Club Handover, June 24, 2013

Last night, the Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio held its handover ceremony, between outgoing Peace President Rosemarie "Rose" Antonio and incoming First Class President Maryann "Meann" de Leon.

Photo below, from left: Era Eguia, being groomed as potential club PE, incoming President Meann de Leon, and outgoing Pres. Rose Antonio. The last two are the first two female Presidents of our club since it was chartered in March 29, 2000.

Pres. Rose first showed an audiovisual presentation of the club's achievements the past year, then gave a few pointers and reminders to Meann on what to expect as a Club President. Meann made a short acceptance speech, reminding members that she needs the support of everyone as she has several community and youth projects to roll out.

The event was held at Metro Club, Rockwell, Makati. Past President Norlan de Leon and husband of incoming Pres. Meann, gave us a surprise gift -- a new club shirt with collar. Thanks, Lan.

Our guest speaker was Assistant Governor Chary Misa from our mother club, the Rotary Club of Rizal West. PP Chary has been a rotarian for more than two decades now, her passion for community and district service has not waned until now, thanks AG Chary.

Group photo. We were 15 last night + Chary. New members Daryl Cabato (red shirt) and Mike Michener (dark polo, sitting, our first American club member) did not put on the new club shirt but they were happy to receive it.

What was notable last night was the high attendance of club Past Presidents (PPs). From left: me (RY 2006-07), Niel Antonio (RY 2010-11), Romel Villegas (RY 2008-09), Rose Antonio (RY 2012-13), Jed Inciong (RY 2001-02), Glenn Inciong (RY 2005-06) and Norlan de Leon (RY 2011-12). I like this photo :-) We are a small club but so far, not a single PP has repeated.

The tickets for the fund raising project, Side A concert at Music Museum on August 23, Tuesday at 8:30pm, were also distributed to us. Tickets are at P1,900 each. Proceeds will benefit some of our community projects. One of which is to improve a dilapidated public school building in Capiz, in partnership with iHelp Foundation where Daryl is an active officer, and a few local businessmen who will donate some construction materials for free.

Before we left the meeting room.

I told Pres. Rose once again last night that she has done a great job the past year. Now we have a modest number of club members, many Past Presidents are coming back, and lots of community projects are waiting to be started and implemented.

Fun and lively evening last night.
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See also: 
Club Relief Operations After the Manila Flooding, August 13, 2012 
Peace President Rose Antonio, May 23, 2013 
Charter President Bobby Dimayuga, May 26, 2013

Charter President Bobby Dimayuga

The Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio, RI District 3830, was chartered on March 29, 2000. It was sponsored by RC Rizal West, our mother club. The Charter President was Bobby Dimayuga.

I think it was the first time in several years that CP Bob has discussed again how the club was created, who were the members, circumstances behind its creation, in his talk last April 08, 2013, held at Metro Club, Rockwell, Makati. Below, Peace President Rose Antonio giving the plaque of appreciation to CP Bob after his talk.

Bob said that in 1999-2000, Fort Bonifacio was mostly cogonal and grassland, with just very few buildings standing. When they were approached by RC Rizal West, he was just around 36 years old, gaining momentum for his career, was not rich, and was wondering how he can help others, the needy people, when he himself was not really financially stable then.

Besides, Fort Bonifacio was a generally lonely place then, whom will they recruit to the club except his officemates and some friends in the area. So if he sees his officemates at daytime, he will see them again weekly, not a cool idea.

But then the guys at RC Rizal West were persistent, and after several meetings, an election of club officers was held, he was being "set up" by his friends and charter members to become the Charter President. He could no longer back out, so he went ahead to preside the new club.

It was a blessing for him, he recounted. Because his friends and network among professionals and businessmen has suddenly expanded in the District. And while he thought that a weekly meeting was "too much", after several months, he got used to meeting the members weekly. When there are weeks that there were no meetings, say due to bad weather or a holiday, he was missing his clubmates. Guys that later became Presidents of the Club too -- PPs Charles Mercado, Jed Inciong, Caloy Morante, Joel Ciron, Romel Villegas.

Giving community services were made easier with the help of District officials and our mother club. An Interact Club was also established at R. Papa High School. Bob recalled that while he was spending extra for the various club activities and community projects, he noticed that somehow new resources were also coming unto him rather unexpectedly.

It was nice to hear CP Bob sharing what it was during his term -- last quarter of RY 1999-2000, and full RY 2000-2001. I joined the club in late 2004. Carlos "Caloy" Morante was the President then. PP Joel Ciron invited me to the club.

Group photo after Bob's talk. From left, standing: a guest (sorry, I forgot his name), Marco Pagaduan, PP Norlan de Leon, me , PP Niel Antonio, PP Romel Villegas. Sitting, from left: President-Elect Meann de Leon (wife of Norlan), Peace President Rose Antonio, and CP Bob.

A wacky pose :-)

Thanks for that insightful and wonderful evening, CP Bob. I appreciated the club and its history even more with what you shared with us that night.

Peace President Rose Antonio

Our current President, Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio this rotary year 2012-2013, Peace President Rose Antonio, should be the most hard working among us, Past Presidents in recent years. She has achieved many things for the club, more than my term definitely, absolutely.

To see what I mean, check The Globalist, special issue, nearly 50 pages of photos and description of club activities and accomplishment, for the communities, for the District, with our sister clubs.

President Rose is also the wife of our club Past President (PP) Niel Antonio, who served in RY 2010-2011. They have two kids who would join us in some club activities and fellowships, like during our Christmas Party in Tagaytay.

Recently, I have been absent in some club meetings for some reasons. Among these meetings were the talk by PP Chary Misa of RC Rizal West, our "mother club" meaning their club sponsored the creation and chartering of our club in March 2000. PP Chary is a nice, friendly and warm lady who shared some information about Rotary International and our District 3830.

In this photo, from left: Jhun Mendoza, Marco Pagaduan, Era Eguia, Chary Misa, President Elect (PE) MeAnn de Leon, President Rose, and PP Norlan de Leon.

I was also absent during the club strategic planning for the term of PE and income President MeAnn de Leon. In this photo, from left standing: Basil Semilla, PP Norlan de Leon, PP Niel Antonio, Mike Michener. Sitting from left: Amy Semilla, PE MeAnn, President Rose, Era Eguia.

This week, I was not able to listen to a classification talk by Basil, who talked about Shipping and Freight Forwarding, the sector where he is currently working. I was told that it was a very interesting talk, I hope it will be repeated in the club, with more members attending, me included.

This was about two months ago, when new member, Mike Michener, beside Pres. Rose, gave a brief classification talk about "Life Coaching" and counselling. Luckily I was there.

The signature project of the club this year was the Art Peace 2013, a painting contest among university students in Metro Manila on the theme of promoting peace and conflict resolution. District Governor Sue Sta. Maria, some district officials, were our guests that afternoon, along with the six finalists. The winners are also in this photo. 

Our club also has at least three sisterhood agreement with other clubs -- with RC Intramuros in Manila, RC Diliman North in Quezon City, and below, with RC Alabang Centerpoint, from our own District.

Our club was also among the donors in the Rotary Homes in Paranaque. This is emerging as following the initiatves by Gawad Kalinga -- all private donations to give decent and humane housing for the poor, zero government or tax money was used. President Rose was not there during the turn over ceremony, attended by Rotary Homes Foundation President, PDG Sid Garcia, PDG Ed Alvarez, and PDG Paul Horng from Taiwan. He was also the Rotary International President Representative (RIPR) during the D3830 DisCon 2013 held at Manila Hotel last March.

The club was also among the sponsors of the sponsors during the 11th Pambansang Bakas Seminar-Workshop for Educators in San Antonio De Padua College in Pila, Laguna, held from April 3-6, 2013.

Your term as club President is ending soon, super-thanks for all your effort, hard work, extra expenses, President Rose. As a Past President myself, I can vouch how inspiring you have been to the club members and PPs alike.

Cheers.

Art Peace 2013

* This is my article for our club newsletter, The Globalist, Special Issue, released last week. The photos I just added here.
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Art Peace 2013

As the world modernizes, as people mobility across countries and continents expands, it creates more diversity among people. While this is a good thing to recognize that after all, we live in just one global village, it also creates some animosity and even anger for some people as their previously mono-cultural city or community undergoes piecemeal changes towards multi-cultural and economic activities. Thus, the quest for peace and tolerance at the global, national and local community levels, is a continuing challenge for humanity. And most especially among Rotarians.

To contribute to this search for peace and tolerance, the Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio spearheaded an important project for the youth, the “Art Peace” competition for college/university students in Metro Manila. Its main objective is to campaign and reiterate Rotary's thrust, ideals and advocacy to the new generation or the youth through visual arts.  

The project covers the following:  Public Image, New Generation and Areas of Focus. This is consistent with this year’s Rotary International theme, “Peace Through Service” via Rotary's Areas of Focus:

1.  Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution

2.  Disease Prevention and Treatment

3.  Water and Sanitation

4.  Maternal and Child Health

5.  Basic Education and Literacy

6. Economic and Community Development

The club secured an endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), printed posters and invitation letters to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of different colleges and universities in Metro Manila. These were distributed in early March 2013.

Pretty soon, many entries and art pieces were submitted to the club. Some were arranged for pick up in their universities.

Judgement day, the “Art Peace 2013” was set last April 7, 2013, from 1-6 pm. Venue was the Arts in the City, FVR Park, Federacion Drive corner 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The top six contestants were invited, Club members brought their friends, and some District officials and a President of another clubs in the District came.

Aside from the top six art pieces displayed that afternoon, impressive art works of three guest artists were also shown -- by Arnan De Leon, Nice So, and Vanessa "King"  Tan Gana.

RI District 3830 Governor Sue Sta. Maria was the main guest of honor that afternoon. She led the ribbon cutting, she was one of the judges, and she gave an inspirational talk about Art, Peace and Rotary. The club was very honored to have her come and stay for several hours.  

The most awaited part of the event that day was made, the announcement of winners. The contestants were called up on stage. Their youthful faces showed some anxiety and excitement as they faced the audience. The results are as follows.

The 1st Place (P15,000 + Trophy + Certificate) went to Melchor Santiago Jr.  His art work was entitled “Empowering a Peaceful Nation Through Responsible Youth Service”. It was an elaborate painting with bold letters of ROTARY in the middle. Melchor is a 4th Year BS Medical Technology student at Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City.

The 2^nd Place (P10,000 + Trophy + Certificate) went to Justen Paul Tolentino. His entry ttle was “Spreading Peace with Service”. Justen is a 1st Year BS Medical Technology student at Far Eastern University in Manila.

Third Place (P5,000 + Trophy + Certificate) went to Ruzzle Abella with an art work entitled “Bigyang Gabay”. He is a 2nd Year Visual Communications major at EARIST.

The three other entries got consolation prizes (P2,000 + Certificate) each. The contestants, their respective entry titles and schools were:

1.  Clint Rey Policarpio, “Larawan ng Nakaraan”

3rd Year Fine Arts, Major in Painting, University of the East - Caloocan

2.  Kristie Sheene Villeza, “Winning Peace”

1st Year BS Information Technology,  National Teachers College

3.  Prikern Leighry Balbuena, “Heart of a Mother”

2nd Year BSED Major in MAPE, Far Eastern University

It was a wonderful afternoon of viewing different paintings from different artists, meeting young aspiring artists and painters, club members and their families and friends, District officials and other guests. The venue was nice, food was plentiful and delicious, the music and sound system was great.

It was indeed a big, signature project of the Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio this year. Peace President Rosemarie Antonio has shown once more the kind of stuff she is made of – very hard working, highly dedicated, unquestionably service-oriented leader.

Kudos to you, President Rose.

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(Addendum. The MCs that afternoon were yours truly and clubmate Carmen Penalosa. Photo below, from left: Carmen, me, Gov. Sue, PP Niel Antonio, and President Rose Antonio.

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See also: 
Club Planning Workshop, March 2012, April 02, 2012 
Club Officers, RY 2012-2013, June 01, 2012 
Club Relief Operations After the Manila Flooding, August 13, 2012

Club Planning Workshop, March 2012

We held a club planning-workshop last weekend, March 31 to April 01, 2012, at Casa Corazon, Lemery, Batangas. We were supposed to start in the afternoon of Day 1, but some of us still have work in Manila in the morning, they arrived late afternoon that day, so we started work by 6pm.

Only 7 of us were able to come -- President Norlan de Leon, President-Elect Rose Antonio, Immediate Past President Niel Antonio, me, Rotarians Eric Lucero, Meann de Leon, and Ephraem Serrano. We brought all of our respective families, spouses and kids.

The food was delicious and plentiful, thanks to Pres. Norlan and PE Rose. They shopped at the nearby Calaca public market, PE Rose brought there 2 cooks in their house plus driver, these 3 guys worked hard to prepare us really nice and yummy food, kudos to them.

Our work that night centered on four questions:
1. Where are we now, SWOT analysis,
2. Where do we want to be, at least 3 years from now,
3. How do we get there, and
4. What we are doing to get there.

The discussion on our club Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) was really lively. The key strength of the club is that we are in a very dynamic business district of the country, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The key weakness is that we remain a small club (now we have 14 members) and hence, with small resources. The key opportunity is that we still have several committed members and officers who are willing to work for the club, for the district, and the communities that we partner with. The key threat is that if we remain small, delisting and forced merger with other smaller clubs will remain a continuing threat in the future.

The other 3 questions above were explored and discussed. Then the tasking of assignments, like restating the club's Vision-Mission. We concluded the meeting at nearly 12 midnight with a toast and cheer to the 12th anniversary of the club.

The venue, Casa Corazon,  http://www.casacorazonresort.com/ is a nice place. It's relatively huge, with three swimming pools, one for adults and two for toddlers and children.

The kids really enjoyed the two pools. It's a coincidence that our kids are generally young yet, so they were able to play with each other. We also brought our respective yayas/nannies for the younger kids.

The next day, Sunday April 1, we toured the place's museum. Entrance fee is P250 per head. The wide collection of vintage motorcycles and cars was really awesome. Like original BMW motorbikes, plenty of them there.

It's a nice place. We were also lucky that we practically occupied the whole place as they did not have other guests that weekend.

I will post other photos, especially the aviary and those huge birds, later.

Overall, it was a very productive weekend, both for us Rotarians, our families and kids. I am thankful to our club leadership for finding a good place, for preparing really sumptuous Filipino food. It helped that there is a nearby public market selling cheap food.

It was a good start for the coming leadership of PE Rose Antonio.

Discon 2012 Photos

I mean photos of our club participatioin only, not the entire District as there are hundreds of those photos.

?he first District Convention I have attended was Discon (December) 2006 during my term as Club President of RC Taguig Fort Bonifacio, RY 2006-07. I have not attended all other Discon after that, so I was curious what's new in the annual big event of the District. This is my 2nd Discon attendance so far.

There were only five of us from our club who attended the District Convention 2012. Immediate Past President Niel Antonio, his wife and club President-Elect Rose Antonio, President Norlan de Leon, his wife and Club Secretary Meann de Leon.

With District Secretary Lito Colona (4th from left, between Niel and Rose) and District Governor Billy Villareal (2nd from right, between Meann and President Norlan). The guy beside me is Pres. Norlan's classmate from another club.

The Antonio and de Leon couples. Upper photo from left: Pres. Niel, Meann, PE Rose and IPP Niel.

Lower photo is with Asst. Governor Jules Nivea from RC Rizal West. This is our "mother club", they chartered our club in March 29, 2000 or 12 years ago. Jules is also a good friend of the club, he has visited us several times.

Below, upper left photo with Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG) Ed Alvarez. Sen. Chiz Escudero was the guest speaker at lunch time. He spoke about the impeachment proceedings with CJ Corona, other political issues.

Sen. Chiz talked in very fluent but straight Filipino. I was wondering how the foreign guests -- high rotary officers from S. Korea, Japan, other Asian countries, the GSE teams from Germany and Netherlands, as well as foreigner rotarians of the district -- were able to understand.

My photo with the two couples.

Lower photo is my good friend from UP, also the godmother of my 2nd child Bien Mary, Rotarian Cecilia Quiambao from a club in Alabang. I was surprised to see her that night, she said she was a new Rotarian, inducted only a few months ago.

I like the discussions in the morning until early afternoon, but not so much in the late afternoon. In the evening, the presentations by the current team -- Club Presidents and District Officers -- were nice and cool. They have a number of good singers.

RC TFB New Newsletter

My club, Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio, has resumed the production of a newsletter. Thanks to President Norlan de Leon.

Upper 3 photos, are during the club induction led by District Governor Billy Villareal. Smaller photo on the left, during our club Christmas Party last December 2011 at Immediate Past President Niel Antonino's house. We brought our families for a night of fun and fellowships.

Lower photos are during the club's participation in the huge district activity, "A Liter of Light". Our club was assigned to deliver the bottles for solar lighting in a big depressed barangay in Caloocan, aided by some soldiers from the AFP. Hundreds of people greeted the club officers and members who went to the place.

I will post more photos about this event later in this blog.