Two more new members were welcomed into the folds of Metro Manila Toastmasters Club (MMTMC), as they were inducted last March 23, 2009 during the Club’s regular meeting at the Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. Photo above shows MMTMC President administering the membership oath to the new members, who were joined by their respective mentors. From left: President Joy Gatdula, CC; Vice President Efren Reyes, ACB; Past President Freddie Dela Cruz, ACB; new members Joel Felizardo and John Cline.

Welcome to Metro Manila TMC, Joel and John!

The contestants of Metro Manila Toastmasters Club (MMTMC) emerged as top winners in the Area 2 Speech Contest held on March 7, 2009 at the Meralco Technical Services Building, Pasig City. The Contest had three categories — Impromptu Speaking, Humorous Speeches, and International Prepared Speeches — and each category had two to three battling contestants who represented the different Area 2 Toastmaster clubs. 

In the Impromptu Speaking Contest, MMTMC President Joy Valerie Gatdula, CC was awarded 1st Runner-up after expounding on the contest topic, “To see a rainbow, you must go through the rain”. Meanwhile, in the Humorous Speeches, Ernest Bautista, CC (a relatively new MMTMC member) slayed the audience with his rib-tickling recollections of his school years, thus emerging Champion in the category. Finally, MMTMC Treasurer Erick Llaguno, CC was also adjudged Champion in the International Prepared Speech category with his speech titled “Dream. Believe. Do.”

Photo above shows the MMTMC Champions during the awarding ceremonies. From left: Division A Governor Eliza Paylago, DTM; Erick Llaguno, CC; Joy Gatdula, CC; Ernest Bautista, CC; and Area 2 Governor George Velayo, ACB.

Photo at the bottom shows the Champions with other MMTMC members as they relaxed and bantered in between the contest breaks.