Aprille Aquino elected 56th president of JCI Philippine-New York

The ceremonial turnover of the chain for the new president.

The ceremonial turnover of the chain for the new president.

By Cristina DC Pastor

Aprille Aquino discovered JCI Philippine-New York while on a date with Nonong Aquino who would later become her husband. She joined in 2006, and was excited to meet a lot of “interesting people.” Thirteen years and two kids later, she is now the president of the organization that is celebrating its 56th year.

“Isn’t amazing that JCI Philippine-New York has been here for 56 years? We must be doing something right for us to last this long,” said Aprille on her induction as president. “The foundation of leadership, that is what our organization is about, developing leaders so that their time will come that they will step up and lead this organization.”

On February 2 Aprille and fellow officers and board members for 2019 took their oath before Consul Arman Talbo. They are:

Executive Vice President Augee Francisco, entrepreneur and owner of Kabisera Kape;
Individual Development Vice President Andrew Luis, who works at the United Nations;
Community Development Vice President Ann Constantino Beck, who is an artist;
Secretary Carla Mongado, a professional voice coach

Elected Directors were Malik Kahli, a research fellow at NYU; Jubert Paul Ong, a health care agency operations manager; and lawyer David Gates.

Aprille’s journey into JCI was typical. “I wasn’t into leadership training when I joined,” she recounted. “I just want to have friends and enjoy the city. But of course, I’m very eager to help.”

Aprille introduces her 2019 officers and members of the board.

Aprille introduces her 2019 officers and members of the board.

As a new recruit, she accepted the offer to become secretary. She didn’t mind because “you get to know all the chapter matters without the burden of making decision.”

Through that initial role, she learned a lot of things.

“I get to learn the Robert’s Rules of Order, learned about JCI state, USA and international, I learned how to listen and write fast,” she said. She did her part organizing two projects. One of them was the Spooktacular Halloween Jam fundraiser, where JCI was able to generate $10,000 in donation.

She said, “Jaycees teaches you everything, from planning, execution to documenting results.”

Today, Aprille is president and holds the position of JCI New York State Vice President. Also, her goals have evolved. She works as a Human Resources recruiter for The New York Foundling charity for foster children.

“This time I am looking for personal growth, personal development, enhancing my leadership skills. I want a deeper meaning and understanding of each role that I had to do,” she said.

The following JCI senators and past presidents attended the induction of officers and turnover ceremony held at the Astoria World Manor banquet hall: Richard Aguinaldo, Sergio Estrada, Lee Climente, Penn Baluyot, Almor Dayoan, Vivian Velasco, Christina Corcuera, Victor De Leon with wife Christine, Stevenson Van Derodar, and Jocelyn Bernal.

During the event, JCI Philippine-New York also launched a chapter for youth members. The following officers were inducted.

President: Feigh Hidalgo of Cardinal Spellman High School;
Vice President: Corey Ochoa of Salesian High School;
P.R.O. Adrian Villarama of St. Raymond High School for Boys;
Secretary: Cassandra Gealon of PS 153 or The Hellen Keller School.

© The FilAm 2019

Consul Arman Talbo swears in youth officers of JCI New York

Consul Arman Talbo swears in youth officers of JCI New York



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