Ronaldo Z. Concha Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Two active Filipino groups in Jeddah are helping compatriots enhance their leadership skills. The KAMFI and OPM Toastmasters Clubs are also inviting fellow OFWs to attend their regular meetings to improve their communication skills not only in English but in Tagalog as well. During the groups' celebration of the Philippine Independence Day last week, Mar Par Jr., current Chairman of KAMFI, said teaching and helping any individual develop their self-confidence in communication will always be in their group's top priority. Par said there are lots of Filipinos who could barely speak their own language, especially those who were born and raised abroad. Although the club is in Filipino language, Par said everyone is welcome to attend regardless of nationality as long as they are willing to learn and speak Filipino because in Toastmasters, there is no distinction between nationalities. "Regardless of colors, they are one family," he said. Outgoing Presidents Gino Ruperez from KAMFI Club and Ben Consolacion from the OPM welcomed the new set of officers for 2013-2014. The new KAMFI officers are: Marciano Enriquez Par (president), Roberto Sanvictores Perez (VP education), Johnnygene Antonio Padillo (VP membership), Gleny Toledo Sibag (VP public relations), Wilfredo M. Araza, (secretary), Joesil Irocio Villanueva (treasurer), and Reginaldo Concordia Maga (sergeant at arms). The new OPM officers are: Rhic S. Briones (president); Letty Laririt (VP education), Emy Edano (VP membership), Alvin Bautistan (VP public relations), Robert Romorosa (secretary), Jasmin Consolacion (treasurer), and Gino Ruperez (sergeant at arms). KAMFI and OPM are the first Filipino language clubs organized in Jeddah to enhance the Filipino language for fellow OFWs and specially those Filipinos born abroad and those who have spent most of their lives away from the Philippines. The two clubs also aim to develop the skills of Filipinos which they need in their everyday lives. Guest singer Princess Grace Edem awakened the spirit of nationalism among the guests with her song “Ako ay Pilipino” (I am a Filipino) followed by a monologue of Mar Par Jr. about Filipino traits during celebrations. Those who are interested to attend their meeting in Filipino language may contact Joey Villanueva (0505534591), Johnnygene Padillo (0500807028), Mar Par Jr. (0532680443) or Rhic Briones (0581690511).
