Last February 1-2, 2003, RC Calamba hosted the RYLA 2003 in the enchanting Wonder Island Resort, Calamba City, owned by the family of RYLA 2003 chair, PE Ronald Pua.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards or RYLA is a training program for leaders and potential leaders between the ages of 14 to 30. During the camping seminar, the participants are expected to gain exposure to issues. In this RYLA, emphasis was on the concern for the environment. It is also a chance to exchange ideas with the other participants and moderators, in an atmosphere free from distraction. Participants will likewise learn to organize youth activities and community service projects in their respective communities and get the chance to know Rotary and find out more about other other Rotary programs for the young people. Whether high school or university student, or young professional, RYLA provides a memorable opportunity to learn, grow, have fun, and make new friends. The RYLA 2003 organizing committee structured the seminar in such a way that it is highly participative and very dynamic where exchange of ideas would be as free flowing as possible. Indeed every unconventional and surely very appealing to the youth!As estimated, 100 Rotary Youth Leadership Awardees participated, sponsored by at least 21 Rotary Clubs from the district, the farthest delegation coming from RC Marinduque North. As early as 8:00 am, delegates from RC Siniloan registered and boarded the “boat house” ferried the entire delegation to the Wonder island, this took 20 minute ar most. The moment the delegates registered, the adventure has already begun! The encounter with host Rotarians and fellow participants started while waiting for the others to board and sail on to the island. As the “boat house” cruised its way, RYLA 2003 Chair Ronal gave all important island house rules to emphasize concern for safety while on the island. District Youth Coordinator IPP Arial Ang was already on the island to welcome everyone. The first activity of the day – pitching tents. For this activity, the delegates were divided to give them a chance to meet fellow participants, an opportunity to break the ice and begin the encounter with new friends. Setting the mood for the weekend seminar was the celebration of the Holy mass officiated by Revered Pedro Penaranda. The mass was held in the Wonder Island Chapel amidst the cool breeze of Laguna Lake. Rev. Pedro cited the parallelism in his religious work and that of Rotary, embracing the same mission and vision for humanity. He challenged everyone to think of a rightful answer as to why he or she is in such a wonderful place in that particular weekend. To ensure their success of RYLA 2003, interesting personalities in D-3820 were invited as speakers who would be able to deliver the issues up front and capture the inquisitive minds and attention of their audience. DG Kit Reventar officially opened the seminar with a very inspiring note. Program Director IPP Ariel Ang gave the overview and objectives of the RYLA program. District Secretary Andy Tillman gave an insight on what Rotary is all about, successfully capturing the attention of everyone with his unique teaching style. Dr. Nelson Pampolina, a wildlife conservation expert from UP Los Banos, moved everyone into role playing the common issues concerning the environment today. The last speaker for the day brought the house down with her non-stop action-filled group dynamics Mrs. Marivic Raca literally had everyone up on their feet dancing, and chanting as if they were under her spell. Everyone followed her, doing whatever she would ask them to do while successfully putting across her message on leadership skills, on ho to keep a smile on your face, positive attitudes and values towards others and many more. A high intensity exercise for the body and mind indeed!The evening affair was definitely a treat! The warmth of the bonfire and each group’s rib-tickling presentations matched the cool breeze of the night. Very eagerly, each group came up with performances competing for that coveted best group performance award and the best individual performer award. The Rotarian – counselors headed by Pres. Kathy joined in the game of charade. A good dip at the warm water of the swimming pools capped the night before the delegates headed for their sleeping bags. The 2nd day started with the “Rise and Shine” activities of Dir. Bobby Bautista of RC Los Banos. The activity was full of muscle stretching, jogging and group dynamics to set the mood for another exciting day ahead. This was followed by a breakfast cruise around Laguna Lake on board (again!) the “boat house”, what a treat indeed! A guided eco-tourism tour by no less than RYLA Chair PE Ronald was equally informative. Just as the boat was about to dock, beauteous CP Chit Lijuaco (RC Sta. Rosa Centro) gave her insights on the “Fundamentals of Leadership” based on her own first hand experiences. A short break was then allotted for picture taking. The lecture resumed with Pres. Eli Libas of RC Loas Banos Makiling delivering her now “infamous” spiels to tackle the otherwise very serious topic “Leadership Ethics”. The last lecture discussion for the seminar was the topic “Youth as a Leader” more appropriately delivered by fellow participant District Rotaract Representative Elmer “Bong” Umandal (RC Tanuan). Finally, the graduation rites was graced by the very youthful PDG Paeng Tantuco, who had to wake up very early just to be with the youth RID 3820, a clear to be with youth of RID 3820, a clear manifestation indeed of his sincere concern for the welfare of the youth.

As promised, the weekend seminar for the youths of D-3820 was a fun-filled learning experience in a summer camp setting. While thousands of young people take part in RYLA program worldwide each year, D-3820 has once again shown its respect and concern for the youth through the conduct of RYLA. It has recognized potential leaders who are also rendering services to their respective communities by providing another venue for the leaders of tomorrow.

The weekend camping seminar would have not been possible without the support of the following people – DG Kit Reventar, PDG Paeng Tantuco, the PUA Family of Wonder Island, the officers and members of the host club (RC Calamba) headed by Pres. Kathy rosales, the steering committee (PE Ronald PUA, IPP Arial Ang, Dir. Nene Meng Guevarra, Dir. Bobby Bautista), the group counselors (Dir. Nene Robles, Rtn. Marie Villanueva, Dir. Boi Velasquez and RS Zeny, Rtn. Tess Bernardez, Sec. Vergie Flores and Rtn. Gold Marzo, Rev. Fr. Pedro Penaranda) and the talented speakers. The sponsoring Rotary clubs of D-3820 and District Rotaract Chair PP Tato Dimayuga.