Some would surely prefer to skip the rudiments of JCI protocol. But to have it easy would only mean depriving myself of the pleasure of naming the personalities that distinguish this Induction Ceremony from all others. (5 minutes worth of acknowledgments made) Whew!

I have not prepared any speech for this occasion. As most of you already know me by now, every word that escapes my lips is a product of an inherently mischievous mind. But these words tonight come from the heart.

Like most JCI Mandaue members, my story is no different. I remember how my Immediate Past President Nelson Gabate related in his inaugural speech last year that he was immediately sworn in as member, short of by gun point, shortly after being invited for the first time to Past President Romeo Toledo’s induction. Similarly, I can fondly recall how my cousin, 2005 Past President Roy Sencio, in cahoots with my big brother Phil, asked me to attend a “dinner” at Waterfront, while casually throwing in that minor detail that I was supposed to come in a suit. I do recall enjoying the free meal, but not half as much as the surprise that came with me being sworn in as a new member!

That was almost 6 years ago. I admit that my first two years was spent trying to figure out how to exit the chapter. Law school back then made me think twice about the practicability of a working student dabbling in community/business organizations. There were several times that I had to compromise when catering to some priorities in my schedule. The prospect of coughing up P3000 for annual membership dues didn’t help any. Then came the E-smile Project, which by reason of my medical profession and surgical background, kept me on board.

Leading people was and still is NOT one of my best attributes. Amidst the fears I had to face while struggling with the idea of leaving the chapter for the vista of a more laid back lifestyle, I saw how the members around me started to embody a novel paradox which begged the question: What drives these guys to give so much to the chapter, even if they don’t get paid, and even if the perks don’t justify the costs we have to put up with?

Looking back, I realize how short-sighted I was, and how I completely missed the fact that JCI Mandaue first and foremost is a leadership organization. Six years of being a member and an officer lifted the veil of scepticism and cast me out of a culture of self-entitlement. More importantly, the members around me became some of my closest friends. Interestingly some members were even busier and less privileged than I was.

I am lucky. I say this with absolute conviction, pride and gratitude. I am lucky because I come from a family that has showered me with love and has backed me up 100% regardless of the direction I took. I have parents in the person of Alfredo and Montana, who have always put their children first, believing that we are their biggest source of pride. They are here tonight and I hope they are proud. I am lucky because I have a big brother Phil, also a JCI member, who has always been around to support me, most especially for my presidency. I am lucky because though there are only two bothers in my family, I have my sister-in-law Ailil who has been a good and perfect sister to me. I am lucky because I have a son Nathan, who looks and acts every bit like his dad. And I am sure that he will be my source of happiness and pride.

I am lucky because I have a fine roster of officers this year; friends of such mettle and talent. I must admit I have never seen a line-up this good in all my years in the chapter.

I am lucky because, yes, this year, I am getting married. Hyacinth is the best thing that has happened to me in an excruciatingly long while. And while many JCI members the world over would say that the worst critics and opponents to their membership in this organization are their wives or girlfriends, Aya is my No.1 supporter. How’s that for being lucky?

I am also lucky because I have had the pleasure of knowing very impressive chapter presidents in all my years as a member. I can attribute to them no better personification than that of my right hand. All the past presidents who made an impression on me can be likened to the fingers that I show to you:

The pinkie finger stands for 2005 President Roy Sencio, not because of his size, but more likely because of his ability sneak through almost any kind of orifice! Analogous to his ability to get even the most difficult things done. (What were you guys thinking?) A past national board member, his best advice to me did not consist of another lecture on how to run the chapter, but of a huge emphasis on improving and setting up a good website worthy of the time and attention of sponsors we ought to be getting right now!

2006 President Carlo Fortuna is the middle finger, not because of his size, but simply because of the Big Man that he is. Vice mayor of this city, and previously awarded as most outstanding chapter president, and past national board member, Carlo’s best advice to me was traversing the distinct line between leading a group of obligated followers and leading a group of volunteers that are the Jaycees. Of course he embodied of the best leadership examples, such as a big and firm handshake for the men, and that ever so cute smile for the ladies, promptly followed by what looks like an ordinary social “beso-beso” unfurling into a sneaky cheeky kiss!

The pointer finger stands for 2007 President Alain Senerpida. Obviously everyone would agree that this guy was a LEADER, one who knew how to point the way. With him we have developed our core project which is E-smile. His best advise was, “Marc, ….fellowship, fellowship, fellowship!” Kidding aside, I learned very importantly that even someone whose time is mainly dedicated to the medical field can make a good chapter president. His words: “there is no such thing as No Time for the Jaycees.”

2008 President Ed Latonio is the thumb. Probably most of the leadership lessons I learned came to me during his watch. He is the thumb because of his ability to be the go-to-guy. The thumb has the unique attribute of being able to connect with all the other fingers. I believe that every member must have wide and extensive connections, and be a go-to-guy just like Ed. And I learned from him, thumbs-up, the words,” You don’t have to wait to become somebody in order to start giving back to society.” These are words which I still use to motivate old and new members alike.

The ring finger stands for 2009 President Nelson Gabate, not because he is the most flashy, but because he is the one with Heart. Some anatomists have established that the ring finger has a direct sensory connection with the heart. I saw a president who had the respect and love of his members. I saw a president who showed courage amidst the tempests of overwhelming difficulty. A reluctant leader at the start, he not only had to suffer monetarily due to the adverse economic crisis, but he was drained physically and emotionally as well due to his responsibility over a father battling lung cancer. I cannot even begin to fathom the trials he went through, but problems like these can surely lead to the unmaking of a president, much more to that of a chapter. But Nelson never quit, and this chapter saw some of its best times during his watch.

Now who wouldn’t want to be part of that illustrious Band of the Hand? You wouldn’t believe that I would leave myself out of that group now would you? So where does that leave me? I am the Palm of course! If you clench your fists, you will see how the palm is touched by all five fingers. Back in the day, Sir Isaac Newton was quoted as saying, “If I can see further, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants.” Call this another “I stand on the shoulders of giants” speech, but as the palm I stand to gain from the legacy of the “giants” who have come before me. So with a clenched fist, I take on the 2010 presidency!

Back then, when asked why we decided to take up law, among our usual answers of, “I want to be a lawyer,” “I want to serve the community”, etc…, the answer of one fellow stuck out sorely and went, “because I want to be law student”. As logical as it may seem, and following that fellow’s lead, when asked by many why I accepted the JCI Mandaue presidency, perhaps the most logical answer would be, “because I want to become a Past President!” (Credits to Ed.) Exploring that thought further, and as I cast a glance at our past presidents here tonight bathed in the radiant light of success and achievement, it can only be appropriate to wish and aspire to be a member of that very exclusive group men known as the JCI Mandaue Past Presidents.

I often tell my fellow members that the LOM Presidency is the holy grail of our journey in JCIsm. It is a baptism and trial by fire that admits into the fold of past presidents those who become the Change they wish to see in the community. I have personally seen the transformation of those who have undergone a JCI chapter presidency. That is the reason why I unabashedly, confidently, and with much anticipation welcomed the opportunity to be one, aware of all the difficulty that went with that title. Many presidents who have moved on to greater heights swear that their LOM presidency was the best year of their lives.

That it will be the best year of my life? I can feel and smell that inevitability. I thank each one of you here tonight, especially those who have braved many obstacles, and compromised several priorities just to witness my symbolic acceptance of the reigns of this chapter. As for my chapter, thank you for choosing to stand with me as take this chapter to bigger and better heights. But maybe you should sit down and buckle up as we speed on to the all the work cut out for us this year!

I love you all!

Related posts:

1. Acceptance speech: Ed Latonio