Iligan Toastmasters Club hosts Area 51 Fellowship and Team Building

Members of Toastmasters International from Iligan, Macajalar and Cagayan de Oro Chapters met on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Chelina Beach Resort, Sta. Felomina, Iligan City for their Fellowship and Team Building activities. Alex Zeta, the Area Governor initiated the idea to establish camaraderie among members of Area 51.

The gathering started with a sumptuous lunch sponsored by Mark Grageda, President of Iligan Toastmasters Club. 

Then, the session was called to order by Ms. Zeta who also welcomed everyone to the meeting. The acknowledgment of guests made everyone ecstatic because Mr. Mark relates them to animals and nature. One was labelled koala because he is one of a kind, Mr. Archie Velasco. Another was introduced as the mountain, Ma’am Margie Villanueva without whom, the area would have gone “eroded”. Everyone was amazed with a creative way of introducing the participants. The Toastmaster of the Day Ms. Stefanie Uy also facilitated another equally funny “getting to know activity” where members picked a piece of M & M’s chocolate donated by Sir Albert. Those with similar colors grouped and conceptualized the presentation. The Miss Universe 2011 fever went on with the Brown Team representing the Philippines, Ukraine and Angola for the question and answer portion. Another group made Royal True Orange as the props to highlight the Orange team.

Every toastmasters’ meeting wouldn’t be complete without prepared speeches. Ms. Avril Talinting brought everyone to laughter with her speech entitled “Forgetful Moments.” As said, being forgetful is inevitable and acceptable, so long as it does not jeopardize national security. Ms. Zeta also encouraged everyone to be a superstar in their own right by believing & acting as a superstar, being persistent and becoming a toastmasters member.

Then, the group indulge themselves to the table topics portion or the impromptu speech which is considered to be the most challenging part in every toastmasters’ meeting. Questions revolve on the significance of the fellowship, the expectations of an upcoming member and the relevance of the new Toastmasters International Logo.

The team building ‘games’ was hosted by Ms. April Venci from Cagayan de Oro Chapter. Singing the jingle of “to to to to to to toastmasters” makes a Toastmasters group and “we are the winner, the mighty mighty winner” makes the second group “Team Winner.”

 The first game was called Crocodile game. The organizer must have thought of it after “Lolong” – the largest crocodile ever caught. The mechanics included stepping into the red ribbon and anyone will be ‘devoured’ if he gets out the line. The first group to arrange themselves based on age, alphabetical order of names, size of shoes and color of the skin gets a score after shouting “Hephep Hurray!”  After several categories, the Team Winner won!!! Kudos. Being challenged, the “Toastmasters” group hurdled and actively participated in the “Amazing Race.” Everyone is required to fill in three glasses with water by using bare hands in fetching water from the pool. Quite challenging it was that everyone’s effort is really needed. Their group went ahead to the next post and eventually won. Both teams won and shared laughter.

Before the Area 51 Fellowship and Teambuilding ended, representatives shared their experiences and realizations about the activity. Everyone was in agreement that activities such as these are enriching, enhancing and enlightening. They too, were grateful of each other’s presence and cooperation. Teamwork, commitment and establishing friendship were the highlights of the gathering.

“I’m looking forward for the next one.” J - Pinoy Turista

Want to develop self-confidence, communication and leadership skills? Join Toastmasters International. Conquer your fear of public speaking and reach your dreams. The Iligan Toastmasters Club invites you to attend meetings every other Saturday at the Unde Hall, CBAA, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. Contact Ms. Stefanie Uy @ 0917-8516378 for inquiries. Thanks J