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| 5,000 Youth Attendees for PINC Congress |
PINC Congress was a successful event that happened last November 18, 2019, at Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City. It was the largest youth convention of the year joined by more than 5,000 students from different schools in Pasay. The half-day program was packed with insightful learning from the guest speakers invited by JCI Makati.
As early as 7:00 AM, the attendees were lining up at the registration area. Each attendee was given a number stub. The program officially started at around 8:00 AM. It was followed by a doxology, singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and declaration of JCI Creed. Next, performers and artists of Lakbay Museo presented a special production number.
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| JCI Philippines Chapters on stage proudly carrying their banners |
The welcome remarks was given by Mr. Mark David, 2020 JCI Philippines National President. He extended his gratitude to everyone who collaborated with JCI Makati and to the students who participated in the PINC Congress.
For the first speaker, Consul General Robert Lim Joseph explained the significance of Mental Health Awareness. He encouraged the attendees to be an encourager and fight the stigma surrounding the mental health-related issues.
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| Consul General Robert Lim Joseph for Mental Health Awareness discussion |
Afterward, Mr. Ico Rodulfo Johnson discussed HIV Awareness to the attendees. The second speaker is an HIV awareness advocate. He emphasized the importance of educating the public on how to prevent contracting the virus and how to seek help for loved ones whom they know might be susceptible to HIV.
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| Mr. Ico Rodulfo Johnson explaining HIV Awareness |
The third speaker was Former BIR Commissioner Kim Henares. Being a proud and dedicated accountant and auditor, she explained why even at a young age, Financial Literacy is a core knowledge. She told the students to match their lifestyle with the budget they have, and even saving P10 per day can help them start a frugal lifestyle.
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| Former BIR Commissioner Kim Henares for Financial Literacy |
The next speaker was Atty. Carol Cruz, Chief of Staff of Cong. Joey Salceda. As the congressman had an abrupt meeting in the House of Representatives, Atty. Cruz went to PINC Congress in his behalf. She shared essential life lessons especially she grew up in poverty from her humble beginning in Mindanao. Hardwork, look back to those who helped you, gratitude, and embracing the beauty of life are her reminders for the youth.
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| Atty. Carol Cruz sharing important life lessons |
For the fifth speaker, Renan Morales, he elaborated on Drug Awareness by addressing that it is a brain disease. Anyone addicted only needs help and support in their recovery. He explained that addiction is not limited to drugs and alcoholism, as it may also happen when people are dangerously attached to their relationship, career, or material possessions.
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| Renan Morales for Drug Awareness topic |
Then, JCI Makati President Joey Garcia proudly did the introduction for Pasay City Mayor Imelda "Emy" Calixto. The good mayor of Pasay City, as the keynote speaker, shared her gratitude to JCI Makati for choosing their city as the recipient of the week-long PINC events and this youth convention congress. She acknowledged their past contributions to Pasay City.
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| Pasay City Mayor Imelda "Emy" Calixto as keynote speaker |
A special intermission number from a world-class performer took place after the keynote address of Pasay City Mayor Emy Calixto. Mr. Normando Macalinao, a magician based in UAE and performed for different Hollywood celebrities, amazed the crowd with his card and money tricks. The students excitedly participated as he asked for volunteers in performing the magic tricks.
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| World-class magician Normando Macalinao doing tricks with volunteers from the crowd |
The last speaker was Cong. Geraldine Roman. She was the first elected transgender woman in the House of Representatives. She discussed the importance of Gender Equality and to stand up against discrimination. Acknowledging the basic rights of every citizen in the Philippines is what she's fighting for, regardless of the gender orientation, religion, beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
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| Congresswoman Geraldine Roman discussing Gender Equality |
JCI Makati members and other JCI Philippines chapters headed by Luigi Rubiano surprised the attendees with their raffle draw courtesy of Cherry Mobile. 13 units of Cherry Mobile Flare Y7 and 5 units of Cherry Mobile Tablets were given for the minor and major prizes. The lucky winners were picked from electronic raffle draw of their numbers from the earlier registration.
After the raffle draw, Center for Pop Music Philippines' homegrown artists performed on their respectively solo numbers. Each of them delivered a spectacular rendition of their chosen songs. While they were performing, the AVP of the week-long PINC events was playing on the LED Screen.
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| Proud raffle winner of Cherry Mobile Flare Y7 |
The PINC Congress ended on a high note for everyone. JCI Makati President extended their warmest gratitude to the sponsors, media partners, schools, and City Government of Pasay that collaborated with them for the entire week of activities and for the biggest youth convention of the year.
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| Jam-packed Cuneta Astrodome for PINC Congress |
PINC was made possible with sponsors CreativSounds Studio, CreatiVoices Productions, Orocan, Doña Maria, Urban Smiles, Mr. Babba Shawarma, A Thousand Concepts Inc., Tokyo Joe, Cherry Mobile, Satur Solutions, Center for Pop Music, Reyes Haircutters, Smootea, and RaiRaiKen to name some.
The media partners were When in Manila, Inquirer, Business Mirror, and Business World SparkUp. Partner organizations and schools are Arellano University, City University of Pasay, and National Youth Commission together with City Government of Pasay.
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| Panorama view of Cuneta Astrodome for on-going PINC Congress |
JCI Makati looks forward to 2020 with more initiative projects in mind to serve more communities and beneficiaries with their selfless actions.
#WeMenCare #PINC #BrotherhoodOfGreatness #PINC
