Well, last tuesday Feb 03,2009 was the oath-taking of the WPPP new set of officers. We had invited fellow photographer Atty.Raymond Fortun to be our photo contest judge and Induction officer.The event was supposed to be formal and not the usual loose social club gathering.They asked me to prepare a speech which I've attached. It was such a memorable event for me cause this my last day as president of the organization. We started as usual with prayer and followed by dinner while registration of entries are done simultaneously . Madge Lejano was also invited to share a topic regarding photo make-up. It was a fun evening for us. Almost 100 percent attendance. Though, I still sit as a board-member and I get to head the Sports Committee. Below is the speech that night.For two years, it has been my honor to serve you.
Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey we have traveled together.
Allow me to share with you our achievements:
1. Photo Congress 7th 2007 were I have asked the help of Mr. Carlos Mariveles to help us find a foreign speaker and through Mr. Lito Sy we got Ryan and Martin Schembre
2. We have hired a professional accountant by the name of Cesar De Guzman.
3. We have doubled our membership by accepting new applicants.
4. We have renovated our website to rid of delinquent members.
5. We have revised the bi-laws that I believe you will approve tonight.
6. We have started a program were members are encouraged to share their skills and techniques in a 30min. presentation during club meetings.
Like all who became president before me, I have experienced setbacks. There were some decisions I have made that were good and some were bad.
For two years, we have so many plans and some pushed through and some did not.
We took some drastic measures to keep the club going and some even critized us but look we are still here together.
There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our club in mind.
I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right.
You may not agree with some decisions I have made.
But I hope you can agree that I was willing to take the risk.
There were also times were I felt giving up but in the end my friends advice prevailed.
Tonight I am filled with gratitude - to the board members of the 2006-2008.
Also I would like to thank you all for the trust you have given me and the board members.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve you as president.
I join you in offering my best wishes to President-elect Lito Sy and the new set of officers.
And so, my friends again I ask you, let us support the new set of officers. This is our club. We have to do something. Let us support one another.
Again I thank you and “MAY THE FLASH BE WITH YOU!”
