Talking on the occasion, he thanked the group for having invited him to grace the occasion and encouraged the officers and members to pursue their passion for photography while at the same time save whatever they could.

“Sooner or later, you'll go home for good. If and when that comes you'll be ready financially. You and your family would be financially secure because you've prepared for it,” he said.

He added that about six years ago while in Jeddah, he also saw many Filipinos who were interested in photography.

“With the increase in disposable incomes, they could buy the needed cameras to indulge in it. But since we are here for the future of our children, we must spend on them while saving for their education at the same time,” he said. “Personally, I advocate a little bit of a selfish ideology. I think it's time to think more for ourselves. We should save 20-30 percent of what we earn. If we already have what we basically need to pursue photography as a hobby, try to save instead of buying extra lenses.”

He added that “the reality is for all of us to go home sometime.”

“My advice is, think short term even if you stay here 10 years or more. Try to accomplish as much as possible in three years' time with your savings. Make a priority list. Our staff at the embassy stay here only for about six years so they try to accomplish as much as possible with the money they earn,” he said.

He also advised them to fit themselves out with additional skills so that they will be better reintegrated into mainstream society when they go home.

“How competitive you'll be is very important,” he concluded.

Jeffrey Almendras, chairman, also talked on the occasion and thanked all those who had helped to make the event a success.

Intermission numbers were also presented. Malik Mariano of Elite International School sang “I Believe,” Bianca Cabigting of International Philippine School in Riyadh rendered “The Climb,” while Francis Noces of Sweet Group belted out “Broken Vow.”

Inducted to office were Jeffrey Almendras, chairman; Noel Magalit, president; Arnel Sanchez, vice president; Alejo Gonio, secretary; Vher Cabigting, treasurer; Roland Quillo, auditor; Christian Angelo Mercado, PRO; and Ernie Nunala, adviser.

Philippine Embassy Cultural Attaché Mohamad Taha Guinomla also attended the event.