Bulung Culiat

January 2023, Issue No.1

LO President

Kate Reyes-Romero

Editor-in-Chief

Charlene Mae M. Torres

Graphic and Layout Artists

Edinorenz Buan

Justin Lacson

Writer-Contributors

JCI Sen. Ma. Joyce V. Macaspac

Jester James Biluan

Paulina Zulueta

Gabriel De Luna

Marijon Pairez

About the Cover

The iconic “C” hand sign stands for Culiat, or sometimes burger, when members feel wacky. This issue, just like any other, celebrates a year that was for the chapter. But this time, it also celebrates a term that prioritizes the core of the organization – its members – more than anything else, as the 2023 BOD launches #CuliatForCuliat (more about this inside), which extends to every member’s family.

Happy new year and happy new term, brothers and sisters in JCI!

I hope 2023 is treating you well so far.

I personally felt pumped and excited entering the new year. It felt as if I were to enter a new world, someplace brighter with more positive energy. This might sound absurd to some because new year is literally a second away, but I guess there’s an inexplicable magic to it. It makes some of us feel more hopeful, more inspired, refreshed. It’s as if we’re leaving our baggage behind, and we take on a new journey feeling lighter.

This might not apply to all, though. Some of us treat the new year as just another day. Some of us did not celebrate and just went on with their routines. Some of us entered the new year with the same heavy and overwhelming feelings.

I cannot tell those who feel overwhelmed to chill and relax. I cannot tell those who journey with their baggage to just drop the weight. And I cannot for sure tell anyone to be okay, or make peace with whoever, whatever. What I do know is that there are people – your family and / or friends – or even organizations like JCI, that actually look after us and our well-being.

When Pres Kate personally laid down her vision for Culiat’s 2023 term to as many members she can personally reach, it hit me differently. Culiat has definitely produced sustainable, high-impact community projects over the years, but not as much focus on members’ needs and interests.

This is where Culiat for Culiat of the 2023 BOD enters. The mission of the program is simple – divert back the focus on the members, listen to their needs and wants, and in the capacity of the board, satisfy those interests.

Members will always be the core of the organization. The talents, the time and effort, the financial support – all these keep the chapter afloat, and as Culiat’s history proved, the members have put the chapter on the map, at the forefront of countless initiatives for countless communities.

I am a firm believer that people who feel valued are most productive. In a non-profit organization like JCI, appreciation goes a long way. That is what Culiat for Culiat would hopefully reflect and extend not only to the chapter’s members but to each of their family – husband, wife, parents, kids, friends.

So, if you feel overwhelmed with the many facets of life at this point, I hope you get the support system that you want. I hope that wherever you choose to be, you feel that you are valued.

Cheers!

Charlene Mae M. Torres Editor-in-Chief

2023 Bulung Culiat

To my dearest JCI Angeles City Culiat:

While I have thought that I have come full circle in being a Culiat member, the best is yet to come in my JCI life. It is with a humble heart that I embrace the role that you have granted me, to lead our chapter this 2023.

Like a mom aspiring for meaningful lives for her children, I have day dreamed for a Culiat community that would give a sense of belongingness to each member, a family that would support one another beyond the walls of our chapter, and a year that will celebrate the core of our organization – the MEMBERS. Thus, the Culiat for Culiat program is the seedling we wish to grow to bear fruits for our members this year and the years to come.

As the 2023 Board of Directors will be intentional in creating projects focusing on the members, we will continue to select community projects that are impactful and sustainable. To our members who have lost touch, help us rekindle the passion you once had by actively participating in at least 1 project this year. To the younger generation of Culiat, may you all spread your wings and fly our chapter to greater heights. You are the future of Culiat

I am claiming this year as one of the best years of my life. To be surrounded by men and women of incredible talents and to witness how you give your best, your time, and your efforts in every project, you all are my inspiration and I owe it to you to do more and be better. Thank you for your sacrifices and for your contributions. Thank you for choosing Culiat. Indeed, 2023 is OUR year. It’s about US all

I praise God for this gift to lead and to serve. I fervently pray that I may serve you well, thus, serve God well. May God bless you and your families with good health and more resources so we may all serve and be a blessing to our brothers and sisters in our community, in our city, in our nation, and in the world.

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Gallery: The Year That Was 2022: A lookback and a celebration

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Family First, Culiat First: Pres Kate’s vision for her 2023 term

HUMANS OF CULIAT Power, Grace, and Heart: A feature on Past President Paulita Gomez-Manabat

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Know your 2023 Culiat Board of Directors

HUMANS OF CULIAT Jerald Salazar, the boy wonder of Culiat.