Charter President Bobby Dimayuga

The Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio, RI District 3830, was chartered on March 29, 2000. It was sponsored by RC Rizal West, our mother club. The Charter President was Bobby Dimayuga.

I think it was the first time in several years that CP Bob has discussed again how the club was created, who were the members, circumstances behind its creation, in his talk last April 08, 2013, held at Metro Club, Rockwell, Makati. Below, Peace President Rose Antonio giving the plaque of appreciation to CP Bob after his talk.

Bob said that in 1999-2000, Fort Bonifacio was mostly cogonal and grassland, with just very few buildings standing. When they were approached by RC Rizal West, he was just around 36 years old, gaining momentum for his career, was not rich, and was wondering how he can help others, the needy people, when he himself was not really financially stable then.

Besides, Fort Bonifacio was a generally lonely place then, whom will they recruit to the club except his officemates and some friends in the area. So if he sees his officemates at daytime, he will see them again weekly, not a cool idea.

But then the guys at RC Rizal West were persistent, and after several meetings, an election of club officers was held, he was being "set up" by his friends and charter members to become the Charter President. He could no longer back out, so he went ahead to preside the new club.

It was a blessing for him, he recounted. Because his friends and network among professionals and businessmen has suddenly expanded in the District. And while he thought that a weekly meeting was "too much", after several months, he got used to meeting the members weekly. When there are weeks that there were no meetings, say due to bad weather or a holiday, he was missing his clubmates. Guys that later became Presidents of the Club too -- PPs Charles Mercado, Jed Inciong, Caloy Morante, Joel Ciron, Romel Villegas.

Giving community services were made easier with the help of District officials and our mother club. An Interact Club was also established at R. Papa High School. Bob recalled that while he was spending extra for the various club activities and community projects, he noticed that somehow new resources were also coming unto him rather unexpectedly.

It was nice to hear CP Bob sharing what it was during his term -- last quarter of RY 1999-2000, and full RY 2000-2001. I joined the club in late 2004. Carlos "Caloy" Morante was the President then. PP Joel Ciron invited me to the club.

Group photo after Bob's talk. From left, standing: a guest (sorry, I forgot his name), Marco Pagaduan, PP Norlan de Leon, me , PP Niel Antonio, PP Romel Villegas. Sitting, from left: President-Elect Meann de Leon (wife of Norlan), Peace President Rose Antonio, and CP Bob.

A wacky pose :-)

Thanks for that insightful and wonderful evening, CP Bob. I appreciated the club and its history even more with what you shared with us that night.

Peace President Rose Antonio

Our current President, Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio this rotary year 2012-2013, Peace President Rose Antonio, should be the most hard working among us, Past Presidents in recent years. She has achieved many things for the club, more than my term definitely, absolutely.

To see what I mean, check The Globalist, special issue, nearly 50 pages of photos and description of club activities and accomplishment, for the communities, for the District, with our sister clubs.

President Rose is also the wife of our club Past President (PP) Niel Antonio, who served in RY 2010-2011. They have two kids who would join us in some club activities and fellowships, like during our Christmas Party in Tagaytay.

Recently, I have been absent in some club meetings for some reasons. Among these meetings were the talk by PP Chary Misa of RC Rizal West, our "mother club" meaning their club sponsored the creation and chartering of our club in March 2000. PP Chary is a nice, friendly and warm lady who shared some information about Rotary International and our District 3830.

In this photo, from left: Jhun Mendoza, Marco Pagaduan, Era Eguia, Chary Misa, President Elect (PE) MeAnn de Leon, President Rose, and PP Norlan de Leon.

I was also absent during the club strategic planning for the term of PE and income President MeAnn de Leon. In this photo, from left standing: Basil Semilla, PP Norlan de Leon, PP Niel Antonio, Mike Michener. Sitting from left: Amy Semilla, PE MeAnn, President Rose, Era Eguia.

This week, I was not able to listen to a classification talk by Basil, who talked about Shipping and Freight Forwarding, the sector where he is currently working. I was told that it was a very interesting talk, I hope it will be repeated in the club, with more members attending, me included.

This was about two months ago, when new member, Mike Michener, beside Pres. Rose, gave a brief classification talk about "Life Coaching" and counselling. Luckily I was there.

The signature project of the club this year was the Art Peace 2013, a painting contest among university students in Metro Manila on the theme of promoting peace and conflict resolution. District Governor Sue Sta. Maria, some district officials, were our guests that afternoon, along with the six finalists. The winners are also in this photo. 

Our club also has at least three sisterhood agreement with other clubs -- with RC Intramuros in Manila, RC Diliman North in Quezon City, and below, with RC Alabang Centerpoint, from our own District.

Our club was also among the donors in the Rotary Homes in Paranaque. This is emerging as following the initiatves by Gawad Kalinga -- all private donations to give decent and humane housing for the poor, zero government or tax money was used. President Rose was not there during the turn over ceremony, attended by Rotary Homes Foundation President, PDG Sid Garcia, PDG Ed Alvarez, and PDG Paul Horng from Taiwan. He was also the Rotary International President Representative (RIPR) during the D3830 DisCon 2013 held at Manila Hotel last March.

The club was also among the sponsors of the sponsors during the 11th Pambansang Bakas Seminar-Workshop for Educators in San Antonio De Padua College in Pila, Laguna, held from April 3-6, 2013.

Your term as club President is ending soon, super-thanks for all your effort, hard work, extra expenses, President Rose. As a Past President myself, I can vouch how inspiring you have been to the club members and PPs alike.

Cheers.

DISTAS 2013

I attended the District Assembly (Distas) today of RI District 3830. A Distas is the training of all incoming officers of each rotary club. It was another educational and inspiring conference. Food was nice. Six of us from our club, RC Taguig Fort Bonifacio, attended. Led by Peace President Rose Antonio and President-Elect Meann de Leon.

Hats off to District Governor Sue Sta. Maria and next Governor Robert Kuan. Below is the list of activities.
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DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 2013

 Engage Rotary, Change Lives

May 4, 2013, Saturday 

Asian Institute of Management Conference Center Manila (ACCM)

Opening Ceremony and First Plenary

Call to Oder                                     Suzanne Villa Sta. Maria

                                                          District Governor

Invocation                                        Ma. Theda Collantes

                                                          First Class President, 2013-14

National Anthem                            Audio-Visual                            

Acknowledgement of                     Ester Florendo 

   Dignitaries  and                           District Secretary, RY 2013-14

Roll Call of Clubs                           Lilibeth de la Cruz               

                                                        Deputy District Secretary, RY 2013-14

Welcome Remarks                         CP Lina Hilario

                                                         Chair, District Assembly

Message                                          Suzanne Villa Sta. Maria

                                                         District Governor

Overview                                        PDG Isidro Garcia

                                                                       District Trainer,  RY 2013-14

Introduction of Incoming              Evelyn Vale

              Governor                                     Deputy Senior Assistant Governor

Address                                          Robert F. Kuan  

                                                       First Class Governor, RY 2013-14

Break–Out  Session 1:   ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLUB OFFICERS	TOPIC	Speaker/Discussion Leader
President-Elect	Public Speaking	PDG Lyne Abanilla District 3810
Treasurer	Role & Responsibility	PP Ofelia Flores District Treasurer
Secretary Club Administration             Protocol Officer Sergeant-At-Arms	Role & Responsibility	PP Marge Lamberte Deputy District Secretary
Membership Club Trainers	Role & Responsibility	PP Joji Tan District Committee Chairperson
Club Public Relations  and Public Image	Developing  Goal	Pepito Bengzon                                                                                         District Governor Nominee Designate
Club Service Projects	Role & Responsibility	Cora Tan District Committee Chairperson Rick Nimo District Subcommittee Chairperson Ed Escano District Subcommittee Chairperson
The Rotary Foundation		PDG Ed Alvarez District Rotary Foundation Chairperson

                             Introduction of resource persons by Presidents-elect of Host Clubs

Introduction of  Guest  Speaker  PDG Isidro Garcia

“Rotary and Nation-Building”       PDG Melito Salazar Jr.

                                                          District 3780

Recognition                                      DGE Robert F Kuan

Lunch/ Raffle                                                                                                                                  

        Musical Numbers                    Rotary Club Parañaque Midtown

                            

Second Plenary Session  :             CP Edna Sutter

   Six Areas of Focus                      District Committee Chair                   

                                                        and her subcommittee chairpersons

                                               

            *      Moderators:    PP Ador Tolentino and PP Brenda Hernandez  * 

Break–Out  Session  2:

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EFFECTIVE CLUB PLANNING

CLUB OFFICERS	TOPIC	Speaker/Discussion Leader
President-Elect	Club Strategic Planning & Effective Club Planning	PDG Danny Fausto D3780
Treasurer	Developing Goals	PP Ofelia Flores
Secretary and Club Administration	Developing Goals	IPDG Billy Villareal
Club Membership Club Trainer	Developing Goals	DCC  Joji Tan and Subcommittee Chairpersons
Club Public Relations/ Public Image	Role and Responsibility	PP Marivic del Pilar District Committee Chair
Club Service Project	Developing Goals	PDG Jimmy Cura D3830
Club TRF -                               District and Global Grants	Developing Goals	PDG Jess Cifra D3780

              Introduction of resource persons by Presidents-elect of Host Clubs

Introduction of  Guest Speaker        Danny Gapasin, Jr

                                                            First Class President

                                                            Rotary Club Paranaque Southwest 

Third Plenary Session

       “The Power of One,                 Dr. Siva Ananthan

       The Leader in You”                  Past President

                                                          Rotary Club Greater Kuala Lumpur D3300

Recognition                                     DGE Robert F. Kuan

Presentation of  Commitments     First Class Presidents                                             

                                              

ENGAGEMENT,  ADJOURNMENT        DGE ROBERT F. KUAN

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See also: 
Distass, May 6, June 23, 2006 
DISTAS 2010, May 11, 2010

Art Peace 2013

* This is my article for our club newsletter, The Globalist, Special Issue, released last week. The photos I just added here.
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Art Peace 2013

As the world modernizes, as people mobility across countries and continents expands, it creates more diversity among people. While this is a good thing to recognize that after all, we live in just one global village, it also creates some animosity and even anger for some people as their previously mono-cultural city or community undergoes piecemeal changes towards multi-cultural and economic activities. Thus, the quest for peace and tolerance at the global, national and local community levels, is a continuing challenge for humanity. And most especially among Rotarians.

To contribute to this search for peace and tolerance, the Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio spearheaded an important project for the youth, the “Art Peace” competition for college/university students in Metro Manila. Its main objective is to campaign and reiterate Rotary's thrust, ideals and advocacy to the new generation or the youth through visual arts.  

The project covers the following:  Public Image, New Generation and Areas of Focus. This is consistent with this year’s Rotary International theme, “Peace Through Service” via Rotary's Areas of Focus:

1.  Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution

2.  Disease Prevention and Treatment

3.  Water and Sanitation

4.  Maternal and Child Health

5.  Basic Education and Literacy

6. Economic and Community Development

The club secured an endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), printed posters and invitation letters to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of different colleges and universities in Metro Manila. These were distributed in early March 2013.

Pretty soon, many entries and art pieces were submitted to the club. Some were arranged for pick up in their universities.

Judgement day, the “Art Peace 2013” was set last April 7, 2013, from 1-6 pm. Venue was the Arts in the City, FVR Park, Federacion Drive corner 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The top six contestants were invited, Club members brought their friends, and some District officials and a President of another clubs in the District came.

Aside from the top six art pieces displayed that afternoon, impressive art works of three guest artists were also shown -- by Arnan De Leon, Nice So, and Vanessa "King"  Tan Gana.

RI District 3830 Governor Sue Sta. Maria was the main guest of honor that afternoon. She led the ribbon cutting, she was one of the judges, and she gave an inspirational talk about Art, Peace and Rotary. The club was very honored to have her come and stay for several hours.  

The most awaited part of the event that day was made, the announcement of winners. The contestants were called up on stage. Their youthful faces showed some anxiety and excitement as they faced the audience. The results are as follows.

The 1st Place (P15,000 + Trophy + Certificate) went to Melchor Santiago Jr.  His art work was entitled “Empowering a Peaceful Nation Through Responsible Youth Service”. It was an elaborate painting with bold letters of ROTARY in the middle. Melchor is a 4th Year BS Medical Technology student at Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City.

The 2^nd Place (P10,000 + Trophy + Certificate) went to Justen Paul Tolentino. His entry ttle was “Spreading Peace with Service”. Justen is a 1st Year BS Medical Technology student at Far Eastern University in Manila.

Third Place (P5,000 + Trophy + Certificate) went to Ruzzle Abella with an art work entitled “Bigyang Gabay”. He is a 2nd Year Visual Communications major at EARIST.

The three other entries got consolation prizes (P2,000 + Certificate) each. The contestants, their respective entry titles and schools were:

1.  Clint Rey Policarpio, “Larawan ng Nakaraan”

3rd Year Fine Arts, Major in Painting, University of the East - Caloocan

2.  Kristie Sheene Villeza, “Winning Peace”

1st Year BS Information Technology,  National Teachers College

3.  Prikern Leighry Balbuena, “Heart of a Mother”

2nd Year BSED Major in MAPE, Far Eastern University

It was a wonderful afternoon of viewing different paintings from different artists, meeting young aspiring artists and painters, club members and their families and friends, District officials and other guests. The venue was nice, food was plentiful and delicious, the music and sound system was great.

It was indeed a big, signature project of the Rotary Club of Taguig Fort Bonifacio this year. Peace President Rosemarie Antonio has shown once more the kind of stuff she is made of – very hard working, highly dedicated, unquestionably service-oriented leader.

Kudos to you, President Rose.

-- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 --

(Addendum. The MCs that afternoon were yours truly and clubmate Carmen Penalosa. Photo below, from left: Carmen, me, Gov. Sue, PP Niel Antonio, and President Rose Antonio.

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See also: 
Club Planning Workshop, March 2012, April 02, 2012 
Club Officers, RY 2012-2013, June 01, 2012 
Club Relief Operations After the Manila Flooding, August 13, 2012

Discon 2013, RI District 3830

The District Conference (DisCon) of Rotary International (RI) District 3830 will start tomorrow afternoon at the Manila Hotel. It will be a 1 1/2 days plus 2 nights of various activities. The hotel President, also Past President of RC Makati Central, Joey Lina, is my classmate President during RY 2006-07, under Past District Governor Butch Francisco. Here is the program of Discon 2013.

DAY 1                                    MARCH 22

PLENARY                              1:30PM

TIME	ACTIVITY
8:00AM – 8:010AM	OPENING OF EXHIBIT AND ROTARY MEDIA WALL ·         RI PRESIDENT’S REPRESENTATIVE  PAUL PO-YEN HORNG ·         DISTRICT GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA ·         PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR ED & SPOUSE MARIZ ALVAREZ, SENIOR RIPR AIDES ·         DISCON CHAIR AND DISTRICT SECRETARY MARYCRIS OPLAS ·         PAST PRESIDENT PETER AND SPOUSE MABEL KAWSEK, RIPE AIDES, AEG CHOCHIT TOBIAS
9:00AM – 12:00NN	SHOPPING AT BOOTHS, FOYER AREA
10:00AM – 12:00NN	REGISTRATION AT DISTRICT SECRETARIAT’S ROOM, GALLERY ROOM
12:00NN – 1:30PM	ASSEMBLY AT FOYER AREA FOR PROCESSIONAL (GOVERNORS AND SPOUSES TO BE SEATED AT VIP TABLES IN PLENARY HALL AND WILL BE ESCORTED OUT FOR PROCESSIONAL AT 1:15PM)
1:30PM – 1:50PM	ENTRY OF DIGNITARIES (PROCESSIONAL MARCH)
1:50PM – 1:58PM	DOXOLOGY KUNDIRANA, LA SALLE GREENHILLS HIGH SCHOOL
1:58PM – 2:25PM	ENTRY OF COLORS PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD MALAYSIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM KOREAN NATIONAL ANTHEM TAIWAN NATIONAL ANTHEM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM
2:25PM – 2:30PM	CALL TO ORDER GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
2:30PM – 2:45PM	WELCOME REMARKS / CONFERENCE OVERVIEW DISTRICT SECRETARY AND DISCON CHAIR, MARYCRIS OPLAS ROTARY CLUB OF MAKATI URDANETA, DISCON HOST CLUB
2:45PM – 3:00M	INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES PAST PRESIDENT AND DISTRICT LEGAL COUNSEL  RAFFY AQUINO
3:00PM – 3:20PM	ROLL CALL OF CLUBS AND PEACE PRESIDENTS ·         DISTRICT SECRETARY AND DISCON CHAIR MARYCRIS OPLAS ·         EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT GOVERNOR CHOCHIT TOBIAS
3:20M – 3:30PM	MESSAGE DISTRICT GOVERNOR CHUNG MIN HO DISTRICT 3620, KOREA, SISTER-DISTRICT OF DISTRICT 3830
3:30PM – 4:00PM	MESSAGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
4:10PM – 4:50PM	INTRODUCTION OF THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S  REPRESENTATIVE  (RIPR)  PAST DISTRICT  GOVERNOR ED ALVAREZ MESSAGE RIPR PAUL PO-YEN HORNG
4:50PM – 5:05PM	MINI CONCERT OF BROADWAY SONGS KUNDIRANA
5:05PM – 5:10PM	ADJOURNMENT BY GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
5:10PM – 5:15PM	ANNOUNCEMENTS SPONSOR CREDITS END OF PLENARY DAY 1

TALENT NIGHT       7:00PM

TIME	ACTIVITY
7:00PM – 8:15PM	DINNER
8:15PM – 8:30PM	ANNOUNCEMENTS: START OF SHOW
8:30PM – 8:45PM	OPENING MESSAGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE STA. MARIA
8:45PM – 8:55PM	HOSTS ENTRANCE ·         PEACE PRESIDENT LIZA MAGPAGU, RC MUNTINLUPA FILINVEST ·         PEACE PRESIDENT JOHN VINTA, RC PARANAQUE ST. ANDREW
8:55PM – 9:05PM	INTRODUCTION OF JUDGES AND MECHANICS ·         JOY VIRATA (CHAIR OF BOARD OF JUDGES) ONE OF THE TOP PERFORMERS OF REPERTORY PHILIPPINES; BOARD MEMBER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, REPERTORY PHILIPPINES CHILDREN’S THATER ·         LIESL BATUCAN, ONE OF THE TOP PERFORMERS OF REPERTORY PHILIPPINES ·         PROF. RAMON MA. ACOYMO,  FORMER DEAN, U.P. COLLEGE OF MUSIC; FORMER DIRECTOR, KUNDIRANA & ATENEO GLEE CLUB ·         RAMON SILVESTRE, ABS-CBN PERFORMANCE COACH FOR “PINOY DREAM ACADEMY”;  MEMBER OF SINGING GROUP, “THE TUX” ·         ANNA DAVID, EVENT PRODUCER, CTV MANILA INC.
9:05PM – 9:17PM	GROUP 1 : LION KING (ROTARY MAKATI 1 CLUBS)
9:17PM – 9:29PM	GROUP 2 : BOMBAY DREAMS (ROTARY PALAWAN CLUBS)
9:29PM – 9:41PM	GROUP 3 : CATS (ROTARY MAKATI 2 CLUBS)
9:42PM – 9:55PM	GROUP 4 : CABARET (METRO SOUTH CLUBS)
9:53PM – 10:05PM	GROUP 5 : PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (PARANAQUE CLUBS)
10:05PM – 10:20PM	HOSTS (WHILE JUDGES ARE DELIBERATING)
10:20PM – 10:20PM	HOSTS’ INTERVIEW OF JUDGES
10:17PM – 10:450M	AWARDING OF WINNERS ·         FIRST RUNNER UP ·         GRAND WINNER
10:40PM – 11:00PM	CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS SPONSOR CREDIT

DAY 2                                    MARCH 23

PLENARY                              8:00AM