DISCON 2013

District Conference 2013

The much-anticipated District Conference for 3820 saw nine Centro ladies leaving hearth and home as early as 5 o’clock in the morning on April 12 for the long drive to Subic, complete with luggage for the two-day event that served as the highlight of Rotary Year 2012-2013.

In Subic, the group was met and welcomed by PP Zeny’s brother, Mr. Boy Victorino, who treated the group to a sumptuous lunch at a hotel.  By 1:00 p.m., everyone was dressed in Filipiniana attire at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center to participate in the Opening Ceremonies.

Our very own PbP Liza Pineda together with PP Che Lu carried our Club banner in the opening entrance parade, along with District Governor Dennis Sunio and other peacebuilder Presidents, as well as the RI President’s representative, the event’s Guest of Honor, PDG Thomas “Tommy” Wong of District 3820 of Taipei, Taiwan.  After an elaborate production number by the Calayan Dance Company, Governor Dennis called the 1^st Plenary Session of the Discon to order.

After a series of talks, Governor Dennis delivered his State of the District address, wherein he recounted the achievements, activities and events during his term.  The Guest of Honor, Mr. Tommy Wong, also addressed the Rotarians with updates on Rotary International, as well as inspiring anecdotes about Rotary.  At about 6:00 p.m. the First Plenary Session was adjourned.

Of course, a Discon would not be complete without Fellowship!  This was held at the Vista Marina and Resort, and the theme was “beach wear”, so everybody came wearing colourful swimwear, hats, and slippers.  Dinner buffet was served, and soon the night’s program began.  The Guest of Honor was given a taste of “Putongan”, a cultural dance that honors guests practiced in Marinduque, performed by RC Marinduque North.  There was also an exciting dance number from the Inbound Rotary Exchange Students, with our “baby”, Rotex Andrea Mohl up and center during the performance.  Last but not the least were the K-Pop Impersonation Contest numbers, all of which were very impressive and entertaining.

The next day’s schedule started off with separate Breakfast Meetings for Peacebuilder presidents and incoming First Class Presidents.  For the rest of the Rotarians, it’s Zumba and Community Singing time at the convention center, hosted by no other than RC Sta. Rosa Centro!  PP Leni and PbP Vincent of RC Sta. Rosa were the wacky emcees of the morning, enjoining everybody to sing and shake their booties.  Having energized the crowd, the 2^nd Plenary Session was called to order by Governor Dennis.

PDG Tommy Wong gave another talk regarding updates on Rotary International, after which he was honoured with a Vote of Thanks by PDG Rose Celis.  A special guest, Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture, gave a very informative and inspiring talk regarding the rosy picture of the Philippines in general, and of Philippine agriculture in particular.  After Secretary Alcala’s Vote of Thanks given by our own PDG Chit Lijauco, the 2^nd Plenary Session was adjourned.

The 3^rd Plenary Session’s subject was Membership, and talks regarding this topic were delivered by PDG Rolando “Oyan” Villanueva of RID 3790, who enjoined everyone to take pride in being Rotarians, and to build bigger, bolder and better clubs.  After Lunch, the 4^th Plenary Session (“The Rotary Foundation”) ensued.  PDG Rafael “Paeng” Tantoco reported on the District’s Rotary Foundation, followed by introduction and presentation of the Inbound and Outbound GSEs.  Recognition and awards were given to the major contributors and donors to TRF by Governor Dennis.  RRFC PDG Roberto “Bobby” Viray also rendered a speech regarding “Our Foundation and the FVPI”.

The 5^th Plenary Session was called the “Business Meeting”, and indeed it was.  After a certification of quorum, issues were discussed, foremost of which was the manner of voting for the District Governor-Nominee; the house was asked to choose between the current Nominating Committee or “NOMCOM” procedure, or “Ballot by Mail”.  After gathering the votes, Ballot by Mail was the overwhelming choice.

Then there was the Governor’s Ball.  It was a night to remember as District 3820 Rotarians came in their resplendent suits and gowns. There were elaborate dance numbers from the Calayan Dance company and a special dance number from the Peacebuilder presidents, wherein Governor Dennis joined in to the delight of the audience.  The night was in full swing when suddenly, there was a power failure!  Undaunted, the Centro ladies together with the PDGs and Rotarians from other clubs “extended” the Governor’s Ball at a bar  till the wee hours of the morning.

It was truly a hectic, informative, inspiring and fun-filled Discon!  But being true-blue Centro ladies, we cannot go home without shopping!  So after a late breakfast (or early lunch?), we trooped to Royal Duty-Free shop for pasalubongs.  What a way to end a memorable Discon!