We boarded the ship bound from Ormoc to Cebu against an immiment storm... This for me was one of the most unforgettable experience I had on our trip to Bacolod City for the APO 22nd National Biennial Convention for I could relate my fraternity membership with that ship. Sometimes the sea was calm and the skies were clear but at most times it was rough and dark, it could easily disuade you. If you�re not well anchored or well-steered, the sea could take you adrift and worse, it can even destroy you. Being a member and a leader in Alpha Phi Omega, I was that ship - riding the sea on that dark cold night. I was one of the delegates from Region 8 who attended the national convention. The feelings of anticipation and excitement were mixed with fear and uncertainty and were so overwhelming as I first stepped foot at the magnificent complex called Golden Royale, the site of the convention. Little did I know that my four-day stay in Bacolod would change my attitude and feelings for the organization.

I am quite new in the organization and I admit that there is still so much for me to learn as a member and as a leader. Anchored on the theme �Capturing A New Generation of Leaders� the convention was so fitting for me as I will be the Grand Chancellor of our chapter this coming school year. This position I reluctantly accepted because I thought I am still too young and inexperienced to handle such big responsiblity. Being with elder Brothers and Sisters such as Brod Brassett, the incoming RDD of Region 8, the legendary Mano Rey and his batchmate Brod Nick and the three �musketeras� Sis Jeanne, Sis Lina and Sis Carla gave me and my co-resident delegate and companion French Sa�o a feeling of security and maturity. They treated us as �one of the boys� regardless of our age. They have made me realize that indeed true brothers and sisters in APO would never desert you. They gave us everything we need and saw to it that our stay in Bacolod with them would be full of learning and fun - an initiation process to the real world of APO, so to speak. It was also enlightening to hear these men who have dedicated their lives to APO share their personal experiences, some of which were even incredible. But then I thought older members were grouchy and irritable, but I was wrong. Meeting new people was also an unforgettable experience. Associating with people you barely knew but with whom you share one common thing allows you to grow and widen your views in life. Indeed I have been privileged of that rare but awesome experience of meeting outstanding personalities like Agrarian Reform Secretary Brod Obet Pagdanganan, National President Emeritus Brod Mike Maquiso, National President Brod Blo Adiong, Past National President Brod Frank Brosas, Jr., Past National President Teddie Rivera and many others. They were such great persons whom the younger generation can derive inspiration from. I met several resident members from other chapters as well. It was fun discussing with them our similarities and differences, and listening to their stories about success. It made me appreciate my chapter more. They were very amusing and friendly persons. And the whole convention itself was great! Discussing different issues from politics to social reforms down to personal issues was a good experience for me. I also had the experience of witnessing how the defense of a petitioning chapter takes place. Aside from it, the whole site was also very beautiful while the atmosphere was warm and friendly as we took our leisure trips around the city, experiencing things that were new to me. Attending the convention made me realize so many things. Like the ship, I was lost in the dark before the convention and afraid of what may lay before me. But now, I see that the skies have brighten up because of the knowledge and experiences I got from the convention. The ship has docked safely. I have captured the leader within me. I am now ready to face the every day challenges, confident of what I have learned and experienced....

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