MEZ ONE by Jun Pinili

MEZ ONE THE MEZ1 TOASTMASTERS CLUB ANNUAL MAGAZINE

ISSUE 2021

page08 WELCOME TO THE MOVIES

page29 SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA

page39

ELECTRIC YOUTH © Cover Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

IN THIS ISSUE

Somewhere Beyond the Sea MEZ1 marks 2020 in style

Extra ! Extra

Club contests, achievements and everything in between

Welcome to the Movies

Sit back as we take you to the movies we loved this year

Messages from the District

Meet the New Executive Committee

Fresh Faces

Get to know the new members of MEZ1 Toastmasters

Electric Youth

MEZ1 Toastmasters Club’s Youth Leadership Program

“ Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual, we work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others. ”

Dr. Ralph C. Smedley Founder of Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Members pay international dues of 45 USD every six months, plus a one-time new member fee of 20 USD.

About MEZ1 Toastmasters A MEZ1 Toastmasters Club meeting is a fun, learn-by-doing workshop where members hone their speaking and leadership skills in a friendly atmosphere. The club, chartered in 2011, started out as a venue for Mactan Economic Zone employees to learn how to be better speakers. It has since expanded its membership base and now, as an open club, anyone over the age of 18 are welcome to join us. We meet every first and third Wednesdays of the month. Send us a message if you are interested to join one of our meetings.

With Toastmasters, the learning never stops. Join Toastmasters and you will: • • • • •

Improve your public speaking skills. Build leadership skills. Maximize your potential. Enjoy unlimited personal growth. Work on networking in a small and supportive environment. • Practice writing speeches and presenting in a group setting. • Gain a competitive advantage in the workplace. • Build self-confidence and self-awareness.

Talk to us through any of these channels: mez1tmc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ mez1tmc

he year 2020 was a year unlike any other for most of us. In a world transformed by a global pandemic, we all worked to adapt, recharge, and thrive. Even in this unusual year, MEZ1 Toastmasters Club still had many reasons to celebrate. We celebrated the resilience of our members. We celebrated the support from fellow Toastmasters, and we celebrate another year as a President’s Distinguished club. I had big shoes to fill when I started my term. MEZ1 Toastmasters has a proud tradition of excellence. As president, I was now part of a long line of leaders who have steered the club towards achieving the President’s Distinguished award year after year since it was chartered in 2011. It was an honor to be part of this group but it was also a worthwhile challenge. How could I convince our members to see value in Toastmasters during this pandemic? How could I keep the club running without meeting members face-to-face? How could I achieve our club goals when everyone’s time and resources are stretched thin?

The answer to all these questions was no. I could not. I could not do any of those things because it was never really about what “I” can do. Rather, it was all about what we, as one club working together, can achieve. We achieved our goals because of members putting in the effort to progress in their pathways. We achieved our goals because of mentors pushing us to work harder so that the club remains relevant. We achieved our goals because of the unprecedented level of help we received from fellow Toastmasters all over the Philippines and from all over the world. All this and many other individual acts of support built a stronger MEZ1 Toastmasters Club this year. As we start a new Toastmaster year we recognize that the work is never done. There is always room to grow and challenges to face. But, energized by our success, MEZ1 Toastmasters is ready to reach higher. I am confident that we will continue our winning streak simply because together, yes, we can! More power MEZ1 Toastmasters Club!

Jun Pinili

Immediate Past President MEZ1 Toastmasters Club

MEZ1 Toastmasters Club

Executive Committee 2020-21

Lucilo Junior Pinili President

Moises Cujardo

Sherwin Ochea

Chrischelle Lopez

Alpha Mae Del Mar

Renz Anthony Leda

Ramces Dungog

Vice-President for Education

Vice-President for Membership

Secretary

Vice-President for PR

Treasurer

Sergeant-at-Arms

“ The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails. ” -John Maxwell 7

It has been a year like no other. We may have stayed at home most of the time because of the pandemic, but there’s no denying that our horizons broadened as we opened the club to virtual visitors. In this unprecedented year, we chose to look at the silver linings and the silver screen as we shared our common love for great speeches and storytelling. This is the MEZ1 Toastmasters Club year.

WELCOME TO THE

Movies!

Installation of Officers and Induction of New Members Toastmaster of Evening: Carlan Gustilo Keynote Speaker: Grace Paras,DTM

JULY We kicked off the 2020-2021 Toastmaster year with a High School Musical themed installation of club officers and induction of new members. The slogan for the term was “MEZ1 and Beyond Expanding Horizons” and the club traveled far and wide virtually as we shared what MEZ1 is all about to fellow Toastmasters all over the world.

247th Regular Meeting: “Choices in Life”

246th Regular Meeting: “Dare to Dream”

Toastmaster of Evening: Moises Cujardo Game-master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Mico Enario

Toastmaster of Evening: Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM Table Topics Master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Joni Joy Dumasig

AUGUST

249th Regular Meeting: “Time Travel”

248th Regular Meeting: “Time Travel”

Toastmaster of Evening: Eva Marie Dano Table Topics Master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Muhd Hakim, DTM

Toastmaster of Evening: Ramces Dungog, DTM Guest Speaker: Josef Chiongbian General Evaluator: Jun Pinili

SEPTEMBER 251st Regular Meeting: “Live in the Moment”

250th Regular Meeting: “Who’s Your Disney Character?” Toastmaster of Evening: Renz Anthony Leda Table Topics Master: Eva Marie Dano General Evaluator: Charlie Domaoal

OCTOBER 253rd Regular Meeting: “Aha Moments” Toastmaster of Evening: Jun Pinili Table Topics Master: Renz Anthony Leda General Evaluator: Bernadeth Alalag

254th Regular Meeting: “Stay Healthy”

254th Regular Meeting: “Scary Nights” Toastmaster of Evening: Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM Table Topics Master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Ann Margaret Danga, DTM

MEZ1 and TCMD Joint Meeting: “Silent Battles” Toastmaster of Evening: Jesse Bestre Table Topics Master: Moises Cujardo General Evaluator: Liza Parantac

NOVEMBER A spooktacular November as MEZ1 embraced all things scary during its Halloween meeting. In the same month, we also had the chance to hold a joint meeting with our friends from Toastmasters Club of Metro Dagupan

DECEMBER

JANUARY It’s club contest season and our members brought their A-game as they vied for top slots in the Table Topics, Speech Evaluation, Humorous Speech, and International Speech categories.

FEBRUARY 257th Regular Meeting: “Love Actually” Toastmaster of Evening: Eva Marie Dano Table Topics Master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM 258th Regular Meeting: “The Fault in Our Stars” Toastmaster of Evening: Moises Cujardo Table Topics Master: Renz Anthony Leda General Evaluator: Tatum Navarro

MARCH 259th Regular Meeting: “Days of Summer” Toastmaster of Evening: Renz Anthony Leda Table Topics Master: Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM General Evaluator: Lisa Chan, DTM

260th Regular Meeting: “The Perks of a Wallflower” Toastmaster of Evening: Jun Pinili Table Topics Master: Pat Paculanang General Evaluator: Joni Joy Dumasig

261st Regular Meeting: “Eat. Pray. Love” Toastmaster of Evening: Jun Pinili Table Topics Master: Chrischelle Lopez General Evaluator: Andrew Ceniza

APRIL

262nd Regular Meeting: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” Toastmaster of Evening: Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM Table Topics Master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Mimi Borromeo

MAY

263rd Regular Meeting: “Mamma Mia” Toastmaster of Evening: Sherwin Ochea Table Topics Master: Jun Pinili General Evaluator: Gina Mapua, DTM

264th Regular Meeting: “Slumdog Millionaire”

265th Regular Meeting: “The Matrix”

Toastmaster of Evening: Pat Paculanang Table Topics Master: Sherwin Ochea General Evaluator: Celeste Ganaba

Toastmaster of Evening: Carlan Gustilo Table Topics Master: Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM General Evaluator: Alvin Isais

266th Regular Meeting: “Rebel Without a Cause” Toastmaster of Evening: Renz Anthony Leda Table Topics Master: Chrischelle Lopez General Evaluator: Sherwin Ochea

JUNE

267th Regular Meeting: “Life is Beautiful” Toastmaster of Evening: Jun Pinili Table Topics Master: Pat Paculanang General Evaluator: Sherwin Ochea

Greetings fellow Toastmasters! The collaboration among the members of MEZ1 Toastmasters Club brought forth the many distinctions it has achieved. Becoming a President’s Distinguished Club is no easy task but it is a testament to the dedication of its members. Cheers to the year that has been and congratulations.

Evelyn Olmilla, DTM Division I Director

Leading Division I in the midst of the pandemic has been a herculean task for me. At the start of my term as your Division I Director, I was conservative with the goals that I initially set for the Division. As I reflected, I came into a clear discernment to trust the incredible area directors, club leaders, and club members. It was a paradigm shift for me when I learned to put my faith on all the leaders of Division I as they have proven their resourcefulness, perseverance, and tenacity. It is with great humility that I am sending this message to you, leaders and members of MEZ1 Toastmasters Club, to thank you and congratulate you for showing strength and brilliance all through out. I hope that my words could do justice as to how grateful I am for your contributions to the success of Division I. Let’s continue to move forward and move together. More Power! Sending thoughts of health and peace,

Joene Omega, DTM

Immediate Past Division I Director

MEZ1 TMC ROSTER OF MEMBERS

• Alpha Mae Del Mar, DTM • Chrischelle Lopez, VC4 • Carlan Gustilo, EC5 • Eva Marie Dano • Geff Sagala, DTM • Geoffrey Naldoza, VC2 • Jalandoni Oliveros, DTM • Jessica Marie Rosales • Lucilo Junior Pinili, PM3 • Maribel Cabanday, IP4 • Mat Jason Solmeron, CL • Mimi Borromeo, CC, ALB • Nino Sepulveda, VC2 • Patricia Paculanang, PMI • Ruth Padungao • Renz Anthony Leda, EH2, SR3 • Rene Huyo-a, DL5 • Sherwin Ochea, LD3 • Sophia Del Mar • Veronica Paclibar, DTM

The MEZ1 Toastmasters Club Year ender

Somewhere Beyond the S

Sea

e ushered the holiday season with a resort-themed year end party at the Cebu Yacht Club. After almost a year of only meeting virtually on Zoom, club members were all eager to finally see each other face-to-face. It was fun catching up, trading stories and enjoying the novelty of seeing each other in person once again. We exchanged holiday gifts and we also witnessed Toastmaster Ramces Dungog as he completed his Level 5 Pathways project. Overall a fantastic, memorable, and much needed hopeful ending to the year that was 2020. Food, fresh breezes, and familiar faces. What more could you we ask for? Cheers to more good times ahead!

ongratulations to MEZ1 Toastmasters club for another successful year last term finishing Presidents Distinguished. Indeed, the success of your club is a testament of the hard work of your officers and members. You should all be proud. Leading a club, especially during these precarious times is not easy. It’s like love, it can be complicated. But just as we don’t give up on love, I am so happy that you also didn’t give up despite the challenges and instead you thrived. Congratulations to President Jun Pinili and your team. I hope leading this club last term has given you memories and lessons you will cherish in years to come. To president Sherwin Ochea and the rest of the new officers. I wish you success, more learnings and lots of memories ahead. Enjoy every moment in your leadership journey. They say success is a journey, not a destination. As you start another year of conducting quality meetings, evaluating each other speeches and building a strong community of support within your club. Remember to enjoy the moments. Wishing you all even more memories of success this coming term. Stay happy, stay healthy, stay in love … with Toastmasters.

Richard Cua Ho, DTM District 75 Director

“ Stay happy, stay healthy, stay in love… with Toastmasters ”

ear Toastmasters Members of MEZ1 Toastmasters, congratulations on your events and meetings that benefited our members, keeping them fully engaged in this virtual platform. It gives me great pleasure to join you on this feat of your achievements. This year, our journey as a Toastmasters family amidst the challenges has brought remarkable triumphs to our members’ growth and development. Our organization has continuously offered many opportunities both in communication and leadership skills. Teamwork and collaboration blossomed. New resiliency evolved. Most of us become more courageous and fearless. I take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation to the officers for their passion and dedication. Thank you for the perseverance and stamina that you poured in order to serve our club and our members. As servant leaders, you are the beacon of hope, guiding our members in these unprecedented times.

“What we have gained, we spring it out for others to experience what we have received.”

I encourage everyone to continue to be an inspiration to one another. I call upon every member and leader to spread the benefits of Toastmasters. What we have gained, we spring it out for others to experience what we have received. Let this be our legacy. United We Achieve. Stay safe. Take care.

Marilyn Legaspi, DTM

Immediate Past District 75 Director

The New Faces of MEZ1 Toastmasters

Our club is growing and we can’t wait to witness the fresh energy our new members will bring to the club this year.

appy New Toastmaster Year, MEZ1 TMC! It was an uncomfortable year for all of us at the same time it was a learning experience. It is in the times of discomfort that we all learn best and discover more about ourselves, isn’t it?

“Remember no pressure, no diamonds. Let us all be comfortable doing the uncomfortable.”

As a member, let us try to prepare for our projects, as a club officer, serve our club diligently, it is a learning opportunity. And as a Toastmaster, let’s get involved. Participate in club activities, join contests win or lose it doesn’t matter and, finally in this new platform – let’s all go club hopping. I’m glad this new platform allowed us to club hop. To our new members, I know it will be uncomfortable at the very start but it is the only way to fast-track learning and maximize our membership in Toastmasters, club hopping is an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals with the common goal -that is to better oneself. Remember no pressure, no diamonds. Let us all be comfortable doing the uncomfortable. Happy 10th year club anniversary, MEZ1 TMC!

Nino Sepulveda

District 75 Club Growth Director

ongratulations to MEZ1 Toastmasters Club for achieving the President’s Distinguished Club award! This is definitely a remarkable accomplishment considering the challenges and competing priorities during this difficult period. Aside from attaining 10 DCP goals at charter strength, your club members have effectively performed leadership roles as district officers and club coaches that led to growth and empowerment of more Toastmasters. As we move forward to the new Toastmaster year, we are faced with similar concerns but we now have a better perspective having survived the previous term with flying colors. As the author Joseph Campbell said, opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging. Despite the adversities during this pandemic period, there is silver lining and a lot of opportunities for all of us.

“With commitment, optimism and passion, let us once again face these difficulties head on and make this Toastmaster year the best year in our history.”

With commitment, optimism and passion, let us once again face these difficulties head on and make this Toastmaster year the best year in our history. Because here in District 75, together, yes we can!

Jasmine Encarnacion, DTM District 75 Program Quality Director

Electric Youth MEZ1 Toastmasters’ Youth Leadership Program

EZ1 Toastmasters Club introduced a new crop of promising speakers to the podium when it launched the 2020 Youth Leadership program (YLP). The YLP introduces young people under the age of 18 to leadership and public speaking in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The 2020 participants delivered speeches and organized the meetings while learning valuable leadership skills under the guidance of experienced MEZ1 Toastmasters Club members. We are excited to witness the growth of all the YLP participants as they form their very own Gavel Club this year.

MENTORS:

YOUTH LEADERS:

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Alpha Mae Del Mar Carlan Gustilo Eva Marie Dano Ramces Dungog Judy Gay Kare Nino Kare Rongie Abella Vasu Chava Veronica Paclibar Geoffrey Naldoza Sherwin Ochea Joenelene Omega Sophia Del Mar

Iain Andre Rafael T. Dakay Zu Klein Ishmael T. Dakay Sven Axl Navarro Jakob Emmanuel Yap Dara Monica Sanico Elijah Gallenero Erwin Matthew Acla Erwin Marcus Acla Maxine Eloise Acla Erwin Mikhail Acla David Santos

Another banner year for MEZ1 Toastmasters Club, the home of leaders and achievers!

LEVEL 1 AWARDEES:

LEVEL 3 AWARDEES:

• • • •

• Ochea, Sherwin • Pinili, Lucilo Junior

Del Mar, Alpha Mae Dungog, Ramces Leda, Renz Anthony Paculanang, Patricia Keziah

LEVEL 2 AWARDEES: • • • •

Leda, Renz Anthony Pinili, Lucilo Junior Gustilo, Carlan Del Mar, Alpha Mae

LEVEL 4 AWARDEES: • Gustilo, Carlan • Dungog, Ramces LEVEL 5 AWARDEES: • Dungog, Ramces, Strategic Relationships • Gustilo, Carlan, Effective Coaching

The Past Presidents of

MEZ1 Toastmasters Club

A message from Area 2 Director Geoffrey Naldoza during the induction and installation ceremony I am here to install the new set of officers of MEZ1 Toastmasters Club who will lead the club to become a President’s Distinguished Club on or before the Toastmaster year ends. Your collective challenge as officers of MEZ1 Toastmasters Club is to make this club strong, be dedicated and passionate in helping members, to listen with sensitivity, and to think creatively as you rise to the challenges ahead. As each officer virtually holds the gavel, be reminded that the gavel is a symbol of leadership, authority, and commitment to your office. From the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer and to the Sergeant-at-Arms, you stand before the members and the organization today committed to lead with all your strengths and talents. The path ahead as officers might be laden with challenges especially in this uncertain period but I have seen MEZ1 TMC’s resilience and fighting spirit. To the new set of officers, you have a legacy to continue. The whole district will just be here to support you because together, yes we can!

Geoffrey Naldoza Area 2 Director

From the President’s Desk Happy 10th year Anniversary MEZ1 Toastmasters Club! It is my honor to take up the cudgels of leadership and lead MEZI Toastmasters Club into another year of reaching higher. For the past ten years, MEZ1 Toastmaster’s Club has been reaching greater heights and growing leaps and bounds. The club’s notable and consistent distinction as a President’s Distinguished Club since its inception, is a testament of the club’s culture of excellence, teamwork and dedication. My appreciation to all the Club Past Presidents and officers, who laid the path before us and made MEZ1 Toastmasters Club what it is today. As incoming President, the feat is one hard act to follow, putting intense pressure on me and the rest of the officers to replicate and continue the tradition of excellence. However, what keeps me moving is the nurturing support of devoted club mentors and passionate members whose contribution in achieving the club goals, I can surely count on. With the struggles, challenges and uncertainties brought about by this pandemic, there is only one certain truth that will continue to emerge – MEZI will continue to shine in its quest for excellence and as a club will continue to reach higher! Congratulations and more power!

Photo Credits: Cover Page:

MEZ1 Toastmasters Club

Executive Committee 2021-22 Alpha Mae Del Mar

Patricia Paculanang

Carlan Gustilo

Chrischelle Lopez

Vice-President for Education

Vice-President for Membership

Sophia Del Mar Secretary

Vice-President for PR

Treasurer

Renz Anthony Leda Sergeant-at-Arms

f o s d n e i r f e h t m o r f Messages

1 Z ME

B U L C S R E T S A M T TOAS

Congratulations MEZ1 Toastmasters Club for an amazing TI Year 2020 – 2021! The achievements that you have made did not come by accident. They are products of hard work, dedication to serve the members, and love for Toastmasters. As in-charge of the District’s Rewards and Recognition program, it always gives me this wonderful feeling every time I prepare a lot of pins and ribbons to be given to achieving members of the club. And as I download the reports from the Toastmasters International dashboard, it is always in anticipation of seeing achievements from MEZ1 Toastmasters Club. This consistent winning spirit demonstrated by your club truly deserves to be recognized. Again, my sincerest congratulations to the current officers and members of MEZ1 Toastmasters Club. And I wish nothing but only the best for this coming TI Year 2021 – 2022. Soar high MEZ1 TMC!”

Cecile Briggs Mosqueda Immediate Past D75 Administrative Manager

Pandemic TI Year didn’t stop us from leveling up ourselves. Fellow toastmasters, friends, we move mountains in terms of leveling up ourselves. I am grateful that I have with me in our club, dedicated and talented officers, members and fellow toastmasters friends who stood by our club, area, division. The time, effort and Internet cost they share to still continue to attend meetings, actively participating roles, open heart and mind of mentees and selfless impart of experience from mentors on how great speech content and delivery be achieved. With gratitude and the willingness to sharpen one’s saw is what keeps me attending Toastmasters meetings and events. For 10 years being in this great leadership organization, my being human is freely expressed in this group of fellow learners. We expressed our own stories, we are helped on how to refine and develop further especially if you did not place in a contest. Every effort is counted and the value of respect, gratitude is the greatest food for our mind, heart despite pandemic TI Year wherein we only meet Toastmasters family and friends online. If faced with challenges, fiercely face it just as we have done this 2020-2021.

Aquiiisa Chan, DTM Past Division I Director

In this time where a personal meeting isn’t possible, we all strive to learn how to adapt and collaborate better and I salute MEZ1 TMC as it is one those clubs that is able to do that with ease as it continues to hold quality and fun-filled meetings. Congratulations!

Andrew Ceniza Area I4 Director This pandemic has wrought havoc to life as we knew it. We will NOT get defeated. Our country will survive this. WE will survive this. We will adapt and make changes tailored to our abilities. Like MEZ1 and Carigara Bay, we will find success using our resources at hand. The Toastmasters spirit will keep us going forward ...careful but unafraid. Let us have another good year!!! Let us all work to be President’s Distinguished Club NEXT year.

Wilma Rosen

Division I Club Growth Director Never stop learning because the best investment you can give to yourself is education. Don’t strive to be better, but strive for excellence. MEZ1 is an upbeat TM club and gives a good vibe. It is fun learning with them.

Bernadette Ancog Immediate Past Division C Club Growth Director

MEZ1 TMC has always been special to the hearts of the members of Mactan TMC. Our shared aspirations and struggles as community clubs bring us closer together. Stay strong as a club where champion speakers and great leaders are made. May your club shine brighter to inspire more.

Rongie Abella

Immediate Past Area I4 Director

I feel it is a humbling yet privileged experience to serve my Toastmasters community! Being a Toastmaster has changed my life! Toastmasters is not just a public speaking club....It’s a way of life! Every Toastmaster is special. Let’s show our strength and unity for Toastmasters International

Camille Tan-Bagalay Area I3 Director

It was my dream to travel around the world, but my condition didn’t allow me to do that. During this Pandemic I achieved my dream, not just visited other country but I learned so much in my Toastmaster Journey. In Toastmaster i learned not only how to be a better speaker, but I learned how many people want to speak but nobody want to hear, and joining Toastmaster make their words heard. Learning from others personal experience made me learn a lot and become a positive in my action. Now i don’t have to attend so many motivation classes or speech class. In one toastmasters club I can get everything. Toastmaster change my life! I hope everyone can feel the experience that i had.

Eliza Yullionaire Rocher EH5, MS4 DL3 A2 AD D80, VPE HORIZON TMC D80 VPE Jurong Green English TMC D80 Club coach The Speaker’s Lounge D93

In truth, I’ve visited MEZ1 TMC only a few times, but I did get the impression that this is a strong club. The atmosphere was warm, and the toastmasters are sharp. It seems to be a breeding ground of champion speakers and responsible leaders. I’m so grateful for the chance to practice my speech for the district contest and receive valuable feedback.

Randy Sumalinog

Immediate Past Area Director