Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

35th YEAR INDUCTION CEREMONIES INSPIRE MEMBERS

By Dir. Bob Hecks

Induction Ceremonies Inspire

Kay Ganda Ng Umaga and The Age of Aquarius, the theme songs, along with the Rotary International 2007/08 song Rotary Shares, set the tone. But the outgoing and incoming Presidents of the Rotary Club of Makati North also looked back in gratitude to older members, and some who have recently passed away. RCMN looked like a mature club at the start of our 35th year last Wednesday evening, July 18 at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Hotel.

We were honored by the presence of Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, whose speech made us proud to be a part of this successful way of helping those in need. Our own District Governor’s speech brought enthusiastic responses of “yes, yes, yes” from a large group of District 3830 new Presidents. We were pleased to see many (24) visitors from our Sister Clubs in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong with their friends. We inducted two new members. And the home-produced entertainment that followed the adjournment was well up to the standard that the District has come to expect of RCMN each year.

PE Klink Ang welcomed all before handing over to moderator PP Chet Tan who outlined and started the well-organized program.

“One of my greatest achievements in life” said outgoing President Porong Herrera of his year as RCMN President, in his short valedictory speech. Porong paid tribute to the traditions of the club and to those “who responded to my calls.” We were pleased to see Tina minus wheelchair. Tony Meloto’s speech made us feel a part not only of Gawad Kalinga’s successful community construction activities, but also of a greater movement, not confined to the Philippines, that mobilizes into action the desire to help that so many business people nurture. “Thank you, Rotary Club of Makati North, not only for what you have done, but also because you have continued to honor the Philippines in your own family life. And you have provided first-rate villages for more and more of the poorest of the poor.”

Club Secretary Vic Magdaraog warmly introduced Pres. Joe Reaño who joined his directors on stage for charging by District Governor Ato Magadia. Handover rituals followed, with Kay Ganda Ng Umaga energetically sung by PP Porong’s son RR Herrera who also organized much of the slick audio-visual effects of the evening, including a video of RCMN projects “A little bit of time. An ounce of effort.”

Assistant Governor Tony Chong introduced Past District Governors and Current District Officers. The Executive Summary jazz group played When the Saints Go Marching In and Chicago – “we selected that because that’s where Rotary started,” said leader Vince Tan.

“This day starts a new chapter in my life,” said newly-inducted President of RCMN, Joe Reaño, as he reminded us that all current RCMN projects were initiated by his predecessors. Pres. Joe showed on-screen photos of “those who have made my life as a Rotarian,” and paid tribute to RCMNers who have recently passed away. Then he got us all to stand, raise our arms and clap our hands together. “Thank you for the standing ovation,” he chuckled. It looks like we’re going to have a good year.

Our Sister Club visitors were welcomed and gifts were exchanged. Two new members: Christophe S. Bellinger “Chriss”, a Frenchman from ADB, and Calixto Hector M. Lojo “Hec” from Syngenta Philippines, were inducted.

District Secretary Ric dela Torre introduced PDG Ernie Salas, who, in a special announcement, supported DG Ato’s membership drive and RCMN’s expected major contributions to the Rotary Foundation this year. District Governor Ato Magadia also welcomed Joe Reaño’s presidency. During his speech, our DG paid tribute to those who are helping him, particularly with the innovations in communication (Vic Magdaraog, Tony Chong). “My club is one hundred percent behind me.”

The home-grown entertainment that followed the adjournment comprised:

All you’ve got to do is dream (Dance number by the kids) Boys From New York City team dance Loosen Up ladies in black The Chitos & Chitas of Rotary. Latin dancing in pairs. Elvis (Tony Chong): My Teddy Bear and Don’t Have a Wicked Heart.

Club Sec. Vic Magdaraog then announced that “Couples For Christ” have organized this surprise number”.

Professional singer Arthur Manuntag rendered some good old numbers and helped Pres. Joe to reach the high notes in I Left My Heart In San Francisco. It was time to go home after a fulfilling, inspiring evening.