Throwbacks, OG Vibes, and a Strong Start to Lead Beyond 2026

The Lead Beyond year of 2026 didn’t come in quietly at all. It came in with energy and intention, and you could feel right away that something was different. From the very first days of the year, JCI Manila was already rolling out activities one after another, all meant to wake people up after the holidays, get members moving again, and reconnect with our sister chapters. It wasn’t about having a packed calendar. It was about getting the momentum going and reminding everyone why they signed up in the first place.

A lot of that came from the direction of Clifford Aw, Director for Membership, Benefits and Partnerships, and Erwin Bolivar, Director for Membership Development and Engagement. Instead of just focusing on attendance, they really leaned into engagement. The idea was simple but effective. Give members something of value right away. That’s where the free assessments came in, helping members figure out where they are, what they want to improve on, and how to actually get more out of their membership this Lead Beyond year.

Things officially kicked off with Beyond Districts: The Dirty South, and it honestly felt like one big throwback party done right. Everyone showed up in early-millennium outfits inspired by ghetto, hip-hop, and pop culture. Loose fits, oversized pieces, and familiar silhouettes filled the room. It wasn’t even hard to pull off, especially since fashion has a funny way of coming back around and we’ve been seeing these styles return anyway.

The millennials definitely made their presence felt and showed everyone who the real OGs were. Elephant pants, jersey layers, heavy bling, and that no-apologies confidence took over the night. Miguel Flores easily stood out and took home Best Attire with his full Diddy-inspired look, all yellow from head to toe, hoodie on, and finished with a heavy necklace that just tied everything together.

The night was hosted by Jon Alec Velasco and JR Baligod, and they didn’t just host. They carried the energy of the room. Between the jokes, the banter, and even breaking out some dance moves, they kept the crowd alive and engaged the entire time. It felt less like a program and more like a group of friends just having a really good night together.

Held last January 8 at Hackensack in BF Aguirre, the music alone was enough to pull people out of their seats. Classic hip-hop and R&B tracks kept playing, the kind that instantly bring back memories. You could see people singing along, dancing without thinking twice, and just enjoying the moment.

What Beyond Districts: The Dirty South really showed was what Lead Beyond is trying to do. It’s about creating spaces where members feel comfortable, connected, and genuinely part of something. Not forced. Not overly formal. Just real and enjoyable.

And the year is just getting started. Up next is the LB26 Committee Lounge, a New Year session for new leaders who want to start 2026 on the right foot. This one features Sen. Michael Sean “Mick” Uy, with a focused and practical discussion on Project Management happening on January 19 at the Storage Room in Makati.

Right after that comes Fight Club: Northern District on January 26, a one-night celebration highlighting the strength and bond of our sister chapters from the North. Expect a high-energy night with Hammer Gauge Meter and Boxing Power Meter arcade competitions, sumo wrestling, midget boxing entertainment, free-flowing drinks, and buffet food for everyone, all happening at Verjandel Hotel.

If this is how Lead Beyond 2026 is starting, it’s pretty clear this year isn’t about doing things halfway. It’s about showing up, connecting, and moving forward together, one memorable night at a time.