From Print to Pixels: The Legacy and Future of JCI Manila’s Publications

JCI Sen. Reginald T. Yu

 

There is an inexplicable magic to the experience of holding a well-worn publication in your hands — its pages slightly yellowed, ink fading just enough to evoke nostalgia, yet the words still resonate like an old, cherished song. It’s a sensation I’ve had countless times, each encounter stirring deep pride as I flip through the pages of the JCI Manila Herald and the Asian Pearl Journal. These publications have been more than mere newsletters; they have been the beating heart of JCI Manila — chronicling our collective story, reflecting our growth, our struggles, our triumphs, and our continuous evolution as leaders.

As I reflect on my journey as the founder of The Asian Pearl Journal, I can’t help but recall the profound moment I held that very first issue in my hands. The weight of it was more than just physical — it carried with it the aspirations of countless JCI Manila members, the energy of an entire organization, and the hope that this publication would stand as a beacon of excellence for years to come. Holding that first issue in my hands, I understood instantly that this was no ordinary publication. It was a legacy in the making, a legacy I had the immense privilege to shape and guide.

What began as a simple idea — creating a platform to communicate our Chapter’s voice — soon transformed into something far greater than any of us could have imagined. It wasn’t just about producing content. It was about fostering leadership, nurturing a culture of communication, and ultimately placing JCI Manila not just on a national stage but on the global map of excellence. I was blessed to lead that charge, and it is a journey I carry with me still, as we now transition to TheAsianPearl.com, a digital evolution of what we began decades ago.

A Storied History Rooted in Communication and Leadership

The journey of JCI Manila’s publications is as storied and multifaceted as the organization itself. It began in 1948, during the infancy of our Chapter, when the Membership Committee first put forth the idea of creating a publication. Back then, the resources were scarce, and the very concept of a newsletter was ambitious for a young, growing Chapter. Yet, this spark ignited something that would continue to evolve and thrive, becoming the cornerstone of JCI Manila’s communication efforts for decades.

The first official newsletter, Manila Jaycee News, was born out of this vision. Under the leadership of Rafael E. Estrada, Membership Committee Chairman, the newsletter began as a humble, four-page publication. Despite limited resources, it served as a crucial means of communication for the fledgling organization. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, Manila Jaycee News was published only once, but the seed had been planted.

The subsequent years were a period of experimentation and learning. As JCI Manila grew, so too did its understanding of the need for a consistent, well-produced publication. In 1948, a dedicated Publications Committee was established, and over the next few years, different individuals and committees took turns launching the official organ. However, these early attempts often struggled to survive amidst competing priorities and financial limitations.

It wasn’t until 1950, under the guidance of Aurelio G. Palileo Jr., that the publication found its first true success. With his background in advertising, Palileo rebranded the newsletter as Jaycee Jottings, bringing on corporate sponsorships to ensure its sustainability. This marked a turning point for JCI Manila’s communication efforts, with Jaycee Jottings becoming not only a reliable source of internal news but also the official newsletter for the Philippine Jaycees (now JCI Philippines).

The 1950s were pivotal years for our Chapter’s publications. Under the leadership of Salvador P. Bigay, the Manila Jaycee Newsletter was revived and published monthly for the first time in 1957. This expansion allowed for deeper reporting on the Chapter’s activities, leadership development programs, and community service projects. By 1959, this revitalized newsletter won its first major award — the Certificate of Merit for Best LOM Publication at the 14th JCI World Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — an accomplishment that set the tone for future successes.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Manila Jaycee Newsletter continued to evolve, growing in both reach and recognition. Under the direction of leaders like Ramon R.H. Ordoveza and Salvador V. Del Rosario, it became a model for other chapters, consistently winning awards at JCI’s National and World Congresses. This period marked a golden age for the publication, as it gained a reputation for excellence in communication.

In 1984, the publication underwent another transformation under editor Nilo C. Daza, adopting a new name — The Manila Journal. This marked a shift from a traditional newsletter to a magazine-style format, broadening the scope of its content and audience. By 1991, under the leadership of Gabriel M. Lee, the publication had officially been rebranded as the Manila Jaycee Bulletin, and it was clear that JCI Manila’s publication had reached new heights of sophistication.

Asian Pearl Journal 2016: “Where Every Story Counts.” | Photo by Ramon Jacinto (Behance).

A New Era of Excellence: My Leadership and the Rise of the Herald

However, it was in the 1990s that JCI Manila’s publication truly soared to global prominence. From 1993 to 1999, I had the honor of serving as the Publications Chairman, Editor-in-Chief, and Publications Chairman. During this period, The Manila Jaycees Herald — a rebranding of the Manila Jaycee Bulletin — not only achieved unprecedented levels of excellence but garnered international recognition. In 1998, at the 53rd JCI World Congress in Manila, The Manila Jaycees Herald earned the prestigious Best LOM Publication of the World award. We repeated this extraordinary feat in 1999 at the 54th JCI World Congress in Cannes, France, making JCI Manila the first Chapter in the history of JCI to win this award in back-to-back years.

The Digital Evolution: The Launch of TheAsianPearl.com

As we stand today on the cusp of a new chapter, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and anticipation. The Asian Pearl Journal has grown and evolved over the years, and now, with the launch of TheAsianPearl.com, we enter an exciting new digital era. This is not just a shift from print to digital; it’s a reimagining of what our publications can be in the modern world.

Under the visionary leadership of Dan Michael Gallego, this year’s appointed Executive Editor, TheAsianPearl.com is set to redefine how we communicate within JCI Manila and with the global JCI community. The beauty of this new platform is not just in its digital format but in its potential for interactivity and inclusivity. Unlike our previous print editions, the digital platform allows for real-time engagement, interactive dialogue, and global collaboration — fostering a deeper connection between members around the world.

The inaugural editorial board of Asian Pearl Journal (L-R): Enro Mendoza (Associate Editor), Dan Michael Gallego (Editor-in-Chief), Reginal Yu (EIC Emeritus), Rhett Chiu (Managing Editor), and Juan Miguel Gabrino (Director for Broadcast and Communication).

A Call to Action: Shaping the Future Together

This new chapter is not just about technology — it’s about people. It’s about you, our members, and the incredible power that each one of you brings to the table. We’ve always been a Chapter defined by leadership, service, and collective action, and now, more than ever, we must carry that legacy forward into the digital era.

Together, we can continue the legacy of excellence, innovation, and leadership that has defined our Chapter for more than seven decades.

The future is not just something that happens to us. It is something we create. And I am confident that with TheAsianPearl.com, we will not only continue the work we started but elevate it to new heights. Together, we will write the next chapter of this legacy, just as we have done so many times before.

The world is watching, and it is our time to lead once again.