September 9 - RYLA Forum confirmed a big hit. There were 84 participants from the various clubs in District 3800. What added as a bonus was RCME sent the most number of delegates from one club with 10 in all. Seven from RAC Roosevelt Marikina where we sponsored 5 and they came up with solicitations for the other two, two registered by Dir. Arnold – his daughter Glady’s and nephew Edsel and Rtn. Bok who registered his daughter Cookie.

September 10 – New Generations Forum likewise a big success with 61 of the 84 who registered came back. Again, RCME providing the most number of participants at 6.  Five from RAC Roosevelt and Rtn Bok’s daughter, Cookie.

The Ecotrail later on the second day was also well attended with 61 parcipants joining together with 4 Rotarians from RC Metro Marikina. It was a pity no one from RCME could join, but then again, it may have been better. You know us young people sometimes need to take a rest rather than hike (ya, right)

Food was over flowing, from snacks in and morning and afternoon and lunch served very timely. The various speakers presented very well, though long, was well appreciated by the attendees. The venue was likewise very apt for the occasion.  La Mesa Ecopark is surely a very good venue for such activities.

While there on Saturday, September 09, RCME embarked on an environmental project – Waste Segregation – which will support the La Mesa Ecopark and the topic for the New Generations. Spearheaded by Rtn. Foyz and Sps. Mar, the Rotarians of RCME obliged to the project and helped in the separation of Biodegradable, Non – Biodegradable and Recyclable materials at the Boating and Ipil Pavillions. We did it again.

There were also a lot of bonding and discussion, positive chit – chat that well created the Family of Rotary having our spouses and friends and even children there on the two days. There were swimming for the kids – and I was told, even by Dir Grace.

September 11, 2006, marked our day to turn over the books donated by PP Ric and Spouse Carmen. They were turned over at the Flag Raising ceremony of the Marikina City Hall  to no less than the City Mayor Marides C. Fernando (MCF), Vice Mayor Marion Andres (who is also a Rotarian himself from RC Marikina Heights) and to Ms. Evelyn Nabus, City Librarian.  There were 24 volumes of Collier’s Encyclopedia and 26 volumes of Science and Invention books.

Likewise, we turned the event / project into a “public Image” by the explanation of why we turned the books over to the Library and a commitment to the Mayor to do it again. We have another set of encyclopedia being donated by a friend of PP Jun, we may reserve this for June next year in time for PE/Sec Ramir’s term.

Lastly, I would like to thank the following for their unprecedented support for the RYLA, Waste Segregation and Family of Rotary (September 09) – PP Bobby, our RYLA Chair, Dir. Grace, our Co-Chair, PP Jun – for being the days emcee and entertainer (very good singing from someone who practices – don’t ask me where), Dir. Gene, Dir. Arnold (with daughter Gladys and nephew Edsel), Rtn. Foyz & Sps. Mar (with Justine), PP Ric and Sps. Carmen, Rtn. Bok (with daughter Cookie), IPP Bong, PE/Sec. Ramir (even when daughter Angel was sick), Rtn. Nante (even with lack of sleep), Rtn. Art and friend Tess, VP Ferdie – who without a blink of an eye picked up the lunch from Parang, Presidential friend Cherry.  Also to Dir. Raul and Dir. Jojo – who despite not being there helped in coming up with the prizes. 

Then for the New Generations and Family of Rotary (September 10) – PP Bobby, our New Generations Chair, Dir Grace & Sps. Willy (with their kids, sorry, I keep on forgetting their names), our Co-Chair, Dir Gene and Sps. Lulu, PP Ric and Sps. Carmen (whose two kids I did not get the name – I’m sorry), Rtn. Bok and Sps.Lirio (with Cookie who joined the Ecotrail), Rtn. Nante (this time well rested, hehe), Rtn. Foyz, IPP Bong – who came out with his own rendition of antics, and again VP Ferdie – still bringing in the food at a very good timing.

On September 11, to IPP Bong, Dir Gene, Dir Grace, Rtn. Foyz and Sps. Carmen who joined us at the book donation and public image project . Of course, even not there, PP Ric for the donation of the encyclopedia and science books.

As some had replied to my text message last Sunday evening, BASTA PARA SA CLUB, MARIKINA EAST, OKAY TAYO PRES ROMMEL.

TO YOU ALL, MY HATS OFF AND MY SALUTE.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OF YOU.

The Rotary Club of Marikina East meets every Saturday, 8:00 P.M. at the Common Room Restaurant, Gil Fernando Avenue, San Roque, Marikina City