For more than two decades, I have held various management leadership roles within the medical sales industry, honing my skills in team coordination, strategic planning, and dynamic decision-making. However, my journey into community service and charitable leadership began in 2020 when I joined the Lions Club through the invitation of our good friend, President Prof. Eloisa Olivera (currently District 301 A2 Cabinet Secretary) from the Association of Science and Math Educators of the Philippines Private Schools (ASMEPPS). Initially, it was my wife, China Marie, (currently the District Leo Chairperson) who was eager to join, and as the saying goes, “happy wife, happy life,” I gladly embraced the opportunity as well.
Entering Lions Club was a new world for me, quite different from the corporate environments where authority is clear-cut, and disciplinary actions, including termination, are straightforward. In Lions, leading a group of accomplished and passionate individuals presents unique challenges. The organization thrives on camaraderie, respect, and shared mission rather than hierarchical control. Leading is grounded in diplomacy and a deep understanding of the feelings of your club members and fellow Lions.
Despite all these challenges, I embraced the path of leadership with a humble heart and unwavering dedication. Though the journey has never been smooth, I found the strength to rise from my bed after my November 2023 knee operation—a struggle that kept me in therapy for nearly a year—thanks to the compassionate care and support of FadiSab Rehab Center.
During the Lions Year (LY) 2024–2025, I proudly served as Club President of District 301 A2. During my term, with the help of our leaders, elders and members, our club achieved remarkable milestones that reflected not only our commitment to service but also our excellence and kindness. At the 44th Induction and 43rd Anniversary celebration held last October 20 at Solaire, Parañaque, our club received the prestigious Five Star Excellence Award, a testament to our outstanding performance across all areas of service and administration.
Additionally, we earned special recognition for the “Kindness Matters” campaign, which underscored our dedication to spreading compassion and empathy in every project we undertook. On a personal level, I was honored with the President’s Award for net growth for the past LY. Furthermore, I received recognition from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), highlighting our club’s impactful contributions to humanitarian programs supported by the foundation.
These achievements are more than just awards; they represent the collective effort of every member of our club, each volunteer willing to give time, resources, and heart in service to others. My experience in corporate management helped me navigate logistics and organization, but it was the spirit of Lions, our motto “We Serve, that truly inspired and fueled our success.
Looking back, joining Lions was one of the most meaningful decisions of my life. It challenged me to grow beyond the confines of corporate leadership and embrace a more inclusive and compassionate style of leadership. Managing a charity organization requires patience, diplomacy, and above all, genuine care for people’s welfare. I am grateful to have walked this path with wonderful companions and to have contributed to making a difference in our communities. ||
