I learned about Rotary being a service organization back then in HS  when I joined the Interact Club of MHS Pio del Pilar Annex (known as General Pio del Pilar National High School), where DRR Cathy was the president that time wherein  I together with my brother Redgie actively participated with the club’s activities and projects.  One of  those I can clearly remember was when we went to “Balay Kalirup” , an institution for the disabled people, in which I can say, its the first time I experienced sharing my time and love for others. I can also say that I enjoyed being with the club was when  “Blacklights” was introduced to me when the club was invited for an intermission number with some of RC Makati’s events. During these times when I got to meet ate Cathy’s brother- “IPP Mennen”, being the BLT instructor. I had been active to Interact Club of up to my 4th year in HS as I experienced many conferences, trainings and seminar, and performed “Blacklights” as well during RC Makati’s events.

My Rotary journey continued during my 4th year in College when Ate Cathy got a call from RC Makati’s Youth Service Director, Past President Pepito Bengzon to organize a Rotaract Club, in which I am proud to be one of the pioneer members of the Rotaract Club of Makati when it was revived in 2006.

For the past years, my passion for Rotaract grows more and more as much I can say that it is already part of my life. And with these,

I can say I had experienced a lot for the 1st two months of my term. I had witnessed lots of events I never had before, just like attending other Club’s Induction Ceremonies. I experienced my first Club planning activity, my first Handover Ceremony in which I never witnessed for the past years. Today is very different. Being the leader of the club or in any organization is really a big challenge for any person. And with this, I am learning..for I was able to know myself with what I can just do now, and realizing what are the areas I have to improve and with what I have to do as a growing leader. I heard lots of inspirational messages from speakers during the 3 different Induction Ceremonies. One of the things I that strikes  me was that all we are doing in Rotaract Club was all offered to Him, “God”, repaying all His greatness He had given to us. By the way we serve others without asking in  return, helping needy people wholeheartedly is a very novel deed especially for a youth like “Rotaractors” and “Interactors” in which as early and as young as now, we chose to “SERVE” and continue inspiring people, touching others’ lives.

Rotaract indeed expands my network of friends, with lots of Club and District activities, I met a lot of people, new friends, not just here in the Philippines but also abroad during the APRRC – Bali. During club Inductions I attended, I met a lot of new people, mostly presidents of their own clubs. I also got to be introduced to the big names in the Rotary and Rotaract, wherein for the past years, I just know them, but they don’t know me.  It’s really nice knowing I am lucky enough to be in this Rotaract world, service and friendship continues and really lives on.

Now, I am focusing with our C-MV project (100 member vision), encouraging friends, friends of friends, my network of friends to join the world of Rotary and Rotaract.. to  be part of the  happy world of RAC Makati. Thanks to Mark and Vida (Magbayo), and Jhen (my kuya’s girl) who gave time and effort to bring books for our “Makbooks” project and for coming for the orientation held this afternoon. I’m really glad I can see my friends supporting our projects, in that way I get inspired to do well not just with my term but for the benefit of seeing myself grow as an individual.

Thanks for the people who’s always on my side to guide and teach me during my upset moments. Days before our supposed to be Induction date, I was stressed out at work and pressured as our Induction was approaching.  I caused some confusions among our Rotarians and I am blaming myself for that and for some reason I don’t  really have to because that won’t really help and just make me feel bad about myself. Thanks to ate Cathy for making me realize those things.. for as a leader, I should be open-minded with lots of difficult situations.

Now I realized, before I become an effective leader, I should be an effective servant first.. have to learn follow instructions and messages carefully before relaying them to others. With this, effective and smooth communication, good relationship can be achieved

*_* Nyt2. today is a brand new day! Hoping for a happy day!

Tonight, I’m glad I find time to blog again..and share my weekend experiences and thoughts.. my happy and sad thoughts for I reminisced a very special day that happened a year ago, which I considered  one of the happiest days ever of my life..  Aside from the fact that God gave me another year to live and celebrate life.. it happened to be also a  celebration of  my 22nd birthday..  of course, a day that I  celebrated “friendship” in which most of Magbayo.. my College friends are present on my birthday celebration.. for I also celebrated on the 10th with my fellow Rotaractors of RAC Makati and with my high school friends. A birthday bash indeed..

Just earlier, as I realized the date today..there’s something flashed back on my mind.. the memory of my aug. 9..the day I can say.. I also celebrated “love” for it was  a year I had my first boyfriend. Yeah right.. my first time to be loved and fell in love. I found myself really happy on that day.. as I received my first bouquet of roses.. and of course celebrated  with a special someone. I remembered on the day of my birthday which is August 4..I spent a half of the day with him .. a very rainy day.. he gave me a “rose” which is at first I was shy holding it, showing people I had a rose and walking holding hands with a guy. It’s like first times are really something “special”.. so hard to forget.. memories that would just remain in the past.. Sad indeed that there are things had to happen..had to stop..had to end Reminiscing is good indeed especially when “happy memories” are all flashed back and can make you in “emo mode” when its really something sad.

Earlier tonight I came from a Rotaract event of RAC Parañaque East Paragon’s (Aldrin’s club) Induction Ceremony. I, together with “B1 and B2″ attended the said event. Honestly, I was impressed with their president’s acceptance speech for she did an “impromptu”. The thing I can honestly say I can’t do. I really admired people who are very confident in talking in front of a crowd especially when there’s no script to read. In short, I had a fear in “Public Speaking”. On the other hand, I want to use this “jealousy” thing to improve and train myself as well.. to lessen my stage fright, and eventually eradicate the fear and let the stage and microphone my new “best friends”. I know there’s a lot of things I still have to improve on..to learn and to experience and  I want to do it step by step, little by little, I know someday I can be better. A woman with maturity in dealing with things, most esp. in handling problems. A woman who can decide wisely for herself and stays humble with whatever she will do.

I took a deep breath as I was typing this thought.. for I need to face my fear one of these days..for I have to face the crowd, for my lips are about to kiss the microphone, and step on the podium as I have to do also an  “Acceptance Speech” on our Induction Day.  I really have to prepare  for this “big day” and looking forward for the success of  Rac Makati’s Induction Ceremony 2009. I’m really hopeful that we  may have a very fruitful and meaningful Rotaract year

I am timid, emotional but I’m proud to say that I may look weak from the outside but I’m a “fighter”. I don’t easily give up on something. I want to take things as “challenges” not problems. I get into things I know I’m happy, I enjoy, and above all, I “love”.. these are the important things I consider with what I am now.

I love my family. (no questions ask.. loving them the most!)

Career? hmm.. still happy working  with my colleagues and clients.. but a bit struggling with the unfair system of the company.. hope this will be fixed because I’m loving the nature of job even if its stressful.. (I’m bless to be stress!)

I love my friends.. without them, life would be incomplete! So glad I can say I’m  rich..rich with true and “funny” friends, having “magbayo” is one of the  good reasons  for me and  to be “happy”.. I’m glad I still have communication wtih them, as well as with my High School friends and long time no see elementary friends/classmates.  Thanks to “social networks” like fs and fb. 

I love “Rotaract”… and I’m loving it more! Many had witnessed how Rotaract became a part of me, how it changes me to be a better individual. It’s like I am seeing myself still a Rotaractor until I reach 30.. and still be a Rotaractor by heart if my membership ends on that year. I love the feeling of making other people happy.. I’m happier when others are happy because of me..with what I do..

And now I realize, love is all that matters

Happiness can’t be only found from a single person..but  in many other ways..and many other people who will love us unconditionally)

Forget the bad memories, but keep the good ones

I am grateful for my 23rd year of my existence and praying for more years to come.. Thanks to the Lord our God for this greatest gift.. for I may have the chance to serve and  touch others lives..and live with the people I love that are the sources of my HAPPINESS!

Earlier yesterday,  I had lots of thoughts in my mind, wherein I didn’t know where and how to start, thinking how will I preside the meeting, It’s like the “spotlight” is on me now.  I had this negative thought that I may spoil the meeting that would disappoint them.  I haven’t attended last year’s handover meeting that’s why I really don’t know what to expect or to do yesterday night. There’s this point that I’m thinking of canceling the activity. Still, positive thoughts won, I just prayed that everything will be okay and turn well and still prepare for everything with the help of my family members.

For the last minute, I prepared and printed my previous blog about our planning activity just to report what happened and aendas thinking I have to preside the meeting.

As they arrived, we ate first dinner. They loved what my mother had prepared for dinner . We started by around 9:30 pm as IPP Mennen discussed what they had talked about with his meeting with Sir Ed and the draft of the club plans for this year.  As I presided, at first I am nervous and don’t know how to start. It’s my first time to preside RAC’s meeting and it was great unexpectedly. We discussed about the upcoming club’s activities for July and August and as well as in the district. We talked and planned for the “Induction ceremony”, and other things concerning the club like recruitment and club fees, sisterhood agreements, etc. I’m so excited for the fellowship next week, Ate Alma’s birthday on the 18th of July for we will be watching Harry Potter 6 together. Over-all, it is indeed successful.  Kuya Mennen started the meeting but I am the one who closed/adjourned it.  We ended with “10 shots” of photos, as the club’s famous for.

I just realized that everything would be possible if you believe in yourself. First times are scary, but eventually, the next times would be as normal as it seems to be.  The experience is indeed memorable, as it is a “first time”.

I really had this fear for I will be having more responsibilities. As of now, the management haven’t told it to me about this. But I already knew who would be my new partner in Jollibee..and its Enrietan.. the new and “bully” AE.. (hehehe!). Talking about him, at first he was so shy and quiet..but now..he already showed the real Enrie.. naughty and  a practical joker, kind? not relly sure about this..hehe

With these events happening, I should be ready and really hoping I can handle all the pressure and stress.  I just hope and pray that everything will be okay. I always believe that there’s a reason for everything.

Among the “committed planners” are DRR Cathy, Pres. Mennen,PE/Sec. Rio, PS Director/ VP Gelo, SE Joyce, IS Director Alma, and Hazel.

We met at the usual meeting place, at Gonzales’ Residence and depart at around 11am.  We first went to Starmall Alabang to have our lunch. We ate at Jollibee and had some “funny shots” at the JKP standee outside Jollibee.

We bought some “pasalubongs” for the kids and some “baon”  to eat while travelling and for our food trips at night during the “planning session”

We rode a van going to Tagaytay, and had some side trip first at “Palace in the Sky” as I can say that we first had our fellowship, had some wacky and funny pictures while we are there. I’ve been there but a very long  time ago, and its so nice to be back there with my fellow rotaractors. Joyce was amazed as its her first time to be there. We even rented this “old telescope” to zoomed the nice views of the place.

After that very tiring yet happy moments,  we already went to Spinelli to have our real and main agenda which is to plan for our club for the RY ’09-’10.  We are amazed as our “merienda” was already ready and with table reservation tag that says” Reserved for Mennen (‘s) group.

We had our club planning at their conference hall as Pres. Mennen discussed the “ADIC ” method in planning, some things to remember in planning activities just like what we’re doing.

After that, we started with the most important part of planning which is the “SWOT Analysis (Strenghts, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of the club as evaluated for the past year, that can also be applied in the present and future situation of the organization. In this way, we can see things that we can consider as our “assets” and things we lack and have to improve and take into considerations.

Everyone listed their SWOT analysis that night and continued the folowing day as we discussed them one by one. Its so nice to know that we had sesen lots of strengths that  the club has. Some of those are “happy people and  exhibit camaraderie, friendship and a sense of “family”. We are hardworking in the implementation of  projects.  Those are just some of the strenghts that we had, that keeps us together in the name of service.  Strengths that we are proud to have being the “Most Oustanding Rotaract Club in D3830. Over-all, we had nice and meaningful discussions during that part of planning. We may be  very funny and almost “die laughing” with lots of jokes and “nasty” things, still we are serious about our “planning”  and came up  with a very good SWOT that would be very useful for the next part of planning- formulation of objectives and suggestion of program activities.

We had our late lunch as we had long discussions on the SWOT thing. After that, we visited the “babies” and spent lot of time  there as we had fun playing with 5 cute little babies. With our enjoyment, we got home late as not planned. We decided to continue the planning on July 2 at Gonzales’ residence (took place already).

I really had a very nice and meaningful weekend with my fellow rotaractors-family in service!

Kudos to RAC Makati!

“We are few, but can do many and make a difference!”

next blog : Planning 102: Objectives

I have to share some realizations… for I am happy with what I am now..with what I have now.. for a very bonded family.. being a Rotaractor and now the leader of my organization, which is I know I’m facing a bigger challenge and responsibility.. I will just do my best to perform my role and hope for the best for my club. I’m happy as well being part of the company I belong to.. the GFX family, its like the “people” in GFX make me stay, despite of the “current situation that the company is facing, and I’m glad to know that most of my colleagues had same reason with me for still staying. “As long as we’re happy, there’s no reason for leaving”

Now, I can see a bigger challenge coming.. she didn’t know I knew it already.. my sup is about to leave the company..I just hope and pray it will be postponed and she will also “stay”..just for the same reason I have…If she still decides to leave, I know there would be a very big change,there would be a big possibility that I will take over..if not all, some of  her responsibilities she’s handling..hopefully not..because I don’t think I’m ready for it.. but just in case, still I would just do my best to fulfill the job.

I really miss this, just posting what I feel.. and I’m really glad I did it again this time..blogging is really good for me, for  I am able to express myself..

I hope and pray that big things will come..and very blessed everyday of my life..looking forward for a very meaningful year for me… a new me.. a better me..

Its been a tiring day but again a happy day!!! Can feel now the negative things about our company..delayed salary.. no overtime pay.. but still have the will to wake up early, still inspired to go to work..looking forward always for a great day! My work is really stressful but that doesn’t affect me much since I have more reasons to laugh, smile,  mingle with my “Ates and kuya’s in the office and don’t even mind demanding people around me and ofcourse clients.

Earlier this blog, I posted again message in our yahoogroups..talked about love..my love life. I just realized I’ve been very expressive this past few days, maybe because iblog5 seminar inspired me a lot ofcourse to blog, to express “everynight” what I feel, to tell what my day has been.

As to end this post,  I’m still waiting. searching for my escort on Friday..(haha!) for I will join this “Sagala” for the 2nd time.  I told my family in a “joke” way, “when an opportunity comes, grab it!! I grabbed the opportunity to experience walking again like a princess in the street, having a little crown on my head. Seriously, thinking about it now, makes me feel nervous, a bit conscious for some may make fun out of me, making jokes for still joining this santacruzan at my age of 22.

Still I believe, its now or never. .. I wanted it too! no backouts for I don’t want to regret in the end.  I want this to be part of my good memory, that once in my life,  I will become a princess..even without a prince now

Have to sleep now… another day has come!!! Let us rejoice!!!

Did I finished my tasks for the day?…hmmm..as written on my to do lists, I had to finish my homeworks and do some cleaning of our room.. Somehow I accomplished something..but not really finished for I haven’t updated my projects yet on “tuplefish”. But still I’m glad some work loads will be lessen later. Its funny how I became so addicted again answering quizzes on facebook, chat with friends on both facebook and ym.

–Continuing  this draft post for I fell asleep and didn’t finish this blog that midnight of may 18..hmm.so for now,  recalling what happened on that day..been very happy receiving the good news as 6 of my beloved friends -Magbayo won the 1st Sanuk Sandcastle competition on the day of May 17. I’m so happy and proud of them.. told them to my family, friends, officemates..that’s how I’m proud ..proud to be part of Magbayo. They were the front page of Phil.Star that Sunday.

That night,  I pursued my plan.. I attended the Pupil gig @ Tiendesitas. Ate Rellie an I met at Robinsons Galleria, as my sister joined with us. This gig was part of the music and arts festival wherein our Head artist had his painting exhibited. I saw Sir Hoche there, but sadly haven’t seen his paintings for he already pulled them out.

I enjoyed this gig, haven’t attended gig for a long time. Its like I shouted for Pupil like a very die hard fan.. Its the first time I heard Ely sang “Prinsesa”, for I expected Dok is the one who will sing it. I saw new faces, new listers.. I realized I’ve been very busy and didn’t watch gigs for so long. I’m glad to see my friends in Pupilcity..glad to see him too..

5/18– a happy day.. a special day..but that was before..a date that reminds me something.. there’s something on the date..can still remember.. still on my mind..still on my heart.. :/

“A post on the night of May 20.. thanks to Chillz Coffee..kept me awake that’s why I got to sat here on our PC and got time to press these words… Talking about my day..like always, been very busy..loaded.. had deadlines to meet tomorrow. Hope everything will turn out well.

Still not sleepy..but have to sleep already.. time to post this draft already !!!!!!!!

This is the beginning! yes, it is!!! As what I have learned from this blogging conference I just attended a week ago, let this be the extension of myself.. my personal journal but” not really” since its an online journal.. now I don’t care if others can read this, or if they care to read this… i blog for myself, to express myself.

Let me take this time to thank “kuya Mennen” for encouraging me to attend this blogging conference, at first I’m not really interested to register, since its all about blogging, that I know to myself that I’m not a “blogger” . It really inspired me to “start blogging.. I mean, to continue blogging..because  at first, I’m not really aware that what I’ve been doing on multiply, posting of pictures is already a form of blog- photo blogging. and uploading of videos.. already a video blogging.. I know its very basic..and I’m stupid..because what I know is that a blog is only “words” based or in the form of writing.. anything you write online, a journal that is free for everyone to read.

Oh, I wrote already a lot here, its already 5: 41 am, time is really so fast..life is short.. so live it to the fullest…I’m starting my day right.. took a bath so early so I could accomplish a lot today. What I would do now is to finish my “homework”, type the minutes of the meeting last May 9, being the secretary of this organization I’m really proud I belong to- the Rotaract Club of Makati, what else, to clean our room, its better if I could clean the whole house, hehe! and the very last thing/option… I hope I could attend this Pupil gig at Tiendesitas. I can’t even remember when was my last gig.  I miss my friends in pupilcity.. hmm..did I really miss the band? hmmm…I don’t really know..but I really hope I could come, having the fact that I’m already broke, I have a tight budget as of this moment..and I don’t really want to spend much.

Again..let this be the first..as I end this blog at 5:55 am… There are many thoughts come into my mind.. I still have lot to share..I’m very enthusiastic now..and very excited to blog for the 2nd time… hmm..wondering what my mind would dictate my fingers to type for my next blog….let this excitement be my motivation always as I log in to www.rionah.wordpress.com.

6:00 am..Rionah is now signing off……………………………………………………….