THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Noel Roble, FAST President (1999-2000)

Is the task finally over, or is it just beginning?

This question lingers in my mind as I watch the clock tick towards my successor's end. I could only imagine the relief the moment Kenneth utters his "I do"- one that will signal his full acceptance of the presidency and the responsibilities that come with the position.

It's been almost a year since I stood at the very same ground where Kenneth is standing now. And if I were to reminisce the day, flashes of different pictures of me are likely to appear. It was a day when I literally choked for taking one big bite of something I could only describe as hot as "wasabi." It was a day when I found myself proud of other people's trust, but wary of failing to meet expectations. It was a day that paved the way for a long arduous task of testing my self-worth. It was a day when I could only look back with honors, and without regrets.

Inexperienced and unguided, I braved the challenge of a long and uncertain future side-by-side with an equally demanding academic workload. Somehow, it was to me like a two-pronged experiment - each one promising no instant results but giving out new lessons and extra points. In other words, it was an opportunity for higher learning.

The first lesson was comparable to some kind of "baptism of fire." After barely a few months in office, not one from the eight officers was spared from intense criticism as the Association failed to join the annual "gakuensai." Given the significant amount of profit FAST could have earned from the activity, the Association's exclusion from the list of flea market sellers was tantamount to letting go of big bucks. Thanks to the Filipino spirit, we had to console ourselves by organizing a community picnic if only not to miss at least the fun of the event.

Amidst the height of faultfinding, I could only remember how most of us bowed our heads in resignation. Even imagination nearly died under the withering heat of criticism. Somehow, our helplessness made us believe that resignation was the only way out. Somehow, we just found ourselves turning like Japanese.

But as I present to you our humble accomplishments today, you will probably realize how we succeeded in working for a positive turnaround. Ladies and gentlemen, I therefore congratulate you all.

In the field of sports, the Association held its Independence Day Bowling Games in June 13, 1999. It also pioneered a new tradition by hosting the 1st Goodwill Games in July seeing sports competition for the first time ever between our own team and the visiting team from Utsunomiya City. The Tokyo-Tsukuba Cup then followed in September 1999, during which time the home team got hold of its newly introduced "perpetual championship trophy."

Noteworthy is FAST's participation in the annual Tsukuba International Fair in May 1999. Apart from promoting Filipino culture and heritage, the Association has also raised a considerably large amount of money out of selling native Filipino dishes during the second day of the festival. The Halloween "Trick or Friends Disco Party" held in October 29 at Friends International culminated the Association's fundraising initiatives, raising a net profit of Y73,715. It is on this note that I wish to singularly thank the Tutor family for giving us an invaluable treat.

The current financial standing of the Association suggests no belt-tightening measures in the foreseeable future. Our treasury holds some Y95,566 in cold cash?probably just the right amount that will help the new set of officers pursue their own initiatives and projects less the financial constraints. And as we entrust you the care of the Association's fund, we also encourage you to double the figure in a year's time. It is a realistic target and at the same time a commensurate goal for people who take their oath not with winter jackets, but with tuxedos and black dresses.

Apart from the bingo socials held in October, simple get-togethers continue to add color to the Association's existence. Without specifically mentioning the long list of Christmas, birthday, welcome and farewell, among other rest and recreation activities, we believe the Association has created an atmosphere we could only call our second home. No other foreign community in Tsukuba could surpass our long-held tradition of solid organization, solidarity and friendship. FAST is one big happy family.

In December 1999, a number of FAST members attended the reception hosted by His Excellency, Romeo Arguelles, Ambassador to Japan of the Republic of the Philippines. The occasion opened new doors for FAST as the Association begins to usher itself to joining the wider network of Filipino groups in Japan.

At the dawn of the new millennium, we also witnessed how FAST has evolved from one small student association to a community of Filipino scholars. In February 13, 2000, we waved goodbye to the Filipino Association of Students in Tsukuba and welcomed the birth of the Association of Filipino Scholars in Tsukuba.

With these reforms came other breakthroughs. By my own measure, I consider the creation of the FAST website and the drafting of a tailor-made Constitution and Bylaws as our greatest contribution to the past, present and future members of the Association. Incidentally, this day marks the ratification of the FAST Constitution - one that supersedes the 1998 Association of Filipino Students in Tsukuba Guidelines. As a reminder, I only have this to say:

"The wisdom of the constitution is that it can be changed the moment it ceases to represent the will of the members, or cope with the demands of the changing times."

Aptly held in a place whose name draws the idea of a futuristic imagery, I could only grin at the coincidence of holding this big event here at "Space K." Apparently, I can't help but ask when the issue about the controversial "letter k" will be resolved, and also wonder if ever there is such thing as "Space without K."

So is the task finally over, or is it just beginning?

The task is just beginning for Kenneth and his fellow officers. But for us, it is far from over. And so to our successors, we challenge you to rise above pressure, tap the pool of minds that create the collectively formed genius we call FAST, and exploit the incalculable abstract reserve and metaphorical potential of the Association. As you enter the world of endless possibilities, you could at least expect that we are with you all the way.

In closing, it is no exaggeration to say that our graceful exit would not have been possible without the help of many.

TO ALL OF YOU, OUR PROFOUND GRATITUDE.

Thank you and good evening.

Ed's Note: This speech was delivered during the Induction and Sayonara Party held at Space K on March 12, 2000.

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