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