03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Historic First: Philippine Eagles Nat'l President leads chartering of Grand Majestic Eagles Club in Qatar
Darlene Regis
In a historic milestone for the Filipino community in Qatar, the National President (NP) of The Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles Inc. (TFOE-PE), Eagle Ronald Delos Santos, personally chartered a new club in Doha – a first in the organisation's history.
The official ceremony, held on April 12 at Holiday Villa Hotel, marked the founding of the Grand Majestic Eagles Club (GMEC) and gathered Filipino community leaders, Gulf-based Eagles members, diplomats, and distinguished guests.
The program commenced with the Entrance of Colors led by students from Philippine School Doha (PSD), followed by the national anthems of the Philippines and Qatar, and the singing of the Eagles Hymn.
Delos Santos, who traveled from Manila for the occasion, led the charter grant, administered the oath to new members, and inducted the club's inaugural officers. In his speech, he described the chartering as a 'historic milestone' for the TFOE-PE movement overseas. He also shared his vision for GMEC to eventually evolve into an official region, highlighting the strength and potential of its leadership team.
The National President commended GMEC President Eagle Raymond Cabauatan and Vice President Eagle Jeroam James Arriesgado for their support in establishing the chapter.
The event was hosted by Eagle Ronaldo Borja, PEIL Director and Talakayang Agila National Commissioner.
One of the event's special guests was Hon. Cassandra Sawadjaan, First Secretary and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Qatar.
Regional support was strongly felt during the event. Eagle Dande Serot, Governor of the Saudi Arabia Eastern Eagles Region 3 (SAEER 3), stood alongside the NP during the chartering rites.
Representing GMEC's sponsoring club, Eagle Edgar Clamonte, President of the Silangang Bagani Eagles Club (SBEC), witnessed the formal recognition of the new chapter.
In a brief interview after the ceremony, Cabauatan expressed heartfelt appreciation for his wife, Jackielou, whose unwavering support was crucial throughout the chartering journey.
Arriesgado, in his closing remarks, also thanked his wife, Nina Karisse Mae, for offering unwavering behind-the-scenes support to him and the GMEC team.
Special recognition was also given to Club Adviser Jyerex Abrasado for introducing the event's guests, and to Christian Marvin Dela Cruz for welcoming attendees and reaffirming the club's mission of unity and service.
Musical performances added to the event's entertainment, with Jarleen Datol's soulful renditions inspiring guests to stand and dance in celebration.
Richelle Arugay introduced the guest of honor, Nia Janelle Incabo, Miss Teen Universe 2024. She highlighted how Incabo's advocacy for children with special needs aligns with GMEC's mission of inclusion.
Willie Valdueza Munar's violin rendition of 'Where Eagles Fly' evoked a moment of reflection and pride among the Eagles in attendance.
Messages of support were also shared by visiting leaders: Jundee Mar Tejedo of the Oryx Knights Eagles Club, Heintji Nagal of the Qatar Black Gold Sapatilha Eagles Club (QABGSEC), Myra Hilata Diga of QABGSLEG, and Joy Ferrer of the Al Khobar Sinag Eastern Lady Eagles Group (AKSELEG).
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a group photo to mark the occasion.
With this chartering, GMEC joins the growing TFOE–Philippine Eagles network, marking a new chapter in civic leadership and Filipino unity abroad.
