2003 INDUCTION RITE - ANOTHER NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The induction ceremony of officers and new members for
Year 2003 was held at Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Deira on February 21, 2003. The
strong sandstorm and the very tight work schedule (the month of February is
audit period in most companies) did not deter PICPANS and Associate Members from
taking part in the event, which is usually the grandest affair of the chapter
every year. Another important activity - the joint celebration of birthdays in
February, was incorporated in the program for the
night.
The success of last year's induction rite prompted us to
use exactly the same format for this year's ceremony- formal, yet light and
lively. While registration was going on, Jarsel Longakit and Dante Herras led
the line dancing (Square Dance, Todo-todo and Wiggle), which once again set the
upbeat mood and excitement of the attendees for the entire proceedings ably
hosted by Wilma Masigon, Lilian Azur and Ed Soriano. It lasted for almost an
hour - Cesar Navarro and Wilma Masigon were adjudged best movers and shakers in
the professional category while Edgar Vale and Josie Ricalde were chosen as most
improved dancers.
The main program started with the singing of the national
anthem led by Susan Flores and the invocation carried out by Nimrod Baylon. Emil
Dungca delivered the welcome address wherein he mentioned some of the remarkable
achievements of the chapter since its formation in 1994. George de Leon
introduced the guest speaker, Charge de Affaires Jose A.P. Ampeso, who was not
able to come due to an official engagement. His representative, however - OWWA
Supervising Welfare Officer Ferdinand Roxas read his inspiring
message.
Outgoing President Redd Valdehueza presented the officers
and committee chairpersons for 2003 while Mr. Roxas administered their
oath-taking ceremony. Sol Consulta (Vice President for Membership) carried out
the presentation of new PICPANS and Associate Members while 2003 President Dante
Herras led their induction ceremony. The new members briefly introduced
themselves after receiving their certificates of membership.
Dinner was served right after the induction rite. While
the attendees were enjoying their meals, some entertainment numbers were
presented - dance numbers from Gina Alvar and Henry Pahil, as well as song
numbers from our singing accountants led by no less than the newly inducted
chapter president. Mr. Ferdinand Roxas of OWWA shared his singing talent, too.
As usual, not all of the requests to sing were accommodated because many numbers
of the program were still to be presented.
The second half of the
program started with the presentation of achievements and activities in 2002 by
outgoing President Redd Valdehueza. It was followed by the inaugural address of
incoming President Dante Herras. The presentation of calendar of activities for
2003 immediately followed - it was carried out by Susan Flores (January and
February), Eva Escalera (March and April), Sammy Dulay (May and June), Romy
Docena (July and August), Alma Quimel (September and October), Fernan Marcelo
(November and December) and Jerry Lorilla (January 2004). Don Cruz formally
ended the program proper with his closing remarks.
The joint celebration of
birthdays in February was done before the games and the raffle draws. The
celebrators who were able to attend - Wilma Masigon, Alice Leason, Romy Docena,
Rex Baliza, Rose Longakit and Lourdes Damasing were formally acknowledged, and
birthday gifts were given to them first before everybody sang the birthday
song.
Raffle draws were held while parlor games were going on.
Only two games were played - Trip to Hong Kong (Eggplant contest) and Hula Bira
(Charade), but these games were well participated and very much enjoyed. The
first game winner was Eva Escalera while the team of Wilma Masigon, Elenita
Llamera, Ruth Grace Barrios, Rosmin Jardiniano and Xanthie Fronda won the second
one. Hula Bira was able to uncover the hidden acting talents of our fellow
PICPANs and Associate Members.
Our newly inducted PICPANs are the
following: Mary Grace Soldevilla, Rose Antoinette Longakit, Ruth Mariano,
Romildo Villaflor, Myrna Daliva, Peter Ryan Madronero and Edgar Vale. Maria
Cecilia Evangelista and Santiago (Xanthie) Fronda were also inducted as
Associate Members.
by: Dante Herras
