MM Leadership Call to Arms Speech by Leader Mel Flores

Call to Arms Speech by MM Leader Mel Flores

"THE MODERN-DAY HEROES"

I would talk about the modern-day heroes.

The first step to becoming an authentic leader is to be self-aware.  The past activities has directed us to learn more about ourselves, to understand our beginnings, determine the origin of our values, identify our strengths and assess our weaknesses.  Out of this process, I recognized that listening is critical in learning.  We learn first by listening.  And I realized that listening is vital in becoming who we aspire to be.   

Listen to your conscience.  Even before rules, laws, regulations and policies were written, we have our conscience that guides us well to act accordingly.  Numerous rules have evolved to impose or restrict our actions.  Some of which have become contradicting and the interpretations are vast as the number of parties concerned, but if you listen to your conscience, it will clearly guide you to what is right and what is fair.  It will direct you to a decision that you will never regret.    

Listen to your heart.  By listening to your heart you would realize the things that should really matter.  We may sometimes be blinded with things to desire in life - gadgets, accessories, properties, titles and the like, but the heart will dictate what genuinely provides you happiness. The heart will guide you to what you ought to pursue.

Listen to your body.  Sometimes we aspire too much,  We are living in an era where the fast, the strong and the consistent performers gets ahead.  We try to keep up with the fast changing world, as if doing nothing is unproductive, and in the process sacrifice the needed rest and needs of our bodies.  Listen to your body.  The journey is long and we need to last.  There are a lot of challenges in our time and certainly more is accomplished if we stay longer in this world.

Listen to the world.  Most importantly, listen to the world.  Sometimes, when we have conquered our own struggles and become comfortable with our lives, we consider that the world has become a better place.  But listen to the world.  You will hear the moans of people dying, due to sickness, starvation, or lack of comfort; the cries of the children not having opportunity to have proper education or deprived to play because they are exposed to adult problems; you will also hear the calls of our environment.  Essentially, the world will tell you how much are needed, where you are most needed.

The modern-day heroes are us.

We don't need wars to step up as heroes like Rizal, Bonifacio or Heneral Luna; we don't need rampant social discrimination to evolve like Gandhi, Luther King or Mandela.  In fact we shouldn't aim to be like them. We can just be us.  Because our time faces new challenges, requires totally different approaches, calls for a new breed of heroes. We ought to be us.  While the likes of our national heroes required bravery to save our country, our time requires compassion. 

We've had different beginnings.  Our personal histories were dictated by circumstances that we're not by our choice: our parents, our home and school environment.  Some may have had a good start, but our story is only half told.  The rest of the story and the ending are yet to be written.  Luckily the script is now within the control of our hands.

By coming here, I assume we all aim for one thing.  I would like to believe that "part of being here is because each of us want to make the world a better place, each of us want the Philippines a better home for the Filipinos." 

My fellow leaders, soon we end this course and take our separate paths and go on with our own endeavors.  May we all be guided by a clear conscience, a pure heart, a healthy body and throughout our journey, a wisdom from God to fulfill our chosen missions.

Ladies and gentlemen, good evening!

Mel Flores

Call to Arms Speech

MM Leadership