Operation Smile in Cebu Year 18

Operation Smile Cebu Mission once again will be extending their services to children and young adults with facial deformities through free surgery starting June 24 to July 1, 2016. This is the 18th year this mission has been extending free services especially to indigent patients.

Yearly sponsored by the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation, Inc. (MSYCFI) with Dame Mariquita S. Yeung, chairman of the foundation heading the mission, host hospital and venue of the mission is the newly-inaugurated and most modern hospital - University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMED) along Ouano Avenue, Mandaue City.

Ramona L. Aliño, Executive Director of the mission said that last year's mission had a total of 129 indigent children and reconstructive surgery, and our target number this year for cleft lips and palates is 150 patients. Expected to arrive on June 22 are some 50 international volunteers - surgeons, nurses, dentists, intensivists, and others.

By the way, we are calling all volunteers: nurses for the operating room and wards. Please call tel. 231-0961 local 155 Operation Smile or visit the office at the 12th floor MSY Tower, Pecadores Road, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City - M-W-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please bring copy of your license and 1x1 photo for ID.

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Enhancing Corporate Communications and Leadership Skills with Toastmasters

Toastmasters International President-elect Mr. Mike Storkey, DTM visited Cebu and spread the word on the benefits of creating Toastmasters Clubs within communities and private institutions.

In the recent press conference organized by Cebu City Marriot Hotel, the Australian national spoke of the toastmasters' program that has helped over 300,000 people in improving their ability to communicate and lead effectively. He emphasized that there are no barriers that set one apart from learning. To prove a point, he shared that after a recent meeting with the officers and members of the Philippine Accessible Deaf Services (PADS) Inc., an organization dedicated to people with disabilities, a new club will soon be born in Cebu. After formalities have been made, instructional aids fit for PWDs will soon be sent from the headquarters to start their meetings and trainings.

Joining him as panelist was Past International President (PIP) Mr. Johnny Pawe Uy, DTM, a Cebuano who once spearheaded the direction of this worldwide learning institution. He shared that this non-profit organization provides a supportive environment that curates experimental learning through delivering speeches as part of modular speech projects monitored by fellow members and officers. As each Toastmaster shares stories, gains feedback, lead teams and guide others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge.

District 75 Director Aristides Archie, DTM, adds that currently the Philippines is home to about 140 clubs spread across the three major island of the country that are either public or managed by private institutions such as those of Aboitiz. Lexmark, San Miguel, and many others. At present, there are about 6,000 individuals who are under the training, sharing in the effort and drive of a community who dedicate time for self-improvement and in helping others succeed. One of the many is District Convention Chair, Benzon Lim, DTM is an engineer by profession. He recalls how through this trainings have made his meetings with his presentations more professionally.

For more information on how you can be an effective communicator and leader, visit www.toastmasters.org to find out the schedule and venue of a club nearest you.