Days after the Induction, I was reminiscing about everything that happened with close friends. There were a lot of things that I missed (such as the standing ovation..sorry guys!) but a lot more things that I hold dear (awesome dance number!). While waiting for my turn, I sat behind the podium watching my audio visual presentation. I didn't think much of the song I picked aside from the catchy beat and numerous photos showing all our adventures -- until I really listened to the words. I picked Heroes by Alesso and only at that moment did I realize the hidden meaning -- we were all heroes to someone else (or to ourselves) because of what we were able to achieve. Seeing the past year unfold, the AVP brought me to tears! (YES I AM A CRY BABY!) I remembered all the stress, the hardwork and the seemingly impossible challenges we had to hurdle -- but aim and achieve we did! Special shout out to Kaloi Garcia for making my AVP! It brought so many people to tears, myself included --- and even my macho Board of Directors. Seeing the photos made me remember all the challenges, difficulties and trials we had to go through -- just to get the job done. It wasn't an easy task but we powered on. After watching the video it made it even more difficult for me read my speech without crying. Halfway through I found myself stopping just to catch my breath or else I'd be crying all over the microphone. I didn't get to see it, but I am extremely touched to know that JCI Daraga gave me a standing ovation. The only Immediate Past President to get one that night. It was an honor and delight to be your 2014 President-- an experience I will not forget. Without further delay below is my speech in full -- no tears just words. Thank you very much. Valedictory Address
7th JCI Daraga Induction and Turnover Ceremonies | March 28 2015 At the start of my term, JCI Philippines President Cristine Garcia challenged each chapter (president) with the national mission of “Changing the Future Today”. This could not have been more pressing given that we live in a time where there is great polarity dividing our communities may it be based on politics, wealth or religion. JCI has always emphasized the power of active citizenship – that despite our youth we are able to bridge the gap and bring transformation where it is needed. American writer and mythologist Joseph Cambell said that “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself”. And that is exactly what our organization asks us to be – modern day heroes. Accepting the challenge of NP Christine, here in JCI Daraga we added our own flair—we were going to change the future today by being F.I.T. (Fun, Involved and Tenacious). This materialized to become the best heroic adventures of our chapter for the year… 1. May it be climbing 300 steps in pouring rain while carrying a gen set and speakers in order to light up the lives of 100 families with solar lights, medical and dental missions and free medicines in Brgy. Visita, San Miguel Island with Project Liwanag 2. Belonging to the forefront in our province’s campaign to end insurgency with the Countryside Development Caravan and (almost) getting caught in an actual crossfire in Camalig, Albay 3. Celebrating centuries-old tradition and religion by visiting 7 churches all over the city on our bikes during Palm Sunday with the Bisikleta de Iglesia 4. Bringing laughter and smiles to those affected and traumatized by Mayon’s volcanic activity with our attention–loving pets for the Doctor Doggie Program 5. (And) Spearheading the region’s Oplan Kaagapay for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda which spawned a joint project that distributed 21 solar kits in Samar & Tacloban. All this (and more) of course would not have been possible without partnership and cooperation. Allow me to thank our equally heroic partners. 1. The Provincial Government of Albay (especially Ninong Joey Salceda) for all the support and belief without which JCI Daraga would not have been able to realize our most notable programs 2. To the Armed Forces especially the Philippine Army 901st Brigade (headed by Col. Farnacio), 2nd Infantry Battalion (headed by Lt Col. Penaredondo), Philippine Navy (headed by Commodore Pernes) and Phillipine Air Force (headed by Lt. Col. Angeles) whose resources, such as their headquarters, medical and dental units, JCI Daraga relied heavily on to successfully implement our projects and programs this year 3. To the Local Government Units of Guinobatan (Mayor Gemma Ongjoco), Tabaco (Mayor Marie Demetriou) and Sto Domingo (Mayor Herbie Aguas) without your fearless assistance-- to the point of physically accompanying us despite your heavy schedules-- ensured the seamless success of our projects in your municipalities 4.To One Million Lights Philippines, St. agnes Academy Batch 1971, Faces of tomorrow and most notably the JMH Foundation and Rural Bank of Guinobatan with whom we worked closely in most of our community based programs going as far as Donsol Sorsogon to teach children how to properly care for their teeth, crossing Tabaco Gulf to light up homes and giving children with cleft lip/palate a better future by fixing their smiles. 5.To my batch Tides Oragon Presidents and their chapters that with the continued support of each other helped further the synergy in our region that is uniquely Bicol, uniquely One Oragon. 6. To my family—my sisters & brothers in JCI Daraga (my board and ever energetic group of members)—and of course my husband that without your personal sacrifices and understanding I would not be able to effectively fulfill my role as president of JCI Daraga. Please know that the chapter’s successes, achievements and awards are yours as well and would not have been realized without you. If there is any thing my one year to lead has taught me is that we are today’s heroes. Our daring and out-of-the-box plans of changing the future are always grounded in the JCI values especially service to humanity. And Im sure my 2015 president, Daphne Lotivio, will continue the JCI tradition of positive--dare I say HEROIC-- change in our communities. Allow me to end and inspire you with the words of Maya Angelou: “a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people”. Thank you and Good Evening.
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Who is sab_adventures?I have always wanted to write. This will now be a creative outlet-- home to all my arts and crafts. So feel free to browse around my everyday adventures. Interests
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November 2016
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