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Night ProgramFebruary 9, 2010

Call to Order Pres. Boone OngchocoInvocation Rtn. Glenn Macatiag National Anthem PP Ponchit Miranda Meals & FellowshipIntroduction of Visiting Rotarians & Guests

Rtn. Badette Redublo

Community Singing (“Love Songs & Lullabies” Teaser)

PE Baby Allado

Finest Moments Rtn. Al Villacorte Rotary Information PDG Mar NeryClassification Talk PN Alex BuotAnnouncements Sec. Annie TorresPresident’s Time Pres. Boone OngchocoRotary Hymn PP Edith Tapnio Adjournment Pres. Boone Ongchoco

Night Chair: PP Ed Aguila

Certificate of AttendanceThis certifies that Rotarian _______________________ attended the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of New Manila Heights held at the St. Elizabeth Hall of Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish, February 9, 2010.

Annie Torres Club Secretary

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Recognizing Our Unsung Heroes

Modesty aside, even as we have accomplished a great deal over the past 7 months, one of the projects I am really proud of and particularly excited about is the upcoming 1st RCNMH Community Service Awards.

Very often, we simply give awards to the “big” people with the titles and positions. Of course, this is not to belittle their contributions to society which I am sure are very noble in their own right. However, what I am trying to emphasize

and bring to the fore here are the forgotten heroes who work in relative obscurity but who nevertheless make their own humble contributions to the development and upliftment of the communities they serve.

This coming March 12, 2010, we will be honoring our community heroes in the categories of Peace and Order (for police officers covering the Barangay Horseshoe beat), Clean and Green (for the community utility workers or “kamineras”), Public Safety (for the Barangay Tanods), and Health (for the community health workers). A special award shall also be given to the outstanding organization or institution whose service has greatly benefitted a particular sector of the community.

It is my hope that this recognition night will encourage other community service workers to perform or improve and excel even more in their respective jobs. While we should never really work for awards, I would like to think that this simple act of recognition will inspire them to further hone their skills or perform their roles to the best of their God-given abilities.

More importantly, this first-ever awards night should make them realize that they, too, are being valued by the community. And last but not the least, it should be a reminder to all of us that these unsung heroes are not to be belittled simply because their jobs are of “lesser” profile. In fact, they should be praised and exulted just like the supposedly more important people in society because they also do their own share in the service of the community. After all, at the end of the day, we are all just one class of heroes in the eyes of God.

The President’s Corner by: Pres. Daniel “Boone” Ongchoco

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FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

World Understanding Month(Suggested Speaker Topics: Love and Relationships)

Feb 2* Club Assembly (Mid-Year Committee Reports) 5 District Inter-City Meeting (St. Luke’s Hospital) 9* Classification Talk: Alex Buot 11/16 P. Tuason Elementary School Water Trail Field Trip 11 RCNMH-RC Makati Anti-TB Program Project MOA Signing 15 RCNMH Book Donation (Books Across the Seas) 16* Chinese New Year’s Fellowship (Dinner c/o Dennis Arca) 20 Interact DISCON 22 World Understanding and Peace Day (North Greenhills Clubhouse) 23 No Club Meeting (see Feb. 25 District Hosting Activity) 23 Inter-District Beaming Activity (End Polio Now) 24 Give Blood on Valentine’s Day (RCNMH RC 35 Project) 25* An Evening with Paul Harris (Lead Host: RCNMH) 26 Love Songs & Lullabies Fund Raising Concert 27 Rotary Human Chain March (QC Memorial Circle) 27 Rotary Community Corps Assembly

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

February 2 – Rtn. Badette RedubloFebruary 9 – PP Dennis Arca

Night Prayer

Lord God, we gather again this evening as a Club that is committed to serve others above self. May our thoughts, words and deeds only be directed to serving mankind so that this world may reflect the hope and love You have been calling us all to bring to others.

Continue to prosper the plans of the Club. Bless our undertakings with more hands and hearts who want to serve. Keep us from being proud and protect us from the temptation of self glorification. As we approach the Lenten season, help us also to find time to quiet ourselves and seek your direction for our individual lives so that we may find our wholeness and healing in and through You who came to save us. Amen

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That’s Allby Michael Bublé

I can only give you love that lasts forever,And a promise to be near each time you call.And the only heart I ownFor you and you aloneThat’s all,That’s all...

I can only give you country walks in springtimeAnd a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;And a love whose burning lightWill warm the winter’s nightThat’s all,That’s all.

There are those I am sure who have told you,They would give you the world for a toy.All I have are these arms to enfold you,And a love even time can’t destroy.

If you’re wondering what I’m asking in return, dear,You’ll be glad to know that my demands are small.Say it’s me that you’ll adore,For now and evermoreThat’s all,That’s all.

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CROSSROADSby Mario R. Nery

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why do Rotary Clubs need to meet every week?Because the club meeting, when it is properly conducted, is really a formation and a

bonding activity. You will note, that in the Object of Rotary, which is generally regarded as the soul, the reason for being, of Rotary, acquaintance, or fellowship, is a foundation for our desire and capacity to serve others. It is like a gas station that you go to regularly to refuel your energy to serve.

2. Some Clubs serve alcohol before and/or during and/or after the regular weekly meeting. Why the difference?

Alcohol before, during or after the regular meeting is not prohibited. What is prohibited is indecorous behavior, which tends to diminish the seriousness and importance of the meeting. It is really a matter for the club to decide. The problem really is of a few members who cannot control themselves and forget they are Rotarians after just one bottle of beer. Thank God we don’t have them in our club.

3. Is a Rotarian a member of Rotary International?No. He is a member of a Rotary Club. The Club is the member of Rotary

International.

4. When does a person become a Rotarian?When his membership is approved by the club and when he pays his dues. When a

Rotarian stops paying his dues, he automatically ceases to be a member.

5. How does one apply for membership? One does not apply. Rotary membership is by invitation only.

6. How many ways can a Rotarian lose his membership?(a)Non-payment of dues; (b) Non-attendance in meetings; and (c) Serious scandalous

behaviour detrimental to the organization.

7. Why are Rotary officers changed every year?Since the assumption is that Rotarians are leaders in their own fields, then the

presumption is that each can take on a leadership position in the organization. This presumption is buttressed by the fact that Rotary gives opportunity to all members to attend various training programs to progress their knowledge of Rotary and its brand of leadership. The other reason is that Rotary believes that the handling of leadership assignments is one of the best ways to determine the potential of members, so everyone is given a shot at leadership. In hindsight, it seems to have worked very well.

8. What is the best way to train future officers?There are many. I have mentioned this before but I will mention it again because it

is important. In Cagayan de Oro, the Mother Club, which at the time of my Presidency had 104 members, does it like this: When the Board identifies a member with high potential, he is first assigned to Vocational Service where he learns the insides of Rotary. The next year he becomes the Club Secretary where he learns the administrative aspects of club management. Then he is elected Vice-President in charge of Membership Development. Then, he is finally ready for the Presidency. There must be a hundred other ways. The important thing is before one becomes President, he will have handled three major positions and been a board member at least three years.

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Officers and Directors Report onRCNMH Mid-Year Performance

Last Tuesday’s Club Assembly was like an Oscars night. The different directors took their turns at the podium presenting their accomplishments over the past year. The presentations not only featured the progress in chart form but also showed pictures of the many activities and events that added spice to the report.

PP Dennis Arca summarized the membership committee’s success by citing the number of members inducted and the different activities and programs done at the club level that were geared to motivating, Rotarizing and retaining members in the club. Highlights of course were the full-year calendar of activities, membership card and benefits, and the approval and installation of the club logo, vision and mission.

Club Admin Director PN Alex Buot shared with the club the weighted attendance mark of 89.8% over the past six months. Notable though was the minor slump during the “-ber” months from the almost 100% attendance over the first quarter. PN Alex highlighted the more affordable membership dues as one of the key initiatives of his committee. In addition, the mix of speakers, fellowship nights, rotary information and intercity meetings has broken the monotony of the regular meeting routine and led to a more fulfilling experience for everyone. PN Alex also highlighted the relaunch of the critically acclaimed club bulletin with all-original articles every week.

Service Projects head PE Baby Allado’s presentation was more than filling as she listed the overwhelming number of projects undertaken by the Club that has put RCNMH in the District map so to speak. Highlighted by the signature Karunungan at Kabuhayan Center launching, the service

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projects spanned the full menu of RI service opportunities including disaster relief, water, health and hunger, literacy, disability, livelihood, youth, drug abuse, population control and environment. Major initiatives include the Damayang Lagi Ondoy Relief Operations, Hands On I.T. training, P. Bernardo e-Library launch, Hands On Milk Feeding, Anti-TB program and supplemental feeding continuation, “The Gift of Life” blood donation project, college scholarships for the visually impaired, revival of the Interact and Rotaract, and the “Protect-a-Rainforest” campaign.

The club-backed nominee for District Governor, TRF Committee chair CP Oyie Valarao, stated that her TRF Annual Giving campaign on the club and district levels are all above expectations, if not at outright record levels. Pres. Boone further interjected that, outside of the annual giving, the club has also distinguished itself in the aspects of matching grant applications and GSE program participation.

PR Director Bobby Ang’s presentation was something to remember as he entertained the club with his wacky commentaries while going through the charts shown on the screen. Seriously, though, the club has engaged in a broad and organized PR campaign covering both traditional and non-traditional media. This has led to our being featured on primetime TV (GMA 7’s Wish Ko Lang), major dailies (Philippine Star), and top-rated radio stations (DZMM and DWIZ). We have also consistently been featured in the Governor’s Monthly Newsletter (all issues thus far) and also in the Philippine Rotary Magazine (multiple features in September). On the non-traditional side, banners have been ubiquitous in all our activities interspersed with the one-of-a-kind club brochure released during the Philippine Project Fair and the Humanity in Motion campaign in President Boone’s Informatics centers and campuses.

Finally, President Boone also shared his wish list for the balance of the Rotary year. This includes the successful launch of the Hib immunization matching grant project, the toilet renovation in our adopted elementary schools, the revival of the English Enhancement program, the activation of the dental services in the Kalusugan Center, the holding of the first-ever RCNMH Community Awards and of course, the much-awaited successful holding of “An Evening with Paul Harris” gala night where our club is the lead host.

Truly, last Tuesday’s Club Assembly showed old, new and potential members that so much can be done in a spirit of true service and fellowship. Here’s wishing the continued commitment of our general membership in all our Club’s undertakings! Viva RCNMH!

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Alay Buhay OIC conducts Microfinancing Orientation for RCNMH-KKC

by Rtn. Glenn Macatiag and Pres. Boone Ongchoco

On Sunday, February 7, 2010, Ms. Sharisma Allene T. Alzate, Officer in-Charge of the Alay Buhay Community Development Foundation-Quezon City 1 Branch, vigorously oriented our RCNMH “Karunungan at Kabuhayan” Center students regarding Alay Buhay’s advocacy in helping people through their livelihood and microfinancing programs. In a very detailed presentation, she shared with the students the details of the program like the enterprise management training, loan processing and the collection of loan amortizations. She also explained the other microfinance services that they provide like the micro-insurance and other capital build-up (CBU) or savings schemes to beneficiaries.

The attendees, a total of 17 students, enthusiastically listened to the orientation and were already brimming with business ideas. Due to their soon-to-be finished course in I.T. essentials and PC troubleshooting, the top business ideas were in the areas of PC repair, graphics design and tarp making. Ms. Alzate though also shared other business concepts like soap and candle making, the training of which they can also provide. In addition, with the soon-to-be-launched dressmaking classes in our KKC, we should see more business ideas relating to the garments industry.

Immediately after the session, upon the request of the attendees, another session is already being scheduled to accommodate other Barangay Horseshoe residents who were not able to attend on that Sunday afternoon.

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District 3780 Holds Mid-Year ConferenceLast Jan 30, 2010, District Governor Dulce Coyukiat and District 3780

Officers and Hands On Presidents trekked to the Lighthouse Marina for the District Mid-Year Conference.

Highlights of the Conference were DG Dulce’s Mid-Year Address where she shared the various achievements of the District in the areas of membership development, leadership training, service projects, annual giving and public relations. Of particular note was the almost improbable achievement of the district with regard to the $150,000 annual giving target despite the challenging economic backdrop (in large thanks to the tireless work of our very own CP Oyie who happens to be the District Annual Giving Chair). Her presentation was also splattered with constant picture references to the projects of RC New Manila Heights—a subliminal indication and recognition of our club’s own accomplishments and contributions in relation to the district’s goals.

After the Governor’s address, technical sessions handled by the Assistant Governors with their respective clubs ensued. The report on the outcome of the technical sessions was then followed by an inspirational message from PDG Jimmy Cura, after which DG Dulce closed the conference with her own message about “the race not yet being over.” She further emphasized how the term of each Club President does not end until June 30, 2010. Thus, she challenged all present to continue the momentum of the very successful first semester.

Of course, the legendary Rotary brand of fellowship capped the Mid-Year get-together with a sunset cruise from the Subic Bay Yacht Club and a luau dinner party at the Lighthouse Marina beachfront.

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An Early Valentines: The RCNMH Spouses Nightby Nikki Alfonso (future RCNMH member)

Love was certainly in the air as the RCNMH spouses joined their respective partners in the first ‘Spouses Night’ of the year.

Appropriately organized and chaired by Past Secretary and Spouse Emeritus of the Club, Inday Nery, the evening affair was moved to the bigger St. Elizabeth Hall to accommodate an expected larger attendance.

The spouses took over the evening’s program. Notable participants were, of course, presidential spouse Jackie Ongchoco, Noemi Alfonso, Lita Moreno, Emil Tapnio, Dorigen San Juan and Alex Torres.

The program commenced with some good news relating to the dental chair and equipment donation from the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights as announced by PP Chary Misa of the same club.

The regular Community Singing was given a heartfelt twist as the RCNMH husbands sang the popular and mushy “Wind Beneath My Wings” while giving each of their beloved spouses beautiful red roses.

The highlight of the evening was the talk delivered by the guest speaker, Dr. Naty Dayan, one of the country’s foremost clinical psychologists. She spoke about the different personalities within a relationship and the role of personality disorders in the disintegration of marriages and families. She shared her experience as a clinical psychologist and counsellor to couples with relationship problems and how best to solve these conflicts.

The Spouses Night was a well-attended affair with the presence not only of spouses but also of a good number of recruits and future club members. We are all looking forward to the next one.

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RCLH Keeps Promise as Long-Awaited Dental Chair Finally Arrives

by Pres. Boone Ongchoco

It has been pretty well-documented in the past about the promise of the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights to donate a dental chair tor our RCNMH Kalusugan Center. The negotiations can be traced as far back as the term of PP Boyet Alfonso in his communications with then RCLH counterpart, PP Tony Lazaro.

Well, finally, consider that promise fulfilled as the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights, in the person of PP Rosario “Chary” Misa, shared the good news with RCNMH during the recently held spouses night last January 26, 2010, thus making the evening that much more special.

PP Chary announced that her club was donating a dental chair, a dental cabinet, and as a bonus, a dental x-ray machine. These second-hand equipments are part of a shipment that RCLH regularly receives from a US-based group that collects equipment disposed of by US hospitals when they upgrade their facilities.

Just this past Friday, February 5, current RCLH President Rod Apostol met with PE Baby Allado and PP Boyet in our Kalusugan Center to check out the fitness of our clinic to house the dental x-ray machine.

Effectively, this donation enables President Boone to remove another item in his term’s long wish list of projects, that is, to expand the services of the Kalusugan Center to include dental care. Expected turnover of the equipments is expected this month of February, upon clearing of the items from Customs (also to be handled and shouldered by RCLH).

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English Enhancement Program Makes a Comebackby Nikki Alfonso

After a two-year hiatus, the English Enhancement and Personality Development Program (EEPD) will finally be revived this coming June at the of the SY 2010-2011 upon the prodding of RCNMH President Boone Ongchoco and also upon the request of Mrs. Olivia Dagdag, Principal of P. Bernardo High School, as well as P. Bernardo English Coordinator, Mr. Charlie Dauag.

The EEPD was created and initiated in 2007 by RCNMH member-prospect, Ms. Nikki Alfonso, during the term of PP Boyet Alfonso with the objective of creating a “safe” venue wherein public school students were allowed to practice English without ridicule. This was an offshoot of the overwhelming inability of public school students being rejected by call centers due to their poor English skills. The program sought to enhance the students’ abilities and confidence with the English language in order to help them obtain a call center or professional job. As the program evolved, however, the objective itself was “enhanced” when it grew from mere improvement of English skills to an empowering conveyance of values and life discernment.

The EEPD in its first run was a success, prompting excellent feedback from students who joined and enticing some of the participants to volunteer to become future moderators.

Being one of the literacy projects laid out by President Boone at the start of the Rotary Year, the EEPD was initially targeted for relaunch on October 2009. Unfortunately, due to Typhoon Ondoy, this year’s irregular school calendar was not able to accommodate the program. Nevertheless, due to Pres. Boone’s belief in the EEPD, a meeting was arranged between PP Boyet Alfonso and Nikki Alfonso on one hand, and Principal Dagdag and Mr. Dauag on the side of P. Bernardo. This was held last January 30, 2010, wherein the following points were agreed upon:

1. Moderators for the EEPD should be young enough to be able to create rapport with the students and be seen as older brothers/sisters, instead of authority figures. This minimal age difference allows students to be more at ease; consequently, this comfort allows them to be more open during discussions and activities.

With this in mind, it was agreed that Rotaract members or college students from social organizations (Ateneo College groups were specifically mentioned) be involved with the program.

2. The EEPD should not be a graded subject. Being a voluntary program, students who join must have sustained interest, as well as persistence in attendance.

3. Whereas the original program was focused on high school seniors, it was concluded that the program would be beneficial to the younger years as well, since more time means better understanding and appreciation of the language skills and values to be imparted.

4. The program will commence this June 2010 when classes begin, with the initial group of students to be determined as soon as March 2010.

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