The 59th JCI Philippines National Convention

  Left : JCI Philippines 2008 NP Raphael A. Lesaca and 2007 NP Glenn B. Santos during the ceremonial turn over of medallion with Past National Presidents JCI Sen.  Ismael P. Penado, Boydee P. Dizon, Crsipin C.  Dy, Jr, JV G. Ejercito, Jimmy T. Yaokasin, Jr, Michael Alan Z. Ranillo, Mabel V. Mamba and Dennis L. Cunanan.  Right: NP Glenn Santos receiving his plaque of appreciation from  the members of the 2007 National Board for his outstanding leadership.         

   To be sure, JCI Cebu – represented by National Convention Director JCI Senator Apollo “Cocoy” Enriquez (who ably led his chapter as their Local President in 2004) – left no stone unturned. The members had worked doubly hard for the past two years to ensure its smooth success. And the fruits of their labor have shown to be in a spectacular fashion.  

    It was certainly a very busy four-day affair for those who were fortunate enough to partake of its festivities. First in line was the Pre-Convention activities, highlighted by the “last” JCI Prime Seminar held from October 9 to 11, 2007, with Past JCI EVP, JCI Senator Teresa M. Alberto of JCI Malaysia who acted as the Head Coach. Another attraction was the first-ever JCI Leaders Summit, ably sponsored by the Cebu Holdings, which was very well attended. The 8th JCI Philippines Academy saw an unprecedented number of incoming JCI Local Presidents participating, as it broke existing attendance with 99 incoming JCI Local Organization Presidents who converged at the Parklane International Hotel and conducted by the National Training Commission. And finally, the various special courses conducted by no less than past TOYM Honoree Jay Bernardo and noted Inspirational Speaker Francis Kong drew hundreds of JCI members to the jam-packed seminar venues to hear them speak for free.

 

    The Planning Session and the First Special National Board Meeting of the incoming National Officers were held and presided over by 2008 National President-elect, JCI Senator Raphael A. Lesaca. The 4th regular meeting for the outgoing National Board also saw its eventual conclusion, as they capped off the remaining activities to be accomplished for the rest of the year, as well as provide guidance to the incoming national board during their first (and only) joint meeting.

 

     Some memorable highlights of the four-day event included the Opening Ceremonies, held last October 11, 2007 at The Paseo, a spaciously-covered commercial center in Cebu City, alfresco style. It had a similar setup like the Old Street Life in Glorietta Mall in Manila. It was here that Convention Chairman, National President Glenn Santos, formally declared the convention open. The excited delegates who attended the ceremony had their anticipation racing as the live band, preceded by an excellent showcase of cultural dances, indicated a foretaste of what was to come. The first fellowship night was indeed one hot fellowship – capped with overflowing booze, bands and boisterous laughter! Many delegates were so happy with the first fellowship night that they decided to stay on until the following morning - continuously wolfing down copious amounts of Cebu lechon and unabashedly guzzling kegs and kegs of beer as if it were no tomorrow.

 

   But tomorrow did come. On the Second Day saw the Opening Plenary attended by JCI Local Organizations’ chief delegates, together with the National Board members, who were still immersed from the party the night before. During the Plenary, surprisingly, no sign of inebriation showed, as voting delegates actively participated in the debates on the issues presented affecting the organization.

 

   That evening, delegates excitedly proceeded to the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) Plenary Hall where dinner was served while waiting before the formal awarding ceremonies designed and executed by this year’s National Records and Recognition Chairperson, JCI Senator Rosalind L. Ngo of JCI Manileña. The venue provided much more formality than the previous night thanks to the well air-conditioned and well-carpeted ambience; the delegates were treated with wave after wave of succulent Cebuano delicacies that left everyone extremely satisfied. Coupled with the excellently planned scheduling of programs and the flawless rendition of its three hosts – Past National Presidents, JCI Senators Dennis “Decu” L. Cunanan and Jimmy “Jimjim” T. Yaokasin, Jr., as well as JCI Manileña Vice-President for External Affairs, JCI Member Maria Amabela “Armi” G. Nabablit, the Second Temiong Awards was adjudged as “perfect” in every form and substance. “A vast improvement over the previous year’s boring awarding ceremonies,” exclaimed one ecstatic delegate. Indeed, from the Oscar-like procession to the stunning tuxes and gowns of the delegates who graciously trooped to the Center – the Awarding Ceremonies even impressed visiting JCI Vice-President Koichiro Hasegawa, who never stopped heaping praises on the grandeur of the affair. “This is the best awarding ceremonies I have witnessed in all my years in JCI – even eclipsing that of the JCI World Congresses,” he exclaimed.

 

    Exciting events, such as the Capitol Cart Challenge, Basketball competitions and the Poker Tournament, were welcome additions to the previous conventions. To add more pleasure and leisure to the delegates, sports and eco-tours were also organized, such as the Bowling and Badminton Tournaments. The “Adven Turista sa Sugbu” Challenge was also given a two-thumbs-up by the delegates. The many sports and recreation facilities available in Cebu has catered to the diverse interests of our membership. The Trainers' Assembly organized by the National Training Commission was also well attended by JCI Philippines pool of trainers. The Twinning Ceremonies and the National Speaking Competition also went on very, very smoothly.

 

    Past National Presidents hosted a Past National Officers Reunion at past JCI Vice-President Olivia U. Dizon’s beach house on October 13, which saw the biggest attendance of past national officers in recent memory.  A VIP luncheon was concurrently held and was hosted by 1993 National President Roderick L. Ngo and National Convention Director Cocoy Enriquez. with Cebu Congressman Raul V. del Mar, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was a Guest Speaker at the affair.

 

    Despite the weariness of the delegates due to two nights of incessant partying, the Closing Plenary on October 13, 2007 was still well anticipated. What made the assembly more exciting was selection of the 2009 National Convention venue between JCI Legazpi and JCI Puerto Princesa Peacock where the latter emerged the winner. Next year’s host for the National Convention, JCI Greater Dipag, also campaigned hard for delegates’ attendance as next year’s host for the 60th National Convention in the world-renowned Dakak, Dipolog City, one the famous beaches in the southern Philippines.    

 

     Finally, during the Presidential Ball and the Closing Ceremonies hosted by “Mr. Temiong” himself – the perpetually controversial, yet deliciously eloquent, professional DJ, JCI Senator Rico John “Suave” Luga, the pace was light years faster than the awarding ceremonies the night before. The evening’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, JCI Senator Koichiro Hasegawa, JCI Vice President assigned in the Philippines, gave a very short message with his one word greeting, “Hello.” Prodded on to give a rejoinder, he praised JCI Philippines for being a very dynamic JCI organization in Asia because of the active participation of its members.

 

     The ceremony was followed with the traditional turn-over ceremonies and the transfer of the Presidential Medallion to the incoming National President JCI Senator Raphael A. Lesaca and Outgoing National President, JCI Senator Glenn B. Santos who delivered his valedictory speech by summing up the accomplishments during his term. As a tribute to him, a video presentation manifested the highlights of the activities in all the five areas of opportunities during his term. On the other hand, incoming National President JCI Senator Raphael A. Lesaca delivered his acceptance speech where he laid out his plan of action with a commitment for more action; being the “Diamond National President” to highlight the 60th existence of the JCI Philippines organization. To add more spice to the affair, renowned violinist John Lesaca serenaded the delegates with a three-piece rendition, much to the delight of the JCI members. 

    To cap off an extremely satisfying evening, JCI Manila hosted the finale fellowship night in cooperation with the host JCI Local Organization backed-up by two renowned disc jockeys in the persons of JCI Senator Jose Amado “Ojie” L. Mamuric and JCI Member Benedict “Dickie” G. Tan. The Convention finally ended as about a thousand delegates were personally served ice-cold beer the entire evening. With folded sleeves and armed with their camera-ready smiles, JCI Manila members were like the singing-cooks-and-waiters moving fluidly among the crowd... serving beer to everyone. Pitchers of beer and plastic cups in hand, we extended the JCI Manila-brand of warmth and hospitality to each and everyone in the CICC. Apart from the 40 kegs of chilled draft beer which flowed freely during the evening, the JCI Manila members spared no expense to treat the delegates to hefty samplings of the famous Cebu lechon.   

    Given the zapped-up mood of the entire contingent that evening, delegates again took advantage of the abundance of beer and food partying, partying, and partying all night long until the wee hours of the morning. Nobody seemed to want to leave. It was already 4:00 a.m. and people were still shaking their booties!  It was almost 7:00 a.m. the following day when delegates got back to their hotels, after a filling breakfast at Abuhan. With blood shot eyes and headaches pounding, the delegates were all in high spirits. 

    At the end of the day the delegates enjoyed everyone’s company. It was truly a memorable experience for most, if not all, the delegates who trooped to the four day event. Nary a complaint nor a whimper was received this year – a post-mortem reality that characteristically punctuated previous National Conventions past – the 59th JCI Philippines National Convention in Cebu is but a sordid manifestation of the level of commitment, passion, and professionalism exhibited by the organizers – particularly the JCI Cebu members – who left no stone unturned in ensuring the ultimate “National Convention” ever in the movement’s six-decade history.

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