Pres. Calel, Pres. Rich, and Pres. Dods Take the Stage as 105 Recruits Begin Their JCI Journey

On a vibrant evening in February 2026 at Revel at The Palace in Bonifacio Global City, JCI Manila made history as the University of Leaders Orientation (ULO) welcomed a record-breaking 105 new recruits, the biggest ULO turnout so far. The posh venue set the tone for a night filled with great food, excellent vibes, and an unmistakable sense of excitement as the next generation of leaders took their first official step into the organization.

From the moment the doors opened, it was clear that this was no ordinary orientation. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, blending the elegance of the venue with the warmth and brotherhood that define JCI Manila. Conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the room, and new faces quickly became familiar ones.

At the helm of the event was Chairman Ch. Kirk, grandson of a JCI Manila past president and senator, who led the program with confidence and sincerity. In his message to the recruits, Ch. Kirk thanked everyone for making time to attend and for taking the first step toward becoming part of JCI Manila. He shared how hard the team worked behind the scenes to prepare the experience. He emphasized that they wanted the recruits not just to learn, but to genuinely enjoy their first official encounter with the organization.

A major highlight of the evening was the presence of three distinguished Past Presidents, whose talks turned the orientation into a powerful masterclass on leadership, purpose, and brotherhood.

The first speaker, Pres. Calel, challenged the recruits with a simple yet profound question: “How well do you know yourself?” He emphasized that understanding yourself leads to better understanding of others, reminding everyone that “what matters to you should have the most of you.” His message centered on self-awareness as the foundation of leadership, encouraging recruits to anchor their JCI journey in clarity of purpose and values.

Up next was Pres. Rich, who brought the audience back to the organization’s core mission. He opened with the essential question: “Why are we here?” His answer echoed JCI’s global purpose of developing leaders for a changing world.

He outlined how this mission is achieved through four key pillars: Community Impact, Individual Development, International Cooperation, and Business and Entrepreneurship. Under the business and entrepreneurship pillar, the goal is clear: to innovate, grow, and succeed. This is done by developing critical skills, expanding professional networks, and gaining exposure to global markets.

Pres. Rich also spoke about the fundamentals that shape a meaningful life: Purpose. Time. Health or Energy. Resources. He reminded everyone to define their life goals, to focus on being of value, and to align their priorities properly: God, Family, Business, and JCI.

Perhaps the most powerful part of his message was about brotherhood. “JCI is family.” More than programs, projects, or positions, what truly lasts are the men who stood with you in the trenches. He urged the recruits to meet and treasure their best brothers for life, because those relationships extend far beyond JCI Manila.

The final speaker of the night, Pres. Dods, took the stage with his signature commanding presence. With a booming voice and strong conviction, he spoke about JCI Manila as an opportunity to rebuild from crisis. Drawing parallels from JCI’s beginnings after World War II, when young men gathered to rebuild Manila from war debris, he reminded everyone how the organization once again rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even when many were sick, when families mourned losses, and when uncertainty clouded the future, JCI Manila members chose to serve. According to Pres. Dods, JCI Manila became a platform that led members to start the process of rebuilding communities, rebuilding purpose, and rebuilding themselves.

He closed with a powerful invitation. See JCI Manila not just as an organization, but as a meaningful place to invest your time, energy, and resources.

As the lights dimmed and conversations lingered, one truth stood firm. ULO 2026 was more than an introduction. It was an initiation into purpose. One hundred five men chose to begin. And in that choice lies the future of JCI Manila. Because every era is shaped not by circumstance, but by those who decide to rise and lead within it.

Photos by Comm. CA Pagal.