RY 2014 - 2015 March 2015 issue

LITERACY MONTH

Finally, after months of preparations, countless meetings, talent night and dancepractices we’ve done it– our annual District Conference. And a huge success itwas thanks to each and every member of our D3800 family, particularly, ourExecutive and Working Committees, the District officers, Best Class Presidentsand their spouses. They all worked so hard to make our DISCON a trulyenjoyable and memorable experience.

I am sure that we have made an indelible mark on our RIPR Sjadzali and his Lady Sari. I recall thatat our Governor’s Ball, they were already very much impressed at the dance presentation and sodelighted at the line dancing thereafter which was a first for them. Thus, at the Talent Night, theywere simply amazed at our spectacular show. And so was everyone else as it was definitely one ofthe best if not the best talent night ever. We just have to give much credit to our zones and clubs inproducing their shows against many odds and challenges. PDG Tony and I extend to you all ourdeepest gratitude.

It proved once again that joining our hands together and committed to our one common goal willpush us through in any endeavor or challenge. This is what brought us to where we are today in sofar as our district thrusts and objectives are concerned having made tremendous gains since the startof our term. Let us then continue on for the remaining months and proceed as we have started inthe pursuit of our goals and providing much need services in our communities. We have raised thebar of excellence in all our undertakings and nothing should prevent us from raising that bar anyhigher for that is how we intend to really “Light Up Rotary”.

Best Class Governor Marilou O. Co

PAGE 2 GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER

RID 3800 successfully holds 2015 DISCON in Manila Hotel

RID 3800 held its much-anticipated 2015 DistrictConference at the historic Manila Hotel on March 20-21,2015. BCG Marilou Co and PDG Tony Co led theconference with RIPR Mustain Sjadzali and Lady Sari asguests of honor. It was a hugely successful gathering ofRotarians, spouses and guests considered as one of themandated meetings in every Rotary district.

The 2-day confab was formally opened with a PhotoExhibit at the Millennium Hallway. Highlights of the eventwere the major addresses of RIPR Sjadzali, thecomprehensive State of the District Address of BCGMarilou, the insightful talks of Secretaries Leila de Lima

and Sonny Coloma on burning issues affecting the countryand Rotary, the joyful House of Friendship, the fabulousTalent Night carrying the theme of Disney Princesses, theengaging Spouses Workshop, the formal TRF luncheon, andthe joint breakfast meeting of the Best Class and World Classteams. Adding color and glamour to the event were theperformances/appearances of stars like Laarni Lozada, JonSantos, Regine Tolentino and Janine Desiderio.

The 2015 DISCON is one, if not the most, successfuldistrict conference in the history of D3800. RC San Juandel Monte, the club of BCG Marilou, hosted the confab.Lt. Gov. Jun Angeles served as Conference Chair.

Photo Exhibit Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

RIPR Mustain Sjadzali’s major address

Photo Exhibit

BCG Marilou Co delivers her State of the District Address

RI District 3800 Office2 Kennedy St., North Greenhills, San Juan CityTel. No. 6225310; Mobile 09178378534

Rotary International (Philippine Consulting Office)2nd Deck Penthouse, Salamin Bldg.197 Salamin St., Legaspi Village, Makati CityTel. Nos. 8673921, 8178858; Fax No. 8100101

Philippine Rotary MagazineG/F Rotary Center Foundation BuildingRoces corner Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City 1103Tel. No. 4163800; Telefax No. 3325729Email: office@philrotary.com; Website: www.philrotary.com

District GovernorDistrict Governor SpouseDistrict TrainerDistrict SecretaryChief of StaffEditor-in-ChiefAssociate EditorDocumentors/Coordinators

Contributors :

The GML is published every month. Please send materials for publication to priscorivera2005@yahoo.com anddfcs@dfcsantos.com.

: DG Marilou O. Co: PDG Tony B. Co: PDG Efren O. De Guzman: PP Augusto C. Soliman: PP Bienvenido C. Angeles, Jr.: CP Prisco S. Rivera, Jr.: PP Dindo C. Santos: PP Rueben M. Jarvina, PP Arcadio L. Santos, PP Richelieu R. Villareal, PP Jonas H. Rivera AG Dinky Hermentera, BCP Nick Tabones, BCP Cathay Tech PP Carla Dejeres

MARCH 2015 ISSUE PAGE 3

RIPR Sjadzali: D3800 is an omnipresent Rotary District

In his keynote address delivered during the 2015DISCON at the Manila Hotel, RIPR Mustain Sjadzali sharedhis awe, admiration and envy on RID 3800 for being an“omnipresent” district where the light of Rotary truly shinesbright. He noted the various accomplishments of the districtwhich to him are worthy to be emulated by other districtssuch that he regarded his visit to D3800 as more of a learningand enriching experience. He bared his adulation andgratitude on BCG Marilou for successfully leading thedistrict to greater heights. RIPR Sjadzali also shared hisgood experiences in the country and its great people.

Along this line, the unwavering BCG Marilou, in herState of the District Address, bared the various remarkableachievements of the district under her helm. These includethe increase in the number of clubs from 90 to 93 and

Rotarians from 2,302 to 2,602 with more clubs beingorganized; the erection of more than 10 Rotary markers andthe display of a billboard in EDSA; the successful conductof various youth-oriented programs and activities likeRotaract Distas, Interact Discon, RYLA, and Rotary YouthDay in Zone 7; and the successful conduct of a RotaRun,trainings, and fellowship events in the district like theSeptember fashion show event, Valentines Party, ChristmasHat Party, PalaRotary, and some sports events. BCG Mariloualso mentioned the conduct of a number of meaningfulservice projects revolving around the 6 areas of focus, themost notable of which are the projects on PWDs, Adopt aBarangay, and Rotary Day. BCG Marilou chose not to barethe actual status of TRF collections to surprise everyone.To lead by example, BCG Marilou is now elevated to thelevel of Major Donor Level 4.

Secretaries De Lima, Coloma grace 2015 DISCON

Two of the most hardworking and trusted cabinetmembers of the Aquino administration today guested in the2015 District Conference of D3800 at the Manila Hotel lastMarch 20-21, 2015. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima andCommunication Secretary Sonny Coloma discussed burningissues affecting the country and the Rotary today.

The feisty Justice Secretary served as guest speaker onthe first day of the conference. She did a very insightfuldiscourse on the 4-Way Test in relation to the Philippinejustice system. She shared her views on two of the hot issuesin the country today, namely, the Mamasapano incident andthe Makati mayorship controversy. Secretary de Limaimplored Rotarians to employ the 4-Way Test before passingjudgment on any person or issue and to always seek for the

whole truth.

On the second day, Secretary Coloma did a veryinteresting discussion on the topic Rotarians: Light of theWorld. He underscored the important role of Rotarians asbearer of hope and inspiration to the poor and the needy.He shared inspirational stories of some governmentemployees who made significant accomplishments in publicservice notwithstanding adversities and challenges.Secretary Coloma likewise did a very intelligent discussionon the 4-Way Test in relation to Philippine politics andgovernment. He entreated Rotarians to be fair and objectivein passing judgment to the government and to be trueservant leaders to help the government attain the “DaangMatuwid”.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima Communication Secretary PDG Sonny Coloma

PAGE 4 GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER

2015 House of Friendship: fellowship to the max

One of the most anticipated event in the annual DistrictConference is the House of Friendship. For this year, theHouse of Friendship was truly a successful affair led byMarilou Co and PDG Tony Co hosted by RC Marikina andchaired by AG Dante Verano.

After the second plenary session in the afternoon ofMarch 20, 2015, Rotarians, Spouses and guests trooped tothe Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel for the House ofFriendship. With the male partygoers in their coat and tieand the female in their business attire, they partied to the

max with gusto. They laughed, cheered, dined, drank,crooned and danced together in joyful mood. Lechon andother delicious party foods were served partnered by wineand other cocktails. The Guarana - Spirit of Samba renderedsome splendid dance numbers. RIPR Mustain Sjadzali wasengaged to show off his dancing prowess which he gamelydid to the delight of the crowd. Some partygoers beltedtheir ways through videoke. Everyone enjoyed the affair.Truly, the 2015 House of Friendship live up to its name andmet its purpose.

Zones 2, 3 hosted 5th Breakfast Meeting at Club Filipino

BCT members converged anew for their 5th BreakfastMeeting in the morning of March 7, 2015, Saturday, at thehistoric Club Filipino, San Juan City, hosted by Zones 2and 3. Convened by BCG Marilou Co, the meeting agendaincluded committee reports, discussion of some importantRotary matters, and workshop.

During the meeting, BCG Marilou exhorted BCTmembers to do their best to meet, if not overshoot, theirtargets. She urged everyone to make the 2015 DISCONand few other remaining district events successful.Important announcements on the RI Presidential Citation,

RI dues, One Stop Shop Women’s Project, Rotary Caravan,Rotary Center for Livelihood and Training of PWDs weregiven by different officers. Updates on the 2015 DISCON,TRF and membership were likewise given by committeeheads. A workshop was done where BCT members weregrouped according to their zones. LtG Raul Evangelistafacilitated the workshop which discussed on club and zoneparticipation in the 2015 DISCON. Reports on the result ofthe workshop were given by the SAGs. As usual, raffledraws capped the meeting. AG Leo Maglasang served asemcee.

MARCH 2015 ISSUE PAGE 5

2015 Governor’s Ball and Fellowship: a rousing success

After months of preparation, the 2015 Governor’s Balland Fellowship was held at the jampacked Fiesta Pavilionon the night of March 20, 2015.

The traditional event commenced with a formal dinnerover a projected music video from different classical singers.Spouse Ging-ging Santos led the invocation followed bythe words of welcome of Spouse Judy Rocamora,Governor’s Ball Chair. Then, BCG Marilou delivered hermessage of thanks and appreciation to everyone whoattended the ball and those involved in the preparationthereof. The members of the Advisory Committee and theirgorgeous spouses were introduced in front.

Highlights of the event were the dance presentations of

the BC Team led by BCG Marilou and PDG Tony. True totheir best class names, the BC Team and their lovely spousesdid very splendid performances through their Boogie, Swing,Charleston and Waltz dance numbers. Accolades andapplauses filled the hall. Then, Spouse Angie Pinedadelivered her closing remarks.

Choreographers Margot Esplana, Byron Aggabao,Myles Perez and Imelda Jacob were introduced and givenbouquets and tokens. A photo session ensued. Then, someentertainment and dance numbers were provided by theGuarana - Spirit of Samba with raffle draws. LtG TomRocamora and PP Lolet Austria served as emcees that night.

The Governor’s Ball was a huge success.

PAGE 6 GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER

A grand show of winning talents in District 3800

On the second night of the 2015 DISCON, March 21,2015, all roads were led to the grand Fiesta Pavilion ofthe Manila Hotel for the annual Talent Night andFellowship of D3800. Steered by the Spouses ExecutiveCommittee, it was a fabulous event where Rotarians andspouses from the district showed off their talents throughmagical production numbers under the theme “TheWonderful World of Disney Princesses”.

The event commenced with the parade of participantsin their colorful costumes and stuff. Spouse YollySupetran welcomed the audience which included RIDirector Guiller Tumagan, RIPR Mustain Sjadzali andLady Sari, among others. Then, BCG Marilou deliveredher message of gratitude and appreciation to all the peoplebehind the success of the show. Soon enough theshowcase of winning talents ensued before a jampackedaudience. Production numbers were all exceptional,inspired by Disney shows like Beauty and the Beast, Alicein Wonderland, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Hercules, The

Hunchback of Notre Dame, Aladdin, Mulan, and TheLittle Mermaid. Zone 8 emerged as big winner that night.Best performers, both in the male and female categories,were likewise chosen by a panel of judges chaired by RaulSunico of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and artistsJon Santos, Janine Desiderio, Regine Tolentino andJohann dela Fuente.

Some guest artists also rendered some specialnumbers to the delight of the crowd. The hardworkingmen and women behind the success of the 2015 DISCONwere also honored that night. The event was capped withgrand raffle draws which gave out some exciting itemslike home appliances, gadgets and jewelries.

Both the Governor’s Ball and Talent Night werestarted by BCG Marilou in D3800 in 1989 – when shewas still a very young Rotary spouse. From then on, thesetwo affairs become standard features of all DISCONs inD3800.

Zone 1 - LITTLE MERMAID Zone 2 - ALADDIN

Zone 3 - CINDERELLA Zone 4 - THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

MARCH 2015 ISSUE PAGE 7

Zone 8 - MULAN (Grand Champion)

Raul Sunico, Jon Santos (Chair), Janine Desiderio & Regine Tolentino(Board of Judges)

Emcees - LtG Nelson Aspe & Sp. Lit del Rosario

Zone 5A - HERCULES Zone 5B - ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Zone 6 - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Zone 7 - POCAHONTAS

PAGE 8 GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER

DISCON Round Up

Joint Breakfast Meeting of the Best Class & World Class Teams

Rotary Club of Southern Mandaluyong Rotary Club of San Juan United

Rotary E-Club of San Juan Central D3800 Rotary Club of San Mateo Midtown

BCG Marilou Co - Major Donor Level 4 LtG Bienvenido Angeles, Jr. - DISCON 2015 Chair

PDGs & Spouses with Communication Secretary PDG Sonny Coloma