Junior Chamber International Manila

Apart from myself, the other participants were:

1. President Kenneth Lim

2. President-elect Rodney Dizon

3. Director for International Relations Lloyd Chao

4. Director for Local Organization / VP-elect Steve Tycangco

5. Director for Membership Development Neil Sison

6. Director for Special Projects Edison Kwong

7. Chairman for On-To Worldcon Al Ngo

8. Co-chairman for On-To Worldcon Jim Goudsmit

9. Past VP Kendrick Sy

10. Dewey Tan

11. Allan Flores

12. Sen. Kenneth Ang

The 13 member delegation, aside from participating in the General Assemblies, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and Gala Night, also did meet-and-greets with our close sister chapters and other chapters around the world.  Among these, the delegations of JCI Tokyo, JCI Seoul, JCI Taipei, JCI Hong Kong Victoria, JCI Panama and JCI Sapporo were very visible.  We had a chance to meet also our long lost sister chapter JCI Helsinki and hope to renew ties for the future.  JCI Brussels did a good job hosting the congress, making sure that wine and all brands of beer like Hoegardenn and Lefe were readily available.  JCI Brazil wowed us with a presentation of Brazilian dancers wearing close to nothing to bid for the 2013 World Congress.  Of course, JCI Manila was properly acknowledged in the Gala Night with videos of Smokey Mountain and our Dare to C.A.R.E. Program.

We were also lucky during the Awards Night to have won another award for Best Local Organization President (100 members and above).  To PP Toby and his 2010 Board of Directors, big cheers and congratulations!  PP Toby now joins the ranks of the few JCI Manila presidents who have been awarded this prestigious recognition.  

On a parting note, I would personally like to thank Chairman Al Ngo and Co-chairman Jim Goudsmit for a job well done.  Organizing an On-To trip is one thing, but organizing an On-To in Europe is another.  From Rome to Amsterdam to Stutgart to Reims to Paris to Brusells, this is truly an amazing feat and an unforgettable experience for all of us who joined the trip.  Once again, many thanks and JCI Manila is proud of you!  I am glad that finally Al, after years of being a member, decided to chair this project.  Jim, who just recently joined, graciously offered his home and his car to help save on expenses.

Special thanks also to Past VP Kendrick Sy who helped organize the meeting with the Philippine Embassy in Belgium.  It was great to meet the Philippine Ambassadress and her ministers.  The mini-conference that followed at Brussels Enterprises Commerce & Industry was also very insightful. 

Overall, the On-To Worldcon trip was an amazing one, particularly because of the rich experience of being together with all the JCI Manila brothers.  It will be hard to forget and is definitely one for the books.

Yours in JCI and proudly JCI Manila,

JONAS