JCI Manila Sets Sail for Leadership: First ULO Held at Manila Yacht Club

Dan Michael Gallego, as told by Alfonso Ramirez de Arellano
February 12, 2025

JCI Manila recently held its first University of Leaders Orientation (ULO) and Launchpad (LP) on February 5 and February 11, 2025, at the prestigious Manila Yacht Club and the JCI Manila Clubhouse, Limitless Training Center, respectively. These events marked a significant step in the chapter’s recruitment and leadership training efforts, ensuring that the JCI Manila culture of excellence and leadership continues with a new generation of committed members.

The recruitment process was carefully structured to uphold JCI Manila’s high standards. A stringent and systematized screening process was introduced, including a pre-screening phase with questions on expectations and intentions. For the first time in recent history, a chapter-wide screening was implemented, allowing members to provide input on applicants before the ULO. The event itself was held at the prestigious Manila Yacht Club, secured through the efforts of JCI Manila member Commodore Marco Tronqued. The ULO featured talks from key leaders such as Regional Vice President and Past President Calel Gosingtian, who provided insights into JCI history, and Past President Steve Baltao, who spoke on business opportunities within JCI Manila. Project Chairman Carlo Sunico shared a heartfelt account of his JCI journey, inspiring the 35 applicants who all successfully passed the screening process after committee and Board of Directors evaluation.

Past President Steve Baltao engages with BJC applicants at the ULO in Manila Yacht Club.

Launchpad 1 introduced the first-ever Baby Jaycee Journey talk by Comm. Alfonso S. Ramirez de Arellano, which guided new members through the process of becoming full-fledged JCI Manila members. Other sessions included discussions on JCI Manila protocol and the Gentleman’s Code by past Secretary-General Michael Uy, project management and financing by RSDD Mark Escay, and a finance protocol video by Executive Treasurer Carlo Delantar. A key innovation of Launchpad 1 was the piloting of the Batch Big Brother System, where applicants selected a representative to serve as the glue of their batch. BJC Christopher Lim, sponsored by Rob Hong, became the first Batch Big Brother in JCI Manila history.

BJC applicants recite the JCI Creed during Launchpad at the JCI Manila Clubhouse.

The program’s meticulous planning spanned from January 7 to February 4, involving Board of Directors presentations, recruitment and screening, and securing venues. Post-ULO evaluations included final screening of applicants and their presentation to the Board for approval. The project was led by Organizing Committee Chairman Carlo Sunico.

Feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed appreciation for the level of detail and effort put into the ULO and Launchpad, with many Baby Jaycees already forming close bonds. Past and current directors commended the quality of applicants and regarded this ULO as historic due to its location, turnout, and insightful discussions. The first batch of Baby Jaycees is already showing signs of active participation, with many successfully presenting their projects by February 19. As JCI Manila continues with ULO2, LP2, and beyond, the commitment to fostering strong, engaged members remains unwavering.

JCI Manila members pose by the yachts at Manila Yacht Club after the Committee Lounge, ahead of the ULO.

Bryan Zafra, Director for Leadership, Training, and Recruitment, remarked on the success of the event, stating, “The first ULO of the year came off with a strong start for recruitment. You could visibly see that the applicants WANTED to be a part of JCI Manila and were willing to go through the process to become a member.” Commissioner Alfonso S. Ramirez de Arellano added, “Seeing this batch of Baby Jaycees reminded me of my own experience. Watching them bond and grow together reaffirms my belief that these members will finish strong and find their third place in JCI Manila.” With such intentional efforts, JCI Manila is poised to welcome more quality members dedicated to making a difference in their communities.