I was actually hurt

I opened up with mom last night that I was hurt with the decision of leaving the Comsofil Board of Directors.  Mom smiled and tried to cheer me up by saying "it's their loss, not your!". 

I told mom about what transpire these few days and what were the feedback from the members of the Trustees.  She was glad that they - Trustees - saw my leadership skills and had acknowledge my potentials.  She warn though, that these same qualities could intimidate them because I am very assertive and outspoken.  She explained that this is my character and these nothing that I can do to change it.  It's either I live and use it for good or spend my life fighting these characteristics and fail to see the beauty it may bring to me.

Hmm... mommy was right.  I should not dwell on the was already decided.  I should be happy that I have served Comsofil as BOD from Jan to Jun even when at that time, I already breach the provision.  I actually thought of disclosing to the Trustees that I had served as BOD, Asst Area Gov for Educ - Area 1, Asst Area Gov for Marketing - Area 5, and Speakers Bureau Chair all at the same time.  I held back because doing so would appear that I was deceiving them and was showing off my arrogance!

Well... it's true, isn't?

Nevertheless, I was hurt with my departure from Comsofil BOD.

Resignation as BOD

Honestly, this is a sad day for me.  I was caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. 

The devil that is the Toastmasters Area Governorship that I have to serve from Jul 2011 to Jun 2012.  I do hate this devil because of the taxing responsibilities that are attached to the Title/Norm. But I have no choice.  I need to embrace this devil because this is the only remaining requirement before I get my DTM norm in Toastmasters. I thought, I could hide this devil but I was wrong.  The prestige of the title eventually took a toll on my cloak of invisibility.

I want to take a risk and swim in the Deep Blue Sea that is Comsofil because the potential is great, the excitement and thrill of the unknown is exhilarating, and the end reward - should I survive - is prestigious.  But the Deep Blue Sea is heavily infested with sharks called directors who could shred me to pieces with their sharp tooth called intrigues.  I know I could beat these sharks for they too are afraid of my dexterity called guts that I kept in my heart and my dagger called skills that I kept in my tongue.  But for me to fully survive, I have to spend time in the Deep Blue Sea... a commodity I cannot give for now.

With heavy heart, I have to embrace the devil.  Anyway, the Deep Blue Sea will always be there and I shall conquer it later. 

I sent my formal resignation to the Board of Trustee today.  See my letter below

  - - - - - - - - - - - -



Board of Trustees
Comsofil

Thru Channel

Danilo Cortez

Comsofil President
PY 2011-2012

Dear Mr. President,

Please accept my resignation as Board of Director of Comsofil for the Program Year 2011 effective immediately. With heavy heart, I made this decision because of possible conflict on schedules with my new appointment as Area Governor for Toastmasters. Moreover, this decision comes up upon realizing that I may be violating an existing resolution of the Board of Trustees and should I continue a dual role, my case may be a precedence in the future.

It had been a pleasant experience working with you as the President of the Comsofil during the Program Year 2011. You have an infectious zeal of dedication and good leadership that is both obvious and observable. Continue the spirit of volunteerism and the service to the Overseas Filipino Workers.

I will gladly extend support Comsofil in other ways I can do. I will just be around and will be willing to serve.


Sincerely,

Jorge Nathaniel H. Amores

Leaving Comsofil

Early this morning, I called up Jovett to take a pulse on how the BOT decided on my motion for reconsideration.  After a long talk, it saddens me to learn that the BOT decided not to accept the motion.   Jovett told me that they will be drafting a letter asking me to select one of my two positions.

I immediately called Edwin Fontiveros to talk about the matter.  I pretend that I didn't know about their decision and suggested that I have a prior decision to leave the BOD due to an argument of "precedence".   Edwin was saddened with my decision to leave.  He was hopeful, he said, that someone would take the leadership of Comsofil and steer the organization to better grounds.  He admitted that the current crop of BOD doesn't come close to my experience, contribution and qualification.  He was actually happy when I joined the BOD and was hoping that I may someday take his role as the chairman of BOT.  He based his assessment on my capacity during the joint BOD-BOT meeting last Friday. They were electing a VP-Education to replace Grace Mendoza and my name comes up as the primary nominee.  He said that when my length of tenure (required is at least year of service as BOD) was questioned, several BOD stood and argued that I am the most qualified among the directors and was even qualified to be the president - skills wise.  There are some who argued that I may be too strong and may not follow the President.  He said that he  took this as a cue that I am the needed leader to chance Comsofil.  Before he hangs up, he encourage me to be active and come back as BOD in Comsofil after my Toastmasters term.

Minutes later, BOT Onichi Olanday called up and confirm if the news was true.  He was saddened that I was leaving the BOD.  He confess that he was the main person who stood for the the acceptance of the reconsideration.  He argued that that if they would let me go, some organization would take me or perhaps I would loose heart and will not go back to Comsofil.  

I promised to send my resignation letter tomorrow morning.

Jovett also called later in the afternoon.  She told me in details what had transpired during the meeting.  I feel elated when she said that everyone acknowledged my potentials to greatly help the organization and they were worried that I would choose Toastmasters rather than Comsofil.  Buddy Villalino said that if I choose Comsofil, he would vouch for my election as President by next year.

Letter of Reconsideration

Comsofil President Danny Cortez informed me of an issue from the Board of Trustees (BOT) right after our BOD meeting last week.  I know what he was talking about... it was the breach on the BOT resolution prohibiting a BOD to hold office from other organization.

This morning, I called up Edwin Fontiveros and discuss the matter with him.  Edwin politely advise me to put my case in writing and send a letter of reconsideration and address it to the BOT.  Indeed, I wrote a lengthy letter explaining my side and my arguments.

Below is my email:
==========================

Board of Trustees
Comsofil

Thru Channel


Danilo Cortez
Comsofil President
PY 2011-2012

Dear Mr. President,

As per our conversation last Friday July 15, 2011 after our Board of Director's meeting, my attention was being called due to an issue that was raised concerning a possible breach of a Board of Trustees resolution prohibiting members of BOD to hold other officer position outside of Comsofil.

Few hours before our meeting last Friday, I had a chance encounter with BOT Buddy Villalino and we had a side conversation regarding the possible violation on the said resolution. Likewise at the same event - Friday afternoon, I had a conversation with BOT Secretary Jovett Lopez wherein I ask for specifics on the BOT resolution. Neither of the two BOT officer has given me the exact phrase of the resolution nor the actual intention/purpose of its crafting. This morning I called up BOT chair Edwin Fontiveros to ask for clarification. I was advised to write this letter addressed to the BOT thru channel the BOD President, seeking for consideration on my situation.

Hence, this letter of clarification and a motion for reconsideration.

Given:

To clear the air, allow me to confirm that I was recently appointed as Area 2 Governor of Toastmasters in Riyadh. My appointment came as there was no viable leader in the Area and not one has expressed his/her intention for the position.

As an Area governor, the following are the function expected of me:

1. Communicate/Follow up the clubs (currently three clubs) regarding their payment registration and club programs.
- This function is often performed via email or phone and only occurs twice a year (Oct and Apr)

2. Visit the club once every three or four months.
- Current Clubs under this Area had meeting schedules on weekday in a Corporate office and Thursday evening 8PM-10PM at Akaria Compound.

3. Attend (if invited) club induction of officer which is performed once a year, or twice a year if the officer has semi-annual term.
- All clubs under this Area have an annual term, hence induction is performed only once a year.

4. Presides Area Contest once a year.
- This contest is done every March of the a given program year.

5. Attend Division/District meeting.
- As per experience, District meeting happened only twice for the entire year - at beginning and at closing of term.
- All other meetings are done online or via exchange of email.

Actual Situation:
1. The position of Area Governor is an easy task and does not required extensive interaction with the Club Presidents. In fact, club presidents often works independently from the Area Governor as their club goals are defined by the Toastmasters International. All the Area Governor has to do is follow up - indirectly. Area governors don't have police power to enforce TI rules.

2. Time required to perform the function is very low:
 

1. Follow up the club via email or via phone.
* Twice a year (2) x (4 hour) to send email or call = Total of 8 hours per year
 

2. Visit club once every three or four months
* Four times a year (4) x (2 hour) club meeting duration x ( 3 ) number of clubs = Total of 24 hours per year

3. Attend induction if invited
* Once a year (1) x (2 hour) induction duration x ( 3 ) number of clubs = Total of 6 hours per year

4. Presides Area Contest
* Once a year (1) x (4 hour) contest duration = Total of 4 hours per year

5. Attend Division/District Meeting
* Average meetings a year (3) x (2 hour) meeting duration x = Total of 6 hours per year

The approximate time that I will be spending as Area Governor is roughly 50 hours for the entire year. Logic dictates that this is a very light load and a very easy task. Furthermore, all of the above time frame do not conflicts with Comsofil time or BOD meetings.

3. As a regular (non-officer) member of Toastmasters, I had rendered services as trainer, speaker, or coordinator without affecting my function as member of the BOD. To name some these one time/non recurring activities:
* Trainer - ongoing Speech Craft of ToC with comsofil students second semester
* Trainer - done with comsofil instructor's meeting (1st semester)
* Coordinator/Trainer - done last 1st semester with the Elite Student Officers
* Speaker - various Toastmasters events, Community events, and other organizations.

If I have done all of the above activities (Jan-Jun) without affecting my performance a BOD, then it should be possible (and easier) for me to perform both an Area Governor (with lighter load) and a board of Director.

4. I have religiously attended all BOD meetings, sans one emergency meeting of a Saturday where I was not informed.

5. I believe, I have contributed significantly to the BOD by introducing the concept of Parliamentary procedure, provided ideas that had help define the operational policies of the organization, and actively participated in the Comsofil activities.


Point of Clarification:
I would need clarification regarding the board resolution:

1. I had an impression based on second-hand information that if the director does not hold a position in the Board (VP, Pres, PRO or Auditor), then he/she can be exempted. (We have precedence of this where the director was also Toastmasters Asst Area Gov for Marketing - not confirmed though)

2. The same second-hand information gave me an idea that he/she could be exempted if a waiver is written stating that his/her other function will not hinder him to perform his duty as BOD. (We have a precedence of this case with BOD Corpuz)


Motion for Reconsideration:

At this juncture, I would like to request the Board of Trustees to reconsider implementing the Board Resolution on my situation on the following ground:

1. I believe, I can perform my duty as Board of Director effectively even with my new appointment as Area governor in Toastmasters

Argument 1: Area Governor position does not require heavy time schedule. Max of 50 hours per year is by logic an easy task.

Argument 2: In the next six months, I will only be spending 16 hours for Toastmasters and all of these do not jive with Comsofil time.

Jul - will spend 0 hours for club induction. All three clubs do not plan to hold induction.
Aug - will spend 6 hours for club visit, done on a weekday and Thursday
Sep -
Oct - will spend 4 hours via email/phone to follow up clubs. Done on any day except Friday.
Nov -
Dec - will spend 6 hours for club visit, done on a weekday and Thursday

Argument 2: I have done multiple task before: as a BOD and a regular Toastmaster member that help conduct trainings and seminars. This previous dual role has not affect my performance as a director. (The trainings and seminars were one time activity and will not happen again in the next six months.)

2. I believe that I am a performing asset of the organization.
Argument 1: I have shared my expertise with fellow directors that help expedite meeting proceedings
Argument 2: I have contributed ideas that was essential to the crafting of operational policies of the organization
Argument 2: I have offered the organization a fresh perspective, fresh ideas and as a "fresh blood" to help bring the organization to new level of success and achievement.

3. I believe that have the capacity, ability, skills and more importantly time to perform my duty as director.

In parting, I would like to share my personal perspective of what Comsofil would be in the future:
 

"Comsofil is a great organization having achieve great awards, citations and most importantly it has accomplished its mission of helping the OFW improved personally, technically and professionally. However let us not rest on our laurels, for our awards are not the ultimate test of our journey. We could only say that we are successful if we continue to be relevant, if we continue to upgrade and update ourselves to what the OFW needs. Otherwise, we will go the way of the Friendster who failed to see Facebook coming".

Sincerely,


Jorge Nathaniel Amores

p.s. I would appreciate if the decision would be handed to me personally and not via email or phone call.

Fun Time at Baher

Noises of laughter and shrills awaken me early in the morning. When I take a peek at the window, I saw my colleagues having fun at the swimming pool.  The others were taking a plunge at the nearby beach, and a handful were taking pictures of the rising sun.  The water was inviting but the bed is far more tempting hence I went back to bed and sleep.

It was past 11am when I wake up, when outside and then immediately headed to the beach to take a quick 10-minute swim.   Lunch followed.    Minutes later Mommy and the two ladies - Jestrel and Johnis joined me at the table.  


By 3pm, as the sun and temperature went down everyone went for swimming.   Jestrel and Johnis brought my daughter to the shallow waters of the beach and took a plunge.  My little boy Joshua stayed with mom at the beach side.  I guess, he was too afraid of the water. 

We had fun for sure.  I had precious bonding moments with my wife and two kids and also enjoyed watching my colleagues in Shutters Guild who were having a good time taking photos of Jestrel.   I know that for most of these photographers, this would be their first time to shoot a model in bikini.

I had a good day.

                         *                         *                         *                         *

11:59pm

My family and the two ladies - Jestrel and Johnis left Baher ahead of the pack.  Bong, Jong and Bernard who were on the other car followed us towards Riyadh.

We arrived safely early morning.

SG Meeting

By 1pm, I gathered all of Shutters Guild members for a meeting.  I just presided the opening and allowed Norman to take over the discussion.  All existing officers gave their respective year end report and likewise the appointed coordinators also gave their progress reports.    After that, I took over the control of the meeting to start the election of the new sets of officers for program year 2011-2012. 

The election went smoothly with Norman unanimously re-elected as president, and all other position were filled easily.   The only time there was a heated discussion was the issue on handling the case of Leon Zaragoza.  Norman asked the group what to do with his case:

1. He owes the group SR575
2. He used the name of the group for his personal photoshoot
3. He has not yet paid his membership dues
4. He don't attend meetings anymore

While I was elaborating Leon's case, Bernard made a comment on the sideline asking why some members were unceremoniously removed from the membership without going to due process.  Out from nowhere, Beejay claimed that he took the liberty of taking out Alex from the membership list because he felt that it his responsibility to clean out the mess of Alex - estafa in particular. That comes as a surprise to me. Now I know why I have not seen Alex for quite some time.

I immediately cut the argument and took the responsibility of the fault.  First, I commend Beejay for the decisive and valid action that he did because that is his function as an officer - and not because of "guilty" factor as the sponsor of Alex.  I also commend Bernard for his zeal of closing the issue on Leon.  I promised to take action on this matter.

Below is the minutes of meeting as reported by Tony:

SG MINUTES OF MEETING
Date: 14 July 2011 (Thursday)

Incumbent SG Officers (2010 – 2011)
President - Norman Cunanan
VP (Technical & Development) - Donnie Advento
VP (Membership) - Herbert Bagol
VP (Internal Affairs) - Umi Mamalayan
VP (External Affairs) - Vacant
Logistics & Sgt. at Arms - Beejay Gonzales
Treasurer - Cathy Gonzales
Auditor - Vacant
Secretary - Vacant

ACHIEVEMENTS

President
• Pres. Norman has been thankful for all the support of the co-officers
• Pres. Norman has been performing tasks for the VP External as he was sourcing projects that may provide additional funds for SG
• Pres. Norman has also stated that there may be events´ shoots which are free of charge and these should be accommodate to provide opportunities for the new members to learn and likewise for exposure of SG
• Pres. Norman has advised everyone that SG has been appointed as the official photographer of SE Productions, one of the reputable Filipino events institutions in KSA
• Pres. Norman is requesting all of the new SG members to participate in the events and support the SG vision and mission

VP (Technical & Development)
• There has been several technical and development activities executed over the year and to name a few, please find listed below:
o Re-training and development which are normally conducted every Mondays
o Edge of the World this coming Hajj
o Advanced Lighting Workshop
o Coffee Table Book
o Saudi Sceneries
o Historical and Cultural Heritage of Saudi Arabia
o And many more

VP (Membership)
• Validity of the membership is yearly
• All members are obliged to pay their membership fees annually
• Herbert to prepare the updated list of SG members
• It was proposed that the new members should be provided with ID cards and membership kit which includes SG-logo shirt

Logistics & Sgt. at Arms
• Assets are estimated to include the following
o Backdrop
o 27 Stands (Easel)
• Beejay to provide updated information with regard to the current SG assets
• Project – Palm Crest

Treasurer
• Cathy to provide updated cash report to SG officers

Miscellaneous
• All are requested to attend the Monday regular meeting
• Issue discussed with regard to the SG website. This should be activated by the group
• Setup of Human Name in FB dedicated only for SG members (Nathan to setup)
• It was also suggested that there are issues that need to be resolved by the SG officers only and meeting should be arranged among themselves

New SG Officers (2011 – 2012)
President - Norman Cunanan
VP (Technical & Development) - Beejay Gonzales
VP (Membership) - Cathy Gonzales
VP (Internal Affairs) - Temporarily assigned to Donnie Advento
VP (External Affairs) - JP Guiao
VP (Logistics & Sgt. at Arms) - Bernie Obenza & Chong Quintos
Treasurer - Cathy Gonzales
Auditor - Rudy Hipolito
Secretary - Jong Baylon

Advisers - Nathaniel Amores
Donnie Advento
Anthony De Guzman
Ammar Valdezco (On leave)

Note: It was agreed by all that there will be a general assembly of all SG members sometime in September. Exact date shall be advised to all

Trip to Al Baher - departure

I left the office early today to make sure I have enough time to do my pending tasks.   First thing I did after leaving NIC compound at 2:30pm was to get my Police Certificate at the Olaya Police Station at Exit 5.  When I arrived at the place, I was initially glad that I will be talking to the same officer who entertained us last Wednesday night.  But my smiles immediately flew away because I found him unhelpful.  He made me wait for over an hour for some reason I could not comprehend.  If only this certificate in not important, I would never humiliate myself and would leave immediately.  But gee... I need this because we will be traveling to Khobar tonight and Mom and the two kids has no iqama. Two hours later, I decided to ask help from Beejay.   I ask him to talk and try to persuade the desk officer to expedite my request, in the language they understand - Arabic.  Finally, after some hesitation the officer prepared a memo and handed it to me.

I run short of time because of the delay at the Police Station so I decided to skip the check up on my car's battery.   I decided to do it before leaving Riyadh at 8pm.   I proceed to my house at around 5pm.  After taking a quick dinner, I took a short nap hoping I can gain enough strength and stamina for our 5 hours drive tonight. 

                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

7pm, everything was set to go.  Mom and the kids were all fully dressed up and our things were loaded at the car.  We then proceed to pick up Jestrel and Johnis at their accommodation.  I saw Bong and Bernard near the gate and learned from them that they were waiting for the other members of SG and plans to leave at 8pm.  Since our departure time is just close, I decided to go in convoy with the rest of the team.  Anyway, I still have to have my car's battery checkup.


                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

When the Indian mechanic checked my car, he declared that the battery was defective.  He showed me from the battery meter that my battery only registers 13 instead of the required 14.  I didn't understand what he was talking about but believe in him anyway.  He further suggest that the alternator was defective.   Hearing that, I started to panic.  Certainly, this news will make our Khobar trip impossible.   I asked he can recommend a mechanic who can fix the alternator.  A Filipino guy approached and take a look at the engine.  He made some phone calls and declare that there was no available parts.

Deeply worried, I rushed to the nearest Hyundai Service Center to see if they can fix my car in time.  My friend Leo guarantee that he can work on it in an hour provided there are parts - which turns out to be available only the following day.  In desperation, I called friend Rey to seek some advise.  In less than 10 minutes, Rey arrived and checked the car.  He explained to me that the battery is not defective but only only performing less than its 100% capacity. Meaning, the battery can still provide electricity to the car but at a diminished performance.  He also explained that the alternator was fine.  Had it been otherwise, my car should be stalled because the battery would be dead by now.

Donnie and the rest of the team arrived just in time when Rey declared that my car was fit for Khobar travel.  The rest of the team assured me that they can tow my car if ever it breaks down.   After thanking Rey, we left and rendezvous with the rest of the gang at Max center at Nassim.   Seven cars left Max center at around 9:10pm.   One car called up and promised to catch up.   Rudy took the lead car and cruise us at 110 kph, enough for the last car to catch in an hour.

The convoy of 8 cars cruise 5 long hours before arriving at Al Baher in Khobar.