freelance PR engagements, I have written speeches for C-level executives and ambassadors. Other PR projects I've done are for well-loved brands such as Acer, Bayer, Cadbury, Toblerone, Osteostrong, and business consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal.
Creative writing is my first love. Sometimes, I still dream of pursuing it full-time. I am a proud alumna of the Ateneo de Manila Institute of Literary Arts and Practices National Writers' Workshop and the Siliman University National Writers' Workshop, two of the most prestigious writing fora in the country. Some of my works have also won awards and grants.
My current interests are Environmental, Social, and Governance Criteria, Corporate Social Responsibility, organizational communication, and corporate design. I also like fashion design, art, culture, and generally anything nerdy.
I'm passionate about disproving Machiavelli, so ethics, good governance, and lifelong learning are close to my heart. Once upon a time, I dreamt of being adopted by King Solomon or the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius because I admire their wisdom.
When I'm not working, being somewhat vapid, or derping, I spend precious time with my loved ones (most especially my daughter), read, or travel. I also love to eat while staying fit. I love to laugh.
Also, I'm quite clumsy [I have two left feet. LOL.], but I try, you know?
:)
CONTACT
Thanks for taking a look at my portfolio. If you'd like to learn about me and my work, feel free to get in touch or leave a message below. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. :)
