I am speaking on behalf of all Filipino Modelers everywhere. Be proud that you are a Filipino because a much ridiculed club has just won IPMS/USA's 2007 NATIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

This is a very great achievement because never in the annals of IPMS/USA history did a chapter so many miles away from the homeland (Third World is the operative description), a chapter that is predominantly non-American (except for one member), a chapter so young (we're only five years old) been able to achieve this prestigious title.

It makes me proud to think that we Filipinos are willing and can actually stand toe-to-toe with the best in the First World. It makes me proud - not as a member of IPMS Manila but as a Filipino modeler in general.

Which brings to my mind something mentioned to me by a Markleting Guru. We must build "heroes" in our ranks - to do things above and beyond the call of duty. Looking back at the achievements leading to the attainment of this award made me believe that the guy who said that was wrong.

It was not a "hero" that made us get the award but rather the sum of all the members in IPMS Manila working together to pull it off. We did not rely on a single patron to provide us with funding for our events but we asked members to find sponsors (and they gladly obliged) so the event can become successful.

It will not be a hero that will bring fame to the Filipino modeler. Not IPMS Manila alone. Not Motor Modelers, Not IPMS South, Not IPMS Philippines - BAC but everyone working together towards a common goal - TO BRING THE HOBBY OF MODELING TO THE CHILDREN, THE COMMUNITY, THE NATION.

It is a herculean task and no single club can do this alone. It will take everyone working together, sharing, cooperating, collaborating - not as a single club but AS A SINGLE NATION OF MODELERS from the PHILIPPINES.

AGAIN I CONGRATULATE ALL FILIPINO MODELERS. WE ARE NOW KNOWN.

IPMS MANILA has shown that it is possible. It''s up to everyone to show the entire world who we Filipinos really are and what we are capable of achieving.

Jun

Very eloquently stated sir. I hope all Filipino modelers unite for the sake of the hobby.

Congratulations to your membership and to all Filipino modelers ! A wonderful achievement for such a young chapter ....Bravo

Cheers,
Charles

Congratulations IPMS Manila! looking forward to a back to back win for 2008!

Congratulations to IPMS-Manila and to all Filipino modelers!!


Cheers !!

Art