JCI Manileña Celebrates 46 Years of Sisterhood, Service, and Growth

Some legacies are measured by the projects they complete. Others are measured by the lives they touch and the leaders they continue to inspire.

For 46 years, JCI Manileña has embodied both.

The chapter celebrated its 46th Anniversary alongside its 8th General Membership Meeting, bringing together members, alumni, and partner chapters in an evening that honored nearly five decades of leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to service.

Joining the celebration were representatives from JCI Surigao Nickel, JCI Manila, JCI Batangas Caballero, JCI San Juan Pinaglabanan, JCI Davao Inc., the JCI Philippines National Board of Directors, as well as JCI Manileña’s Past Presidents and Senators, a testament to the respect and relationships the chapter has cultivated across the organization.

Led by Project Chairwoman Director Stefani Iliscupidez, the celebration reflected not only on the chapter’s rich history but also on a year of remarkable milestones.

In her opening remarks, President Grem Belleza looked back on a year that transformed the organization. Among its proudest achievements was JCI Manileña’s elevation to Category 2, reaching the 50-member mark for the first time in its history. More than a membership milestone, the achievement represents years of intentional leadership, mentorship, and a culture that continues to attract women committed to creating positive change. The chapter’s growth places it among the larger local organizations in JCI Philippines and signals an exciting new chapter in its journey.

A cherished tradition followed as President Belleza led the ceremonial cake-cutting, symbolizing another year of shared victories, enduring friendships, and a legacy that continues to flourish.

The evening also paid tribute to the chapter’s remarkable beginnings.

Established in July 1980 by Charter President Siony Martinez, who continues to serve today as JCI Manileña Senate President, the organization proudly traces its roots to JCI Manila, its father chapter. What began as JCI Manila’s daughter chapter has grown into an organization with its own proud identity, one that has faithfully carried forward the values of leadership, service, and nation-building while cultivating a unique culture of sisterhood that has inspired generations of women leaders.

Yet despite the passing of time, the bond between mother and daughter remains as strong as ever.

During an interview, Area Chair Jeanne Caroline Vertido reflected on the many collaborations between the two chapters through the years. Among her most treasured memories were the JCI Weeks leadership trainings, where members of JCI Manileña and JCI Manila learned, served, and grew together.

She fondly recalled how the presence of leaders such as President Richard “Dods” Lim and President Alex Dayrit made those experiences especially meaningful. Beyond the formal training sessions, it was the conversations, mentorship, and genuine friendships shared with members of JCI Manila that left a lasting impression. Those moments, she shared, laid the foundation for a relationship that continues to strengthen with every joint project and shared milestone.

For newer members, that sense of belonging remains one of JCI Manileña’s defining strengths.

Director for Governance Zennia Turrecha described JCI Manileña as an organization where leadership and friendship go hand in hand.

“Joining JCI Manileña is fun because I’m learning with sisters,” she shared. “It’s like a roller coaster ride. There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps me coming back. I don’t feel any pressure because I’m genuinely having fun and enjoying the sisterhood.”

Her words reflect the culture that JCI Manileña has carefully nurtured over the years. While leadership often comes with challenges, the chapter’s supportive environment makes the journey enjoyable rather than intimidating. Members are encouraged to grow together, celebrate one another’s successes, and embrace every opportunity to learn. It is this spirit of genuine sisterhood that transforms first-time members into lifelong Manileñas.

As the evening came to a close, one photograph quietly captured everything the celebration stood for.

Two little girls, daughters of one of JCI Manileña’s members, smiled innocently as they watched the women around them celebrate 46 years of leadership, friendship, and service. They may not yet understand the significance of Category 2, the traditions, or the decades of history behind the chapter they were born into. But one day, they will inherit something far greater than an organization. They will inherit a sisterhood built by women who dared to lead, serve, and lift one another up.

Those two young faces are a glimpse of JCI Manileña’s future. Just as today’s members were once inspired by the women who came before them, a new generation is already watching, learning, and dreaming. And if the past 46 years are any indication, JCI Manileña’s greatest legacy is not simply the milestones it has achieved, but the women it continues to inspire.

The chapter has grown stronger, larger, and more impactful with every passing year. More importantly, it has ensured that the next generation will have an even brighter future to inherit. And in the smiles of those two little girls, one can already see the promise that JCI Manileña’s story is only just beginning.