| |
|
| |
|
|
Emmanuel Gemora
“A servant leader is someone who leads by inspiration, industrious by heart and is not afraid to get his hands dirty in the name of social commitment” these words reflect the soul of a man destined and determined to lead with a noble cause. Emmanuel Gemora is a man of few words but with utmost sincerity, compassion and spirit to inspire others towards a purpose-driven life as a Rotarian. Gemora is a certified bachelor who hails from Lapaz , Iloilo City . Nonel , as often called by his close friends and associates, completed his elementary and high school education with exemplary honors in an International School in Manila . He finished his BS Business Management course at La Salle Taft also in Metro Manila. With God's blessing he was able to go further in life when he pursued and finished his Master in Business Administration at Long Island , New York , U.S.A.
“We should do something good for our neighbor, community, society and God if we want to go further in life,” he quipped with much optimism in his eyes. “We don't exist without any purpose in life… this is my personal maxim and philosophy that I believe in my service to humanity,” Nonel added with a smile. I asked about his hobbies and this is what he said with great enthusiasm in his voice, “I love horses that's why I operate a resort and ranch as a lifestyle club operator at Casa Fiametta in Tabucan , Barotac Nuevo”. “I also love to teach horse riding to my visitors that I consider my lifetime passion,” he added. When I asked him about his achievements, his humbleness and down-to-earth response moved me with these words “I can't achieve anything without God!” But then I've learned that he is presently the President of the Council of Presidents of Rotary Clubs in Iloilo . Formerly he is the President of Bankers Association of Iloilo and past Director of the Chamber of Thrift Bank in the whole Philippines . Presently, he is the prolific President and General Manager of Iloilo City Development Bank (ICDB). “I think the three most important things in my life right now is my faith in God, my commitment in serving or helping the less fortunate people and sharing my part for improving the quality of life in our society,” Nonel said with outmost sincerity. Then I inquired about his perspective of what's the best benefit he got by being a member of the prestigious Rotary Club, he replied with confidence “Well, it's about doing things on a voluntary basis for the benefit of other people who really needs our help so I consider this as a noble commitment being a Rotarian”. As our conversation went deeper, he further explained and enumerated his noble objectives this year as one of Rotary Club's respectable leader. “First and foremost the project of the Rotary Club this year is to make Iloilo City more attractive for tourists in order to create job opportunities for all the residents, in that way we can preserve our heritage and wealthy culture. The other sub project is… One, provide literacy education to out-of-school youth by establishing libraries on a barangay level. Second, provide potable and sustainable water in all depressed communities, third, to have at least two health care days within a year, for example, providing free medicine to the poor and free medical check-up. Fourth, to increase and improve tourism by helping the Dinagyang Foundation in organizing the Dinagyang Festival.” The next query I asked was about his most admired great people of history that create unforgettable change and inspiration, so he gladly answered…”I admire Abraham Lincoln because he preached equality to all, Mahatma Gandhi by propagating the philosophy of change through peaceful means and of course, Jesus Christ for teaching the way to salvation and how to be a servant leader that should act with humility”. Nonel as a person is very soft-spoken, reserved, calm but in his eyes and inspiring words I saw his burning desire to create change, share pieces of life's blessing to other people whom he was fortunate to have all his life and somehow he is a kind of soul who made sure his every word leaves a lasting significance. “Everyone has a role to play no matter how minor, they cannot just sit and criticize their circumstances. So, we must stand up and do our part in community building that leads to prosperity and lasting change,” this was Nonel's significant and relevant message to every Filipino particularly to his fellow Ilonggos in fulfilling their social duties as responsible citizens of this nation. Finally, before we ended our sensible chat in his office at ICDB, I shoot my final query… What kind of animal or creature reflects you as a person? He answered in a placid voice as radiant optimism and confidence reflected in his eyes, “I would choose to be a horse, Why ? Because a horse is a beautiful creature, free-spirited and graceful yet powerful and unassuming”. Truly, this man exudes great inspiration to the people and the world around him. (Lead by inspiration! E-mail the writer at rslphoenix@yahoo.com) |
|
