Last April 29 to May 1, the Toastmasters International District 75 Convention was all about the celebration of the best speakers in the country as these “Kings and Queens of Speech” showed their dexterity to mark the 30^th year of cultivating excellence of Toastmasters.  The said convention was held in Lo-ok function hall of Manila Ocean Park. However, the event is not just a celebration of the best speakers but also a celebration of Filipino diction as world-class.

The outset of the said event was marked by the event’s keynote speaker Francis Kong as he inspired Toastmasters from all over the Philippines with his early beginnings in realty and radio broadcasting. His speech’s turning point was all about communication as vital key in sharing one’s blessings.

 

Motivational Speaker Francis Kong with El Prez TMC President Anton Bautista, CC

 

The next pivotal episode was the educational session of International President-elect Michael Notaro, DTM as he unveiled the coming-of-age rebranding of Toastmasters International. The aforementioned rebranding  is for the purpose of consistent perception and recognition among members and prospective members.

 Michael Notaro

Day 2 was also another noteworthy experience as Division A’s flair represent both Humorous and International Speech Contest. This is where Third Catayoc, ACB-ALB and Mariecel Onate, ACS-CL come in.

Third Catayoc

 

  

Mariecel Onate 

 

Congratulations to Third and Mariecel for winning 2^nd-runner up!! Div A always places… that’s for sure!

Another educational session was done by BBC World News Anchor Rico Hizon.

 

Rico Hizon 

 

 Tootz dela Torre and Rico Hizon

 

Rico interviewed Tootz dela Torre, AL-DTM, what makes Filipino English diction world-class. “There are many regions in the Philippines with their distinct accents:  Bisaya, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Ilokano and the likes. Yet when we speak English, we enunciate English words properly. We put the right accent at the right SI-LA-BUL”, Tootz jokingly said.

MMTMC President Lynne Gamboa, DTM and MMTMC Presidential Adviser Joy Gatdula, CC-ALB enjoying the educational session

 

Finally, Toastmasters danced the night away at the convention’s Governor’s Ball. Past Area Governor, Joy Gatdula  won “Best in Attire” with her pomelo-pink Maria Clara dress. Ernest Bautista, CC-CL, gave a very compelling song number as he tried his heart out to rap the whole song, “Billionaire”. Tootz also gave a riveting performance as part of the cotillion. Talk about multi-talented Metronians!

 

From (L-R): Freddie dela Cruz, ACB-CL, Joan Earnshaw, TM, Lynne Gamboa, DTM, Convention Chair Voltaire Victoria, DTM, Michael Notaro, DTM, Joy Gatdula, CC-ALB, Tootz dela Torre, “AL-DTM”, Donnovan Bautista, TM, and Ernest Bautista, CC-CL 

 

See you on next DISCON!