Monday Matters: 32nd Mindanao Area Conference

Monday Matters is dedicated to all things that matter.

1st Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting – absent
2nd Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting – absent
3rd Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting – absent
4th Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting – present!

That had been my record of attendance for the major major functions in the JCI world.  Why was that so?

Before my presidency, I told myself not to miss any function or event in JCI.  But when I turned president, I hadn’t kept my word.  There were plenty of circumstances that happened just before the dates of the said functions came.  As such, I had to attend to my various jobs, business, and family first.  At those times, I couldn’t compromise.  I had to prioritize the most important things at the moment.  But this doesn’t mean that JCI isn’t important to me.  This doesn’t mean that JCI doesn’t matter at all.  It was just for a while that it became the least of my priorities.

Luckily, I had breathe a bit this past days that I had made time to attend the AreaCon!  It was held at Iligan City last September 7-9, 2012 and was being hosted by JCI-Dayang Dayang.

Arrival at Iligan with baby Edz Gutierrez
Arrival at Iligan with baby Edz Gutierrez

With the theme, Opportunities, New Hope and Challenges Empowerment (O.N.E.) for Mindanao, the conference started with the Incoming LO Presidents Forum at the Conference Room, Cheradel Suites.  Since I haven’t brought with me our incoming president, I got to sat there to re-echo some briefing and instructions for the upcoming 2012 Presidents Academy.

I Haven't Attended Mine Last Year.....:(
I Haven’t Attended Mine Last Year…..:(

The forum only took for a while for me since I was late but I was glad enough to have ample time for the Opening Ceremony at the Celebrity Dome, Cheradel Suites.

My First Time to Walk Down the Aisle with the Other Chapter Presidents!
My First Time to Walk Down the Aisle with the Other Chapter Presidents!

After the formalities, the White Rave Party began!  It was hosted by JCI-Cagayan de Oro chapters for their bid for NatCon 2014.

A Night of Dancing and Tequila!!!
A Night of Dancing and Tequila!!!

The Red Roses enjoyed CDO night with the unlimited street foods offered by the CDO We Go food carts!

CDO We Go! Natcon 2014
CDO We Go! Natcon 2014

The following day was the Opening Plenary Session at FKF Party Plaza.  That was my first time to attend a plenary as a president.  It was good enough that I had attended one when I was still a secretary.  So I wasn’t that naive on what to do during the plenary.  Hehe….

My First Time to Sit in the Red Rose Seat After All My Absences
My First Time to Sit in the Red Rose Seat After All My Absences

Soon after, a project on saving the environment was proposed.  MindaNOW was officially launched and all the chapter presidents signed the commitment on preserving Mother Earth.  It was a ceremonial signing for us to always remember the duty we now have.

I Can Take Part in Saving the Environment!
I Can Take Part in Saving the Environment!

On the second night of the conference was the Gawad Mindanaw Awards Night.  Honestly, I never had the idea what would the awards be until that night.  For that was also my first time to attend an Awards Night in JCI.  If only I knew some mechanics, I would have tried.  But it’s best to work without aiming for awards that much, right?  Because by then, the motive would be changed thus defeating the purpose of true service to humanity.

Parade of Colors (Lining Up With the Other Chapter Presidents)
Parade of Colors (Lining Up With the Other Chapter Presidents)

After the awarding ceremonies was the Roaring 20’s Party hosted by JCI-Davao chapters for their bid for NatCon 2014.  The ladies glammed up in their feathered hats, long pearl necklaces, and gloves!  At the same time, the men were in their three-piece suits, suspenders, and homburg hats!

 Dashing Men and Glamorous Ladies of JCI
Dashing Men and Glamorous Ladies of JCI

The Red Roses also enjoyed Davao night with the Davao Unconventional blast of music and giveaway shirts!  This time, JCI went wild and partied hard for it was the last night of the conference – the best time to let loose!  The best time to bond more and the best time to be out of the ordinary!

Davao Unconventional 2014!
Davao Unconventional 2014!

The morning after was a headache but we had to kick our ass out from bed for the Closing Plenary Session at Kuzina Iliganon.

The Last Plenary for 2012
The Last Plenary for 2012

The JCI Election followed and together with other two Red Roses, I casted my vote.  The election was not that challenging for me since there were no choices for the top three national officers.  Meanwhile, I was glad because NT 2012 Ryan Ravanzo is now NP 2013!  Congratulations, NP and good luck to your term!  Rest assured that the Red Roses are just here to support you all the way!:)

Dropping In My Ballot
Dropping In My Ballot

And that ended the three-day conference.  Then there’s no other way to celebrate a very successful onto but a scoop of ice cream for every beautiful Red Rose!

At Gaizano Mall, Iligan
At Gaizano Mall, Iligan

Congratulations, AVP 2012 Steve Arquiza for a job very well done for Area V!:)

Red Roses with AVP Steve
Red Roses with AVP Steve

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