An Open Letter to the RSG

Dear Officers,


Months ago, almost everyone is expecting me to be the next RSG President. During that time, I wasnt convinced yet for the position. I dont like the pressure and the expectation. I always have explainable  conviction of proving people wrong. There's also an instinct I cannot describe. I was waiting for the omen to arrive. While waiting, I have pondered: All these years, my service wasnt for position or recognition because its root was just for personal rebellion. It was just to divert my hatred of being stuck to the school I dont even like since day one. As I keep on doing things over and over and over, I learned to enjoy it and it became my passion. My purpose of rebellion turned into self growth. I have realized that to be mature and wiser through this experience, I believe, that is more than any awards, recognition and position one could have. They are mere consuelo de bobos that may be lost, could fade, could break, it maybe forgotten.. and I dont care about consuelo de bobos. But I tell you, the moments, the friends, the lessons learned is not for bargain nor for sale because at the end of the day, it's PRICELESS.


Up until the day I decided to run for Presidency, I wasnt even that serious. If I had an opponent, it was okay for me to lose the run because I am hundred and one percent sure, my passion will never lose its burn despite position-less service. To help is to believe in its cause therefore you commit yourself. That is why service is called an advocacy! This may not matter to you now, but as you try to keep your tape rolling, you will understand that the satisfaction you get in doing things in RSG is beyond its physical benefits. The sweet taste of victory after team's hardwork is so addictive, you will want to ask for more! But in order to feel what I felt and feeling, you have to put your heart on it. You are now leaders and leaders put their hearts on what they do!


Now, I am the Captain of your Ship. I can only promise to practice what I preach and that is to be righteous and competent. For these two sum up what a President should be, for me.


To be righteous is to listen and acknowledge everyone; to never assume and judge unless fully understood; to be neutral and fair on both grounds; to stay and decide with the truth; and, to be honest and do what is right... all the time. 


To be competent is to remain strong amidst conspiracy and breakdowns! Because when you are strong you know what to do. When you know what to do, you can and you will do it.. you will get it.. you will never stop until you have it... But remember, a leader desires to achieve, not to beat others!


I am only as good as I choose to be. I can not always be exemplary to all the people who expect a President to be because even a president or a leader is human. She is only human with exemplary visions for the world. No one could question her capability but the people she serve. She is good by their own definitions and her own goals. She cannot please everyone, but rest assured, a true leader can serve her people beyond her defects.


For the next ten months or so, we will work as team. At times, our personalities will clash, our ideas will compete, our ego will be bruised, and our character will be tested. We have to be strong. We must be strong because we need to be! To where we stand in the organization is what we all wanted. It was our choice, and this is the consequence. This is the challenge we will be facing as a team.


I remember Philip Wen Bombita once told the Phoenix Council two years ago, when we were just building our team. He told us that a "team" brought different individuals together for one common goal. As you work on reaching that one common goal, you will no longer be different individuals brought together but friends who share the same interest. And it is always nice to work with peers!


Here in RSG, our one common goal is to be, to do, to give our best in everything... for the students, for the school, and for ourselves.


But I tell you, on the process of being, of doing and giving our best.. we can expect the worst. But to overcome the worst, the word is FOCUS. Never forget why we are here. I am here and I will stay strong with you...


-- C