Junior Chamber International Manila

October 10, 2011

Gentlemen of JCI Manila,

I would like to report to you that we recently concluded our On-To Zamboanga trip to attend the annual National Convention in Zamboanga City.  Aside from the memorable side trips and early morning experiences, here is a short summary of what happened:

a) 25 delegates represented JCI Manila, led by our President Kenneth Lim and President-elect Rodney Dizon.  PP Boydee also graced the occasion.

b) We had a chance to bond with a lot of local chapters.  There were around 500 delegates in total, and the total sleeping hours of each member would probably average only 15 hours for the 3 days, since the parties ended late and we always had heavy breakfast until 5 in the morning.

c) More importantly, during the Temiong Awards, JCI Manila garnered 14 awards, including the 2 Hall of Fame awards (awarded to 3-time winners of the same category), and of course the Best of the Best Local Organization and President awards.  The members were very proud to have witnessed the numerous times the Board went up the stage.  The applause, adulation and congratulations of everybody has validated the hard work of the members of our distinguished chapter.  Congratulations to the entire 2011 board.

d) On a fun note, Pres-elect Rodney was a gracious host last night as he threw a party!  We invited friends from other JCI chapters to an after party hosted by JCI Manila, in particular the incoming batch presidents for 2012.  Around 90 delegates attended the party.  We totally rocked 8 Cube (name of the bar) and had genuine bonding with all the people there, thanks to the help of Dir. Neil Sison in arranging the venue in 20 minutes.  With Dir-elect Albert Rayala as DJ, it was a fun night that wouldn't end, that went straight to breakfast until it was finally time for sleeping at 6:30am. 

After 4 days and 3 nights of fun, glamour, pride, protocol, friendship, camaraderie, food-tripping and sight-seeing, it is time to head back to our home town to apply what we have learned here.  It was definitely one of the best Natcons I've attended, if only for the experiences with our very own members and our friends all over the country.  We had a peaceful stay and were glad to know that Zamboanga is a safe and clean city with locals who are very proud of their ancestry and culture.

I would like to thank the On-To Zamboanga team for making all this possible:

Chairman and Dir-Elect Albert Rayala, for tirelessly taking care of all delegates and sister chapters.  When we arrived, everything was already in place, logistics planned, registration done, and rooms assigned.  We didn't even have to lift a finger.  Congratulations chairman!  This was by far the most organized On-To's in my opinion.  You make us proud!

Co-chairmen Directors-Elect Chooey Ochoa and Miko Pacia, who combine hard work with fun and laughter all around.  Thanks for helping your Chairman and getting things done.

Co-chairman Dewey Tan, for being your usual dependable self and knocking on doors of all delegates reminding them of the assembly times.  

Natrel Commissioner and Past Director JP Cruz, for assisting the On-To team with whatever they needed, guiding the new blood and taking care of the sister chapters.  Your presence and leadership means a lot.

Many thanks also to our President Kenneth Lim for his vision and leadership!  Thank you for leading us this far, for getting us one step closer to the most coveted Best LO of the World.  We will surely have a blast in Aspac 2012 in Hong Kong  and hope for the best.

Lastly, to all the delegates who joined Natcon this year, thank you for supporting the chapter with your presence. We truly showed the rest of JCI Philippines the "Manila standard" with our humility, brotherhood and protocol during this Natcon.  May every year be just as good!

Yours in JCI,

JONAS