IMELDA ‘MEL’ DOMINGUEZ, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dominguez Marketing Communication Inc.
“Building a business from the ground up isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s deeply rewarding for those who thrive on innovation and problem-solving. While I faced moments of loneliness and doubt, I’ve always felt guided by my faith. Prayers bring clarity, and I’m grateful for every step on this path.”
IMELDA “Mel” Dominguez hails from a family of achievers, with all 12 siblings completing college through the hard work and dedication of their parents, Francisco and Esperanza.
As the president and chief executive officer of Dominguez Marketing Communication Inc., Dominguez credits her parents for their values of integrity, honesty and humility.
“My parents taught us respect, fairness and kindness,” she shared with The Manila Times.
“My father, an aircraft mechanic, eventually started our family business, Transman Machine Shop, while my mother ran a store from home. They worked tirelessly to ensure we received a good education.”
Growing up, Dominguez and her siblings were no strangers to teamwork and responsibility.
“We all shared household chores,” she recalled. “Even with limited means, our home was clean, and there was always good food for family and guests. My father was a fair businessman and a loyal, devoted family man — a great role model.”
In 1995, Dominguez launched Dominguez Marketing Communication Inc., armed with just a laptop, business cards and determination.
“Courage became the cornerstone of the company, sustaining it as we near our 30th anniversary next year,” she said proudly. Her motivations included achieving financial stability and flexibility as a single mother of three, a passion for her work in public relations and seizing opportunities, particularly in information technology (IT) and the emerging internet industry in the Philippines.
Dominguez’s company played a pivotal role in introducing IT concepts to media professionals and the public.
Over the years, Dominguez Marketing became a leading PR agency in the IT field, launching well-known brands like HP and Cisco.
The business expanded with Events@Work in 1999 to meet growing client demands for event production, digital marketing and creative services.
Today, Dominguez Marketing operates as a lean team of 25, working closely with consultants, freelancers and partner agencies.
“We keep our overhead low, a lesson reinforced by the pandemic,” Dominguez explained.
The agency has diversified beyond technology, taking on clients in various industries, from health care and logistics to finance and travel.
The pandemic brought both challenges and opportunities for the business. Dominguez herself contracted Covid-19 and tragically lost her brother to the virus.
MEL & JING Imelda Dominguez emphasizes balance in her life today. With a capable team behind her company, she now has more time for her family, and she can afford to unwind at their weekend home in Tagaytay. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Yet, the company adapted by transitioning to virtual events and reducing office space, all while exploring new industries such as pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.
“Our strategies — prudent spending, prioritizing employee safety and embracing technology — helped us weather the storm.”
Reflecting on her company’s 30-year journey, Dominguez takes pride in the trust her clients have placed in her.
“Most of our clients are long term and return to us because of the consistent results we deliver,” she noted. The agency has built brands across sectors, including pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and logistics, while mentoring young talents who have become leaders and entrepreneurs themselves.
Building Dominguez Marketing has been a personal journey for Dominguez.
A journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, she initially aspired to become a journalist but took a different path after becoming a young mother.
“At 27, I was a single mom of three. My children came first,” she said.
Her education extended beyond the classroom, with formative experiences in the university theater guild, Artistang Artlets.
Dominguez still pursues learning, taking courses for fun and exploring potential retirement hobbies.
“Currently, I’m studying how to set up a travel business. I’ve also taken courses in dressmaking, candle making and baking,” she shared.
The pandemic underscored the importance of family for Dominguez, who managed to reconnect with loved ones and travel when possible.
She and her husband, Jing Garcia, have a blended family with six children, four grandchildren and a shared love of travel. “We try to travel together whenever we can, enjoying our time and creating memories.”
Dominguez emphasizes balance in her life today. With a capable team at her company, she now has more time for her family and can unwind at their weekend home in Tagaytay.
“Our bonding moments are often over good food. Anytime we get together is a joyful occasion,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Dominguez notes the challenges of entrepreneurship and the sacrifices required.
“Building a business from the ground up isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s deeply rewarding for those who thrive on innovation and problem-solving. While I faced moments of loneliness and doubt, I’ve always felt guided by my faith. Prayers bring clarity, and I’m grateful for every step on this path.”
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QUICK QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
To die with regrets.
WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANGRY?
Betrayal. Injustice. Negligence.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK HARD?
Purpose. I connect to God and keep a strong faith. Quiet time and prayer time are important for me. In the early morning hours is my quiet time and my time to listen to God. I know that everything that happens has a greater purpose. I do my best so we can live our lives to the fullest, love with all of us, live a meaningful life and leave a legacy.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?
I find humor in any situation. I am always grateful; that is why I laugh a lot.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?
I will save some, invest some, spend some and use the rest to help more people, especially single mothers, battered women and children. At the end of our lives, we cannot take our wealth with us. The journey is the destination. What will linger is how we shared and cared. Our legacy should not be measured by the material things we accumulate but by how we made the world a better place and impacted those we touched along the way.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
“Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey (I read it numerous times because the last habit is to sharpen the saw) and “The Artist Way” by Julia Cameron.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
In 10 years, I envision myself still strong enough to travel the world, but at a more leisurely pace. I hope to have the freedom to spend extended time with my daughter Charinez and her family in Spain. I wish to visit other members of my family living abroad.
I also wish to engage in more philanthropic work, connecting people to help others. I don’t see myself fully retiring, perhaps semi-retired. I’ve observed that complete retirement can lead to a decline in vitality. I want to stay sharp, continuously learning and staying relevant with the times. My goal is to keep learning new things until my last years.
WHAT IS THE MOST DARING THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Putting up Dominguez Marketing Communication Inc. with only P1,000 in the bank. That was a risk I had to take, but it was a smart decision I made.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER DO AGAIN?
I will never stay in a toxic relationship.
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