November 2003 - From the Editor

From the Editor..

The Rotary Foundation

Leader of the Pack

Over the Top

A Proposal to establish a "thrift bank"

Foundation Alumni Resource Group

Rotarians also Laugh

Club Service - RC Diliman's Twin Jewels

It is really amazing how The Rotary Foundation has achieved - and even surpassed - every goal set so far. The last one was the PEFC goal to really complete the eradication of Polio in the world by the year 2005. With two more years to go - the amount raised (as of the Brisbane Convention) is already $111,499,351.00! There are thirteen more countries still classified as polio-endemic...and, as we always say: "Almost is Never Enough." There is a new campaign line: Every Rotarian, Every Year. It means a per capita contribution of $100.00 for every Rotarian by the year 2005. LEND A HAND...and the work becomes easier!

We are saddened by the news that PDG Mike Ampil (who followed us into the governorship of then District 380) passed away. Many Rotarians probably do not even remember him, because he has been out of the country for the past several years...and has recently returned home, but PDG Mike has given his share to Rotary...much more than many others. We mourn his passing and pray for his eternal repose..

The election of Glen Estess to the presidency of Rotary International for 2004-2005 - making him the Centennial President - is very welcome news. We met him twelve years ago, when he represented the R.I. President in our District Conference when he was vice president of R.I. He was a most amiable fellow and very down to earth. We had the good fortune to host him as governor of the province (Tarlac), venue of the DISCON.

For us at PRM, the selection of Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammer as RI President Nominee for 2005-2006 was another glad tiding...for PN Carl is very involved in the Rotary World Press, as vice chairman of the Communications Committee of R.I. He was with us in Brisbane , Australia last year for the meeting of Regional Editors (which happens every three years) and he exhibited strong support for the Regional Magazines.

Welcome and the best wishes to the new batch of Governors-elect of the ten Philippine Districts. We have a few interesting facts to write about some of them: DGE Vino of 3770 is probably the oldest (in chronological age, at 82) of all Governors-elect in the Rotary World...he claims a biological age of 40! In contrast, 3790's Jaypee can claim to be the youngest of the group...give or take a few years DGE Mike of 3820 is the first DGR-PRM to become District Governor. DGE Tony of 3830 is the "prophetic error" in one editorial a few years ago! 3850 has produced the country's first governors-couple...the spouse of DGE Nanette is PDG Chick Garcia, also vice mayor of Bacolod City . DGE Ray (3860) shared room with us in Surigao, and we discovered a common close friend. More, as we get to know them better..

This is the first issue ever sponsored by a Rotary Club (not district)...and we thank the Rotary Club of Diliman (3780) and PDG Bimbo Salazar for this pioneering production. Personally, we have very fond memories from way back, that gives us reason to be ever grateful to the Rotary Club of Diliman...but that is another story!

by PDG Mar Un Ocampo III, Editor-in-chief