PHEBE Helps: Psychologist in Health, Education, Business & Employment

27/03/2026

The Process Speaks:
A Paradigm Shift in My Toastmasters Journey
(From Preparation to Performance and Growth)
By Phebe Pendon, DTM

Public speaking across continents—once a natural strength in my varied roles as a Pioneer Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Registered Nurse in the Philippines and USA, and Licensed Clinical Psychologist—began to feel like a skill slipping away after decades of one-on-one counseling and psychotherapy. Determined to rebuild my communication prowess, I turned to Toastmasters International—a decision that reshaped not only my journey but also my perspective.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Horizons

Joining Diplomatically Speaking™ Club in 2016 ar the U.S. Embassy Manila and Maharlika Toastmasters Club in April 2017 was more than a professional endeavor; it became my personal rehabilitation after surgery. Weekly meetings offered renewal, rejuvenation, and respite—sparking growth beyond expectations.

Memorable moments came when a Toastmaster nursing student evaluated my speeches. Those humbling experiences revealed both my potential and the vast room for improvement.
Initially hesitant about contests—haunted by childhood memories of competitive stress and embarrassment—seasoned Toastmasters encouraged me to try. They emphasized that contests were not about winning, but about sharpening communication skills.

From Groping First Steps into Contests

The International Speech Contest was a daunting debut, yet it marked a turning point. A Semi-finalist guided me to focus on a Hero in my story—someone who shaped who I am—rather than portraying myself as the hero.

Speaking only of personal achievements, they explained, could sound prideful. I also learned to avoid sensitive “3D” themes: Diseases, Deaths, and Divorce.

Inspired by family losses, I crafted The Colors of Life. Winning at the Club level opened the door for me to serve as a Test Speaker in an Evaluation Contest. I was told it could be my winning piece at the Area Level Contest in 2019. Though practice feedback was positive, my inexperience surfaced in unintended comedic moments with props. That misstep taught me resilience, the value of humor, and the importance of laughing at myself while learning from challenges.

From Cloistered Life to Global Connections

The pandemic opened unexpected doors. Reluctantly, I accepted leadership roles—and was rewarded with three Distinguished President’s Awards as Club President, Area Director, and Division Director.

I earned my Traditional Legacy DTM in 2021, multiple Triple Crown accolades with completion of 11 Paths! Through my District leadership years, I was a Club Sponsor of 4 TM clubs, Club Mentor of 2, Club Coach Clubs of 2! I was honored as Division L Toastmaster of the Year and Nominee to the District Toastmaster of the Year in 2022, 2024, and 2025.

In February 26, 2026, I received my second DTM Award (Pathways)!

Though contests briefly took a backseat, global opportunities flourished. In 2021, I joined Leng Kee Advanced International Toastmasters Club (D80) upon a generous invitation of Past International Director Patrick Oei.

As Visiting Toastmasters (VTMs), we became “Stalkers,” following PIP Richard Peck’s World Tour of Clubs across 149 countries.

Membership in advanced clubs such as World Travelers™ Club (D80) as Charter Member and currently the Vice President for Education, Studios TMC (D33), Charter Member and VP PR, VP Membership, President and currently VPPR, TGIF™ Club VPPR (D33), Professional Speakers Support Group Advanced (D25) per recommendation of WCPS Finalist & Executive Coach Fursey. All connections in these expanded my horizon and helped enhance my communication skills. Holmes Sydney ™ Club in Australia.

Virtual platforms connected me with remarkable coaches, mentors, international leaders, and World Champions of Public Speaking. WCPS Pres Vasilev (2013) coached me to second place in International and Tall Tales contests in 2023 (California D33). In 2024, WCPS Dave Ross (1991) helped elevate my speech crafting and delivery, leading to similar achievements in International and Humorous Contests . And inspirational Video series of speech coaching by WCPS Verity Price 2021 & Aaron Beverly and more WCPS.

From “Me” to “We”:

Embracing Collaboration

Attending the Toastmasters International Centennial Celebration in Anaheim, California, in August 2024 opened vast opportunities to meet leaders in person.

Serendipitously, while standing in line for convention registration, I was interacting with WCPS Finalist and Executive Coach Fursey Gotuaco. That encounter blossomed into a mentoring and coaching curriculum for our D75 Division L Toastmasters Clubs.

Coach Fursey conducted workshops for Division L Nurses TMC and all other TM Clubs virtually followed by a one week IN-PERSON Workshops on Mentoring, Coaching and Demo Meeting in various hotels coordinated with PDD Jot Chiongbian and Managers of Hotels resulting to establishment of Belmont Hotel Manila TM Club and Nurses TMC President’s Distinguished Club on its Second Year Anniversary.

Alongside fellow Toastmasters, I underwent intensive training in speech crafting, preparation, and presentation—gradually shifting my perspective from ME to WE.

In 2025, I am forever grateful to Division Leaders, fellow Toastmasters, and the 16 clubs across continents who offered for me to practice and provided evaluation for my International Speech. WCPS Luisa Montalvo provided personal feedback after I delivered my speech in her ™ Club in Texas, while Coach Fursey guided me from crafting to delivery.
This alignment deepened my appreciation for shared learning and collective impact, transforming individual aspirations into a communal journey of growth.

By 2025, milestones multiplied: first-place wins in Table Topics and Talent Contests at World Travelers™ Club and other advanced clubs affirmed my growth.

From “ME” a Beneficiary to “WE” a Legacy of Success

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that while contests may appear individualistic, their essence lies in the relationships they nurture and the inspiration they ignite. They are bridges of connection and hope.

Toastmasters has become more than a platform for personal growth; it has evolved into a global network—a bridge to thousands of members worldwide, united by shared stories and mutual encouragement.

Success is amplified when viewed through the lens of shared purpose, empowering others to grow alongside us.

The path to fulfillment is richer when kindness ripples outward: from receiving help, to giving help, to empowering others to help.

In this way, we become people helpers.

What a fulfilling shared journey Toastmasters offers—when we come together to HELP!

Moving Forward

Together, we create a community where we thrive by helping and inspiring one another. My aim is to carry forward the ripple effect of kindness—
from receiving HELP,
to giving HELP,
to empowering others to HELP.

This is the process that speaks: a paradigm shift from ME to WE, from personal growth to collective legacy.

Phebe Pendon, DTM
Written for
“The Stories that Built Us”
WTC Year 2026/2027

World Travelers Toastmasters Book complied and edited by

Zilva Boaz, DTM
RA 9 Regional Adviser

Wholeness Journey
Toastmasters Club
PHEBE Helps: Psychologist in Health, Education, Business & Employment
Knowing God

12/03/2026

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🌳Growing like a Tree : Bearing Fruits

I don’t see myself as aging, but as a tree still bearing fruit.

As Psalm 92:12–14 says, ‘The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree… They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.’

My roots are deep in nursing and psychology, and I want to keep drawing nourishment from study — pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on spirituality.

The branches of my life will stretch into writing books on health, life, and biblical reflections, while new leaves will grow through deeper biblical studies.

My fruit will be service — caring for patients with chronic illnesses, mentoring nurses, psychologists & young generations through Christian Fellowship, and building a foundation that blesses communities.

And like any tree, I must tend to my own health, so I remain strong enough to keep giving shade and fruit to others.

As 2 Corinthians 4:16 reminds us, ‘Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.’

For me, this phase of life is not about aging, but about growing —
in wisdom,
in service, and
in spiritual depth.”

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• Psalm 92:12–14 → Flourishing and bearing fruit in old age

• 2 Corinthians 4:16 → Renewal day by day

• Isaiah 40:31 → “They shall mount up with wings like eagles…” (strength in later years)

• John 15:5 → “I am the vine; you are the branches…” (growth through connection to Christ)

12/03/2026

🌊 The River of Growth :
Growing, Not Aging :

“I don’t see myself as aging, but as a river that keeps widening and deepening.

My source is the calling God has placed in me through nursing and psychology, and my flow continues as I pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on spirituality.

As Proverbs 18:4 says, ‘The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.’

My studies will deepen my wisdom in psychotherapy, neuropsychological assessment, and holistic therapies, while widening into writing books on life, health, and biblical reflections.

This river will branch into tributaries — deeper biblical studies in exegesis, hermeneutics, homiletics, and Bible exposition — nourishing others with spiritual insight. M

My current will carry healing, serving heart patients and those with chronic illnesses, while also flowing into leadership by mentoring nurses through Christian Fellowship International and building a foundation that blesses communities.

And like a river that must remain clear to sustain life, I will prioritize self‑care and health promotion, so I can continue to flow with strength.

As John 7:38 reminds us, ‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’

For me, as I pursue my journey on life, I see it not as about aging, but about growing —
becoming a river that keeps expanding, nourishing, and giving life wherever it flows.

Supporting Verses for the River Metaphor

• Proverbs 18:4 → Wisdom as deep waters, a rushing stream

• John 7:38 → Rivers of living water flowing from within

• Psalm 1:3 → “Like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…” (river imagery + growth)

• Isaiah 58:11 → “You will be like a well‑watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

To God be the Glory 🙏🙏🙏

Loboc River Cruise Floating Restaurant
PHEBE Helps: Psychologist in Health, Education, Business & Employment
Wholeness Journey
Karen Gatmen
Miclat
Cheng
Phebe Pendon
April 29, 2025

02/03/2026

Liz Murray

The teacher handed back the essay with a note:
“See me after class. This is plagiarism.”

It was not plagiarism. It was a true story written clearly and thoughtfully by a teenager whose life experience had forced her to grow up quickly.

Liz Murray was 15 years old in New York City when she decided to return to school. Her childhood had been deeply unstable. Both of her parents struggled with he**in addiction. Her mother died of AIDS-related illness when Liz was still in her teens. Her father also faced homelessness.

For a period of time, Liz did not have stable housing. She stayed with friends when she could. At other times, she relied on shelters or public spaces, including subway trains. Despite this, she chose to continue her education.

She enrolled at Humanities Preparatory Academy in Manhattan, a public high school designed to support students who had fallen behind or faced serious challenges. Liz had gaps in her formal education and no permanent address, but the school gave her an opportunity.

She took it seriously.

Liz spent long hours reading in public libraries. She studied wherever she found space and quiet. She focused intensely on her classes.

In English class, she wrote an essay about her life — about her mother’s illness, about instability, and about what it meant to survive without consistent support. She wrote honestly and directly.

Her teacher questioned whether she had written it herself. The writing seemed too mature for someone with her academic background. Liz explained that the essay was entirely her own. Those were her experiences. Those were her words.

The teacher eventually accepted that she had written it.

The incident stayed with Liz. It reflected a larger assumption: that young people experiencing poverty are not capable of academic excellence.

Liz continued working hard. She completed four years of high school coursework in just two years. Despite housing instability, she earned strong grades and prepared for college.

She applied to several universities, including Harvard University. Her background made the process challenging, but she did not let that stop her.

Liz received a New York Times Scholarship, awarded to students who had overcome significant adversity. The scholarship provided financial assistance that helped make college possible.

She chose Harvard.

At Harvard, Liz studied psychology and graduated in 2009. Her memoir, Breaking Night, was published in 2010 and became a bestseller. Earlier, her life story inspired the Lifetime television film Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story.

After graduation, Liz Murray became a motivational speaker and education advocate. She founded a company focused on personal development and speaks about resilience, education, and overcoming adversity.

She has spoken about the plagiarism accusation in interviews, explaining how it revealed the assumptions people often make about students who grow up in poverty.

Some people expected failure. When they saw success, they questioned it.

Liz responded not with anger, but with continued effort. She built a record of achievement that could not be dismissed.

Her story is not simply about going from homelessness to Harvard. It is about persistence, education, and refusing to be defined by circumstances.

As a teenager facing housing instability, Liz Murray showed up to school every day and committed herself to learning.

When her writing seemed “too good” to believe, she did not lower her standards to fit expectations.

She kept studying.
She kept working.
She kept writing.

12/02/2026

Discover the impacts of strict parents on child development, exploring both benefits and drawbacks of authoritarian parenting and its effect on autonomy.

04/02/2026

I USED TO STEAL MY POOR CLASSMATE’S LUNCH MONEY EVERY DAY JUST TO MOCK HIM. BUT WHEN I READ THE LETTER HIS MOTHER HID IN HIS BAG, IT FELT LIKE THE FOOD I WAS EATING TURNED TO ASH.

I was the one everyone feared at school. My name is Sebastian Reyes. My father is a politician, and my mother owns a chain of spas. I had the newest sneakers, the latest iPhone, and a big house in an exclusive subdivision—yet I was deeply unhappy.

My favorite victim was Tomas Cruz. He was a scholarship student. His uniform was old, clearly hand-me-down, he always walked with his head down, and his lunch was wrapped in a crumpled, greasy brown paper bag.

Every day during recess, I had the same “habit.” I would sn**ch his bag, climb onto a table, and shout:

“Guys! Let’s see what trash the squatter kid brought for lunch today!”

Tomas never fought back. He just stood there, eyes red, quietly begging for it to end as soon as possible. I would pull out his food—sometimes cold rice, sometimes bruised bananas—and throw it into the trash while everyone laughed.

After that, I’d go to the canteen and buy burgers, fries, and milk tea with my unlimited credit card.

One rainy Tuesday, I decided to humiliate him even more. I grabbed his backpack. It was very light.

“Hey, this is light! Tomas, can’t you even afford proper food anymore?” I mocked.

He tried to take the bag back.

“Please, Sebastian… give it back. Not today,” he said, his voice trembling.

That only fueled me more. I opened the bag in front of everyone and turned it upside down. No lunch fell out. Only a single piece of dry pandesal dropped to the ground—and a folded piece of paper.

I laughed.

“Wow! Rock-hard bread! Careful, you might chip a tooth!” I shouted.

I picked up the paper, thinking it was a list or something else I could make fun of. I unfolded it and read it out loud, theatrically, so everyone could hear:

“My child,
I’m sorry. Today I couldn’t afford to buy any filling. I didn’t eat breakfast so you would have something to eat. This is all we have until payday on Friday. Eat slowly so it will last longer.
Study well. You are my pride and my hope.
Mommy loves you very much.”

My voice gradually weakened. By the time I reached the signature, the entire quadrangle was silent.

I looked at Tomas. He was quietly crying, covering his face in shame. I looked at the pandesal on the ground. It wasn’t trash. It was his mother’s breakfast. A sacrifice of hunger made out of pure love.

I remembered my own lunch—an expensive lunchbox I had left on a bench. It was filled with imported juice, a gourmet sandwich, and chocolate. My mother didn’t even know what was inside. The nanny prepared it. She hadn’t asked me how school was for three days.

My stomach was full, but my heart was empty.

Tomas’s stomach was hungry, but he was filled with love from a mother willing to endure hunger for her child.

I walked up to Tomas. Everyone thought I was about to insult him again. But I knelt down. I carefully picked up the pandesal, as if it were something sacred, and wiped it clean.

I placed it back in his hand, along with the letter. Then I took my lunch from my bag and set it in front of him.

“Let’s trade lunches, Tomas,” I said hoarsely.
“Please. Your pandesal is worth more than everything I own.”

I sat beside him. And for the first time in my life, I didn’t eat fast food.

I ate humility.

And I promised myself: as long as there is money in my pocket, Tomas’s mother will never have to skip breakfast again....Do you want to know what happens next? Check the link in the comments!👇

11/01/2026

09/01/2026

Barriers to mental health service use among people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Anticipated disability stigma from providers hinders mental health service use for people with disabilities
January 23, 2024

In this APA Journals Article Spotlight for Rehabilitation Psychology, Katie Wang conducted a survey among 183 US adults with a wide range of visible (e.g., cerebral palsy) and invisible (e.g., autoimmune and chronic pain conditions) disabilities.

09/01/2026

How schools can save lives:
Examining effective su***de prevention programs
July 16, 2024

Clinical Psychology: Science and PracticeSuicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in young people are a major public health problem worldwide, and their prevalence keeps rising.

In this issue of APA Journals Article Spotlight in Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, Kiran et al. examine the impact of effective su***de prevention programs in schools.