Distinguished guests – The Hon. Executive Secretary Eduardo R.  Ermita, Rev. Pastor Markus Huyssen and Rev. Fr. Joey Guinto, our beloved executives, Honorary Members and active PAS past presidents,  fellow members and guests.

Tonight is a celebration of the culmination of our hard work, team effort and determination in making PAS, without a doubt, a premier organization of administrative professionals in the country.

It is an honor to be here in front of you as the landscape of my 2009 presidency comes to an end and with it brings a bright and promising year of the golden tiger. It is a year that manifests courage, power, passion and royalty.

Being the 2009 president of this dynamic organization is a big responsibility- the challenges are great and sometimes, seem insurmountable. It involves intense planning and long hours of work that often times affect even my job and family life. But there’s no reason to complain.  Every challenge that comes my way serves as an inspiration for me to strive more. With dedicated and committed members working as a team, nothing was impossible to dream. Together as a ‘TEAM’ we had overcome all the obstacles that came our way. Thereon, we all ensured that the PAS mission and visions are well accomplished. 

While we have all been through some challenging times this past year – especially with our budget, there have been many more satisfying accomplishments along the way –

1.         We have successfully celebrated the Administrative Professionals’ Week where we challenged participants of the 2009 PAS National Convention to “Inspire. Motivate. Lead.” In other words, to go beyond excellence. The year 2009 theme “Transcending in Challenging Times” drove every member to go the extra mile and move forward in their personal and professional lives.

2.         In the last quarter of the year, PAS has remained firm and continued to provide worthwhile activities to the members. Our monthly GMMs, the bowling tournament, ‘Simply Ballroom’ and bingo fund raising events, seminars for members and non-members were all accomplished successfully.
Today, I am not asking for support because everyone here has already done their share for the success of the 2009 PAS projects. Instead, I would like to express my personal and deepest appreciation to all who have walked hand-in-hand with me during my one-year term as president of our esteemed association.

The year 2009 was built on the hard and solid work of everyone.

1.         I would like to thank the officers and board of directors, the PAS Development Foundation board of trustees, fellow members and the secretariat staff for their support, dedication, commitment and understanding that had been accorded me in this worthwhile journey.  In all ways and more, you have all shown an incredible ability to work together, with a positive attitude, for larger ambitions than just your individual roles.

There is a saying that goes, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” I just hope that I was able, in any way, helped you fulfill your expectations and needs as PAS members. I believe that I have done my job in the best of my ability.

2.         I am very grateful for a great number of sponsors who had come aboard in support of the various superb events and projects this past year.

3.         To the wonderful mentors I’ve had in my stint as president, my gratitude and thanks to each of you for your insight and counsel to achieve greatness.

4.         Special thanks go to my ever loving husband, ARCHIE and children CATHY, TIMOTHY & NATASHA- my eternal gratitude to them for supporting my PAS involvement.

As I am about to relinquish my position as 2009 President, I will take with me fond memories of an experience that was stimulating, challenging and fulfilling. I will take with me memories of people who have helped me lead PAS in achieving its goals.  

I have done enough speaking for this past year. Now, I’d like to express how much I have appreciated the things that make this association so special – not just on the business side, but the fun and laughter we have had, the time we have to stay long nights to negotiate for business activities or prepare last minute documents and materials for a seminar. I will definitely miss these exercises.

As we go forward, I know we can count on you, fellow members, to provide the 2010 officers and board of directors with challenges and inspirations as you always have. I say without reservation that we have every reason to be proud of this great and dynamic organization we call PAS.

And so we turn over the last page on this past year's chapter. Like with any good book, you don't want the story to end. Fortunately, we will start with a fresh chapter in this ‘golden tiger’ year.  

Congratulations to all of you for the very significant accolades and accomplishments. Because of you, fellow members, I am so proud to be one of the many characters in the PAS milestone!

FINALLY,  I quote:  Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., once said, “I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. . .   we must sometimes sail with the wind and sometimes against it. But we must sail and not drift or lie at anchor.”

CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT YEAR!

Emily Hope Parel