Part One
By the ipra Family
It was a sad week for us at the Philippine chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra) when we learned that our dear colleague Rene Nieva had passed away.
Rene, who chaired our group for four terms, was the consummate PR PRO, who taught us many things about what it means to be in public relations with the way he worked, and the way he lived. He was many things to all of us—brother, mentor, friend, writer, musician and so much more.
He was also very generous in sharing his knowledge and experiences in our group’s roundtable PR Matters column in the BusinessMirror. And with this, we take turns in remembering his life and work, which we hope will inspire many others in the industry.
A gentleman
by Charisse Chuidian
I met Rene some years back when his agency Perceptions handled various key travel and tourism accounts with whom we had collaborated in my previous jobs. Then and through recent times, I witnessed him to be always passionate about every project and even the other institutions he belonged to—the Rotary Club of Makati West, Ateneo to which his loyalty is legendary, and Ipra. I’m glad and honored that he never let up on pursuing me to join Ipra because not only did he bring me into the collegial group of dedicated and highly respected PR practitioners, it led me to many occasions where I got a closer insight into his beautiful persona.
Rene will always be remembered for his acumen and integrity, and for his genteel mien, even when he was teasing and playful, spilling jokes with his witty humor. He was a esteemed PR stalwart who never called attention to himself, and one whose genuine friendship I would always keep in my heart. To know Rene is to be endeared to a gentleman to the core. Rene’s passing is as much for me a deep personal loss as it is to the country’s PR industry that he helped build and strengthen.
A PR role model and mentor
by Karen Alparce-Villanueva
I am so sad to lose a good friend and role model—Rene Nieva. He is one great pr professional—talented, well-respected with integrity and imbued with a calm and reassuring presence.
I was a client of Rene when I was still the corporate affairs director of Pfizer and, together with my team composed of Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Candice Nocom Tansipek and Michael Alzona, Pfizer garnered many awards. Rene and the Perceptions team enabled us to implement and communicate many of these outstanding CSR programs, such as Leaders for Health, Heroes for Health, Read to Lead, Biyahe Tayo and many more.
Rene nominated me to Ipra, the international PR association where he was a four-term chairman of the Philippine chapter and it was there where I got to know him up close and personal. All I saw was a really good man—in the many hats that he wore—as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, boss, friend and colleague. Thank you Rene for being my mentor and friend. I will really miss you in our Ipra meetings and travels, especially your comments on my wall. Farewell and rest in God’s bosom. Finally, you will meet Saint Padre Pio. You have lived well!
A great communicator
by Bong Osorio
Rene Nieva is a great communicator. He connects on an emotional level every time he opens his mouth. His words inspire, his FB postings resonate, his use of art apps engages and his videos of piano renditions of classic Filipino music soothe.
He doesn’t worry about sounding important, showing off his expertise or boosting his own ego. Instead he thinks about what his colleagues and friends need to hear—to be informed, to be clarified and to learn from.
Rene is the real deal, honest with his words and actions (including his reviews and edits of my column submissions for PR Matters), and doesn’t try to be someone he is not (except for the mandatory costume play during PRA lunches). Rene speaks with authority and authenticity. He views things as they are and how they need to be. His opinions are hugely anticipated and listened to, as he has an ear that listens, and listens well. He solicits feedback, delivers witty retorts, has a healthy sense of humor, as well as an interesting array of rumors that are shared with the appropriate timing.
Great communicators stand out from the crowd. And Rene is a stand out—honest, authentic, emotionally intelligent, values ethics and the people he connects with. He will sorely be missed.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the UK-based International Public Relations Association, the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.