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

Discon 2013, RI District 3830

The District Conference (DisCon) of Rotary International (RI) District 3830 will start tomorrow afternoon at the Manila Hotel. It will be a 1 1/2 days plus 2 nights of various activities. The hotel President, also Past President of RC Makati Central, Joey Lina, is my classmate President during RY 2006-07, under Past District Governor Butch Francisco. Here is the program of Discon 2013.

DAY 1                                    MARCH 22

PLENARY                              1:30PM

TIME	ACTIVITY
8:00AM – 8:010AM	OPENING OF EXHIBIT AND ROTARY MEDIA WALL ·         RI PRESIDENT’S REPRESENTATIVE  PAUL PO-YEN HORNG ·         DISTRICT GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA ·         PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR ED & SPOUSE MARIZ ALVAREZ, SENIOR RIPR AIDES ·         DISCON CHAIR AND DISTRICT SECRETARY MARYCRIS OPLAS ·         PAST PRESIDENT PETER AND SPOUSE MABEL KAWSEK, RIPE AIDES, AEG CHOCHIT TOBIAS
9:00AM – 12:00NN	SHOPPING AT BOOTHS, FOYER AREA
10:00AM – 12:00NN	REGISTRATION AT DISTRICT SECRETARIAT’S ROOM, GALLERY ROOM
12:00NN – 1:30PM	ASSEMBLY AT FOYER AREA FOR PROCESSIONAL (GOVERNORS AND SPOUSES TO BE SEATED AT VIP TABLES IN PLENARY HALL AND WILL BE ESCORTED OUT FOR PROCESSIONAL AT 1:15PM)
1:30PM – 1:50PM	ENTRY OF DIGNITARIES (PROCESSIONAL MARCH)
1:50PM – 1:58PM	DOXOLOGY KUNDIRANA, LA SALLE GREENHILLS HIGH SCHOOL
1:58PM – 2:25PM	ENTRY OF COLORS PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD MALAYSIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM KOREAN NATIONAL ANTHEM TAIWAN NATIONAL ANTHEM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM
2:25PM – 2:30PM	CALL TO ORDER GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
2:30PM – 2:45PM	WELCOME REMARKS / CONFERENCE OVERVIEW DISTRICT SECRETARY AND DISCON CHAIR, MARYCRIS OPLAS ROTARY CLUB OF MAKATI URDANETA, DISCON HOST CLUB
2:45PM – 3:00M	INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES PAST PRESIDENT AND DISTRICT LEGAL COUNSEL  RAFFY AQUINO
3:00PM – 3:20PM	ROLL CALL OF CLUBS AND PEACE PRESIDENTS ·         DISTRICT SECRETARY AND DISCON CHAIR MARYCRIS OPLAS ·         EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT GOVERNOR CHOCHIT TOBIAS
3:20M – 3:30PM	MESSAGE DISTRICT GOVERNOR CHUNG MIN HO DISTRICT 3620, KOREA, SISTER-DISTRICT OF DISTRICT 3830
3:30PM – 4:00PM	MESSAGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
4:10PM – 4:50PM	INTRODUCTION OF THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S  REPRESENTATIVE  (RIPR)  PAST DISTRICT  GOVERNOR ED ALVAREZ MESSAGE RIPR PAUL PO-YEN HORNG
4:50PM – 5:05PM	MINI CONCERT OF BROADWAY SONGS KUNDIRANA
5:05PM – 5:10PM	ADJOURNMENT BY GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
5:10PM – 5:15PM	ANNOUNCEMENTS SPONSOR CREDITS END OF PLENARY DAY 1

TALENT NIGHT       7:00PM

TIME	ACTIVITY
7:00PM – 8:15PM	DINNER
8:15PM – 8:30PM	ANNOUNCEMENTS: START OF SHOW
8:30PM – 8:45PM	OPENING MESSAGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
8:45PM – 8:55PM	HOSTS ENTRANCE ·         PEACE PRESIDENT LIZA MAGPAGU, RC MUNTINLUPA FILINVEST ·         PEACE PRESIDENT JOHN VINTA, RC PARANAQUE ST. ANDREW
8:55PM – 9:05PM	INTRODUCTION OF JUDGES AND MECHANICS ·         JOY VIRATA (CHAIR OF BOARD OF JUDGES) ONE OF THE TOP PERFORMERS OF REPERTORY PHILIPPINES; BOARD MEMBER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, REPERTORY PHILIPPINES CHILDREN’S THATER ·         LIESL BATUCAN, ONE OF THE TOP PERFORMERS OF REPERTORY PHILIPPINES ·         PROF. RAMON MA. ACOYMO,  FORMER DEAN, U.P. COLLEGE OF MUSIC; FORMER DIRECTOR, KUNDIRANA & ATENEO GLEE CLUB ·         RAMON SILVESTRE, ABS-CBN PERFORMANCE COACH FOR “PINOY DREAM ACADEMY”;  MEMBER OF SINGING GROUP, “THE TUX” ·         ANNA DAVID, EVENT PRODUCER, CTV MANILA INC.
9:05PM – 9:17PM	GROUP 1 : LION KING (ROTARY MAKATI 1 CLUBS)
9:17PM – 9:29PM	GROUP 2 : BOMBAY DREAMS (ROTARY PALAWAN CLUBS)
9:29PM – 9:41PM	GROUP 3 : CATS (ROTARY MAKATI 2 CLUBS)
9:42PM – 9:55PM	GROUP 4 : CABARET (METRO SOUTH CLUBS)
9:53PM – 10:05PM	GROUP 5 : PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (PARANAQUE CLUBS)
10:05PM – 10:20PM	HOSTS (WHILE JUDGES ARE DELIBERATING)
10:20PM – 10:20PM	HOSTS’ INTERVIEW OF JUDGES
10:17PM – 10:450M	AWARDING OF WINNERS ·         FIRST RUNNER UP ·         GRAND WINNER
10:40PM – 11:00PM	CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS SPONSOR CREDIT

DAY 2                                    MARCH 23

PLENARY                              8:00AM 

Goodbye, Classmate Ces Singzon

Rotary life and my many friends there -- my clubmates, my classmates when we were Club Presidents in Rotary Year 2006-2007 "Lead the Way" theme, and others -- have been part of my life since the middle of last decade.

Among my favorite classmates is Atty. Cesareo "Ces" Singzon. He was the Club President of RC Makati McKinley. Upper left seems to be his favorite photo as it was his latest profile photo in facebook. Middle right, when he visited Kazakhstan in 2009.

Classmate Ces is the most gallant among us. It is usual for a Club President of a big or rich club to invite all his/her classmates during his/her club induction of officers and new members with the District Governor as the inducting officer. Ces did that, held at Makati Sports Club sometime in July 2006. I did it too, but with about five other small clubs in our District, we held a joint induction in order to save money.

Now Ces went beyond that. During his birthday celebration on January 18, 2007, he again invited all of his clsssmates to a night of food, drinks and entertainment, also held at Makati Sports Club. When his club celebrated its charter or anniversary day, he again invited all of his classmates for the 3rd time. And when he celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Mel Singzon, he again invited all of his classmates for the 4th time that rotary year, to another night of food, drinks and speeches. I have attended all four parties that Ces extended to his classmates. He was the only one among us 78 classmates (for 78 clubs) in the District who did it.

Photos below: With classmates Jay Tambunting of RC Makati West, Lorenz Tato of RC Makati Bonifacio, Archie Jimenez, and Ces. I think this was during the birthday party of another classmate Tetchie dela Cruz a few months ago. Lorenz has passed away about two months ago. He was the second among our classmates who rejoined our Creator.

Middle photo, with other classmates that night. From left: Lorenz, Rose Acoba, Lilibeth dela Cruz, Tetchie, Ces and Jay. I followed that night too, but it was already late and Ces and several others have already left.

Lower photo, when Ces' first child, Cesario Jr., topped the 2010 bar exams, he was #1 out of several thousand aspiring lawyers, Ces again gave a celebration party. That was our photo in our table. Standing from left: Past District Governor Sid Garcia, me, classmate Toni Francisco, John Sobrepena.
Sitting from left: Patty Chiong, my wife Ella, Past District Governor Jimmy Cura, classmate Noe Indonto, and former DepEd UnderSecretary ______.

Some photos of Ces and wife Mel. Lovely couple. Ces is very proud of his Junior: Class Valedictorian of Ateneo Law 2010, #1 Bar exams 2010, finished LLM from Columbia University Law School in NYC, a James Kent scholar (first honors) only last May. I and many of Ces' friends congratulated him for the intellectual achievement of his Junior, he kidded that it was due to "improvement of species."

Last August 18, 2012, we had a get together with some classmates, with our beloved Governor at that time, Past District Governor Butch Francisco. Ces was not able to join us. When I posted in our LeadTeam yahoogroups my blog post about our reunion the next day, August 19, Ces sent me a private mail saying he wanted to come but he's confined in Makati Medical Center (MMC) the day before. I visited him in his room that day, or a day after. I immediately kidded him that he lacks beer or alcohol that is why he is hospitalized. He said that when he went to MMC to have a check up why he was getting dizzy, from the emergency room he was confined that day. Results of a CT scan showed some lumps in his head that could lead to stroke, so he was confined for several days.

My deep regret, I was not able to visit him again in the hospital as I promised him. But I was very fortunate to have visited and saw him. For the last time.

Yesterday afternoon. Ces passed away. I was deeply saddened when I heard that text message from classmate Rose Acoba. Have to fight tears as I write this.

Below, a photo posted in his fb wall, made by some of his friends.

It is raining very hard since this afternoon until now. A typhoon has left the Philippines already but it could be the Heavens' act of condolence to Ces and his family.

I am going to his wake after I post this and shut down my computer. His body is at Loyola Guadalope in Makati. Then it will be brought to his hometown in Samar on Tuesday.

My good friend, my classmate in Rotary, goodbye Ces. We shall dearly miss you....

* See also my posting about his birthday party in 2010, "Classmate Ces Singzon's birthday party", January 23, 2010,  http://rotarianpinoy.blogspot.com/2010/01/classmate-ces-singsons-birthday-party.html.