PRESIDENTIAL REPORT AND TURN-OVER SPEECH
Kenneth Tanate, President FY 2000-2001

Good evening fellow FAST members and guests.

I think that all of you would agree that the past year could be poetically described as "colorful" not just for me, not just for my other fellow officers but certainly for the whole organization. We have had a whole gamut of activities -- monthly birthday celebrations, welcome parties, excursions, picnics, disco, homepage improvements, friendly sports competitions, logo-design contest, various fund raising projects, Independence Day celebration, constitution amendments, and today the induction and sayonara party. While planning for these activities have been really taxing, they were incomparable to the amount of time and creativity we have poured into the preparation for the International Festival and the University Day.

Reminiscing the past, often brought smile on my face. Who would have thought that Jane would be dancing on stage during the International Festival despite her hesitation? Or who would have imagined that Romy would have the courage to challenge me in table tennis during our sports fest? Just kidding. It has been fun.

But then, no organization is without problems. We are a mix of people with different points-of-views. We each have our own beliefs -- our own convictions. I do not wish to impose my beliefs on you nor do I wish you to impose your beliefs on me. But we have to learn how to meet halfway. This we have done.

The beauty of an organization is its ability to withstand the storm that may come its way. A few months ago, we have been through one hell of a storm, pardon the expression, but I am happy to say that we were able to successfully overcome that difficult phase. We were there to witness the strength of FAST as an organization. FAST is still young. I assure you, it will have an ample share of laughter and tears. Laughter, we welcome. But tears -- we should too. Because tears will help the organization to grow. To mature. To evolve. Let us not hamper the growth of FAST. Let us nourish our organization because we are a part of its history. We are part of its story.

Enough has been said. Tonight, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you who shared your time and talent -- blood, sweat and tears -- to make last year a really great year for the organization. Special mention to my fellow officers, my partners: Ning, Butch, Romy, Kathy, Joy S., Joy D., and Lota. Thank you.

In behalf of the outgoing officers, let me congratulate all of you. May you continue to forge camaraderie, constant exchange of ideas, open lines of communication not only among us Filipinos but to the rest of the international community -- and not only within the confines of Tsukuba University but reach out beyond the boundaries of Tsukuba Science City.

With these words, I entrust FAST to its new leaders. The duly-elected officers for 2001-2002: Jun Malaque (President), Cecilia Gomez (VP-internal), Ryan Pondoc (VP-external), Ging Ortiz (Secretary), Joy Clave (Treasurer), Anton Lalusin (Auditor), Dennis Trinidad (Business Manager), and Cathy Vivar (Public Information Officer).

And to all of you, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the organization. It was truly a learning experience and a pleasure, indeed.

Good evening.

Editor's Note: This speech was delivered during the FAST Induction and Sayonara Party held at Friends International Mart, 24 February 2001.

See related article: FAST Accomplishment Report 2001

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