Get ready to break through boundaries. The 2025 PRSP Student Congress and Grand Prix is setting the stage for the next generation of communicators to create purpose-driven change. Under the theme “Unmuted: Live, Loud, and Limitless PR,” the event is bringing in a powerful lineup of experts who will impart their knowledge on innovative storytelling in the digital era.
The “Unmuted” theme embodies the goal of encouraging future PR practitioners to wield every available platform to create meaningful impact in society. The Student Congress is committed to fulfilling the PRSP’s core mission: to nurture and develop new practitioners equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Opening the event will be an inspiring keynote speech by veteran journalist Howie Severino. Known for his groundbreaking reportage and in-depth documentaries, he brings a breadth of knowledge in storytelling that aspiring PR practitioners can apply.
Attendees will gain unparalleled insight from CEOs like Norman Agatep, APR (CEO & Chairman of Grupo Agatep), Dr. Ron Jabal, APR (CEO & Chairman of Pageone Group), and Ana Pista, APR (CEO & Chairman of Ardent Communications/AI Center of Excellence). They will be joined by innovative disruptors such as Third Domingo (Founder/Chairman of IDEASXMACHINA) and corporate communication leaders like Charles Lejano (Corporate Communications Head at Media Quest) and Earl Guico (Managing Partner at Elesi Studios and a past Grand Prix winner). Rounding out the main speakers are renowned media and academic figures Severino Sarmenta Jr. (Veteran Sports Analyst and Professor) and acclaimed producer Noel Ferrer, offering perspectives that transcend traditional PR.
The learning continues with powerhouse panels featuring more experts discussing the practicalities of modern communication. Dive into the role of PR in building influencer-brand relationships with Joe Zaldarriaga (VP and Corporate Communications Head at Meralco), and content creators Macoy “Dubs” Averila and Jako De Leon. In the realm of media relations, Michelle Ople (Managing Partner at Ripple8), Mikey de Quiros, APR (Chairman & CEO of Full Circle Communications), Charlotte Reyes (Managing Director at Comm & Sense), and Mark Parlade (Managing Director at Stratworks) will tackle how media and PR can build strong relationships, as well as debunk some misconceptions.
Giving a rundown of the day in the life of a PR professional will be Abigail Ho-Torres, APR (Chief Marketing Officer at Ikegai Philippines), Andres Saracho, APR (VP at Veterans Bank), and Ed Timbungco, APR (PR Educator), where they’ll talk about balancing work and the challenges in between.
A notable centerpiece of the event is the high-stakes Student PR Grand Prix. Student teams across the nation were given the chance to develop a game-changing publicity plan for Thinkamuna Pilipinas, an advocacy that aims to arm Filipinos with critical thinking skills necessary to navigate today’s information landscape. The organization’s goal is to promote a digitally adept and mindful Filipino community. The campaigns will be presented in front of a panel of award-winning industry leaders, who will test their strategic thinking, creativity, and execution skills under a tight deadline.
