A Moment of Deep Gratitude
Receiving the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Excellence Award on Leadership and Community Service from the Knights of Rizal Texas Area Foundation (KORTAF) is an honor I hold close to my heart. This award is a testament to the many individuals and communities who have supported and inspired me throughout my journey. I am profoundly grateful not only for the recognition but also for the opportunity to reflect on the meaningful work that brought me here today.
How It All Began: The Spark of Inspiration
My Time at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas
My journey into community service began during my student years at the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas. Like many students, I was focused on academics, but my path diverged when the esteemed United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg visited our campus. Her speech was a revelation. Justice Ginsburg spoke eloquently about the importance of serving others and fighting for justice.
She shared stories of courage and resilience, which planted a seed of inspiration within me. I realized that my legal education could be a powerful tool for community service, justice, and advocacy for the vulnerable. I was determined to follow in her footsteps and use my skills to make a tangible difference.
Embracing Leadership: Roles and Responsibilities
Legal Advisor Roles
As I delved deeper into community service, I embraced various leadership roles, using each position as an opportunity to contribute more effectively. I currently serve as the Legal Advisor of the Filipino American Council of Texas (FACT) and the Knights of Rizal Texas Area Foundation (KORTAF). These roles allow me to offer legal guidance on matters that impact our Filipino communities directly, ensuring that our voices are heard and our rights protected.
Philippine American Civic & Cultural Committee
In addition to my legal advisory roles, I currently serve as the Chairperson of the Philippine American Civic & Cultural Committee, which operates under the Community Engagement Department of the City of Houston Controller’s Office. Through this platform, I have the opportunity to work on initiatives that promote cultural exchange, civic engagement, and community development. These efforts aim to strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. I am honored to stand as a representative and advocate for the Filipino-American community as we progress together towards unity and prosperity.
University of the Philippines Alumni Association of America (UPAAA)
My involvement with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of America (UPAAA) is multifaceted, encompassing two significant roles. Firstly, I serve as the National Legal Counsel and a Board Member, contributing to the association’s governance and legal matters. Concurrently, I hold the position of Regional Vice-President for the Lower Central Region. In this capacity, my responsibilities include promoting collaboration with distinguished alumni to establish chapters and partnerships in various regions. The overarching mission of UPAAA is to engage alumni from the University of the Philippines in joint endeavors focused on educational, charitable, cultural, and other meaningful projects. These collaborative efforts are designed to benefit alumni, the UP System, and the wider community by leveraging the individual and collective resources of alumni and community members towards achieving common goals.
University of the Philippines Alumni Association Houston Chapter
I currently hold the position of First Vice President in the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Houston (UPAAH) Chapter. UPAAH is a vibrant community of professionals who are committed to giving back to our roots while making a positive impact in our local areas. Our collaborative efforts focus on organizing educational programs, cultural events, and community outreach initiatives. One of our main objectives is to raise funds for scholarship grants that support students in both the Philippines and the US. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this mission and work towards ensuring deserving students receive the financial assistance needed to pursue their educational goals.
Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Texas
I was the Immediate Past Region Chairperson of the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Texas (PACC Texas) in Greater Houston Region. Currently, I serve as a Board of Director, where I focus on fostering economic opportunities for Filipino-American entrepreneurs and businesses. My services with the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) as a previous board member also reflect this dedication.
In 2023, I felt privileged to be awarded the MVP Award for Leadership Excellence by PACC Texas. The previous year, I was humbled to be granted their Extraordinary Leadership Dedication Award. Our primary goal in the chamber is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and their allies, fostering business growth and professional development while serving our communities. We are dedicated to inspiring a culture of entrepreneurship, supporting business expansion, and providing valuable services to enhance our local areas.
Advocacy Through Legal Volunteer Work
My legal volunteering experience is a cornerstone of my commitment to community service. From my work with the Houston Bar Association and Houston Volunteer Lawyers to organizations like Baker Ripley and Catholic Charities USA, I have dedicated extensive time and resources to support immigrants and vulnerable populations. Through these platforms, I have had the privilege of offering pro bono legal services to individuals who could not afford representation. Whether it was assisting immigrants with legal paperwork or advocating for residents facing housing issues, my work at these organizations has underscored the importance of access to justice. I have been involved in numerous cases aimed at protecting victims of human trafficking and family violence. Addressing these issues requires a compassionate approach and a steadfast commitment to human rights—principles that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fervently championed.
“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote by Dr. King resonates deeply with me, reinforcing my motivation to speak up and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The Fight Against Human Trafficking and Family Violence
Advocacy Against Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence
As a dedicated advocate in the fight against human trafficking and domestic violence, I actively contribute my efforts to make a difference. Volunteering at shelters through Mosaic Family Services during my time in Dallas allowed me to provide direct support to those in need and offer a helping hand to individuals seeking to break free from the shackles of such dire circumstances. By delivering public speeches to raise awareness, I strive to shed light on these pressing issues often referred to as “modern-day slavery.”
The importance of being aware of these challenges cannot be overstated. Human trafficking and domestic violence are grave violations of human rights, trapping individuals in cycles of exploitation and abuse. By understanding the gravity of these issues and recognizing them as forms of modern-day slavery, we can work collectively to combat these injustices.
In addition to my volunteer work and advocacy through public speaking, I go the extra mile to provide tailored individual support to those affected. By combining various forms of assistance, I aim to offer holistic help that addresses the complex needs of survivors and empowers them to reclaim their lives. My ultimate goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of individuals grappling with these challenges, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Together, through awareness, action, and support, we can stand against modern-day slavery and strive for a more just and compassionate society.
Texas Council on Family Violence
My involvement as a supporter and active member of the Texas Council on Family Violence reflects a broader commitment to social justice. Combatting human trafficking and family violence is not just an occupation; it’s a moral duty. These issues affect the most vulnerable, and silence only perpetuates their suffering.
“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Just as Dr. King asserted, it is essential that we, as good people, use our voices to challenge and dismantle injustices.
Other Professional Organizations
My active involvement in various professional organizations showcases my commitment to the legal field and ongoing professional development. Within the State Bar of Texas, I engage with different sections like Family Law, Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law, Immigration and Nationality Law, as well as Entertainment and Sports Law. Additionally, I am an enthusiastic member of the Asian American Bar Association of Houston, where I participate in the Solo Practice Section. My dedication further extends to the Houston Bar Association, where I contribute actively to the Texas Teach Committee, Lawyers for Literacy Committee, and Bench Bar Committee. Moreover, I am a member of both the Texas Bar College and the Texas Young Lawyers Association.
Furthermore, I hold lifetime memberships with esteemed organizations such as the National Filipino American Lawyers Association and the Texas Filipino American Bar Association. Since May 2006, I have proudly been a lifetime member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Inspirations from Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Both Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have been monumental sources of inspiration throughout my journey. Dr. Rizal’s relentless advocacy for Philippine independence and his commitment to enlightening his fellow Filipinos through education and peaceful reforms are principles that I strive to embody in my own advocacy work. Similarly, Dr. King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, his powerful oration, and his philosophy of nonviolent resistance have shaped my approach to advocacy.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal: A Model of Enlightenment and Reform
Dr. Rizal’s life exemplified the profound influence of education and intellectual endeavors on societal reform. He ardently believed in the transformative power of knowledge to enlighten and uplift the consciousness of a nation. Through his impactful writings, notably “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” he courageously exposed societal injustices, sparking a movement towards a fair and equitable society.
Dr. Rizal’s dedication to using education and intellect as tools for social change resonates deeply with me and influences my advocacy work. Like him, I believe in the inherent power of knowledge to bring about positive transformation in society. Inspired by his commitment to shedding light on social issues through writing, I strive to raise awareness and advocate for change in my community. Dr. Rizal’s legacy serves as a guiding light, inspiring me to use education and intellectual pursuits as catalysts for societal progress and justice.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Power of Nonviolent Resistance
Dr. King’s tireless advocacy for civil rights through nonviolent resistance has significantly influenced my approach to my work. His skill in uniting communities towards a shared goal and his steadfast belief in the power of justice have served as a cornerstone of my efforts in community service. The resonance of his words reverberates in my advocacy work, emphasizing the crucial need for unwavering dedication and inclusivity in the pursuit of justice. His ability to mobilize people towards a common vision inspires me to strive for unity and collaboration in addressing social injustices. Drawing from his example, I am motivated to advocate for change with determination and compassion. Dr. King’s enduring message of justice and unity continues to guide me in my efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive society through my advocacy work.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Legacy
Receiving the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Excellence Award on Leadership and Community Service is both humbling and motivating. It serves as a reminder of the significant work that remains ahead and the collective effort required to achieve meaningful change. My journey is far from over, and as I continue to embrace leadership roles and advocate for justice, I find strength in the legacy of leaders like Justice Ginsburg, Dr. King, and Dr. Rizal.
Initiatives and Goals
Moving forward, I aim to expand my efforts in community service, particularly in areas that support education, cultural preservation, and legal assistance for the underserved. The path to justice and equality is long, but with dedication and collaboration, we can make a substantial impact.
Encouraging the Next Generation
A key focus will be encouraging and mentoring the next generation of leaders and advocates. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources, we can inspire young individuals to take up the mantle of leadership and continue the legacy of advocacy and service.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As I reflect on this journey and the honor of receiving the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Excellence Award on Leadership and Community Service, my heart is filled with gratitude. To the Knights of Rizal Texas Area Foundation, thank you for this prestigious recognition. To my mentors, colleagues, and the countless individuals who have supported and inspired me, this award is a testament to our collective effort.
In the spirit of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, let us continue to advocate for justice, uplift our communities, and strive for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you.