Spouse Blog - April 2011

    Ooh lala!.. is the theme for this year in the most awaited-Governor’s Ball of DISCON 2011. It was like the audience was having an evening in Paris - the city of love and lights and most romantic place on earth. It was a very memorable night of wonderful performances by the Global Presidents and District officers together with their lovely spouses.

    The eight lady Global Presidents ignited the show with a very lively opening number on their body tight shirts (compliments of PDGL Mila Puyat, who is also the Charter President of the newly formed RC Greater Mandaluyong) and paired with black glittery ruffled balloon skirts and colorful feathered headdress.

    Interestingly, the grand entrance of the Global Executive Committee was like a professional fashion show... with the ladies showcasing their elegant and bright colored gowns and their heads were adorned by eye-catching headdresses, while the men looked classy in their black suits. Our energetic Governor Jun, in a black tuxedo together with his ever lovely Lady Zeny, in a stunning red rose gown designed by Roulette Esmilla, started the foxtrot dance in a very romantic way.

    Equally performed with gusto was the Assistant Governors’ waltz dance with the ladies in their pastel gowns and matching headdress and the men in their inspiring black suits.

    Likewise, the Global Presidents and their spouses were all dressed up gorgeously, with the men in their most formal black suits while the ladies looked very sophisticated in their gowns and Parisian-like headdress (which were mostly created by Global Spouse Baby Chan, the owner of the popular “Carolinas”). The Presidents were grouped into two, the 1st group danced the Rumba and the other, Tango.

    The three-month long preparations and untiring practices of the Global Team was an astounding success, not to mention the enjoyable bonding moments, because the dance performances turned out to be a fantastic and outstanding show! Everyone was relaxed and delighted to watch all the dance numbers which were professionally choreographed by Master Bujing Danao and ably assisted by Dalah Pia and Renato Delgado.

    Guest band for the ball was the famous “Silk”. The Rotarians and Spouses really danced the night away. There was ballroom line dancing and of course, the “dance-showdown” of the Global Team and The Visionary Team.

    Truly a night to remember for the Global Team and for the District. Sp. Tess Soliman, Governor’s Ball Chair

    In every Rotary Year, a concurrent program is designed and implemented for the Rotary Spouses by the District Governor’s Lady. This year, the Global Spouse Executive Committee (GSExC) headed by DGL Zenaida “Zeny” Farcon implemented a series of capability building workshops, aligned with the Rotary theme for this year: “Building Communities, Bridging Continents”.

    For DISCON 2011, the Spouses Workshop was held at the Palawan Room of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel last March 12, 2011, with no less the RI President’s Representative PDG Dave Villanueva as special guest.

    Presentation of the Global Spouses of SAGs, AGs, Presidents, the GSExC and Working Committees was done by Spouse Liny Sy and the Majestic Team by Spouse Lin Liboro.

    Spouse Judy Zafra introduced DGEL Minda Garcia for her Introductory Direction Setting Message; while Spouse Judy Rocamora introduced DGL Zeny Farcon who reiterated her guiding philosophy in making Spouses active collaborators of the Rotarians so that they can help in making the clubs Bigger, Better and Bolder than ever” .

    This year’s topic for the Spouses Workshop was “Ideal Hosting” because of the numerous times that a Rotary Spouse is expected to host meetings, big or small, official and social events. Spouse Sofie Lee introduced our Resource Speaker, Ms. Margarita “Gaita” Fores, President of Food-Related Ventures like Cibo Inc., Café Bola, Peparo, Sostanza Health Linea and Fiori Di M. Gaita is now acknowledged as the purveyor of Modern Italian cuisine in the Philippines.

    Her presentation was entitled “Event Hosting 101, Mirroring Your Best Self.” The title indicates the opening guidelines for Gaita who emphasized that Event Hosting must showcase the best characteristics and personality of the Host. This same philosophy served as the anchor of her presentation as she repeatedly verbalized that “Event Hosting is Mirroring Your Best Self”.

    Gaita highlighted the following learning points of Event Hosting 101:

1. “The Event, The Plan, The Limits.” emphasized that a good host clarifies the reason for the celebration/event; she sets her goals and plans based on the parameters for the event and the best budget that is available.
2. “The Style, The Ambiance, The Feel.” emphasized the importance of setting the stage, working the venue and making your statement as a host by using decors that may be part of the Host’s collection. The Event Plan whether simple or elaborate will depend much on the Host.
3. “The Cast, The Synergy.” Gaita highlighted the importance of giving honor to guests by seating them creatively so that they feel they are “Kings and Queens;” because this positive experience forms part of the intangible gifts that the hosts will forever remember.
4. “The Spread, The Service.” refers to the listed menu that needs to be carefully chosen and represents the best composition of a Host’s best choices, be it a formal dinner or a buffet.
       She highlighted important guidelines:
          First: Less is more
          Second: Taste First, Looks Second
   
5. “The Details, The Touches, The Surprises.” Gaita emphasized the importance of paying attention to details, like decorations that surprise people like using twigs, leaves, and roots of plants and flowers do not have to be too many, depending on the theme and the overall plan of the event. Food must be appropriately and elegantly arranged whether in a buffet table or a simple dinner. Use of the best China and silverware will also have to chosen carefully maintaining the theme of the event.
6. “The Show, The Control, The Bow.” This last learning point emphasized the importance of good organization as key to successful hosting. A good host watches the flow of the event and must be resilient if something goes wrong. Gaita emphasized that despite good planning, things can still go wrong. A good host sees to it that her event does not only begin well but must also have a vital end.

    A raffle put together by Spouses Belen Chua, Merci Bermudo, Ruth Cunanan, Bebang Piñon and Juliet Chua added fun to the learning event.

    Congratulations to DGL Zeny Farcon and the GSExC Committee! Sp. Eyra Umali, Spouses Workshop Chair

    Talent Night during DISCON 2011 presented a fun competition called DISCON SHOWTIME “Go, Go, Global!” at the Grand Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, participated by the 8 zones of District 3800. Showtime is inspired by a TV show of the same title and is a group dance competition. The Talent Night Committee chose this theme not only to showcase the talents of the performers but also to develop camaraderie among Rotarians and their spouses.

    DISCON Chair and LtG Fabi Cadiz and Sp. Vivian Flores of RC Marikina were the hosts for the said night. Given the tasks of selecting the winners were the following judges: World Ballroom Champion, Ms. Edna Ledesma, Choreographer/Director Mr. Lito Calzado, “Showtime” personalities Ryan Bangs, Mel Feliciano and Ms. Maribeth Bichara. The competition went underway after the short message from DGL Zeny Farcon and Sp. Inday Santos who read the criteria for judging. Sp. Agnes Caballa, the Creative Director, saw to it that DISCON 2011 Talent Night competition was filled with exciting performances from the different zones. Guest for the night was acclaimed violinist Jay Cayuca and some selected Rotarians as “Sampolista.”

    The participants operated on a well knit choreography complete with colorful costumes, interesting props and make-ups combined with synchronized and artistic moves, which turned the night into a very festive mood combined with cheers and bellows, all done in the spirit of fun and amusement. At the end the following zones top the best three performance: Marikina Zone - 3rd place, Mandaluyong Zone - 2nd Place and Rizal Zone as the Champion. The Mandaluyong Zone was given a special award for having the most number of participants.

    DISCON 2011 Talent Night was purely fellowship, it may have seemed as a competition, but in the end the camaraderie remains, and for this everybody deserves our Commendation and Congratulations. Some zones may have WON, some zones may have LOST, but on top of this, all participants have achieved the most coveted AWARD for this activity, and that is the MEDAL OF FELLOWSHIP and the PRIZE OF FUN and AMUSEMENT that went with the competition, all in the spirit of ROTARY FELLOWSHIP.

    To all the participants from the Rotarians, spouses (especially the Talent Night Committee), trainors, choreographers, propsman, extras, the board of judges, the tabulators, our official timers and everyone who took their time and efforts to make this night a resounding success, thank you for a job well done. Sp. Inday Santos, Talent Night Chair

Zone 5 - Talent Night Champion

Zone 8 - Talent Night 2^nd Place

Zone 4 - Talent Night 3^rd Place

Spouse Blog - March 2011

    The 4^th Spouses Breakfast Meeting held last February 5, 2011 at Club Filipino proved once and for all the spouses’ unity and camaraderie, as manifested by an impressive number of contented and happy attendees. The occasion was hosted by the energetic Global Spouses of Zone 5.

    The meeting was called to order by District Governor Lady Zeny Farcon followed by a sumptuous meal. Adolfo Bellosillo, MD, FACC, FPCC,FPCP, FPCCP; a renowned cardiologist, whose advocacy is to educate individuals on the proper way of handling and treatment of hypertension and other coronary diseases, was the spouses’ invited guest speaker. Speaking eloquently on the topic “Take Good Care of Your Heart, It’s the Only One You’ve Got”, the specialist Dr. Bellosillo, awed and enlightened the listeners on the right way and proper time of taking their medication as well as stressed the conducive time to indulge into an exercise. He discussed deeper on the kinds of hypertension, its clinical implications, the index of a heart attack and the factors to take into consideration that could trigger it. Once again, to the spouses amazement, the musically inclined doctor shared his unique compositions exclusively about coronary diseases which were interpreted by Jai Sabas Aracama of the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music. Later on, he entertained some inquiries which were answered excellently and disseminated informative pamphlets on facts about coronary diseases before bidding us adieu.

    But the fun and excitement did not end from there. Immediately thereafter, interesting games followed suit such as “Nuts a Lot a Nonsense” and “Dance to Kung Hei Fat Choi” which was led by Spouse Eyra Umali delighted the spouses. And of course, the meeting will not end without raffles, prizes and give-aways for everybody. The meeting adjourned at the specified time. Sp. Len Timbol, RC Suburban East Rizal

Spouse Blog - January 2011

    I love to be with people, talk to them, listen to them, and learn from them. The past 6 months as District Governor’s Lady gave me the opportunity to be with old and new acquaintances. Having been active in the district since 1993 and chaired the spouses committee for 4 times already, I have build up a bunch of fantastic friends in the different clubs. Some of these spouses are still very active in the district but some chose to be active in their club only. And so, I looked forward to seeing them again as we tour around the various clubs in northern and eastern part of Metro Manila and the entire province of Rizal.

    I always go with DG Jun to his club visits whenever I can and when I am invited. As of this time, we had already gone to 79 clubs. The spouses of the clubs would always ask me where I would like to go and what I would like to do. I told them that we can simply chit-chat while the private conference and club assembly are going on. In many occasions, we just gathered around a table and shared many stories. Several presidents’ spouses proudly told me that they are helping their president spouses. Many revealed that they have been very much involved in the preparation of the club bulletin since they are the ones taking and keeping the pictures. Others shared that they are now temporarily watching over the family business because they cannot be both absent in the management of their company. Another one told me that at times the family members especially the young children of the presidents have been complaining because Daddy is very busy with Rotary. They then explained to the kids that it is just temporary because Daddy is President for one year only.

    For some clubs, they have prepared activities which required my presence. In RC Marikina Heights, I was requested to do storytelling for the children of a day care center. I borrowed a very big children’s book from a friend who is a pre-school teacher. She advised me that the book has to be big so that the children would see the drawings as I tell them the story. Afterwards, we gave them school supplies such as pencils and papers. The kids entertained us with a very cute dance number.

    In my home club, RC Marikina, the spouses brought me to a shoe factory which makes one of the best seller ladies shoes and is owned by PP Flor dela Paz. There I saw and learned how the shoes are assembled. The owners even gave me a pair of shoes.

    At RC Marikina Hilltop, I joined the Rotarians and spouses when they donated bed sheets and pillow cases to Amang Rodriguez Medical Center. These linens bear the print of the Rotary seal and the theme logo, so, this in a way enhanced the public image of Rotary.

    When we visited RC Caloocan, we watched the Christmas Flower Arrangement demo conducted by Spouse Ludi Vistro who revealed her artistic talent in decorating. After the demo, they gave the spouses of the Governor’s visiting team (me, Judy Rocamora and SAG Spouse Raquel Zamora) the finished products. I also learned that every spouse night, there is always a motif like Black & White, United Nations, Polka Dot, Checkered, Mooncake etc. I liked this because it creates excitement among the spouses and thus attendance is highest during spouse night.

    At RC San Juan West, a new Rotaract Club was formed and the Rotaractors were present for their induction. As they waited for the club assembly to finish, I was asked to deliver an inspirational message to them because they are students of PUP of which I am an alumnus.

    I also watched “Looney Tunes” cartoons with the kids of Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig together with the spouses of RC Wack Wack. I enjoyed it so much because I always loved watching cartoons up to now. After the film showing, I assisted the “Wackenian” spouses in feeding the children and in giving away loot bags.

    It was truly a pleasure meeting the Rotarians and spouses up close and personal. We will forever treasure the wonderful memories of the Governor’s visits. Gov Jun and I enjoyed the brand of hospitality shown by each club and thank them for the warm reception given to us.

Spouse Blog - December 2010

    Before flying to San Diego last January 2010, DG Jun and I met with Rtn. Raffy Amaranto to inform him that we are engaging his services in producing the District Theme Song for the year 2010-2011. Rtn. Raffy of RC San Juan West, has produced the theme songs of the District for the past eight (8) years now. We told him that we will email him the International Theme and the Thrusts for 2010-2011, right after it is announced during the opening of the International Assembly. And so we did.

    When we came home in February, we again requested for a meeting with Rtn. Raffy. There, he told us that he has adopted the tune of Mama Mia by ABBA. He also mentioned that he was amazed that the intended lyrics, which depict the theme and thrust of RI for 2010-2011 have matched the tune of the said song. We liked the musical arrangement done by Raffy. Then we told him, “You know Raffy, it is our dream that we come up with a music video just like what we see in TV and also because this is the ‘In’ thing”. Raffy replied, “You have to put your heart into it so that it will become a reality”.

    March, April and May passed by so quickly because of the PETS and DISTAS and Gov. Jun and I were very busy meeting with the host clubs of these activities. Then came June, and the Handover Ceremonies on July 1 was fast approaching.

    On June 15, we called on the Global Presidents (GPs) for the MTV Orientation. About 22 of them came and Raffy called them the “main participants” (MPs). He showed the actions and explained the symbolism of the actions (see article by Rtn. Raffy). DG Jun and I started practicing with the MPs. The following night, four GPs namely, Carla Dejeres, Wit Bello, Dodgie Leyva, Ric Yu including DG Jun and I met at the studio to do the recording of the song. We were very impressed with the present technology because our voices sounded like a chorale.

    After three days, we began shooting the choreography. This time, there were around 57 GPs who joined including the 22 MPs. We first formed a human theme logo at the grounds of the Marikina Rotary Youth Center and an aerial shot of the logo was taken from the tall building beside Rotary Center. Then we all went to shoot the rest of the choreography in Timberland Nature and Sports Club in San Mateo, Rizal. When we arrived there at around 10 am, the sun was up, but the presidents gamely followed the instructions of Rtn. Raffy. The hottest time was at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm and I was really praying hard that no one will suffer from heat stroke. During the shoot, we changed attire three times, we wore T-shirts with colors of either royal blue, yellow or aqua blue, then the white top and denim and finally the “global barong”. We finished shooting at 4:30 pm. There were other GPs who wanted to join the MTV so we set another shooting at the Crowne Plaza hotel two days after the first shooting. Looking back, it only took one week to do the recording, practice the choreography and do the shooting. Then we gave our Technical Director, Mr. Noel Argosino, another week to do the finished product. And when we saw it, we were really delighted with the outcome of the first ever MTV of District 3800. We are forever grateful to all the Global Presidents, Rtn. Raffy and Mr. Argosino for making this dream a reality!

    

    

    

    

    The Global Music Video is the legacy of the Global Team to our District. We have again raised the bar of excellence when it comes to team work and hard work. Yes it was difficult but it can be done and we did it as a team. Truly, it was another “Go Go Global” accomplishment and feather in the cap of the Global Team.

    (P.S. – During the Rotary Institute in Bangkok, we gave a copy of the Global Music Video to RI Pres. Ray Klinginsmith and explained to him that the RI theme & thrusts are in the lyrics including his slogan of “Bigger, Better and Bolder”. Pres. Ray was impressed and very happy to receive the CD of our Global Music Video)

Spouse Blog - November 2010

    It was a Wednesday to remember. The sun showed its rays at about six in the morning as the Global Spouses of Rotary International District 3800 were getting ready to meet at Tiendesitas Pasig for a call time of 8 o’clock. Traffic was getting heavy (as usual) while each and everyone arrived at Tiendesitas meeting place for a bus ride on our educational trip. Yummy breakfast was served with homemade longganiza, sunny side egg, rice and water courtesy by our District Governor’s Lady (DGL) Zeny Farcon. An all smile courtesy visit to the bus by District Governor (DG) Jun Farcon made the spouses’ morning complete.

    Gardenia here we come! As we started to roll, Vice Chairman and Secretary Judy Rocamora gave a short message of welcome and gratitude to the Global Spouses and Officers for finding time away from their precious hectic schedule of work and home. Along the semi-smooth drive at Paranaque City, DGL Zeny made friendly District reminders and updates such as Halloween Party on October 30, Breakfast Meeting on November 6, Christmas get-together on December 13 and DISCON 2011. She gladly stated all her blissful thoughts while clinging vigorously at a sturdy backrest of the bus driver. Jokes from different zones made our bus trip livelier as we made our way to Gardenia.

    Yes! Gardenia, the only company located at Mamplasan, Laguna that manufactures fluffy bread surprisingly without the touch of human hands founded in 1998. At about 10 a.m., a shout of hurray was expressed by all gorgeous spouses as we saw the very light hearted smile of District Secretary Tom Rocamora greeting us at the entrance gate. A short talk by President and CEO Jun Umali of Gardenia, apparently a President of Rotary Club Alabang, showed and explained a presentation at the Audio Visual Room enlightening us about Gardenia’s humble beginnings and process on how their bread is made not the vintage way.

    The tour began by 20’s around the baking process area, an over-looking thick glass separated us from the huge machines all over, non-stop mixing of dough, humongous fermentation containers, hundreds of bread pan trays a lined, thousands of tower loaf breads cooled down to be placed mechanically inside its package, sealed with ‘best before date’, and a metal detector to check if any metal has combined with the mixing process. Based on observation, manpower of the whole baking process is an amazing number of 10 personnel by shifts producing 200-500 thousand loaves of bread daily. A beat of happiness from the heart was felt as a loot bag of classic, ube & cheese, and raisin loaves ended our tour however a 10% discount shopping galore made it more exciting. Candid pictures with Gardee the statue mascot, Gardenia staff and Global spouses made the educational tour complete.

    With outburst happiness from Gardenia, off we went to ‘The Whimsical Sanctuary’ of our DG Jun and DGL Zeny Farcon at Tagaytay City. As we arrived by the gate at about 11:15 in the morning, Tagaytay garden fresh air brushed free flowing as it blew our hair and breath away. DGL Zeny gave us a quick tour of their humble home with fascinating murals - Lapu-Lapu and Magellan in the boys’ bedroom, a farm scene in the girls’ bedroom (the focal point of this room is the apple tree with leaves and branches extending all the way to the ceiling) and a golf course in the attic. Immediately after our short tour of the house a short prayer before meals led by DG Jun marked the lunch queue. Everyone had good praises regarding the palatable taste and over flowing of food, thanks to the homemade ‘kare-kare’, ‘ginataang sigarilyas’, barbecue and ‘special tea’ of Yaya Espie and the ginatang hito, lechon kawali, lumpiang ubod and kaldereta of Assistant Governor Spouse Evelyn dela Paz of Marikina Central of ‘Evelyn’s Catering Services’. Regardless of our full fill, we still had tummy spaces for Marikina’s special dessert ‘ginataang patanim’ (mais and monggo).

    To keep the momentum of spirits alive, GSExC Asst. Sec.Vising dela Paz and Head of the Administration Group Lydia Ignacio initiated a Bingo spree at Php 10.00 per card and a pot of Php 500.00 per game of two. Congratulations! Special Projects Chair Lyn Nartatez of RC San Juan North and President’s Spouse Onie Lee of RC Downtown San Juan for winning the major prizes.

    Further, Tai Chi advocate Spouse Doris Alikpala of RC Marikina taught us basic forms of Wu Shu, posture health tips, and breathing exercises on how to grow old gracefully. Every spouse experienced the loosening and shacking of joints, nerves and muscles while having fun. In spite of a very wonderful weather, it was unfortunate to immediately end the stretching of sleeping body parts however, the imparted teachings of Guru Doris stays within.

    Before the good times had to end DGL Zeny gave Rotary theme pins to everyone as a sign of unity, camaraderie, peace, fun and everlasting friendship. Together with our very own DGL Zeny, wacky and demure pictures were taken as a whole and per zone to document the event.

    On our way back to Manila, a short trip to PDGL Nita Honorio’s rest house gave the Global spouses an added bonus. The breath taking over view of Taal Volcano filled the blank ‘megabyte’ of our digital cameras.

    With a heavy heart we had to abide with the saying, ‘Some good times have to end’. Regardless of time, everybody disembark safe and sound back to Tiendesitas with all pleased thoughts to relay to our Rotarian spouses. Thank you very much everyone for a Wednesday to remember, till next time… AG Sp. Daryl Bernardo, RC Metro Valenzuela

Spouse Blog - October 2010

    District Governor’s Lady Zeny Farcon made sure that the breakfast meeting last September 4, 2010 at Club Filipino would be very memorable. Featured Speaker was RC Mandaluyong President’s Spouse Baby Chan, a multi awarded exporter, manufacturer of fashion accessories and owner of “Carolina’s Lace Shoppe”, a popular chain of fashion accessory outlet with branches at Glorietta, Megamall, Divisoria and other malls. Her topic was aptly titled “Accessorize It”

    Sponsored by ladies from Zones 1 to 4, the forum was made more enjoyable when the spouses present were grouped into eight (8) kinds of accessories. The groups were named Earrings, Rings, Brooches, Necklaces, Cell Phone Tags, Anklets, Headbands and Bracelets. Each spouse received a gift that corresponds to the group where she belongs.

Oh la la la! 3 beauties wearing their newly made headbands,
PDGL Marinette Ortigas, Sp. Gingging Santos and PDGL Elena Dee.

    Equipped with all the materials in making accessories, Ms. Chan showed the ladies beautiful samples of her work from throw pillows, scarves to necklaces, headbands and other items.

    To add to the merriment, Ms. Chan, who confessed that she only “has the eye for beauty” and relegates actual making of specific items to her staff, distributed loose beads and other accompanying materials and encouraged the ladies to make headbands, necklaces of whatever accessory they like to make. Her staff assisted and ably guided the spouses on the mechanics of bead making. Prizes were awarded to 3 spouses who crafted the most beautiful items. Ms. Chan also offered for sale beautiful items at discounted prices.

The top 3 designs were done by Sp. Apple Ugsad,
PDGLs Mely Zamora & Pam De Guzman.


DGL Zeny presented a very lovely gift to Sp. Baby Chan (Guest Speaker).

    An innovation in every Breakfast meeting introduced by Lady Zeny was the Team Building Activities. This was chaired by Spouse Eyra Umali. The spouses in the group were instructed to describe themselves using the 1st letter of their names and then they were asked to complete the phrase “ I am most happy when_______”. Majority of the spouses gave naughty answers which elicited laughter from the audience. Then, they coined an acronym using the 1st letter of their names. They also came out a cheer for their group using their acronym. The group with the most “audience-impact” cheer was given an award. It was truly a hilarious activity for the spouses.

The spouses during the Team Building Activities.

    DGL Zeny thanked all the spouses from the host Zones for helping her in preparing and making the event very memorable. Sp. Elai Fidelino, RC Marikina

Spouse Blog - September 2010

    Today we mark the beginning of the third month of the year. After a gruelling two month club induction schedules, where we attended a total of 71 club inductions, I had the rare privilege and distinct honour of inducting the Officers of the Spouses Association of the different clubs, namely, Mandaluyong, Marikina Zone, Pasig North, Mandaluyong Central, Mandaluyong East, and Rizal Centro. I have noticed that there seems to be a pattern regarding the presence of Spouses Association in a Rotary club. In all of these clubs, the Rotary clubs have great fellowships and the spouses association somehow provided the much needed break for memorable fellowships in the club. While this is not the case for all, I believe that for the majority of the Rotary clubs, the Spouses Association is indeed a valuable partner in service and fellowship.

    As we go around for the Governor’s Visit, I will accompany DG Jun and this is one of the areas where we will try to improve, that is, to encourage the spouses to formally organize themselves into a spouses association. All those interested can just tap me in the shoulder and I will help in whatever way I can. Presented below are some of the pictures taken during the induction of the officers of the spouses association.

Mandaluyong


Mandaluyong East


Marikina Zone


Rizal Centro

    Last July 28, I, together with the PDG ladies plus the DGE and the DGN ladies, had a luncheon fellowship at Timberland Nature and Sports Club in San Mateo. The lunch was hosted by the birthday celebrants for the months of July, August and September namely, Alice Tanco, Nitz Honorio, Mely Zamora, Myrna Enriquez, Elena Dee and myself. It was like Christmas season because gifts were all over the place. The tradition of celebrating birthdays of the District First Ladies (present, past and future) on a quarterly basis has been going for several years now.

Spouse Blog - August 2010

    The 1st Breakfast Meeting for Global Rotary Year 2010 - 2011 was held last July 10 at Club Filipino. The first part of the meeting was held at Kalayaan Hall, where the spouses had their breakfast together with the Rotarians. After the speech of Global District Governor Jun Farcon, the Global Spouses proceeded to their own session at the Ral function room of the same venue.

    In line with District Governor’s Lady Zeny Farcon’s determination to conduct meetings which are informative, interesting and enjoyable, the 1st meeting featured Ateneo economics graduate, finance and economics expert, IPP Francisco Colayco. Immediate Past President from the Rotary Club of Pasig and more popularly known as Topax, Colayco talked on “Financial Stewardship”. Some of the topics he discussed with predominantly female audience dwelt on economic indicators, investment risks and opportunities, how to determine one’s wealth and the qualities of a wise investor. IPP Topax readily entertained questions from the audience and when asked on the quickest way to get rich, his answer was “The quickest way to get rich is to get rich slow”.

    Prior to the open forum, Spouse Eyra Umali led the group in a Getting To Know You Game. The twist in this activity was that the body was divided into Zones, different currencies were assigned to them and they had to formulate their own motto and group cheer related to the currency. It turned to be an interactive exercise with all the spouses getting into the fun and learning experience.

    Later on, DGL Zeny assisted by the members of the Global Spouses Executive Committee (GSExC) gave away raffle prizes for everyone. Ten early birds were given special prizes for coming early to the meeting. The birthday celebrants for July, August and September were also recognized and a cake, courtesy of DGL Zeny, was shared by everyone.