(The following is the Inaugural Speech of new MMTMC President Josephine Anne Mines, CC-CL, delivered during the Club’s Induction Party on July 20, 2009 at Sulo Hotel.) 

Past District Governor, Distinguished Toastmaster Baby Luat; District Lt. Govenor for Education and Training, Distinguished Toastmaster Wilson Lee; Immediate Past Division A Governor, Distinguished Toastmaster Eliza Paylago; Division A Governor, Advanced Communicator Corazon Oliva-Rodil; Area Governors Joy Gatdula, Lyn Gamboa, Tom Ang, Remy Santos, and Edith Garde; fellow Toastmasters; honored guests; friends: Good evening!

Back in 2006, when I first joined Metro Manila Toastmasters, if someone had told me that in three years time, I would be heading this Club, I would have answered with an incredulous, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” Like most of us, we joined Toastmasters with the goal of bettering our public speaking skills. Answering the call of leadership is probably the last thing on our minds… well, at least it was for me. In truth, I was content with just working on my speech projects, helping out when I was needed, just flying below the radar, so to speak.

But I guess that’s the beauty of the Toastmasters program. If you put passion and perseverance into it, then you don’t just learn how to become an effective speaker, you also somehow learn how to become a leader. Of course, it helps that in any Toastmasters Club, there is a plethora of leaders whom one can look up to and emulate. And here in Metro Manila, I found some of the best who inspire me and for whom I am grateful for their support as I take on the responsibility of steering this organization that we all love.

I take inspiration and strength from Immediate Past President Joy Gatdula, who really is the culprit for my being here now. Short of waving the Metro Manila banner in my face, and reciting Toastmasters’ Promise No. 6 over and over in my ear, Joy was the one who badgered, cajoled, and practically browbeat me into accepting the Presidency. Promise No. 6, by the way, talks about serving the Club when called upon to do so. A very tricky catch-all promise, if you ask me!

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A celebration of excellence, an ode to service, and a toast to family and friendship.

These best describe the Officers’ Induction and Turnover Ceremonies held by the Metro Manila Toastmasters Club (MMTMC) last July 20, 2009 at the Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. But in essence, the evening was one, big excuse to party and have fun, under the theme: “WE ARE ONE!”

Past President Tootz dela Torre, ACS served as the jovial Toastmaster of the evening, and he steered the night’s events in his usual fun and wacky way. The MMTMC members also warmly welcomed guests from other Clubs, personal friends, and family members who braved the rains just to share in the celebration.

Outgoing MMTMC President Joy Gatdula, CC-CL gave her valedictory speech, taking time to thank the members and her fellow officers for a year filled with outstanding achievements for the Club. Foremost of these is the President’s Distinguished Club (PDC) Award given to MMTMC by Toastmasters International - the first PDC given to any Toastmasters Club in District 75 (the Philippines) for program year 2008-2009. (more…)

The Metro Manila Toastmasters Club family continues to grow in number, with two new members added to the fold. We are pleased to welcome new Toastmasters Mica Carino and Verchie Totanes, who were inducted during the Club’s meeting last July 13, 2009 by President Sipen Mines.

Photo shows from left: VP-Education Virgel Cabrera, CC-CL (who will mentor Mica), TM Mica Carino, TM Verchie Totanes, Secretary Jaime Singson (Verchie’s mentor), and President Sipen Mines, CC-CL administering the oath.

Congratulations and thanks, Mica and Verchie, for making the excellent choice of becoming part of the Metro family!