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