Welcome Dinner & Fellowship for Rotary President Elect John Germ & Spouse Judy

Last Thursday evening, August 13, five of the Philippines’ Rotary Districts joined hands to host and welcome RIPE John Germ and spouse Judy. The photo shows him helping to administer the anti-polio vaccine; just two drops to prevent the disease.

RIPE John has served Rotary and been a gift to the world as the current Chair of the International PolioPlus campaign. Before he headed the USD$200 million challenge, he chaired the TRF Investment Committee and Finance Committee, has been Vice Chair of the Bangkok Convention Committee, Vice Chair of TRF Stewardship Committee, Chair of the nominating committee, Chair of the Council on Legislation, and International Training Leader. He is a Past RID Director, PDG and PP of his home club RC Chattanooga Downtown. A responsible steward of the gifts bestowed upon him, he is a member of the Arch Klump Society, giving very generously of his time, talent and treasure.

Of course, his service extends well beyond Rotary; he has been a prominent civic leader in Tennessee for decades with service to University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Public Education, Blood Assurance, Orange Grove Center, Past President of Tennessee Jaycees, received the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, United Way Campaign Chairperson, Junior Achievement, Chamber of Commerce and many more. Perhaps most notable among numerous recognitions is that President Obama recognized him as one of only twelve Champions of Change in 2013.

In hearing his speeches, it was easy to understand his nomination to serve as our international leader: He has the knowhow, the experience (in business and in service; he is the Chairman of a major international engineering consulting firm), and most importantly an inspirational passion to lead Rotary to greater accomplishments.

As loyal Rotarians, almost every Rotarian who heard that the next President of Rotary International would be here in the Philippines wanted to attend the welcoming dinner. Originally designed and promoted only to Presidents-elect, District Governors-Elect and others who will be in office during RIPE Germ’s term, Past District Governors and select current leadership executives, the event was quickly over-subscribed when it was announced that the entertainment for the evening would be the Grand Champions of “Asia’s Got Talent,” the phenomenal shadow dancing group El Gamma Penumbra, twelve men from Tanauan, their home town in the province of Batangas.

Even before the crowd of more than 500 in the Main Hall of our Polo Club of Manila were called to order by each of the five World Class Governors, the lights were dimmed and we were treated to El Gamma Penumbra’s now famous “Pillin Mo Ang Pilipinas,” originally produced for the Department of Tourism and seen globally during the finals of the television competition. As amazing as it had been to watch on television, it was even more compelling in person. The crowd shrieked in delight, applauded many times during the performance, so proud of the Philippines, and so astonished by the artistic interpretations and emotional messages communicated through the dance skits.

Following the introductory number, D3810 Governor Obet Pagdanganan called the assembly to order, followed in turn by D3830 Gov Pepito Bengzon, D3850 Gov Oliver Ong, D3860 Gov Buddy Estudillo, and D3870 Gov Leopoldo Ochoa. Following the invocation, the national anthems of the United States and the Philippines were led and sung by our very own Rotary Club of Manila “World Famous Chorale,” including Pres Ebot Tan, PDG Vince Carlos, PDG Alex Cureg, PP Babes Reyes, PP Cesar Ubaldo, IPP Frank Evaristo, PP/COS Rudy Bediones, VP Teddy Ocampo, Dir Bobby Joseph, Dir Ning Lopez, Dir Amading Valdez, Dir Oscar del Rosario, AS Alvin Lacambacal, PVP/TRF Co-Chair Lance Masters, PT Jim Chua, PD/Alay Lakad and Balita Chair Albert Alday, PD Beda Fajardo, PS Gus Fajardo, PD Nick Locsin, PDSAA Tony Lopa, PD Ner Lonzaga, Rtn Steve Dekrey and Rtn Geof Yu. Spouses in attendance included Anna Cureg, Veronica Dekrey and Cathryna Lacambacal.

Dignitaries were acknowledged (at least 200 by name), and a roll call of districts (with much noise making by our D3810 group of more than 100). RI Director Guiller Tumangan gave a message and dinner was served. As we finished our supper, D3850 presented an Ethnic Dance, D3810 CP Chock Encabo sang a couple of songs (great voice!), and the D3810 “Dream Girls” presented a song and dance routine.

Part two of the evening was an El Gamma Penumbra specially commissioned original interpretative dance celebrating Fil-Am Friendship and Rotary History. I posted a brief video on my Facebook and invite you to experience it yourself – it filled our hearts with pride in Rotary and I saw several people wipe away a few tears of joy.

RIPE John Germ gave a powerful and inspirational keynote speech. At the conclusion of the formal program, of course almost everyone wanted to have pictures taken with the RIPE. The photo session included thirteen groups plus scores of individual, club and special teams. Entertainment followed but, frankly, this writer was ready to sleep, needing to arise early the next morning for the District Public Image Seminar, reported on elsewhere in this Balita.

It was a privilege for our club and “World Famous” to attend and participate in the program. You’re invited to come and sing along with us, in what I think is the best and most active fellowship in our club. Sit with us; stand and sing with us! Have fun in Rotary with the “World Famous Chorale!”