Rubbing elbows with some CEO

As early as 8 am, Sir Ram, Ma’am Cossette and I were already in the office, all dressed up for the media conference of our client Lawson. Our office rented a van to shuttle us at the Marriott Manila at the Newport City Complex in Pasay City. Technically, it serves as my first media conference as part of the FH team.

Lawson provides enterprise software and service solutions in the manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, and service industries. Over 4,500 customers use our software throughout the world. It is based in Minnesota and has branches all over the globe, including the Philippines. It is comparable to Microsoft, only humbler.

Breakfast at the lobby

Assessing the crowd in the hotel lobby, I was floored. I did not know it was a huge event. It is actually more than a press conference. It was more of one of the events organized as part of the regional conference of the company, wherein the press is really needed. People of all colors and nationality were there, all suited up for business.

The grand ballroom turned conference hall

All throughout the conference I was sitting with the five local press people we have invited. The number of journalists that we have invited was considerable because of the short notice and the limited access to the place, which is technically a dead spot for covering news, according to some press.

Because there were no real photographers, Ms. Stephanie Lee of Lawson Singapore politely asked me to take photos of Mr. CEO Harry Debes, together with Henrik Billgren and the Philippine GM, with my camera. They are the big bosses and it was my pleasure to do so for them and FH of course.

One of the many shots I did for the CEO and other executives

Lunch was served – banquet style! During our meal, I met Patrick Pang, principal reporter of E-Zone Magazine in Hong Kong. He was sitting beside me and we did little talks about HK and Manila and got some good laughs.

Can't help it

From the moment we stepped in the event, I can’t help but notice almost every delegate holding a pack of business cards with them and giving them to almost everyone they meet. It must be really a part of a business gathering as such. This continues until lunch time. Can’t imagine how networking is imperative to these businessmen.

This is truly one of the highlights of my internship. My day was jam-packed with corporate experiences and I enjoyed every taste of it.