By Mica Cariño, TM

What I liked about high school is feeling challenged and connected with the people around me. But since joining the workforce, I’ve often felt that I miss the classroom - the opportunity to meet someone new, to gain wisdom from a simple wisecrack, and to see the world in a different way from an offhand comment of your seatmate.

At the 7th Mid-year Conference (Mid-Con) of Toastmasters District 75, held last October 30 to 31 at the Manuel M. Lopez Development Center in Antipolo City, it felt just like high school all over again.

It was my first time to attend a Toastmasters’ gathering of this size, and, just like the first day of high school, I was quite excited and nervous with anticipation. I was not disappointed. Just like high school, the Mid-Con was a veritable treasure trove of characters. There’s the excitable artist, the visionary class president, the perceptive writer, the class clown, the budding actor, etc. But more than these personalities, what was apparent and palpable at the Mid-Con was the fun and carefree atmosphere - something that we sometimes lose and crave as we become cynical adults.

As a first-time attendee, there are three things that immediately struck me during the Mid-year Conference.

1.    The warm atmosphere in every gathering of Toastmasters. Whether it’s a room of five members or a convention hall brimming with Toastmasters, you can always feel the warmth from everyone you meet - even from strangers! Every new person is a friend who has a story to tell. And in Toastmasters, each person is very willing to share their life and their talents so effortlessly and willingly. As Dr. “Dups” De Los Reyes shared in his keynote talk on “EQ”, only by having the ability to truly know and love yourself, will you be capable of reaching out to others and empathizing with them.

2.    The theme “Exploring Extremes” really lived up to its name! The menacing weather, the crazy, zigzag roads - it seemed that everything was against this Mid-Con. But as they say, the show must go on! Despite the sudden change in schedule, the Mid-Con had a fairly good attendance. It was surprising to know that there were some delegates who traveled all the way from Cebu, Baguio and Ilocos. One of the most memorable scenes for me was that of an elderly Toastmaster who needed some assistance in moving from one venue to another, yet who still eagerly attended the conference and participated in the various activities. That’s simply the epitome of how passionate people are in honing their public speaking skills - or at least, in keeping in touch with their long-time Toastmaster friends!

3.    Whether you’re with people who are similar to or different from you, you still can’t help but feel excited in sharing your best. Past District Governor Dodong Baduel gave a fresh spin on how as a Toastmaster, one should always be and do one’s best, rather than do anything halfway.  Starting from the ice breaker exercise - the “Straw Tower” - delegates readily showed their artistic acumen in explaining the logic and art behind each unstable masterpiece toppling before our eyes. This penchant for giving one’s best was made even more evident during the fun sections of the program, such as the Talentadong Pinoy, wherein some performances made us cry, laugh, or simply dance. Ditto during the fellowship night, wherein delegates went all out in donning their best Halloween get-ups, making the night spookier, merrier, and all the more colorful!

At the Toastmasters Mid-Year Conference, each delegate truly understood what it meant to “explore extremes”. It may be as simple as battling the uphill road of Antipolo, or as life changing as winning the public speaking gold medal for the Philippines in the International Toastmasters convention. Whatever we may have gained from attending the Mid-Con, as Toastmasters, we definitely thrived in feeling challenged and in connecting with others around us.

As they say, high school never ends.

This 2009, the Metro Manila Toastmasters Club (MMTMC) marked a major milestone: It turned 30 years old. As far as Toastmasters Clubs go, hitting the three-decade mark is a noteworthy achievement, especially in the Philippines where a lot of clubs have been known to sprout as fast as mushrooms then disappear as fast as mist.MMTMC is one of the few clubs that has bucked that trend, and has managed to stay “alive and kicking” all these years. Its pioneering members and officers may no longer be active in the Club anymore, yet MMTMC remains as vibrant as ever. And while its membership numbers have had its ups and downs (at some point, even dipping way below the minimum required), it has managed to bounce back, remain in good standing with Toastmasters International, and award-winning within District 75.

The strength and staying power of MMTMC can be attributed to only one factor: its members. It is through dedicated, generous, and skilled members that clubs like MMTMC survive and thrive. Though some may be active only until they get their basic Competent Communicator certifications (then their attendance drops off) most however, continue with their Toastmasters’ journey until their Advance Communicator norms and beyond. Others chose to serve the Club in officer capacities, and some get their leadership mettle tested in the Area and Division levels. Still others may become too busy with their businesses or professions such that their attendance in meetings dwindles, but they still opt to retain their TM membership and drop by once in a while.

MMTMC currently has in its roster 28 active members who are of varying ages, professional backgrounds, and skill levels. This membership mix makes for very dynamic meetings and club activities that cater to all sorts of interests. It is also a group whose members are always willing to help one another, and do what is best for their fellow members and for the Club, all in the spirit of camaraderie and fun.

Five of the newest members of MMTMC share their thoughts as they begin their Toastmasters’ journey. Marlon Caisip, Mica Carino, James Estur, Verchie Totanes, and Jopet Velasco were inducted only within the past six months, but they have already proven to be gems in terms of their enthusiasm and dedication to the Club, and their skill in public speaking. All of them recognized the need to improve their communication skills, and the first step they took was to join Toastmasters.

Jopet says:”I have this impression that Toastmasters are good speakers and effective communicators, and I want to become one.”

This sentiment is shared by James and Verchie who sought to develop their confidence when speaking in front of an audience. Marlon, whose profession entails a lot of speaking in front of people, also thought it necessary to become a better speaker and communicator.

Mica, meanwhile, saw joining Toastmasters as a personal challenge. “Also, being surrounded and evaluated by people who are so passionate in becoming better persons is both inspiring and stimulating,” she says.

As to why they chose to join MMTMC, the Club’s meeting location was a first consideration. Currently, the Club meets every second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Sulo Hotel - its home for over ten years.

“Three words: location, location, location!” Mica notes. “Also, I’ve heard nothing but great praise for MMTMC.”

James and Marlon agree. “The meeting venue is very accessible from home and school,” says James. “I chose MMTMC basically it’s the nearest club from my residence,” Marlon adds.

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