Rotary District 3810 Handover & Induction

It was another dressed ‘to the nines’ District 3810 celebration last Friday, July 1st, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, as we passed the baton of District leadership from World Class Governor Roberto P. ‘Obet’ Pagdanganan to All Star Governor Ernesto D. ‘Frost’ Yuyek. Following a Holy Mass and Blessings at 3:00 pm, opening ceremonies commenced at 5:00 pm with the grand entrance of All Star Presidents and World Class Presidents from all of the clubs in the district. They marched shoulder to shoulder, in unity, to convey their mutual commitment to continuing to work together in our new international theme of ‘Rotary Serving Humanity.’

The parade continued with the incoming District Executive Committee, Past District Governors, future District Governors, the Immediate Past Rotary International Director and a Lion and Dragon Dance of enormous dimensions.

WCG Obet called the assembly to order, followed by the traditional opening ceremonies including the doxology sung by “The Angelos,” the entrance of colors by the Philippines Marines Color Guard, The National Anthems of Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and then the introduction of dignitaries, including several foreign delegations. It actually took more than an hour to complete the roll call of all clubs, including recognition of their incoming and outgoing presidents. Each pair was escorted to the stage, carrying their new club banners.

We were then served dinner to the surprise entertainment of District 3810 Inner Wheel Clubs with a licensed Disney song and dance production of highlights from “The Lion King.” It was a splendid routine with fine costumes, live singing, and dancing. All this fronted professionally performed music from the Broadway production.

A district level sisterhood signing was completed between our District 3810 and the premier district from Taipei, Taiwan. Governor Obet gave a superb valedictory speech, including especially well prepared PowerPoint slides, which highlighted the impressive accomplishments of the World Class clubs and team during his term. Among these are the extraordinary membership growth, ranking first in Region 7 and 7A (Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines) and seventh in the world. Some of the finest of the projects undertaken by the 110 clubs of the district were highlighted, as well as triumphs in charitable giving through the Rotary Foundation, marking the second highest in district history (second only to the year in which Don Emilio Yap became a member of the Arch C. Klumpf Society).

RCM’s own PP Cesar Ubaldo, the District incoming Chief of Staff, introduced Keynote Speaker Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel. Senator Koko himself is a past president of the Rotary Club of Manila Bay. Because of his familiarity with Rotary and the new government administration, he drew strong parallels between Rotary and Duterte.

All Star Governor Yuyek was inducted by PDG EQ Tumangan. Gov Ernest presented an inspiring Inaugural Address and his entire team is excited to build on the accomplishments of the past, committed to bringing the district and our clubs to new highs.

Following an entertainment break, the All Star Team was presented by IPRID Guiller Tumangan, and the All Star Presidents were inducted by DG Ernest. New Clubs were chartered, new Rotarians charged, and new TRF contributors were recognized. But all that took a very long time. It was already 11:30 pm before the raffle winners were announced and the assembly adjourned.