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A message from 2006 CSAT President, Ms. Nene Parawan...
A message from 2006 CSAT President, Ms. Nene Parawan...
Well, I guess my time as el cap-i-tan, as my daughter puts it, Is over. The year was a success. I hope this year has inspired
Lorna to do more things with the CSAT and the Youth.
I have so many people I want to thank!
First of all, Gloria and Rudy who have been so supportive through this whole term through health and in sickness, Gayle
for helping me and the youth and
for always having great ideas, and my Ging-Ging, my guardian angel, she has helped me through my troubles, and made me
laugh when I was stressed, thanks for putting up with me when I was over the edge, and thank you to the rest of my family
members for supporting me all the way through.
Julius Aspa, your special designation as Cordon Sanitaire is truly appreciated. But as I end my term, so will I relieve
you, with merit, the position of Presidential Security Adviser. Thank you for keeping YOUR President Safe!
I thank Edlene for in her, I saw the growth of the youth organization and rise of a CSAT leader.
Thank you to the food committee for where there is CSAT, there is food or where there is food, there is a CSAT member
or the other way around.
I would like to thank Dr. Rise and Fr. Manalo: in them, I have sought guidance in the disposition of my presidency.
I would say my term is colorful!
Like I said before I took office:
Salamat niadtong mga mitabang.
DILI KO KAMO HIKALIMTAN.
Labaw na gyud nakong
DILI hikalimtang kadtong waa mo tabang!
There is so much resourceS in our organization. How can you lead a group of talented, resourceful, and accomplished individuals?
This was my biggest challenge when I took office, a year ago. I can only appeal to every members interests and commitment.
During my term, I have assigned chairmanship of the various events and activities to different members.
I was never put in a complex situation because
before it did, the members were already offering suggestions and often times, solutions.
As a result, more people were involved,
the group became more creative and more importantly we see the rise of leaders and committed members within our ranks.
To mention a few:
* Year 2006 saw the Amendment of the Constitution and By-laws to create a provision for the creation and inclusion of
the Youth into the CSAT Board. Other amendments were put into place by Rise Dajao.
* The CSAT Newsletter was revived by Mildred Abais.
* The 2 Atlantic City trips are successfully carried out by Rene Aspa, Bobbie Liguid and Nora Redd as fund-raising events
for the organization.
* Ludwig Osorio, as always, made everybody dance during the Induction Ball and other CSAT representations including the
Asian Fest, Fil-Am Day, Mayflower, etc.
* Julius Aspa, on the other hand, was able to mobilize the men to not only cook but also dance the belly-exposing, suspender-catching
Chip N dale dance number during Mothers Day. Then, the same group of men redefined Fathers Day with their commitment to honor
the MOTHERS on Fathers day by cooking and by winning the Mr. CSAT contest.
* With no blue print to work on, Junie Ocampo and his team successfully launched the sports committee event, making the
Olympics pale in comparison to the CSAT's 1st Physical Fitness Day.
* Dan Rucker religiously updated the website as much as he could.
* Bobbie Liguid hand carried our one thousand dollar donation to the victims of mudslide in Leyte , Philippines and turned
over 500 dollar donation to the Cancer Assistance Network in Cebu City, Philippines.
* Back here, Gayle Hermoso was able to put all parameters for the youths Kings Dominion outing, and with the Youth, represented
CSAT in Walk for Autism, American Cancer Society's Walk for Asthma, and Light the Night.
* Edlene Fronteras lead both the youth and the adults in the community service project including the Oasis Feeding program
and more importantly, Edlene successfully represented as the 1st President of the CSAT Youth.
* Lito Parrilla brushed us up with our Christmas carols while Lorna Homan made the necessary contacts for our sponsors.
Michael Camarillo took an upper hand with the youth's choir.
* Arlene Fronteras organized the Christmas Party to make it fun and heart-warming for everyone.
* And of course, Lorna ably put the Santo Nino fiesta together as Sinulog is everybody's prayer.
I am thankful to the people that I shared the leadership responsibilities with. The people mentioned, did not function
on each own. Each member draws strength and force from every member and from the organization whose objectives and image has
been shaped by the leaders before my time. And to keep it at its high standards was a great challenge.
My medical condition starting in August of last year was a test not only to me as a person but to the organization as
well. Whether appointed or volunteered, members were willing to step up to the plate even without titles. (including June
E) And I am glad that my temporary set back was made as a stepping stone to reveal the colors and true aspiration of what
is it to be a member of CSAT.
And now, it can be told as it is proven,
CSAT is strong because the members made it so
and the members willed it to be so.
I can proudly say that CSAT is the best.
Long Live CSAT!
(So today we meet to elect new set of officers. Look past the name. Think. Vote wisely. To the die hard: CSAT is a way
of life. Your family and resources are packaged with you as you accept the responsibility, including time.)
I would say that my presidency is carried by the organization and its members.
I am, because I was allowed.
I may have added color to the group, (with my personality) but it is the organization itself with its dedicated and committed
members that makes the Cebuano Speaking Association of Tidewater, CSAT,
A force to reckon with, an organization that can make a difference in the lives of every Cebuano, and of the Filipino
Community here in Hampton Roads.
I thank you for the trust,
I thank you for making me your President and
I am honored to have served you.
I am proud to be a CSAT member.
The journey was rewarding.
I had fun. And I hope you did.
Thanks, everyone. I am your outgoing President!
Nene Parawan
(Delivered during the General Meeting January 28, 2007 at San Lorenzo Spiritual Center 5:00 PM)
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