Rotary Club of Banilad Metro

On May 16-17, 2008, the Rotary Club of Banilad Metro hosted for the very first time the 34th President-Elect’s Training Seminar and District Assembly for the Visayas in District 3860 (Philippines). Over 300 Rotarians from 48 Clubs in Zones I and III and a 43 strong WCS team from District 2640 Wakayama District in Japan, all converged for two days of unforgettable fellowship and comprehensive Rotary training. This is an important annual event in District 3860, especially for the incoming set of Club officers and directors who were equipped in planning and implementing the various programs of incoming Rotary International President Dong Kurn (DK) Lee and Incoming District Governor Pablito "Billy" Parilla. This year, the theme of Rotary International is "Make Dreams Real". Incoming R.I. Pres. D.K. Lee has emphasized focus on reducing child mortality and has prepared programs that are helpful in addressing the problem in communities where children do not live to reach the age of five. In this regard, the host club has invited knowledgeable resource speakers and expert Rotarian trainers in the various seminars. One day before the PETS-DISTAS 2008 though, there were three Fellowship activities which aimed to strengthen once again the bonds of friendship among Rotarians through sports. In the morning, 24 die-hard golfers teed it off at the Mactan Island Golf Club with PE Walter Diu of RC Tacloban emerging as the Rotarian Champion. By mid-day, the 1st Gun Safety Seminar and Fellowship Shootfest was held at the Kamagong Gun Club firing range in partnership with RC Cebu Uptown. Topping it all off in the evening was the PETS-DISTAS Bowling Tournament at the Gaisano Bowlingplex with RC Banilad Metro beating 12 other Rotary teams for the championship. The two day seminar sessions held at the Cebu International Convention Center were very well attended. The President-Elect’s Training Seminar on the first day was a comprehensive lecture on this year’s District and Governor’s Challenge as well as the Rotary International President’s emphasis on health, hunger and water concerns. Incoming District Governor Pablito “Billy” Parilla presented updates on R.I.’s programs on service under his term and initiated a manifestation of commitment among all club presidents and district leaders. Various Rotary leaders from the District discussed topics on Membership, Protocol, Leadership, Public Relations and Reporting as well as an exhaustive scope on the functions of the club presidents in their role of leading their respective clubs. In the evening, the formal opening of the DISTAS was held at the CICC Summit Hall with a parade of dignitaries and a roll call of club presidents. Individual District awards were handed out as well as the awards for the winners of the fellowship sports activities. The DISTAS Fellowship Night “Latino Nights “ theme highlighted the talents of Rotarians with the 1st Rotarian Idol search, with PP Tom Howlett of RC Dumaguete North beating out the competition with his rendition of Love Potion No.9. Another highlight is the attendance of the Japanese Rotarians from District 2640 led by their DG Hirahara Yoshiaki to turn over the WCS grant funds to 8 beneficiary clubs in the Visayas. The District Assembly was graced with the presence of topnotch Rotary leaders from other Districts – PDG Dave Villanueva (RC Bacolod South) reported the state of membership in the district and the country while PDG Romy Millan (RC Cotabato) presided over a hands-on seminar on Matching Grants. Other resource speakers included PDG Bert Dormendo who talked about Water Concerns, Dr. Carolino Mordeno who presented a comprehensive report on Child Literacy and Dr. Tomas Fernandez tackled the issues of Child Mortality. The various break-away seminar sessions included Service Projects, TRF and Matching Grants, Club Administration and a Spouses workshop. Concluding the two day event was the District Awards presented by District Governor Yumi Espina as well as the presentation of the District Governor Nominees by Incoming District Governor Billy Parilla. The PETS-DISTAS 2008 in the Visayas was a resounding success in great part to the dynamism of the hardworking officers and members of the host club, RC Banilad Metro, including its Rotaractors and Interactors. Kudos to Over-all Chair SAG Angie Loja for spearheading such a magnanimous event. With this hosting now under its belt, the Rotary Club of Banilad, looks forward to the coming Rotary year in Making Dreams Real for the less fortunate.