When I found the post about the initiative “Cause for Applause” (see blogpost here) from Dasmariñas II LEO Club, Philippines (facebook) I had to interview the very first award winner, which was Derek Castillo (facebook)
How are you doing? Tell us a little about yourself.
I was working as Engineer in a Semiconductor company, handling 4 different areas in assembly and test..i was a middle child in our family and engaged on studying further. During my spare time, i compose a song, cover acoustic, play organ, read books, do household chores. I want to balance my time as a son, student, brother, subordinates and as a fellow leo. Thru this, i define my life.
What’s your LEO Club called and where it is situated. Who’s your sponsoring Lions Club?
Club Name: Dasmariñas II LEO Club
Location: Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines
Sponsoring Club: Dasmariñas Lions Club
Tell me a little about your club (size, member, activities, how when you meet, etc)
Dasmariñas II Leo club is a non-government organization, under Lions Club International founded in the heart of province of Cavite, Philippines, Dasmariñas City, chartered last 2014 – 2015 with thirty (30) young professional leaders. The Club aims to help the community through various community services not just in metropolis but also within and out of the province.
What’s your personal LEO history (which functions did you have?)
My first position as a leo is an environmental committee..where we collected recyclable materials and earn as much..right now, i am an international relation officer..we’re about to start to get in touch with Leo’s abroad and do club twinning.
When and why did you become a LEO?
my brother is a Leo, and he joined me.
Why did you get awarded?
I was hailed as Leo of the month, perhaps for initiating book audits for gradeschool, kinder and prep.
And how did you feel when it was presented to you?
I was surprised. I thought it was only a joke..but when i saw an adorable pics, with a tag on it, that can only be, no other than me.
What’s your message to other LEOs around the world?
Live out your passion in making the society a better place. You uphold one of humanity values. It is in the form of giving, and having the least expectation. Sometimes respect is greater than love. If you dont love what you see, then at least respect it. And try to think of a simple way to hone it.
What was the most heartbreaking moment to your LEO career, which activity or event touched you most?
Every activity made an impact but the most memorable experience i had with Leo, is the Unified sporsfest. We play around with special children for a day. We build a buddy system to monitor them along. They almost cry when we left. And how our heart breaks when they laugh. That children remarks the simplicity of life. Despite of having a hard time, they have the chance to dance, chant, play and do what makes them happy. They live in a world of normal people who negate the call of perfections. Unlike the normal people that aspires perfections in life to make them truly happy. Happiness is an entity of the mind. If you think of good thoughts, your mind will enslave you of positive ideas. With Unified sportfest, i salute the parents and guardians who dedicate extra time to give everything they had for their wonderful child. They say life itself is not fair, so we’d better not to act unfair.
Did LEO change your life and why do you think it was a good choice to invest time to LEO?
Dasmarinas 2 Leo club is a community based organization, in short, it caters services among our local district or along the province. It gave us the chance to give back on community. The realization of every project may took weeks, months or years, but the moment of fulfillment will last a lifetime. Especially when you notice growth within that communities or rural areas. It is worth to invest time with my fellow Leo, sharing the same vision. Every day is a lesson and learning comes all the way. I was an introvert person then and manage to express myself by extending help thru the club. I cannot recall a single day without the thoughts of joining every activities. Will always begin the stories of brotherhood and end it in a smooth, then sharp exclamation point. We make a difference!
Will you become a Lion after your LEO time?
Yes
Do you know about the LEO book project and if yes, what do you think about it?
LEO book project states all the charity and camarederie of Lions and Leos. It shows that if you want to reach higher, you should walk together. The book recognizes all the goodwill of the club and might encourage an individual to participate on outreach programs.
Is there something else you would like to tell a wide, international audience – go for it and tell us your idea.
Outreach programs does not mandate all Leo and Lion members to join. Everyone has the capacity to make wellness . As long as you can open your eyes, and the light enters your mind, the shadow of one’s suffering and doubt will gently flow along a period of time. Be an instrument to rock their lives, wrapped in a thin line of clothing. Be a camera that roll to every happy stories being unfold. Be an audience who keep on cheering them in every setback. Be a mentor, and challenge their belief. Behold to everything the world has allow you to witness. Believe that suffering is real and it only takes YOU to change it. You could PLANT a tree, so are your VALUE. You could THROW a wrapper candy, so are your BAD HABITS. You could BROWSE on social media, so are with OUTREACH program. You could SHARE a post, so are your petty TIME. You could PLAY as much as you want, so do WITH ABANDON KIDS. You could READ lot of text, so do WITH HELPLESS NEIGHBOR. You could SPEND time in a date, so do WITH LEO CLUB. You could FLY across the country, so do WITH REMOTE AREAS. You could only live once, get the most of it by involving yourself to volunteerism. As they might say, the paradox of giving is that you’ll receive more. Yes, i do received a peace of mind. To do nothing is better than to do foolish act. But making things better entails another classic story.