OLS Blog

Identitet bez gubljenja korijena: Priča o Mati Rončeviću

Identitet bez gubljenja korijena: Priča o Mati Rončeviću

ved Loreta OLS Community Manager -
Antal besvarelser: 1

Identitet bez gubljenja korijena: Priča o Mati Rončeviću

Neki ljudi rodno mjesto nose u sebi, a drugi, poput Mate Rončevića ga utjelovljuju. Mate, hrvatski renomirani PR i event stručnjak, strateg i komunikator, mnogima je asocijacija na dolinu Neretve. Rođen u Pločama, na samom jugu Hrvatske, u sebi nosi otvorenost mora, lakoću neretvanskog ritma i istančan instinkt potreban za ubrzan tempo zagrebačke urbane scene.

Gotovo tri desetljeća uspješno spaja dva naizgled različita svijeta: opušten, autentični duh juga i zahtjevnu dinamiku odnosa s javnošću i organizacije događanja. U ovom razgovoru za EU Academy, promišlja o korijenima i identitetu, ravnoteži između južnog „pomalo“ i produktivnosti, umjetnosti promocije mjesta bez gubitka njegove autentičnosti te o tome što znači graditi osobni i profesionalni brend, a pritom ostati vjeran onome odakle dolaziš.

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Mnogima si asocijacija na neretvanski kraj. Uz vječan osmijeh, rekla bih da si vrhunska promocija juga. Koliko ti je taj aspekt života, isticanja korijena, bitan?

Ne sjećam se da sam dobio ljepši kompliment, možda je to najbolji odgovor na vaše pitanje. Ne mislim da su korijeni nešto što nužno treba isticati ili čega se treba sramiti, naime vjerujem da je osjećaj ponosa rezerviran na osobna postignuća, a ne na stvari na koje ne možeš utjecati, kao što je porijeklo, ali evo, sve i da sam i mogao birati, odabrao bih jug, jug i opet jug.  

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Kad kažeš “idem doma”, što ti prvo padne na pamet- miris Neretve, zvuk lađe ili nešto treće?

Nepodnošljiva lakoća postojanja je prvo što mi padne na pamet, a pritom naravno ne mislim na Kunderin roman, nego na jedne te iste stare šlape koje me čekaju, očevu staru potkošulju koju navučem unatoč njegovim prigovorima da imam 6 ormara odjeće, mamine raskuhane špagete (jer naravno treba staviti robu na sušilo da iskoristiš vrijeme dok se kuhaju) koji su mi slađi od onih u Michelinovom restoranu… potpuni i pravi odmor tijela i duše.  

 

Što dolina Neretve ima, a nijedno veliko urbano središte ne može ponuditi?

Mir, otvoren prostor, sezonski ritam života i autentične mirise, boje i okuse prirode.

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Kako bi "Erasmus" studentu ili volonteru "European Solidarity Corpsa" u tri rečenice objasnio zašto mora posjetiti Metković i dolinu Neretve?

Pa evo, za početak nađite mi mjesto koje nudi jedinstvenu priliku za kupanje u tri potpuno različita okruženja u jednom danu: jutarnje osvježenje u mirnoj, pitkoj vodi ušća Neretve okružene bujnom prirodom; poslijepodnevno uživanje u kristalno čistim i spokojnim Baćinskim jezerima; i završetak dana u tirkiznom moru na najljepšim plažama Makarske rivijere. Svakome bih preporučio da to barem jednom u životu doživi.

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević

Koliko te je odrastanje uz rijeku oblikovalo- u mentalitetu, tempu života, ambicijama?

Uz svoje odrastanje manje vezujem rijeku, a više more, a svatko tko je odrastao uz more zna na koje te to sve načine oblikuje. Mislim da odrastajući uz more, naučiš biti otvoren, ali i prilagodljiv na sve neočekivane promjene koje more, baš kao i život donose. Uvjeren sam da te odrastanje uz more potiče da radoznalo istražuješ svijet i ljude oko sebe, bez predrasuda. 

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Misliš li da mladi danas dovoljno razumiju važnost lokalnih tradicija?

Nisam baš siguran ni da sam sâm u mladosti razumio važnost lokalnih tradicija. Mlade ljude neke  druge stvari preokupiraju i to je normalno i tako treba i biti. Mi stariji smo tu da ih toplo i raširenih ruku  dočekamo jednom kada se zainteresiraju.  

 

Živiš između juga i Zagreba- gdje se osjećaš “više svoj”?

Više od pola života živim u Zagrebu, volim ga i doživljavam ga svojim gradom, ali kad kažem doma, mislim na Ploče. S godinama taj je osjećaj sve dominantniji. 

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Koji su ti najdraži urbani momenti u Zagrebu- jutarnja kava, šetnja kvartom, neka terasa, koncert?

Živim u centru grada i smatram nevjerojatnom privilegijom što svakog dana barem dvaput, (s posla i na posao) prođem Deželićevim prolazom, pogotovo kada zazeleni i pretvori se u čarobni zeleni tunel. 

 

Može li se spojiti zagrebački tempo i neretvanski “pomalo”?

Može, evo ja ga uspješno spajam već skoro 30 godina. Kad radim radim, kad odmaram odmaram. Ni u jednom se ne štedim. 

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Kada ti treba reset, biraš li asfalt ili pijesak?

Resetiram se i na asfaltu i na pijesku, po potrebi. Sve je to stvar odluke i neke brige o sebi. 

 

Što za tebe znači uživati u životu- je li to dobra hrana, društvo, more, tišina?

Sve nabrojano, ali možda ipak na prvom mjestu društvo, jer u dobrom je društvu hrana ukusnija, more modrije, a tišina donosi mir. 


Izvor: Mate Rončević

 

Što bi preporučio studentima i volonterima koji žele upoznati “pravu” Dalmaciju, a ne samo razglednicu s Instagrama?

Da upoznaju lokalno stanovništo, da prošetaju tržnicama, ribarnicama, prodavači znaju biti jako osebujni, duhoviti, a možete od njih svašta i saznati. Isto se odnosi i na kafiće i konobe van glavnih turističkih ruta- lokalni kafići ili obiteljske konobe često su mjesta gdje se okupljaju mještani, pa razgovor s njima može otkriti male tajne mjesta, najbolja mjesta za kupanje, staze za šetnje ili lokalne fešte.

 

Što bi savjetovao mladima koji dolaze iz manjih sredina, a žele graditi karijeru u većim gradovima?

Da budu spremni na izazove, uspone i padove- prelazak u veći grad često znači suočavanje s bešćutnošću i anonimnošću koja nekome odgovara, a nekome ne. Ono što bih svakako savjetovao je da neuspjehe doživljavaju kao dio procesa prilagodbe i ne odustaju na prvoj prepreci. A ako se u velikoj sredini ne snađu- ni to nije sramota, život može biti itekako lijep i u malom gradu, ili na selu, pogotovo u ovo digitalno doba u kojem zapravo mnoge poslove možete uspješno obavljati gdje god se nalazite.  

 

Izvor: Mate Rončević


Ako bi se fokusirali na PR i promociju svog kraja, što bi danas preporučio- kako izgraditi vlastiti brend?

Ne izmišljati toplu vodu, nego postojeće prednosti i ljepote pretvoriti u autentičnost, jer toliko smo opsjednuti izmisliti nešto novo, da na tom putu ne vidimo ljepotu koja je ispred nas.

 

Da snimaš kratki film o svom kraju, koja bi bila prva scena?

Tirkizno more i pjev cvrčaka u pozadini, a u prvom planu bijelo žalo i preplanula ruka koja drobi led u drobilici. Za ljetno piće, kako “ko već voli”.

 

Kako se vidiš kroz nekoliko godina? Postoji li neki san koji bi još volio ostvariti?

Naravno, kao i većini južnjaka, nekakav je dugoročni plan povratak jugu, a ovi kratkoročni snovi se mijenjaju ovisno o raspoloženju. Ne volim previše planirati, ali to nipošto ne znači da se prepuštam slučaju. Svaki dan se trudim nešto novo naučiti, ili steći neko novo iskustvo, kako bih spremno iskoristio svaku priliku koja mi se pruži.


Hvala što ste odvojili vrijeme da pročitate ovu priču! Rado bismo čuli vaše mišljenje ili bilo što što želite podijeliti- slobodno ostavite komentar ispod.

Loreta, OLS Community Manager- Hrvatski



I svar til Loreta OLS Community Manager

Re: Identitet bez gubljenja korijena: Priča o Mati Rončeviću

ved Loreta OLS Community Manager -
Building a Name Without Losing Your Roots :The Story of Mate Rončević

Some people carry their birthplace quietly within them. Others embody it. Mate Rončević- Croatian PR and event specialist, strategist, and communicator- belongs to the latter. Born in Ploče, in the very south of Croatia, he brings with him the openness of the sea, the ease of the Neretva rhythm, and the sharp instinct needed for the fast pace of Zagreb’s urban scene.

For nearly three decades, Mate has successfully combined two seemingly different worlds: the relaxed, authentic spirit of the south and the dynamic demands of public relations and event production. In this conversation, he reflects on roots and identity, the balance between “pomalo” and productivity, the art of promoting a place without losing its authenticity, and what it truly means to build a personal and professional brand while staying grounded in where you come from.


Many people associate you with the Neretva region. With your constant smile, I would say you are a top ambassador of the south. How important to you is this aspect of highlighting your roots?
I don’t remember ever receiving a nicer compliment- perhaps that’s the best answer to your question. I don’t think roots are something that necessarily need to be emphasized or something to be ashamed of. I believe pride should be reserved for personal achievements, not for things you cannot influence, such as where you come from. But even if I had been able to choose, I would have chosen the south- again and again, the south.


When you say “I’m going home,” what comes to mind first- the scent of the Neretva, the sound of a traditional boat, or something else?
“The unbearable lightness of being” is the first thing that comes to mind, and I’m not referring to Kundera’s novel, but to the same old slippers waiting for me, my father’s old undershirt that I put on despite his complaints that I have six closets full of clothes, my mother’s overcooked spaghetti (because of course you have to hang the laundry to dry while they’re boiling to save time), which taste better to me than those in a Michelin-starred restaurant, a complete and genuine rest for body and soul.


What does the Neretva Valley have that no big urban center can offer?
Peace, open space, the seasonal rhythm of life, and the authentic scents, colors, and flavors of nature.


How would you explain in three sentences to an "Erasmus" student or "European Solidarity Corps" volunteer why they must visit Metković and the Neretva Valley?
Well, for a start, find me a place that offers the unique opportunity to swim in three completely different environments in one day: a morning refreshment in the calm, drinkable waters of the Neretva estuary surrounded by lush nature; an afternoon enjoying the crystal-clear and tranquil Baćina Lakes; and ending the day in the turquoise sea on the most beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera. I would recommend everyone experience that at least once in their lifetime.


How much did growing up by the river shape you—in mentality, pace of life, ambitions?
I associate my upbringing less with the river and more with the sea, and anyone who grew up by the sea knows all the ways it shapes you. I think growing up by the sea teaches you to be open, but also adaptable to all the unexpected changes that the sea, just like life, brings. I’m convinced that growing up by the sea encourages you to curiously explore the world and the people around you, without prejudice.


Do you think young people today understand enough about the importance of local traditions?
I’m not even sure I myself understood the importance of local traditions in my youth. Young people are preoccupied with other things, and that’s normal- it should be that way. We older ones are here to welcome them warmly and with open arms when they become interested.


You live between the south and Zagreb- where do you feel “more yourself”?
I’ve lived in Zagreb for more than half my life, I love it and consider it my city, but when I say “home,” I mean Ploče. As the years go by, that feeling becomes more dominant.


What are your favorite urban moments in Zagreb- morning coffee, a walk around the neighborhood, a terrace, a concert?
I live in the city center and consider it an incredible privilege that every day, at least twice (to and from work), I walk through Deželić Passage- especially when it turns green and transforms into a magical green tunnel.


Can the Zagreb pace be combined with the Neretva “take it easy” mindset?
It can. I’ve been successfully combining them for almost 30 years. When I work, I work; when I rest, I rest. I don’t hold back in either.


When you need a reset, do you choose asphalt or sand?
I reset on both asphalt and sand, depending on what’s needed. It’s all a matter of decision and self-care.
What does enjoying life mean to you- is it good food, company, the sea, silence?
All of the above, but perhaps company comes first, because in good company food tastes better, the sea is bluer, and silence brings peace.


What would you recommend to the "Erasmus" students and "European Solidarity Corps"volunteers who want to experience the “real” Dalmatia, not just the Instagram postcard version?
Get to know the local people. Walk through markets and fish markets- vendors can be very distinctive and humorous, and you can learn a lot from them. The same goes for cafés and taverns off the main tourist routes- local cafés or family-run taverns are often gathering places for residents, and conversations with them can reveal small local secrets, the best swimming spots, walking trails, or local festivals.


What advice would you give to young people from smaller towns who want to build a career in bigger cities?
Be prepared for challenges, ups and downs- moving to a bigger city often means facing a certain harshness and anonymity that suits some people and not others. What I would definitely advise is to see failures as part of the adaptation process and not give up at the first obstacle. And if you don’t find your place in a big city- that’s not a shame either. Life can be very beautiful in a small town or in the countryside, especially in this digital age when many jobs can be successfully done from wherever you are.


If we focus on PR and promoting your region, what would you recommend today- how to build your own brand?
Don’t reinvent the wheel; instead, turn existing advantages and natural beauty into authenticity. We’re so obsessed with inventing something new that we often fail to see the beauty right in front of us.


If you were filming a short movie about your region, what would the first scene be?
Turquoise sea and the sound of crickets in the background, with white pebbles in the foreground and a sun-tanned hand crushing ice in a crusher. For a cold summer drink- depending on what you prefer.


How do you see yourself in a few years? Is there a dream you would still like to achieve?
Of course, like most people from the south, there is a long-term plan to return south. As for short-term dreams, they change depending on my mood. I don’t like planning too much, but that certainly doesn’t mean I leave things to chance. Every day I try to learn something new or gain a new experience so that I’m ready to seize every opportunity that comes my way.