If anyone were to ask me to say something about JCI Kagayhaan Gold., I’d relate the following:

The JCI can be a pain in the @#$! I mean literally, from sitting too long in meetings. I don’t know if it’s tradition or just plain SOP, but meetings naturally start two hours later than scheduled. And as if the delay isn’t bad enough, discussions seem to drag forever, your only assurance that it ends at all is the fact that your chosen venue closes at 10:00 that evening.

The JCI is some wallet opener. There always seems to be a cost attached to everything, e.g., affiliation/ LO dues, meeting meals, miscellaneous activity assessment fees, just to name a few. Add that up to JCI uniforms, and a possible follow up to this spending spree: prescribed JCI calling cards?

The JCI is an endless string of work, WORK, and WORK. After completing my initiation project as a Baby JCI, I thought I earned three months break. Well, vacation my foot! I ended up heading two committees and two subcommittees instead, and almost concurrently at that. Hello . . . do I strike anyone as Japanese?

Sometimes I wonder if JCI also accounts for my insomnia. This article, in particular, is a product of one of those sleepless nights. Also, I wonder if it is the reason for my being a free agent still. Perhaps I am spending too much time with the chapter that I can no longer effectively schedule dates (as if anyone has asked).

So, the obvious follow up question is: SO WHY STICK WITH IT? Precisely! Well, let me just tell you this: I may be crazy, but I’m not stupid. Of course, I choose to remain a JCI Member despite everything because I share the same basic principles embodied in the JCI Creed (huh?), believe in the leadership training and learning opportunities it provides (come again?), and appreciate the genuine friendship (and perhaps more) fostered among fellow JCI members (now, you’re talking).

In other words, all this fretting is not to discourage anyone in pursuing JCIism, but rather to demonstrate just how it is all worth it. If you remember your cost-benefit analysis lectures in college, you’ll understand what I mean. Besides, if I just go right ahead and discuss the previous paragraph at length, I’ll end up with a boring article.

I guess this is how the maxim JCI FEVER was coined. Man, it is really some kind of madness finding yourself taking up all sorts of challenges just to be all that you can be. It is also adrenalin-pumping doing encore Wanna Be performances in midriffs. It is almost addictive, too, as in you can’t seem to get off it until you’ve earned lifetime membership (or you get married, unless of course if the spouse is also a JCI member).

Well, if all this nonsense is not enlightening enough, then I have but seven last words for you: CLICK THE BUTTON THAT SAYS “JOIN US”!

(writer’s note: this article was originally conceived as a personal account of KGJCI life supposedly to be addressed to and encourage prospective Baby JCIs to pursue JCI Kagayhaan Gold membership)

Another big one for JCI Kagayhaan Gold! The chapter is very proud to have four (4) new JCI Senators which was awarded during the JCI Asia-Pacific Conference (ASPAC) held in Manila, Philippines in May 26-29, 2011.

The newly awarded JCI Senators were also inducted in the circle of JCI Senators in Cagayan de Oro City last July 14, 2011 at Max’s Restaurant in the presence of JCI Philippines Senate President.

JCI Senatorship provides a unique means for recognizing the outstanding achievements of current or past members to honor them for their outstanding service to Chapter as well as to the Junior Chamber International as a whole. Not all members can be awarded with this honor which can only be bestowed once in a lifetime, enough reason
to cause a celebration for JCI Kagayhaan Gold!

Kudos to:

• PNVP/PP JCI Senator Aileen A. Parojinog – JCI Sen. # 70660
• PP Michael C. Abonitalla – JCI Sen. # 70662
• PP Magi Caroline Ann T. Mendoza – JCI Sen. # 70663
• Past Nat’l Training Comm. Helen Grace P. Uy – JCI Sen. # 70664

What greater opportunity can you get in attending an International Conference right at your doorstep? Indeed, it was a great opportunity for Kagayhaan Gold members as well as other Local Organizations of JCI Philippines to attend the JCI Asia-Pacific Conference (ASPAC) right here in our own home court, Philippines!

Held on May 26-29, 2011 at Manila, the 2011 ASPAC hosted by the oldest JCI Chapter in the Philippines, JCI Manila was attended by an estimated 3,500 delegates from all over the Asia Pacific Region. Amongst the delegates are members of Kagayhaan Gold who took the opportunity to mingle with other JCI members, participated in the welcome night, attended various trainings, national parties, general assemblies, and the gala conference ball. It was also the opportunity to have our picture taken with 2011 JCI World President JCI Sen. Kentaro Harada!

A conference such as this aims to bring together individuals with different colored skins, living in different places, and having different beliefs work for the betterment of society. The brotherhood of men transcends the sovereignty of nations, indeed.

JCI Kagayhaan Gold’s Monument of Peace was given facelift and was unveiled in line with the 2011 JCI Week Celebration on April 10-16. The current Local Organization (LO) Board has seen the need to refurbish the said monument situated at Bulua junction, one of the main thoroughfares of Cagayan de Oro City. With its reinvention,
the structure does not only serve as a Monument of Peace but now as a JCI Marker as well.

The marker serves as a solid reminder to all Kagayhaan Gold members to carry out the purpose of JCI, as what JCI Founder Henry Giessenbier states: “From within the walls of the soul of this organization, wherein the foundations of character and citizenship are laid, I hope a message will come forth in the sometime of tomorrow that will stir the people toward the establishment of a permanent and everlasting world peace”

The 2011 JCI Asia Pacific Conference will be held in our country at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. The time is fast approaching that will be happening on May 26 to 29, 2011 so register now to experience the world class event of Junior Chamber International.

JCI Kagayhaan Gold’s (JCIKG) incoming President for 2011 joins  the pack of incoming presidesnts from the different Local Organizations of JCI Philippines for the 11th JCIP Presidents Academy held in Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City on October 5-6, 2010.

Participated in by almost 100 LO Presidents from all parts of the Philippines, the Academy aims to gear up the incoming Presidents for 2011 for their “One Year to Lead”.  National Training Director (NTD) JCI Mem. Kenneth Kabingue, CNT, Head Trainer JCI Sen. Mennen Aracid, ITF, and the rest of the Training Team made sure that at the end of the academy, the participants will be well equipped in dealing with each of their respective Local Organization.

The academy gave emphasis on the Chapter’s Cycle and FAMe: The Chapter Triple Bottomline, to guide the participants on what to expect and how to device plans for their one year to lead. FAMe stands for the three (3) essential factors to make up an ideal chapter: Finance, Administration, and Membership.

The Incoming Board of Kagayhaan Gold for 2011 with JCI Mem. Mary Jossel Dispo on it’s helm, consists of determined and dedicated individuals for the following positions: JCI Mem. Michael Tuyan – EVP; JCI Mem. Franco Catajoy – VP Individual; JCI Mem. Sky Love Agot – VP Community; PP Cristina Maagad – VP Business; JCI Mem. (Atty.) Paul Saberon – VP International; JCI Mem. Jason Alcudia – Secretary; JCI Mem. Christina Pabelic – Treasurer; JCI Mem. Shanili Pajo – Asst. Sec.; JCI Mem. January Tomawis – Auditor; JCI Mem. Albert Camaddo – PIO; JCI Mem. John Traya – Chapter Training Director; PP Michael Abonitalla – Historian/IT Director; PP Aileen Parojinog – Parliamentarian; and JCI Mem. Luzmar Gabor – IPP

Adopting the NOM’s thrust for 2011, the 23rd Board of JCIKG stands as 1 TEAM – with 1 GOAL that is,  TO BE BETTER!

Come to the 62^nd JCI Philippines National Convention in Tacloban City (October 7-9, 2010) where all the JCIP members will convene and share the best practices, forge new and better friendships and/or business partnerships. The JCI conventions such as this one are designed with full of fun learning experience as one can say. One of the highlights of the convention is the giving of recognitions to the most outstanding programs and achievements of the all the JCIP local organizations in the prestigious award giving body called the “Temiong Awards” which falls every 2^nd night of the annual convention. For those wondering where the name came from, Temiong Awards is called as such after the father of Asian Jayceeism and founder of JCI Philippines, the great man JCI Sen. Artemio Vergel de Dios in 2007 by our National President Maeng Penado. The trophy symbolizes honesty and humility.

This time, JCI Kagayhaan Gold, again has successfully made a mark in the entire organization by winning 2 major awards since in 2008. The winning programs are the 1^st Cagayan de Oro Speech Olympics as the Best Youth Activities Program which is a personal advocacy of JCI Sen. Herbert Glenn Reyes and is chaired by Past President Arvin Don Bandojo. The other one is this website www.JCIKG.org as the Best JCI Local Website which is sponsored by JCI Sen. Mennen Aracid, ITF 106 and is designed and maintained by Past President Michael Abonitalla. The winning programs will yet be again tested for its integrity as it will compete as an official entry of JCI Philippines to the 2011 Asia & the Pacific Conference (ASPAC) come May 2011 in Manila.

JCI Kagayhaan Gold members in attendance during this year’s NatCon are Past Presidents JCI Sen. Mennen Aracid, Aileen Parojinog, Arvin Don Bandojo and the 2011 President Jossel Dispo.

Winning in the national competition is tough and it takes a lot of ground work and foundation in the beginning. There are many different factors that motivate individuals or groups in doing projects or programs and in creating positive change. These include financial reasons, power, achievement, opportunity for advancement, the ability to contribute, but one major factor is the power of RECOGNITION.

It’s true, winning starts with something. It takes talent to win. To repeat, it takes character and integrity. My sincere congratulations to all the member of JCI Kagayhaan Gold and to all the participants of the 1^st Cagayan de Oro Speech Olympics and my grateful thanks to the Lord for giving all the strength and wisdom in making the bid. More surprises can be found just around the corner. The best is yet to come.

Every September of the year JCI Philippines will recognize all local organization’ s outstanding achievements by holding a simultaneous Area Conference. This year’s 30th Area Conference for Area 5 was held in Cagayan de Oro City on September 3-5, 2010 with JCI Cagayan de Oro as the host chapter.

The 3 day conference was filled with a lot of fun activities, adventures and seminars. It is a renewal of our commitments as JCI Members, it also strengthen our brotherhood/sisterhood and camaraderie in our organization in the pursuit of creating positive change. The conference is one of the opportunities to share to our fellow members the bond to the rest of the JCI Philippines who are celebrating simultaneously in our respective area.

The highlight of the convention is the awarding ceremony held at the Dynasty Hotel on the 2nd day, to honor and recognized the achievements of every organization. This year JCI Kagayhaan Gold bags 4 awards and these are the Most Outstanding Porject Chairman (major)-Cromwell Buzon; Best JCI Local Website (major)-www.JCIKG.org; Most Outstanding  JCI Member (merit)-Arvin Don Bandojo and the Best Youth Activities Program (major)-1st Cagayan de Oro Speech Olympics.

We hope to see you in Tacloban during the 63rd National Convention and Congratulations for a job well done.

The last Area Council Meeting/Regional Council Meeting (ACM/RCM) prior to the AreaCon in Cagayan de Oro is held at the Alindahaw Lakeview Resort in Biswangan, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur.

The meeting is to give updates on all the local organization presidents and inform everyone of what is happening in their respective organizations and gave suggestions or concerns they have to the national board that may help create positive change. After the days work its meetings and trainings to all the delegates, its so nice to experience and be in love with majestic, mystic & cool view of the lake like banana boating, dragon boat race and enjoy the night party awaits to all participants. Its nice to unwind and relax after a stressful and busy working days in this lovely nature.

One of the many benefits offered to all the members of  this movement is to attain self-confidence through trainings. JCI Kagayhaan Gold is look up due to its successful in producing many JCI Trainers and one of them the highest title a trainer may earned is to become the International Trainer Fellow (ITF) and we are proud that the LOM has one of the four ITF’s in the country in the person of JCI Sen.  Mennen Aracid  (1999 LOM President).

This year, during the 2010 Asia Pacific Conference in Singapore last June 2-6, we were able to produced five (5) new certified JCI Trainer’s during the conference. The five new trainers are mary jossel dispo, sky love agot, arvin don bandojo, franco catajoy and michael jackrod tuyan. Also, the LOM produced one (1) new certified local trainer (CLT) mr. luzmar gabor, a graduate of jci trainer in singapore in january 2009.

Congratulations everyone!