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I always wanted The Guild to be low-key.  I know what The Guild is for, how it should be, and why. It does not matter how long it will take us to get to where we want to be, I believe that we will get there. I am no longer driven to get there to make a point, for the point has been made.

Now is the time to explore every possible path and enjoy the journey. To achieve that, it is relevant for us to come out, and “introduce” ourselves.  It is important for people to know that we are here, and why.

On June 22, 2008 the new sets of officers was sworn in no less by our own patron, Mrs. Anne Marden. Some of the out-going officers were there, too — She Tamayo (VP), Noemi Paniza (Secretary), Mrs. Alona Gallema (Treasurer). Joy Marqueses, our honorary member, sent a message that said everything I would have said.  Mr. Tony Bartolome gave a heartfelt message to the group prior to the Oath-Taking. Mrs. Anne Marden, in her speech, acknowledged how sad it is to be away from home and how glad she is to know that there is a group like The Guild that does things to alleviate the sadness. On how writing is powerful, and to be able to move your reader is an honor and something everyone should be proud of.  Ms. Cora Carsola shared how she felt when she first came to Hong Kong and what she did so she could help fellow overseas workers.  She encouraged everyone to use the gift of writing to not only be creative but also to fight for one’s right.  Vice Consul Vic Dimagiba came, on behalf of Consul General Vicente, and passed on a message.  He said, ConGen himself is a writer and would like to encourage everyone to keep on writing. Of all the events he attended, Mr. Dimagiba said The Guild was different, kakaibang putahe kung baga sa luto.

“If a picture could paint a thousand words, The Writers’ Guild could paint two thousand dreams,” was how Mr. Rolly Cruz of PNB opened his message while gently chiding the big crowd who turned noisy for a reason (perhaps, from the excitement of seeing Mr. Cruz?).  He shared how aninvitation was hand-delivered (by me) only 4 days before the event, how he juggled his schedule to accommodate our invitation, for he saw the relevance and importance of The Guild.

A dream was indeed, the beginning of this all, dreams that materialized not only due to hard work and perseverance but mostly because of the kindness and belief of friends, employers, acquaintances, and even from strangers. The Guild, as I said during my speech, is different in the sense that we not only want to help our communities back home, as we maintain a strong and united support system here, but also the Hong Kong community that has been a “home” to us, whose rich land served as the steam to many dreams.  That is why it is of utmost importance that every core people involved understand that to be in The Guild and be worthy of its mandate, one has to be committed and ready for what could be a thankless job.

The Guild is not entirely new or unique. It is a tried, tested and a simple fact that writing is therapeutic and an inexpensive way for creativity and self-improvement.  It simply was not openly stated as before, but change is happening. Everyone was entertained by Pretty Boyz dancers (of Passi City Association in HK), The dancing friend, Fil Guys, Best International singer Jocelyn Dago and Dancers.

THE JOY
The joy comes from knowing what we could pull off when we work together. It comes from the knowledge that we have a friend in each of us and that respect is there.  It was from the “thank you” we got and the gentle smile as we stick a sticker on a stranger’s cloth when they give something during Flag Day. It’s the simple SMS, brief calls and emails that tell us how The Guild helped, challenged and motivated many to pick up their pen. It comes from the laughter as we make a fool of ourselves — the little surprises and pranks we try to pull off. The little outing that we had, the simple meal we shared. It was from seeing old and new friends there, of people who came despite of the very late invitation.

And as I stood at the back and look on during our event, I felt my heart swell with pride and happiness for the wonderful group I have, and I could only pray that we all grow old together as we walk towards achieving our goals.

THE DREAMS:
1.  Helpers Help Back — a project that aims to highlight our giving and caring side. It will benefit many Hong Kong charities and will provide a very good “exposure” to our would-be sponsors. With all the grunts brought by natural disasters and inflation, it would be nice to see an iota of kindness which, The Guild believes, is innate to all of us.

2. After School — aims to build/create a venue among the most destitute barangays/provinces where kids could go and spend quality time after school.  It will be manned by a volunteer who will help kids with their homework.  Ideally, it will have an audio/video area  where kids could watch informative/learning videos and some child/family videos as well. With toys that will teach young children to share, among others.

3. Volunteer Brigade — trained members of The Guild who will avail themselves to do voluntary works when workforce is needed.  During Flag Day for example or when other groups/organization will hold an event and need extra pair of hands.  The Guild is working on for an exemption to be granted to make voluntary work outside one’s social group legal.

4. Let your Money Work For You — a sponsored  Essay Writing contest that aims to encourage people to understand the long term benefit of savings.

5. From Drab to Fab — a self improvement workshop for women that will teach them how to bring out the best in them, bring their inner “diva” and be more confident on their looks.

These dreams, someday we believe will become a reality. After all, we may be small people but we all are capable of doing great deeds, enduring love and unquestionable sacrifices.

Welcome aboard, everyone, and let’s weave more dreams.

Author:  Catherine Montano, President, TWG

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (July 2008 issue)