October 2012 issue of Philippine Rotary Magazine by PRM Office

ROTARY CODE OF CONDUCT

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As a Rotarian, I will

1. Exemplify the core value of integrity in all behaviors and activities 2. Use my vocational experience and talents to serve in Rotary

3. Conduct all of my personal, business, and professional affairs ethically, encouraging and fostering high ethical standards as an example to others 4. Be fair in all dealings with others and treat them with the respect due to them as fellow human beings

5. Promote recognition and respect for all occupations which are useful to society 6. Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community 7. Honor the trust that Rotary and fellow Rotarians provide and not do anything that will bring disfavor or reflect adversely on Rotary or fellow Rotarians

8. Not seek from a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship

LIVING THE ROTARY CODE OF CONDUCT Campaign Vocational Service Project of the ROTARY CLUB OF DILIMAN, QC, District 3780, Zone 7A

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Rotarians,

E SAKUJI TANAKA President, Rotary International

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

very Rotarian is different. Every Rotarian was drawn into Rotary for different reasons, and many vividly remember their first “Rotary Moment” – the moment when they went from being members of their Rotary clubs to being committed Rotarians. I love hearing these stories and learning about what drew each Rotarian into Rotary. For some, it was a Rotary office, a particular project, or a convention. For me, it was a speaker at an ordinary weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Yashio, about two years after I’d joined. I am a charter member of my club, and I was invited to join by the charter president. I had never heard of Rotary, and at the time, I didn’t really know what service meant. But I was new to Yashio. I had just moved there from Tokyo, and I didn’t know many people. I thought Rotary would be a good way to make friends and to help my business, and I respected the person who invited me, so I joined. But to be honest, for the first two years, we didn’t do much. Every week, I came to my meeting, I ate lunch, and I listened to a speaker. I paid my dues, and I gave money to The Rotary Foundation. But I wasn’t involved in any service. I didn’t know what Rotary service was supposed to be. That all changed one week, when we had a speaker who talked about vocational service. This was a new idea to me. Until then, I had never thought much about the purpose of my life, or why I was in business. I was too busy working. I was always focused on my business, and on how to make it larger and better. I never stopped to consider any deeper purpose of my work. Understanding the idea of vocational service completely changed my attitude toward my work, and toward my own purpose in life. I realized that the goal of a person doing business is not only to earn a living. The purpose is to be a contributing member of the community, to make the community stronger, and to help make other people’s lives better. When I understood this, and understood the concept of Service Above Self, it changed my life – and set me firmly on the path to a life of Rotary service. That is my Rotary Moment.

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2012 VOL. 36 NO. 4

RI PRESIDENT MESSAGE RI President Tanaka shares how Vocational Service has changed his outlook in life. YOUR EDITOR SHARES Rotarians need role models to inspire them. Three such role models are suggested.

NOTEBOOK International Scene, Feedback, Additional RI/ TRF appointments and Vocational Service quotes.

PAYMENT GUIDELINES USING BPI New payment guidelines will ensure 100% tracking of payments.

FACES:OPENER A Rotarian is awarded the RI Vocational Service Award

E-CLUBS IN THE PHILIPPINES The latest update on e-clubs in the Philippines and the opportunities to take part in these clubs’ meetings and activities.

WE’LL GO BY BOAT Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Centro shares their thrilling, yet rewarding, adventure as club of�icers and members crossed deep waters to help a disaster-struck community.

LISBON CONVENTION PRIMER Primer and promotions that inform and motivate Rotarians and their families to attend the RI Convention in Lisbon, Portugal this coming June 2013, as well as an update on Philippine Promotions.

FACES 80 years of RC Cebu, Mothers for Peace, Making Up Abroad,

FEATURES OPENER: Jesse Robredo, a Rotarian The outstanding public service of former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Rotary Club of Naga East makes all Rotarians proud and encouraged to follow in his footsteps. 32

OUR COVER The October issue features the late Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and a Rotarian, Jesse Robredo, whose life is a model of integrity, accountability and good governance. The photo was taken by Manila Bulletin staff photographer Rudy Liwanag and used with the permission of the Manila Bulletin.

INTEGRITY A noted Philippine Senior Rotary leader discusses what integrity is all about and why it is important for all Rotarians.

Philippine Rotary• October 2012

TRF TRUSTEE CHAIR MESSAGE & CONVENTION COUNTDOWN Foundation Trustee Chair Wilf Wilkinson; while Convention Countdown provides Portuguese words that will serve to make your stay in Lisbon, Portugal more enriching.

CALENDAR International, national and district activities to look forward to.

FAMILY OF ROTARY Inspirational and informative articles from the 10 Rotary districts of the Philippines –emailed to the Philippine Rotary magazine or carried in their website.

CONTRIBUTORS The stories of the “good that Rotary and Rotarians do” as well as briefs on Rotary leading to better understanding and commitment come from these sel�less contributors.

Philippine Rotary• October 2012

COMING IN NOVEMBER 1.

Global Outlook

Rotary Community Corps

Climbing Mountains

16 17 18 20

INTEGRITY A noted Philippine Senior Rotary leader discusses what integrity is all about and why it is important for all Rotarians.

E-CLUBS IN THE PHILIPPINES The latest update on e-clubs in the Philippines and the opportunities to take part in these clubs’ meetings and activities. WE’LL GO BY BOAT Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Centro shares their thrilling, yet rewarding, adventure as club officers and members crossed deep waters to help a disaster-struck community.

33 35 44

TRF TRUSTEE CHAIR MESSAGE & CONVENTION COUNTDOWN Foundation Trustee Chair Wilf Wilkinson encourages every district to take advantage of the humanitarian service, while Convention Countdown provides Portuguese words that will serve to make your stay in Lisbon, Portugal more enriching.

CALENDAR International, national and district activities to look forward to.

FAMILY OF ROTARY Inspirational and informative articles from the 10 Rotary districts of the Philippines –emailed to the Philippine Rotary magazine or carried in their website.

CONTRIBUTORS The stories of the “good that Rotary and Rotarians do” as well as briefs on Rotary leading to better understanding and commitment come from these selfless contributors.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

COMING IN NOVEMBER 1.

Global Outlook

Rotary Community Corps

Climbing Mountains

EDITORIAL BOARD PDG MELITO “MELITO” S. SALAZAR JR., D3780 Editor-in-Chief PDG URSULA CONSUELO “CHIT” L. LIJAUCO, D3820 Associate Editor Members DG ANTONIO “TONY” C. BAUTISTA, D3790 PDG MARQUEZ “MARK” O. GO, D3790 PDG JAIME “JAMES” O. DEE, D3800 PDG LEANDRO “LINDY” P. GARCIA, D3820 PDG HERMINIO “SONNY” B. COLOMA JR., D3830 PDG J. ANTONIO “TONY” M. QUILA, D3830 PDG DAVID “DAVE” M. VILLANUEVA, D3850 PDG FE “BING” R. JUAREZ, D3870 IPDG ERNESTO “ERNIE” Y. CHOA, D3810 DGE EDGAR “ED” R. CHIONGBIAN, D3860 MANAGEMENT BOARD PDG MELITO “MELITO” S. SALAZAR, JR., D3780 Editor-In-Chief PDG ROMULO “BOY” O. VALLE, JR., D3770 Circulation Coordinator PDG OSCAR “OCA” A. INOCENTES, D3780 Clubs Subscriptions Coordinator PDG EFREN “EFREN” O. DE GUZMAN, D3800 Finance, Credit and Collection Coordinator PP ANTONIO “TONY” Y. CHONG, D3830 Business Promotions & Advertising Coordinator PDS RONALDO “RONNIE” C. GABALDA, D3850 Special Events Coordinator PDG ANTONIO “ANTON” B. FLORENDO, D3860 Business Development Coordinator EDITORIAL STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PP JUANITO “JOHNNY” GOLOYUGO, D3820 Staff Writer PP RON “RON” NETHERCUTT, D3790 Chief Photographer MA. VICTORIA “AVIC” N. CLEMENTE Graphic Artist

Information & Communication Technology Committee PDS Jesus “Jesse” Tanchanco, Jr., D3780 Chairman CP Winston Sia, D3780 and PDS Lyndon Wong, D3780 Members

Contributors PDG CHIT LIJAUCO, D3820, PDG MARK GO, D3790, RTN MYRNA VALLE, D-3820, QUINCY JOEL CAHILIG OFFICE STAFF NELSON “NELSON” M. LLUZ Office Manager

QUINCY JOEL “QUINCY” V. CAHILIG Editorial Assistant

ANALIZA “ANA” A. PADUA, FEDERICO ”ERIC” C. SAGUIBO, ROWENA “WENG” C. BADURIA, MARLO “LOVE” V. VISITACION

The Philippine Rotary magazine is the official regional magazine of Rotary International published monthly by the Philippine Rotary Magazine Foundation, Inc. It is a member of the Rotary World Magazine Press. Office: G/F Rotary Center Building Foundation, Inc., Roces corner Mo. Ignacia Avenue, Bgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City 1103 Tel. nos. 416-3800; 332-5729 (telefax) • Mobile no. 0916-4786570 Email : office@philrotary.com • www.philrotary.com

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

YOUR EDITOR SHARES

A Melito Salazar, Jr. Editor-in-Chief

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

Rotarian Role Models

s Rotarians live their adventure in service, their steps are guided by Rotarian role models who came before them. Foremost is Paul Harris, founder of Rotary who it is written about, “Paul’s friendly nature won him acquaintances at all levels of society.” (Paul Harris and His Successors: Profiles in Leadership). Like Paul, we should be as convinced that, “friendship inevitably leads to goodwill and good deeds”. For those who think that Rotary should be the be all and end all of their lives, we learn that “Paul Harris didn’t expend all his energy on Rotary. Still an active lawyer, he was also a member of the Chicago Association of Commerce, the City Club, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Hinsdale Golf Club. And he was a charter member of a hiking group, the Prairie Club.” This makes sense because if we just gravitate around ourselves, how will we be able to spread the good works of Rotary? How will we reach out to the many who could be Rotarians? How could we influence the world with Rotary’s core values? All Rotarians are familiar with the Four Way Test of the things we say, think or do – Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Some are not as knowledgeable of Herbert J. Taylor, RI President in 1954-55, who developed that business code and using it revived a nearly bankrupt company, Club Aluminum. From Herbert, we learn that it is not just during good times that we can afford to be honest, decent in our dealings and do charitable works. He has proven that even in difficult times, we can survive if not prosper if we follow the “Daan Matuwid” (straight path). He also reminded us, “The finest slogans are useless without action”. The only Filipino Rotary International President Mateo Armando Tengco “M.A.T.” Caparas has shared many gems for us to ponder on and enrich our Rotary service. Addressing the 1986 Rotary Convention in Las Vegas, he said, “He who causes hope to bloom in the life of another doubly enriches his own.” In The ROTARIAN, June 1987, M.A.T. encourages us, “There are those who say that it is useless to help the poor, because the poor will always be with us, or that we do not have the means to feed the world. The poor may indeed be with us always, but I hope it be not because we refused to help them. As for feeding the world, I do not think I should refuse to help anyone, just because I cannot help everyone.” When we think the challenges are insurmountable, the words of PRIP M.A.T. gives us hope to struggle on. Each Rotarian will find it of benefit to identify a role model or role models to guide his path in Rotary Service. I have added a new one to my own list – Rotarian Jesse Robredo, who through his sterling public service, full devotion to family and simple lifestyle has transformed me, his professor in UPMBA, to be his student.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PRM FOUNDATION, INC. RY 2012-2013 PDG Rafael “Butch” A. Francisco, D-3830 Chairman of the Board/Trustee

NOTE

INTERNATIONAL SCENE

BOOK ADDITIOINAL RI/TRF APPOINTMENTS, RY 2012-2013

PDG Oscar “Oca” A. Inocentes, D-3780 Vice Chairman/Trustee PDG Hugo “Jun” T. Perez, Jr., D-3830 Secretary/Trustee PDG Rafael “Paeng” N. Tantuco, Sr., D-3820 Deputy Secretary/Trustee PDG Fabio “Fabie” J. Enriquez, D-3800 Treasurer/Trustee

D-3850 Deputy Treasurer/Trustee PDG Emiliano “Bong” D. Joven, D-3790 Auditor/Trustee PDG Rhia Rita “Rhia” Y. Abalos, D-3870 P.R.O./Trustee PDG Pablo “Ambo” M. Gancayco, D-3780 Trustee (PCRG Chairman RY 2012-2013) PDG Melito “Melito” S. Salazar, Jr., D-3780 Trustee (PRM Editor-In-Chief) PDG Francisco “Jun” B. Aniag, Jr., D-3770 Trustee PDG Juanito “Sonny” T. Ventura, D-3810 Trustee PDG Fernando “Jun” A. Almeda, Jr., D-3860 Trustee

PDG Ruben Henson, D3790, speaks at a recent meeting of the Rotary Action Group on Dengue (RAG on Dengue). In the audience is PDG Rafael Garcia, D3800, an active of�icer of RAG on Dengue.

PDG Melito S. Salazar, Jr. Member of the 2014 (Sydney) Convention Promotions Committee

PDG Jose M. Cupin Assistant RRFC, Zone 7A

PDG Marcos C. Hermoso Assistant RRFC, Zone 7A

FEEDBACK

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Please send your comments and suggestions about the magazine or any of the feature articles, via email to of�ice@philrotary.com, indicating your full name, Rotary club and district number. We also welcome comments from our of�ice visitors regarding our service. We value your comments to help us be the “magazine of choice” of Philippine Rotarians. We will practice “�irst in, �irst out” but will still exercise editorial prerogative. Comments below were taken from emails received. Text in italics are the editor’s notes.) Greetings of Christ joyful thanksgiving! My heartfelt gratitude for the magazines you sent to me at St. Paul Hospital Cavite. Many bene�ited from your generosity. I put it in our lobby and some were given to our patients. Beside our hospital is Dasmariñas City Jail and if you have old issues it will greatly bene�it the inmates too. Once again thank you very much and God bless you in all your undertakings. Sr. Florenda Espedido, SPC St. Paul Hospital Cavite

PDG Michael E. Lirio Rotary Foundation Alumni Coordinator, Zone 7A

PP Cecilia P. Reyes Technical Coordinator, Economic and Community Development, The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers

(Thanks classmate for kind words and making PRM, your magazine of choice…EIC.) Philippine Rotary• October 2012

“

Through the application of The 4-Way Test, Rotarians set a personal standard that brings out the very best in each of us. Adherence to these principles leads to more meaningful lives, an optimistic outlook, and a greater appreciation of the endless possibilities inherent in the human spirit.

”

Ron D. Burton RI President-elect, 2012-2013, Rotary Club of Norman, Oklahoma, USA

“

I think my profession is much more than a way to make a living; it is a fascinating opportunity to in�luence the behaviour, thought and work of thousands of human beings, through the example that Rotary has challenged me to set for others.

“

”

Luis Vicente Giay RI President 1996-97, Rotary Club of Arrecifes, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Rotary is a philosophy of life which tries to reconcile the ever-pressing need to provide for one’s self and the constant obligation to share what one has with another.

(We are glad that the hospital patients are bene�iting from the magazines. We will send magazines for the Dasmarinas City jail through you…EIC.)

My dear classmate Melito, I read the Philippine Rotary Magazine from cover to cover and enjoy it. It is very informative. Continue doing the good work. Regards, PDG Avelino “Avel” Obispo Rotary Club of Tayabas District 3820

QUOTABLE QUOTES

PP Lilo I. Alino Assistant Public Image Coordinator

PDG Raymond Patuasi Assistant Rotary Coordinator

PDG Ernesto Y. Choa Assistant Rotary Coordinator

(Erratum: PDG Guiller Tumangan is Member, International Instittute [Lisbon] Committee not Member, Lisbon Promotions Committee in July PRM issue.)

Philippine Rotary• October 2012

”

Sabino S. Santos RI Director, 1989-91, Rotary Club of Malolos, Philippines

(Quotes are taken from Rotary Wisdom, Re�lections on Service, Volume 2)

BOOK ADDITIONAL RI/TRF APPOINTMENTS, RY 2012-2013

PDG Melito S. Salazar, Jr. Member of the 2014 (Sydney) Convention Promotions Committee

PDG Jose M. Cupin Assistant RRFC, Zone 7A

PDG Michael E. Lirio Rotary Foundation Alumni Coordinator, Zone 7A

PDG Marcos C. Hermoso Assistant RRFC, Zone 7A

PP Cecilia P. Reyes Technical Coordinator, Economic and Community Development, The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“

”

Ron D. Burton RI President-elect, 2012-2013, Rotary Club of Norman, Oklahoma, USA

“

I think my profession is much more than a way to make a living; it is a fascinating opportunity to influence the behaviour, thought and work of thousands of human beings, through the example that Rotary has challenged me to set for others.

“

”

Luis Vicente Giay RI President 1996-97, Rotary Club of Arrecifes, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Rotary is a philosophy of life which tries to reconcile the ever-pressing need to provide for one’s self and the constant obligation to share what one has with another. PP Lilo I. Alino Assistant Public Image Coordinator

PDG Raymond Patuasi Assistant Rotary Coordinator

PDG Ernesto Y. Choa Assistant Rotary Coordinator

(Erratum: PDG Guiller Tumangan is Member, International Institute [Lisbon] Committee, not Member, Lisbon Promotions Committee as reported in July PRM issue.)

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

”

Sabino S. Santos RI Director, 1989-91, Rotary Club of Malolos, Philippines

(Quotes are taken from Rotary Wisdom, Reflections on Service, Volume 2)

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after only 2 months Simply the BEST Feeding Program

PP/ES Mike Edenburn 09177900122 RC Calbayog, mike.edenburn@gmail.com

FACES: GALLERY

ROTARY PORTRAITS

FACES Love of Labor

otarian Johnson Tan, past president of the Rotary Club of Jose Abad Santos Manila (2006-07) is, to date, one of only two awardees from the Philippines of the Rotary International Vocational Award. Nominated by then District Governor Ernie Choa, he received his international award during Rotary Year 2011-12. PP Johnson was already working as a newspaper boy at the age of 12. While in college, he also worked as a warehouseman and salesman. He is an inventor holding several trademarks and patents, an entrepreneur (Hans Infinite Tools), and a leading importer of home and Christmas decors. His humble beginnings inspired his advocacy to create job opportunities even before serving as Club President. He is currently a TESDA Trainer for “Power Tools: Usage and Repair”. His jobs-fair projects at district level open doors of opportunity to thousands of individuals, with promising trainees receiving tools from him. He is also a staunch supporter of the Prosthetics and Orthotic Center of the PGH Rehabilitation Center, sponsored by District 3810 and the Physicians for Peace in 2006, to which he donated a machine that he himself designed. PP Johnson clearly uses his expertise and resources to further Rotary’s second Objective of promoting high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society. *Nominations for the RI Vocational Service Award may be sent by any District Governor to the Rotary International World Headquarters by 1 November 2012. Philippine Rotary • September 2012

FACES: GALLERY 80 and Counting he second oldest club in the Philippines, the Rotary

Club of Cebu, installed its new set of officers during its 80th Induction Ceremonies at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Taking the helm of the club that started the growth of Rotary in Cebu province is President Jonathan U. Gesalem.

Pres. Jonathan Gesalem presents the Leadership Award to IPP Roy Lotzof

D3860 DG Perok Rodriguez, RC Manila Pres. Obet Pagdanganan, RC Cebu Pres. Jonathan Gesalem, and RC Manila IPP Banet Caasi

RC Cebu, chartered on November 28, 1932, is the first “daughter” club of RC Manila. It was most symbolic, therefore, that the first club in Asia was represented in the Cebu club’s induction ceremonies by President Roberto M. Pagdanganan and Immediate Past President Urbano “Banet” Caasi. The guest speaker of the event was DG Peter “Perok” Rodriguez. With the RI Board of Directors, then RI President Clinton P. Anderson directly supervised the formation of RC Cebu. Stanton Turner of RC Manila was the Rotarian who initiated the formation of the provincial club, which started with 26 members of different nationalities. Today, RC Cebu’s long term service projects still live on. Of note are the Community Scouts and Youth Guidance Center (CSYGC), which provides alternative activities that would facilitate the reintegration of youth in trouble into society; Holistic Life Preparedness Program (HLPP), a school addressing the needs of vulnerable youth; Permaculture, which gives rural settlers a chance to change life opportunity and livelihood; and the Gift of Life, which assists children in need of congenital heart surgery.

The Rotarians of RC Cebu with the “Gift of Life” performers

Philippine Rotary • October

2012

FACES: GALLERY

Mothers for Peace Movement of the Mindanao Commission on Women

Partnering for Peace

RC Downtowners conduct cooking demonstration of healthy food for their Rotary Community Corps at Center for Hope as part of the Mothers for Peace Food Revolution

he Rotary Club of Downtown Davao (RCDD), an all-women service club in Davao City, is taking the theme “Peace through Service” of Rotary Year 2012-13 to heart. It transformed itself into a Mothers for Peace Circle. Mothers for Peace is the grassroots movement of the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), a nongovernment organization formed in 2001 by Christian, Muslim and Indigenous women leaders to provide women’s leadership Integrity and Leadership. Mothers for Peace in influencing public policy and movement conducts sessions on personal peace public opinion on Mindanao and self-management; skills training in conflict peace and development. prevention, resolution and containment of Currently chaired by Margie violence; and food security through its Fund that Moran-Floirendo, it was founded will help women start their own community by its current CEO, Irene Moradagardens and social enterprises. Santiago, one of the nominees for The Davao Downtowners will be addressing 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace the challenges of RI President Sakuji Tanaka and District Prize and a faculty at the Rotary Peace and Conflict Governor Peter “Perok” M. Rodriguez. In partnership Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. with MCW, it will implement service projects on the Six RCDD saw the Areas of Focus similarities between starting with the Mothers for Peace its Rotary movement to that of Community Rotary International. Corps in Its 10 Basic Principles RCDD’s Center are close to Rotary’s for Hope in Four Way Test. Its Barangay three pillars — Duterte, values, skills and food Agdao, Davao security — reminded City. – PDS/ the Club of Rotary’s PP Marina RCDD Mothers for Peace dress up as peace keepers Core Values of Service, BelloFellowship, Diversity, Ruivivar

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FACES: GALLERY Joan with President Saeed Bin Belaila and Sgt.-At-Arms Dr. Michaels

Joan with President Nancy Smith

Joan with President Joyce Poupolo

Joan with President Mike Blach

Joan with Trea sure Ahmad Belsela r h

Making Up Abroad

ne Rotarian who is enjoying the internationality of Rotary is Joan Soriano of the Rotary Club of Rizal West, D3830. Check out her schedule in the last six months. She visited RC Dubai on April 9 at the World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE and RC Jumeirah-Duba on April 25 at the Mina A Salam Hotel, also in Dubai. Quite an experience was her attendance at RC Angkor, Cambodia on June 21 at the Paris Cafe, Siem Reap. Her visits to Rotary clubs in California,USA followed: RC Sunnyvale, California on July 31 at the Ramada Inn; RC San Jose on August 1 in San Jose; RC San Jose East/Evergreen, Ca. on August 2 at The Ranch Golf Club; and RC Mountain View on August 21. Moving to the East Coast, Rotarian Joan visited RC Saline, Michigan on August 9 at the Travis Pointe Country Club, Ann Arbor, Michigan; RC New York on August 13 at The Harvard Club of New York; and RC Wayne, New Jersey on August 15 at the Paris Inn. Rotarian Joan is one Rotarian who takes seriously her responsibility to make-up for her inability to attend a club Joan with Secretary Amy Shih meeting. May her tribe increase! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PRM Chief Photographer Ron Nethercutt

Philippine Rotary â&#x20AC;˘ October

2012

FEATURES

ROTARY LIFEST YLES

f e at u r e s By PDG Chit L. Lijauco, Rotary Public Image Coordinator Photographs by Rudy Liwanag, Manila Bulletin

he acknowledged greatness of Jesse Manalastas Robredo comes from the outpouring of stories of goodness about a common man. An entire nation came out with countless encounters with the late Interior and Local Government Secretary and former Mayor of Naga City; and the telling and retelling united everyone behind a collective pride, albeit laced

Ramon Magsaysay awardees both: the father, Jesse Robredo, for governance; the daughter, Jessica Marie or Aika for an essay she wrote

THE

GREATNESS

MAN OF A COMMON

Philippine Rotary â&#x20AC;˘ October 2012

FEATURES

FEATURES with grief, for a compatriot who validated the good side of the Filipino. The stories are naturally most numerous from his town mates, amongst them Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Naga East of which Robredo was a member. “Jesse was inducted in 1987, a year before he became our city mayor,” says Past President Susing Guinhawa. “He was sponsored by his father-in-law, PP Antonio Gerona, who is a charter member of our club. Because of his position as mayor, PP Susing says that they really did not expect Robredo to be present at every club meeting. “But he was always there whenever our club needed him. He would help in every community service project but could also not accept any club position because of his busy schedule.” As a mayor, Robredo gave invaluable assistance to club projects and activities. Because of this, the members of the club were hesitant to collect from him the requisite club dues. As such he fell off the of�icial roster of membership even as he continued his support not only to RC Naga East but to the other clubs in the city. In 2000 however he was re-inducted and from then on religiously paid his club dues. Credit of the collection goes to PP Hoover Picar. “I was the club treasurer then so I had to do it,” he says, adding that Robredo had no qualms paying his dues whenever he dropped by the mayor’s of�ice. “He appreciated it and said that whenever he paid he always remembered he was an active Rotarian.” “Oh but Hoover was the only one who could collect from Jesse,” maintains PP Sany de Guzman, another pillar of the club. “We used to call Jesse boksingero [boxer] because he was tight-�isted, if you get my drift.” When Robredo became DILG Secretary in 2010, PP Hoover suggested that he became an honorary member of the club instead. And Robredo agreed. PP Sany and other Rotarians in Naga miss Robredo so much. He recalls bumping into PP Robert Oviedo, a member of RC Always a man of action, Robredo responded to requests for help almost immediately

Philippine Rotary• October

2012

Robredo had no qualms paying his dues whenever he dropped by the mayor’s of�ice. “He appreciated it and said that whenever he paid he always remembered he was an active Rotarian” Naga Camsur, who said, “Where can you �ind a Cabinet Secretary whom we can just approach on the street, put an arm around his shoulder and say, ‘Pare, kamusta na [Friend, how are you]?’” Robredo implemented so many innovative ideas in the government operations that cut down the proverbial red tape. “For instance,” PP Sany says, “in order to get a mayor’s permit fast, he bunched together those whose signatures were needed in one room. He also announced to the public the time needed to get the permit if all the necessary papers were complete. If it took longer than expected, the citizen can complain and there will be action.” He also remembers that after every typhoon (and the region is in the typhoon belt), you would see Mayor Jesse cleaning the streets himself. “This would embarrass everyone so we would At the 2010 District Conference of D3820 in CWC Naga, Robredo also do the same,” PP Sany says. Within one day received a token from DG Chit Lijauco for being one of the after a typhoon, the city is cleaned of all debris. session speakers. He spoke on “Governance: the Rotary Way” Action. That was what Robredo was known and touched on how the 4-Way Test is a useful guide to any for. “If he can do something, he will do it right government of�icial away,” PP Sany says. This writer can attest to this. In 2011 when the Bicol region was battered by typhoon Juaning, by the military at the gates of Clark. PDG Jess Nicdao Shelterbox Philippines right away moved to get asked our help to call anyone from Malacañang who the stored boxes in Clark out of the warehouse for could intervene because the military was looking for a delivery to the devastated towns of Legaspi province. clearance from the Of�ice of the President. We did call Lo and behold, the trucks with the boxes were stopped but were told to write a letter of request, which we asked Shelterbox Philippines to do so. In the meantime, knowing that the homeless in Legaspi would need a roof above their heads that evening, we called Robredo. Within half an hour, the trucks were moving away from Clark en route to Legaspi. The stories about Robredo are not likely to stop as he simply did something good every minute of his 54 years. They will continue until his greatness turns him into a legend that will be the source of inspiration for generations to come. Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo (2nd from right), at a RC Naga East meeting Philippine Rotary• October 2012

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Philippine Rotary• October

2012

FEATURES

On Integrity

By PDG Mark Go

xcellence is something we can all aspire for, both in and out of the workplace. As individuals we are repeatedly reminded to give our best in everything that we do; as parents we hope for and encourage our kids to excel in school and in the things they choose to do; and as professionals we aim to bring out the best in our coworkers and in ourselves. Clearly our commitment to excellence is expected in the different areas of our lives. There is, however, an excellence that is quiet, best seen during our unguarded moments: this is the excellence of our character, measured in integrity. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (online, accessed 14 August 2012) defines integrity in a number of interesting ways. It can mean purity or wholeness – in this case, possibly a purity of intention or character, where there is a harmonious relationship between one’s morals, principles, and actions. Integrity in this sense is the absence of inconsistency. This harmonious relationship between what we say we stand for and the way we carry these things out often has its practical implications, manifesting itself in how we

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit” – Aristotle

deal with people. Its presence enables relationships to be built around trust and loyalty. Without it, we are party to creating an environment of corruption, dishonesty, and mistrust. The absence of integrity quickly takes us down the slippery slopes of inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and stagnation, if not a general regression, of the things we work to build. The most basic test of integrity can be easily summarized in the four way test: Of the things we think, say or do: (1) Is it the TRUTH? (2) Is it FAIR

to all concerned? (3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? And (4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? What we think, say, or do must meet these most basic ethical standards completely, or else, it is not correct. Unlike most business matters, integrity cannot come partially, or in installments, or be put on hold. It is not something that can be quantified. Instead it is a quality; an all-encompassing excellence of character measurable only by its constancy, that it does not waver even when no one is around to see or recognize us for what we do. Integrity is far from an ideal in the skies. Instead, it is something to be practiced every day. In our vocations we strive to be of service to others, to help build strong communities. We are constantly put to the test by everyday situations that arise in our dealings with others. As teachers we can ensure we create a secure and nurturing environment for our students. As leaders in companies we can make sure we consider how our choices affect those around us, and look for innovative new ways to serve all possible interests. As businessmen we can ensure that our products and services deliver what they promise; we can build new things, take risks, and put society first. As politicians we can be responsible for the choices we make, and wholeheartedly bear the consequences of our convictions. As professionals we can use our work to be of service to the community. Truly, integrity is not a matter of heroism. It simply is being true to our own humanity and true to ourselves, to align our actions with what we believe. If we each choose and act upon our own humanity every day, we build not only ourselves, but a stronger community. Acting on our own humanity builds that of others. This daily choice is the force of habit that eventually builds character. It cultivates excellence of the noblest kind, the kind that empowers the excellence of others. Truly, there is nothing more heartening than this. Philippine Rotary • October

2012

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Service and Cyberspace By Quincy Joel V. Cahilig

Catherine “Nina” Florentino, Charter President (RY 2010-11, 2011The Internet, indeed, has shrunk 12) and current Club Secretary of San the world. Now, people can interact Juan e-RC, the Philippine’s first Rotary and do transactions across the seas e-Club, said they conducted several in real time via a web connection. projects that included medical and Rotary International recognizes this dental missions benefiting hundreds. technological power and has been They also raised 24,000 pesos worth maximizing the use of the Internet in of medicines for the cities of Cagayan broadening its reach. de Oro and Iligan. Their Cataract Rotary's first bold initiative Screening project in 2011 will be in this area was to officially accept followed by an eye surgery mission e-clubs into its membership on July 1, in December where the previously 2010. E-clubs conduct meetings and identified cataract patients will businesses electronically and have no undergo free eye surgery courtesy of territorial limitations on membership. the club’s new honorary member, Dr. Federico Malubay. Global Kalinga e-RC is actively reaching out to different communities with various humanitarian projects like houses for the homeless and book donations to elementary schools. Founder and Charter Distribution of books donated by Rotary President for RY2011-12 e-Club of Gawad Kalinga at Pogo Elementary Ernie Delfin said that they School in Alaminos City, Pangasinan are currently fine tuning a revolutionary project called As to policies, procedures, and projects, EDSA Course (Entrepreneurship e-clubs fundamentally function as Development 4 Socioeconomic conventional Rotary clubs. Advancement). This flagship project In the Philippines there are four aims to mentor and inspire the Filipino chartered e-Clubs: Rotary e-Club of San youth to be job creators (entrepreneurs) Juan D3800, Rotary e-Club of D3800 instead of jobseekers through a GEMS, Rotary e-Club of Global City US$50,000 matching grant from The Manila, and Rotary e-Club of Global Rotary Foundation. CP Ernie said, “We’re Kalinga. making it our flagship project because we believe that this will make a bigger impact compared to the usual medical Service mission for a week. With this one, we Though club members gather in can impact not only the person but cyberspace most of the time, e-Clubs also the family of that person.” He had conduct various service projects in the travelled all the way from the U.S. to the real world, disproving the notion that Philippines to coordinate with several they are just “virtual” clubs. Philippine Rotary • October 2012

Rotary Clubs in the CALABARZON area, District 3790, and Quezon City where the project would be launched May or June next year. GKe-RC is the first e-Rotary Club sponsored by the RC Loyola Heights, D-3780. Its more than 40 members come from the Philippines and other countries like the USA, Canada, Austria, France and the United Kingdom.

Challenges

Despite the advantages, there is an enormous challenge for local e-Clubs in increasing and maintaining membership. “Recruitment of new members is limited to those who are technologically savvy. Members possessing the technological knowhow are young and usually belong to the average or middle income family making Rotary less affordable to them. As a result, membership in Rotary becomes expensive and/or high maintenance, a big factor in the decline in membership,” said CP Nina. Such challenges, however, do not dampen the spirit to serve. Rotary e-Club leaders, together with their supportive members, will continue to give their best efforts in rendering and spreading “Service Above Self” within and beyond cyberspace.

Top photo, left to right: Rescue mission in Calumpit, Pampanga conducted by Rotary e-Club of San Juan D3800. Disaster Preparedness Training with 72 hour Kit Seminar conducted by Rotary e-Club of San Juan D3800 at the Philippine School of Business AdministrationManila. Rotary e-Club of San Juan D3800 conducts a Medical-Dental Mission at Nuestra Senora De Perpetua Socorro Parish in Sampaloc, Manila.

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WE’LL “It’s too hot! I need a hat! Who’s got an extra Rotary cap?” By

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he notice from our Club Secretary read: “For Monday’s relief distribution: 1) please wear our green and black Rotary shirt; 2) we’ll meet at Aplaya Barangay hall at 8AM, then we’ll go by boat in distributing the goods.” The notice seemed normal, except for the words “we’ll go by boat”. The mission was to distribute relief goods to families in the lakeshore area of Sta. Rosa, Laguna who chose not to leave their houses for the evacuation areas, even if their barangays were submerged six to 10 feet deep in �lood waters. There was no way to reach them but via a boat ride, not a motorized boat but a small paddle banca. Six members of the Rotary Club of Sta. Rosa Centro (this

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writer included) and one Rotary kid assigned to take photographs answered the call, even though they were not exactly sure if they were really brave enough to take this boat ride on the lake. Order No. 2 could not be accomplished: the barangay hall was already �looded. We waited for Rotary Spouse Nino Lu, also the city government Disaster Relief Chairman and the “instigator” of this mission, at the nearest possible spot. Spouse Nino’s team arrived in a bright yellow amphibian vehicle. Four “boat men” and three others promptly gave us life vests to wear. Female voices in different decibels started clacking. How do I put this on? They are too bulky! They occupy too much space! Finally settling down, the Centro ladies boarded the amphibian and

“Tao po! Knock, knock! Anybody home?”

“Meron pa po ba? Is there some more?”

“Maram ing sal amat p Thank o! you!”

after a short trip were transferred to two small boats. The task was to reach the houses along the Laguna Bay’s shoreline so we went straight into the lake to avoid the water lilies then went back nearer the shore to get to the houses. Our boat’s oarsmen, Danny and Gerry, had problems coordinating their paddling to the consternation of Past President Precy, who claimed she used to paddle a banca as a

young provincial lass. Pres. Liza sat upfront, gingerly clutching at the sides of the boat, which didn’t have any assist grips. The strong sun didn’t suit the Centro ladies who complained (again) that they would get dark. PP Precy was already saying that she wished she had stayed behind with PP Carol (who opted to stay behind on the amphibian). We passed by some houses that were abandoned before �inding an inhabited area. We were met by a woman on a Styrofoam raft, just big enough for her. We gave her a bag of relief goods. It was dif�icult to negotiate between the houses; the “Photo-op �irst, of course!”

“Ok, we’re getting too far from the shore, it’s not funny anymore!”

Philippine Rotary• October

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Philippine Rotary• October 2012

spaces were narrow and there were a lot of stuff blocking the way. We could see people waving at us and asking for some goods. “Relief! Relief! Dito! Dito (Here! Here)!” But they were stranded in their houses. All they could do was wave and shout. We chanced upon a motorized �ishing boat manned by six men also looking for relief goods. We gave them enough for six families. Quite grateful, they pulled our small boat to another area where we distributed the last of our goods and offered to pull us back to our starting point. Word of our presence, however, seemed to have spread and we were approached by several men a�loat a lifesaver with a large wash basin tied to it, ready to haul relief goods. How clever, we thought. Soon enough

there were a lot of them: fathers, mothers, small children clinging to walls, gingerly standing atop narrow fences, asking us for more bags. “Pasensya, wala na po [Sorry, no more],” we said. Then Precy shouted: “Pagbalik na lang po namin [When we come back]!” “Precy,” I said, ever so gently. “Weren’t you saying earlier that you wished you just stayed behind?” “Yes,” she replied. “I remembered that, but after the words came out already!” We all had a good laugh. The effect of service is really mindboggling.

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WE’LL “It’s too hot! I need a hat! Who’s got an extra Rotary cap?” By

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“Tao po! Knock, knock! Anybody home?”

“Meron pa po ba? Is there some more?”

“Maram in g s a l am at p Thank o! you!”

“Ok, we’re getting too far from the shore, it’s not funny anymore!”

Philippine Rotary• October

2012

Philippine Rotary• October 2012

Portuguese explorers ventured out to find new worlds.

DISCOVER

Lisbon NOW IT’S TIME FOR US TO RETURN THE FAVOR.

By John Rezek

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

Philippine Rotary â&#x20AC;˘ October 2012

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Top: Tiles depict an older Lisbon port, with a ship at anchor. Right page: A view of Lisbon’s Alfama area, with Saint Stephen Church in the foreground and a modern cruise ship anchored offshore. Previous pages: Belém Tower.

aris, London, Rome, and Prague. These are European capital cities that probably come to mind when you’re looking for a destination that promises enrichment and renewal. But add one more – a place that’s often overlooked, frequently misunderstood, and overflowing with surprises and delights. It’s a six-hour nap from Newark aiport to Lisbon, Portugal, a city that some seasoned travelers consider the current bargain of Europe. It is also the site of the 2013 Rotary International Convention, 23-26 June. Portugal is the land’s end of Europe – the last place on the continent before everything becomes the Atlantic Ocean. It encompasses the central, western section of the Iberian Peninsula, which is otherwise overwhelmed by Spain. The country has a disproportionately large coastline and contains many geographies. It seems to have few flat surfaces. You’ll find an abundance of hills and small mountains in addition to beaches, and enjoy a mild, almost Mediterranean, climate that makes for comfortable living all year. Some people compare the weather to Southern California’s; in June, temperatures should be in the 70s. The only warmer European city is Athens, but none has more daily hours of sunlight. Like the rest of Portugal, Lisbon is packed with eclectic influences. The city is both modern and red-roofed antique. It maintains the winding, often inclined streets that spill into unexpected squares and neighborhoods that are five and six hundred years old. Some of the buildings are magnificently tiled, covered with predominantly blue squares that never become commonplace, Philippine Rotary • October 2012

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The Monument to the Discoveries in Belém, with Prince Henry the Navigator leading the explorers seaward.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

no matter how often you pass them. Lisbon is awash in these beautiful tiles. They adorn palaces, churches, monasteries, fountains, railway stations, houses, restaurants – almost anywhere with a wall. Called azulejos, from the Arabic meaning “polished stone,” the tiles are the felicitous residue of the Moors’ presence on the Iberian Peninsula, and came to Portugal by way of Spain in the 15th century. King Manuel I was so impressed by the Alhambra in Granada that he ordered similar adornment for his palace in Sintra. The earliest examples were mostly blue, yellow, green, and white, and featured only graphic elements; they did not depict human figures, in accordance with Islamic law. During the 17th century, Asian influences, particularly from the Ming Dynasty, came into play, and tiles became more like murals that portrayed historic events. By the 18th century, Portugal was making more tiles than any country in Europe. Today, you can find stunning examples that are surprisingly inexpensive. In Lisbon, visit Elisabete Silva and Dina Nunes, in the Alfama district. Lisbon is a city built on hills, each offering postcard-worthy views. Look out over the ramparts of Saint George’s Castle, and all of Lisbon is in plain sight. The castle was home to Romans (who called the area Lusitania),

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Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FEATURES the hill from the Avenida da Liberdade to the Bairro Alto, a lively area of shops and restaurants favored by generations of artists. Factor in the plentiful taxi service, and getting around is simple and pleasant. If “charming” weren’t so insufficient a word, it would be easier to describe Lisbon. The city is relaxed and Mediterranean but takes its modernity seriously. It is European in its manners and attentiveness, and wildly aggressive about its food. With the continent’s fresh fish market still swimming off its shores, it offers some of the finest seafood available anywhere. The daring

Visigoths, and Moors – and later to the early Portuguese kings. It was here that the Moors were finally driven from the area. If you face the Tagus River and look to the right, you can make out the Belém Tower, which stands as a monument to the country’s maritime glory. From this river, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan set sail to explore the rest of the world and bring an unprecedented era of wealth and power to Portugal. To the left, up the river, is the site renovated for Expo ’98. Today it’s a humming commercial area that includes a large shopping mall, a world-class oceanarium, and the Atlântico Pavilion, where the RI Convention plenary sessions will take place. Lisbon has excellent tram, bus, metro, and train service. It even has a bright-yellow funicular that rattles up Previous page: Lisbon at night, as seen from the Santa Justa Lift, with Saint George’s Castle in the background. Top: One of the many trams that make exploring easy. Right: King Pedro IV balances atop this column, which dominates Rossio Square.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FEATURES and thoughtfulness of its chefs and restaurateurs rival those of any major European city, save Paris (if only to avoid tedious arguments). It has nightlife, is a beacon to hipsters, and has raised the torch song to excruciating heights with fado. What’s not to like about a city that honors cuisine and heartache equally? Let’s talk about the food. We go to different restaurants for different reasons – some for the atmosphere, some for the chef, some to be seen, some to not be seen. For a taste of history, go to Martinho da Arcada on the Praça do Comércio, or main square. It’s a lovely bistro where Portugal’s revered poet Fernando Pessôa hung out. Inside, his table is still held for him. Peer into an iced display case near the front door to see what seafood is available that day. (I opted for grilled, skewered squid, which was terrific.) It’s a handsome restaurant, beautifully located.

Top: A 19th-century tile depiction of the Rua Augusta Arch, commemorating the rebuilding of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. Bottom: The arch as it is seen today.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FEATURES Left: Lisbon loves its custard pastries. But these pastéis will sweeten your trip to Belém. Right: The airborne funiculars ferry passengers along Lisbon’s gleaming new waterfront complex.

Some argue that it’s Lisbon’s answer to La Coupole in Paris. In the heart of the city, you’ll find a quirky restaurant idea at Guilty, which celebrity chef Olivier da Costa has added to his stable. Dedicated to simple, feel-good cuisine, Guilty restyles decidedly American food – pizza and hamburgers. Stainless steel wood-burning pizza ovens dominate its full-view kitchen, and its décor is lounge-like, with cow-hide carpets and wine-crate walls. It attracts a diverse crowd that doesn’t seem to mind the sometimes distracted staff, and it’s usually mobbed on Saturday. Bica do Sapato is a riverside restaurant owned by John Malkovich and four partners, one of whom is the seasoned restaurateur Fernando Fernandes. An old boat factory serves as its shell and houses three distinct dining areas. There’s a sushi bar, a “cafeteria,” and the main restaurant. The latter is where the culinary fireworks go off, with inspired variations of traditional Portuguese food. The place is cheerily packed with trendsetters and the hipper-than-thou. But it’s worth a visit for the fare. My favorite restaurant is PEDRO E O LOBO (Peter and the Wolf), on Rua do Salitre. The two young chefs, Diogo Noronha and Nuno Bergonse, use a sophisticated approach in refreshing the native flavors of Portugal. The knowledgeable staff is helpful in explaining the thought behind the dishes, and in suggesting selections from the impressive cellar of regional Portuguese wine to accompany your order. The octopus salad, and Philippine Rotary • October 2012

the sea bass with white beans and oysters, are particularly good. But I suspect you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurant’s offerings, and you’ll likely get something you didn’t realize you were in the mood for. If you’re not one of the 175 million people who speak Portuguese, you may worry about a language barrier. Even those who have some knowledge of Latin and the Romance languages may feel disoriented. The Romans brought Latin with them to the Iberian Peninsula in 212 BC. Later they retreated from the invading Germanic peoples, who adopted some forms of the Vulgar Latin. Portuguese grew out of these influences and the language of Galicia. If you know Spanish, you’ll likely be able to pick up some written and perhaps spoken Portuguese. But even if you

Cod cakes, a Portuguese specialty, are eaten hot or cold and seem to be everywhere.

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don’t understand it, you’ll notice that Portuguese is propelled by soft consonants, with a Latinate suppleness. It makes for beautiful sounds. Chicago has blues. Lisbon has fado. Blues music describes hardship and heartache, and elevates complaint to a danceable, hypnotic, cathartic experience. Fado cultivates the quality of saudade – an untranslatable word that captures the notions of loneliness, sadness, longing, and an unrelenting sense of loss. This leaves little room for dancing or catharsis. Fado appropriates poems from Portugal’s past, and likely has its roots in Brazilian and North African music. It coalesced sometime during the 19th century in Lisbon’s Alfama area. In the most celebrated form of fado, a female singer performs with a guitarist who toils on a 12-string Portuguese instrument, probably descended from a Congolese lute. What they produce together is a music of exquisite misery. Amália Rodrigues is the acknowledged queen of fado, and her work lives on through recordings. Philippine Rotary • October 2012

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Lisbon is an intriguing mix of modern and the ancient, with endless attractions, culture, and beauty.

You won’t experience the full impact of fado, however, until you hear it live, in one of Lisbon’s fado bars (try Casa de Linhares). You’ll get to sit back and hear a skilled professional spill her guts and her heart all over the floor. It’s an odd sort of fun, and one that affirms that there’s a dismal emotional miasma in this world to which we don’t often have access. While you are admiring the many sites of Lisbon, be sure to look where you’re walking. The limestone pavement, called calçada, is handmade. The black and white stones, shaped and arranged to make patterns, create an artisanal infrastructure that doesn’t exist elsewhere. The more elaborate designs take advantage of the level surfaces where the city slides down and eases into the Tagus River. Lisbon’s undulating contours are nonetheless adorned with this same mosaic treatment. The skilled laborers who do this work are called calceteiros. Let’s hope, through the city’s many renovations, that their numbers never dwindle. A word of caution, though: Walking across a patterned pavement that’s been worn smooth and polished by foot traffic, after rain, may resemble your first time on skates.

Previous page, top: The entrance to one of Lisbon’s famous cafes. Bottom: Tiles describe the beautiful torment of fado. Top: A Juliet balcony framed in azulejos. Right top: The entrance to one of Lisbon’s famous cafes. Right bottom: The courtyard of the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

Guidebooks will help you figure out where you want to go and how to get there. But none I’ve read do justice to the utter otherness of Lisbon. It maintains its mystery while welcoming you to its secrets. It feels intimate while preserving a robust awareness of the world outside itself. Despite the economic troubles it shares with its European neighbors, it seems resolved to honor its complicated past and its remarkable art, and make the most of its many pleasures. Plus, it seems absolutely dedicated to showing you a good time. Register for the RI Convention by 15 December for special pricing. Go to www. riconvention.org.

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Side Trips BELÉM is a short ride from the center of

Lisbon on Tram 15. Visit the Belém Tower, a four-story fortification that sits on the bank of the Tagus River and was an element of the city’s defenses. From this site, Vasco da Gama and other navigators ventured out to find new worlds. It’s a meticulous 16thcentury fort in the Manueline (late Gothic) style which, as you climb the stairs, makes you imagine how difficult it would be to dislodge its defenders. A short distance away is the Monument to the Discoveries, erected in 1960, which features Prince Henry the Navigator with his eyes fixed on the sea, and other explorers kneeling behind him. Down the street is the Jerónimos Monastery, one of the most spectacular buildings in Lisbon. It was constructed to honor da Gama’s travels to India and contains an exquisite church. Again, the Manueline style is in full flower, and the effect is breathtaking. A short walk will take you to the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, where you should try pastéis de Belém, custard confections whose secret recipe has remained unchanged since 1837. It’s 40 minutes by train from Lisbon to the village of SINTRA, which Lord Byron described as a “glorious Eden” in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. The Pena Palace, perched on a hill (and accessible by bus), was the summer residence of a slew of Portuguese royals and is a yellow, pink, and purple fantasia built improbably into the rock. It is Portuguese romanticism just barely tempered by royal restraint. From its turrets you’ll find commanding views of the lush countryside and the remains of the ninthcentury Moorish Castle. Once you get down the incline, it’s a short walk through town to the Quinta da Regaleira, the neo-Manueline summer residence of the Monteiro family. It is opulence on a domestic scale, adorned with wonderful grounds with circuitous paths leading to hideaways, gardens, grottoes, and towers.

North of Lisbon is MAFRA, a modest village that shares its name with a grand palace/convent. The palace, which was started in 1717 and completed 17 years later, was for a time the center of artists and craftsmen who formed the School of Mafra. Its construction was the background for Nobel Prize winner José Saramago’s Baltasar and Blimunda. The building is 720 feet long and features a church with two tall towers and a stunning portico. Of special note is the library, which contains 35,000 volumes and several bats. My guide explained that the bats were welcome, as they ate the insects that fed on the precious early editions of Homer, Newton, Camões, and others.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

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Olá, Lisbon!

Rotarians from around the world will bring the greetings of peace, the theme for the 2013 Rotary International Convention, as they gather in Lisbon, Portugal on 23-26 June 2013 for the 104th Rotary International Convention. RI President Sakuji Tanaka invites all Rotarians to come together and for people of all colours and cultures to “see for a few days the world as it could be” and “look past our differences and focus on our goal: the building of a better world”. The RI convention offers an ideal opportunity to network with Rotarians from all over the world, broaden the appreciation of Rotary’s global impact and strengthen the commitment to service. They learn about RI programs and important updates during workshops as they are motivated by thought provoking and inspiring speakers during the plenary sessions. And for entertainment, world-class artists await Rotarians in Lisbon. Whether you are a Rotarian, a member of the Family of Rotary, or a guest, the convention offers a memorable experience unlike any other. So make plans early and get the most of the RI Convention experience.

Points to Remember

Top : The Pena Palace, rendered in tile form. The original is a riot of yellow, pink, and purple. Bottom: Sunrise illuminates Cascais Bay, whose welcoming beach and rocky cliffs make it an attractive detour.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

Registration. First deadline is 15 December; second is 31 March 31; and third, 15 June 15. Online registration is fast, convenient and secure. Registration can also be done by e-mail or by fax. For more information please visit the RI Convention website at www.riconvention.org. Decide whether you will register as a group or individual. You can register up to four guests online. But if you have a group of six or more, you’ll need to submit a paper registration form. For a group of 25 or more contact ri.registration@rotary.org for information and instructions. Rotarians can register for RI ticketed events at www. lisboa2013.org Hotels and Accommodation With Experient, RI has reserved a block of rooms for Rotarians. The official website for RI Lisbon Convention where Rotarians can check on current availability of accommodations is at http://registration.experient-inc.com/ showrot131. Visa. Upon registration, RI automatically sends letter of invitation which you can use for visa application. Portugal does not have an embassy in the Philippines. The nearest embassy is in Jakarta, Indonesia. Portugal is a party to the Schengen treaty covering entries to many countries in Europe. If traveling to other countries in Europe and need to apply for a visa, you should apply for a visa with the Schengen country where you will be spending the most time. Philippine Districts Team Attendance and Promotion Country Chair PDG Guiller E. Tumangan would like to express his thanks and appreciation for the support being provided by the 10 district governors in the Philippines who have appointed their own representative District Chairs in assisting and promoting attendance to the 2013 RI Convention: PDG Eric Wycoco, D3770; PP Albert Lee, D3780; PP Abner Tayco, D3790; DGN Marilou Co, D3800; PDG Rosie Go, D3810; PDG Mike Lirio, D3820; PP Rachel Ocampo, D3830; PP Prime Dizon, Jr., D3850; Pres. Stephanie “Twinkle” Chu, D3860; PDG Bing Juarez, D3870. – PP Rachel C. Ocampo, D3830

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A new approach to vocational service and training

I WILFRID J. (WILF) WILKINSON

FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR

n 2013, all districts will have the opportunity to support vocational training teams (VTTs) with Rotary Foundation grants. These teams of Rotarian and non-Rotarian professionals will travel abroad to meet a humanitarian need, either by teaching local professionals about a particular field or learning more themselves. VTTs, like Group Study Exchanges (GSEs), can be sponsored by district grants, which have no area of focus requirements. Districts 6200 and 9600 used district grants to organize a VTT exchange dealing with the environmental impact of oil spills. VTTs can also be sponsored by global grants. Some districts have expressed disappointment that the Foundation will no longer support the GSE program. However, many districts have had difficulty finding professionals who meet the program requirements, forcing the Foundation to grant dozens of exceptions to the GSE guidelines every year. Under Future Vision, districts can still sponsor such activities through district grants and search for partners on the District Grant VTT Partner Forum on LinkedIn. Unlike GSEs, VTTs have no restrictions on participant age or length of training. They also offer an opportunity for the hands-on activity with lasting impact that many GSE participants have requested. The GSE program established the Foundation’s commitment to vocational training; VTTs are taking that commitment to a new, more dynamic level. I encourage every district to take advantage of the humanitarian service that can be generated by a VTT, once Future Vision is fully introduced on 1 July. This doesn’t mean that your Foundation won’t allow GSE teams. They will still be funded, but with the money allocated to the district, and only when the district committee feels that it will be a meaningful exchange.

Speak now

Portugal is home to 0.15 percent of the global population – a fact that belies the country’s outsize influence. Portuguese ranks seventh in the world in the number of native speakers and is an official language in nine countries. Rotarians who attend the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon, 23-26 June, will likely meet Portuguese speakers with a variety of accents, from Angola to Brazil to Macau to Mozambique. In tourist areas, you will also find it easy to communicate in English, but if you can speak a bit of the local language, you’ll better appreciate Lisbon and all it has to offer. Here’s a primer to get you started.

Hello! Olá! Pleased to meet you. Muito prazer. Good morning/afternoon/evening! Bom dia/Boa tarde/Boa noite! Please. Por favor. Thank you. Obrigado (women say obrigada). My name is … O meu nome é … or Chamo-me … I don’t speak Portuguese. Do you speak English? Desculpe, não falo português. Fala inglês? I don’t understand. Não entendo. Excuse me, where is … ? Desculpe, onde fica … ? Goodbye! Adeus! See you soon! Até logo! Register for the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon at www.rotary.org/convention

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

ROTARY IN MOTION

functions OCTOBER 2012

SUNDAY October is

Vocational Service 1 Month Find a club project in need of your skills at www.rotary .org/projectlink.

D3860 Zone 2A,B,C& E Annual InterRotary Bowling Fellowship at B3 Entertainment Centrum, NCCC Mall, Matina, Davao City. Oct 7, 14, 21 & 28

Action against injustice In 1964, U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was named the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

D3810 Area Meeting Mooncake Festival

Conquer with love Indians celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 1869 birth with the festival of Gandhi Jayanti, and the United Nations marks it with the International Day of Nonviolence.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

D3800 OCTOBERFIESTA, RC Marikina Venue: Marikina Convention Center, Marikina City

SATURDAY

D3810 District Interact Badminton Tournament

13 D3800 Photo Seminar, Marikina Rotary Center D3800 2nd Presidents Meeting/Fellowship, CAMANAVA Cluster (1) Venue: Club Filipino, Greenhills San Juan

World Food Day Learn about the Rotarian Action Group for the Alleviation of Hunger and Malnutrition at www.alleviate hunger.org.

D3800 2nd Leg Golf Federation Tournament MM GEMS/San Juan Magilas Venue: Orchard Golf & Country Club Palmer Course

D3810 District Bowling Tournament

WEDNESDAY

World Polio Day Find out how you can help eradicate polio at www.endpolionow.org.

Bright idea Thomas Edison invented the carbon-filament light bulb in 1879 at his laboratory in Menlo Park, N.J., USA.

D3780 United Nations Day celebration

20 D3780 Vocational Awards Night D3870 Membership Development Seminar @ Cagayan de Oro City

D3860 (VOY) Impromptu Speaking Competition Club Level elimination round for Mindanao Area at AVR UM Matina Campus, Davao City

D3820 MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly) Venue: Sol y Viento Resort Pansol, Calamba, Laguna October 27-28 D3780 Grand welcome and fellowship for new members, Venue: Camp Crame, Multipurpose Hall D3810 District Vocational Training Seminar

28 D3800 Tenpin Bowling Tournament, By Cluster Venue: Sta. Lucia Bowling Center, Sta. Lucia East Mall, Cainta D3810 District Bowling Tournament

30 D3810 District Halloween Party

Next RI Convention Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 June 2013 Tentative convention sites Sydney, Australia, 2014 São Paulo, Brazil, 2015 Seoul, Korea, 2016 Atlanta, 2017

T H E DISTRICT 3770

Aurora, Batanes, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino

District Governor Yolanda “Yolly” R. Wycoco DGR-PRM PDG Romulo “Boy” O. Valle, Jr.

DISTRICT 3780 Quezon City

District Governor Rufino “Penny” L. Policarpio

DGR-PRM IPDG Jose Francisco “Jess” Q. Cifra

DISTRICT 3790

Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales

District Governor Antonio “Tony” C. Bautista DGR-PRM PP Rommel “Rommel” dG. Suarez

DISTRICT 3800

Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Pasig, Rizal, San Juan, Valenzuela

District Governor Lirio “Lirio” P. Sandoval

D I S T R I C T S DGR-PRM PDG Virgilio “Jun” G. Farcon, Jr.

DGR-PRM PP Rosario “Chito” Calixto-Chavez

DISTRICT 3810

DISTRICT 3850

Cavite, Manila, Mindoro Occidental, Pasay

District Governor Ismael “Maeng” M. Mercado

Aklan, Antique, Basilan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Sulu, Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

District Governor Rafael “Biboy” L. Jocson

DGR-PRM PP Samson “Sammy” O. Kaw

DGR-PRM PDG James Cesar “James” L. Makasiar

DISTRICT 3820

DISTRICT 3860

Batangas, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Quezon, and the whole of the Bicol region

District Governor Rafael Dennis “Dennis” B. Sunio DGR-PRM PP Jose Elmer “Elmer” N. Borlaza

Co-DGR-PRM PP Maria Lewina “Lewi” Tolentino

DISTRICT 3830

Alabang, Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa Palawan, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig

District Governor Suzanne “Sue” V. Sta. Maria

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Cebu, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Samar, Siquijor, South Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

District Governor Peter “Perok” M. Rodriguez DGR-PRM PP Lilo “Lilu” I. Aliño

DISTRICT 3870

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin Island, Cotabato, Cotabato City, Gingoog City, Iligan City, Kidapawan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Misamis Oriental, Sultan Kudarat, Tacurong City, Valencia City

District Governor George “George” A. Hamoy DGR-PRM IPDG Samuel “Sam” C. Fontanilla

Legend: DGR-PRM - District Governor’s Representative to the Philippine Rotary Magazine

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

ROTARY DISTRICTS

family O

RC Plaridel Kristal holds career orientation, feeding and wheelchair-on-loan programs More than 500 graduating students of the Dr. Felipe De Jesus National High School in Agnaya, Plaridel, Bulacan were told to consider aptitude, interest, family’s financial status and other personal limitations in choosing their future careers, including a clear knowledge of work, compensation and opportunities, advised Mrs. Elvira Borlongan, Head, Department of Communications, Centro Escolar University-Malolos. The students attended the Career Guidance Seminar recently sponsored by the Rotary Club of Plaridel Kristal of District 3770. Club President Juliana Alvaro and other Rotarians shared their experiences in choosing their careers, club Secretary Lilia Lorenzo said. School teachers headed by Principal Atanacia Gumabon welcomed the Rotarians during the seminar. Meanwhile, 35 pupils of the Members of RC Plaridel Kristal Rueda Elementary headed by School in Plaridel Pres. Juliana M. town enjoyed Alvaro with the a breakfast beneficiary and under the club’s his family continuing feeding program for public school children. Club Director Maribel Oliveros, who celebrated

RC Plaridel Kristal officers and members distribute food packs to the pupils her birthday, provided the breakfast. At the same time, the club also loaned a wheelchair to vehicular accident victim Dioscoro Pareno of Barangay Tabang in Plaridel. Pareno will return the wheelchair to the club for use by other beneficiaries once he fully recovers. The Phi Kappa Mu fraternity of medical doctors from the University of the Philippines in cooperation with US-based Dr. Jess Socrates donated the wheelchair. - Lilia G. Lorenzo Club Secretary

Members of RC Plaridel Kristal with 4th Year High School students of Dr. Felipe De Jesus National High School during the Career Orientation Program.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY PRICELESS SMILES: It was a special day for

abandoned 50 grandpas and grannies when RC Pag-asa visited them at the Tahanan ni Maria in Carmona, Cavite for free medical consultation, medicine and food. It was a rewarding club initiative that brought priceless smiles on the faces of the elderly. Rotary Club of Pag-asa Facebook Rotarians of RC Pag-asa gives an elderly woman a treat as she celebrates her birthday at Tahanan ni Maria.

BREAKING GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIER: Trekking RC Camp Panopio

traveled from Luzon to Alamada, North Cotabato to conduct a medical and dental mission in association with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army. The club also distributed a total of 100 oral health kits to 239 Alamada residents. Photo shows a police officer-dentist extracting a tooth from a young patient as her mother watches. - Rotary of Camp Panopio Facebook

A young patient having his rotten tooth extracted for free

ROTARIAN RoCKS: Broadcast

journalist-Rotarian Daniel Razon was inducted into the Rotary Club of Kamuning’s RoCK Hall of Fame for featuring his club’s various humanitarian activities and for boosting the public image of Rotary International in his television program, Rotary in Action, on UNTV 37 and over Radio La Verdad on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. His program received the Public Image Coordinators PR Award from the Rotary Institute of the Asia Pacific Region in Bali, Indonesia last year. RoCK also recognized Razon’s efforts in the District 3780 nationwide medical mission that benefited more than 13,000 people. – UNTV 37

Rtn. Razon (center), together with Kamuning Rotarians co-hosts, covers the club’s nationwide medical mission for “Rotary in Action” which airs in UNTV ch.37. Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY PREVENTING BLINDNESS: Rotarian Judith Cristobal (left) of RC Vigan administers vitamin A capsule to one of the Caoayan Central School pupils in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur to protect him and his classmates from blindness and high-risk diseases such as diarrhea, measles and malaria. Vigan Rotarians also encouraged the children to eat vitamin A-rich foods to avoid Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). Around 190 million children in Africa and Southeast Asia suffer from VAD, World Health Organization statistics show. – Rotary Club of Vigan Facebook

TOOTHY SMILES: Some 124 pre-schoolers and

Grade 1 pupils of the Sibuan-Otong Community School in La Union gave Rotarians and dentists toothy smiles after receiving free toothbrushes, toothpastes and snacks under the joint RC Metro San Fernando-La Union Dental Association oral health care project called Bright Smile. The children were taught proper method of brushing teeth and those who had pits and fissures on their teeth were treated. – Rotary Club of Metro San Fernando La Union Facebook

BETTER THAN CURE: The Rotary Club of Taytay

launched its community service program, Preventive Pediatric Health Care Lecture Series, spearheaded by Rotarian doctors Mark Fermindoza and Joyce Eguia, a licensed pediatrician to educate parents and children on disease prevention and treatment. The program featured a film on health protection, feeding and deworming children two years old and above and giving them supplementary nutritional products. – Rotary Club of Taytay Facebook Rotarians distribute food supplements to help malnourished kids get their nutritional needs. Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY

LITERACY: RC Sampaguita Grace Park celebrated the International Literacy Day by donating books to five public

elementary schools, namely, A. Mabini Elementary School, Pag-asa Elementary School, Tala Elementary School, M.L.Q. Elementary School and Pangarap Elementary School. The books were turned over to the schools after PDG Lina Aurelio, President Len Isleta and the school principals signed the deed of donation. - PDG Lina Aurelio

GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES: Undersecretary Raul Asis (left) of Department of Public Works and Highways underscored governance challenges, transparency, accountability, and innovation for safe and better quality of national roads and bridges during a recent meeting of RC Manila. Undersecretary Asis is shown receiving tokens of appreciation from club President Roberto “Obet” M. Pagdanganan after his talk. – Balita, RC of Manila newsletter

COOL CLASSROOMS: RC Rosario Magdiwang donated three electric stand fans to Pacifico Elementary School in Noveleta, Cavite to cool off classrooms and protect pupils from disease-carrying mosquitoes by blowing them away. Photo shows a beaming school teacher receiving the fans from Peace Builder President Edgardo “Ed” Reyes (right). – Rotary Club of Rosario Magdiwang Facebook

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY

OPLAN TANGGAL BUKOL: Volunteer doctors are shown removing a cyst from the chest of a patient during Oplan

Tanggal Bukol at the Bible Baptist Church in Malibay, Pasay City. The patient is one of the 1,500 residents that benefited from the program jointly launched by RCs Ermita, Manila East, Uptown Manila, Manila Metro, Intramuros and Manila Midtown. The beneficiaries received free medical consultation, prescribed medicines, tooth extraction, eye check-up with free reading glasses, minor surgery, haircut, feeding program, and relief goods. – Rotary Club of Ermita Facebook

SUPPORTING YOUTH CREATIVITY: Students of Calo

Elementary School in Barangay Calo, Bay, Laguna showcased their creativity during the Guhit Bulilit, Mulat Panulat essay and poster making contests conducted by the Rotaract Club of Bae Sentral. The activity supports the youth in developing their talents in writing and graphic arts. The contests started in RY 2008-2009. – Rotary Bay Central Facebook

Saving lives

KBNet Calauag Chapter and Kabayan Action Group coRC Calauag’s “A gift of blood, A gift sponsored the activity. of life”, RC Binan’s “Dugo mo, Buhay ko”, RC Binan headed by and RC West Bay’s “Give blood, Save Peace Builder President lives”, are now saving lives, literally, as Liezl Guingcangco netted a result of their blood-letting activities 87 bags of blood from out during the past two months. of 150 potential donors, RC Calauag collected about 20 while RC West Bay under liters of blood from 40 donors. The PBP Dally Alejandrino had Calauag Rotaractors undergo blood donation Municipal Health Office of Calauag, 48 liters from 107 donors. process. Rotaract Club of Calauag, Soroptimist RC West Bay partnered International of Calauag, Kabalikat with the Human Resource Civicom-Calauag Chapter, Calauag Bikers, Samahan Services of the International Rice Research Institute and ng mga Kawani ng Pamahalaan Bayan ng Calauag the Philippine Red Cross (Laguna Chapter). – Rotary (SANKAPCA), Calauag East District, Calauag PNP Station, Club of Calauag Facebook Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY

BETTER TOMORROW: DG Dennis Sunio (left) is shown planting a tree seedling together with Peace Builder President Renato Sales during his visit to RC Lucena North, one of the early district clubs that responded to his call to plant a tree for a better tomorrow. – Rotary Club of Lucena North Facebook

NEBULIZERS FOR CADDIES: Golf caddies of

Ayala Alabang Country Club who developed lung problems and those who have family members with respiratory illnesses were thankful for the nebulizers donated to them by RC Makati West and RC Makati Legazpi under the clubs’ joint Disease Treatment and Prevention project. Studies indicated that golf caddies risk developing lung complications due to exposure to various chemicals such as insecticides and soil modifiers used in the golf courses. – Rotary Club of Makati-West Facebook

KEEPING FAMILIES HEALTHY: Rotary Club of Makati-San Antonio joined the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Inc. (Southern Tagalog Chapter) in celebrating its 66th anniversary through a public health service program, Kalusugan Para sa Pamilya. Hundreds of families availed free health services such as anemia testing and urinalysis, bone screening, free multivitamins and medicines, visual inspection, cervical screening and dental service. The Municipal Health Office of Alfonso, Cavite, Alfonso Dental Health Circle and Biofemme, Inc. co-sponsored the program. Photo shows a patient undergoing cervical screening. – Rotary Club of Makati- San Antonio Facebook

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY Rotary Homes holds Build Day; breaks ground for 2nd cluster

By PP Ador Tolentino, Corporate Secretary & Trustee, RHPFI

Since the Rotary Homes project was formally launched in January 2011, seven out of 14 houses sponsored by the Maynilad Water Company were finally completed and ready for turnover to the beneficiaries. PDG Isidro "Sid" Garcia, Rotary Homes Paranaque Foundation, Inc. (RHPFI) Board of Trustees chair, expressed elation over the realization of a better community for informal dwellers along the Paranaque River. He also thanked the major donors that included the Maynilad Water Company, DMCI, various Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in District 3830, and recognized the huge contribution of the Foundation's partner, ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor of the Couples for Christ), for its valuable contribution in conducting orientation and values formation seminars for beneficiaries and in the actual construction of houses. DG Suzanne "Sue" Sta. Maria, one The seven-unit completed first cluster of the Rotary Homes project.

of the RHPFI advisers, also expressed her full support to the Rotary Homes project and praised the professional management of the Foundation. In encouraging everyone to support the project, she said all donations are fully accounted for and would certainly go to the construction of Rotary Homes’ houses.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

Paranaque City Mayor Florencio "Jun" Bernabe, Jr., Past President of RC Palanyag Paranaque, assured his administration’s support in the full implementation of the project and thanked the Foundation and the Rotarians for being great partners in this housing and community project. Speaking in behalf of the beneficiaries of the Rotary Homes houses, Sanny Savio DG Sue Sta. Maria with District Officers and thanked Rotarians, the other Rotarians at the ground-breaking Foundation, Paranaque City ceremonies of the next cluster of 16 houses sponsored by 16 Rotary Clubs in District 3830. Government, ANCOP and Maynilad. About 200 Rotarians from the second cluster of 16 houses District 3830, city and barangay will be built within the next three officials of Paranaque and volunteers months. Sixteen Rotary Clubs, some from partners ANCOP and Maynilad in collaboration with their foreign witnessed the Paranaque-ANCOPsister clubs, have sponsored one Rotary Homes Build Day at the Rotary unit each in the second cluster, Homes site along C5 Road Extension in namely, RC Makati, RC Makati Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City. West, RC Makati Paseo de Roxas Present during the ceremony (Construction Project Management were Maynilad Chief Operating Association), RC Paranaque, RC Officer Herbert M. Consunji, ANCOP Palanyag Paranaque, RC Paranaque volunteers led by CFC South B Sector BF Homes, RC Paranaque Metro (RC Head Ramon De Leon and Atty. Rene Metro Kuala Lumpur/RC Mambalan), Bello, Paranaque Vice Mayor Gus RC Paranaque Metro South, RC Las Tambunting (also a Past President of Pinas Camino Real, RC Makati San RC Palanyag Paranaque), Councilor Antonio, RC Makati Rockwell, RC Benjo Bernabe, Councilor Rico Golez Makati Northwest, RC Makati Legazpi, and Manila International Airport RC Paranaque South, RC Muntinlupa Authority Assistant General Manager, South (RC Taipei Wen Lin) and RC Retired General Ador Penaflor. Paranaque East. Dignitaries from District 3830 Seven clubs hosted the Rotary present included Foundation advisers Homes Build Day, namely, RC Palanyag IPDG Billy Villareal and DGN Lito Paranaque (Pres. Hermie Brion), RC Colona, Foundation Trustees PDG Paranaque (Pres. August Cantor), RC Romeo Cruz, PDG Herman Gamboa, Paranaque BF Homes (Pres. Jimmy PDG Boyet Limon, Assistant Treasurer Lazaro), RC Paranaque East (Pres. Allan CP Ernie Sanchez, Executive Director Dilay), RC Paranaque Metro (Pres. Fe PP Sally Tongson, Legal Counsel PP Maximo), RC Paranaque South (Pres. Bobot Ramos, PP Joel Altea, PP Mel Joel Paguirigan) and RC Paranaque De Leon, PP Fed Sapitan and PP Baby Southwest (Pres. Jhun Rios). Vale. Trustee PP Ador Tolentino, The Build Day Committee was corporate secretary, co-moderated spearheaded by Executive Director the Build Day Program with fellow PP Sally Tongson, Trustees PP Rene Trustee PP Rene Aquino. Aquino and PP Ador Tolentino, Following the Build Day Councilor Benjo Bernabe and Albert ceremonies, the Rotarians proceeded Alfaro of ANCOP and the Peace to the ground-breaking area where Presidents of the host clubs.

FAMILY OF ROTARY

P1M RENOVATION: RC Bacolod

East has completed the renovation of the facilities of 10 public schools in Bacolod by raising some P1 million to fund the project. Renovated were school roofs, grills and other facilities. The faculty and students of the beneficiary schools were grateful to the club’s initiative. Special thanks also went to IPP Mike Sarabia and PP Jun Arceo shown here inspecting the repaired classroom roofs, and to Rtn. Carlo Centeno for their active participation in the said project. . – Rotary Club of Bacolod East Facebook

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS: Concerted

efforts made by Rotary clubs in Zamboanga City are making the livelihoods of deserving families more sustainable with the distribution of mobile food or Nego carts, sewing machines and cooking materials. Club Presidents Osbert Malinao (RC Zamboanga City North), Ian A. Lahi (RC Zamboanga City East), Erlinda DP Jacobe (RC Zamboanga City Central), Francis Sarau (Mother Club), Carl Andrew Rubio (RC Metro Zamboanga) and Santiago Araneta (RC Zamboanga City West) and project partner Department of Labor and Employment, Zamboanga City Field Office, made this project possible. The livelihood facilities were distributed during a turnover ceremony at the Storyland Learning Center in Zamboanga City. – Rotary Club of Zamboanga East Facebook

RICKY’S NEW WHEELS: Life drastically changed for Ricky de Jose of Barangay

Jalas, New Washington, Aklan when his right leg was amputated due to diabetes. He moved around with only one leg by using an old office swivel chair. Despite his difficulties, he never gave up on life. Ricky now moves around with ease and comfort using a wheelchair donated by RC Kalibo through Marching Grant No. 75696, reports PP/Secretary Leonardo “Raphy” Tayco, Jr. Photo shows PP Immanuel Sodusta helping Ricky try his wheelchair. - PP Leonardo “Raphy” Tayco, Jr., Secretary, RC Kalibo

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

FAMILY OF ROTARY HEROES TO HEROES’ CHILDREN: RC Tagum

North established linkages with Help Education and Rear Orphans, also known as the HERO Foundation Inc., in order to help children obtain college degrees or vocational licenses and be competitive and productive members of society. The beneficiaries are children of Filipino soldiers who died in action and those who became totally incapacitated due to combat injuries. Michelle Chan (left), director for marketing and resource mobilization of HERO Foundation, and PP Bany Budtan facilitated the linkage at the UM Tagum College in Tagum City where they became heroes themselves among children of heroes. - PP Lilu Aliño

“Walk ‘n Wheels”

A PWD, breast cancer survivor Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon pushes a PWD on wheel chair

Rotarians of RC Cebu Fuente and Rotaractors from the Cebu Council of Rotaract Clubs, among others, made 30 persons with disabilities (PWD) smile with joy as they “walked” their way on wheelchairs from Plaza Sugbu to Plaza Independencia in celebration of the 34th National Disability Prevention Rehabilitation Week. Those who joined the “Walk ‘n Wheels” project were more than happy to make the day for their differentlyabled friends. “It was through pushing the wheelchairs that we felt the plight of PWDs on wheelchairs as they travel

the roads of Cebu City,” PDS Mary Anne Solomon said. The participating PWDs included blind persons, special children with autism from the REACH Center (Responsive Education for Autistic Children), children with Downs Syndrome, persons with missing leg or arm and even cancer survivors. RC Cebu Fuente joined the activity upon the invitation of Lourdes Jereza, president of the Accessible Environments for Persons with Disabilities Today (ACCEPT), formerly known as Organization of Rehabilitation Agencies, Inc. (ORA). – PDS Mary Anne Solomon

DG George Hamoy pins a bill on the collar of a student dancing a local traditional dance during the intermission part of the program.

THANK YOU: RC Cotabato City South has adopted Datu Usman Elementary School in Bagua 2, Cotabato City under its Adopt-a-School program. During the project’s ceremonial signing witnessed by Rotary International District 3870 Governor George and Lady Vicky Hamoy, a total of 2,500 pupils and parents were dewormed and 310 of pairs of slippers were distributed to the pupils. The faculty, staff, and students of the school were thankful to RC Cotabato City South for selecting their school.

Philippine Rotary • October 2012

LOFTY CAUSE: It was a bloody day for military personnel, not in war against insurgency, but for a more lofty cause. RC Cotabato City East teamed up with the Philippine Air Force Third Air Division in the blood-letting project, Dugo ko, Buhay mo, held in Barangay Notre Dame, Rosary Heights, Cotabato City. – RC Cotabato East Facebook

CONTRIBUTORS

PDG CHIT LIJAUCO

PDG MARK GO

s currently the Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 7A (10 districts of the Philippines and two districts of Indonesia). The charter president of the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Centro, she served as the Past District Governor of District 3820 for RY2009-10. She has been in the publication business for more than 30 years now, serving as writer and/or editor in several major daily newspapers and magazines. Today, she is the Managing Editor of the Philippine Tatler, a monthly glossy that chronicles the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

DG Mark Go is currently the President of Berkeley School, Inc. and Board of Trustee of Saint Louis University. He was formerly the Human Resources Director of Texas Instruments (Philippines), Inc. and Site Services Director of Cypress Manufacturing Ltd. He served as President of the Rotary Club of Baguio North, District Governor of RI, District 3790, Chairman of the Philippine College of Rotary Governors and President of the People Management Association of the Philippines.

MYRNA A. VALLE

QUINCY JOEL CAHILIG

yrna is a “returning” Rotarian, having briefly joined the Rotary Club of Sta. Rosa Centro in 2002. She re-joined the same club March of this year, and this time she intends to stay. Currently employed as Head of the Executive Office of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Myrna enjoys ballroom dancing, movies, or simply hanging out with family and friends or her two children and four lovely pets at home.

uincy Joel Cahilig currently works as editorial assistant for Philippine Rotary Magazine. He is an experienced media practitioner from Isabela who showcased his passion for broadcasting and journalism during his stint as news writer and disc jockey in premier radio stations Radyo Natin and Love Radio in Santiago City and as a columnist in Cagayan Valley Newsweek. During his college days, Quincy held the editor-in-chief post in Primer, the student publication of the Isabela State Univeristy- College of Arts and Sciences, where he took up Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.

INVITING CONTRIBUTORS Do you have a story to share – inspiring club project, successful district activity, Rotarians worth emulating? Email to office@philrotary.com a 300-400 words article with 3-5 photos (action and close up, no firing line) as well as your photo and a 50 words profile. You may see yourself in this page.

Philippine Rotary •October 2012