It is December 12 now. I can’t believe that it will be Christmas Day in just two weeks! 🙂

I attended my usual but always awaited Saturday morning (15:00-17:00H Philippine time) meeting with my fellow UP Manila Toastmasters Club members/friends and I would like to share some of our photos and messages today. ❤

Despite being in three different time zones, we were able to make our meeting and virtual Christmas party happen. There were songs, dances, memorable quotes, heartwarming messages and playful jests.

I was tasked to deliver an impromptu speech on the quote “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection” by Winston Churchill. It felt close to my heart for I really believe that Christmas is a time for both. It is a time to celebrate and spend wonderful time with family and loved ones. It is also a time to look back, reflect on the past months, appreciate our blessings, forgive ourselves for the not-so-good decisions we made, and look forward to new beginnings.

My fellow Toastmaster Pam delivered her message towards the end of the meeting with these reminders (especially in times when we feel down):

• Have something to look forward to.
• Think of anything that motivates you.
• Keep a hobby.

Then we gave our messages to everyone and finally, we sang a song that is famous all over the Philippines during the Christmas season– Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in our Hearts.”

Happy weekend everyone! 🙂 Stay warm. Stay safe and healthy.