Obeth and his Ma'salamah Party

I met Obet Geronimo sometime in May of 2008 in a badminton session at Sunrise International School. He was a person who was soft spoken, friendly and unassuming. Together with Anthony Manabat - my buddy that time - we regularly meet every Saturday for a Badminton session. It was Obet who conceptualize and help establish a new club that adheres to basic tenets of camaraderie, sharing and fair play. Together with the help of Egay Santa Maria, Dan and a handful other members (including me), Obet became the first president of Circle of Pinoy Shuttlers (COPS) badminton club.

Obet showed great leadership during his term as president. But even before COPS was formalized, I already saw Obet's qualities. One time, when we had a talk, he confided to me that he develop this skills through Toastmasters. My eyes went wide when I learned that he was one of the founding member of the PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club. He was once the president of the club and was considered one of the best speaker in the Arabian Gulf. He left the Toastmasters sometime in 2002 because of personal difference with some members of the club. (It was with Ron, I heard, hehehehe).

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I didn't hear much of Obet since I went inactive with COPS last Sep 2009. Yes, he send occasional email from time to time but nothing memorable that I can remember. Then last week, he invited me to attend his ma'asalamah (farewell) party. He confided that he is leaving Saudi Arabia for good. With heavy heart, he said, he would try to leave behind 21 years of memories here in the desert land of Riyadh and hopes to build a new life in Australia.

I could say, Obet spent too long in this land and has build a large network of friends. It's obvious. His friends came and flock his party that almost filled the GSO American Annex Gym. There were tons of food & drinks, fun filled program, and nice band who rocks the party wild.

I was there, of course, with mommy Pinky. We enjoyed the party and we spent the night dancing. Gee... it was a beautiful fun night.

Obet, wherever you go... from your friend Nathan and Family... we wish you all the luck!

Cancelled Qassim Visit

As co-founder of the First Qassim Toastmaster Club, it was my duty to visit the club at least once and then conduct educational sessions that would help the club grow. This is one responsibility that I have not done yet since the chartering of the new club.

TM Jay and I schedule a visit today at Buraidah to attend the FQTM meeting. As assistant governor for Education, I prepared two educational sessions and I also laid out some club success plan for the club officers to use as guide.

Every thing was set when an unexpected emergency call from the office set my schedule into shambles. Last night - past midnight - my boss called up and requested me to report in the office. We have a severity 1 problem at the airport and we need to restore the system within 24 hours. I tried to call TM Jay around 3am but he was already asleep . Then early morning at 6am, I called him again and inform him about my situation. TM Jay silently said, he will still go to Buraidah.

I felt sad because I let down my Area Governor. I know, though, that he understand that this is beyond my control.

Shutter's Guild is growing

Watching the Shutter's Guild conduct their meeting at the house, I could not help but smile.

The small photography group that I started last April has finally came to life, and more than that, it is now growing with sold following and members. I should confess, I have no hand on the growth of the group. All of these came to reality because of the leadership of its president.. Norman Cunanan and a bunch of active officers.

I am sure, this is just the beginning of a successful group in the making. They have a good constitution and by-laws (written by yours truly) and a heart for the craft. It is no longer a question of "if this group will succeed" but "when will this group get its due credit".

I lost my fav coat

For over a month now, I had been looking for my favorite black coat. Initially, I though Donnie borrowed it but later change my suspicion when he ask if he can borrow a coat. This just confirms that the coat was not with him. I checked my car, my drawer, my dresser and even at the PELA room but not a shadow of my coat could be found. Then I remember, I used it during the last Comsofil graduation when I stand in as Master of Ceremonies. I vividly recall hanging the coat on the basketball pole and ... forgot to bring it home.

Upon checking with Celso Ditalo, Comsofil advised that they didn't notice any coat during the cleaning up. After calling several people, I finally found my coat from Sir Ronnie of Elite International School. They kept the coat in their storage and I can pick it up anytime.

Alan gibs and his new hobby

Ever since we visited Alan Guivelondo - the 1st cousin of Pinky - in Jubail City last September, he never fail in keeping in touch with us. He usually send me text messages asking for information regarding his new found hobby in Photography.

Just like today, he text asking for advice on what lens to choose among Canon 18-200, Canon 55-250, Canon 28-135 IS USM, Canon 70-300 IS USM, Tamron 18-270 Di II VC LD. I readily answered that none of the above. Hehehehe... of course, I sent another reply saying that my choice would be the Canon 24-105 L IS f4 for a walk-around lens, that if he has a budget. Otherwise, I would recommend the Tamron 18-270 Di II VC LD. My suggestion was based on experience since I own one and had been using this for over a year already. Quality was acceptable, the range was very good, and focusing speed was above average for this price range.

We exchange several text messages more but it looks like he was not convinced. Few minutes later, Alan called me up. He said he need more explanation because he wants to buy the lens within the day. After given him addition information, he hang up. I believe, he will go for the Tamron.

NASCO Demo Meeting

For the past four months, Area 5 was aggressively working on the expansion of the Area. TM James arranged a demo meeting with NASCO, hoping we can convince them to open up a corporate Toastmaster club. TM Jojo who was working with the company was our contact person. He help us for the venue arrangement and inviting the company workers.

The place was nice - a large conference room, and they provided us with good food accommodation. We have several speakers for the Table Topics and I had the chance to evaluate TM Colin for his prepared speech.

The meeting went smooth, successful but.. uneventful.

Jasmine's 6th B-day

We were used to celebrating grand birthday with our children. Jasmine got four big celebrations while she was in the Philippines and Joshua had one. However, thing change when were arrived here in Riyadh.

Jasmine's 5th birthday celebration in Riyadh International School was a modest McDonald's party. Then this year, her 6th birthday, we only have a classroom party because McDonald's party is not allowed. I know mommy would feel bad about this but I was not worried. I know she understand that we are currently in dire financial situation and we need to prioritize Mama Irene who is currently in the hospital in the Philippines. Anyway, the important thing is that both of us were there during the celebration - something that we were grateful of. I tried to assure her that Jasmine's debut (7th bday) would be grand.

They had simply party but I made sure that Jasmine would have beautiful pictures. I asked Tito Noel Zaragoza - our brethren in the church community - to be there and stand as the official photographer.

Well, he showed up and covered the event. I am still waiting for him to post the pictures, though.

Debate Contest

Last week, mommy was angry with me because I submitted her name among the list of possible contenders for the annual PRTC club debate contest. She got so many alibis not to join but I know, deep inside she was just afraid. Without my knowledge, she successfully convinced their team captain to replace her because of possible conflict of interest. She argued that she just wanted to play safe because I was the assigned chief judge. Lucky for her, they were able to get a last minute replacement.

The contest was a box-office hit. We have several dozen visitors from other Toastmasters Club such as Sand Dunes, Toast of Comsofil, Mabuhay, PSME, Filcom-IT, and some Indian clubs. The debate theme was "Be it resolve that the number of basic education in the Philippine schools be increase from 10 years to 12 years". On the negative side were the team of TM Reina who was the heavy favorite. They have fielded top caliber speakers such as TM Regina, TM Abs, TM Perlito, TM Reina, TM Guiller and TM Shiela. On the other side were the underdogs, who will defend the affirmative side. These were composed of TM Donnie, TM, Ruben, TM Rowell and TM Rollie.

It was a close fight, I admit. Neither of the two teams followed the rules and regulation - just like the way we were two years ago - and most of them were carried with their emotional debating rather than objective debating. In the end, the affirmative had it. On individual awards, TM Reina edge out TM Ruben by 1 point and won the best debater award. TM Donnie was the run-away winner as the best speaker.

Meeting the Comsofil BOD

Last week, TM Erlinda confided that the Comsofil's Board of Directors (BOD) accused me of setting up an organization that may directly compete with Comsofil. They said, Shutter's Guild (SG) has plans of teaching Advance Classes and would take the pool of students from Comsofil.

This false accusation shot my blood to sky high. It is not fair that they would make resolution or decide on anything affecting the SG without giving us due process. The way things are moving with Comsofil, I know they will never give us the chance. Hence, I decided to seek for an audience with the BOD to explain who we are. It was not easy to get the pass because initially, there was a resistance (I heard, coming from Ekart, Domeng Herras and Nora Lao) and only after the president (who was close to me) assured them that I will be neutral, they allowed my presence.

And yes indeed, tonight I stood my ground infront of 16 Comsofil BODs and presented my case. I tried to be polite but Ekart and Benjie gave me a hard time. They throw the kitchen sink, the toilet bowl and all the bad things towards me.

The meat of their inquisition are:
1. SG is directly positioning itself to compete with Comsofil
2. SG is affiliated with Filcom-IT. They claimed that they have evidence
3. SG is using the name of Comsofil without due authorization
4. Me as Comsofil instruction, has conflict of interest because I object to the idea of offering advance classes within Comsofil. They claim that I am planning to do this under SG.

In retaliation, I responded that all these accusations are false. I pointed out that:
1. SG does not compete with Comsofil because all it's member are graduates of Comsofil digital photo class
2. SG is not exclusive and hence may be affiliated to any organization not just Filcom-IT. SG will provide help or service to any community organization whenever invited.
3. SG members are product of Comsofil, hence they can and will use the Comsofil name whether the BOD likes it or not. I argued that unless there is a rule or resolution to say "do not use", we will continue.
4. I argued that photography advance classes is a wide province. Offering such classes would require heavy investments on gears, tools, and would require students to spend hours outside the classroom. Comsofil is not prepared for such requirement.

Despite answering all the question (and bad words) thrown to me, it seems that I failed to convince the two hyenas in the board - namely Ekart and Benjie Cabaya. When they run out of English word, they switch to native tongue (Tagalog) just to try running me to the ground. Combatant and defiant to the end, I stood tall and depended myself. I reminded them that this session should not be an inquisition but a session of clarification. After an hour of exchange of heated arguments, president Buddy finally broke his silence and allowed me to leave the session. He assured me that they will abide with the status quo until further notice.

After leaving the meeting, I felt relieved. Upon witnessing the BOD up close and personal, I now understand what are the kind of people who harangue the likes of TM Erlinda, TM Marlyn, TM Joseph, TM Rod, and Celso. Most of these so called officers are wanna-bees and posers, and I would like to emphasize - unqualified!

I felt so bad with they way they treated me in the session, I promised to run as Board of Director this coming December. I know I can win, and should it be granted... these amphibians will have there day in the sun.

Speechcraft with GBb 2010

As per tradition and just like what we have done in the past two years, PRTC once again sponsored a Speechcraft training with the Ginoo and Binibining Pilipinas 2010 Candidates. TM James spearheaded the training and tap the expertise of mommy pinky, myself, and TM Reina as resource speakers. We also provided the much needed tips and evaluations for each candidates as they answer series of table topics questions. I was impressed with this year's crop. They have a better quality of candidates in both physical and intellectual capacity. I could not help but commend Rani Basanta for his effort.

Unlike last year, we only have a one-day Speechcraft session. It was sad that we didn't have more time with the candidates. Had it been otherwise, we could have trained them better.

It was quick and I didn't had time to get to know the candidates. I honestly say, I didn't enjoy. Well... mommy said, she had a good time. Hehehe... bakit kaya?

that poging lamig asshole!

What would do if someone asked you to relinquish your prime parking slot to a less convenient area? Would you say yes, especially if you earned that prime slot after waiting for a year without any parking area? Of course not! That's definitely what I said when our gym-buff neighbor asked me this favor. He argued that his slot may be tight but it is closer for the door. He wants my slot because it can easily fit his new Toyota Sequoia. Oh, is that so? I just ignore (I actually hide) him.

But then, this poging laming (an assuming cool guy) keep bothering me with calls and even knocking on my door on wee hours. I already said no but he seems not to understand the meaning of "No". He keeps on disturbing us that my wife eventually begged that I give up and move on. I really hate the idea of giving up, but for the sake of having a peaceful coexistence with these insensitive windbags I eventually agreed.

Grrr.... I am still fuming with anger.

Basic Manual Project 2

Gee.. I am getting serious with this Basic Manual Take 2 thing.

I just delivered my project #2 of the Basic Manual this afternoon at Filcom-IT Toastmasters Club. The members gave me a thunderous applause after the speech, and my evaluator showered me with heaps of praises and accolade for the successful delivery. The eyes of new members were filled with enthusiasm and amazement, and I could say, I have inspired them.

But only if they knew, I was totally unprepared before the meeting. Minutes before I was called in front, I was asking TM Marlyn for a good topic for my speech. She told me to deliver a speech about my high school days, which I immediately outlined in my mind.

My speech was about my experience as a young boy who has trouble finding a date for the upcoming prom night. I related the ordeal, humiliation and pain that a teenager would feel when everyone rejected him. The highlight of the story is the conversation between the boy and father emphasizing on the size of heart rather than looks or riches. The twist of the speech - which serves as the conclusion - is my story of first dance, first kiss, and first love with the girl whom eventually I married in the future.

Hehehe... if only they knew of something else (that's my secret!)

Educational Sessions

My Friday schedule today was tight.

At 1pm, I attended the PSME meeting and conducted an Educational Session on Impromptu Speaking from the Better Speaker Series.

I didn't not finished the meeting because at 2pm, I have to deliver another Educational Session with Data-Fil Speechcraft. I delivered a 15 minutes session on Vocal Variety.

Then at 2:30, I proceeded to Future Generation International School to serve as judge on a Photo Exhibit competition conducted by UMIF (United Multimedia International Foundation).

And at 3:20pm, I went back to Al Taj International School to attend the Filcom-IT meeting. I was one of the prepared speech speaker.

At 5pm, I was too already too tired I decided to skip attending the PICPA Induction. I have no role there, anyway.

40 lbs in 3 Months

Wishful thinking, isn't?

But seriously, I want to loose 40 pounds by December of 2010. Not only for health reasons but I want too look good again.

Last week, my wife blurted out that I look not just ugly... but I am now despicable and loathsome. Coming from my wife, that is more than a double whammy on my face. I guess, she just voiced out what she was keeping in herself for a long time. I believe, this is the right time to address the situation.

Well if I will be successful, then I would be more presentable during our 25th year high school grand reunion. That would be a good motivation, eh?.

Mommy is Now Fine

Good relief. The doctor declared that mommy is now okay and very much ready for action. hehehe... not the action that you are thinking. I meant, mommy is now free to do her regular chores and routine.

Doctor Rowena Zaplan, mommy's OBY-GENE, conducted physical test and requested for several laboratory test since last week. This was actually our our third visit since mommy got sick last month. And finally today, doctor Rowena declared that the mass in her ovary has decreased to less than 2 centimeters. Meaning, mommy is healthy.

Yehey!!!!