25/30: A Tribute

 

by Gingging Navarro-Laude

Past President

 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever leave Cebu. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would leave Queen City TMC.

        A month ago, my husband and I packed up all our belongings – lock, stock, and barrel – to relocate to Manila, hubby being given heavier responsibilities at work.          And so as promised in the Song of Ruth, “Wherever you go, I shall go.” Is there a song somewhere that goes, “Wherever you go, maybe I’ll just go visit every now and then?” 

       So leaving my life here in Cebu meant leaving the Toastmasters Club I have been with for *gasp!* 25 years. There, I said it.  But then I was just 18 when I joined. 

       And this will be the very first time that I will be inactive as a Royal.

       My club… your club… our club celebrates 30 years of being.  Of being what it was, what it is, and oh, definitely, what it will become.  

       In those years, members have come and gone, with different reasons for joining, and for leaving.

I joined the club myself because I felt this was where I belonged.  Here, I could challenge myself.  Shrinking violet that I was, I was inspired by the likes of Aven and Carmen Piramide, sir Boy and Joy Alo, and the late, great Gapa Pascual. I remember those first few years as a time of meetings full of fun and passion.  The charter members had a fire burning so very bright, so very hot, that it seemed to consume every member --- well, I know it consumed me, and filled me with the same fire.

       Here, at last, I could improve myself through public speaking.  Here, at last, I could write and share it with others.  Here, at last… I could be Me.

       And as I grew, it became a joy to watch newer members improve; and an even greater joy was to have been able to help them.

       What I didn’t expect was in fact the very reason that has kept me with the club all these years. Friends. Friendship, strong and enduring. Through thick and thin, storm and fair weather, earthquakes and heartbreaks, Queen City has always been my rock. And the Royals, my source of strength.

       For this club to come all this way is beyond amazing; for it has been shaped by amazing men and women;  champions all, in one way or another. Toastmasters who have left their mark, and in turn, have been changed by this distinguished club. And then finally, to come full circle… with the daughter of a past president, as my President.

       On Facebook, I’d indicate:  “Feeling proud.” I leave, knowing that the club will carry on, as always.  And though I cross the seas to another island, I shall always and forever be with this club.  

       For the Song in my heart goes, “My heart belongs to you.”

       To you, Queen City. 

 

(This article was published in the June 2014 issue of Tiara, the club's newsletter in celebration of the club's 30th anniversary)