TM Basic Speech 1: "A Change of Course"

“Magandang Gabi, Bayan!”

It was my childhood dream to be a broadcaster, and to one day be like my idol Noli de Castro.

How about you? What was your ambition? My fellow Toastmasters and guests, this is a classical question our teachers asked us during our elementary days. My instant answer back then was to become a doctor, then an engineer. I didn’t give it much thought; it was just out of whim.

I can’t really tell what piqued my interest for broadcast media. My first “media exposure” was when I auditioned for a “Young Radio Commentator” contest during Grade VI., but I didn’t qualify. I may not have realized, but perhaps there started a tiny spark. I got additional exposure when I was assigned as a “field reporter” for the Broadcasting category on an inter-school press conference during high school. We were just standing on an improvised booth backstage. But even with that, I still had the rush. I was very excited and nervous as I delivered my news…live! Mind you, we employed stingers and ads, and even had our own showbiz news ala-John Lapuz. It felt like a real radio program! We were very happy to have won third place back then. Then is when I truly felt the thrill of the profession coursing through me.

I also had the chance to touch on print media. I wrote for the school paper as an editorial writer and layout artist. In fact, it’s because of the paper that I was able to join press conferences. I admit not being a good writer – and in English at that – but I took that opportunity at heart. It was a perfect avenue for me to hone my writing skills.

I also took on leadership roles. I was an officer of a few school clubs, and was an auditor in the student council. Unlike print and broadcast media, I had direct correspondence to my constituents – the students. Being an officer made me see things in a different perspective. It ignited a passion in me – the passion to serve, to think of ways to improve the student experience. After all, the heart of media is in public service.

All of these were essential for my next journey: college. I’ve made up my mind that I’ll take Mass Communications. But sadly, poverty hurts and reality bites. My family cannot shoulder my college education, and the lack of my birth certificate disqualified me from applying to most scholarship programs, making my chances even slimmer. The only scholarship I applied – and passed – did not offer the course, so I decided to take my next option: Computer Science / Information Technology. Noli not long ago firmly decided to change course from the media to politics. But unlike him, I didn’t have much choice.

But that change did not stop me for pursuing my interests in writing and public service. I joined the college student council as a secretary, where I’ve put my writing to a whole new level. Perhaps you’re thinking that I’ve led a boring life. Actually, I had my share of fun learning. I signed up for the school’s theater arts company – how’s that for a breath of fresh air! Apart from teaching the ideologies of the various interests in theater arts – which, yes, includes writing - , the company also opened the doors for us to apply and share our learning to people. There was a time when I conducted a theater arts class for Grades 1-2. As you’d expect, they were very stubborn. It’s hard to keep them contained. They wouldn’t even listen sometimes. I wanted to give up! But, even though they can be little devils, they are true angels. They don’t forget to say “thank you” after class. It really warms my heart seeing their smiles and hearing their simple words of appreciation. Though dead tired, it was all worth it.

Joining the company was hitting two birds with one stone. Actually, it was more than just two birds. And like a bird, I was out there. I was always on the go. And even now that I’m working, I kept myself busy with activities where I can put my energies to good use, and where I can contribute for a greater cause. Thankfully, my company does not fall short of these programs.

I have no regrets. If not for my decision, I wouldn’t be here standing in front of you. I may have been a different me. But what matters is I love who I am now. I may not be a broadcaster by profession, but I’ll be one at heart. Besides, my fellow Toastmasters will surely help me out. So to Mr./Ms. Ah-Counter, don’t leave any of my crutch words behind. To Mr./Ms. Timer, do remind me if I’m still within bounds. To Mr./Ms. Evaluator, do keep tabs of what I should improve with my overall delivery. And to everyone, I hope to have inspired you with my story.

And as for Noli, I hope he’s not regretting his decision to change paths. I hope he’s happy being in the political world, same with the happiness I’ve found.

“Ako po si Jan Calvin Gamulo, na nag-iiwan ng isang Magandang Gabi, Bayan!”

Toastmaster of the night…


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Here is the final version of the piece, which I presented last April 23, 2009.