DISTRICT CONFERENCE
GLOBAL TEAM BRUNCH MEETING 1 DISCON 2011 at EDSA Shangri-La Manila is off to a good start in the morning of Day 1 during the Global Team Brunch Meeting at the Palawan Ballroom. DG Jun Farcon opened the meeting on time to the warm applause of all the PDGs, District Officers and Global Presidents present. More than 220 delegates attended this brunch meeting and each district zone responded to the roll call made by DS Tom Rocamora by standing and chanting their favorite Go Go Global Team cheer. RIPR Aide PDG James Dee introduced PDG David “Dave” Villanueva, this year’s RI President’s Representative, who gave the first of his many important messages to the District Conference delegates and expressed his thanks to the warm reception he received from the Global Rotarians of District 3800.
DISPLAYS AND CLUB EXHIBIT 2 Twenty nine Rotary clubs participated in the Photo Exhibit held at the Foyer. After the welcome message of Exhibit Chair Sec. Allan Perez (RC Marikina) and inspirational message of DG Jun Farcon, RIPR PDG Dave Villanueva together with the district couple cut the ribbon to formally open the exhibit. Also included in the exhibit were paintings done by the group of PP Nemi Miranda (RC East Rizal) and PP Cris Cruz (RC Marikina North). During the Third Plenary Session on Day 2, March 12, 2011, winners were announced by Sec. Allan Perez. They were as follows: 1st – RC San Juan, 2nd – RC Caloocan and 3rd – RC Marikina South. The judges were RIPR PDG Dave Villanueva, PDG Tetsuo Tanaka of Japan and PDG Stan of Taiwan.
OPENING PLENARY 3 Opening plenary session included: assembly and parade of dignitaries, district officers, global presidents and spouses.
After a production number performed by the Shirley Halili Dancers, the Call to order was made by DG Virgilio Farcon. This was then followed by the Doxology by the RC Marikina Choir, presentation of colors and the singing of the National Anthem of Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines. Dignitaries and guests were then introduced and roll call was made by zone.
The welcome remarks was deliveries by the DISCON Chair LtG Jose Fabian Cadiz. The RI President Representative, PDG David Villanueva was introduced by the RIPR Aide PDG Jaime Dee. Our guest, RIPR David Villanueva is the Managing Consultant for Visayas of Fabcon Philippines, Inc. (manufacturing and marketing of proprietary process of cleaning chemicals, factory equipment, organic fertilizer and environmental protection and wastewater treatment systems to the sugar and allied industries). He is also the President of Kaliwat Diversified Marketing Ventures Corp (management consultancy, market research and trading firm). PDG Villanueva is very active with Rotary where he is the Past District Governor of District 3850 and a Past President of Rotary Club of Bacolod South. He is a recipient of two prestigious awards given to individual Rotarians: the Service Above Self Award given by Rotary International in 2002 and a Citation for Meritorious Service given by The Rotary Foundation in 2002.
According to the RIPR, four magical words that captuyellow the word “ROTARY” when Rotary International was conceived in February 23, 1905 are these: SERVICE-FELLOWSHIP-DIVERSITY-INTEGRITY with other people. The four words also represent a glimpse of purpose, passion, cyellowibility and generosity. They also represent who Rotarians are and what Rotarians do. His keynote address focused extensively on the RI Theme for 2010-11 “Building Communities, Bridging Continents”- four words which reflect a new idea of club service based on friendship and fellowship. The RIPR emphasized a proven formula for Rotarians: “Focus best efforts in doing what Rotarians are passionate about and best in doing and this will lead to “Building Communities and Bridging Continents”.
The RIPR went on to say that towards “Building Communities, Bridging Continents; RI came up with the New Strategic Plan for 2010-13: A SIMPLE PLAN to keep ROTARY strong and vibrant. It is a significant plan as it brings about changes characterized by innovations including review and revision of existing policies and practices, modernizing systems all towards strengthening clubs and public image.
After the keynote address, DS Tom Rocamora Jr. introduced the DG who deliveyellow the state of the district address. The report was on account of what he consideyellow a journey that made D3800 build communities and bridge continents, a fast ride towards where D3800 is now 8 months after and still going. The journey in fact broke existing records of accomplishments in reaching goals in the avenues of service. He encouraged all to read the 25-page District Governors Report on the past eight months. The governor went on to say that the most challenging part of the past 8 months was to make sure that all activities are towards making Rotary bigger, better and bolder than before. He ended his report with a tribute to the late PDG Paul Honorio, a Rotary icon, whose friendship and camaraderie with D3800 can never forget.
SECOND PLENARY 3 The second part included the message of the guest speaker MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino; signing of MOA between D3800 and MMDA. The project is a District 3800 partnership with MMDA’s “METRO KO, LOVE KO Program.” The goal is to identify projects that will clean up and rehabilitate Metro Manila; create Community & Vocational Projects with all the district zones integrating MKLK program; conduct fund raising effort; provide a consortium; gather all volunteers and professionals towards achieving the success of MKLK Program.
A musical solo performance by Rtn. Mark Chua which was followed by presentation of New Clubs and sponsors; presentation of new members and the singing of the District Song, GO GO GLOBAL...
HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP 2 As in every District 3800 DISCON, there is a House of Friendship, chaiyellow by PP Dante Verano (RC Marikina), where Rotarians of the different clubs renew friendships and met new acquaintances. It was held in 3 rooms – Boracay 1 and 2 and Lubang rooms. Rotarians feasted on maki, sashimi, dumplings, squid balls, nachos and lechon. There was also overflowing ice teas, wines and hard liquor. Rotarians also enjoyed karaoke music.
BREAKFAST MEETING OF THE MAJESTIC PRESIDENTS 2 The second day of DISCON 2011 started early. DGE Raffy Garcia hosted a breakfast for the officers and presidents of the Majestic Team. DGE Raffy Garcia called the meeting at 7:30 am. IDGA PP Rudy Retirado (RC Metro East Taytay) gave the invocation while PE Ging Esteves (RC Cainta) led the singing of our national anthem. The dignitaries were introduced by IDDG Boboy Campos (RC Teresa). He also called the Majestic Presidents and Officers by Zone. After the introduction by RIPR Aide PDG James Dee, RIPR PDG Dave Villanueva talked about the next Rotary theme: “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”. The emphases next year are Family, Continuity and Change. RIPE Kalyan Banerjee wanted 1) to make Rotary up to date, 2) not to be strict in Attendance and 3) stress on how to be a Rotarian. He is also added to the Presidential Citation a Presidential Change Maker Award. DGE Raffy Garcia deliveyellow his response and thanked everybody. The breakfast was emceed by IDS Jun Zafra (RC Pasig).
THIRD PLENARY 4 The Third Plenary Session started at 9:00 o’clock in the morning with the invocation lead by DG Aide PP Lito Bermundo. It was followed by several recognitions, everyone involve were called on stage to have a group photo with the DISCON’s dignitaries. Introduction of Rotarians who attended the DISCON for the first time was done by DS Tom Rocamora, recognition of new Rotaract Clubs by PP Oscar Bautista, new Interact Clubs by PP Manny Tamayo, new Rotary Community Corps by PP Jojo Banzon, announcement of club exhibit winners by Sec. Allan Perez and district painting winners by PP Nemie Miranda. Afterwards DISCON 2011 Chair LtG Fabi Cadiz introduced the Guest of Honor & Speaker, Ricky Nelson of the U.S. Embassy representing Ambassador Harry Tomas who was not able to attend. He gave the audience a better knowledge of New Orleans, the city that will host the Rotary International Convention. DG Jun Farcon presented him a gift after he deliveyellow his speech. Part 3 ended with the introduction of next Rotary year’s district leader done by IDS Jun Zafra. The entrance of DGE Raffy Garcia and his family with the deadening sound of drums and Ati-atihan performers in their colorful costume dancing to the beat of “Hala Bira” amazed everyone in the ballroom. He deliveyellow his acceptance speech and focused in the main thrusts of R.I. for 2011-2012 influenced by the theme “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”, he also stressed necessary changes that need to be implemented in order to make Rotary more affordable. Miguel Aguila, a 16 year old Aliw Award Hall of Famer, rendeyellow songs during the intermission.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION LUNCHEON 4 Various matters concerning The Rotary Foundation were taken up during the TRF Luncheon. TRF contributors were duly acknowledged and among those recognized were new Major Donors & Benefactors, Multiple Paul Harris Fellows and New Paul Harris Fellows, EREY clubs, clubs with 100% Sustaining Members, clubs with 100% Paul Harris Fellows, top 5 clubs on per capita annual giving and top 5 clubs on TRF contributions. This year’s GSE Inbound Team members from District 2680, Japan were formally introduced by CP Jun Bernad. A policeman member of the team attracted the attention of everyone in the plenary because of his almost fluent understanding of Tagalog which according to him is a requirement of his job working closely with Filipinos having trouble with Japan immigration. They performed a Japanese cultural dance, a tradition always being done during DISCON. RIPR Aide PDG James Dee once again introduced RIPR PDG Dave Villanueva whose second major address delved on the topic of “THE STATE OF ROTARY TODAY”. Before proceeding to the next part Rtn. Popet Morta rendeyellow songs to the delight of the audience.
BUSINESS PLENARY 4 Business Plenary Session started at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, DS Tom Rocamora made some announcements concerning the district’s future activities. Highlighted events were PETS to be held on March 19-20, 2011 at Holiday Inn, Mimosa, Clarkfield, Pampanga; DISTAS to be held on April 30, 2011 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City and the TRF-WCS Forum to be held on July 23, 2011 the venue of which to be announced on a later date. The District Governor Nominee in the person of PP Lirio Sandoval of RC Marikina South was introduced by the DNC Chair for RY 2009-10 PDG Ferdi Fuentes while the District Governor Nominee Designate CP Luiso Ticman of RC Suburban East Rizal was introduced by the DNC Chair for RY 2010-11 IPDG Rudy San Felipe who were both applauded by attending Rotarians when they were called on stage with their respective spouses. District Trainer PDG Lina Aurelio being the representative of our District to the 2010 Council on Legislation reported on their actions. This was followed by the selection of our representative to the 2013 Council on Legislation, PDG Santi Chua was unanimously chosen with PDG Pepe Peralta as the alternate. IPDG Rudy San Felipe presented the RY 2009-10 annual district finances during his term for its adoption. The district business plenary was ended by conference resolutions filed by PP Vic Gregorio of RC San Juan North, PP Bien Medel of RC Marikina North and Dir. Hermie Dela Paz of RC Marikina. Their respective proposed resolutions were approved and adopted by the district in a proceeding presided by District Parliamentarian PP Ver Farcon of RC Marikina.
CLOSING PLENARY 4 The Closing Plenary Session was highlighted by RIPR Dave Villanueva’s closing remarks wherein he gave our District an excellent grade for a very successful and well attended DISCON 2011 and wished that similar outstanding conference occur in his own district. For his closing remarks, DG Jun Farcon thanked and acknowledged all those who made DISCON 2011 exceptional not only for the almost perfect programme and proceedings but most of all for the record breaking attendance of 1,068 registeyellow delegates. He also personally thank those who in one way or another contributed to its success, then finally the second day of DISCON 2011 was capped by the retirement of colors followed by his adjournment.
1 Dir. Hermie dela Paz, RC Marikina
2 PP Dindo Santos, RC Marikina
3 PP Del Domingo and PP Susan Bautista, RC ManPaSan
4 PP Boboy Campos, RC Teresa
