Official Newsletter
of Rotary Club of Manila
balita
No. 3594, March 19, 2015
THE ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA
GUEST OF HONOR AND SPEAKER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS and
Executive Officers 2014-2015
FRANK EVARISTO
President
RUDY BEDIONES
Immediate Past President
TEDDY OCAMPO/
EBOT TAN
Vice President
SUSING PINEDA
BOBBY JOSEPH
AMADING VALDEZ
NING LOPEZ
OSCAR DEL ROSARIO
Directors
ROBERTO “OBET” M. PAGDANGANAN
District Governor Elect
Rotary International District 3810
ALBERT ALDAY
Secretary
KABALITA
Let our very own Chemical Engineer Scholar lay down what it takes to
make him the perfect “Gift to the World” for a World Class District 3810.
CHITO TAGAYSAY
Treasurer
DAVE REYNOLDS
Sergeant-At-Arms
ADDIE TOPACIO
Assistant Secretary
What’s Inside
Programme
President’s Corner
Guest of Honor and Speaker’s Profile/
Preview of Next week Guest Speakers
The Week that Was
Remedios Circle Rehabilitation Project
Joint Meeting with Mayor Rudy Duterte
DISCON 2015
Sharing and Fellowship
Press Release
On the lighter side
Public Health Nutrition and Child Care
Advertisement
Attendance Report
Notes
2
3-4
5-6
7-9
9-11
12-15
16-18
19
19-20
21-22
23
24-25
26
27
ROB SEARS
ELOY ADAMOS
Assistant Treasurer
JIMMY CABASE
COEN EVERTS
Deputy Sergeant-At-Arms
RCM’s 32nd for RY 2014-15
March 19, 2015, Thursday, 12N, Manila Polo Club
OIC/Moderator : PDG Vince Carlos
P R O G R A M TIMETABLE
11:30 PM
Registration & Cocktails
12:25 PM
Bell to be Rung:
Members and Guests
are requested to be seated
PDG Vince Carlos
OIC/Moderator
12:30 PM
Call to Order
Republic of the Philippines
National Anthem
Invocation
RCM Hymn
The 4-Way Test Credo
Pres. Frank Evaristo
Introduction of -Guests and Visiting Rotarians
-Personalities seated at the Head Table
Welcome Song
PDG Alex Cureg
12:40 PM
RCM WF Music Chorale
PDG Frankie Roman
RCM WF Music Chorale
PDG Relly Reyes
RCM WF Music Chorale
12:45 PM
Maligayang Bati (Birthday Celebrant of the week)
March 19…PD Issam Eldebs; March 20…Rtn. Rey Vea;
March 22…PD Conrad Benitez
Happy Birthday Song
RCM WF Music Chorale
12:50 PM
Induction of Honorary Member to RCManila
His Excellency Philip Goldberg
Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary
of United States of America to the Philippines
Pres. Frank Evaristo
Inducting Officer
Brief appreciation remarks
H.E. Philip Goldberg
President’s Time
Pres. Frank Evaristo
“Mabuhay toast” in honor of DGE Obet Pagdanganan
for a successful and fruitful governance as incoming District Governor
in Rotary Year 2015-2016
1:00 PM
Brief remarks
1:05 PM
Introduction of Guest of
Honor and Speaker
Address: PP Roberto M. “Obet” Pagdanganan
District 3810 Governor Elect
Rotary Year 2015-16
Public Forum
Response and presentation of token of
appreciation to PP/DGE “Obet” Pagdanganan
2:00 PM
Adjournment
Incoming Pres. Johnson Tan
Don Bosco Street Children Foundation
PE/VP Ebot Tan
Pres. Frank Evaristo
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
DISCON Fever is definitely in the air. It is definitely time for Rotarians from Manila, Pasay, Cavite and Mindoro to gather for the
annual big event from March 20, 2015 to March 21, 2015 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila as District 3810 celebrates 30
years of existence. In this regard, I encourage my fellow Manila Rotarians to register and attend this memorable event which will
have the roll call of Rotary Clubs during the Opening Ceremonies, the talk of Rotary International President’s Representative
Hoe Beng Fong from Singapore who is the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker, the presentation of the Rotary Loyalty Service
Award to fellow Manila Rotarian awardees, high caliber motivational speakers, special presentation by the different club
presidents per area and fellowship at its finest. The 2015 District Conference will likewise feature the talents of the district during
the area competition in the evening with dance presentations in a Mardi Gras setting. On this note, let us all enjoy the cocktails,
good food and fireworks display during the two-day event but let us remember the most important aspects of the conference, the
friendship and fellowship between and among Rotarians and the undivided support coupled with your utmost cooperation to one
of our very own at Asia’s First Rotary Club, DGE/PP Roberto “Obet” M. Pagdanganan, who will be officially presented as the
Incoming District Governor for the succeeding Rotary Year 2015-2016.
Rotary Club of Manila, first in Asia, is honored to bestow on H.E. Philip Goldberg, Ambassador of United Stated of America, as
an honorary member, to join the roster of the club’s honorary membership.
On other news within our club, we paid a courtesy call last March 13, 2015 on Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, of the City of
Manila, at his office in the Manila City Hall for the formal presentation of the plan to rehabilitate the Remedios Circle Plaza along
M. Adriatico St. in Malate, Manila. During this courtesy call, PDG Alex Cureg, the Project Chairman, who is proposing to
transform the Remedios Circle Plaza into a tourist destination with the huge Rotary Wheel as its main design, presented the
concept to the Manila Mayor in the presence of his spouse, Atty. Anna Cureg, ICOS/AG/IPP Rudy Bediones, PE/VP Ebot Tan,
Dir. Susing Pineda, DGE/PP Obet Pagdanganan, PP Boy Ampil and DSAA Tony Lopa.
On a lighter note, we wish to convey our sincerest gratitude to our Program Chairman DE/PD Issam Eldebs for graciously
donating Php 10,000.00 for the booking of the Dasmariñas Clubhouse as venue for the recently concluded Birthday Fellowship
for January and February Celebrants.
Today, we shall have our very own DGE/PP Roberto “Obet” M. Pagdanganan as Guest of Honor and Speaker. He will present
his vision and mission for his term as District Governor for Rotary Year 2015-2016 which commences on July 1, 2015.
GUEST OF HONOR AND SPEAKER’S PROFILE
ROBERTO PAGDANGANAN
District Governor Elect
Rotary Club of Manila
ROBERTO “OBET” PAGDANGANAN has been a Rotarian for more than two decades, starting on December 12, 1991 when he
became Charter President of the Rotary Club of Calumpit, one of the more outstanding Clubs in RID 3770. In 2004, having
transferred residence to Metro Manila, he joined the Rotary Club of Manila where he served as Member of the Board of Directors
and eventually, as Peace Builder President. He is presently, the District Governor Elect for RY 2015-2016 of RID 3810.
DGE Obet was a consistent academic scholar, graduating as class valedictorian in both Calumpit Elementary School and
Calumpit Institute. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, summa cum laude, in 1968,
and Bachelor of Laws in 1990, from the Manuel L. Quezon University. He also completed his Master in Business Administration
in 1977 at De la Salle University, and was awarded a Doctorate in Education Management, honoris causa, at the Bulacan State
University in 1995. Obet had been awarded as Most Outstanding Alumnus in all the four schools he attended. While with
Unilever, Obet also completed a Marketing Course at Ashridge Marketing College in England, and International Management
Seminar at the Unilever Training Center at the United Kingdom.
DGE Obet was a working student at Union Chemicals Aji-no-Moto in his senior year at Manuel L. Quezon University. Upon
graduation in 1968, he was taken in as a management trainee at Unilever PRC where he eventually held senior management
positions in Technical and Marketing Divisions, until he resigned to join the Administration of then President Cory Aquino.
After the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, Obet was appointed OIC Governor of the province of Bulacan. He was
elected unopposed the first time he ran and reelected twice, serving as Governor for twelve years until 1998. He was also
National President for three consecutive terms of the League of Provinces, and founding Chairman of the League of Leagues,
later renamed Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. Eventually, he also held four (4) Cabinet Positions, as Presidential
Adviser on Cooperatives and Chairman of Cooperative Authority, Secretary of Agrarian Reforms, Secretary of Tourism, and
Concurrent Chairman and President of Philippine International Trading Co, and PITC Pharma, Inc.
DGE Obet was also a two-term National President, and now a member emeritus of the national executive board, of the Boy
Scouts of the Philippines. He has authored three books on Cooperatives, and taught engineering and MBA/MPA subjects at
MLQU, PLM, DLSU, and PUP. DGE Obet is presently chairman of POEMS Agro-Industrial Development Corporation, Chosun
Trading and Development Co, Inc, and Medicines Transparency Alliance, Inc. He is also a professorial lecturer at the PUP Open
University System and host of a weekly radio program at DWIZ
DGE Obet is married to the former Susana Oblefias of Sariaya, Quezon, also a chemical engineer, with whom he is blessed with
two children and three grandchildren. Their daughter Eya, married to businessman/engineer Mike Sicat, is an expat Senior
Marketing Executive now based in Singapore with her family. Their only son Raymond died in a car crash in 2007, while saving
the lives of two men riding in an unlighted tricycle at MacArthur Highway, in Malolos, Bulacan.
DGE Obet lives Rotary’s motto “ Service Above Self” and the “ Four Way Test”. He hopes to parlay his extensive experience in
both private business and government to help achieve Object of Rotary and build on the great tradition of service and fellowship
in RID 3810.
DGE Obet considers himself one very fortunate person, considering his humble beginnings and the incredible ups and downs he
has been through in life. He is very grateful for all the gifts God has showered him with, not the least of which is to be elected
District Governor of RID3810 in RY 2015-2016 and chairman of their Council of District Governors-Elect. His one great goal
presently, is to dedicate himself to becoming a WORTHY GIFT TO THE WORLD, together with the World Class Team of District
3810.
===========================================================================================
PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK’S GUEST SPEAKER
March 26, 2015, 12N, Manila Polo Club
His Excellency Ali Asghar Mohammadi
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of the Philippines
NO TWO (2) SUBSEQUENT THURSDAY LUNCHEON MEETINGS
April 2 – Maundy Thursday in observance of Lenten Season; and
April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (National Heroes Day as a regular non-working holiday)
By : Program Committe Chairman PD Issam Eldebs; Co-Chairman Rtn. Babe Romualdez
__._,_.___
THE WEEK THAT WAS…
Rtn. Bodo Goerlich as OICModerator directs the program of
activities.
PD Jess Santos delivers an
ecumenical prayer.
STAR
Rtn.
Emyl
Eugenio
introduces the guests, visiting
Rotarians and personalities seated at
the presidential table.
Pres. Frank Evaristo administers the honorary oath of membership pledge to His
Excellency John Gomes, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of
Bangladesh to the Philippines, as an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Manila.
His Excellency John Gomes delivers brief appreciation remarks.
Rtn. Henning Karcher does the
pleasure of introducing Ms.
Stephanie Gutowski, ND, Interest
in Energy Medicine and the Power
of Thoughts, and Mr. Frank
Endries, Interest in Consciousness
and the Deeper Spiritual meaning of
our Physical Existence, as guests
keynote speakers.
Stephanie Gutowski, ND and Engr. Frank Endries spoke before Manila Rotarians, Visiting Rotarians and
guests on a principal topic regarding “Health and Healing on the Spiritual Path”, the former giving emphasis
on Energy Medicine and the Power of Thoughts, while the latter, on Consciousness and the Deeper Spiritual
Meaning of One’s Physical Existence.
An interactive public forum followed suit post the speech of Ms. Stephanie Gutowski, ND and Mr. Frank Endries.
Pres. Frank Evaristo presents to Ms. Stephanie Gutowski, ND and Mr. Frank Endries religious icons and almanac books
courtesy of Treas. Chito Tagaysay, as the club’s token of appreciation for being the guests resource speakers.
REMEDIOS CIRCLE REHABILITATION PROJECT
Pres. Frank Evaristo, IPP/AG/ICOS Rudy Bediones, PE/VP Ebot Tan, PDG Alex Cureg & Spouse Anna Cureg, ES Anna
Kun Toledo, Architects Aylah Angeles & Domingo D. Anes III pose for a posterity photo in front of the Lungson ng Maynila
(City of Manila) marker leading to the office of the Manila Mayor Honorable Joseph Estrada.
Manila Mayor Honorable Joseph Estrada reviewing the architectural plan for the rehabilitation project of Remedios Circle with
PDG Alex Cureg. Also shown in photo were IPP/AG/ICOS Rudy Bediones and PP Boy Ampil.
Pres. Frank Evaristo, Dir. Susing Pineda, PP/DGE Obet Pagdanganan and PP Boy Ampil, among
other fellow RCMers’ not seen in photo, meeting with Manila Mayor Honorable Joseph Estrada.
Manila Mayor Honorable Joseph Estrada with RCMers’ led by Pres. Frank Evaristo, with IPP/AG/
ICOS Rudy Bediones, PE/VP Ebot Tan, Dir. Susing Pineda, PP/DGE Obet Pagdanganan, PDG Alex
Cureg & Spouse Anna Cureg, PP Boy Ampil, PDSAA Tony Lopa, Architects Aylah Angeles & Domingo
D. Anes III.
JOINT MEETING WITH MAYOR RUDY DUTERTE
BCP Jeremiah Belgica
Rotary Ermita joint meeting with
Mayor Rudy Duterte
Thank you to all the Rotary Clubs who joined and participated in last nights overwhelming event. In deed we were overwhelmed
by the turn out and support that you guys have shown. To my Best Class Mates you are the best indeed guys! We will remember
this that we stood united until the last stretch of of term. Thank you Mate Catherine for the token. Thank you Bespren Mate Ian
Tong sa pag dala nang bell. haha! Thank you sa mga Adsec na tumulong Ate Remedios, Joy, Bing and Sol! Special thanks to
our prestigous sister club, RC Calamba, through the leadership of classmate BCP Marah Olbes, thank you for driving your
selves all the way for the event. Thank you to our outstanding Leader of District 3810 Governor Edmond Aguilar who has
inspired all the presidents and has kept us together (Thank you for coming Gov!). To all the PDGs, PPs, visiting Rotarians and
special guests thank you po! To my students who attended and helped document the event salamat. To the Prosecutor's League
of Manila and C.O.R.D salamat po sa pag dating. To the panelist and special guests Ptr. Alex Tinsay, Ms. Ces Drillon, my
excellent brother and Advocate Greco Belgica and my distinguished classmate President of RC Manila Frank Evaristo. Of course
to our distinguished guest of Honor Mayor Rudy Duterte of Davao, your courage and common sensical leadership is to be
desired for our country. You made us think, laugh and be inspired. Lastly, thank you Rotary Ermita my home Club you guys
made it happen(Shout out to my excellent PE Benedict, dynamic PN Dyosa Jocelyn and creative expert Rtn Adrian)! All glory
belongs to the Lord! #ServiceAboveSelf
Pres. Frank Evaristo, Honorable Mayor Rudy Duterte of Davao and PVP Lance Masters.
DG Edmond Aguilar together with BCP’s led by Pres. Frank Evaristo, with thumbs up for a successful joint meeting.
Honorable Mayor Rudy Duterte delivers his speech
at the joint meeting of rotary clubs held last March 11,
Wednesday at Century Park Hotel, Metro Manila.
Pres. Frank Evaristo, BCP Cortes of RC Manila San Miguel, Mayor Rudy Duterte, BCP Jane Villanueva
of RC Sampaloc, and PVP Lance Masters.
How to get a big attendance at a club
meeting.
By PVP Lance Masters
How to get a big attendance at a club
meeting? First, get a big name personality
that everyone wants to meet, speaking on a
topic of current importance. Second, promote
the event like crazy. Third, invite all of your
friends and get your members and friends to
do the same. Fourth, make it a joint meeting of several clubs. Fifth, repeat steps
2 - 4, even up to the last minute, reminding even those who already said they
would go. That is exactly what happened last Wednesday evening, when the
Rotary Club of Ermita Manila secured Davao Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte as
special guest of honor and speaker. They promoted the event throughout
District 3810 with small and large printed posters and with emails and social
media such as Facebook and Viber. They invited all of the clubs in the district to
collaborate as a “joint meeting,” and thirty clubs did precisely that, substituting
that meeting for their regular meeting. An additional five clubs were represented, including RC Manila. They reminded everyone
to come and the room at the Century Park Hotel was packed with an attendance of about 230 persons, against even the
confirmations of 125, including several PDGs and representatives from the Prosecutor’s League. The formula worked.
RC Ermita “Best Class” President Jerimiah “Miah” Belgica and his leadership team were joined on stage by District Governor
Edmond Aguilar and presidents of the joint meeting clubs for formal opening ceremonies, which included a special welcome from
our own President Frank. One interesting variation from RCM’s meeting routine was recitation of the Rotarian pledge, led by RC
Ermita’s incoming “World Class” President Dr. Benedict David. Following dinner, Mayor Duterte took the stage and spoke at
length on his topic of “The Mindanao Conflict and the Federalism Option.” He gave a history going back to Magellan of how the
conflict developed and endured under the Spanish, the Americans, the Japanese, the Americans again, and now under the
Filipinos. He thinks the crux of the problem is the use of an Imperial political administrative system under all of the
administrations and that a Federalism approach would go a long way to solve the complex problem. He amused the assembly
with several jokes and funny ways of explaining his perspectives, but offended some with
rather frequent off color or profane language. Mayor Duterte was very generous with the
time he took for questions, which began from a special panel including PT Alex Tinsay,
Ms. Ces Drillon, Rtn. Greco Belgica and our own RC Manila Pres Frank Evaristo. When
the question list quickly swelled to more than forty, the speaker joked that it was OK; he
could stay even until 3:00 a.m. When the meeting finally concluded after 10:30 pm, the
Mayor stayed for countless photo opportunities. Unfortunately, many guests had to leave
before the event was over because sometimes the speaker was repetitious and, well, went
on perhaps too long. Many of the assembly quietly gave their thanks and regrets as they
left, because they needed to get home, some having driven a great distance to join the
special program.
All in all, President Frank and I were happy to participate. PP Cesar Ubaldo was with us at
the beginning, but answered his call to duty to rush out to perform an emergency surgery.
Congratulations again to our daughter club RC Ermita on a job well done. Our own RC
Manila is famous throughout the district for attracting top speakers week-after-week. I’m
sure that all of those who emerge as leading candidates to our nation’s highest office will be on our speaker’s list this coming
year leading up to the 2016 elections.
DISCON 2015
Greetings!
It’s Official – come March 20& 21, 2015, our District 3810 will be celebrating 30 years of Rotary duringDISCON 2015 at the
Sofitel Hotel.
The biggest anticipated event in aRotary year is the District Conference. The conference is an annualmotivational meeting that
showcases club and district activities. A familyevent indeed, the District Conference mixes fellowship with learning and
allowsRotarians to become more directly involved with charting their district’sfuture.
For DISCON 2015 – we have the theme “ACentury and A Decade of Rotary Service” of our District 3810. Having lastedthis
long and not counting the many good deeds our Rotary district has donethrough the years is reason enough to celebrate Rotary.
In behalf of DG Edmond and as PublicImage Chair I encourage and invite Best Class Presidents and Rotarians ofDistrict 3810 to
register and attend this memorable event onMarch 20 & 21,2015.
Some of the highlights of the DISCON2015 are as follows:
· Rotarians willhave the chance to hear and photo-off with our (RIPR) Rotary International Presidents Representative Hoe
Beng Fongfrom Singapore.
·
Showcase club’s activities through the Photo Contest, Specialrecognition and prizes will be given to the best displays.
·
A trade fair will be held during the 2 day event with products at rockbottom prices.
·
During the Roll Call of clubs, let’s go back to the traditional fanfare whereupon a club’s name is announced, there will be a
corresponding loud applause orresounding cheer from the club’s members. Take note of this and be ready tobring out your noise
busters i.e.whistles, horns, tambourines etc.
·
Presentation of Recognition and Awards of the following:
a. Best Midyear Review best in written report.
b. Recognition for Presidents who have submitted the PresidentialCitation.
c. Loyalty Awards
d. Vocational Service Award (Non-Rotarian)
e. Cultural Heritage Award
f. Rotaract Leadership Award
g. Rotary Youth Leadership Award
h. Youth Exchange Program
f. Presentation of Special Awards
·
Membership Gain Award
·
Recognition ofNew Clubs & DGSRs
·
Rotary FoundationRecognition
·
Discon ClubRegistration (Highest Number)
·
Award and recognitionof Photo Contest
·
There will be highcaliber motivational speakers in the person of Mr. Francis Kong and PDG Concordio Baguio
·
Tribute to all Past District Governors of District 3810.
·
Experience the traditional breakfast with RIPR Hoe Beng Fong with theBest Class Presidents.
·
Early morning of March 20, 2015 let us all be at the Rizal Shrine for a floral offeringto our National Hero and at Paul
Harrisbust/Rotary Marker. Ceremonies at the shrines will be covered byvideo and the footage will be shown at the opening
ceremonies. Attire –Filipiniana.
·
State of the DistrictAddress of our District Governor and RIPR.
·
During the businessmeeting registered electors will have the chance to vote.
·
Fellowship night forthe 1st day of conference will be a Talents Night Competition of allareas of the District staging a
dance presentation with the Mardi Gras theme.
·
To cap the 2 dayaffair will be the much awaited Governor’s Ball on Saturdaynight(March 21) with a Mardi Gras theme.
·
Witness for the firsttime the lighting of the Rotary Flame Torch of the End Polio Program
·
It’s anybody’s night to be lucky on the second day if by chance you winin the 1 Million car raffle
·
Let us all enjoy the food, cocktails and fireworks display, but mostimportantly let us enjoy the fellowship among our fellow
Rotarians.
With all of the above, wouldn’t youwish its March 20-21, 2015. I am inviting and encouraging allRotarians to please register with
the Registration Form sent thru your egroupand get the best seats in the house.
In closing, let me say that duringstretches of your Rotary year, The DISCON 2015, will surely be etched foreverin your memory.
You will discover that most of your lasting friendships werefounded when you attended and experienced a District Conference.
Looking forward to seeing all of District3810 Rotarians at Discon 2015. Let us all make it 100% attendance insupport of our
DG Edmond T. Aguilar.
A million thanks to all.
CP Lily P. Aguilar
Senior Deputy Governor for Public Image
DISCON 2015
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2015,
MARCH 20-21, 2015, SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2015 REGISTERED DELEGATES :
Loyalty Service Awardees from registered list
(for presentation at DISCON 2015)
SHARING & FELLOWSHIP
Rotary Club of Sampaloc led by BCP Mary Jane Villanueva in
cooperation with Rotary Club of Manila led by BCP Frank
Evaristo, “Sharing and Fellowship” with Barangay 472, Zone
47, District IV, Sampaloc, Manila, held last March 12, 2015,
6:00PM, in close coordination with Barangay Chairman Francisco
Bonifacio, Jr.
FCP/Dr. Vilma Vinluan (at far right) and BCP Mary Jane
Villanueva, RC Sampaloc, distribute relief goods donated by RC
Manila for the underprivileged families in Barangay 472, Zone 47,
District IV, Sampaloc, Manila.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY MARCH 12 2015
PRESS RELEASE
March 4, 2015
Atty. Avelino V. Cruz, President of the ASEAN Law Association of the Philippines, was unanimously elected President
for a term of 3 years of the region-wide ten country ASEAN Law Association (ALA) at its 12 th ALA General Assembly’s final
closing session last week. He succeeds outgoing ALA President Indonesia’s Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali. Atty. Regina P.
Geraldez of the Philippines was elected Secretary General and succeeds outgoing Secretary General Mr. Swandy Halim.
ALA is the exclusive affiliate for Law designated by the ASEAN Charter of 2007, and effectively as non-governmental
legal counsel. During the weeklong Assembly, working groups were created that would liase with the ASLOM (ASEAN Law
Officials’ Meeting) for approval of ALA legal proposals and recommendations. Founded in 1979, ALA unites the best legal minds
of the legal community amongst Judges, Law practitioners, Teachers of Law and government lawyers.
As Chief Executive under the ALA Constitution, Atty. Cruz will preside over the prestigious policy making Governing
Council of ALA, the composition of which includes, among others, Chief Justices Seri Paduka Haji Kifrawi Kifli of Brunei, Dr.
Hatta Ali of Indonesia, Tun Arifin bin Zakaria of Malaysia, Sundaresh Menon of Singapore and Direk Ingkaninanda of Thailand.
Philippine Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was the 12 th General Assembly’s Keynote Speaker, and also sits in the ALA
Governing Council along with (Ret.) Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban. Senate President Franklin Drilon serves as
Chairman of the ALA Foundation and Atty. Regina Geraldez is the Treasurer of the Foundation. UP Prof. Myrna Feliciano is
Editor-In-Chief of the ALA Law Journal.
Among Governing Council members from the ASEAN are: Vietnam’s Dr. Prof. Le Minh Tam, Cambodia’s Justice You
Ottara, Lao PDR’s Justice Khampha Sengdara and Myanmar’s Attorney General Kyaw San.
The Assembly held six workshops under the theme: “Sharing Prosperity at the Crossroads of ASEAN Integration – The
Legal Challenges”, namely Legal Profession, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Law, Business Law, Trade &
Investment and Legal Education. Notably, ALA members were unanimous in pushing for liberalization of cross-border legal and
transnational services, harmonization of laws on alternative dispute resolution and enforcement of awards in the ASEAN,
harmonization of domestic laws on environmental protection and creation of specialized environmental tribunals, protection of
foreign investments, access to justice and a proposal as well, for a course on ASEAN Law and eventual establishment of an
ASEAN Law University.
The new ALA President is Founding Partner of the prestigious ACCRA Law Office. He is, for many years, an
established leader of the Philippine Integrated Bar and other Bar Societies, such as the Citizens’ Legal Aid Society of the
Philippines (CLASP). He is recognized by Chambers Asia as one of Asia’s leading practitioners in corporate acquisitions,
mergers and disputes, and is the first Filipino ever invited to membership by the prestigious American Law Institute, the US
Supreme Court think-tank.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
PDG VINCE CARLOS
Jokes
A bus full of housewives going on a picnic, fell into a river, all died.
Each husband cried for a week, one husband continued for more than two weeks!!!
When asked that did he miss his wife so much?
He replied miserably: No My wife missed the bus!!!
*****
In heaven God told all husbands & wives to gather for a meeting! He told the men to stand in two queues... Those who are
controlled by their wives & those who control their wives!
Only 1 man stood in d second Queue... God said “So you control ur wife?”
Man: “R u CRAZY??? My wife told me to stand here”.
*****
“A Junior in office dialled his boss’s extension by mistake & said: Hey, send a coffee in my cabin in 2 min!
Boss Shouted: Do u know whom u r talking 2?
Jr : No!
Boss: I’m the BOSS
Jr (in same tone): Do u know whom u r talking to?
Boss: No!
Jr : THANK GOD (& disconnected)
*****
A Chinese man married an African woman and had a child.
Two months later the child passed away. At the funeral house, the African woman kept sobbing and saying: “I KNEW IT!!! I
KNEW IT!!!”
A family member pulled her aside and asked: “What did you know?”
She replied: “That, Chinese products don’t last long!!”
*****
Why Are You Naked?
A man was having an affair with a married woman for quite some time. One day, her husband comes home early from work. The
wife hears him come in, jumps up and tells her lover to go into the bathroom and hide. The moment he dives into the bathroom
and she hides his clothes under the bed, the husband opens the door and comes in.
He stops in surprise at seeing his wife stark naked. ‘’What the hell are you doing?’’
Thinking quickly, the wife says, ‘’Uhm...waiting for you.’’
The suspicious husband looks at her in disbelief and says, ‘’But you’re naked.’’
Again the woman says, ‘’Yeah... I was waiting for you.’’
The husband relaxes and says, ‘’Hold on, I’m going to jump in the shower. I’ll be back in a flash!’’
The wife tries to stop him but he just ignores her and rushes for the bathroom. When he opens the bathroom door, there is a
naked man jumping around and clapping.
The husband asks,’’ What in the hell are you doing?’’
He replied, ‘’I’m the exterminator, and your wife called saying you guys had a problem with moths.’’
The other man looks at him and says,’’But... you’re naked.’’
The lover looks down, jumps in surprise and mutters, ‘*’Them little bastards!*’’
*****
Slipping Away...
A man and a woman were having a quiet, romantic dinner in a fine restaurant. They were gazing lovingly at each other and
holding hands.
The waitress, taking another order at a table a few steps away, suddenly noticed the man slowly sliding down his chair and
under the table, but the woman stared straight ahead.
The waitress watched as the man slid all the way down his chair and out of sight under the table. Still, the woman stared straight
ahead.
The waitress, thinking this behavior a bit risqué and that it might offend other diners, went over to the table and, tactfully, began
by saying to the woman “Pardon me, ma’am, but I think your husband just slid under the table.”
The woman calmly looked up at her and said, “*No, he didn’t. He just walked in the door.*”
*****
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION AND CHILD CARE
BROCCOLI
Elias D. Adamos, M.D.
Broccoli is a relative of cabbage, cauliflower, and sprouts. It belongs to the turnip family and its
scientific name is Brassica oleracea Italica. Brocolli was first seen in Turkey (then Asia Minor) 2,000
years ago. It spread to Greece and Italy and had made its way throughout Europe. The mass
migration of Italians to the New World (United States of America) in the early 19 th century became
a vehicle for Broccoli to reach North America. However, broccoli was so unpopular to non-Italians in
the U.S. and it took more or less a century for it to gain popularity to Americans. New York State
had started the commercial production of broccoli. Now broccoli is grown commercially in many parts of the U.S. and Canada.
Broccoli is also grown in Hongkong, Japan and Mexico.
Health Benefits in Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C. It contains ample amount of vitamin A. It contains cancer-fighting properties, such as
beta-carotene, indoles, and isothiocyanites. Aside from vitamins, it has folic acid, calcium, and chromium. The more common
variety (sprouting variety) of broccoli contains antioxidants called glucosinolate and sulforaphane that are also regarded as anticancer compounds.
Medical use
Because of its richness in vitamin C, it is a good home remedy to common cold and sinus problems and infections. At the
Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, broccoli was found to inhibit the herpes virus from reproducing in the cells of
experimental monkeys and humans. Broccoli is also a treatment for premenstrual pains and cramps and headache in female
subjects suffering from premenstrual syndrome.
Other health benefits
Broccoli taken regularly in salad or juice form lowers LDL (bad cholesterol). Broccoli slows down the growth of thyroid cancer
cells. Numerous studies have documented broccoli’s anti-cancer properties in breast and prostate cancers.
The compound sulforaphane in broccoli was found to have anti-bacterial properties in fighting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
bacteria that is responsible for the development of stomach ulcer. Even the antibiotic resistant strains of the bacteria, have been
found out to be effectively reduced in the presence of broccoli.
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