Vol. 25 No.

December 2011

Gov. Jess Cifra establishes sister-district agreements with six neighboring districts
The 2011 Rotary Zones Institute held in Bali, Indonesia last December 2 to 4 provided a unique opportunity for District Governor Jess Cifra and the governors of six other districts to sign Sister-District Friendship Affiliation agreements which were witnessed by Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee. District sisterhoods have now been established between D3780 and the following districts:
District Area District Governor (Co-Signatory)

mutual interest between districts and clubs in those districts. Each of the district-sister agreements shall be effective for an unlimited time unless terminated upon mutual agreement. A copy of one of the agreements signed by the parties may be viewed or downloaded by following this link, by visiting the district website at www.district3780.org, or by reading the digital edition of this issue of the Governors Monthly Letter. The 2011 Rotary Institute for Zones 6B, 7A, and 10B held in Bali had been an occasion for past, current, and incoming Rotary International officers in those RI Zones, along with senior Rotary leaders, and their supportive spouses, to gather together and discuss Rotary affairs and enhance fellowship. During the yearly Rotary Institutes like this one, attendees are brought up-to-date on the current workings and trends in Rotary. The organizers of the 2011 Bali Rotary Institute have reported that there were 1,253 attendees including 280 spouses; from the Philippines, there were 233 delegates of which 18 were from District 3780.

3400 3450 3310 3330 3300 3360

Indonesia Hong Kong, Macao and Mongolia Singapore, Malaysia (Southern) and Brunei Thailand Malaysia (Northern) Thailand

Muhamad Ridio Eisy David Harilela Zainie Abdul Aucasa Orachorn Saisrithong Dr. S. Raavendra Kumar Chamnan Chanruang

In addition to providing a platform for strengthening ties of friendship and the furtherance of world peace and understanding, the agreement is also intended to promote closer cooperation with regards to project undertakings and activities of
Photos show DG Jess Cifra with DGs of sister districts

DG Dr. S. Raavendra Kumar of D3300

DG Orachorn Saisrithong of D3330

DG David Harilela of D3450

DG Muhammad Ridlo Eisy of D3400

DG Chamnan Chanruang of D3360

DG Zainie Abdul Aucasa of D3310

The Miracle of Christmas

(Speech delivered during the Christmas Party of RI District 3780 last December 9, 2011, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Camp Crame, Quezon City)

The first Christmas was when the shepherds came to the manger where the child Jesus lay in a little town called Bethlehem and the angels sang to celebrate his birth. This is why today people around the world sing, Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king! It was a day of rejoicing. It was the day that heralded the coming of Christ to save the world. Before that day came however Mary and Joseph traveled far and suffered much. It was a scene much like the one we see in our lives, especially in the lives of the less privileged in our communities. Day in and day out the whole year through, they lead lives of desperation - miserable lives. But when December comes and its Christmas once again they forget all their sufferings and join the rest of the world in the joyous celebration of the birth of Christ, our Savior. To them, Christmas is a very special time of the year, a time to sing carols to earn a few pesos for their daily bread. It is a time to ask for simple gifts a few kilos of rice, a bundle of noodles, a few cans of sardines, and some old hand-me-down clothes.

Through selfless service, we strive to change their world of sadness and suffering into a world of hope and joy. We endeavor to change their lives to help them build better homes and better communities. Through relevant service projects we empower them to become self-sufficient and self-reliant so that one day they will realize a brighter future for their children.

To us, the spirit of Christmas is the spirit that is wrapped in the words of Agnes Pharo: What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. Yes, that is what we believe and that belief leads us to serve the less privileged every day of our lives. We look to the past for lessons that we can learn, for these are the lessons that can guide us to do better things. In our time, we take up the challenge of changing lives with our courage and commitment to change our world. We work hard and serve others so that they too will lead happy and abundant lives lives that overflow with blessings. All this we do today to lead othThat is their miracle of Christmas. ers to the path of peace, for that is our dream a BEAUTo the wealthy, Christmas is the time for parties, reun- TIFUL AND PEACEFUL WORLD. ions, and gift-giving. It is the time for decorating their It is in this spirit that I greet you all in our District Christhomes with colorful lanterns and Christmas trees commas Party. In our fun and merriment, let us lose ourplete with flickering Christmas lights and boxes of gifts selves in the celebration of Christmas but let us not forunderneath. It is the time to visit posh villages to see get the true spirit of Christmas the spirit of service and homes with the most colorful decors and lights on the giving to build a new world of international friendship and outside. It is the time for buying a new car, a new house, peace. That new world is the miracle of Christmas that and new clothes. It is the perfect time for homecoming to we seek. greet family and friends. To them, that is the miracle of Christmas. What does Christmas mean to Rotarians? To Rotarians, Christmas is a wonderful blend of the two miracles of Christmas for the poor and for the wealthy. Many of us celebrate the miracle of Christmas of the wealthy and we share this miracle with the poor. We give them a taste of what Christmas is like through visits to their places of abode and by sharing with them our gifts of love and simple things that make them happy. To adults, we bring clothing, food, medicines, and simple things that matter in their lives. To their children, we give away books, toys, cookies, candies and chocolates. But that is not all. To us, every single day is Christmas.
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Helen and my entire family join me in wishing you all, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

District Secretarys Report

By DS Jesus Jesse Tanchanco
The holiday season is a time of merriment, reunions, parties and non-stop celebrations. I hope that we can find time to share some of these cheers with the less fortunate. I have no doubt that there is really no need to remind our fellow Rotarians to do so. We are very much aware that most clubs, if not all, will organize Christmas parties and gift-giving activities specially for the children and those who do not have the capability to celebrate the holidays the way we do. Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a 3-day youth event held at Ciudad Christia, San Mateo, Rizal hosted by RC Uptown Novaliches and chaired by CP Linda Elequin with the able assistance of the District SNG committee led by PP Benjie Tan Alonzo.

For the month of December, there are two district activities scheduled The District Childrens Christmas party hosted by RC Camp Crame and SP Nick Bartolome and the District Christmas party and fellowship Night organized by the Hands On Presidents led by their DG Dulce Coyukiat. Both events will be held at the Camp Lest we forget, Christmas is a time of giving and sharing with Crame Multi purpose hall and on the same date (December 9, those around us, but that sharing should not be limited to those 2011), the former in the morning and the latter in the evening. that we love and care for. It is also for the person that we have never met and will never see or may never see again. In particular, In addition, we would like to remind the clubs to pay their SAR on we should share with those who are not as fortunate in their lives or before December 31, 2011 as failure to do so will result in outas we are and who could use a helping hand. There is no doubt right termination. Same goes for the payment of district dues that it is during the holiday season that the feeling of having less Governors fund and Disaster Fund. Per MOP, said dues must be in life is more pronounced than in any other time of the year. It is paid within the first 6 months of the Rotary year. also the time when even the simplest gesture of generosity will be Finally, may I request the Silver Presidents to spend some of their appreciated much more. time over the long holidays to prepare for the Midyear Review Going back to District matters, we would like to thank the follow- scheduled on January 28 to 29, 2012. The Midyear reports are ing for an excellent hosting of district activities during the latter due for submission on or before January 15, 2012. part of November : 1) The On to Bangkok Fellowship held at Camp Crame and organized by the RI Convention committee led by CP Oyie Valarao; 2) The Club Administration Training Seminar (CATS), hosted by RC Kamuning Central and assisted by the District Club Administration committee led by CP Lyndon Wong; 3) The Rotary From the Editor We thank all club leaders and district officers who have been helping us cover and write up district events and share news on their clubs activities, good practices and service projects. Please allow me to end by wishing one and all a most meaningful, fun filled and safe holiday. Lets hope and look forward to a more prosperous and productive New Year in 2012 and the second semester of RY 2011-2012.

Bato, Loyola Heights, Mega EDSA, New Manila East, Pag-asa and Uptown Cubao. These, and all other articles that we will
receive, shall be published in the next issues.

Please send in news of your club activities as part of promoting We have yet-unpublished contributions from Agham, Biak na Rotary awareness while raising your clubs profile further.

Editorial Board
Click this image for more information
DG JOSE FRANCISCO Jess Q. CIFRA Publisher JESUS Jesse TANCHANCO (RC Loyola Heights) District Secretary EDUARDO Duke ZULUAGA (RC New Manila East) District Chair, Public Image RICARDO Ric SALVADOR (RC Holy Spirit) Editor-in-Chief GARY Gary TING (RC Pag-asa) Assistant Editor-Business Manager WINSTON Winston SIA (RC VisMin) Associate Editor-Webmaster Associate Editors PASTOR Mar REYES (RC SFDM) FAUSTO Osty MANLAPAZ (RC New Manila East) Printer Relations Manager BETSY Betsy BULANADI (RC Mega EDSA) Distribution Manager

Use social media channels to promote Rotary awareness

In the past year, sharing content and engaging online through social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube have become a daily routine for millions of people around the world. Rotarians have found that social media are effective marketing tools and a good way to reach out to new audiences. Read about social media trends predicted for 2012 in the Harvard Business Review online.

Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others.
Helen Keller
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The Silver Edition of the Governors Monthly Letter is available in printed form and in digital format. The digital edition offers access to more information than the 8-page print. Please send suggestions to the editor and articles for publication to Ric Salvador by email at rp_salvador@yahoo.com. Ric may also be reached through 0919-361-6406.

January is Rotary Awareness Month.

Rotary clubs shared and spread Christmas joy in their own ways

RC Bagong Silangan
By CP Bit Farolan
The Rotary Club of Bagong Silangan shared Noche Buena gift goodies & hot caldrons of arrozcaldo with the residents of the Tumana area under the Dita tree on December 23, 2011. It was formerly called Binhi ni Abraham.

RC Cubao Central
By SP Marilyn Oliveros Manabat

RC Midtown Quezon City

By SP GiGi Alcala
The Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City spread early Christmas cheers on November 29, 2011 with the children at Child Haus along Road 20, Quezon City. Child Haus is an institution that provides shelter for children with cancer while they are undergoing their chemotherapy cycle. Midtown Rotarians were joined by Ms. Earth candidates in bringing joy and Christmas spirit to the children. The beauty queens joined the kids while they create Christmas art with environment protection as theme. At the end of the program, the kids rendered heart melting songs of worship that left no dry eyes from the audience.

RC Cubao Central's gift-giving and Christmas party for pupils of our adopted school, the Esteban Abada Elementary School last December 13, 2011 On December 27, 2011, the cancer patients of Tahan-Tahanan, a half way house for patients who live in the provinces, were treated with Christmas gifts and snacks. A small group sharing followed that eased the emotional burdens of the parents of the housed patients. Tahan-tahanan is located at the East Avenue Medical Center in QC. The rest of the Christmas gifts were distributed at the other pedia wards on the 5th floor of the hospital.

RC Mega EDSA
By SP Marissa Santos
Its a tradition in RC Mega EDSA to give Christmas gifts/toys to young kids every Christmas in our adopted communities. This year we wanted to make it different. We decided to give food packs to 50 kids of the Jesus Cares for You Christian (JCFY) Fellowship Ministry in Baesa, Q. C. Before the actual gift giving day, our club held its own simple Christmas party at Central Colleges of the Philippines on December 12, 2011. Its really the fellowship and camaraderie that made such event special. We were so glad to see a member whom we havent seen for months. Everyone brought food and gifts. Instead of spending money in a fancy restaurant, we decided to make it a simple celebration. Money saved was used to buy food packs for some 50 kids. We were on the road at 8:00 on a rainy Sunday morning last December 18, 2011 to JCFY Ministry in Baesa, QC. We were welcomed by the kids with songs, dances, and laughter! We gave out candies and food packs consisting of rice, canned goods and noodles which elicited smiles in their young faces. This simple act of giving made our day truly fulfilling.

RC St. Ignatius
By SP Edna dela Cruz
To share the blessings and make the children feel the spirit of Christmas, the Rotary Club of St. Ignatius and its Rotaract Club jointly held a Gift-Giving Project on December 17, 2011 in two Sitios of Barangay San Jose in Antipolo City, namely Sitio Tanza 1 and Sitio Kaysakat. Close to 200 gift packages with school supplies were given to the school children and loot bags with assorted biscuits and candies were also given to other children. Apples and juices courtesy of the Camillan Sisters were also given. The project was in cooperation with the Camillan Sisters Kalingap ni Maria Dominica.

RC Biak na Bato
By SP Non Sariba
The traditional celebration of a childrens Christmas party of the Rotary Club of Biak na Bato and Seed Org was given more color through its Feeding and Gift Giving to some 50 young children who were housed by the DSWD in Payatas, Quezon City. The program was hosted by the Seed team where games and drawing of raffles for the children were the main event of the party, after which, food was served for the total enjoyment of everyone. December 17, 2011

Rotary clubs shared and spread Christmas joy in their own ways

RC New Manila East

By SP Ed Ayento

RC Pag-asa
From www.Philstar.com by CP Gary Ting
MANILA, Philippines - The adage Christmas never fails to bring good tidings is indeed true as year after year the Santa Claus(es) for the children of Kanawan arrived as promised. Last December 11, RC Pag-asa QC brought fun and blessings to the indigenous community of Kanawan, Morong, Bataan, about 3 hours drive from Manila. Aptly titled Paskuhan sa Kanawan, Tulay ng Kaligayahan, club members passed through the hanging bridge once again to reach the mountain site where the community anticipated traditional fun and laughter, prizes and gifts, food and RC Cola, medicines and medical checkups by Silver President Dr. Jess Lim. Club members and their families worked in unison preparing sumptuous food for hundreds of schoolchildren and community residents, and loot bags with toys, T-shirts and goodies for all the children. Even food supplies for the continuation of the daily feeding program after the Christmas break were also turned over to the head teacher of the school. The donations included eight first-aid kits in medicine cabinets from RC Eastwood.

RC Quezon City
By Club Secretary Christian Galpo
RCQC conducted a literacy, feeding and Christmas gift-giving program for 300 children of ages nine years old and below on December 3, 2011 at Payatas, Quezon City . Col. Roberto M. Jaymalin, head of Payatas Operations Group, delivered the welcome address. President Teofilo Tim Abejo II talked about the days program and Rotarys concern for children. Community Service Director Cesar Poch C. Jaymalin opened the events while PP Dwight Ramos acted as the emcee. The children presented dance numbers to the delight of every one. Thereafter, an illustrated childrens book in our national language was distributed to the children; that is, one book to be shared by three children. Then the Rotarians took turns to guide and/or lead the children to read the book. It was heart-warming to see or know that these children were able to read aloud the printed text. After the reading exercise, Col. Jaymalin and President Tim reminded the children to study and study seriously to attain success in life.

December 13, 2011 Joint Christmas Party & Annual Gift Giving for Early Act of Toro Hills Elementary School, Interact Club of Pugad Lawin HS, Rotaract Club of Pugad Lawin & Milk Feeding Beneficiaries

RC Roces
By SP Erilene Tumali
RC Roces conducted two Christmas sharing events with a common theme: True happiness is found in Giving. The life we live will soon be past but the things we do for love will last.
December 16 - Gift Giving to the Elderly Bgy 343 AH Lacson, Manila 150 Senior Citizens December 18 - Children Christmas Party Area B Payatas QC 200 Children

RC New Manila Heights

By SP Alejandro Buot, Jr.

RC Holy Spirit
By SP Ped Condeno
RC Holy Spirit helped spread the spirit of Christmas through a number of events: Nov 19 - Gift-giving for 300 poor children living

Food was then distributed. Then President Tim and Rotarians distributed to each child school supplies (stationery, pencil and crayons) and a pack of Chocolait. The Presidents family was present in this mission. Others who joined the mission were President-Elect Cesar Baltazar, PP Popoy Flores, PP Fred Maghari, PP Dwight Ramos, PP Abe Genuino Rtn. Roger Ordinario, Rtn. Edgar Tapiador and Club Secretary Christian Galpo. The club expressed its thanks and appreciation to Col. Jaymalin and his staff for the nice preparation for the days activities and for the gracious merienda. A singular recognition is due to Director Poch for the excellent management of the whole affair. This mission was supported by PE Eddie Enriquez Sr., San Miguel Corporation and our two sister clubs, RC Northeast and RC Yokohama Honggo of Japan.

in the depressed parts of Barangay Holy Spirit QC, in partnership with the SM Foundation Dec 19 - Gift-giving for 108 SPED pupils of Dona Juana Elementary School Dec 22 - Fun program for our young partners-inservice , the Interactors & Rotaractors Dec 23 - Program and distribution of Noche Buena packages given by Buklod ng Panginoon Foundation to 100 poor Payatas families and gifts to 80 kids from RCHS members & friends

RC New Manila Heights' Annual Christmas Gift-Giving at its adopted school Pedro Tuazon Elementary School in Cubao, QC last December 16. Beneficiaries were 650 elementary pupils, teachers and parents.

CATS further hones up knowledge of club officers

By PE Marcia Salvador, RC Holy Spirit
The Club Administration Training Seminar (CATS) held on November 26, 2011 at the Quezon City Sports Club was a very insightful seminar for all the 120 attendees. The topics were masterfully handled by noted resource persons: PDG Danny Fausto who spoke on Roles & Responsibilities of Club Administration Committee; PDG Mar Nery on Effective Club Meetings; DS Jesse Tanchanco on RI & District Reporting; PDG Dulce Coyukiat on RI, District & Club Resources for Club Administration; PDG Jess Laxamana on Club Protocol; and CP Winston Sia on Club Bulletin Template, Rotary Website, and Member Access. As District Governor Jess Cifra mentioned in his message, the CATS has always been an all-important seminar for club officers to help ensure the effective and orderly operations of their clubs. The event, hosted by RC Kamuning Central led by Silver President Aiza Remedios and supported by Club Admin District Chair Lyndon Wong, was also meant to be a pre-Christmas fellowship. Raffle prizes were given away and a fellowship program was rolled out after the seminar proper had been concluded.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2011 - a success!

By RYLA District Chair PP Linda Elequin, RC Uptown Novaliches
RYLA 2011, which carried the theme BREAKING BARRIERS, CROSSING BORDERS, was held last November 25 to 27, at Ciudad Christhia, 9 Waves Resort with fifty two young people in attendance and several Rotarians from the sponsoring clubs. The Rotary Club of Uptown Novaliches was the host club and was assisted by five cohost clubs: RC Camp Crame, RC Neopolitan Fairview, RC Kagitingang Cubao, RC Cubao East and RC Timog. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive training program that brings together youth and young adults to further develop character and leadership skills while learning about Rotary and its ideals. Rotarians of District 3780 had an ample opportunity to mentor a promising group of participants ages 18 t0 30. PP Sammy Pagdilao, PP Boone Ongchoco, PP Jess Jacobe, SP Conrad Dieza, Rotarian Thirdy Princesa and CP Sonia Capio shared their expertise as resource speakers/trainers on topics especially selected to suit the needs of this particular age group composed of young professionals and college students. On fellowship night, November 26, Rotarians had the opportunity to visit and witness the activities which the delegates themselves organized and led. The ever so indefatigable District Rotaract representative Marby Montellano shared her rich experiences from her stint in RYLA 2011 of the Rotary Club of Carlington in Australia. Past District Rotaract representative Devie Ontolan gave an inspiring talk on how Ro6

tary's youth programs and her achievements as a Rotary Youth leader helped shaped her fruitful life with the experiences and confidence she gained through involvements in worthwhile projects.

Indeed, RYLA 2011 successfully achieved its goals. We cannot understate the fact that RYLA 2011 has so impressed the delegates that many came to a decision to organize their own Rotaract Clubs, as shown by now RYLA 2011 acknowledges and thanks the provisional RAC of Bestlink. following Rotary Clubs which, apart from the Graduation night was a joyous occasion, to co-host clubs, sent delegates and supported say the least. Awards were given, both by RYLA 2011: their own groups and by the organizing comNew Manila Heights, Primavida Cubao, mittee led by DRR Marby Montellano. District New Manila East, Cubao Central, North Governor Jess Cifra handed the certificates Balintawak, Balintawak, Paraiso, Bataand awards to the graduates and sponsoring san Hills, SFDM, and Uptown Cubao. Rotary Clubs in the presence of visiting Rotarians and guests. District RYLA chair Linda Rylarians 2011 are now expected to visit Elequin and silver president William Tasis of their sponsoring Rotary Clubs to share the RCUN assisted in the ceremonies amid the RYLA experience and start implementing cheers and laughter of the happy Rylarians. projects which will benefit their communities.

We congratulate some of the best participants- Aileen Gutierrez for winning the best action plan for her Alpha Group D; Gabs Torres and Kristelle Montoya for being the most outstanding male and female Rylarians 2011, respectively. Aileen was the delegate of RC Primavida Cubao, Gabs represented RC New Manila Heights, and Kristel RC Uptown Novaliches.

Club Trainers of District 3780 affirm their commitment to serve for 3 years
By CP Winston Sia, RC VisMin QC
The Club Trainers of District 3780 held its 3rd bi-monthly meeting cum Christmas party last December 3, 2011 at the PNP Museum, Camp Crame. This was hosted by RC Camp Crame led by its President Nick Bartolome, and his club trainers father and son tandem of Deo Princesa and Thirdy Pricesa. PDG Dulce Coyukiat, recognized for her initiatives in keeping the group of club trainers motivated and intact for the next three years, is the Over-all Club Trainers Team (CTT) Chairperson. In her message to the Club Trainers Team, PDG Dulce honored them by referring to the club trainers as respectable Rotarians who have committed to teach your clubs and impart Rotary information towards making them strong, vibrant and highly effective. This forms part of the foundation for Rotary Clubs success.

D-3780 Rotarians. The CTT Chair later encouraged all Club Trainers of District 3780 to actively involve themselves in the CTT activities and meetings. I am pleased and proud to announce that we are institutionalizing She further added: To train your clubs re- the Club Trainer position. The Club Trainers quires zealous passion in order to bring your Team (CTT) starts with you to build a clubs to a higher tier of excellence. As PDG stronger Rotary movement worldwide. Mar Nery puts it in a clear and bright perspective, trainers are teachers in Rotary. DSD Mar Reyes, the designated Club TrainThey comprise the authority on Rotary ers of District 3780 Vice Chair, facilitated the knowledge. As for me, you are the cisterns of Human Bingo Game that served as a teamknowledge and wisdom in Rotary informa- building activity for the trainers. tion. Hence, you are obliged to equip your- CP Winston Sia, who played as the Quiz Bee selves with the right mix of competencies Game Master, prepared an exciting Rotary that will raise the bar of D-3780 trainers. Quiz Bee contest for the club trainers, with This is one reason why we have a continuing CP Irene Santos emerging as the top winner. Train the Trainers program; it is to enable A unique way of exchanging gift was introyou to deepen your knowledge and sharpen duced by PP Bobbie Laguitao after PP Alex your skills on Rotary Leadership. Valencerina distributed copies of the TrainPDG Dulce later inducted all the club trainers present to affirm (their) willingness to selflessly serve for three (3) consecutive years a responsibility that comes with distinguished honor bestowed upon hand-picked

the Rotary District 3780s 4 regions, namely: PP Babette Aparato (Region 1), CP Winston Sia (Region 2), PP Alex Valencerina (Region 3) and PP Angel Gahol (Region 4). The group also has launched an e-group to keep an active communications amongst the club trainers, moderated by CP Winston, who also designed the groups official logo, inspired by the inputs and suggestions from PDG Dulce and the other regional coordinators. After the Training The Trainers Seminar was initiated by PDG Dulce last July 16, 2011 at the Occupational Safety Health Center (OSHC), hosted by the Rotary Club of Valencia, the group had conducted three bimonthly meetings, so far.

The first Club Trainer's Meeting was called by PDG Dulce Coyukiat last September 3, 2011 at the Rotary Center, while the second bimonthly meeting happened last October 29, ing Syllabus to the Club Trainers. 2011, at the Camp Crame Main Conference In order to ensure a sustainable long term Room, hosted by RC Camp Crame, with PDG program for the club trainers, PDG Dulce Mar Nery as Guest Speaker. appointed 4 regional coordinators to lead

District Silver Spouses raise funds for cancer-stricken children

By Spouse Socorro Soc Y. Yap, RC SFDM
cited spectators. Over 90 boxing aficionados came, consisting of district officers, silver presidents, Rotarians with relatives and friends. Everybody enjoyed the relaxed ambience, taking advantage of the opportunity to bond while cheering for the Pambansang Kamao and reeling at the direct blows he received as though they were there in the ring with him. The group watched the fight via live screening at the Global Lounge of our Rotary Center courtesy of Solar Sports and CP Lyndon Wong who provided the live feed and projector/sound system, respectively, at minimal costs. The spouses extend their District Silver Spouses Fund Raising Project The Pacquiao-Marquez fight was held at the warm appreciation and gratitude to all who last 13 November 2011 was designed Global Lounge of the Rotary Center with the gave their support to the project. around the then much awaited Pacquiao District First Couple leading the group of ex7 Help transform lives worldwide by supporting the Annual Programs Fund of The Rotary Foundation.

Marquez third encounter. The event was sponsored by the spouses of the Silver Presidents of the District to raise funds for the benefit of the cancer stricken children who are temporarily housed at Tahan Tahanan at the East Avenue Medical Center. Tahan Tahanan is a halfway house for out-oftown cancer patients.

Record-setting Mardi Gras in December lights up District 3780 Silver Year

By Lt. Gov. Daniel Boone Ongchoco, HOP RY 2009-10
For the first time ever, a batch of Rotary presidents hosted the District Christmas Party and Past Presidents Fellowship Night and oh, what a party it was! A record number of over 700 Rotarians braved flooded streets and holiday traffic to pack the Camp Crame Multipurpose Hall last December 9, 2011. Amidst an atmosphere and feel akin to a district induction night, the party billed as Mardi Gras in December did not disappoint. Hosted by the proud batch of Hands-On Presidents (HOPs) of RY 2009-10, led of course by PDG Dulce Coyukiat, event chairman HOP Kiko Gutierrez, overall event coordinator HOP Noemi Hernandez and countless hardworking HOPs left no stone unturned to ensure a truly memorable night. Aside from the sumptuous food with roasted calf and overflowing drinks, the Mardi Gras dancers from Resorts World and the Sabor Latino band highlighted the memorable night. Countless raffle prizes were also given away to lucky Rotarians. major awards. The GPs, replete in their splendid Mardi Gras attire, rendered a show -stopping performance and emerged as the judges choice for the nights best group performance, besting 9 other participating groups. For their efforts, they were awarded texted in the allotted time of just 30 minutes, the GPs came away with close to 40 percent of votes to cop the special award and cash prize of P4,000. They also won the biggest delegation award with 45 GPs showing up for the night, winning another

Ed: Photo from Facebook account of SP Marilyn Manabat - RC Cubao Central

the top prize of P15,000. Second place went to the Silver Presidents of RY 2011-12 (P10,000), while third place went to the Dream Maker Presidents of RY 2008-9 and RC North Triangle (P5,000 each). Other participants included the ballroom queens of RC Central Fairview, the always game performers of RC Cubao Central, the Flintstones-inspired group of RC Loyola Heights, the ethnic dancers of RC Eastwood, the carolers from the Leader Presidents batch While the HOPs of RY 2009-10 may have and the Rotaractors of RC New Manila East. been the nights gracious hosts, the Global Presidents (GPs) of RY 2010-11 stole the Also for the first time, a texters choice show as they romped away with the nights award for best group performance was up for grabs. Out of the more than 1,500 votes

P5,000. The HOPs and the Silver Presidents actually had more attendees (with 56 past presidents and 51 presidents, respectively) but did not qualify for the award, being the host and incumbent batches. Other major awards included the biggest club delegation won by RC North Triangle and RC Loyola Heights, carrying with it a cash prize of P5,000 each. The best Mardi Gras costumes and cash prizes of P3,000 each were awarded to PP Brian Lu of RC North Triangle (male category) and CP Oyie Valarao now with RC Pag-Asa QC (female category).

District 3780 and RC Crame organize first district-wide Christmas party for children
The first-ever District Children's Christmas Party was organized and held in the morning of December 9 by RI D3780 DG Jess Cifra jointly with the Rotary Club of Camp Crame headed by Silver President Nick Bartolome and Secretary Thirdie Princesa with unqualified support from the Philippine National Police and the PNP Officers Ladies Association.

RI Presidents December Message

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,
In late August, Binota and I were in Ghana, where Rotary Foundation Trustee Vice Chair Sam Okudzeto and enthusiastic local Rotarians took us to the ribbon-cutting for a water project in a little village, Abutia Teti, about 60 miles from Accra. We arrived at about 11 a.m., and the whole village seemed to be there. Everyone had been waiting since early morning to welcome us. In the past, the women had to walk over 3 miles to carry pails of water from a river. Now they had a supply of safe, clean water from tube wells in the village itself. It was a simple but effective project in which Rotary and USAID had worked together. But what struck us most that day was family: The men, the women, the children were all there together, dancing, singing, and welcoming us. It made me think about how everywhere around the world, people come together in families, and families join together as communities. And this made me happy that the first of our emphases in this Rotary year is the family, because the family is where everything begins. It is where life begins, it is where our day begins, and it is where our Rotary service must begin. Because it is the family, and not the individual, that is the building block of the community and of Rotary. It is one of my great priorities to encourage the involvement of families in Rotary service. I feel incredibly strongly that Rotary should never, ever come between the Rotarian and the family. Rotary service should be something that brings the family closer together. For myself, if I cannot bring Binota with me to a Rotary event, its simple I dont go! Rotary is not just for me; it is for both of us. This is why I encourage districts to welcome families at district conferences, to involve spouses and children in service projects, and to plan meeting times with families in mind. The more that families are involved in Rotary, the more Rotary will thrive today and tomorrow. What is Rotary about? Its about so many things, but at its core, Rotary is about these words: Love your neighbor as yourself. Rotary is about love, and that love has to start with us and with those closest to us.

Foundation Chairmans December Message

Make giving to our Foundation an annual tradition As Rotarians, we often reduce our words to initials. We talk of GSEs. VTTs, NIDs, and PHFs. Our district officers are DGs, DGEs, and DGNs, and in Evanston we have a GS. We have plenty of PDGs and an occasional PRIP. I am sure you could add many more. This month, I would like to focus on another set of initials: EREY. The words are Every Rotarian, Every Year , and they encourage every one of us to make an annual contribution to our Foundation. Despite the economic problems and the awful natural disasters, our giving to the Annual Programs Fund last year was the second highest in history. Thank you for your confidence that we are building a Foundation that will be stronger and even more effective in the future. I read a lot of district and zone newsletters, and I smiled at a quote in a recent newsletter from District 7600, in Virginia, USA. In it, Bill Billings talked about how Rotary became more important to him as he became more involved. He went on to say, These are my brightest days in Rotary because now I am learning what I can do for Rotary. I give to The Rotary Foundation every year because it feels so good. At this point, his sense of humor came through. I am not sure if every country has telemarketing, but if yours does, you will appreciate Bills next words: But I also give to the Foundation because it is the best defense against annoying telemarketers. When they call me I simply say, I give my money to The Rotary Foundation, but thanks for calling and have a nice day. Click! Bill has made our Rotary Foundation his charity of choice. I hope you will too.

William B. Boyd - Rotary Foundation Chairman

The FOUR-WAY TEST of the Things We Think, Say and 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?

Kalyan Banerjee President, Rotary International

Rotary Code of Conduct

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(Formerly Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions)

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
The Governors Monthly Letter is linked to:

Rotary International District 3780 Website Latest News Update from RI November Issue of GML Rotary Leader Online

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

Watch songwriter Jerry Mills sing Come Join Us. Click the link.

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