Justice Aurora Reciña, Officers and members of the Retired Officers’ Wives and Widows Association (ROWWA), members of the Board of Trustees who are present here, our beloved guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon. First, let me thank the members and officers of the Retired Officers’ Wives and Widows Association (ROWWA) for inviting me as your Guest Speaker in today’s first of its kind concert, the ROWWA Concert for a Cause: KABALIKAT ng mga SUNDALO. I commend your genuine efforts as well as your creativity in utilizing the talents within your organization to help our Uniformed men in the V. Luna Hospital, Veterans Memorial Medical Center and the base hospitals of the different services, who as we all know have become the epitome of heroism for responding to our nation’s call to duty. This event is really something to be proud of and look forward to because no less than the members of the Board of Trustees themselves will perform the Angklong instrument. To the soldiers who are present here today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your invaluable sense of responsibility to our country and to the Filipino people. I know that we could not thank you enough for the legacy that they have inculcated in defending our country’s sovereignty and in protecting our freedom from any forms of intrusion. As always, we all look up to you as our shield against any possible danger and threat and now, we want to give back the kindness and protection that you have given us. While we acknowledge the contributions of these great men, however, I believe its also high time to recognize our equally courageous women who stood by them against all odds. It takes a lot of courage to leave the family and fight in a war to become a real soldier, but it also takes a lot of patience and perseverance to take care of the family despite the absence of the head, to survive being a soldier’s wife. And I admire all of you for that. I have no idea how you endured each day, full of worries, fears, and doubts but what I know is that you survived because you coupled them with a lot of hope, love, faith and trust. I admire you as well because your commitment to support these men did not stop, after your own husbands retire from service. Your continuing support to these men is something that we should all acknowledge. Anyway, I won’t make my speech any longer but I just want to share with you a message that inspired me and those that are close to me to stand the test in spite the problems that come our way. God will examine our lives, not for the diplomas, medals, nor degrees earned, but for battle scars, from victories won over trials and tribulations. To our soldiers, who have selflessly dedicated themselves to our country and to the women who became their stronghold and refuge, KEEP ON WINNING. Let us witness these great and talented women as they showcase their abilities in performing onstage Thank you for listening and enjoy watching. Good Afternoon!