EMMANUEL "MANNY YANGA" A TAMED LION AT THE HELM OF KAPUSO LIONS CLUB TORONTO

Toronto Kapuso Lions Club Charter Pres. Emmanuel Yanga. Photo: Li ERON

Lions are dominant beasts in the wild. Once you are on their sight, there is no way out. They are the Kings in the jungle. The word "Lion" resembles a lot of no nonsense demeanour; fierced and determined.

Lions became symbols of strength, power and endurance. Lions Club sprouted across the globe and Filipinos are embracing this organization profoundly. I've been invited a couple of times on Lions Club gatherings and so I am aware that they pledge allegiance to the Queen in a form of a toast to all the Lions and Lioness and guests in the room to commence an event with the Lions Club.

Toronto Kapuso Lions Club Charter Night. Photo: Li ERON

Last weekend on Friday, September 15, 2017 in Scarborough, Toronto, KAPUSO LIONS CLUB roared on a highly spirited event on their Charter Night where Lions display their badges with pride. I am kind of slow in understanding how many Lions Club there are in the world. Now I think I had a grasp that it is an organization with many charters led by abled Lions who can steer their purpose and goals to the world.

What is Kapuso Lions Club all about? It is a Charter in Toronto joining an over 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas all over the world. The Lions motto? "We serve." Lions Club is about dedication with compassion to serve the community ensuring that Lions Club leads the world and remains the global leader of helping people in need.

Now I can understand why my friend, a retired Engineer and owner of the longest running sari-sari store in Oshawa, hauled me on his events when he became the Charter president. He always want me seated beside him to be able to take my shots during the course of the night. Everyone seated in the room were so prepared to roar. Lions Club touches lives by feeding the hungry, by restoring sights for the blinds, by protecting the environments and many, many more. It is one of the world's largest humanitarian service club organizations, according to its Charter President, Mr. Manny Yanga.

I've known him as a businessman in Scarborough's Toyota Dealership. Aside from that, my vision about him is blurry until I came into the Toronto Kapuso Lions Club last Friday.  When you are thrust in a place and event where you are clueless what it is and what you're in, you will grab anything to read or eavesdrop like a hovering fly across the room. That's what writer's do, they stole stories, dismantle its structure and make it our own.

With Judith Gonzales, the Toronto Kapuso Lions Club Charter Night. 

My journalism mentor, Jojo Taduran was already there. There were so many familiar faces, all serving the community at their various platforms i. e. Judith Gonzales of Pinoy Dreams, Mike Cruz of Crossover Basketful both from Durham Region, the VIP that evening who called the toast for all the Lions and guests, Mrs. Rose Tijam and many other known faces.

At the helm of this Chapter for 2017-2018 is a man of few words, indicative of his well- polished  personality and leadership, Mr. Manny Yanga. In his message,  he accepted his responsibilities as charter President and pledge total commitment of his goals and along with the club members, the club will aim at helping people who are needing assistance and support in line with the Lions International.

Other Club Officers are as follows;

1st Vice President
Rosalinda Tijam

2nd Vice President
Mario Alpuerto

Secretary
Michael Roland Cruz

Treasurer
Tounie Keopraseuth

Director of Membership
Joaquin Taduran

Members:

Jose Nolasco
Lilian Dungo
Zeeshan Qassim
Judith Gonzales
Chona Stinson
Primo Milanes
Elsie Ann Licyayo
April Gonzales
Melinda Manlapaz
Manuel Ignacio
Romy Rafael
Yoly Talandato
Simeon Sarte
Consolacion Carreau
Virgilio Vergara
Romelia Vergara
Dario Agustin
Nepthalie Ramos
Ernie Tanglao
Maclaren Fugen

Congratulations to Toronto Kapuso Lions Club!