Each edition of the September Affair holds a special place for the sitting President, and this year was no different. As I mentioned in a speech last year, this event is customarily an unofficial capstone - a chance to invite extended family and friends, to enjoy and reap the benefits of a lot of hard work. I hope everyone that attended thoroughly enjoyed an evening that reflected much of what this term is trying to accomplish: a fresh take on tradition, boldness to introduce new ideas, a concerted effort to reach out beyond our base.

Sincere thanks to my mom and her event co-chairs, the entire planning committee and event day volunteers, my parents as the Principal Honorary Chairs, and to all the financial contributors. My gratitude also goes to the leadership of the Filipino Association, the Filipino Cultural Center Foundation, and all of our community partners, new and old. And congratulations to our newly-minted Narra Award recipients, Paul & Mirla de los Santos.