Contest Piece International - 2010: Is That All There Is?

Piece for International Speech Contest
Program Year   : PY 2009-2010

Title          : Is That All There Is?

Delivered at   : Area 1 Contest held at Siteen Place Hotel

Evaluated by   : ACB/ALB Roi Ontiveros

Target Norm    : - not yet identified - 

Note:  

• The original version of this speech was delivered last Feb 24, 2009 where he won 1st place in the Club Level Competition at PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club. The original version was posted in CC Project #9: Is That It?
• This is the revised version and was used to represent Toast of Comsofil in the Area 1 Contest held at the Siteen Palace Hotel.
• The speaker won 2nd place behind TM Sankayan Aier of Riyadh Toastmasters Club

     *     *     *     *     *     *

I remember…  when I was a little boy, life was difficult.   I watch the world burn in flames as the rages of war destroyed everything we have.    Poverty was the landscape of the land, and running for our survival, it was the staple food for everyone.

Then I asked my father, “Is that all there is to life… pain, suffering and hunger?”

Fellow Toastmasters, honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen good evening! 

<< the speaker will wear Trousers>>

My ever wise father just looks at me in the eyes and said: “You came to this world naked and with nothing.  Here, wear this trouser to cover your bareness. Cover yourself with experience, knowledge, and wisdom because one day you have to stand on your own. You must understand what it is to be right and what it is to be wrong.”

Like what a good son does, I followed my father’s advice.  I filled my life with best education available, and  I completed studies mostly on grants and scholarships. 

Then, I fell in love.    I was head over heels in love with this beautiful girl. She’s the most wonderful thing in my eyes, but then she turned me down.  I thought, I would die, but I didn’t.    Then I asked my father, “Is that all there is to love!  No one will love me because I looked like you?”

<< the speaker will wear a Shirt>>

My father just smiled and said:  “Now you that opened up your heart, here, wear this shirt”.  “Cover your soft spot and be ready to face the realities of life”.  “Always remember: be graceful in failure and be humble in victory”

I took a stride in the journey of men.  There I saw the foolishness of mankind.  But I also witness with the amazing power and strength of the human spirit.  The will to survive, the will to succeed!  These experiences made me strong, and more importantly, it made me a better man.

At age 21 and with two college degrees in my hands, I asked my father. “This is that all there to school?  Can I start my life now and go?”

<< the speaker will wear Shoes>>

My proud father cried and said “Yes, you can.  Wear these shoes; go… find your life somewhere. Make me proud and don’t come back!”

Indeed, I move to different places and different countries.  I meet people, meet friends, and meet enemies as well. I pick up valuable lessons along the way: skills, talent and knowledge that made me smarter.  I also pick up fashion to help me look better.    With hard work and persistence, I eventually end up brushing elbows with the gods in the corporate life.  

But just when I thought things are going smooth, I realized something was missing. Corporate responsibility was too heavy for me.  I can take the load of work, that was easy.  But not politics, intrigues and mudslinging – that was impossible.

I cried!  I want to give up.  It could have easier if my father was just alive.  All I do was ask for his wisdom.  I was 30 then, and there was no one else but that little boy in the mirror who told me:  “That that all you got? You will quit after all the training your father gave you?”

<< the speaker will wear Coat>>

I paused and told myself: “No!  I will stand up.  I Will take this coat to cover my true self, my principles and my family”

My life changed after that!  Intrigues are still there, politics still lingers, and responsibility still weights on me.  But I learned how to go home to my family without the burden of work.  Like a coat, I can put on my public life when I am outside in the world, and take it off when I am facing my family.

<< the speaker will wear a Pin>>

Ten years later, I thought … “Is that all there is to my journey?  Have I reached my peak?  Should I just save enough money and wait for retirement”?

Then someone answered … “You can listen better, you think better, you can speak better, and you will learn more by doing... the Toastmasters’ way.” 

That is why, fellow Toastmasters, I am here.  I am standing in front of you.   I am here to learn… one more time.  You will not fail me, I am sure.   You will guide me how to inspire others with my speeches.  You will help me grow to be a good leader so I can lead better.

Now let me ask you Toastmasters, “You will help me be a true Toastmaster?”

Back to you contest master!

ACS - 2nd Advance Manual Project #3: Taking Care of Your Camera

Advance Manual : 226-B  Speaking to Inform
Project # 3    : The Demonstration Talk
Title          : Taking Care of Your Camera
Delivered at   : PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club
Evaluated by   : CC/CL Jose Bollozos
Target Norm    : Advance Communicator Silver

     *     *     *     *     *     *

Note:  

*  The speaker is a professional photographer and currently teaching photography classes

*  Actual speech delivered may significantly from the prepared speeches.  

*  Use the slides below to follow the context of the presentation.
*  The Toastmaster of the Day was given a script declare that the target audience are all photographers

<<Slide 1>>

Before I start, let me shot a question: “how much is the cost of your camera”?

Good evening fellow photographers!






<<Slide 2>>
An ordinary point and shoot camera often ranges from five hundred to a thousand riyals.  This is dirt cheap for us professional photographers, simply because the cost of our gear often starts at around three thousand riyals and could go up to several thousands more.   

 For some of us here, we could buy a beautiful house in the Philippines with the cost their camera.    Like Melvin who just bought a brand new Canon EOS1-Mark IV, costing approximately thirty five thousand riyals or half a million pesos… and that is for the body alone.

Hence, it is just right that we take care of our camera because of the significant money that we spent.


<<Slide 3>>
Let’s start with the basic handling of your gears.   The first item that we should always care is the camera body.  The most important information that you should know about your camera body is its type.   


Camera manufacturer generally categorize camera as:

·         * Entry Level

·         * Semi Professional Level

·         * Professional Level

We already know that these camera varies largely on the function, megapixels and yes price.  But often, we neglect that these camera body has specific build construction that is specific to each type.

Knowing the level of your camera will help you to anticipate the necessary precaution to protect your camera body.  When shooting in humid places or rainy area, bring a plastic cover or cellophane.   When shooting in arid place, cover your camera with gaper tape.


<<Slide 4>>
After a day in the field or studio, always clean the camera body before storing it.  The camera body may look clean, but beware.  The sweat in our hand is stored on the ribs of the rubber handles of the body, and this is the primary cause of fungus!  

Do not clean your camera body with an alcohol-based solution such as rubbing alcohol.  Use an alkaline based solution and if you don’t have one, use clean water.

Never soak the body directly into the solution.  Use a non-abrasive cloth such as planela.  As much as possible, do not use cotton as it leaves trails, or silk because it will make scratches.

You can use leather shine solution to make your body looks like new.



<<Slide 5>>

Now that your camera body is clean, store it properly.  If you don’t use the camera often, use the original box.  If you are a hobbyist like me, store it in a dry cabinet.  And for those who are always “on the go” mode, store it properly in a sturdy camera luggage.   

Be sure that you are using a bag with thick padding and with compartments to ensure that the gears do not collide with each other.





<<Slide 6>>
Now, the most expensive part of the camera… the camera lens.   

We all know that it is the lens the defines the quality of the image.  While dirt cheap lens – which is often made of plastic provide acceptable snap shot, it is always the expensive high quality glass lens that provide the best photo possible. 
Most often, our lens is far more expensive than the camera body.  This alone cost six thousand riyals, while the body is just merely four thousand riyals.  



<<Slide 7>>

I saw one photographer among you who use his handkerchief to clean off the dirt of his lens.  That is a big NO NO!  Your hanky which is make of polyester will scratch the lens.  Just like what happened to our projector. Always use a lens cloth or micro fine paper.

Furthermore, always stroke on one direction.  Not circular! You just rotating the dirt in the lens, if you do so.  You can use leather shine solution to make your lens looks like brand new.



<<Slide 8>>

Just like the camera body, you store your lenses in its original box if you will not be using it for a long period of time.  If you are an occasional shooter, make sure you have dry cabinet to preclude the development of fungus and molds in the lens.   

 This is the number one problem in humid region.  Obviously, we don’t have that kind of problem here in the desert.  Nevertheless, keep your lenses in tightly sealed cabinet to preclude wilt and micro-dust.    A camera bag is ideal if you are an “on-the-go” type of photographer.


<<Slide 9>>
Lastly, the accessories.  You may think that since this is labeled as accessories, you can neglect these items.  You are dead wrong. If your memory card is defective, you can never store any image.  If your battery runs out of juice, you can never shoot.  And if your flash gun is defective… expect dark images.

Take care of your accessories, just like how you take care of your camera body.



<<Slide 10>>
Always use a memory bank or library pad for your flash memory…. and always keep it near to you.  Imagine the effect of losing a memory card that contains all your day’s work!
Separate batteries from the rest of accessories.  Rechargeable batteries are known to explode under high temperatures, and will leak at low temperatures.
Use small / individual pouches for your accessories.  

 Zip locks would do.



<<Slide 11>>
Lastly, use a sturdy and certified camera bag.  NEVER try to settle for low quality bag.  Unless you are willing to throw away a fortune because you tried to save few buck for a camera bag.










 <<Slide 12>>
 
 

Contest Piece International - 2010: Light and Flame

Piece for International Speech Contest
Program Year   : PY 2009-2010

Title          : Light and Flame

Delivered at   : PRCT Club Level International Speech Contest

Evaluated by   : ACB/ALB Roi Ontiveros

Target Norm    : - not yet identified - 

Note:  

• The speaker won 3rd place behind TM Roi Ontiveros - 2nd, and TM Ron Jacobe - 1st place

     *     *     *     *     *     *

<< Set a paper into flames>>

If you wonder if I am going to hurt myself with the flame… or perhaps think I am going to burn the PELA room, be glad… I will not! 

Fellow Toastmasters, honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen good evening. 

Allow me to ask each and every one of you here, how long have you been walking in the journey called life? I could see young professionals whom I believe just started their real journey. There are not so young professional whom I could say, had been walking for awhile.  And yes, there few of us here – I will not dare mention their names least they be identified as oldies – whom had been walking for a very long time.  I asked, simply because I want you to take a look if in that journey, a have you been a flash flame! We have word for that in Filipino – ningas cogon.

I was a flash flame, fellow Toastmasters, and I am not ashamed to confess I am. Born during difficult times, my mother raised me to be quick, tactical and street-smart. She taught me that earning a living comes first than reading books; and that I have to be ahead of everyone else, lest I would end up begging for crumbs and pieces. Yes, I walk my life in quick flames:  I finish early education within 8 years instead of 10, financially independent at 15, and completed 2 bachelor’s degrees and a Masters at the age of 25.  The color of my career was red-orange, the color of avarice and rage.  I rose to the ranks in the corporate ladder, leaving in my trail burned colleagues, charred enemies, and abandoned friends. I was a flame, a large quick flame.  I easily attracted followers in a snap, and I led them blindly to work for me. But just like cotton flame, it was fleeting and didn’t last.

When I look around, I realized our world is replete of people who are flash flames.  There are leaders and managers promising changes but fall short on the long run. And what saddens me the most, is to see a quick flame wearing a Toastmaster’s pin.   Have you seen them fellow Toastmasters?  These are the Toastmasters who started like fire – a blaze of flame – eager to learn the Toastmaster’s way.  They became good speakers – some became champion, and they became trained leaders – some became officers.  But where are they now? You don’t see them anymore!  Again, like cotton in flames… they were fleeting and they didn’t last. 

<< Light the Candle>>

From the ashes of my doing, I ponder what have I went wrong.  There, I found the lost words of my father whom thirty years ago, told me to burn like a candle: to be a light –not a quick flame, warm – not blinding, steady – not fleeting. And if I could go back in time, I would spend my early days in full so I would enjoy what it is to be a child.  I would only choose one degree and spend more time building peers and friends.  I would choose slow accent to the corporate ranks but carry along those who work with me.  But I cannot go back in time.  Even if I wanted to change, don’t know how.

Few years ago, when I came to Saudi Arabia, I started as a flame: I want to have it all.  And even when I joined Toastmasters I carried the trait of a flame: daring and brash.  I thought, this is just like another goal and all I have to do is rush. Soon I realize, it is not!  

When I look around, I realized that Toastmasters is rich with light not just flash flames.  In PRTC, we call them our pillar, guru, or friends whom one way or another help up grow. Have  you seen them fellow Toastmasters?  These are our good speakers in the club who filled our heart with the wit and content of their speeches.  These are our old members, who stayed with us and help us make our baby steps in the club.  These are our friends, in PRTC, who never ceased to encourage us whenever we are weary or down.  They are the ordinary members, who never get tired attending meetings just to learn and develop even if it is slowly.

Two years, it took me, to understand that Toastmasters is not just developing speaking skills – yes I have improved delivering speeches; it is not just training us to be good leaders – yes you gave me a change to be a good President; but more importantly it is also a way to change my heart – yes PRTC, you help me change from a quick flame into a light.  A transformation that I thought, I could never achieve.

Again, allow me to ask.  In your journey in life, were you a light?   Were you a beacon of inspiration, a source of strength for some, and a friend for others?   If you are, hold and keep the light burning so other may follow your steps.    

ACS - 1st Advance Manual Project #1: Progressing Toward Ultimate Success

Advance Manual : 226-N Special Occasion Speeches
Project # 1    : The Toast
Title          : Progressing Toward Ultimate Success
Delivered at   : Mutiara Restaurant, Toast of Comsofil Induction of Officers
Evaluated by   : ACB/ALB Jayanta Kumar Mog
Target Norm    : Advance Communicator Silver

     *     *     *     *     *     *



In year 2001, the Computer Society of Filipinos (COMSOFIL) saw that there is a need to develop good speakers and leaders for the society. They realized that the Programs of the Toastmasters International can address this need.  This pave way to the birth of the a budding and dynamic club now known as the Toast of Comsofil.  True to its original objectives, TOC produces good speakers and leaders who became pillars and strength of COMSOFIL…  and to other organizations, as well. This year, we are fortunate to have a good crop of members and leaders that will steer the direction of the club.

Fellow toastmasters, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. May I request each one of you to get a glass and let’s get ready for a toast.

May I ask TM Laureano Ortega to stand up.  TM Larry, the strength of your dedication will be the carpet, the floor of the club. With you as Sgt-at-Arms, we will be assured that we will always have a place for our meetings.

May I ask TM Modesto Gibas to stand up.  TM Moody, you are the light, the electricity of the club.  With you as s Treasurer, we will be assured that we pay our TI dues on time and always have these beautiful plaques and pins.

May I ask TM Marben Asari to stand up.  TM Marben, you are the chairs and tables of the club.  With you as Secretary, we will be assured that we can sit back, relax and enjoy.  That is because you will keep everyone updated – both officers and members

May I ask TM Jimmy Lasaca to stand up.  TM Jimmy, you are the windows of the club.  With you as VP for Public Relations, you will help us see the other Toastmasters clubs, and learn from these club.

May I ask TM Danilo Tenerife to stand up.  TM Danny, you are the door of the club.  With you as the VP for Membership, you will help this club grow in numbers.  With you as the door, many new members will certainly come to TOC.

May I ask TM Jovett Lopez to stand up.  TM Jovett, you are the walls of the club.  With you as the VP for Education, we will be assured that you will help us grow in our communication and leadership tracks.  As our walls, we will feel the comfort and safety inside TOC that we will not be ashamed and we will not be afraid to grow and became a good Toastmaster.

May I ask TM Janyanta Mog to stand up.  TM Jay, you are the heart of the club.  With your leadership as the president, we will be assured that no one will lose track, no one will feel insignificant, and no one will be left behind.   We are proud to say that your greatest asset is your “pusong pinoy”.  You will lead this club progressing towards ultimate success.

May I request the rest of the members and guest to please stand up.

Let’s raise our glasses, for a toast to the newly inducted officers of the Toast of Comsofil.  Cheers!

Contest Piece Humorous - 2010: My Photographic Memory

Piece for Humorous Contest
Program Year   : PY 2009-2010

Title          : My Photographic Memory

Delivered at   : PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club

Evaluated by   : ACB/ALB Roi Ontiveros

Target Norm    : - not yet identified - 

Note:  

• The speaker won 3rd place behind TM Roi Ontiveros - 2nd, and TM Reina Tejano - 1st place

     *     *     *     *     *     *

Photographic Memory

Let’s check. Who among you here has photographic memory?  A gift of vividly remembering everything that your eyes seen.  And would it be nice to behold your wife, and remember she was Miss Universe… 20 years ago.  Though right now she is … Miss… Never mind!

Fellow Toastmasters, honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

I have a photographic memory!  And I learned this gift during my early years.  My father and I had this game called – 1 second glance.  That is, to look at a coconut tree for one second, and then mentally count the fruits.  I always beat my father in this game, not because I remember them all, but because I do argue better.  Say, I give a number less than the actual, I would simple say “I didn’t count the brown ones – it’s copra not coconut!”. Or if I give a higher number, I would argue “ah… I included those behind the tree”.  Poor father, tsk tsk tsk..

Came Middle School or high school. I realize that my photographic memory could make my life a lot easier.   During exams, I just sat beside my best friend – who happened to be the smartest boy – and then I apply the 1 second technique.  Bingo, I always have answers. Often, I have better grades than my best friend. You know why, I have other sources too: my other seat mates.    Photographic memory really works wonder, isn’t it.

After college I saw a lady, a feisty youth leader. Love stricken perhaps, I used my photographic memory to remember how beautiful is her face, how graceful is her poise, and how charming is her smiles.  And when I close my eyes, her image I would see her holding my hands and we would dance at each other’s embrace.  Few days later, I saw the lady again and I casually said “Pinky, let’s get married”?    She looks at me and said:   “and who are you”, she replied.   I guess, I over imagined her in my photographic memory.

Nevertheless, she agreed to marry me… after eight years of intimidation and coercion.

Came middle years – not middle school.  I notice that age can diminished photographic memory.  I easily lost track of things.  One day, I was angry with my wife and I was shouting “mommy, where is my sunglasses… and why is it dark here!”   My wife just smiled and said: “Daddy, it’s not dark.  Your are just wearing your sunglasses!”

Gee, it became worse. A year ago, me and mommy went to a movie to watch  Twilight.  In the middle of the show, I went out to go the toilet, and then went out of the mall and hail a taxi cab.  When I arrive home, I wondered “who took my car”.   Then inside and shouted “Mommy, I’m hungry, where’s dinner?”  Nobody answered. The nanny said: “Sir, you went out with her to a movie?”   Walawi, I forgot my wife in the movie house.   Indeed few minutes later, my wife came knocking on the door…  madly in love , no… she was  mad like a bull.  Husss!!!!!

Then one morning, I woke up and forgot I was married.  I was surprise to see someone was sleeping besides me.  To my horror, I saw a green face woman with large round white eyes.

Whoa! But I can accept that.  What worries me now is losing the memory of who I was.  Every time I look at the mirror, I am wondering who is that man looking back at me.  I think someone has invaded my body.  It’s not me anymore.  This was the face that I remember.  This is me!  Not that, This is me!  Huhuhu….  Not that!
Good thing, there is Toastmasters.  TMs are friendly and they always remember you. Like TM Arnold, he often calls “Hi TM Nathan, have you paid dues?”   Aren’t they caring?   There’s TM Willy too.   This morning, he called up reminding me – by the way why do they have to remind us, don’t they know I have a photographic memory! What was I talking?  A Willy! He reminded me to join in tonight’s International Speech contest.  Wait, this is International Speech competition, right?  Next week is humorous!  Whoah… I forgot.

Back to you contest master

ACS - 1st Advance Manual Project #2: The Brick Named Brix

Advance Manual : 226-N Special Occasion Speeches
Project # 2    : Speaking in Praise
Title          : The Brick Named Brix
Delivered at   : Toast of Comsofil Toastmasters Club
Evaluated by   : CC/CL Salvador Villalino
Target Norm    : Advance Communicator Silver

     *     *     *     *     *     *



Forty five years ago, a Spanish-Irish missionary came to the jungles of Cotabato Province and brought with him a mission to educate the youth of the highland. He came during the times when the province was soak with blood of war; the time the air was filled hatred between Lumads, Christians and Muslims; and the time when the government starts to abandon the orphan and the youth. He was scorned and branded a fool when he announce in public his plan of setting up a world class standard school – right in the middle of the war torn area of North Cotabato! Yet he defiantly weathered the odds, and on the 8^th of September 1968, the missionary laid out the first red brick as the foundation of this great school – the Notre Dame of Kidapawan.

Notre Dame Alumni, parents, teachers, students, school officials, I am honored to announce to you that the Spanish-Irish missionary who founded our school is with us tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you our distinguished founding member, Father Briccio Santander Baynosa! A round of applause please.

Father Brix the Builder

Many of us personally knew Father Briccio Baynosa and like me, we fondly him as called Papa Brix. Would you agree with me that Papa Brix has a name quite fitting for his virtue – Brix the Builder? If you loiter around Notre Dame you will easily notice those beautiful red bricks that adorn our halls… and easily, what would come into our mind is the big brick – Papa Brix.

Father Brix together with Father Alfred George, help establish Notre Dame of Kidapawan in 1968. While Father George went back to the US to look for funds, Father Brix took the challenge of finding a place for the new school. Father Brix did what was unthinkable that time: he successfully negotiated with the Bagobo chieftain Datu Ingkal Piang to donate this 50 hectare rolling plain as the site of a new school. More importantly, Father Brix convinced the two other rival Manobo chieftains Datu Paglas and Datu Agko to sign a peace treaty that ensures the safety of the students and teachers of the school.

The impact of the new school was felt not only in the city but also by the neighboring towns and baranggays. Five years later, Father Brix went to Makilala and established a new school – the Notre Dame of Makilala. And in the next ten years, Father Brix help established five more Notre Dame Schools: ND Matalam, ND Kabacan, ND Mlang, ND Arakan, and ND Pres Roxas.

Father Brix the Educator

Father Brix championed an endeavor of an "Education to All". While other Notre Dame Schools outside the province of Cotabato strictly censure admission of students who does not practice Catholicism, Father Brix opened the gates of Notre Dame of Kidapawan to the lumads – the Bagobo, the Manobo, the Bilaan, and even to the Muslims youth. A move that begets peace, harmony, and unity among tribal groups, the Christians, and Muslims in North Cotabato.

Father Brix the Diplomat

In the time of feudalist schools, Father Brix build bridges to enable students and teachers from different schools to interact, compete, and excel together. He pioneered the Annual Notre Dame meet – a week long activity of athletics, academics, and cultural competition among Notre Dame Schools in Cotabato. This activity has fostered the spirit of camaraderie among students, build the sense of community among schools, and encourage diplomacy among students of different tribes, community and religious affiliation.

What a beautiful memory indeed. Personally, I can still recall how we spend several sleepless nights with Father Brix rehearsing us for the theater show "The Star of Bethlehem".

Father Brix the Fundraiser

Father Brix deep understanding on how to run a school is remarkable. He knows that the school will not survive with school fees alone, hence in the late seventies, Father Brix went to the US to lobbied in the US Education Board, for the accreditation our school as recipient for the USAID Fund. In 1981, the labor of Father Brix bear fruits: the first batch of 120 students were given full scholarship grant that will cover the entire 4-year high school term. In my last counting, ten more batches followed.

Father Brix our Inspiration

In 1995, Father Brix published the book "Tida P'wan". The title was taken from a Manobo term which is loosely translated as "Spring in the Mountain". Father Brix narrates his personal account on how the Notre Dames of North Cotabato was built, and what was the significance of Notre Dame Kidapawan to the other schools.

In his scripts, he wrote:

ND Kidapawan is a spring that blossoms from the slopes of Mt Apo. It nourished the life around it and made them abundant

ND Kidapawan is not a well… it is a spring. And just like a spring does, it has to move and to travel… to nourish other life as well.

ND Kidapawan begets ND Makilala, it's first offspring… and then many more children followed


Father Brix was right. Like a spring, Notre Dame carried along its stream several talented students to sow the seeds of inspiration, the seed of hope, and seed of greatness.

Father Brix if you still remember, I belong to the first batch of the USAID Scholars! In our batch you were able produced the likes of Cotabato Governor Manny Pinol, Kidapawan Mayor Vince Malaluan, Kabacan Mayor Anthony Palmones, Kidapawan City Fiscal Dan Calica, and Dr Benedict Albano – owner of Kidapawan Doctors Hospital. They are just few who stayed here and became pillars of our city.

The others students were carried by the stream of the spring. And just like what you written, we became successful people in our places as well. To name a few: Nonoy Maglunob and Rey Magtubo are now with Philippine Congress as Party List representatives , Engr. Batomalaque – President &amp; CEO of Jacinto Color roof, Gideon Ramirez is now a world class fashion designer based in Hollywood, James Galang established the largest Filipino School in the Southern California, and Harold Gallego became a missionary currently based in Nigeria.

We owe everything to you Papa Brix. You are indeed the big brick of Notre Dame. You are our champion, our diplomat, our teacher, and most especially… you are our father!

From the batch of 1985, and the rest of the students of Notre Dame… we would like to thank you.

ACS - 1st Advance Manual Project #3: The Lady in Pink

Advance Manual : 226-N Special Occasion Speeches
Project # 3    : The Roast
Title          : The Lady in Pink
Delivered at   : PELA Hall, PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club
Evaluated by   : ACB/CL Roi Ontiveros
Target Norm    : Advance Communicator Silver

     *     *     *     *     *     *

When I was younger, I always claim that my favorite color is blue until one day my sister pointed that it is not. If you've seen my room, everything in there is pink of a shade of it. And to capped it all, I married a lady whose nickname is Pinky.

Good evening fellow Toastmasters, and most especially to you madam pinky.

I first saw TM Pinky, eighteen years ago, in Cagayan de Oro. She was this young and feisty baranggay captain in the place where I just moved in. I thought, a beautiful lady like her deserves a handsome man like me, so I paid her a visit. On the night of the visit, she must really be excited. She looked at me from head to foot, shivered, and whispered "weww". And she was a very good host: she let me wait at the door forever before allowing me to come in. 

And before I could say a word, she said "I'm sorry I'm not ready for a relationship, I just had a broken heart". Dumbfounded, I politely replied "I have not yet started, we'll get into that". Gee… her eyebrows went berserk, I thought she would throw recycled cookies at me.

It was a night to remember, but what made it more memorable was here strange behavior. Before leaving, I ask her if we could have dinner… and she simple said "Yes" (shaking her head from left to right) or was it "No" (shaking her head up and down)?

Eventually, we have dinner the following day. I didn't talk about love, I was afraid she would readily say yes to me. I just keep on appreciating her beautiful face and nice hair. Perhaps she love to be appreciated, she beamed "are you a girl" which I readily replied "yes"… and she laugh loudly.

Six days later, I invited Pinky on a beach. Gee, she really loves listening to my stories I saw her humming with her earphones. And when I asked, "can I kiss you", she looks at me blankly and but she nodded. I immediately jumped and kissed her…. for thirty minutes. "What just happened" she asked afterwards. 

"You are now my girlfriend". "Hah? Oh.. bejesus".

Pinky is a sweet girlfriend. She puts more pink-of-happiness in our lives, most of it initiated by me. She made sure that we share the burden of life – me on the heavy end most of time. Like when we quarrel, we always settle it with me saying "Pinky, I am sorry… anyway it's your fault".

Oh, I almost forget. Pinky has a very loving and caring father. One time, we went out for movie date and went home late … just 10 pm actually. I saw her father and brother at the mall entrance with rolled up sleeves and they were carrying large sticks. By the way, Pinky was already 28 years old that time.

Finally, married life.

Pinky is a very caring wife. Here's the evidence: I gained weight significantly. She made sure that I finish everything she puts in the table – whether it taste good or not! Eventually, I cannot distinguish what is tasty food and what is not. It just food.

Pinky also love beautiful kids. When our daughter Jasmine came, I was really worried because she already promised that if the baby looks like me, she'll will shove it back. Luckily Jasmine looks like Pinky –back view. Then came our little boy Joshua. Alas a beautiful baby… just like the father. Pinky would then wink at me and tease… are you sure?

Eighteen years has passed, I really wonder why Pinky was so in love with me. But I have a hint. Pinky is a teacher who specializes on special children. I guess… I am special too… just like her pupils.

Back to you evening master