Best afternoon everyone.

Before I will start with my message, allow me to express my gratitude to this

fraternal organization for having me in this gathering. I am both happy and
honored to be the Guest of Honor and Speaker for today’s Joint Induction of the
New Members of the City Heights Eagles Club and City Heights Lady Eagles Club.

Thank you for that kind introduction. There is no one more surprised than I am to
be standing in this spot. I’ve heard many wonderful addresses from this podium,
and I’m both thrilled and stunned to be here.
I’m also very humbled to be speaking on this special day. Perhaps, the outspoken
criteria to the invitation were the smallest one? Morag dili. Dili pud siguro ang
kamub on sa height ang basehan kung kinsa ang mo speaker kay when I looked
around me , it seems that there are still people whom just like me, not gifted
with mighty height.
As I contemplated what to speak about today, I concluded that because most of
us probably never have the opportunity working in one agency, this time together
might be best spent in a discussion about what we personally understand about
this fraternal organization. I’d like to focus on some of our personal and
professional experiences that shaped our lives and made us the person we are.
There are three underlying pillars—three bedrocks, if you will—that are present in
the topics that I will discuss. They are packed in the word CURE- that stands for
Commitment, Unity, Responsiveness, which are considered as Elements for
Strong Brotherhood to Serve God, Country, and Humanity. I want you to think
about these words as I speak.
Honestly, when I got hold of the invitation program yesterday, my attention was
caught on the image printed on the front page. It’s an eagle whose eyes are so
focus and intense, it shows its sharp, strong, and pointed downward beak. Upon
looking at it, it served as springboard that brought my mind to decide on the kind
of message that I would share this afternoon. Message that would have some
touch of integration on the underlying bedrocks that I have mentioned.
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES is a movement that aims to nurture with the fire of
brotherhood. Clamoring for a change in vision and concept to widen its horizons,
to forever forge a combination of the rare breed of fellows amidst a mythical
landscape. Common yet unique, simple but a standout, proud but not meek,
singular but not alone, selected yet not confined and daring yet grandiose and
sure. I am certain that everyone present is already familiar with these statements.
Well, aside from these facts, let me share with you seven 7 Powerful Life Lessons
that we can draw out from the Eagle and perhaps these might also be the reasons
why these fraternal organization is being named after this kind of bird.
Accordingly, the eagle is a fascinating bird. Known for its power and ability to fly
at high altitudes in the sky. It flies where no other bird can fly. During our
childhood days and even now at our age, we are often told to soar like an eagle.
Aim high and FLY. But, things were that simple! In an article that I read recently
on the ways of the eagle, I’d highlight and share the lessons that we can learn
from them.
Since this organization valued much on the fire of brotherhood, let’s CONSIDER
THE EAGLE in the word BROTHER that means (Bright, Reassuring, Optimistic,
Trustworthy , Headstrong, Explicit and Receptive)
1.B- BRIGHT
EAGLES FLY ALONE OR WITH THEIR OWN KIND.
This trait of an eagle reminds us to associate with people who are at your level, or
who can help you to grow. Also, not everyone will share your vision or dream. Find
people who think like you so that you can both dream and grow together. Don’t
waste your time with naysayers (pessimists) and negative people. And don’t share
your dreams with just anybody. You’ve got a dream? Protect it!
This characteristic has been very alive in this organization. Each one of us came
from different families and different agencies but look at us, all are associating
with each other in unity with a common vision.
2. R-REASSURING
THE EAGLE IS A MASTER OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT. THE MOTHER EAGLE
CAREFULLY PREPARES THE NEST FOR ITS EGGS. WHEN IT IS TIME FOR THE
EAGLET TO LEARN HOW TO FLY, THE MOTHER BEGINS TO REMOVE THE
COMFORT LAYERS FROM THE NEST, EXPOSING THE PRICKS AND STICKS. SHE
THEN THROWS THE EAGLETS OUT OF THE NEST. SHE DOES THIS REPEATEDLY
UNTIL THE EAGLET LEARNS TO FLY. OUT OF FEAR, THE EAGLET JUMPS BACK IN
THE NEST, WITH EACH ATTEMPT, SHRIEKING AND BLEEDING FROM THE PRICKS
IN THE NEST. THE MOTHER DOESN’T YIELD.
TO OTHERS LOOKING ON THIS MAY SEEM HEARLTESS. BUT THERE IS A METHOD
TO THE MADNESS. THE PROCESS IS REPEATED UNTIL THE EAGLE EVENTUALLY
STARTS FLAPPING ITS WINGS, GETTING STRONGER AND STRONGER WITH EACH
FLAP. THEN — SWOOSH! AWAY IT GOES INTO THE AIR, FLYING HIGHER AND
HIGHER. RISING ABOVE ITS CHALLENGES AND PAIN.
In life, we must not become complacent, clinging to the old and familiar. It’s a
REASSURANCE that we can only grow if we are willing to step out of our comfort
zone. THE THORNS OR PAIN IN LIFE ARE THERE TO TELL US THAT
1. there is nothing more for us where we are, and
2. it is time to move on, grow and spread our wings.
Further, the people who genuinely care about us will not encourage us in our
slothfulness and fear. While their treatment may seem unkind, we are reassured
that it is for our ultimate good. Sometimes tough love is best. They don’t want us
to die in our nest!
3.O-OPTIMISTIC
EAGLES LOVE THE STORM. THEY GET EXCITED WHEN STORM CLOUDS GATHER.
WHY? THEY WELCOME THE CHALLENGE IT BRINGS. THEY KNOW THE STORM
WINDS WILL LIFT THEM ABOVE THE CLOUDS. ABOVE THE CLOUDS, THEY CAN
REST THEIR WINGS AND BECOME STRONGER.
What should this teach us? Don’t let yourselves be beaten by your problems
instead get excited about the storms in your life. Challenges bring opportunities.
Take note: We could see the opportunities, wrapped in our challenges if we
weren’t so busy, complaining and trying to avoid them. Embrace our challenges
and learn from them. That’s how we learn new skills, grow, and get stronger.
I know that this easy not an easy thing to do. But we can learn how to do this if
we want to.
4.T-TRUSTWORTHY
THE EAGLE TESTS THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT BEFORE ENGAGEMENT. BEFORE
ENTERING A COMMITMENT, THE FEMALE EAGLE TESTS HER MALE SUITORS TO
ESTABLISH HIS LEVEL OF COMMITMENT.
Life lesson: It is wise to and ascertain the commitment of people we intend to
partner with. This is true in our personal as well as professional lives. Establishing
TRUST is important in relationships.
5. H-HEADSTRONG
EAGLES HAVE EXCELLENT VISION AND CONCENTRATION. TO CATCH THEIR PREY,
THEY FOCUS ON IT WITH LASER LIKE INTENSITY, AND SET OUT TO GET IT.
This would give us life lesson to do the same with your goals. Focus on one thing
to accomplish at a time. Give it your effort, time, and energy. Focus and “set out
to achieve it”.
6. E-EXPLICIT (STRAIGHT FORWARD)
The explicit trait of an eagle is being displayed when it won’t eat dead animals.
EAGLES FEED ON LIVE FOOD/MEAT. THEY DON’T EAT DEAD ANIMALS.
Friends, this characteristic encourage us not to waste our energy and time
beating a dead horse. Know when to say goodbye and let go. Keep your options
EXPLICITLY and your information current. Do your research and preparation. Keep
things current and keep them moving.

R-RECEPTIVE (WILLING AND READY TO RECEIVE FAVORABLY)

7. REBIRTH INVOLVES DEATH OF THE OLD-SELF. THE EAGLE HAS TO MAKE A
PAINFUL DECISION AT AROUND AGE 40. DIE OR GO THROUGH A PAINFUL
PROCESS OF REBIRTH WHICH WILL EXTEND ITS LIFE FOR 30 MORE YEARS. THIS
PROCESS INVOLVES THE PAINFUL TASK OF KNOCKING OUT ITS OWN BEAK AND
PLUCKING OUT ITS TALONS SO THAT NEW ONES CAN GROW. THIS ENTIRE
PROCESS TAKES ABOUT 5 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
Life lesson: Be RECEPTIVE. Have a character of willingness and readiness to
receive and accept favorably on even painful experiences. No pain, no gain. Do
not go for shortcuts. Many of us, wE want success or change, but without the
sacrifice, handwork, disappointments, and heartbreak that comes with it. To
survive and grow, we must be willing to change. And sometimes, we may even
need to go a step further — a death of the old self and a total rebirth. Ending toxic
relationships, leaving toxic jobs, getting rid of destructive habits, thoughts,
traditions, and mind-sets that no longer serve us.
To get to the next stage or chapter of our lives, careers, relationships, etc, let us
study the ways of the eagle, and be willing to apply these principles to our lives.
Change is within our power if we only believe!
Ladies and gentlemen, as we cling each other under the wings of sincere
brotherhood we should be reminded of the powerful lessons that the Eagle shared
to us. This would keep us be inspired to strive even higher to grow in this
wonderful organization.
As the organization has harnessed the strong bonds between its members for
many years by providing genuine and sincere humanitarian service to the Filipino
people, this selflessness and unity has inspired so many of our countrymen to also
do their part in the noble task of nation building through continued commitment,
Unity and being responsive.
It’s time to go Back to the Basics and have each of us, ask our circle of friends,
family, and neighbors to be part of something that continues to do great work
throughout our communities.
Please be reminded that Brotherhood is the spirit of friendship. It implies respect,
honesty, and dependability. It means that we overlook differences and emphasize
similarities as we join in unselfish service. It means listening to Brothers whose
views on issues might differ from our own. It means working closely with people
whom under other circumstances we might not choose as our friends.
Let me end my message by allowing me to verbalize the Eagle’s Mantra:
The Philippine Eagles shall be:
E – Enlightened and innovative humanitarian
A – Animated primarily by a strong bond of brotherhood and fraternal ties.
G – God-loving, non-sectarian.
L – Law-abiding, liberty-oriented, non-political.
E – Emblazed with intense mission of
S – Service to country, its people and its community.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!