Rotary International Cites Rotary Club of San Juan's Project

The Rotary Club of San Juan's Financial Literacy Seminar as a Vocational Service Project for Rotary Year 2010-2011, was recognized by Rotary International as a Model Vocational Service Project.


The financial literacy seminar is based on lessons learned from various personal finance-self help authors and condensed into a lecture entitled "The Subject of Money" by Past President Jovie Sison. 


Teachers of the San Juan National High School learned a practical (therefore achievable) road map to financial independence in spite of their meager salaries.


Inspired by R.I.'s recognition, The Subject of Money will again be offered as a Vocational Service project for this Rotary Year. 

This is the plaque of recognition given on December 09, 2011 during the Global Team's Christmas Party at the Seibu Tower, The Fort. The certificate is signed by the General Secretary of Rotary International and the District 3800 Governor Virgilio Farcon, Jr.

In this photo (from left to right): PP Jovie Sison, author of "The Subject of Money," PP Doray Giorla - who shared her expertise as an accountant during the open forum, and Global Pres. Gina Sanchez.

PP Jovie Sison, drives home a point during the financial literacy seminar

December 8, 2011

Random Thoughts…12082011

Our club’s Christmas Party was held on the rainy evening of December 8, at the Greenhills East Clubhouse, right next to the church of Sanctuario de San Jose. The day also marked the feast of the Immaculate Concepcion, a Catholic day of obligation. Getting to the venue was difficult, considering the usual traffic caused by the rains coupled with the heavy volume of vehicles by church goers. I opted to drive there after 7:00pm hoping that those who attended the 6:15pm mass would have left the area. But still the drive was slow and parking space scarce.

When I got to the party, most of the members were already there – all dressed in either red or green, depending on one’s group assignment. Baby Rotarian David Taningco was asked to lead the prayer before dinner, then the chafing dishes were opened and everyone had their fill of the sumptuous buffet, where the combination of dishes were meticulously chosen by our lady members. The men gravitated to the table where the bottle of Remy Martin cognac was being poured – it was a special bottle that was hand carried by FDG Benny Pe all the way from his house across the street.

At one part of the program, we honoured all birthday celebrants for December namely: PP Tito Mabanta, PDG Pepe Peralta, PP Pol Leoncio, IPP Gina Sanchez, ‘FDG’ Benny Pe, Rtn. Ompong Ordanez. 

After dinner, there were group games, raffle prizes, line-dancing, the customary exchange of gifts, then karaoke singing. In one game, five male members were asked to cross-dress and wear long gowns with hats and a sash, for a mock beauty pageant, that was jokingly referred to as the “Miss Earth” pageant because the contestants were already “amoy lupa.”

Our weekly waiter from Club Filipino, Carl was also there present as our guest while Rtn. Bernard took pictures with his digital camera and posted all 200 photos in our club’s facebook page the next day.

Thanks to party chairman Therese for making it a fun and enjoyable Christmas Party.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

December 1, 2011

Random Thoughts…12012011

Last week’s guest speaker was Ms. Cheryll Selda of Microsoft Philippines. She was a former Rotary Exchange Student to Brazil sponsored by the Rotary Club of Roxas City. Cheryll spoke about Microsoft’s Corporate Social Responsibility. We intend to explore possibilities how our Rotary Club can participate in their various programs. We have also invited Cheryll to be a member of our club. If she joins us, we will definitely have a heads-up on Microsoft’s civic programs that we can tap for our own projects.

November 26 was definitely a date to remember because ‘FDG’ Benny Pe threw the “party of the century” to commemorate the birthday of his lovely spouse, Nene – who was radiant that evening, especially with all the superlatives used by Benny to honor her in his speech. Several members and our honorary member PP Raffy Evangelista, all in formal attire - the ladies in their long gowns, the men in black tie - witnessed the festivities complete with lavish food, superb entertainment, and a bottle of JW Blue Label. Johnny Litton was the MC while Jose Mari Chan dedicated a few songs for Ate Nene. I failed to get the name of the tenor who also sang, but the last performance was by the musical band, Spirit of 67 for those who wanted to dance the night away.

The 2^nd RCSJ President’s Cup fund raiser golf tournament was successfully held at the Villamor Golf and Country Club last Tuesday, November 29. A total of 16 players participated, where some of our player/members went home with new trophies for their cabinets. With the funds earned from this tournament, Pres. Nan will be able to complete his projects for this Rotary year with enough funds  carried over for PE Jojo Bacarro’s term. Thanks to the sponsors and members who worked to solicit said sponsors and invited players.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

November 24, 2011

Random Thoughts_11242011

Last week’s meeting was highlighted by PP Doray’s birthday blowout, followed by the meeting of the San Juan Rotary Foundation after the Club meeting proper. As always, lunch was both sumptuous and tasty, thanks to PP Doray.

One of the resolutions made during the Foundation’s meeting is that all current members of our club, regardless whether they are already members of the Foundation or not, will donate Php 1,000 a year, to shore up the Fund’s level to over Php 1.0 million – where 70% of the interest earned by the Fund helps support projects of the club. In a separate resolution, nine (9) immediate past presidents will comprise the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, where the Club’s immediate Past President will sit as President of the Foundation, for a term of one year – in this case, PP Gina Sanchez. Another resolution made was that PP Tony Abola will be the Foundation’s Chairman (for life).

It was a gruelling 5 games (each) of ten pin bowling, for four players namely: Pres Nan Sallan, PP E.G. Lim, Rtn. Rose Caoc, and I, during the penultimate game of this year’s District Ten Pin Bowling Tournament held last Sunday November 20 at the Coronado Lanes in Star Mall. Kudos to all who one way or another, participated in this year’s bowling tournament.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

November 17, 2011

Random Thoughts…11172011

Baby Rotarian David Taningco delivered his Classification Talk last week. As Investment / Insurance Advisor, David presented slides showing the performance of Philam Fund and its various investment vehicles, thus giving us a good idea of his line of work. FDG Benny Pe was kind enough not to let our newly inducted Rotarian sweat a lot during the open forum.

Rtn David was joined by the following members during the Rotary Academy 101 for Zones 6,7,8 held last Saturday at the Dept. of Education Culture and Sports function room: Pres Nan Sallan, Sec/IPP Gina, PN Belle Sinense, Rtn Rose Caoc, Rtn Katherine Santos, PP Noni Topacio and I. PDG Pepe Peralta was also there as a resource speaker. Aside from being a Rotary learning experience, several members went home with raffle prizes.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

November 10, 2011

Random Thoughts…11102011

At last week’s meeting, Pres Nan responded to a prompt during the fellowship meeting two weeks ago and gave a status report on this year’s Service Projects. Some members reacted surprised saying that they didn’t know that several projects have already been accomplished. At any rate, there are still more projects lined-up for the coming months. PP Doray suggested that we hold a Club Assembly to appraise the club not just on the status of Service Projects but on the overall Plans and Objectives for this Rotary Year as well. The club assembly will also give us a chance to break bread with our Assistant Governor, Siliman Sy.

Also last week, we inducted two (2) new members to our Club, Mr. David Taningco and Ms. Margie de Castro. Welcome to the club!

The following members attended the TRF Banquet held yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to recognize this year’s donors to the Rotary Foundation, IPP Gina Sanchez, PP Doray Giorla, Pres Nan Sallan, Treas. Anita Tomas, Rtn Rose Caoc, PE Jojo Bacarro, PDG Pepe Peralta and spouse Thessy, PP Nonie Topacio, and I.  

Let us listen to (baby) Rotarian David Taningco as he delivers his Classification Talk today.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

October 27, 2011

Random Thoughts…10272011

It was a Fellowship Night, the noon time meeting was moved to the evening to allow for more bonding between members, we used a bigger room (Waling-waling), food was served buffet style, there was a sound system and projection system with disco lights with danceable music from the 70’s and 80’s playing, members were aplenty, PP Dondo Lim was there, and this made me feel good, we missed his tag team partner though PP Tito Mabanta, PP Jimmy was also present, probably having attended the meeting of his ‘other club’ earlier that day, this also made me feel good, PP Noel Mesina showed up with a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label, and this made me feel even better!

The food was sumptuous, Tita Annie obviously having a hand in the preparations as always, there were new faces, prospective members all, one - Tita Annie’s son-in-law, the other a former member of the club now connected with a Chevy dealership, the other also a former Rotarian (from Davao) a friend of PP Pol Leoncio.

When I walked in to the room to greet everyone already there present, PDG Pepe’s response to me was, “Each one bring one,” from then on I knew I had to avoid him because I didn’t want to feel guilty the whole night, only because the person whom I wanted to introduce to the club could not make it to our fellowship night – but hey, it’s not ‘the end of the world,’ I mean, we could still bring in a new member until February 2012, so I didn’t let that spoil my evening, after all it was fellowship night, we were supposed to have a light business meeting and have more time to enjoy each other’s company.

I paid a little tribute to the late PP Ciso Padilla by leading the singing of the song, “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” PP Jimmy and PP Tony Abola followed by saying a few words on how they remember Ciso. We will always remember PP Ciso as the president who posted a 100% Membership Attendance in all Club Meetings – a feat that has not been eclipsed to this day.

The meeting was light and pleasant at this point, sponsoring Rotarians were asked to introduce their prospective members, and the candidates were also asked to say a few words. Then we watched a film clip of R.I Pres. Kalyan Bannerjee’s wonderful speech at the R.I Convention, and the meeting took a turn towards ‘Heavy’ when Pres. Nan was reminded to accomplish his service projects for this year. I felt sorry for Pres. Nan whose face showed strain from the ‘sermon,’ I mean there is a place and a proper time for such but tonight was not a good time, its Fellowship Night for crying out loud! Thanks to FDG Benny Pe who provided a fresh bottle of Johnny Black, we felt invincible against the tirades of the party pooper.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

October 20, 2011

Random Thoughts…10202011

Last Thursday morning, we took a break from our weekly meeting schedule, preparing and leaving our homes earlier than usual, anticipating the dreaded Makati traffic, to be at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Ayala Tower 1 by 8:30 AM. We were a contingent of about 30 Rotarians and friends - who took the tour of the stock trading floor, see the electronic trading board - some of us for the first time, witness the ringing of the bell that signified the start of stock trading for the day, and attended a half day seminar on Stock Market Investing 101. The seminar had three great speakers and ended with a sumptuous lunch provided by the PSE. This Rotary activity was made possible by ‘FDG’ Benny Pe as a fitting project for Vocational Service month.

District 3800 big wigs, I mean top brass were with us at the PSE tour/seminar namely PDG Jun Farcon, DDG Pablito Bermundo, and CP Manny Reyes.

Right before the start of the activity, we were joined by RCSJ charter member Ramon Avecilla who chanced upon us while he was on his way to his stock brokerage seat at the Makati bourse. Mon posed with us for a few pictures.

Everyone who attended the seminar had fun and clamoured for more such activities in the future. We congratulate ‘FDG’ Benny Pe and Pres Nan for spearheading this project.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

October 6, 2011

Random Thoughts…10062011

Our guest speaker last week was Dr. Eladio Miguel Penaranda, Jr. – kidney specialist, who was gracious enough to answer questions from our members even before he finished his PowerPoint presentation. As in similar situations in the past, whenever our speaker was a medical professional, members were able to get free consultation – this time on matters relating to our kidneys -- what foods to avoid, what medicines to avoid, to keep our kidneys healthy and functioning properly.

Last Sunday however, was the first day of the District Ten Pin Bowling Tournament, our players namely: Pres. Nan, PP E.G. Lim, Treas. Annie Tomas, Rtn. Rose Caoc, Rtn. Katherine Santos, and I, had to ignore the good doctor’s advice because we had to take Alaxan for our body ache after playing three straight games each. Let’s just hope taking this pain killer doesn’t become a weekly habit because the bowling tournament will run for several weeks.

Everyone is looking forward to next Thursday’s (Oct. 13) trip to the Philippine Stock Exchange. This early, some are already planning to meet for breakfast somewhere near the PSE in order to beat the dreaded Makati traffic, get a good parking slot and be on time for the 8:30 AM assembly. See you all there.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

September 29, 2011

Random Thoughts…09292011

At last week’s meeting, “FDG” Benny Pe gave us tips on how to memorize the 4-Way Test by remembering 5 key words, namely: Truth, Fair, Goodwill, Friendships, and Beneficial. These keywords will surely prevent “senior moments” especially when one is asked to lead the recitation of the 4_Way Test impromptu (without prior notice) or aid of a cheat sheet.

The only other time I can remember someone give us a tip on how to memorize the 4-Way Test was PDG Nani Certeza, who told us to remember, “Is it, Is it, Will it, Will it.” By combining Benny’s tip with Nani’s, you’ll never make a mistake reciting the 4-Way Test.

Have you ever noticed that PP Dondo Lim is able to follow what goes on during our meetings even if he appears to be asleep? That’s because Dondo isn’t sleeping – he’s actually “Planking.”

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

September 22, 2011

Random Thoughts…09222011

Our speaker last week was General Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. of the Philippine National Police. He spoke about a program of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – the Internet Child Protection Program called “Angel Net.” The General’s speech coincided with this month’s Rotary Theme - New Generations Month, where Rotary activities are aimed at our youth.

The absence of required laws that will put more teeth in apprehending and punishing offenders of cyber crimes made this noble program pale in comparison to the current events involving the anomalous purchase of second hand helicopters by the PHP – a transaction that is still under investigation by Congress because the sale was allegedly rigged by the spouse of former President Arroyo. As such, the questions raised by the “Young At Heart” amongst us, were more pointed towards the helicopter transaction than the Angel Net program.

General Pagdilao was again scheduled to be guest speaker the following day in the Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte. This leads me to assume that: 1.) The General has a lot of time in his hands thus enabling him to be guest speaker in Rotary Clubs, 2.) That Congress should really pass pending bills on Cyber Crime to keep the good General busy, 3.) The General is practicing his public speaking skills for a future political career, 4.) He is obedient to his “Commander and Chief,” his wife PP Chay Pagdilao who arranges his speaking engagements. I believe it is more of #4, hahaha.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

September 15, 2011

Random Thoughts…09152011

Our guest of honour and speaker last week was former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, brother of Ninoy Aquino and the uncle of President Noynoy Aquino. PP Noni Topacio invited Sen. Butz to our club and he spoke about Cooperatives – and how forming cooperatives, if managed well, is one way of alleviating poverty amongst our underprivileged countrymen – he gave examples of successful cooperatives that was truly inspiring.

The absence of ‘FDG’ Benny Pe made it a short Question and Answer session after the Senator’s speech. Besides Sen. Butz had to rush to the airport to catch a plane and left by 1:45 PM. More interesting speakers to come…

Cheers and enjoy Rotary 

PP Jovie

September 7, 2011

Random Thoughts…09082011

At last week’s meeting, PP Noel Mesina read an article written by Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros who justified the recent obscenities that was being portrayed as Art in an exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, this, together with the Pajero/PCSO controversy was an attack on the Catholic Church and its clergy.

In defence of our church, I now post excerpts of an article forwarded by PP Pol Leoncio via email, “But the press is vindictive and trying to totally denigrate in every way the Catholic Church in this country. They have blamed the disease of pedophilia on the Catholic Church, which is as irresponsible as blaming adultery on the institution of marriage. Let me give you some figures that Catholics should know and remember. For example, 12% of the 300 Protestant clergy surveyed admitted to sexual intercourse with a parishioner; 38% acknowledged other inappropriate sexual contact in a study by the United Methodist Church, 41.8% of clergy women reported unwanted sexual behavior; 17% of laywomen have been sexually harassed. Meanwhile, 1.7% of the Catholic clergy has been found guilty of pedophilia. 10% of the Protestant ministers have been found guilty of pedophilia. This is not a Catholic Problem.”

In a recent news article, several high school students of the University of Visayas were reported to have been possessed by evil spirits. Why is it then that only Catholic priest have the power to exorcise demons? This is because the Catholic Church is the true church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ. But since management of this religious institution was entrusted to humans, and humans as we know are not perfect, therefore Catholic Priests are also prone to commit mistakes – such as accepting a new SUV from a government institution (PCSO) whose mandate is to give to charity the huge sums of money that it receives from gambling revenues.

My point is, let us learn to discern what we read/hear/watch in the news because Media (the PRESS) is another institution that is also run by humans and therefore also flawed. Men in Media have this tendency to portray themselves a righteous image as if they could do nothing wrong. What actually scares me is the multitude of people who take whatever Media reports as the absolute truth. This is why those of us who know, should be vigilant because in this world, evil will only succeed if good men do nothing.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary :-)

PP Jovie

August 30, 2011

Random Thoughts… for the 09012011 Pinaglabanan Bulletin

The August 25 meeting date was called-off due to the club’s Vocational Service and Fellowship project at the San Lazaro Hippodrome – A Horse Race Track located in Carmona last August 20.

Let me therefore report on the Club activity of August 20 also known as the “field trip.”
Assembly was at 10am in Club Filipino, and members who have earlier signified their intention to participate arrived on time for the 10:30am departure. Members present at Club Fil were ‘FDG’ Benny Pe, PP Noel Mesina, PP Noni Topacio, PP Pol Leoncio, PP Tony Abola, Rtn Therese Montecer, Honorary Member, PP Ver Farcon, and I. Travel accommodations were provided by FDG Benny where we all boarded his luxurious Ford Club Wagon while Papa Ver’s brand new (black) Mitsubishi Montero sport tailed us. Members who live in South Metro Manila, namely Pres Nan Sallan and PE Jojo Bacarro agreed to meet-up at the first stop of this field trip, Guernica’s Spanish Restaurant in Santana Grove, Sucat Paranaque for lunch and to celebrate Rtn Bernard Morillo’s birthday blow-out. Pres Nan arrived before noon accompanied by his spouse Carmen and son, Luigi, while PE Jojo came solo. The birthday boy was garbed in red – also present to celebrate his 40th was spouse “ChairMam” Cecile and their four daughters.

We were served a sumptuous lunch of green salad, pochero, lengua, fish with lemon butter sauce, mushroom al ajillo, calamares fritos, and red wine. For dessert we had churros con chocolate and coffee. As it is now a custom in RCSJ meetings, ambience over lunch had that special ingredient of laughter and photos that have once again turned this gathering into a memorable event.

After lunch, at about 1:00pm, we formed a three car convoy and motored to the San Lazaro Race Track. Entrance to the property development was like entering an exclusive subdivision, a gated community, with residential units by the right, lots of greens on the left, lots of parking spaces leading to the club house - a multi-storey building – very clean, well built, well designed, with nice facilities – truly “world class” as described by our guest speaker, Mr. Andy Sevilla.

Atop the escalator ride to the second floor, we were met by our contact person who gave us a quick tour of the building, and then we were led to our private room - a spacious glass enclosed room with high ceiling, round tables with its own set of tv monitors and a balcony that provided a panoramic view of the race track and surrounding scenery. Before the start of the first race, we visited the casino on the third floor.

After three races, off we went to Estancia in Tagaytay. Since there was no traffic on the way up to Tagaytay, we arrived too early for dinner. We proceeded to Tagaytay Highlands where we took a tour of the Golf Club House and the Main Club House. Rtn Therese wanted to ride the cable car, but was under maintenance repairs. From there we boarded the cars again for Estancia.

At the Estancia resort, ‘FDG’ Benny gave us a tour of the Mediterranean inspired main club house, and the newly renovated cottages now sporting the Greek Santorini design that replaced the former bamboo/nipa huts. The walk from the club house to the cottages and back worked up an appetite and prepared us for the well prepared buffet back at the main club house for dinner.
The trip back to Club Filipino was fast except for the off-ramp traffic at the Magallanes exit of SLEX caused by the repair in one lane leading towards EDSA.

We all had fun for this field trip and welcomed the break from our weekly routine. Pres. Nan wants to have more such fellowships during his term. ‘FDG’ Benny quickly concurred and said that our meetings should be made more interesting in order to attract new members.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

August 18, 2011

Random Thoughts…08182011

On Strengthening Rotary Clubs And Why I Think This Year’s District Awards Criteria is Askew –

This article is premised on the principle that the District Governor’s primary role is to strengthen Rotary Clubs within the District’s territorial boundaries by following the thrusts and programs of Rotary International.

This Rotary Year, the District’s mandate to double the membership base of clubs was received with mixed reactions in our club because two schools of thought emerged – are we for quantity or quality?

New recruits need to undergo an education process to be Rotarized - to learn the philosophy, principles and disciplines of Rotary that have been handed down through more than 100 years and when blended with the customs and traditions inherent in each Club produces the personality and character of a Rotary Club – another argument against doubling in size because a club’s character will also change.

Can anyone answer the following questions - Last Rotary Year, how many clubs in the District conducted a new member’s orientation program (on a club level)? How many clubs did the Special Training for Action in Rotary (STAR) Program? How many clubs did fireside meetings? The reason for my asking is because these are the foundations of Rotary education from which Rotary Clubs should build upon to Rotarize its ranks to produce good Rotarians, and in turn collectively form good Rotary Clubs.

Ordering clubs to double their size within the first six months of this RY is an ambitious target but will be like building a tall building on sand if the foundations of Rotary Clubs who are weak, are not first reinforced to contain and retain twice the number of members.

Come to think of it, if Rotary Clubs who received the R.I Presidential Citation with Distinction last year gave the same effort for this RY, they still will fall short and not qualify to receive any District Award this year if only due to the 100% membership increase criteria. What happened with ‘continuity and cooperation’?

Corollary to this, “What is the difference between a Rotarian who donates $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation and one who donates $10,000? Does giving a smaller amount make you a lesser Rotarian?” In the same vein, “Does a club who doubles its size make them a better club that one that accomplishes just a net gain of 1 member?”

We Rotarians of the Rotary Club of San Juan are not in Rotary to work for awards. We have adhered to this principle for more than 41 years. I’m not advocating that we should not double our membership base, nor am I saying that we can’t. I am merely asking, “Must there be two sets of awards?”

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

August 11, 2011

Random Thoughts and Questions…08112011

Observations formed during the open forum at last week’s Club Assembly -

As a Rotarian, as a member of the Rotary Club of San Juan, my duties and obligations to the club are summed up in the acronym APPLES - I have pledged to attend our weekly meetings, to pay my dues, to participate in our club’s programs and activities, to continue learning about Rotary, to enjoy my association with other Rotarians, and to share my time, talent, and treasure. I support our Rotary Club by fulfilling all these obligations. Failing to do even one of said obligations does not make me a complete Rotarian.

As a Rotary Club, do we work collectively to receive awards? Are our plans and programs aimed at receiving distinction or other forms of recognition for the supposed good we do in our community?

At the June 24 District Awards Night, our club received a total of 23 plaques and trophies from the District Awards Committee for the group and individual work performed by some members - a good haul no doubt, and kudos to the men and women whose efforts were recognized in the various citations. This is what IPP Gina wanted, and the members supported her to attain this great honour.

Enter a new Rotary Year (2011-2012), with a new District Governor, a new set of District Officers, and a new set of criteria by which clubs will be measured in the next 12 months – a yardstick set by the District officers, criteria that are separate from those laid down by the R.I President for this Rotary Year – a lower hurdle yes, but a measure of effective Rotary Clubs nonetheless.

Reaching within to embrace humanity says nothing about working for awards.

In our 41 years of existence as a Rotary Club do we now need awards to keep us motivated? Have we become vain? Let us not lose track of what keeps our club relevant, to reflect on what makes us want to attend our weekly meetings.

When we elected President Nan Sallan, we placed a man with conviction to lead our Club for this Rotary Year. Let us give him a free hand in orchestrating, in shaping the manner how our club will perform during this Rotary Year and support him all the way by giving him APPLES.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

August 4, 2011

Random Thoughts…08042011

We had a guest singer at last week’s meeting, Ms. Anna Calumay who was accompanied by her guitarist, Mr. Dale, and manager Mr. Bong Agustin. She was supposed to sing during the community singing segment of our program, but due to a recording session that was moved earlier, Ms. Anna had to sing before the start of our program.

We are going to the races. It was discussed and resolved at last week’s meeting that the club will go to the world class San Lazaro Race Track in Carmona Cavite on August 20 – as arranged by our former guest speaker Mr. Andy Sevilla. This date coincides with Rtn Bernard Morillo’s birthday. So the plan is to assemble at Club Filipino between 9:30-10:00am, have an early lunch at Guernica’s Restaurant in Sucat as Bernard’s blow-out, then proceed to San Lazaro for the field trip, followed by late merienda or early dinner at Estancia in Tagaytay (compliments of FDG Benny Pe), then back to Club Filipino. Let’s have a head count of who can make it to this event for better car pool assignments.

Today we welcome our Assistant Governor Siliman Akyat Sy for our Club Assembly.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

July 28, 2011

Random thoughts…07282011

Last week’s guest speaker, Mr. Andy Sevilla, a journalist who writes for Good Morning Philippines, spoke about two topics, Cars and Horse Racing. Mr. Sevilla’s talk was basically one big open forum where questions about the two subjects flowed immediately and frequently after FDG Benny Pe made the opening salvo. The meeting was so lively this prompted PDG Pepe Peralta to comment that the absence of “other simultaneous meetings” is an indication that the members were attentive. PDG Pepe also invited our guest speaker to join and be a member of our club.

After Mr. Sevilla’s speech, ideas started circulating about a possible field trip to the San Lazaro Race Track in Carmona Cavite one Saturday afternoon - definitely something to look forward to because according to Mr. Sevilla, this is now a world class horse racing facility.
Mr. Sevilla was also kind enough to feature our Rotary club in his Good Morning Philippines column last Monday July 25, where soft copies of his column were sent to us via email, and hard copies will be provided for our perusal in today’s meeting.

By featuring our club and listing all our members in his Good Morning Philippines column, Mr. Sevilla has contributed in improving our club’s Public Image. As a sign of gratitude, members were enjoined to purchase a copy of the newspaper. Feedback however was that no one knew where they could buy one.

Today we have invited a singer to help make our meeting lively.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

July 21, 2011

Random Thoughts…07212011

Pres Nan’s first regular meeting was spent getting the club organized by laying out our short term objectives. He reported that the District’s first breakfast meeting for the Majestic Team will be on July 16. Let us expect Pres Nan’s report on this matter.

Pres Nan also announced that our club will be hosting this year’s Rotary Academy 102.
It was PP Papa Ver Farcon’s birthday treat to the club last week. Lunch was on him. Happy Birthday Papa Ver, may you have many more birthday blowouts to come.

Treasurer Tita Annie Tomas was busy handing out our respective statements of account and collecting dues from the members to shore up the club’s cash position. Please remember to pay your club dues before the end of this month.

Pres Nan is also asking us to recommend and invite speakers to liven-up our weekly meetings. There are two Past District Governor’s already lined up to be our guest speaker – PDG Benny Ricafort and IPDG Jun Farcon. Two former beauty queens are also being invited to be our guest speaker – one is now a television newscaster, the other runs her own personality development company. Your suggestions are most welcome.

Members who want to lend a hand in shaping the future of our newest offspring, the Rotary E-Club of San Juan is welcome to join the strategic planning session this Saturday, July 23 at the PSBA Manila. The session starts at 8:00AM. This session aims to map out the E-club’s 3-year plan.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary :-)

PP Jovie

July 14, 2011

Random Thoughts…July 14, 2011

A. Last Thursday, July 7, 2011 District Governor Raffy Garcia and other District Officers graced our Club’ regular meeting to attend our simple Induction rites for this year’s set of Officers and Directors

B. Pres. Nan heeded the advice of Club elders by holding our induction during our first regular meeting for this new RY, with minimal fanfare but still achieving maximum effectiveness

C. Contrary to pronouncements relayed during Pres. Nan’s PETS (President Elect Training Seminar), Governor Raffy and his court still accorded our Club the honour and privilege of handling the Induction ceremony even if our Induction did not coincide with our club’s anniversary or governor’s visit

D. Pres. Nan was accompanied by his lovely spouse Carmen for this momentous event

E. It was during PP Joe Castro’s induction that the president’s spouse was also present

F. During the last four weeks our club’s events / meetings have been attended by District dignitaries starting with our Anniversary (June 9); Chartering of the E-club (June 21); RCSJ Award’s Night (June 30); and Club Induction (July 7)

G. Pres. Nan’s speech was praised by everyone who attended our Induction because it was concise, informative, inspiring, and humorous

H. As previously reported, Pres. Nan, following the mandate of R.I. President Kalyan Banerjee, performed his first project during his first day in office through a feeding program for the Prep students of Nicanor Ibuna Elementary School – let us support Pres. Nan in his pursuit of our Club’s plans for this Rotary Year

Cheers and enjoy Rotary :-)

PP Jovie

July 7, 2011

NOTES (RANDOM THOUGHTS) FOR THE JULY 7 ISSUE:

A. PP E.G. LIM SHOWS HIS RELIGIOSITY BY COMPOSING THE INVOCATION JUST A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF RCSJ PROGRAM LAST JUNE 30. HE IS ALSO THE SECOND PERSON TO DECLARE THAT HE READS THE SUNDAY READINGS THAT I POST IN OUR EGROUP

B. DG JUN FARCON SPENT HIS LAST MINUTES AS GLOBAL GOVERNOR WITH RCSJ – HIS “SECOND CLUB”

C. BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THAT BREAKFAST FOOD TASTED GOOD FOR DINNER WHERE CORNED BEEF AND PANDESAL BEAT LECHON AND TUNA SASHIMI LAST JUNE 30

D. PRES. NAN’S EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH IS ADMIRED

E. DID YOU KNOW THAT PP NONI GOT TO FULFILL HIS DREAM OF SINGING IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE? HE DID SO LAST WEEK WHEN HE SANG “FOR HE’S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW” FOR NOW IPDG JUN FARCON

F. PRES. NAN’S FIRST PROJECT ON THE VERY FIRST DAY OF HIS TERM, FEEDING THE KINDERGARTEN PUPILS OF NICANOR IBUNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BARANGAY 11, SAN JUAN

G. WHO’S BETTER, WHO’S BEST…WHERE ONE ORTIGAS ARRIVES FOR OUR MEETING EARLY AND LEAVES EARLY, WHILE THE OTHER ARRIVES LATE AND LEAVES EARLY – WHO’S BETTER, WHO’S BEST?

H. WHERE “NEAR PERFECT” ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH ANYMORE – POL’S HANDLING OF THE “INTRODUCTION OF VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS” HAS DRAWN TOO MANY CRITICS, ALL DRAWING SCORE CARDS AND KEEPING TAB OF THE ERRORS IN POL’S DELIVERY OF THIS TASK

I. DORAY AND GINA’S BAND OF VISIONARY AND GLOBAL PRESIDENTS, WHOSE PRESENCE IN OUR CLUB’S SPECIAL EVENTS CONFIRMS A BOND OF CAMARADERIE AND FRIENDSHIP FORGED FROM DOING ROTARY DUTIES TOGETHER AS CLUB PRESIDENT – AN ALLIANCE THAT PRES. NAN WILL SOON HAVE WITH HIS MAJECTIC CLASSMATES.

J. THE THREE “GRINGOS” (PAST PRESIDENTS ADO, TITO, AND DONDO) WHOSE PRESENCE DURING CLUB MEETINGS SERVE AS AN INSPIRATION TO VISITING ROTARIANS AND ALSO SIGNIFIES THAT “RULE 85” DOES NOT EXIST IN RCSJ’S VOCABULARY

K. THE PRESENCE OF DISTRICT 3800 DIGNITARIES IN OUR CLUB MEETINGS EITHER MEANS THAT OUR CLUB IS RESPECTED OR THAT WE SERVE GOOD FOOD OR BOTH

CHEERS AND ENJOY ROTARY :-)

PP JOVIE