Handover 2015

Last Saturday night, June 27th, the Philippines International Convention Center was the site where 1,400 (Yes, that many, the MOST ever) of the best Rotarians from throughout Rotary International District 3810 celebrated the induction of our own PP Roberto M. “Obet” Pagdanganan as the new “World Class” District Governor. Immediately prior to the ceremonies, all of the district officers and 100 “World Class” club presidents celebrated a Holy Mass.

The opening ceremonies began with a grand procession of the outgoing 2014-15 “Best Class” presidents side by side with the incoming 2015-16 “World Class” presidents, Management Committee members and District Governors. A choreographed vocal and dance doxology was offered by the Rotoractors of Teatro de Salinas, followed by the entry of colors with the Philippine National Police Academy. Our own RCM “World Famous Chorale” had the honor to lead the singing of the national anthem.

We enjoyed entertainment and conversation as we ate dinner. Dignitaries and distinguished guests were introduced and the roll call of clubs and their World Class Presidents was accompanied by a tremendous din as each club blew whistles, chanted cheers, and simply made as much noise as they possibly could to honor their club and its leaders.

A little out of sequence due to multiple bookings of the installing officer, incoming District Secretary Madelyn “Dolly” Uanang introduced the Guest of Honor and installing officer, no less than the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, the Hon. Jejomar Binay. RCM members present were honored to be asked to show our support and pride by joining incoming District Governor Obet on the stage as he was formally sworn in, as pictured here.

RI Director Guillier Tumangan gave Welcoming Remarks, and outgoing District Governor Edmond Aguilar offered a Valedictory speech, with his now famous PowerPoint slide accompaniment. The World Class Presidents demonstrated their ability to work together for common goals by performing a very intricate and entertaining dance number, with separate parts for each area, and with dance all together. Their extensive practice sessions showed, as their dance was very impressive.

Our own IPP and incoming Chief of Staff Rodolfo “Rudy” Bediones had the honor to introduce our new governor to the assembly. Every time I hear of Obet’s remarkable accomplishments, it makes me more and more proud to be his friend and to belong to this great club. Obet gave an inspiring and humble inaugural address. In particular, he asked us all to join him in a major commitment to strengthen and “Promote Road Safety” as a special thrust during his term. Our first event was a Road Safety motorcade and seminar yesterday, and shall be reported in next week’s Balita.

A sister district agreement was executed with RID 2820 of Japan. We were happy to be joined by our Rotarian friend Kenji Mori from Japan, who sat with our group, and who has already been such a generous supporter of the work of Rotary here in the Philippine. District Officers were sworn in, new Rotarians from throughout the district were inducted, and new TRF contributors were recognized. A video “On to Korea” was screened, inviting us all to participate in the next Rotary International Convention, to be held 29 May - 1 June 2016 in Seoul. Following closing remarks and adjournment, fellowship continued long into the night, with dancing to a great band. RCM’s delegation of almost fifty members was one of the largest and, of course, most boisterous in our enthusiastic celebration of the inauguration of our dear PP Obet as the new DG.

RCM was proudly represented by the following members in attendance: