the ninth avenue photographer: back to nature

The Maharlika TMC not only recognizes the importance of good public speaking, they are also aware of the debilitating effects of the destruction of the earth's natural resources. So as to raise awareness to the looming problem of environmental destruction, CC Cecille decided to pick the theme "Back to Nature" for the weekly meeting of the club.

Cecille came from the province of Davao and she fondly recalled how much more pleasant it was to live in the countryside than in the urban jungle of Metro Manila. Life in the provinces were more laid-back, the people worked hard but they were not facing the kind of pollution that the city folks go through every single day. Food was more natural and so the people tend to live longer.

The meeting started on time once again to the delight of the guests from the Makati Medical Center. After a brief introduction of the members and guests, the educational portion started. Breaking away from tradition, the club decided to skip the Table Topics portion to the Prepared Speech portion. There were five (5) scheduled speakers and for the sake of brevity, Table Topics had to be scrapped.

TM Hannah is halfway through the Basic Speech Manual. Her "Music and Lyrics" speech talked about the many forms of communication that a person uses to convey his/her message; be it in the form of poetry, songs, or even body movement. TM Kai then delivered speech number 7, and her research was all about stress and the many problems related to it. Kai is a registered nurse so she has first hand knowledge of the subject of anatomy but Area Gov. Ed kidded Kai that she must have been stressed out herself knowing that she'll be delivering her speech in front of two cardiologists from the Makati Med!

One highlight for the evening was the graduation speech of TC. She has been eagerly awaiting for the completion of her 10th speech and so were the Maharlikans. After her speech, DTM Aida and ACS Ed confirmed that TC is now Competent Communicator.

President Mely then delivered a heartbreaking story about her husband's untimely demise a few decades ago. She recalled the harrowing experience of bringing her better half to the hospital but leaving it without her love. After a brief pause to gather everyone's strength back (and for the waiters to pour wine on the glasses), CC Vivian then delivered a toast for the newest Competent Communicator for Maharlika. TC was cheered on by the proud Maharlikans who saw her complete her basic projects with flying colors.

The other highlight for the meeting was having two of the funniest men in Philippine Toastmasters in the person of ACS Ed as well as ACS Tootz of Metro Manila Toastmasters Club. Tootz was in his element, making at least 25 "haha" counts with his witty remarks as General Evaluator.

Another meeting in the history books for the Maharlika TMC. But this meeting was one of the funniest ever.