My simple life in JCI

It was year 2007 when I started my journey in JCI. My husband, Vincent encouraged me to join as another excuse for him so he can have the liberty of being a member as well. (ok, he succeeded on that)  At first, it didn’t sync-in to my mind- What is JCI? Why am I here, attending the OTS?  Before, it was called Opportunity to Succeed, now New Members Orientation or NMO for new members. Back then all I needed was to have an extra-curricular activity from my boring life of being an employee. And after all, I wanted to hone my skills on training, which JCI has to offer me (which I only knew of). Little did I know, JCI is a volunteer organization with over thousands of members nationwide. This is the young active citizens aiming to Be Better and Improve oneself for every opportunity the organization cater. If you attended your NMO and seriously listened to the 4 areas of Opportunity, you must absorb all of them- by heart.  And you will understand what JCI is all about. Realizing this, it is not just about me as a member to improve-- but your community as well, to be exact.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

2008 OUTSTANDING NEW JCI MEMBER (AREA III)

When I joined JCI, what struck me most in the OTS, was the opportunity to be a Trainer. I figured out, I can excel on this area.  On that same year, I attended the last JCI Prime in Cebu City during the National Convention on which was the first step that gave me a license to train “legally” in JCI.  I was then a JCI Baby member at that time and enjoying the networks of JCI friends nationwide.  In  2008, I became the Secretary of my own local organization, JCI Naga Carinosa. Being so hyped and active throughout the year gave me this recognition to become Area III’s MOST OUTSTANDING NEW JCI MEMBER and winner in the Public Speaking Competition. In 2009, I became the chapter’s Local President which gave us enormous SOLAC and NATCON Awards. During that year, JCI Naga Carinosa bagged 6^th place in the JCIPEA National Ranking.

OUTSTANDING JCI NATIONAL TRAINER
2012 National Convention  Legazpi City

What didn’t stop me from being active member was my training career. In 2010, I became Certified Local Trainer and REGIONAL TRAINING DIRECTOR of JCI Bicol Region.  As I continued this career, again I was recognized as Area III’s OUTSTANDING JCI TRAINER (Merit) during the Southern Luzon Area Con in 2010. When I became Certified National Trainer, I continued to practice locally and in the national level, I was again recognized the MOST OUTSTANDING JCI TRAINER of 2012 both in Southern Luzon Dangal Awards and National Convention’s Temiong Awards.  

It was a lot of hard work and patience to be able to achieve these awards. One cannot achieve all of it if not because of the support of my JCI Naga Carinosa family, friends in JCI and of course, my husband.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

2009 Major Award "Tabang Year 2", TOP 6 JCIPEA
@JCI National Convention (Palawan) during my term as LO President

It was in the year 2010, when NP Van Torrevillas appointed me as JCI MAXX NATIONAL CHAIRMAN.  JCI Maxx is the National Program of JCI Philippines which aims to promote the business of every JCI Member and entitles a member- an access to discounts and other benefits.  It is therefore designed and endeavors to create an effective and interactive entrepreneurial community that will give maximum benefits for JCI members, partner merchants and the JCI Organization.

As National Chairman, I was able to consolidate 300+ merchants nationwide with over 20 chapters who participated in the program.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

Inauguration @ Dakak, AreaCon and NatCon Awards

During my term as Local President, we had several community programs which is until now we have been working on. The legacy of Past President Leah Soriano-Alingog’s projects has been continued since then. The award winning projects like Read to Live and Tabang sa Satuyang Tugang which has been running for almost 5 years, will continue until there is JCI Naga Carinosa.

2 Teach is @ Change a Life 4ever is the FIRST recipient
of BEST SOCIAL CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AWARD
2010 Temiong Awards @ Tacloban

One of the most memorable project which I chaired was, “2 Teach is 2 Change a Life 4ever”. This project is in partnership with Chevron and Department of Education. I was the Project Chairman of this project which earned the very FIRST recipient of BEST SOCIAL CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AWARD during the 2010 National Convention in Tacloban City.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

2009 AreaCon Awards during my term as LO President

For me, Networks and Resources goes hand in hand to achieve this opportunity.

First is, Networks:  I gain a lot of friends JCI. I don’t deny the fact that there are some unavoidable misunderstandings and lowest point in our lives as we come across with some people who are drowned in politics and some issues. And that happens almost to everyone of us, even other organization…but life goes on. On a positive note, I am grateful to have so many good friends in JCI, you know who you are! *wink!

And then, Resources: I remember when I was attending some JCI functions they always invite for an opportunity to travel not only locally but internationally. Well of course all the International Conventions are but opportunity right?  I attended my first Asia Pacific Convention in Nagano, Japan when I was the LO President. After that, I felt like I need to stop from there because it’s really that expensive going out of the country especially when it has to come from your own pockets. Let’s admit it, that sometimes being a JCI member you need to have enough financial resources back up. I am not discouraging some of you, but it’s a fact. You need to invest for yourself. You will see the result when you totally absorb all the opportunities that are being presented in front of you.

MOVING ON

2009 Asia Pacific Conference in Nagano, Japan

My experience in JCI has taught me to be confident in any aspect or degree of whatever life has to offer.  With all these achievements what else can I ask for. I only wish and pray that in the coming years my organization will continue to be better and outstanding in every way for our community.I may have wished I can still be an active member running around in all our local projects. Who knows, maybe I will or, maybe not today. My fellow carinosas may have wished I can still be with them today but they know I am always there behind supporting every endeavor they have today…For me the 6 fruitful years of being active in JCI is a journey short-lived because I still want to continue the legacies of our past presidents. The individual, community and business programs for the future members.  But I know, the present leadership will continue and try to  relive our projects as long as the organization exist.