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Blogdate: December 28, 2007

CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY AT BASILIOS ON DEC.18

The members arrived in different Christmas colors of red, green and gold. One of the early birds PP Raffy arrived with one case of beer. As usual, PP Harold would always be one of the consistent early birds.  Food was just enough, but spirited drinks were plentiful. Of course, I had to start the affair with my heartfelt gratitude for the support my fellow members have given me that made the first half of my term a success and a truly meaningful one.

Some of us wore our Christmas hats, but in the end, Rtn Gen outdid our costly hats  with her original creation which was a sure winner, together with her cute niece. I wonder how much she spent on her hat. Who can forget the famous bedroom slippers of Rtn Caron as her donation to the White Elephant Game. Everyone was hoping to get it.  In fact, it literally changed ownership several each time a member picks a lucky card.  I just can’t recall who finally got the slippers, thanks to the wine and beer that night.

What a way to end the last official club gathering for the year, with lots of fun and camaraderie among members.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!


GIFT GIVING AT BEL AIR COMMUNITY HALL FOR BRGY OLYMPIA FAMILIES LAST DEC. 15.

I would have to say first of all, THANK YOU to my fellow members for making Christmas for meaningful to the 80 families you have sponsored. Indeed you will be blessed as this selected families have been including their sponsors in their prayers.   The Woman Power of Tanya, Charo and Jeanne made sure that we would be able to have funds enough to buy groceries (as volunteered by Jeanne), pack them in plastic pales and deliver them to the Bel Air community hall. Those who were there, Sonie, Caron, Yolly, Charo, Rachel, Tanya and I, were deeply touched from the expression of gratitude given by the families when they received their pale of groceries. Expressions that will remain in our hearts and strong enough for us to continuously support this worthy cause, something we have been doing for the past 14 years.  This was a commitment shared by me when asked by the organizers to give encouraging words to the families gathered in the hall.


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Blogdate: December 14, 2007

CHRISTMAS FUN AT THE DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY HOSTED BY GOV. ATO AT HIS RESIDENCE DEC.10 ’07

It rained that day and the party grounds as wet and muddy. But never mind, everybody had fun bonding with each other especially the sharing presidents.  RCMBA club officers who are also District Officers CP Sonie, PP Rachel and PP Harold came to share the fun.

Food and drinks were everywhere. Games and contests were held where I emceed the Name that Tune Contest.  And of course, we all had our exchange gifts at the end.  The governor hired some DIs and even a band to provide the musical entertainment.  The governor also gave out extra raffle tickets to each sharing president for them to offer to their club members.  Being a regular day, most of us went home early, with muddy shoes but smiling faces.


SUCCESSFUL GOVERNOR’S VISIT AT BASILIOS

Congratulations to all RCMBAers for making the Governor’s Visit an overwhelming success!  A total of 20 members came to support our mid-year report presentation.  Special mention to early birds PP Charo and PP Harold who were there at 5pm with AG Paul Magno.

Let us all welcome our new members Rtn Jeanette Bermudez and Honorary Member AG Paul Magno!

The governor was impressed with our report and also the power point presentation shown through a big LCD TV screen (a truly high tech presentation). Some glitches though, as Dir. Danny’s laptop hanged, delaying the presentation a bit.  Thank God it was not caused by a virus, just too much load.  Thus, we’re unable to show the Governor our website.  Anyway PP Rachel made sure a copy of the home page was attached to the hard copy of the report. Dir. Danny came with his additional system to make sure that we would have a good presentation. The house mikes were a problem though.

That night, Rtn Jeanette was charged by AG Paul and inducted by no less than the governor himself. And the never a dull moment, PP Raffy made a most interesting introduction of his classmate Gov. Ato (Caring Presidents of RY97-98).  The usual  team were also there for their assignments:  SALAMAT PP Nenette (moderator), CP Sonie (acknowledgement of guests), PE Yolly (invocation),  PP Jimmy (National Anthem), Rtn Noi (4 Way Test), Rtn Danny (Club Song), PP Santi (response in his usual humorous way).

And the very crucial  behind-the-scene support team:  Spouse PP Rachel who amidst her very tight schedule as Chief of Staff of DGE Boyet and being a district officer, tirelessly did the Governor’s Report both in hard copy and Powerpoint, Sec. Tanya who prepared the certificates, collected the dues (including the Christmas Gift pledges), made venue arrangements, etc. etc.

I think you all should know that Tanya is an expert driver especially on Tuesdays.  She brings up all her reserves of driving skills and mental alertness trying to evade the MMDA and other traffic enforcers whenever she has to use her car on its color-coding day.  No wonder I can always see her panting whenever she arrives.  Don’t worry Sec. Tanya, you will get to laundry your PCGA uniform during the long holidays, but only to put them back on every Tuesday again.

Thank you my dear club members. Once again, you have shown that in unity there is strength… which speaks of every RCMBA member.


CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING FOR SELECTED FAMILIES OF BGY. OLYMPIA

Once again, it's the time of year that we will gather at the covered courts of Bel Air on Dec. 15 to distribute groceries for the annual gift-giving to our sponsored families of Bgy. Olympia in Makati.  Sec. Tanya took care of collecting the pledges from the members (hopefully all have paid) and coordinated with the always reliable Rtn Jeanne who volunteered to buy the groceries with a very tight budget of P500 per family. Dir. PP Charo has also been monitoring and supporting Rtn Jeanne on the groceries.  This is what I call Woman Power: Tanya, Charo and Jeanne,.  No less.

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Blogdate: December 10, 2007

A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE WITH SPECIAL CHILDREN

No words can describe how the group felt upon seeing these children converging at the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Covered Court at Pampanga High School in San Fernando Pampanga for their Christmas Party organized by the Inocencio Magtoto Memorial Foundation (IMMF). The kids were picked up from various points of the province.

We all arrived late. Rtn Noi had to scoop up, at the last minute, whatever sandwiches his wife had at their bakery. PP Rachel’s woman intuition gave her a feeling that the cupcakes Sec. Tanya bought will not be enough and asked help from Noi.  Tanya was supposed to prepare sandwiches, but she had to rush her mom for an emergency operation (and we pray for her speedy recovery). Noi finally arrived around 8:30 at CP Sonie’s house.

Riding in one car, we proceeded to meet with Gen and the RCMB members at the Total Service Station at NLEX.  In San Fernando, we were caught in a heavy traffic jam as the major intersection was closed to traffic because it was Pampanga Day.  We arrived at the venue at around 10am.

Upon seeing the helpless children, our tiredness from the trip and traffic simply disappeared. Some who have talents performed for us and we could see teary eyes from some members especially when a girl with no hands played the xylophone.  Another child read a simple speech thanking the Rotarians. Yours truly had to wipe a tear or two.  I could see that Pres. Uly’s eyes have also turned red.

As usual, someone had to announce that I was the brother of my brother (another identity crisis) and was asked to sing. I had to rush to the car to get my ever ready minus one. I’ll never forget that cute little girl who stuck with me and tried to sing while I was doing my number. I went down the stage to greet some of the special children and this little girl leading me the way. Unfortunately, the microphone cable was not long enough, else we would have touched every child. Not to be outdone, Pres. Uly and PE Tony Ilagan did a duet of the same song. The usual Rotarian talents were put into good use for the sake of the children.  The Rotarians also sang “Silent Night” acapella, while the children interpreted the song in sign language. It seemed that, for a while, time stopped in our midst as the Christmas spirit gave us a feeling of oneness with the children.

We started distributing the gifts and even some of these children didn’t know what was happening, the parents were very grateful for these small tokens.  We could not help take a pitiful sight on two children who have Hydrocephalus. The Rotarians to help the children. However, we were advised that the mother of one decided no further treatment as the child has only another year of life as diagnosed by doctors.

Pres. Uly and I agreed to continuously support the foundation and that we will encourage other clubs to do the same.  I, for one, can assume that Pres. Edit Carpio, who pledged P1,000 for the food, will be a most willing supporter.

After the ceremonies, the Rotarians and members of the IMMF went to the farm of Dir. Nards in San Simon, Pampanga for a another taste of Pampanga delicacies. CP Sonie was surely at home tasting her hometown dishes.

The whole experience was unforgettable knowing that, in our own small way, the service above self in us brought smiles to the hearts of the parents and joy to their special children.  We thank the Lord that were are the fortunate ones who have healthy children.


CONGRATULATIONS TO REGINE DE GUZMAN

Let us all pray for victory of Regan, the daughter of PP Romy and Tet de Guzman, who was chosen to lead the Philippine ladies’ golf team at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.  The sacrifices of Romy, Tet and Regan, with all those long hours of practices, not to mention the finances involved, has finally paid off.

Our club is proud of PP Romy whose daughter is carrying the Philippine colors at the Bangkok SEA Games.

We wish you all the best!!

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Blogdate: December 7, 2007

NEW MEETING VENUE, NEW PN AND MORE CLUB PROJECTS

New Venue for Club Meetings

The much awaited transfer of  the club meeting venue to Basilio's Restaurant (owned by CP Sonie and being managed by son-in-law, Peevee), finally took place last Dec. 4.  All in all, 17 members attended; especially PP Jimmy, whose appearance came as a surprise to all.  No wonder, his clinic is located at Bonifacio Heights which is just a stone's throw away.  Does that mean we will see more of him from here on? Let’s hope so.

I presented my initial Power Point slides of my DG Visit's report on Dec. 11, using the Basilio's wall-mounted LCD TV screen, and that’s what I call hi-tech!

And to add up to the spice, the election of PN took place that night to the surprise of many, with Atty. Raffy taking the lead.  Dyttas was the first choice but I guess she’ll be spending more time abroad. The next and best choice went to Roland (long overdue).  Raffy did an impromptu charging of which Roland accepted.

CONGRATS PN ROLAND!  You will surely get our support as you lead the club to greater heights during your term.

Service Projects

Nov. 24 and 25 were busy days for the club. We again co-hosted the Pre-PETS 2 with RCPS.  The third Pre-PETS will be held in February prior to the actual PETS in March next year.  Unfortunately, PE Yolly was not able to make it as she had to attend to the burial of her maid’s husband.  About 45 PEs attended, a little short of the estimated 50,  so funds fell short by P5,000.  Again, Bel Air proved that we are a club full of talents.  PP Raffy was in his witty self when moderating part of the activity.  PP Chochit and Rtn Danny presented the new website of DGE Boyet. Cudos to the team who, by the way, are district officers under DGE Boyet.

The next day, Service Director PP Charo, CP Sonie, PP Rachel, Sec. Tanya and myself visited Welfareville for the club’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Project for the women in the area.  Rtn Norbert, who is also Welfareville’s GK Sibol Coordinator, gave a briefing about Cervical Cancer.  He had a chance to meet previously with the community Doctor to get some tips on how to brief the women and did it with flying colors. Thank you, Dr. Norbert.  The distributed CDs and pamphlets were donated by RCM San Lorenzo under Sharing President Erwyn Alcomendares. Norbert did such a good job that he’ll be giving the same briefing to other barangays where the info drive will also be given.

RCMBA will again be in the limelight as we become one of the host clubs in the D3830 Singing Competition. The second meeting was held Nov. 28, hosted by PP Inky Reyes of Damariñas.  Other attendees were Sharing Pres. Wash of Pasong Tamo, Tony of Poblacion. Yours truly, together with Sharing President Jun Puno will be part of the preliminary judges during the elimination stages.  Hosting will be limited to selected clubs to hasten the planning process.  Final competition is scheduled for January 26 at UMAK.

District TRF Dinner

The district hosted a TRF Dinner last November 26.  Five RCMBA members were recognized that night for their Paul Harris Fellows:  CP Sonie as contributor, yours truly and PP Rachel as benefactors, Rtn Caron as contributor and Sec. Tanya as sustaining fellow.  The place was so full that assigned seats were no longer followed. I had to seat separately from Rachel.  I, together with selected sharing presidents, rendered one song supported by the talented singing members of Dasma.


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Blogdate: November 21, 2007

UPCOMING IMPORTANT CLUB UPDATES

Sister Club Signing Between RCM Buendia and RCM Bel-Air

The joint meeting and sister club signing between RCM Buendia and our club last Nov. 15 showed the closeness and friendship of two sharing presidents, which started when we became part of the Cebu 12. It was further strengthened when Pres. Uly, then a PE, was facing a difficult challenge in his club. Myself, together with DGN Sid and other district officers, came to help him and he turned out the victor.

This closeness has led to meaningful activities, starting with joint MOA signing with the Magtoto Memorial Foundation in Pampanga, joint medical project at the Rizal Provincial jail, and, most recently, the joint club meeting highlighted by the signing of the Sister Clubagreement between our clubs. Pres. Uly, on the other hand, strongly supported our club's hosting of the RI Convention Launching last Nov. 8. He brought with him more than half of his members, about 30, I believe, along 3 boxes of wine, which were finished even before the event was over!

Expect more activities between the two clubs as we look forward to a much stronger relationship extending to our PEs and beyond.

Club Meetings

We had our club assembly last Nov. 20, the same time PP Charo was holding her Angelo concert at Music Museum. I encouraged our members to go. For those who could not, I requested them to attend our Club Assembly so we could discuss important issues which is reflected in my Pres. Journal of Activities.

Watch out for the official announcement of the transfer of our regular club meetings to Basilio’s, the new fine dining resto of CP Sonie at Fort Bonifacio. In fact, we are planning to have the Governor’s Visit held at this venue on Dec. 11.

As usual, we’ll be celebrating the Nov. birthday celebrants on Nov. 27, this time to be hosted by Nov. bday girl Dyttas at her New Manila residence. Could it be another despedida for her?


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Blogdate: November 11, 2007

BIG EXPECTATIONS FOR LA 2008

The RI Convention "On to LA" launching hosted by RCMBA together with 28 other clubs, was more than successful. Records show that there were 386 registered attendees. But with the requests for more additional tables and chairs, we estimate that more than 400 attended, Rotarians, spouses and guests. Guests from D-3820 (Quezon, Batangas, Bicol, Laguna) led by Gov. Rose Celis and 91-strong Rotarians, were among the early birds. I was there at 5:30pm and I saw 2 tables quickly filled with Rotarians from that district.

I am overwhelmed by the tremendous support of my sharing classmates to PP Rachel’s call for assistance. Starting with a few who we gathered to initially meet right after the RIPE luncheon, more clubs joined the succeeding meetings. AG Roger Aguiling of Rizal West was there from start to finish. Rizal West under Idol Pres. Jules Nidea hosted the venue. With PP Rachel orchestrating, 28 Sharing Presidents have put everything into place.

Rachel was able to get some sponsors to spice up the event: cash donation from Ayala Land, free 1 night hotel accommodation in LA, free 2 nights accommodation in Palawan (thanks to classmate Bobby Castro), free tickets to Cebu, 2 free travel insurance from DGN Sid, boxes of wine and many more.

Rachel also arranged for a free parking along Leviste St. through the office of the Mayor. Unfortunately, some eager beaver MAPSA officer towed my car and that of Gov. Rose Celis. I had to get my car at the impounding area and skip some of the events.

Food almost ran out by the time I arrived. This goes to show that we underestimated the success of this event. Or, is it because of the organizers' daily emails, texts and calls for attendance that finally hit the target?

As expected, our club had its hands full. Pinky had to skip the presscon of her show "Fiddler on the Roof", where she plays the lead part, to help Rachel as floor director. PP Nenette and AG Roger Aguiling were the emcees for the night who did it professionally. Santi played the ever lively moderator during the open forum. He can really bring the house down with his impromptu funny quotes. PP Perry Noble of RCM Dasma sang the invocation. Caron courageously sang solo accapella the Star Spangled Banner. Yours truly conducted the singing of our National Anthem with the Sharing Presidents.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to sing our never ending practice of "California Dreaming". With so many people eagerly starting to have fellowship, it was difficult to gather and put things in order.

One of the most surprising part was the silence among Rotorians (not completely) when Ambassador Kenny started to speak and praise Rotary for the numerous projects it has done throughout the country.and the rest of the world.

By the way, Pres. Pete took some videos of the Ambassador’s speech and can be seen at the YouTube site.

I guess, the sleepless nights, the early morning preparations, the tense moments and anxiety that Rachel had to go through finally paid off... definitely an outstanding success.

Now, it’s ON TO LA!!


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Blogdate: October 29, 2007

BUSY DAYS FOR DISTRICT ACTIVITIES, JOINT CLUB SERVICE ACTIVITIES AND HALLOWEEN FUN

Oktoberfest and Discon Launching, Oct. 18

The club supported this district activity in lieu of a regular club meeting to help beef up attendance to the Discon next year. PP Rachel was also given a time slot to start announcing the RI Convention Launching.

RI Convention Launching Preparations

PP Rachel and I have started the ball rolling to prepare for the club’s hosting of the RI Launching. PP Rachel together with AG Aguiling of RCRW have been meeting with the sharing presidents to ask for support for a successful launching. No less than Ambassador Kenney of the U.S. has confirmed attendance. PP Rachel has been very busy (aside from her task as DGE Boyet’s Chief of Staff) making sure that sharing presidents are given assignments and attendance expectation may reach 300. Todate about 29 sharing presidents have expressed to co-host this district activity. With PP Rachel at the helm of this project, what can go wrong.

Those who will be showing their singing prowess chaired by Sharing Pres. Rey (who insisted he can’t sing), will have their practice at Red Box on Nov. 2: Sharing Pres. Jun, myself, Rey, Doris, Aileen, Connie

November 8 will be a big day for the club.

And to my Sharing Classmates, MARAMING SALAMAT AT MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT for your support!

Joint Club Service Activities

Again, the closeness of the club presidents have resulted to joint service projects between our club and the clubs of RCM San Lorenzo and RCM Buendia.

It all started when I expressed support to RCMSL Sharing President Erwyn Alcomendares’ club project on Cervical Cancer Info Campaign. Erwyn agreed to donate 50 CDs and 250 pamphlets for our club to distribute to the women in our adopted barangays. He also brought along his members, especially PP Carol Mercado to give a talk on the subject during our club meeting. Club Service Director PP Charo will take charge of the distribution.

After a few days, Sharing President Uly Sevilla of RCM Buendia, requested me to follow up with DGE Boyet to give the induction and classification talk for his club. I agreed to tag along as PP Rachel was going to make a power point presentation for the RI Launching and assist DEGE Boyet in his classification talk about his company. It was during the club meeting that our club was invited not to one, but two (2) simultaneous joint club community service project last Oct. 28. The first project was the eye screening of inmates at the Rizal Pennitentiary in Taytay Rizal to determine the grade of glasses they would be wearing. Project leader was RCMB Rtn Henric David who, by the way, is a pastor who is presently involved in the spiritual upliftment of the inmates. Club Sec. Tanya and Spouse represented our club in donating P3,300 to provide snacks for the 30 volunteers and 3 doctors. We are being requested to provide books for the literacy program for the inmates.

The second project required that PP Rachel and I, together with Pres. Uly and Spouse and other members of RCMB, to convoy to San Simon Pampanga, specifically to Dizon Farm, owned by one of the RCMB members. It was here that a MOA was signed among RCMB, RCMBA and the Innocencio Magtoto Memorial Foundation which provides child development programs for special children. The foundation has been in existence for 16 years and is giving providing services throughout Pampanga.. The first involvement of the 2 clubs will involve supporting the Christmas party for the children in on Dec. 8. Pres. Uly advised me that his members agreed to contribute P500 each for the food and gifts of the children. I look forward to our club to do the same. After the MOA signing, we were feasted with a variety of Pampanga delicacies and the must have Karaoke where yours truly started the ball rolling in singing.

The day truly ended for the members of the 2 clubs heading back home thrilled with what was accomplished.

Kudos to Pres. Uly and the members of RCMB for inviting our club.

Halloween Fun

The club has always been known to spice up something at the spur of the moment to make sure that the members will enjoy every minute of the fellowship. What with the creative minds of our lady members put together, we never experience a dull moment. Those who were not able to make it surely missed CP Sonie’s food preparation of country burgers and hotdogs, green salad and pasta. They missed the accapella rendition of Caron singing the U.S. National Anthem….I think she had the lyrics right. Oh, impromptu appearance of Jeane with her Halloween costume complete with her pet foot…which by the way was the mascot for the night (view our pictures). Of course, our new recruits, the long overdue Lollie and Jeanette graced the occasion and enjoyed all the fun.


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Blogdate: October 14, 2007

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES BRINGS RCMBA TO FURTHER HEIGHTS

Pre-PETS, Oct. 13

The club was the co host of the Pre Pets No. 1 and will be the co host of the 2 other Pre Pets and the PETS itself. And amongst the 40 or so PEs, PE Yolly (not because she belongs to the club) was the most fortunate as she was supported by the club’s past presidents headed by CP Sonie, PP Chochit, PP Rachel, PP Romy, PP Nette, PP Raffy. I was also there together with Sec. Tanya.

It was also in this occasion that DGE Boyet introduced his District Officers, several of them coming from our club: PP Rachel – Chief of Staff; PP Chochit – Public Relations; PP Raffy – Legal Counsel; PP Nette – Vice Chair of Discon. PE Yolly is most fortunate to be serving as club president next year when several of our PPs will be district officers.

District Badminton Tournament, Oct. 14

Despite the lack of practice of some of the members and the knee problem of PP Jimmy, they truly carried the club’s name to victory. PP Jimmy and Tonichi were declared the Champion in the Mens’ Divison Class 1. Their opponents were no less than classmate Pres. Rey Madrid and his member from RC Dasma. Rey conceded the final game after losing the first. I guess the heat inside the gym got to him…and I’m sure to a lot of players and spectators too, including me. Congratulations to classmate Pres. Rey and his member (I forgot the name) for showing true Rotarian Sportsmanship.

So the other final tally: Ladies’ Divison Level 2 Runner Ups – Cynthis and Maris. Cynthia played in the afternoon as she had another tournament elsewhere in the morning. Mix Doubles Level 1 Runner Ups – Marinez and Tonichi.

CONGRATULATIONS To the RCMBA Badminton Team Nez, Jimmy, Tonichi, Lulu, Cynthia and Maris!!!


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Blogdate: October 12, 2007

ORDINARY CLUB MEETING LAST OCT. 9 TURNS OUT WITH SURPRISES

1st Surpise – Unexpected visit of AG Paul Magno

2nd Surprise – Attendance of Recruits Medz Llose and Carol Villacorta. Medz Llose was a former Rotarian under RCM Rembo which dissolved. She is currently the HR Officer of University of Makati and the advisor of the UMAK Chorale. Ironically, I already knew Medz way back when she was still the manager of Interbank in Aurora Blv Q.C. I only was able to recall when AG Paul mentioned her name as the person who will give the club Rotaracts from UMAK.

Carol is a friend and client of mine. She was also the classmate of my sister during their Assumption days. Carol has been looking for an organization that would enable her to contribute to community service and this is the reason why I invited her to join.

3rd Surprise – PP Marge turned the Rotary Info Talk into a mini workshop which required the participation of the members. Thus, she mentioned that the club meeting turned out to be a Vocational Service Project of the Club with the members as the beneficiaries. The members were enlightened into so many areas of the rotary organization. They also participated in a mini workshop given by PP Marge.

4th Surprise – PP Marge donated some fund for the vocational service projects of the club. It caught the members by surprise as it is usually the club that gives to the speaker.

5th Surprise – Upon the urging of AG Paul, new recruits Medz and Carol where inducted that night. AG Paul did the charging while I did the induction. And, Rtn Carol paid her annual dues that night together with Rtn Judd who arrived from a long training assignment in the south.

6th Surprise – The club donated some funds for its new Rotaract Club , UMAK Singing Ambassadors. The funds was used for the leadership training workshop of the Rotaractors in Nasugbu Batangas. Rtn Medz received the funds, being the advisor of the UMAK Chorale.

As of now, club membership is at 30, thus achieving our year end objective way in advance. New recruits are expected to be brought in by Paul and yours truly.


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Blogdate: October 9, 2007

POSSIBLE HONORARY RCMBA MEMBERSHIP FOR AG PAUL MAGNO

I’ve mentioned to CP Sonie that AG Paul has been very supportive of our club membership recruitment. He personally endorsed four recruits to our club, one of them is our newly inducted Rtn Gen Usi. The other recruits are Remedios Llose (HR Head of University of Makati and Adviser of UMAK Chorale, Madz Et al), Marie Garcia (Operations Manager of Rockwell Club) and Minki Roxas-Bautista. We hope to soon induct these 3 new recruits, together with 2 others recruited by Dir Dyttas and myself.

AG Paul also linked us with the UMAK Chorale whom we have already accepted as one of our newest Rotaract Clubs, which is very ideal since our new recruit, Medz Llose, is their adviser. So, now we have 2 singing youth groups, UMAK Chorale Rotaract and Kilyawan Boys’ Choir Interact.

Another possible RCMBA project, AG Paul is initiating to endorse the club to Barangay Bel-Air Chair Nene Lichauco, a relative of CP Sonie. The club has had past projects within her jurisdiction and AG Paul strongly suggests that the club grant honorary membership status to Ms. Lichauco.

We still expect more support from AG Paul for more exciting and bigger projects, which I will divulge in due time. Nevertheless, CP Sonie has recommended that the club makes AG Paul its honorary member. If all these pushes through, the club will now have 3 honorary members starting with Pres. Richard Soo of RC Bukit Bintang, then AG Paul and Brgy Chair Nene Lichaoco.


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Blogdate: September 30, 2007

ART FOR A CAUSE EXHIBIT

The opening night of the exhibit last Sep. 25 was highly successful because of the full support of the club members. Fourteen (14) RCMBAers were there, with PP Chochit, Dir. Arlene and PP Charo as early birds. I’ll say that the night was “star-studded” with famous artists Juvenal Sanso, Lydia Velasco, Ramon Orlina, Carlo Magno, et al, attending. From the Rotarians’ side, district officers SAG Ed Alvarez, PP Joji Tan and PR Tony Chong were there to accompany Gov. Ato, who was the ceremonial guest of honor. Sharing President Louie Vega arrived early followed by classmates Jules Nidea, Rey Madrid and Joe Reaño.

PP Jack was kind enough to prepare a report write-up on the whole event immediately the next day for posting at the RCMBA website. Twelve (12) artworks were sold that night. Thanks to Gov. Ato who started the ball rolling by purchasing the “Palay Harvest” painting (sorry guys if my memory fails me on who the artist was). Other Rotarians who purchased artworks were Louie Vega (2 Sanso paintings), PP Joji Tan (sculpture), Dir. Arlene (painting and sculpture), CP Sonie (painting and sculpture). I think CP Sonie also reserved some more paintings. Sharing President Jules is also eying on a Sanso painting, which he saw in the computer that night.

To all RCMBA fellow members, MARAMING SALAMAT!! Our gross sales for the night was P298k!

Because of its success, PP Jack suggested to hold another activity on Oct. 2 at the exhibit venue. Thus, I relayed the idea to Sonie and Charo who will both celebrate their b-days on Oct. 1 and both agreed. This is also a good time to, once more, invite close friends and associates who were not able to attend the opening night. The exhibit will run until Oct. 4.

So, this also serves as an announcement to all that the club will have its October fellowship on Oct. 2 at Galerie Joaquin to honor the month’s bday celebrants: Sonie, Charo, Yolly, Caron, Jeane, Gig, Romy and Roland. And, also have the chance to invite friends and other club presidents to view the exhibits and, hopefully, have more sales. Let’s pray that we get to sell more paintings on Tuesday.

By the way, I requested Nenette to prepare the program for our fellowship night. Jack has volunteered to contribute his white spaghetti special, PP Charo will bring her world famous pandan chicken, PE Yolly is boasting of her gourmet Kare-kare and CP Sonie will bring more food (Capampangan delights?). Do we hear more coming from the other celebrants? Of course, the men should bring the wine bottles!


NEW GENERATION CONVENTION (NORTH RUN)

I would say we had a successful run with no less than 300 rotaractors attendeding the convention at University of Makati yesterday, Sep. 29. We initially estimated 200, but in spite of the heavy rains, we had our hands full. RCMBA was among the 16 clubs who hosted this event. The South Run also had their hands filled with about 250 participants attending in Tuloy sa Don Bosco Alabang. I was assigned as overall moderator and also moderated the talk of TJ Manotoc. A lot of the young ones were just too eager for some photo ops with TJ.

It was also there that we finally met our Centro Escolar rotaractors. All 6 of therm: Pinky Lebrilla, Jan Karez Rejabal, Princesa Anne Sanchez, Patricia Ana Yusi, John Christopher Castillo and John Carlo Perez. Not to forget, club members Sec. Tanya and Rtn. Roland were a big help in bonding with our rotaractors who are all in their 4th year majoring in social work. Incidentally, they’re all presently assigned to Barangay Barangka, one of our adopted GK sites. However, they’ll be transferred to serve in Tatalon Estate pretty soon.

We were also introduced by Rtn. Medz Llose (HR of UMAK) to Ace Sevilla, Past President of UMAK Rotaractors, who will email me the listing of the 26 members of the UMAC Chorale who will be our rotaractors as well. This endorsement was initiated by AG Paul Magno who committed to give us rotaractors from Makati. As a backgrounder, the chorale is presently Makati’s Singing Ambassadors who rendered the opening song at the New Gen Convention Their conductor/trainer is Ms. Elsie Eranista, Soprano of the famous Phil. Madrigal Singers. The convention ended with some songs rendered by rock bands Nada and well known Boy Elroy (referred by my son).

So there, we officially have three (3) rotaract groups: Phil. Science, CEU and UMAK. I have requested Sec. Tanya to schedule the induction of these groups within this month.

Salamat Tanya and Roland!!


DISTRICT BOWLING TOURNAMENT TEAM FINALS

CONGRATULATIONS to RCMBA Team members PP Harold, Ann Jette, Ronnie and Dindo for their outstanding performances!!

Our team placed 4th overall and 3rd runner up in the team category at the D-3830 Bowling Tournament Finals today, Sep. 30. Because of this, the club was given one sustaining Paul Harris from Gov. Ato (presently abroad). However, the organizers overlooked bringing with them the trophy for the 3rd runner up and informed us that they will have it delivered to us later. The overall champion was guest club RC San Pedro Laguna. Jette and Ronnie also received their individual trophies for their performances in the Men's and Women's Masters finals.


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Blogdate: September 23, 2007

DISTRICT BOWLING TOURNAMENT

There were 24 finalists for the Individual Men and Women Masters' finals, but only 17 showed up. Thus, the tournament committee decided to ask the clubs to let their reserves play to fill up the 7 empty slots. The RCMBA Team fielded Jette and Ronnie. Harold passed as he was not in a good playing condition. At the end of the finals, Jette placed 2nd at the Women’s Individual Masters while Ronnie placed 6th for the Men's division.

Congratulations to the RCMBA Team members for all the efforts and sportsmanship they showed despite the fairly strong representation from other competing club teams. Next week will be the finals for the Team play. I encourage all of our members to show up and give their support to the RCMBA Ten-Pin Bowling Team.


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Blogdate: September 22 , 2007

RTN GEN USI’S INDUCTION

The Rotary Information Seminar held last Sep. 20 was an experience for both myself and Rtn Gen Usi, who was inducted that night together with other clubs’ recruits. SAG Ed Alvarez, District Chair for Membership, did the charging while our beloved Gov. Ato did the induction. Gen’s induction was originally scheduled for the Governor’s Visit on Oct. 2. However, Gov. Ato, per advise of PP Maridel Villavicencio, is scheduled to go to the US from Sep. 30 to Oct. 8. Thus, we were requested to reset the Governor’s Visit to another date.

Only clubs from Cluster 6, under AG Paul Magno, were able to present one recruit each for induction: RCMs San Lorenzo, Urdaneta and Rockwell, plus 1 from Parañaque Southwest, where AG Paul is also a member. Upon advise of AG Paul, I decided to present Gen for induction. I even had to borrow a Rotary pin from the event secretariat, while the other Sharing Presidents had to borrow from those around them.

When the sponsors were asked to introduce their recruits, I also announced that even if yet to be inducted, Gen has already paid her annual dues in advance. This drew a big round of applause from the crowd. That night, the new members had an instant introduction of Rotary from experienced leaders in the District, were charged by the District Chair for Membership and inducted by no less than our District Governor.

So there you have it. We now officially welcome Gen to Rotary!

CONGRATULATIONS ROTARIAN GEN, AND WELCOME TO THE RCMBA FAMILY!!!