Page 42 - PowerPoint Presentation

Woman of Substance
How long can you serve as IIW Board Director? A
Board Director may serve for a maximum of 2
years only, but must be elected annually.
You have reached the top ladder as far as IWCPI
is concerned. Presently, you are serving on your
second year as a member of the International
Board of Directors. My question is: where do see
yourself in IWCPI five years from now? I will
continue to serve in Committees where the
National President will appoint me, like the current situation.
CoNomElec, Constitution, etc. Having served as
IIWC Board Director qualifies me for nomination as
Treasurer, Constitution Chair, Vice-President or
President. The only Filipina Inner Wheel member
who became IIW President was Esther Vibal for the
Inner Wheel Year 1983-1984, and that was 37
years ago.
Don’t you think this Organization is redundant,
especially that Rotary International has opened
its doors and has been aggressively campaigning
for the recruitment of women, also noting that
both organizations have similar aspirations?
Many IW members were invited to join Rotary but
opted not to become members because they
cannot attend the weekly meetings usually held in
the evening. They prefer IW, where they meet
only once a month, and where projects/activities
are done during the daytime. Those who joined
Rotary have not given up their membership in IW
because they think that all-women fellowship is
different, as it is fun and enjoyable.
Is Inner Wheel still relevant? IW members
selflessly conducted projects during this COVID-19
pandemic. We are the modern-day heroines who
choose to become relevant in our society. In these
tough and challenging times, we can still help and
make a difference. We have shown that no virus
can stop us from helping and caring for others.
This is what we do best, and for many of us,
helping others, especially those in need, has
become a way of life for us. Is Inner Wheel still
relevant? I say with conviction, a resounding yes, it
is very much relevant. It is relevant before,
will need our help, and we will always be there to
help. (This is an excerpt of my speech delivered at
the National Induction of IWCPI last July 11, 2020)
What is the secret of a member’s longevity in an
organization? The secret to longevity in an
organization is the adherence of the members to its
vision, mission, and core values. But at the same
time, members must be able to accept and adapt to
We should welcome and
embrace changes, such as what is happening now
during this pandemic. Leaders should be the ones to
bring about change and not simply watch things
change. (This is an excerpt of my speech delivered at
the virtual induction of D383 last July 15, 2020)
Another element that stands out is your very loving
relationship with Past District Governor Jun. How
did you meet? How long did it take him to dribble to
his goal? When you finally said yes, when did you
get married? Where was the honeymoon? Jun and I
were classmates in the CPA Review School. I got his
attention because of my long hair. He thought I had
discipline because according to him, his two sisters
played with their hair. At one point they had long hair,
then they cut them, and then curled them. My hair
has always been long. As for me, he caught my
interest when he topped the pre-board exams. He
became very popular after being # 1 in the Pre-Board.
I asked around who Farcon was and when I eventually
saw him, I must admit that I was judgmental. I told
myself, “He does not look smart at all.” Maybe
because he was very quiet, sitting at the last row at
the back. I was not attracted to him yet at that time.
It was when he asked my seatmate to be introduced
to me that I got to see him up close. He was actually
handsome, very reserved and dignified looking. He
then volunteered to bring me home because I lived in
San Juan and he, conveniently, stayed in Cubao. He
was surprised to learn from my friends that I have not
had any boyfriend. As considerate as he was, he did
not court me yet because he did not want to distract
me. After the review and the board exams ended, we
went on our separate ways.
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