Be impossible to ignore.
Shine. Sparkle. Stand out.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Arts in Communication,
with Latin Honours,
cum laude
University of the Philippines
Consistent College and University Scholar
Member, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society
Gina as a UP graduate in 1988.
For an executive snapshot, check out my resume cover below.
Professional Profile
Gina is a leader in integrated internal and external communications with demonstrated capability in corporate affairs, corporate and marketing communications, stakeholder partnerships, crisis management, media and public relations, corporate social responsibility, government relations, event management,
and broadcast journalism.
She has held C-suite/senior executive positions in international banking, insurance and financial services, the Philippine Senate, and Australian higher education, amongst others. In these roles, she also acted as company spokesperson and media front liner, as well as a speechwriter for CEOs and senior management.
Gina was a former broadcast journalist with firsthand media experience as a TV and radio news anchor, scriptwriter, and public service program host. Currently, she is a communications consultant, professional speaker, trainer, and coach. Her lanes of expertise include: 1) Communications; 2) Crisis Management; 3) Leadership; and 4) Media Relations and Media Training.
Gina is used to engaging with diverse stakeholders, both internal and external, and from different levels.
The following are my strengths.
These are the areas where I sparkle,
shimmer, and shine.
Communication and Marketing Strengths:
Strategic Corporate and Marketing Communications
Brand Strategy, Reputation and Image Building
Multi-Channel Partnerships and Alliances
Stakeholder Relationship-Building
Crisis Communications and Crisis Management
Media Relations and Media Management
Project and Program Roll-out and Management
Traditional and New Digital Media Platforms
Institutional/Corporate Storytelling
Internal Engagement and Communications
Regulatory and Government Relations
Team Leadership and Development
Customer Relations
Speech, Content and Copy Writing
And last but not least…
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
“When it comes to communications, I am a generalist… an all-rounder. I make no apologies for being a Jane of all trades, master of all.”
— Gina dela Vega-Cruz
I love reading. It allows me to enter new and exciting worlds I have not yet seen and have never been.
My reading taste can scale the range - from the esoteric and sublime to the most simple and mundane.
“Nemo dat quod non habet” means
‘You cannot give what you do not have’.
Before anyone invests in you, you first need to invest in yourself, your growth, your development. Life needs to be a process of continuous and unrelenting learning. We need to be curious, we need to be hungry, we need to seek more.
If you are a coach or a speaker, it will be your folly to believe that you already know everything there is to learn. And this is the reason why I invest in myself.
I enrol myself in live and online classes and get certified for them. I attend conventions and conferences to learn the latest trends and global best practices. I invest in books and read. And read. And read some more.
“I invested in myself by attending the John Maxwell certification held in
Orlando, Florida, USA,
in March 2016.
And that was not my last.
I have many other mentors. As a coach and trainer, I need a coach and trainer for myself, too.
As a speaker, I need to hear others speak, too. ”
— Gina dela Vega-Cruz
My John Maxwell mentors gamely posed with me. From left: Christian Simpson, ______, John Martinelli, Melissa West,
Rod Galbraith and Ed Simpson
It was an honor to meet in person the renowned leadership author, Mr. John Maxwell.
As a John Maxwell-certified independent Speaker, Trainer and Coach, I am licensed to teach/train or speak on the John Maxwell Core Learning Systems on the right column.
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
Everyone Communicates Few Connect
Becoming a Person of Influence
Leadership Gold
Put Your Dream to The Test
How to be a Real Success
My attendance at the John Maxwell Certification in Orlando, Florida, was an unforgettable international
and multi-cultural experience.
MY CAREER NARRATIVE
STRATEGIC AND SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATOR with over 20 years of combined experience as a broadcast journalist (i.e. TV and radio news anchor, program host, and writer), public relations executive, and marketing communications professional in complex and issues-rich environments: international banking, financial services, the Philippine Senate, and Australian higher education.
INDEPENDENT AND INNOVATIVE SELF-STARTER with demonstrated success in developing and implementing high-quality programs to re-brand and digitalize organisations, as well as develop staff, engage stakeholders, and manage change.
COMPELLING AND CREATIVE STORYTELLER with a reputation for building and elevating market positioning, reputation, and profile through stellar oral and written communication skills.
For details, please see below.
Communications Consultant and Speechwriter; Professional Speaker,
Trainer and Coach
on the following topics:
Communications, Crisis Management, Media Relations and Media Training,
Leadership, and Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
March 2017 - Present
Consultant
Office of the Senate President,
the Hon. Vicente Sotto III
Senate of the Philippines, Manila
Part-time Lecturer to future Generals and Admirals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia
Command and General Staff College (CGSC)
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Faculty Member teaching Crisis Communications
Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) Philippines
Member, Multi-Sector Governing Council (an Advisory Board)
Bureau of Customs, Philippines
Cybersecurity is a new interest.
I am taking several courses on my way to specialization.
Corporate PR Work
Director, Communications and Marketing
Group of Eight Australia Ltd.
May 2013-Feb 2015
Vice-President, Country Head of Corporate Affairs
Standard Chartered Bank Philippines
Sept. 2008-April 2012
Vice-President, Corporate Communications Director
Berkley International Philippines, Inc.
Oct. 2001-Sept. 2008
Corporate Communications Manager
Splash Holdings, Inc.
1999-2001
Corporate Communications Officer
Centennial Bank
1998-1999
Legislative Staff Officer
Office of former Senator, the Hon. Alberto G. Romulo
and
Office of former Senator, the Hon. Ramon B. Revilla
Philippine Senate, Manila
1991-1993
Public Relations Assistant
Hyatt Regency Manila
1991
Staff, Office of the Chairman
National Power Board
National Power Corporation
1988-1991
For many years, I considered the newsroom and the studio my home. The pay in government TV stations, when compared with the commercial networks, left much to be desired but my work as a newscaster, news writer, and public affairs program host, has been one of my most fulfilling jobs ever. The newsroom was a happy and exciting place where no two days were the same. I made lifelong friends whom I will never forget.
