A Feature on Past President Paulita Gomez-Manabat
POWER. It was in 2013 when Paulita took her seat as JCI Angeles City Culiat’s President. Past President John Carlo Lim likens Pau’s term to that of a rollercoaster ride. “From the NatCon
bid of Clark to Supertyphoon Yolanda to Tigtigan Terakan King Dalan, PP Pau was able to lead the chapter through it all with only a handful of members compared to our growth today,” shares PP JC Lim. This term, filled with hurdles and obstacles, was a successful one that PP JC calls “Paulita’s biggest achievement throughout her JCI story.”
Mentored by Past President Glenn. So, PP Pau learned the ropes from the ‘masters’ in this chapter. Up to this very day, the chapter looks to her on her specialty and expertise on one especially tricky subject: Protocol. Among all the members of Culiat, she is known to possess deep and practical knowledge of JCI protocol.
GRACE. PP JC Lim fondly recalls being under PP Pau’s wings of training and mentorship when he and PP Voltaire Benjamin Chua were new to the chapter. PP JC shares that during these times, PP Pau took on the role of being their ‘Ate’ in the organization, looking after their welfare, all while training them extensively in the ways and values of Culiat. PP JC always says that without Paulita, he would not have survived the early days of his Baby Jaycee program.
PP Pau was also the one to push her husband, EVP Stephen Manabat, to become a part of something bigger than himself, and to expand his network in Angeles City through JCI Angeles City Culiat. He shares PP Pau’s love for the chapter and has learned more about becoming a true leader, effective mentor, and loyal friend. EVP Bucks also shares with us personal words that fully capture PP Pau’s adoration and commitment to this organization: “I am what I am because of JCI. JCI has helped me a lot in ways I cannot repay.” HEART. During the quick interview, EVP Bucks also recalls PP Pau’s presidency and what he thinks is her most notable achievement.
In 2013, during the year of her term, PP Pau’s mother had heart problems and needed immediate and direct attention. EVP Bucks says that during these days, PP Pau would run on close to zero sleep taking care of her mother while simultaneously leading a term earlier described as a rollercoaster. EVP Bucks says that there is no limit to what she can and will do for her family and for her chapter.
PP JC describes PP Pau as a friend who will stick with you through anything. “She is a compassionate person who will listen and understand you.” He also describes PP Pau as a friend who will “be honest with you and let you know what and how she feels through her words and her priceless facial reactions.”
PP Pau stands up for what is right. She is a loving friend, a devoted wife, a committed member, and the epitome of power, grace, and heart. PP Paulita Gomez-Manabat is, and will always be, a treasure and a gift to this growing chapter. JCI Angeles City Culiat looks forward to learning more from her, and growing alongside her.
