November 21, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_11212012

Per advise of AG Doray Giorla, we decided to call off last week’s meeting even if nine (9) of our members were present. Pres. Jojo Bacarro and PP Pol Leoncio could not make it due to the Electrical Engineer’s convention at the Mall of Asia’s SMX Hall.

If we proceeded to hold a ‘formal’ meeting, this would have dragged down further our attendance rating for the month – a matter that we are trying hard to improve. At last week’s Pinaglabanan Bulletin all three ‘editorials’ had a common message - about our poor attendance. PP Tony Abola even went to the extent of reminding us that as Rotarians we all swore to attend our club’s weekly meetings. Like a ship in trouble we have been sending out our distressed signal, and only the collective efforts of our members will be able to bring us to a safe harbour.

If attendance woes continue for today’s meeting, we will call on the “Buddies” to report on the members assigned to them and ask if they are present or absent.

PE Therese Montecer has started listing her choice for club officers and committee chair persons for the next Rotary Year. This list would have to be revisited since PP Tony Abola has declined to accept the VP position. See PP Tony’s email on this subject.

We have invited Kagawad Danny Florano of Barangay Onse as our guest of honour and speaker. He will talk about Growing Red Tilapia as a livelihood project. Let us all welcome Kagawad Danny!

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec/PP Jovie

November 14, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_11142012

Our Club had four (4) meetings for the month of October and our average attendance was only at 55%. There were nine (9) members who failed to attend a single club meeting for the month. Already that’s a glaring 27% reduction in our attendance rating.

To help improve our numbers, the Club resolved to implement the “Buddy” system where members who regularly attend, will be assigned a member who is frequently absent to personally remind and entice said member to attend our meetings. Every meeting, the “Buddies” will be asked to report whether the member assigned to him is “present” or if still absent, the Buddy will report why his assigned member is still absent.

The nine (9) members with zero attendance in October and their respective Buddies are:

 Joe Castro                            - Gina Sanchez

 Macy Chan                          - Doray Giorla

Gil Ilagan                               - Pepe Peralta

Baby Macatangay               - E.G. Lim

Noel Mesina                         - Gina Sanchez

Ompong Ordanez                 - Gina Sanchez

Belle Sinense                        - Gina Sanchez

Teddy Tan                            - Pepe Peralta

David Taningco                   - Tony Abola

We have also noted members who have attended just One (1) or Two (2) meetings for the month. These members comprise another 20% of our total membership. Their presence can greatly influence our Club’s attendance rating if only they can make an extra effort to come to our meetings more often.

Aside from the Buddy System, AG Doray Giorla suggested that we resume the Indian Stick method of selecting speakers amongst our members. This suggestion was carried and schedules will be prepared by our Club Administration Director, IPP Nan Sallan.

It should be noted that moving our weekly meetings in the evening for the month of November was supposed to improve our attendance. However, only 13 members were present for last week’s meeting. As discussed, we will evaluate our Club’s attendance rating after one month and implement measures at getting our numbers up for future meetings.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

Sec/PP Jovie 

November 07, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_11072012

Our meeting last Oct. 25 was an ‘evening meeting’ and Dr. Al Lopez was our speaker. He spoke on the subject, Stem Cell Therapy. He brought with him his colleague, Dr. Maria Antonio Cudal, a Geriatrics and Pathology specialist, not because there are several members who would qualify under his Geriatric care but rather his specialization in the field of Pathology made him qualified to answer questions about Stem Cell Therapy that has become a controversial subject in today’s news. As always, more time was devoted to the ‘open forum’ than the actual speech.

Attendance was still low in spite of this being an ‘evening meeting.’ Those present were the usual members who diligently attend our weekly meetings regardless if it’s a noon time or evening meeting. Doubts surfaced if moving our meetings to Wednesday Evening will improve our club’s attendance performance. At any rate, after one month we will evaluate and adapt measures towards getting more members to attend our weekly meetings.

Relative to the subject on ‘attendance,’ it became evident that recruitment of new members should be stepped-up. This year, and the immediate past Rotary Year has seen us inducting new members, but these new members have been remiss in attending our weekly meetings. Last Rotary year, during the term of PP Nan Sallan, we held the last Thursday of the month as an evening meeting to allow members who found it difficult to attend our noon time meetings to catch-up. This practice continued to this RY under Pres Jojo Bacarro. But even our so called ‘Rotarians of the night’ seldom show up for our evening meetings even for only once a month.

We’ve tried inviting interesting speakers, two senators even – from each side of the political arena, and yet we were not able to achieve 100% attendance. I still remember stories way back in the 70’s when the club achieved 100% club attendance for the whole Rotary Year! Once, a member was confined in the hospital, the club decided to hold the meeting inside the hospital room where the member was confined in, thus the club still hit the coveted 100% attendance for that week. These days, we are far from that attendance plateau. Sadly, some of our current members are too distant from the level of commitment we had way back in the 70’s.

Could implementing the ‘buddy system’ help in getting our attendance ratings up? Members who frequently attend meetings [“AP” for always present] will be assigned members who seldom attend [“FA” for frequently absent] as their ‘buddy.’  The AP Member will ascertain that the FA Member assigned to him will attend our weekly meetings. Do you think this will work?

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

Sec/PP Jovie

October 25, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_10252012

‘FDG’ Benny Pe invited a guest speaker at last week’s meeting who spoke on ‘Investing in the Stock Market.’ It was a well attended meeting with 15 guests and 18 members, Jasmine Room was almost filled to capacity.

We also inducted two new members to the club last week, our guest speaker Mr. Jay Penaflor of the Philippine Stock Exchange, and Ms. Nora Lajom – a ‘balik’ San Juan Rotarian. Welcome to the club!

Our meetings have been experiencing poor attendance from our members lately. Most noticeable were the absence of PP Noni Topacio who was placed under ‘house arrest’ by his doctor, and AG Doray Giorla who had to administer the wake of her deceased sister at the Arlington Memorial Chapels.

Rotarian Therese Montecer has finally accepted the position of President Elect, and whose term as President begins July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Understanding the demands of her current position as Area Head of Allied Bank, her hand-picked officers and directors have vowed to support her during her term as President – in both Club and District functions.

Today let us listen to Dr. Al Lopez who will render his Classification Talk and speak on the subject, “Stem Cell Therapy.”

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

October 18, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_10182012

Today we welcome our speaker who will educate us in Sock Market Investing.

Our club has been suffering from poor attendance lately. This concern was brought to the attention of the members present last week and it was resolved that we will move our meetings from our usual Thursday Noon to Wednesday evening starting the month of November.

Next week’s meeting will be our last meeting to be held on a Thursday, and it will be an evening meeting since it is the last Thursday of the month. We will have an interesting subject on Stem Cell Therapy to be delivered by Doc. Al Lopez as his “Classification Talk.” I hope most of our members will be able to attend.

We hope that by holding our weekly meetings to (every) Wednesday evening will improve our attendance performance.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec/PP Jovie

October 11, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_10112012

We devoted most of last week’s meeting in a dialogue with our newest member and Barangay Captain Ruel Sumaguingsing of San Juan City’s Barangay Corazon De Jesus. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a “Barangay needs assessment” while disclosing our plans and projects that would benefit Barangay Corazon De Jesus. This dialogue proved fruitful because we were able to chart how we would conduct a Peace Forum as one of the projects lined-up for this Rotary Year in accord with the thrusts of R.I. and our District.

A Peace Forum will be held on October 14, 2012 at Corazon De Jesus’ Barangay Hall and preparations are underway for our club’s participation in this event.  

The District Oktoberfest was held last Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Marikina Convention Center.

Our club also received three visiting Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Urawa East District 2770 Japan. We brought them to the San Juan National High School last Monday, October 8, 2012 as part of the World Community Service project where said Rotary Club would be donating USD 2,300 to complete the chemistry laboratory equipment of said school. Refreshments followed at the Club Filipino before Pres. Jojo Bacarro brought them back to the Century Park Hotel.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec/PP Jovie

October 4, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_10042012

Kudos to Pres Jojo and the other officers of our Club, we received passing marks from our District Governor Lirio Sandoval during his visit to our club last week. He was happy with our club’s performance and adherence to plans and projects laid down by R.I. and our District for Rotary Year 2012-2013.

The Governor’s visit was cordial and light and his assessment of our club befitting an audit of a Rotary Club that has diligently performed like a good citizen of Rotary International.

In all honesty and pride, RC San Juan has been a model Rotary Club for other clubs in our Zone and District to emulate.

According to Gov Lirio’s objective of preparing Rotary Clubs with their strategic plans for the next two to three years, we should look more closely into our club’s succession plans. Let us therefore support President Elect Therese Montecer for her coming term as club president. Understanding that it will be difficult for Therese to single-handedly fulfil her duties as club president given her present work load as area head of Allied Bank, we should really work as a team to carry out our club’s goals. Now, more than ever, our resolve to work cohesively with a common purpose will be tested.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec/PP Jovie

September 27, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_09272012

Today we welcome our District Governor Lirio Sandoval and the other District Officers of RID 3800.

Last week’s guest speaker was PP Ferdinand Topacio of RC Grace Park who spoke on the 7 Lessons from Hitler. Enumerated below for your perusal are the seven lessons we can learn from Adolf Hitler:

1. (Country) Expansionism should be vigorously opposed

2. Surround yourself with the best men and listen to them

3.  Discrimination will eventually backfire

4. A two-front war should be avoided at all times

5. Rhetoric should be matched with action

6. Failure brings dissent and rebellion

7. What is popular is not always right

As always, whenever our club has a guest speaker, the Open Forum turns out to be more interesting than the actual speech. PP Jimmy Ortigas was keenly taking notes about the speech probably because he has plans of one day being a dictator. I was also observing if our guest speaker would succumb to the pressure from the questions hurled by ‘FDG’ Benny Pe, but Atty Topacio was able to wiggle out of every difficult situation with flair. Now we know how he was able to get his high-profile clients. At the end of our meeting, he proposed that RCSJ and RC Grace Park form a Sister-Club relations. This was approved by RCSJ members.

We take note of the coming District Activities:

        

•        New Generations Conference, September 29, Rizal High School Gym
•         District Oktoberfest October 5, Marikina Convention Center

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec/PP Jovie

September 20, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_09202012

Today we welcome Atty. Ferdinand Topacio as our guest of honour and speaker. Atty. Topacio is a cousin of our PP Noni Topacio. Aside from being a lawyer with high profile clients, our speaker is known to be a very good singer. So, do we make him speak or sing, or both?

Last week, we enjoyed the company of Senator Teofisto Guingona III who gave us insights on the news behind the headlines. We invited other Rotarians to join us in our meeting and we were able to fill up the Centennial Room of Club Filipino. As always, photos of Rotarians with our guest speaker circulated in Facebook soon after the meeting.

Next week our District Governor Lirio Sandoval will visit our club. Preparations are underway for this special occasion. Don’t forget to come in our green barong.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec./PP Jovie 

September 13, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_09132012

Today we welcome Senator T.G. Guingona as our guest of honour and speaker.

Last week’s meeting was the first Club Assembly for this Rotary Year. We were so happy to have our Assistant Governor Sam Alvarado present as he listened to our Club Plans and status of projects. When it was AG Sam’s turn at the rostrum, he showed that he is a man of few words, an admirable trait. In fact we received more comments from our “visiting member” Past President and former Asst. Governor Jimmy Ortigas who was making his presence felt by his comments. Thank you AG Sam and PP Jimmy, the Club Assembly will lay down the ground work in preparation for our coming District Governor’s visit on September 27.

We were also advised by PDG Pepe Peralta to think of a project or projects that will require funding of about USD 30,000 and to submit project write-ups to our District for approval and funding.

‘FDG’ Benny Pe has confirmed that on October 18, we will have a guest speaker on the subject, “How to invest in the Stock Market.” Let us invite other Rotarians to join us for this meeting.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec./PP Jovie

September 06, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_09062012

Today we welcome our Assistant Governor Sam Alvarado as we conduct our Club Assembly in preparation for our coming District Governor’s visit.

We held an evening meeting last week and we were happy to see our “Rotarians of the Night.” 

Important dates to remember for the month of September were presented and discussed as follows:

September         06 –        Club Assembly with A.G. Sam Alvarado

                                                12:00 noon, Green Barong, Jasmine Room

                                13 -         Regular meeting with Senator TG Guingona as guest speaker

                                                6:00 pm, Blue T-shirt, Centennial Room

                                20 -         Regular meeting with Atty Ferdinand Topacio as guest speaker

                                                12:00 noon, smart casual, Jasmine Room

                                27 -         Governor’s visit by District Gov. Lirio Sandoval

                                                12:00 noon, Green Barong, Waling Waling room

Club officers and directors will be required to come by 10:00 am for the

one-on-one meeting with DG Lirio Sandoval.

Our evening meeting for the month of September will be on Sep. 13 and not on the last Thursday of the month.

We have a full month of activities ahead because another continuing project will be launched today, the WOW-City Harvest Project that is expected to run till the end of Pres Jojo’s term (or while donations lasts).

We enjoin you to support our projects and attend our meetings for this month of September.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

Sec./PP Jovie  

August 30, 2012

Pres Jojo was absent for our club meeting last week due to a Board Meeting in his office. It was therefore Vice President/PP Pol Leoncio who presided over the meeting. What otherwise could have been “just another ordinary weekly meeting” became a very productive day for the club. The following list summarizes the items resolved / accomplished at last week’s meeting:

1.  we inducted returning Rotarian PP Baby Macatangay to the club, our evening meetings makes it possible for her to attend our meetings,

2. we got the contact person whom we will write to and coordinate the retrieval of the sewing machines from the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Malabon through the assistance of PP Manny Guia,

3. PP Noni Topacio agreed to arrange for the transport and storage of the sewing machines in his factory/warehouse where they will be prepared for possible deployment to the Pinaglabanan Elementary School and help augment / sustain the Busog Lusog Talino feeding program for the years ahead,

4. we were able to provide the bank details where incoming funds from the World Community Service will be placed for the purchase of lab equipment of the San Juan National High School,

5. ‘FDG’ Benny Pe agreed to donate food and used soap for the WOW City Harvest Project

6. ‘FDG’ Benny Pe will also arrange a seminar: How to invest in the stock market on Oct. 11, 2012,

7. Papa Ver is recommending a speaker whose topic will be the Alternative Learning System,

8. PP Pol Leoncio is also recommending a speaker on the subject, How to Raise Funds

What a productive day! Don’t you wish there would be more days like this?

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

Secretary / PP Jovie

August 23, 2012

Our Joint Meeting with the Rotary Eclub of San Juan 3800 last August 16, 2012 had Senator Bongbong Marcos as guest of honour and speaker. We wore our blue T-shirts, managed to fill-up the Centennial Room together with visiting Rotarians from the other Clubs namely: RC San Juan del Monte, RC San Juan West, RC Downtown San Juan, RC Pasig South, and some Global Presidents. As expected, the Senator’s speech was brief which gave way to a longer open forum.

This interaction with Senator Marcos enlightened us on the peculiarities of the Multi-Party Political System in the Philippines, why he voted to oppose the impeachment of CJ Corona, and that the Church is too emotional about the pending RH Bill who should specify which parts of the Bill should be deleted or amended. After the meeting, RC San Juan has proven to the other clubs in the San Juan Zone that we can have high profile speakers even for our regular meeting.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie   

August 16, 2012

Our meeting for the week was called off by Pres. Jojo Bacarro due to inclement weather. Still some of us managed to trek to Club Filipino and do some civic work by delivering relief goods to the flood stricken residents of San Juan. FDG Benny Pe donated 400 pieces of blankets that were picked up by PP Noni Topacio. PP Gina Sanchez was able to solicit 500 bottles of drinking water, and 10 boxes of instant noodles, while Asst Governor Sam Alvarado donated 10 boxes of used clothes.

Pres. Jojo, PP Gina, IPP Nan Sallan, PP Noni, and I delivered these goods to the San Juan City Hall and were personally received by Mayor Guia Gomez. From the city hall we walked to the San Juan Gym that was turned into a temporary evacuation site where about 3,000 families took shelter from the floods. It was appalling to see all those men, women, and children crammed in such a small space – the stench was also indescribable. This made us realize how blessed we are when we were presented with so many suffering people. 

Cheers and enjoy Rotary :)

PP Jovie

August 9, 2012

Mga Kodigo_08092012

Nakakatuwa ang nangyari nung nakaraang Huwebes, bilang unang pagpupulong para sa buwan ng Augosto, ang dapat nating isusuot ay ang berdeng barong, ngunit nung tatlo lang sa ating kasapi ang dumating at nagsuot nito - sila pa yung naatasan magbayad ng multa dahil si DP Doray Giorla ang namuno sa Recognition Time, at siya din ay hindi nakasuot ng barong. Ganun pa man, nagawan pa din ng paraan ni DP Doray para ako’y magmulta. Salamat DP Doray, may araw ka din.

Natuloy na din nung lunes (ika 6 ng Augosto) yung pagbibigay natin ng sampung (10) wheelchair sa lungsod ng San Juan na ating idinaan kay Vice Mayor Zamorra. Nagkataon lang na napuyat si Mayor Guia Gomez sa pagbabantay sa lagay ng panahon bago ihayag na walang pasok ang mga kabataan kayat wala siya nung araw na iyon.

Lubhang napakasungit ng panahon nitong nakalipas na mga araw. Sana namay ang inyong mga tahanan ay hindi nasalanta ng baha.

Kasunod nitong ulat na ito ay ang mga bagay-bagay na tinalakay sa San Juan Rotary Foundation, Inc. Kung mayroon man kayong katanungan o nais maliwanagan ay ipagbigay alam ninyo sa inyong abang lingkod sa bahaging ‘Secretary’s Time’ ng ating programa.

Salamat po at Mabuhay tayong lahat J

DP Jovie  

August 2, 2012

Mga Kodigo_08022012

Nung nakaraang Huwebes ika 26 ng Hulyo, sa gabi ginanap an gating pagpupulong upang magkaroon ng pagkakataon dumalo ang mga kasapi nating “pang gabi.” Nanduon at dumating sina Noel Rodriguez at Teddy Tan, ngunit madami pa rin ang wala kayat 39% lang an gating attendance nung gabing iyon.

Nuon din gabing iyon, ang bago nating miyembro, si Dra. Macy Chan ay nagtalumpati ng kanyang “Classification Talk.” Siya pala ay isang Ophthalmologist – isang doctor sa mata – at hindi dentist ayon sa nasa Roster of Members natin. Sandali lang nagsalita si Dok Macy ngunit mahaba at marami ang mga miyembrong nagtanong at sinamantala ang libreng konsulta sa anumang bagay tungkol sa mata.

Ngayon at mayroon na muli tayong kasamang doctor  ay maari nang gumawa ng proyektong may kinalaman sa mata. Maraming salamat Dok Macy at sana’y kayo’y maging isang ganap na Rotaryo. 

May sakit si Papa Ver nung nakaraang Huwebes. Sana nama’y mabuti na ang kanyang kalagayan.

Pagkatapos ng pagpupulong, ito’y sinundan ng pagpupulong ng mga namumuno ng San Juan Rotary Foundation.  Antabayanan ang ulat sa pagpupulong na ito.

Hindi natuloy yung ating pag bigay ng mga wheelchair para sa Ospital ng San Juan dahil sa lakas ng ulan dulot ng bagyong si Gener. Inilipat nalang sa lunes, ika 6 ng Augosto ang pagtanggap ni Punong Bayan Guia Gomez ang mga alay nating wheelchair sa Ospital ng San Juan.  

Mabuhay tayong lahat J

DP Jovie

July 26, 2012

Mga Kodigo_07262012

Nuong nakaraang pagpupulong, naiulat na may apat (4) na tayong proyektong naitala, ang:

1.) Adopt-a-bed project sa San Juan Medical Center

2.) Busog, Lusog, Talino Feeding Program sa Pinaglabanan Elementary School

3.) Comprehensive Language Encounter (CLE) sa Pinaglabanan Elem. School

4.) Donasyon ng mahigit na 10 Wheelchair sa San Juan Medical Center

Nagmungkahi si Gov. Pepe na sana naman daw ay gumawa tayo ng proyekto kung saan lahat ng kasapi ay maaring makilahok imbes na puros donasyon lamang. Aba, magandang suhestion ito, sana lang lahat ay sangayon at tunay na sasali.

Sa ika-31 ng Hulyo, may Public Image Seminar sa PNP Multi-Purpose Hall, 6:00PM para sa Zones 7 & 8, ito ay pumumunuan ng Rotary Club ng San Juan Del Monte.

Sa ika 09 ng Augosto, nag imbita si Papa Ver ng magsasalita tungkol sa Alternative Learning System (ALS) para sa mga High School Drop-outs. Tanggap na daw ng sistemang pang edukasyon itong ALS upang makapasok ang isang bata sa Kolehiyo.

Sa ika-16 o 30 ng Augosto, inaanyayahan natin sabay ng ilan pang mga Rotary Clubs sa Zone 7 maging guest speaker si  Senador Bongbong Marcos. Hindi pa tiyak ang pag ganap ng pagpupulong na ito. Antabayanan ang susunod na balita tungkol sa paksang ito.

Mabuhay tayong lahatJ

DP Jovie

July 19, 2012

Mga Kodigo_07192012

Ikalawang lingo na ng pananagalog ko sa Pinaglabanan Bulletin. Ang ganda tignan ng Microsoft Word Document na ito habang ako’y nagsusulat, puros pula ang underline, wrong spelling daw ako. Hehehe, hindi lang niya alam, eto at nangangngamote sa pag tatagalog. Yun nga din ang sabi ni Pres Jojo nung isang lingo, nahihirapan na din siya sumulat sa tagalog dahil wala siyang English-Tagalog dictionary. Nakipag-tinginan nga kami kay DP Tony Abola – siya kasi ang dahilan kayat sa wikang pambansa kami naguulat ng mga sanaysay.

Ika-16 ng Hulyo, matiwasay na naumpisahan ang Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Feeding Program sa Pinaglabanan Elementary School. Alas 10 ng umaga kami nagkita-kita nina Pres Jojo, DP Gina Sanchez, Rtn Bel Sinense, at bagong kasapi na si Punong Barangay Ruel Sumaguingsing (mas maaga pang dumating sina Jojo at Gina). Maayos na ang kalagayan ni Rtn Bel – marahil madalas na siyang makakadalo sa ating linguhang pag pupulong-pulong.

Apat na pung (40) kabataan ang ating pinapakain sa programang BLT, at ito’y magpapatuloy hanggang sa susunod na Marso 2013.

Naikunsulta din namin kay Kapitan Ruel ang pagtuturo ng larong football sa mga kabataan ayon sa programa at adhikain ng ating speaker na si Miguel Bermundo. Interesado si Kapitan at may lugar kung san maaring idaos ang programang ito. Maghaharap kami’t paguusapan ang bagay na ito mamayang hapon.

Sunod-sunod ang dating ng mga proyekto sa pamumuno ni Pangulong Jojo. Sana’y maipagbuti natin ang mga proyekto at makumpleto ang mga plano at alituntunin para sa taon na ito.

Mabuhay tayong lahat J

DP Jovie 

July 12, 2012

Mga Kodigo_07122012

Ika 5 ng Hulyo, 2012, unang pagpupulong ng bagong taon, suot ang berdeng barong, madaming panauhin, may apat na taga Pinaglabanan Elementary School, may ‘guest speaker’ - si Abby Carreon ng Jollibee Foundation, sinundan ng pirmahan ng kontrata para sa Busog, Lusog, Talino Feeding Program, at may bago pang ‘inindak’ na ‘member’ – si Ruel Sumaguising, Punong Barangay ng Corazon De Jesus, ano pa ang hihingiin mo? Napakagandang panimula sa RY 2012-13.

Ika 10 ng Hulyo, 2012, alas 8 ng umaga, nasa Multi-Purpose Hall ng San Juan City Hall, kasama ko sina Pangulong Jojo, DP Nan, DP Gina, DP Pol, mga panauhin kami ni Mayor Guia Gomez upang lagdaan ang kasunduan sa isa pang proyekto, ang “Adopt-A-Bed Program.” Humahataw sa mga ‘projects,’ parang nagmamadali - nais tapusin ni Pres. Jojo lahat ng plano bago mag Governor’s Visit sa Oktubre. Marahil, sa susunod na buwan ng Nobyembre, yung BLT Program nalang ang sisiguraduhing tapos at walang sabit hanggang sa buwan ng Marso 2013.

Ang balita ay sa Cebu daw gaganapin ang President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) 2013, sabay ng 10 Distrito ng Rotary sa buong Pilipinas. Ngayon ko palang narinig ang ganitong plano para sa PETS, kakaiba talaga ngunit para ko nang nagugunitang masaya ito. Ewan ko lang kung ano ang palagay ni PE Therese Montecer. Sana hind maging hadlang ang kanyang trabaho sa mga takdang-araw ng PETS.

Mabuhay Tayong Lahat!

Sec./ DP Jovie

July 5, 2012

Secretary’s Corner_07052012

HAPPY NEW ROTARY YEAR to every Juan! Peace be with you.

We again wear our green barong for this our first meeting for RY 2012-13. In accordance with a resolution set at the Club Assembly held last week, June 28 we will don our green barong every first meeting day of the month. We will also maintain holding the last Thursday of the month in the evening so our “Members by Night” will have the chance to attend our meetings.

President Jojo Bacarro has started his term ‘flying.’

In a meeting held last June 30, the Rotary Club of San Juan and the Jollibee Foundation have sealed our partnership to offer a feeding program that will cover 136 days and benefit 40 malnourished Grade 1 pupils of the Pinaglabanan Elementary School under the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) program. The BLT program will commence on July 15, 2012 and run till March 2013.

The BLT program will cost a total of Php 60,000 where RCSJ’s share is Php 15,000 or 25%. The program will involve teachers, parents, and Barangay officials as we endeavour to make this a continuing and self sustaining program in the years ahead.

This program qualifies our club to meet several thrusts of this Rotary Year and fulfil service projects under the different avenues of service.

Let us welcome to our meeting representatives of the Jollibee Foundation, the Pinaglabanan Elementary School Principal, who together with our Pres. Jojo Bacarro will sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the Busog, Lusog, Talino project. Let us support Pres. Jojo in this grand project and be witnesses to this momentous occasion.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

Sec. / PP Jovie

DISTRICT 3800 SEAMLESS SEMINAR, MAY 26, 2012

It was a 3 for 1 event, interpreted; “Three seminars in one afternoon” or “Three seminars for the price of one.” Hosted by the Rotary Club of San Juan and the Rotary E-club of San Juan 3800, held at the historic Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino, 209 delegates from District 3800 (43 Peace Builder Presidents) experienced its first Seamless Seminar in what normally would have been three separate sessions (each charging participants PHP 300 per seminar) was offered all together for just PHP 300. What a bargain!

Three Past District Governors from three other Rotary Districts were resource speakers namely: (speaker and their topic) PDG Ursula “Chit” Lijauco, D3820, Public Image; PDG Rolando “Oyan” Villanueva, D3790, Membership; PDG Roberto “Bobby” Viray, D3790, The Rotary Foundation – all Coordinators of their special fields for their respective district – all high calibre speakers, all in one afternoon. What a deal!

The room was packed, the food sumptuous (everyone had their fill), and there were raffle prizes donated by the generous Rotarians of D3800. That’s value for money!

In summary, the event organizers (DGE Lirio Sandoval, ISG Augie Soliman, IDSG Danilo Santos, IPP Gina Sanchez, PDG Pepe Peralta) ascertained that participants learned about the three important Rotary subjects, were fed well, immensely entertained, and went home smiling. Now that’s Service Above Self!

PP Jovie Sison, RC San Juan

June 30, 2012

Random Thoughts_06302012

Incoming President Jojo Bacarro (whose term begins tomorrow, July 1) will start the Rotary Year ‘flying.’

In a meeting held today (June 30), the Rotary Club of San Juan and the Jollibee Foundation sealed our partnership to offer a feeding program that will cover 136 days and benefit 40 malnourished Grade 1 pupils of the Pinaglabanan Elementary School under the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) program. The BLT program will commence on July 15, 2012 and run till March 2013.

The BLT program will cost a total of Php 60,000 where RCSJ’s share is Php 15,000 or 25%. The program will involve teachers, parents, and Barangay officials as we endeavour to make this a continuing and self sustaining program in the years ahead.

This program qualifies our club to meet several thrusts of this Rotary Year and fulfil service projects under the different avenues of service.

On July 5, our club’s first meeting date for the new Rotary Year, the Jollibee Foundation, the Pinaglabanan Elementary School Principal, and Pres. Jojo Bacarro will sign the Memorandum of Agreement. Let us be on-hand to witness this momentous occasion.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

June 28, 2012

Random Thoughts_06282012

Today, June 28 was our last meeting day for Rotary Year 2011-2012. The group decided to make this an evening meeting and conduct a Club Assembly. Incoming President Jojo Bacarro, whose term starts July 1, presented the Club’s plans and programs for this RY, where delivery dates and deadlines were confirmed by the members there present.

After the Club Assembly, some members continued on to fellowship and imbibed in our favourite drink named after the Arch Angel.

We congratulate President Nan Sallan and thank him for a job well done. We also committed our support to incoming Pres. Jojo Bacarro in the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation.

Mabuhay RC San Juan!

PP Jovie Sison

June 21, 2012

Random Thoughts_06212012

On June 21, 2012 the Rotary Club of San Juan Inducted its Officers and Directors for Rotary Year 2012-2013. It was a joint ceremony together with the Rotary Eclub of San JuanD3800 and was held at the Gabaldon Room of Club Filipino.

Incoming District 3800 Governor Lirio Sandoval graced the occasion, he was accompanied by his spouse Glo and other Past District Governors, their spouses, and District Officers were also present.

Aside from members of the two host clubs, several members of Past President denominations namely: Visionary Presidents, Global Presidents, Majestic Presidents, and Peace Builder Presidents were on hand to witness incoming Presidents Jojo Bacarro (RCSJ) and Erwin Zabala (RECSJ3800) swear in and accept the responsibilities of their position. Both presidents stood beside their lovely spouses during their Induction.

The tone for the program was set when Future Governor Benny Pe of RCSJ made the Welcome Remarks and PP Pol Leoncio introduced the dignitaries and guests. PN Ginger Borja of the Eclub and I were Masters of Ceremony for this affair.

Valedictory speeches from outgoing presidents Nan Sallan (RCSJ) and CP Nina Florentino (RECSJ3800) were substantiated by audio visual presentations of their accomplishments.

The acceptance speeches by the incoming presidents were concise and promised continuity of club projects and cooperation with fellow members and the District Administration.

The District Governor Lirio Sandoval’s speech confirmed that he is ‘down-to-earth’ and a no frills type of person. He provided a segment in his speech to emphasize the significance of the Service Above Self award that was bestowed on PDG Pepe Peralta by Rotary International at the District Awards Night last June 15, 2012. PDG Jun Farcon who nominated PDG Pepe Peralta for the award, was also present to ceremoniously pin and hand over to PDG Pepe the Service Above Self plaque from R.I.   

In District 3800, PDG Pepe Peralta is only the 6^th recipient of the Service Above Self award, the last award went to PDG Paul Honorio 12 years ago (in the year 2000). Other previous recipients of this award are: PDGs Lina Aurelio, Eddie Chua C.K., Ruf Luna, and Fil Alano.

To cap the evening, a 21 inch color tv was given as raffle prize that was won by a member of the Rotary Eclub of San Juan 3800.

It was a meaningful event that was well prepared and conducted the RC San Juan way. Kudos to the members of both clubs who have helped make this event a success.

In closing let me congratulate Pres. Nan and CP Nina who did well at their ‘turn at the helm’ for their respective clubs and wish them well in their future Rotary endeavours.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

June 14, 2012

Random Thoughts…06142012

It was a day to celebrate several occasions for our June 7 meeting. First was our Club’s 42^nd Charter Anniversary (though two days ahead of the official date). We started with a Mass at 6pm and followed with a sumptuous dinner buffet. We also celebrated Pres Nan’s birthday (June 6) who brought several ‘signature’ dishes such as callos, pancit molo, and bicol express for our enjoyment. Happy Birthday Pres. Nan!

Guests were aplenty, mostly Majestic Presidents (classmates of Pres Nan), and some members of RC San Juan North who dropped in even just to say ‘Hi” before they started their own meeting in the next room. 

As another evening meeting, the ‘Members of the Night’ namely Noel Rodriguez, Teddy Tan and Doc Al Lopez were able to attend. Next week’s meeting will be our Club’s Induction of Officers and Directors (June 21). We will hold this together with our daughter club the Eclub of San Juan. As another evening meeting, we expect to see everyone present and garbed in our new green barong.

Our green barongs signify that our club is not just Number One, but that we are also Earth Friendly.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

June 7, 2012

Random Thoughts…06072012

Last week’s meeting was our monthly evening meeting. As a fellowship meeting, updates and announcements came albeit more lively and interesting. This is perhaps what happens when members are having fun during our meetings which gives credence to the thought, “It is more fun in RC San Juan.”

Today, our club celebrates our 42nd anniversary. We look back and remember members who have come and gone, club accomplishments that have brought us to where we are, and look with confidence into the future because of quality members that will ascertain that our club remains meaningful and relevant, the Rotary Way.

Kudos RC San Juan!

Cheers and enjoy Rotary :-)

PP Jovie

May 24, 2012

Random Thoughts…05242012

 It is heart warming to note the outpouring of support for PE Jojo Bacarro when majority of our members attended and participated in our Club’s Strategic Planning Conference at the Fontana Resorts, Clark Field Pampanga last Friday and Saturday, May 18-19. As a result, we have updated our Club’s three year plan and also made specific programs for the coming Rotary Year (during the term of PE Jojo).

In behalf of the Club, I would like to thank the following: PP Doray Giorla for being such a gracious host at the Fontana Resort; all our lady members namely Treasurer Annie Tomas, Rotarians Rose Caoc and Therese Montecer – for seeing to it that we were all fed with delicious and sumptuous food throughout our stay; for IPP Gina Sanchez who came with the computer, projector, and screen that made updating the 3-year plan a cinch; for FDG Benny Pe for his valuable comments and in enabling all of us to watch the Pilita Corrales concert at the Mimosa Casino; our male members namely PDG Pepe Peralta, PP Tony Abola, PP Noni Topacio, PP Manny Guia, PP Pol Leoncio, Pres. Nan Sallan, PE Jojo Bacarro, Rtn. David Taningco - for their fellowship that made the Strategic Planning Session fun and relevant.

Another positive development during the Planning Conference was getting the Club’s succession plan in order starting with President Nominee Therese Montecer and President Nominee Designate David Taningco. With this I am confident our Club will maintain our prominence in Zone 7 and District 3800. It goes without saying that our Club will continue to support Therese and David during their term as Club President.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

May 10, 2012

Random Thoughts…05102012

We had a low attendance in last week’s meeting, the first meeting for the month of May following the evening meeting we had the week before. Could it be perhaps due to the record high temperatures we have been having lately? At any rate, Pres Nan Sallan and PE Jojo Bacarro each shared their experience from DISTAS 2012 held last April 28 & 29 at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay. Also representing our Club in DISTAS 2012 were: PDG Pepe Peralta, PP Tony Abola, PP Noni Topacio, PP Pol Leoncio, PP/Incoming Asst. Governor Doray Giorla, IPP Gina Sanchez, and I.

Pres Nan also announced our Club’s Strategic Planning Session on May 18 & 19 at the Fontana Resort in Clark, Pampanga. He also announced the District Seamless 3-in-1 Seminar (Membership, TRF, Public Image) that our club will be hosting on May 26 at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino.

We were also informed that three of our members will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Bangkok Thailand on May 6, namely: Pres Nan Sallan, Sec/IPP Gina Sanchez, and PE Jojo Bacarro. PDG Pepe will miss this year’s convention because his Passport needs to be renewed. Let’s wait for the three to share their R.I. Convention experience.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

PP Jovie

April 19, 2012

Random Thoughts…04192012

Last week’s guest speaker was Mr. Chris Lacson of Habitat Corp. who shared his passion for Industrial Design by showing pictures of his recent works. The speech gave us insight into a rare field – where Filipinos can excel. Members were amazed at the creativity of Mr. Lacson and his advocacy against Nuclear Power Plants was noteworthy.

More on last week’s meeting, officers of the Philippine National Red Cross - Rizal Chapter were present to witness the handover of two (2) scholarship certificates given by PDG Pepe Peralta (Philippine School for Business Administration) to the winners of the Mr. and Ms. Teen Red Cross pageant. The certificates were turned over by PDG Pepe Peralta who in turn also received a plaque of appreciation from the Red Cross Rizal Chapter.

Members are abuzz about the coming District Assembly in Tagaytay on April 28 and 29. Members who will be trekking to Tagaytay have already made arrangements with FDG Benny Pe to stay in Estancia. See you there!

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

April 12, 2012

Random Thoughts…04122012

Our last meeting held March 29, 2012 was a joint (evening) meeting with our daughter club, the Rotary Eclub of San Juan. The meeting provided the much needed break from the regular weekly noontime meetings. The Eclub wanted to hold their monthly ‘physical’ meeting together with us so we can discuss the program for the joint Induction of officers in June, and both our club’s Anniversary.

Also at our last meeting, we inducted two ‘balik’ Rotarians namely: Teddy Tan and Dr. Al Lopez. Atty. Jesus Antonio Ros, the Division Chief of the Intellectual Property Office, was our guest speaker. His subject was about Trademarks. A good friend of Pres. Nan, Atty Ros is being considered for membership into our club. Atty Ros said that evening meetings will make it possible for him to attend our Rotary meetings. We are beginning to see the advantages of holding one meeting a month in the evening to enable those who find it difficult to attend our regular noontime meetings.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary 

PP Jovie

March 29, 2012

Random Thoughts…03292012

DISCON 2012 is over, and President Nan Sallan’s term turns a corner, nearing its completion and the eventual turnover of the presidency to PE Jojo Bacarro who will be introduced to the District in the coming District Assembly on April 28 and 29, in Tagaytay. In preparation for this junket, some members have already asked FDG Benny Pe for discounts at his Estancia Resort.

With the recent announcement that Rtn Bel Sinense cannot assume the role of our Club’s President Nominee, we tried to persuade Rtn Therese Montecer to accept the now vacant position. Therese’s additional responsibilities at Allied Bank that accompanied her promotion to AVP however, also caused her to decline the PN position. As such, PE Jojo Bacarro has been advised that he may have to ‘extend’ his presidency to another term as ‘Hold-over President’ in case no one accepts the PN position.

Today’s meeting happens to be the last Thursday of the month – a day reserved for our evening meeting that allows members who find it difficult to attend our regular noontime meetings, to join us and be updated on club activities. We welcome our daughter club, the E-Club of San Juan who is holding their monthly ‘physical’ meeting and decided to join us to better discuss and prepare for our joint Induction of Officers on June 7, 2012.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie

March 22, 2012

Random Thoughts…03222012

Last week’s Day Chairman, Rtn. Therese Montecer invited her boss from Allied Bank and other associates from PNB Beneficial Life Insurance Co. to present an investment/insurance product to our members with the hope of getting new clients. It was a Coup of sorts for Therese because under normal circumstances, her firm would have footed the lunch bill for the selling opportunity. But since last week’s lunch buffet was on Rtn Ompong Ordanez, Therese got away Scott-free! What a fine subject for today’s Recognition Time.

Tomorrow and Saturday, our club will be attending the District Conference at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Except for Baby Rotarian Kathy Santos (who is abroad) we posted a 100% registration for the Discon.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary 

PP Jovie

March 15, 2012

Random Thoughts…03152012

Ladies and Gentlemen, our President Elect is ready to assume his post as Club President on July 1, 2012!

PE Jojo Bacarro has successfully completed the President Elect and Secretary’s Training Seminar (PESETS) last March 3 and 10, at the Dep-Ed, in Marikina. The course syllabus was very informative and one noteworthy speaker was very inspiring. The two day event has started PE Jojo’s Rotarization.

Last Sunday March 11, some of our members were invited to the birthday celebration of newly elected District Governor Nominee Designate Marilou Co of RC San Juan Del Monte, held at the Johnson Park of North Greenhills. This marks the first Husband and Wife team who will both be Rotary District Governors. When CP Marilou Co assumes her post as District Governor, how will we address her spouse, will it be DGG for District Governor Gentleman? It is also interesting to note how PDG Tony Co (as spouse of DGN Marilou) would preside over the spouse’s committee.

Unless there are valid objections from our membership, PE Jojo wants to hold a simultaneous celebration of our Club Anniversary and Induction of Officers and Directors on June 7, 2012, JOINTLY with our daughter the Rotary E-Club of San Juan 3800. This will be a noon time affair on a Thursday. I hope no one will “Challenge” this plan.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary :)

PP Jovie

March 8, 2012

Random Thoughts…03082012

In preparation for his eventual assumption as Club President in Rotary Year 2012-2013, President Elect Jojo Bacarro presided over last week’s meeting though Pres Nan was present. News about the just concluded Fiesta Palarotary was announced by Pres Nan during the President’s Time segment of our program while Secretary and Immediate Past President Gina Sanchez reminded PE Jojo Bacarro about the coming President Elect Training Seminar on March 3 at the DEP-ED in Marikina. There will also be a Secretary Elect Training Seminar this Saturday March 10 in the same venue in Marikina.

Our Club will be attending the coming District Conference ‘en banc’ (except Rtn Katherine Santos who is abroad). We have already registered to avail of the early bird discount.  New Rotarians will finally be able to experience attending a Discon.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

March 1, 2012

Random Thoughts…03012012

Last week’s meeting was held on a Friday night to devote longer time for fellowship. The irony of it all however, was that the formal meeting proper took longer than our regular weekly meetings. This was a good thing because there was a lot of interesting topics discussed during our meeting. PP Jimmy Ortigas, still weak but nevertheless feeling better after his bout with Dengue, was our impromptu guest speaker.

PP Jimmy spoke about the most recent development concerning the withdrawal of the “challenge” posted by the losing candidate for District Governor Nominee Designate. As such, it is now official that CP Marilou Co of RC San Juan Del Monte is our new DGND and will assume the DG position in RY 2014-2015. After this topic, PP Jimmy wanted to talk about the stock market but was swayed by clamor from our members to shed light on the highly publicized news about his second cousin, Paqui Ortigas.

It was announced by Pres Nan that every last Friday of the month, our club would meet and replace the Thursday noon meeting for that week. This was a move to break the monotony of our regular Thursday meetings.  The nice thing is that we could still order breakfast for an evening meeting. One drawback of holding our meetings in the evening is that Rotarians with “strong-willed” spouses were notably absent.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

February 24, 2012

Random Thoughts…02242012

Last week, the club participated in Operation We Care, a Rotary Medical, Surgical, Dental mission done in cooperation with 48 foreign doctors, dentists, and medical professionals from the USA, Canada, and Germany, and conducted at the San Juan Medical Center, from Feb. 13 to 17. This is a joint project of the Rotary Clubs in the San Juan Zone, the lead club being RC Downtown San Juan. Our club was assigned to assist and attend to the foreign doctors last Thursday, Feb. 16. This was a whole day affair.

Two weeks before, we had a guest speaker, Dr. Antonio Tan, MD fo the Polymedic Hospital in Mandaluyong. His topic was on Erectile Dysfunction. As always, during the open forum, several members took advantage of the free consultation. Now PP Pol knows why he frequently gets dizzy.

On the District Nominating Committee level, the ‘losing’ candidate for District Governor, CP Maricris Pineda ‘challenged’ the results of the election. As such, a total of nine Rotary Clubs are now needed to support the challenge. This requires the club’s Board approval and its resolution should be submitted on or before March 5. If nine clubs support the ‘challenge,’ election will be done on the club level. As mentioned in previous articles, it is pathetic how some Rotarians would go to against the flow and seek the position.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie 

February 9, 2012

Random Thoughts…02092012

Only in RC San Juan – can you find a passionate Rotarian who has led us in the singing of the Rotary Hymn for three consecutive weeks, and cap last week’s rendition with an evangelical holding and raising of hands at the song’s finale. Yes PP Noel Mesina who claims to be a personal acquaintance of the Rotary Hymn’s composer, George Canseco, converted last week’s community singing into a religious event. I mean, it’s a touching song, don’t get me wrong, but at the end of singing the Rotary Hymn last week I felt like shouting Alleluia!

The Rotary Hymn and the only other song, “You Don’t Know Me” has moved PP Noel to jump up from his seat, grab the microphone and sing – sometimes, solo. Thanks to PP Noel, DGE Lirio Sandoval should be glad our club knows The Rotary Hymn by heart (and soul).

We are still in a quandary if CP Marilou Co has already been declared District Governor Nominee Designate after news that the losing candidate CP Maricris Pineda was going to challenge the result of the election conducted by the District Nominating Committee. Perhaps the Rotary adage “It is the position that seeks the man (woman)” should be explained to CP Maricris, that if you have not been elected, the position obviously did not seek you, and that if you challenge – you are going against the adage and seeking the position.

Makes you wonder why some people would go to such lengths to be District Governor. It’s such a thankless job anyways.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

February 2, 2012

Random Thoughts…02022012

Last week’s meeting took us away from our usual weekly venue so we can be with our adopted school, the San Juan National High School. We were joined by the officers of the Interact Club of San Juan National High School together with their adviser. I counted about ten members from our club who were present for the meeting including PP Tito Mabanta who was accompanied by his entourage. Coming from a business meeting, PP Tony Abola caught up with us just as we were about to leave the school premises. We were also informed that PP Dondo Lim was at Club Filipino.

After the meeting proper, we went around the school to take pictures of the library whose Internet connectivity is provided by our club, the cold drinking water fountain (also provided by our club), and the refurbished Rotary Seal and Four Way Test engraved in granite slab in front of the school. Across the school is the newly constructed City Hall of San Juan, a majestic white building with some touches of Spanish architectural design.

Posted at last week’s bulletin were reports from Pres. Nan and Sec. Gina about the just concluded Mid-Year Review. Our Club continues to lead the San Juan Zone in terms of the following categories: Total TRF Contributions (3^rd overall); Per Capita contribution (2^nd overall); and attendance (5^th overall). 

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

January 26, 2012

Random Thoughts…01262012

Where is PP Jimmy? I was hoping to see PP Jimmy Ortigas in our meeting last week since RC Pasig was not holding their meeting on the usual day/time (that coincided with our meeting). In fact, PP Bobby Paterno of RC Pasig attended our meeting to make-up for his previous week’s absence.

PP Pol Leoncio reported that the District Nominating Committee will be selecting the next District Governor Nominee on January 21 (Saturday). The candidates are: CP Marilou Co of RC San Juan Del Monte, and CP Maricris Pineda of RC San Juan Gems.

News has it that CP Marlou Co was elected DG Nominee at a vote of 16-2. I believe that we are still within the prescription period for the losing candidate to “challenge” the results of the election. It is a pity really if losing candidates start to question the veracity of the election system. Let us expect an update from PP Pol Leoncio on this matter.

At last week’s meeting, PDG Pepe Peralta asked Pres Nan how preparations are coming along for the week-long medical mission in February involving foreign medical doctors. Apparently no one could point with any certainty where we are as such it was suggested that we invite a member of the sponsoring Rotary club, RC Downtown San Juan to give us an update.

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

January 19, 2012

Random Thoughts…01192012

PE Jojo Bacarro finally got to feel how it is to preside over a Rotary meeting when he banged the bell and gavel to open and eventually close last week’s meeting. PE Jojo even went as far as delivering the “President’s Time” where he announced the roster of officers and committee heads of the five avenues of service for the next Rotary Year. We expect Rtn Rose Caoc to post the list of officers in our Pinaglabanan Bulletin.

More on last week’s meeting, each of us donated Php 500 for Typhoon Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. We also celebrated the birthdays of Tita Annie Tomas, PP Manny Guia, and PP Noni Topacio. ‘Pee-Birthday-toooooo-yooooooo!’

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie

Rotary clubs worldwide meet US$200 million fundraising challenge for polio eradication

Despite a stagnant global economy, Rotary clubs around the world have succeeded in raising more than US$200 million in new funding for polio eradication.   The fundraising milestone, announced today at Rotary’s annual International Assembly in San Diego, was reached in response to a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. All funds have been earmarked to support polio immunization activities in countries where this vaccine-preventable disease continues to paralyze children.   “We’ll celebrate this milestone, but it doesn’t mean that we’ll stop raising money or spreading the word about polio eradication,” Rotary Foundation Trustee John F. Germ told the annual conference of Rotary leaders. “We can’t stop until our entire world is certified as polio free.”   “In recognition of Rotary’s great work, and to inspire Rotarians in the future, the [Gates] foundation is committing an additional $50 million to extend our partnership,” said Jeff Raikes, chief executive officer of the Gates Foundation. “Rotary started the global fight against polio, and continues to set the tone for private fundraising, grassroots engagement and maintaining polio at the top of the agenda with key policy makers.”   Since 1988, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99 percent, from about 350,000 infections annually to fewer than 650 cases reported so far for 2011. The wild poliovirus now remains endemic – meaning its transmission has never been stopped – in only four countries: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. However, India on January 13 marked a full calendar year without a case, paving the way for its removal from the endemic list.   But other countries also remain at risk for polio cases imported from the endemic countries. In Africa in 2011, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had significant outbreaks. Also in 2011, a small cluster of polio cases in China, which had been polio-free for a decade, was attributable to a virus from Pakistan.   Rotary members not only reached into their own pockets to support the Gates challenge,but engaged their communities in a variety of creative fundraising projects, such as a fashion show in California that raised $52,000; benefit film screenings in New Zealand and Australia that netted $54,000; and a pledge-supported hike through Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, that brought in $38,000. Many events were planned around October 24, widely observed as World Polio Day.   To date, Rotary club members worldwide have contributed more than $1 billion toward the eradication of polio, a cause Rotary took on in 1985. In 1988, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joined Rotary as spearheading partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. More recently, the Gates Foundation has become a major supporter. In 2007, the Gates Foundation gave Rotary a $100 million challenge grant for polio eradication, increasing it to $355 million in 2009. Rotary agreed to raise $200 million in matching funds by June 30, 2012. Reaching children with the oral polio vaccine in the disease’s remaining strongholds is labor and resource -intensive due to a host of challenges, including poor infrastructure, geographical isolation, armed conflict and cultural misunderstanding about the eradication campaign.

Promote the success of the US$200 million challenge in your community

To help you publicize your club or district efforts toward meeting the US$200 million fundraising challenge in support of polio eradication, a news release template will be available for download in eight languages by Wednesday, 18 January atwww.rotary.org. In addition to distributing this news release to your local media, share it through social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and include it in your club or district newsletter.

January 12, 2012

Random Thoughts…01122012

Happy Birthday to PP Noni Topacio who celebrates his birthday today, and belated birthday greetings to Treasurer Annie Tomas (Jan. 9)

Last week’s meeting was the first for 2012, and the first meeting for the second half of this Rotary Year. Our attendance was very good, and PP Pol Leoncio was the “early bird.” I was hoping PE Jojo Bacarro would preside over the meeting, since Pres. Nan was somewhat under the weather. At any rate, almost all participants in the program were present. We did not have a guest speaker but the salient matters discussed during our meeting was the coming selection of District Nominating Committee members at the breakfast meeting on Jan. 7, and that our club would submit our “Adoption of San Juan National High School” as a Significant Project to R.I. for this R.Y.

Congratulations to PP Pol Leoncio for being selected as a member of the District Nominating Committee, as one of two members representing our San Juan Zone. The DNC in turn will be responsible for selecting the District Governor Nominee Designate (after DGE Lirio Sandoval, DGN Louie Ticman). There are two contenders for the DGND position, both coming from the San Juan Zone, both are Charter Presidents, both are lady Rotarians, and both are Senior Deputy Governors for this Rotary Year. The candidates are: CP Marilou Co of San JuanDel Monte, and CP Maricris Pineda of San Juan Gems. We hope and pray the DNC selects the best candidate for the position.

Erratum on last week’s San Juan Observer article…PP Pol Leoncio was one of the birthday celebrants during our Dec. 08 Christmas Party (and not PP Joe Castro). My apologies to PP Pol

Cheers and enjoy RotaryJ

PP Jovie