STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF PAPS AS THE 15TH COUNTRY-MEMBER OF THE GLOBAL SPEAKERS FEDERATION

To say that we are happy to be accepted as the newest member is an understatement. In fact, we are overjoyed to have been recognized as the Global Speakers’ Federation’s 15th member-association. We can never thank you enough. 

We thank the passionate leadership of the federation as well as the wonderful men and women in this global community for allowing us to be part of its official family. 

In 2012, I first thought about putting an association only to have my heart broken because not enough people believed in what I’d like to do. In 2016, I made another attempt and this time, what was once a broken heart turned into a shining, grateful heart when 13 of our peers showed up and helped me put up the Philippine Association of Professional Speakers, Inc. 

For the longest time, we were invisible. We kept ourselves from exploring the world and the opportunities outside our country. Maybe we were afraid. Or maybe we didn’t know how. Or, maybe we simply didn’t care. 

But today, we found the courage to get involved in and achieve something greater than ourselves. Today, with the unselfish assistance of other member-associations, we now have a chance to know more about our craft and the magic that we can create together. Today, we care. And we’d like you to know that we are here. 

We are ready to serve the industry that we all serve and love. We are ready to contribute our time and talent in advancing the global speaking community. We are ready to stand with you whatever it takes, no matter what. 

(Signed) LLOYD A. LUNA 
Manila, Philippines
January 17, 2018