Moments 4: Al Orolfo

Another early draft that I sent to the editorial team of ROTARY MOMENTS before it was finally decided that all papers should be in first person, not third person, narrative. So this is not the one that was published there, but am posting this nonetheless because of some unique stories that this Peace President has to share.

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Al Orolfo, Ph. D.

RC Makati Rockwell

Either circumstances push some hesitant Rotarians to Club leadership, or such leadership is circumvented by circumstances. Or both can happen at the same time to the same person.

Al Orolfo has experienced both. He was just a club President-Nominee when the President-Elect begged off due to personal reasons and so he was suddenly thrust into the limelight to become the next Club President. That is why he called his leadership as “President by accident.” Sometimes things that happen in our life are purely unplanned and we just have to embrace them and be open to more possibilities.

And just when he became Club President, he was appointed as a Regional Technical Director of the DENR in Region 7, based in Cebu City. He could not back off from either position, he has to do both jobs. There he goes from Makati Rockwell to Cebu and vice versa. Lucky and hard working guy.

Like the other “accidental Presidents”, he was hesitant and doubtful of his capacity to lead the club when he attended the President-Elects Training Seminar (PETS). But upon meeting his classmates and the District Officials led by then District Governor Elect (DGE) Sue Sta. Maria, having instant friendship with other professionals and businessmen in the District, the doubts were greatly diminished.  The motivational speeches of DG Sue nailed further his commitment as Club President. Then the encouraging words and equal commitment showed by his club officers and members made him decide to fully accept the duties and responsibilities thrust upon him. From there, he just “enjoyed the ride.”

During his term, the club’s main activities were promoting Reproductive Health (RH) and sustainable environmental management . The club held several talks and seminars about the RH bill, that became a law last December 2012. And his being a DENR official naturally prodded him and the club to engage in various environmental advocacies, like their annual tree planting project along the South Luzon Expressway which mobilizes government, NGOs and other private organizations to join hands in establishing a Green and Litter-Free Highway.

Then the partnership with other clubs in promoting  solid waste management, biodiversity conservation, and coral reef restoration through seminars. Community outreach activities included scholarship program, health and sanitation project and support to risk and disaster management. Of course they also fund-raising activities to make the incoming President comfortable in financing his initial club projects.

Another community of the club is the pencil-drive for Aeta children in Zambales, in partnership with Carl Duisberg Association of the Philippines, a group of former scholars in Germany that share the same advocacy on literacy for the marginalized school children.  This activity became his swan-song  highlighted by the Club  visit of the Aeta children, punctuated by a post-summer club outing in Zambales.

So how did  he juggle his time between his work assignment in Cebu and Club duties in Manila, with travels out of the country in between? Not easy but not too hard either. First and foremost, he was backed up and supported by his clubmates, they told him that they will adjust to his new work assignment. Strong Club members’ commitment was something that really inspired and energized him. Second, modern technology has erased many boundaries of geography. Members who did not even hear yet Skype and Facebook became instant converts. Third, he flies to Manila twice a month on average so he can attend important Club and District activities.

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He has at least two unforgettable moments in Rotary. One was his Club Induction where his classmates and some key District Officers trooped to his oath-taking . He saw and felt the value of Rotary family. It was an overwhelming moment for him to see his PETS classmates gracing the occasion even though he could not attend to his classmates’ major activities.

The other was when the club held its strategic planning in an island in Cebu that his clubmates along with their families, enjoyed a lot. They marooned themselves in the island for the planning and the formulation of their Club’s Vision and Mission, doing the SWOT analysis and identifying the most urgent and important activities for the next three years. Serious club activity will not be memorable without them doing island hopping, feasting on local foods and snorkelling in the marine sanctuaries of Mactan seascape after.

Al has special thanks to Governor Sue. Her encouraging and inspiring words and support were a big factor in his club leadership. His Club for instance was the first to be visited by the Governor last January 7, 2013. Instant bonding between them was made easier since both are human resource management practitioners.

Hats off to both President Al and Governor Sue.

Moments 3: Bien Mallari

An interesting story from one of the young Peace Presidents of RI District 3830. I wrote this after interviewing him sometime in May this year, but again, this is not the draft published in ROTARY MOMENTS as this is a third person story.

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Bien Mallari

Rotary Club of Muntinlupa North

Way back in 2011, Bien (rightmost in photo) was just a two years old Rotarian but he already showed leadership potential that his club mates were convinced that he could be a good Club President someday.  So when the club voted for their President-Elect in 2011, he was nominated and out of the 19 members who were present that day, the result was an overwhelming 18-1 in his favor. Everyone voted for him, except himself as he voted another clubmate that he nominated.  So his Presidency started with a solid and full support by his clubmates.

And still, like many incoming Club Presidents, he was also hesitant at the start to assume the Club leadership given the amount of time and commitment expected of a President. But the PETS, the continued support of his clubmates and District officials enabled him to proceed with enthusiasm. He later got the “hang” of rendering various community services to the less privilege people with passion.

The club has two signature projects that are focused on the youth and children. The first is the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). This is a special training program by Rotary International via the thousands of Rotary Clubs worldwide to cultivate leadership ability of people between 14 to 30 years old through seminars and awards recognition. The District RYLA as hosted by the club was made last November 2012.

The second important project of the club is the “Teach a Child Project”, an educational program for 50+ children aged 3 to 4 years old, covering eight sessions from December 2012 to March 2013.  The kids are not only taught some introductory academic exercises and introduced to some games, they are also well fed. Parents and guardians of the kids are very happy with this opportunity given to their children at no cost to them.

Bien recalls that he has many unforgettable moments  in Rotary during his term, but three occasions stood out. First was during their PETS training,  the friendship and instant bonding with fellow professionals and businessmen bounded by a common ideals of “service above self”. It was simply overwhelming. Plus the friendship and guidance of Governor Sue Sta. Maria and other District officials.

The conclusion of their PETS was that they wrote down the things and projects that they planned to achieve as President. The papers were put in a bamboo container that will be opened only at the end of their term, in late June 2013.

The second  most unforgettable moment he experienced was during his club induction of officers and oath-taking, where many of his classmates and district officers joined him and cheered with him. It was like the PETS camaraderie again except that he was the “star” of the night.  And the third was during the District Conference (DISCON) in March 2013 where they were especially mentioned for significantly improving their club membership.

Other important club activities during his term were (a) the Children’s Christmas party last December,  (b) Medicines Donation last April, (c) Fun Run last May, (d) fire truck delivery, a matching grant application of IPP Romel Abanto that was approved during Bien’s term, and (e) club participation in the Philippine Rotary Homes. The last initiative was started by the District in Paranaque a few years ago. It yielded good results so the program will soon be replicated in Muntinlupa and other areas of District 3830.

Bien takes pride in being supported fully by his clubmates from the beginning to the end of his term. Also by the warm support by District Governor Sue Sta. Maria and other district officials.

Before Bien became President, the club used to meet in just one restaurant for many years. Bien brought the club members to various restaurants and venues, something that excited many members. They looked up to new venues, new food, new environment.  The best venue they found and they later made as their regular meeting place, is Vivere Hotel. The hotel manager also became their club member. A cool and mutually beneficial arrangement.

Now that his term is ending, Bien summarizes his experience as a Club President: “Masarap at kakatuwa pala tumulong sa iba nang walang kapalit.”

Moments 2: Mache Torres

The first Peace President that I interviewed was Mache Torres sometime in March 2013. The plan at that time was a flashy magazine called LEADERS and feature some business and political leaders who are also Rotarians in RI District 3830 initially. When it was decided by Gov. Sue and her editorial team to produce a yearbook, this is what I submitted to the team. I am sure this draft is not the one that was published because all papers are in first person, not third person, narrative. I was impressed by Mache’s story, hence, I am posting this.

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Marichelle “Mache” Torres

Rotary Club of Makati Uptown

Helping women prisoners, not on legal counseling but via hypnotherapy, is a new and novel community service for Rotarians. There are plenty of depressed women inmates and there is deep need for more therapists there. Women who already regretted the wrong acts they have done, or were unjustly accused and detained, or have already served their sentence but cannot leave on time due to certain bureaucracies.

This is the path taken by Peace President Marichelle “Mache” Torres. The Rotary Club of Makati Uptown has adopted the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City as their main community service area. Mache goes there at least once a week to give free services to women inmates. She has also developed a special program for inmates who will be released within six months.

There was this lady prisoner that Mache has helped for many months until she got out of prison. She was good, was jolly and not doing drugs inside. When she got out, she turned to drugs due to depression. Her family has rejected her and did not welcome her back in the house. Mache felt bad that this happened to one of her favorite and joyful patients at the Correctional.

Mache held her club induction at the Correctional – the first rotary club induction in that institution ever. The Governor’s Visit to her club was also held there. This should be a record in the history of both Philippine Rotary and the CIW.

And there’s more. Mache also visits the maximum penitentiary at Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and  do therapy sessions to some male prisoners, again for free.  And she also helps some returning women OFWs who were traumatized with bad work experience or been sexually abused abroad, also for free.

Mache is a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, specializing in 5th Path Hypnotherapy, and a 7th Path Self-Hypnosis teacher She is the Founder and President of the Mache Torres Advocacy & Leadership Programs, Inc. (MTALPI, see machetorres.com), an academy that focuses on self-leadership, as well as the Founder/President of the Transformational Advocacy thru Self-Awareness (TASA).

So what is hypnotherapy? It is the science of applying hypnosis or focused consciousness to move a person towards good health and wellness. So a hypnotherapist like Mache is often called a “life teacher”. They help troubled, depressed, or simply confused people unload some personal baggage so they can move on with their lives. Towards unbound potentials and possibilities. Cool career, isn’t it?

Mache says that troubled and unhappy people carry any or all of these three enemies within them: anger, guilt and fear. So to fight such depression and confusion, one must unload all of them. Not just one or two but the three of them, and inner peace can be attained.

She used to be a depressed and confused woman herself after a failed marriage with four daughters to raise. She tried escapism and travels but the pain and anger were still inside her. In one of her trips to the US, she stumbled upon some professionals in hypnotherapy. She was once a patient of this science, she got well.

Happy with the result, she went back to the US and took basic and advance courses in Clinical Hypnotherapy at the Banyan Hypnosis Center, in Orange County, California. And that is where she got her degree as a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. She can practice in the US if she wants to.

She published her first book with an attractive and self-explanatory title, "Learn to Live Life. Passionately, with No Bounds!",

Mache belongs to, or has headed, several NGOs. Like the Zonta International, the Jaime Torres Educational Foundation, a church group and Rotary. Where does she enjoy the most?

Without batting an eyelash or even thinking deep, her quick answer was Rotary. She says that  “Rotary has a more wholistic approach to serving other people. Zonta helps only women and children. The Torres Foundation helps student scholars, the church group focuses mainly on spiritual affairs. In Rotary, there are many avenues of service – the youth, the community, the club, career and vocation, and foreign and international partners. And there are the six Areas of Focus. Rending meaningful community service is a lot more systematic, coordinated and wholistic in Rotary.”

This is one of the perks of interviewing highly energetic, positive and forward looking people. They send some sort of electrical energy, positive karma and similar mantra of cheerfulness and positivism from them to the interviewer.

Moments 1: Rose Antonio

In this outgoing rotary year 2012-2013, the Peace Presidents and Peace Governor Sue Sta. Maria produced a yearbook called ROTARY MOMENTS which was published during the District Handover last June 08, 2013. The club Presidents themselves should write their own memoir of some of their unforgettable moments as a club leader.

Some Peace Presidents could not write their own piece for various reasons. So I was asked by Gov. Sue to help by interviewing then writing an article for some Presidents assigned to me. I was asked to interview many Peace Presidents actually, at first I thought it was an easy task, but then my own work caught up with me too and I interviewed only a few of them. Some wrote their own papers and just asked me to suggest revisions and refinements to their papers.

I will post in this blog the stories of those Presidents and a few District officials who helped the District whom I have interviewed, or at least suggested revisions to their own papers. Each of these Peace Presidents and Past Presidents have wonderful stories to share, I admire their stories, and I think I should help publicize those wonderful stories and MOMENTS in my own little way.

I will start with our own club President.

  

Rosemarie “Rose” Antonio

Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio

Leading a small but compact club is both a challenge and a blessing at the same time. A challenge because I could count on not too many members to be involved in our various community service projects. But also a blessing because club leadership succession is not a problem and securing members’ support is easy.

My Presidency came as a surprise for me. Way back in 2011, I was just a “baby Rotarian”. My presence in previous club meetings was mainly to accompany my husband, Niel Antonio, who was the Club’s Immediate Past President at that time. Few months after I was inducted as a new member, I was groomed to be a President Elect, a big surprise for me as I was not even expecting to be a Club Officer. I thought that my clubmates were just kidding me. Then I realized that it was the real thing when I was later officially announced as the club PE.

I was a bit nervous when I joined the PETS as the thought of being a new or “baby Rotarian” was still heavy in my mind. But when I met my would-be classmates, so many of them, plus the incoming District officers led by then Governor-Elect Sue Sta. Maria, most if not all of those doubts have been replaced by enthusiasm and friendship.

Club Presidency for me means responsibilities, commitment and fulfillment.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming and definitely, it really is.  Stressful, lots of work load, but it’s all worth it.  The reward is the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment, friendship and the joy that I have done my best for my club and the communities where we have rendered various service projects.

Rotary for me is a catalyst for people to give community service on their own, willingly and voluntarily, without compensation and even digging from their own pockets, and still enjoy it. The friendship and fellowship with other people who hold the same ideals, and service orientation makes the work even more enjoyable.

For one year, I have seen many inspirational and heart-warming stories and community services. But the most unforgettable moment for me was when we visited the Philippine Cerebral Palsy, Inc. office in Makati.  I and my clubmates went there thinking that it could be a nice project to submit for our Global Grant application.  But when we were already touring the facilities and different therapy sessions, I felt like I was on the verge of tears just by looking at all those special kids with disabilities, mostly wheelchair bound. 

I always have a soft heart to children especially those who are somehow deprived of a normal life and physical well being.  Life can be perplexingly complicated sometimes. Lots of questions bombarded my mind then.  Why does it have to happen to those innocent juveniles?  Why are they almost incapacitated for life?  Will they ever cope up and have the chance to live a normal life?  They are so young and yet so helpless.

The past 12 months have been a tiring but fulfilling experience for me. I want to share these thoughts to my friends and readers. I swear that if I did not become a Club President, my appreciation for these thoughts would not be so  deep.

Be prepared always. Be flexible and have back up plans when the original plans and strategies do not work. Know as many details as possible, be immersed with the situation. Practice the  “Art of War Principle” – know yourself, know your enemy, and know your terrain.

Empowerment comes not with pride but with humility and reason.  Learn to utilize and share it.  A true leader inspires values in action. A great thought is geared towards realization.  An untainted principle and honest life is a noble life. 

It is easy to ignore and social indifference is everywhere, but a life lived with fulfillment and  responsibility is a big achievement.

I take pride in my unrecognized contribution, however small. For without it, I may not have given my best effort.

I may not be the best among my peers but definitely, I have somehow touched the lives of some deprived people.  And, that makes me happy and contented. 

Commitment is something that I always regard highly, a kin to responsibility.  If combined with truthfulness, they are definitely a perfect team.

Being a leader requires a lot of dedication. Combined with strategy and planning, it can lead to a  path of unknown adventures.

The greatest legacy that parents can give their children is to raise them properly and independently, prepare them for uncertainties in life and ensure that they can survive and thrive. 

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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
Art Peace 2013, April 24, 2013 
Peace President Rose Antonio, May 23, 2013

District Secretary Marycris Oplas

We are five siblings in the family, all born in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. Our eldest, Atty. Nestor Oplas, was a Chemical Engineer, then a lawyer, was a three-term City Councilor then a City Administrator. He was victimized by prostate cancer and rested about eight years ago. The second, Lilibeth Oplas, is a chemist and worked in Manila for several years, later went home and now working in Cadiz City Hall. Our youngest, Bonifacio Oplas, is also an Engineer and also working at the City Hall.

I am the fourth in the family, and the third is Marycris Oplas, the most financially successful among us all. Papa Bienvenido Oplas, Sr. is 84 years old and Mama Consuelo is 79, both are weak and often sickly, but still hanging on.

Everyone calls her Marycris but in the family we call her Neneng. She likes power dressing, to match her corporate work and frequent meeting with CEOs and Presidents of medium to big companies, the clients of their auditing firm, Alas Oplas and Co. CPAs, an affiliate of RSM International.

My sister has been a Rotarian for more than a decade now. She became a Centennial President of the Rotary Club of Makati Urdaneta in RY 2004-05, the year Rotary International celebrated its Centennial year. Gov. Sue Sta. Maria is her clubmate, the first female Governor of RI District 3830.

In RY 2006-2007, she was appointed as District Secretary (DS, aka “little governor”) by then Governor Raphael “Butch” Francisco, who was the PAGCOR President and CEO until mid-2010. They were not clubmates as Past District Governor (PDG) Butch belonged to the Rotary Club of Makati Central. Gov. Butch’s private company before he joined PAGCOR was a client of my sister’s auditing firm for many years, and that’s how they knew each other.

Also that RY, I was an “accidental President” of the Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio.  Our President Elect suddenly begged off and none of the Past Presidents would want to become President again. Being the more active among the new members, I reluctantly accepted the challenge of leading our club that year.

When her term ended in 2007, my sister became an ordinary Rotarian who was active in her club. When Gov. Sue Sta. Maria was proclaimed as District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) in RY 2009-2010, she appointed my sister as District Conference (DisCon)  2013 Chairperson. It was a big challenge that she happily accepted.

When Gov.Sue’s term started, her DS begged off, it was good that the various Assistant Governors and Committee Chairpersons were already working well and efficiently. She later appointed Marycris as her DS. So my sister was a DS twice. I think she is the only Rotarian in the District who assumed that office twice.

The highlight of her position as DS was the District Conference (Discon) 2013 last March held at the Manila Hotel. The big event went well,  with great support by the Hotel President, Joey Lina. Aside from being a former Governor of Laguna and a former Senator of the country, Joey is also a Past President of the Rotary Club of Makati Central, a clubmate of Gov. Butch, and my classmate in RY 2006-07.

My sister says the support given to her by the Discon Committee members, the hands-on involvement of Governor Sue, the excitement and some disappointments in the preparations and actual conference, the memories are still fresh in her mind until now.

One important lesson in Rotary that my sister holds is that if a Rotarian is being asked by the District Governor to help him/her serve the District and its  many Rotary Clubs, that Rotarian is obliged to help in whatever capacity that his/her time and resources  would allow. Especially if the Governor is a close friend, and a clubmate.

I could see that when Neneng was DS twice, she could hardly attend some office or work meetings, and coming home early or sleeping early is sometimes a luxury. It’s good that her two kids are big already.

Among the hard and discomforting situations being a DS was the holding of election of a DGND for RY 2015-2016. It was a three-way contest from three prominent Past Presidents, also Past District Officers, from three clubs. She remembers that her moves related to the selection process were being watched by one or more camps, with a mixed notes of positive and negative comments. What she did, she just focused on the formal procedures, to make sure that an honest and transparent selection process would be observed, and the result should be credible so that whoever wins will be respected and supported by the Rotarians in the District  three years from now.

If there are hard and high expectations associated with her work as DS and DisCon Chair, there are also some perks.

One is the high esteem given to her by the Club Presidents and other senior District officials. She is thankful to all of them. One time there was a dispute between two clubs and their leaders and Gov. Sue tasked her to solve the dispute. After listening to both sides, she made a decision and the two club leaders simply respected her decision.

Two is being a confidante of the Governor. While Gov. Sue is mostly jolly and cheerful and simply working continuously, there were a few times and occasions that she would be disappointed and sad, and Neneng is with her, listen to the stories and circumstances, help find solutions.

Beyond Rotary, I am forever indebted to my sister. My think tank, Minimal Government Thinkers, Inc., has weak financial condition. Neneng has given me free office space (and free internet, free electricity) all these years.

Thanks a lot, ‘tol.

Peace Governor Sue Sta. Maria

This is an Accomplishment Report by District Governor Sue Sta. Maria of RI District 3830. She posted this today in her facebook page, reposting here. I made this small compilation of photos. First row, with incoming District Governor Robert Kuan. Second row, with District Governor Nominee (DGN, after Gov. Robert's term) Lito Colona. Regular Governor's Aide Paul Chang behind Gov. Sue. With Past District Governor Sonny Coloma.

Third row, with my sister Marycris Oplas, who is the District Secretary, DisCon 2013 Chairperson, clubmate and close friend of Gov. Sue. And with Techie de la Cruz, my classmate as Lead President in RY 2006-07 and Governor's Aide this year, and Past President Baby Bunye.

Compact and well-written report, Gov. Sue. Congratulations for a dynamic and productive Rotary Year, cheers.
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IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

“… as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
It poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year”

-Ervin Drake

On June 8, 2013, I handed over the mantle of leadership of Rotary International District 3830 (Makati, Paranaque, Taguig, Pateros, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas and Palawan) to District Governor-Elect Robert Kuan in accordance with the traditions of our great district. By now almost all of our Peace Presidents would have turned over their presidential responsibilities to the club presidents of RY 2013-2014.

Many of our Peace Presidents became Rotary Club President “by accident”, or were hesitant to be one because of the daunting challenges that usually come with the position. Today, not one of them regrets to have accepted the position. The sacrifices were great, but the Peace Presidents left a good year of memories for the clubs they led.

It was a very good year.

As I always say, the Peace Presidents are a beautiful breed of Rotarians who were ready to take on new challenges. They are intelligent, responsible, committed, hardworking, resilient and competent. They are sincere, candid and straightforward. They inspire, nurture and deserve trust. They are creative and imaginative. They are go-getters and trend-setters. They are affectionate and warm. They have big hearts and have transformed the lives of many individuals and communities through their service. They work seriously but they are fun to be with. Laughter comes easily to this group.

If it is of any comfort to the club presidents, a governor goes through the same apprehensions than any club president goes through. Plans and preparations are made, without the assurance that things will turn out as dreamed or planned. Thankfully, all except one district event came through with great success.

Here are some of the accomplishments in Rotary Year 2012-2013, grouped in two categories: 1) new accomplishments, and 2) initiatives that are not new in the district but performed significantly well.

New accomplishments:

1. Three-Year Strategic Plan: We initiated the installation of Three-Year Strategic Plans in the clubs in accordance with the RI Strategic Plan. These are in place in more than 90% of the clubs. The strategic plan required the clubs to think long-term and create a vision for the future of the club. For this, I thank Rennie Andrews who led the Club Strategic Planning Committee and her deputies Mon Escueta and Dennis Decena. I also thank our fourteen (14) Assistant Governors for their commitment to see this through: Cynthia Reyes, Ace Tolentino, Jaz Rodriguez, Ricky Santos, Manny David, Junjun Abcede, Bobot Ramos, Mayet Ramos, Baby Vale, Danny Abinoja, Sonny Tambunting Sr., Jojo Josol, Art Israel and Rohina Sarra. I thank AG Danny Abinoja for creating the template that most clubs used.

2. Guiding Principles of Rotary: We espoused a return to the Guiding Principles of Rotary, as we felt that the clubs had become activity-driven and many recruits in the past years had not been made aware of the advocacies for which Rotary stands. Club-level training initiatives on the Guiding Principles were amazingly creative. For this I thank the Club Trainers, Rotary Academy Executive Director Rennie Andrews and her Rotary Academy team, in particular Marge Lamberte for her well-thought-out training modules. I also thank Recognition Programs Chair EAG Chochit Tobias and his team.

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.

DISTAS 2013

I attended the District Assembly (Distas) today of RI District 3830. A Distas is the training of all incoming officers of each rotary club. It was another educational and inspiring conference. Food was nice. Six of us from our club, RC Taguig Fort Bonifacio, attended. Led by Peace President Rose Antonio and President-Elect Meann de Leon.

Hats off to District Governor Sue Sta. Maria and next Governor Robert Kuan. Below is the list of activities.
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DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 2013

 Engage Rotary, Change Lives

May 4, 2013, Saturday 

Asian Institute of Management Conference Center Manila (ACCM)

Opening Ceremony and First Plenary

Call to Oder                                     Suzanne Villa Sta. Maria

                                                          District Governor

Invocation                                        Ma. Theda Collantes

                                                          First Class President, 2013-14

National Anthem                            Audio-Visual                            

Acknowledgement of                     Ester Florendo 

   Dignitaries  and                           District Secretary, RY 2013-14

Roll Call of Clubs                           Lilibeth de la Cruz               

                                                        Deputy District Secretary, RY 2013-14

Welcome Remarks                         CP Lina Hilario

                                                         Chair, District Assembly

Message                                          Suzanne Villa Sta. Maria

                                                         District Governor

Overview                                        PDG Isidro Garcia

                                                                       District Trainer,  RY 2013-14

Introduction of Incoming              Evelyn Vale

              Governor                                     Deputy Senior Assistant Governor

Address                                          Robert F. Kuan  

                                                       First Class Governor, RY 2013-14

Break–Out  Session 1:   ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLUB OFFICERS	TOPIC	Speaker/Discussion Leader
President-Elect	Public Speaking	PDG Lyne Abanilla District 3810
Treasurer	Role & Responsibility	PP Ofelia Flores District Treasurer
Secretary Club Administration             Protocol Officer Sergeant-At-Arms	Role & Responsibility	PP Marge Lamberte Deputy District Secretary
Membership Club Trainers	Role & Responsibility	PP Joji Tan District Committee Chairperson
Club Public Relations  and Public Image	Developing  Goal	Pepito Bengzon                                                                                         District Governor Nominee Designate
Club Service Projects	Role & Responsibility	Cora Tan District Committee Chairperson Rick Nimo District Subcommittee Chairperson Ed Escano District Subcommittee Chairperson
The Rotary Foundation		PDG Ed Alvarez District Rotary Foundation Chairperson

                             Introduction of resource persons by Presidents-elect of Host Clubs

Introduction of  Guest  Speaker  PDG Isidro Garcia

“Rotary and Nation-Building”       PDG Melito Salazar Jr.

                                                          District 3780

Recognition                                      DGE Robert F Kuan

Lunch/ Raffle                                                                                                                                  

        Musical Numbers                    Rotary Club Parañaque Midtown

                            

Second Plenary Session  :             CP Edna Sutter

   Six Areas of Focus                      District Committee Chair                   

                                                        and her subcommittee chairpersons

                                               

            *      Moderators:    PP Ador Tolentino and PP Brenda Hernandez  * 

Break–Out  Session  2:

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EFFECTIVE CLUB PLANNING

CLUB OFFICERS	TOPIC	Speaker/Discussion Leader
President-Elect	Club Strategic Planning & Effective Club Planning	PDG Danny Fausto D3780
Treasurer	Developing Goals	PP Ofelia Flores
Secretary and Club Administration	Developing Goals	IPDG Billy Villareal
Club Membership Club Trainer	Developing Goals	DCC  Joji Tan and Subcommittee Chairpersons
Club Public Relations/ Public Image	Role and Responsibility	PP Marivic del Pilar District Committee Chair
Club Service Project	Developing Goals	PDG Jimmy Cura D3830
Club TRF -                               District and Global Grants	Developing Goals	PDG Jess Cifra D3780

              Introduction of resource persons by Presidents-elect of Host Clubs

Introduction of  Guest Speaker        Danny Gapasin, Jr

                                                            First Class President

                                                            Rotary Club Paranaque Southwest 

Third Plenary Session

       “The Power of One,                 Dr. Siva Ananthan

       The Leader in You”                  Past President

                                                          Rotary Club Greater Kuala Lumpur D3300

Recognition                                     DGE Robert F. Kuan

Presentation of  Commitments     First Class Presidents                                             

                                              

ENGAGEMENT,  ADJOURNMENT        DGE ROBERT F. KUAN

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See also: 
Distass, May 6, June 23, 2006 
DISTAS 2010, May 11, 2010

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