What a District Handover!!!
Only 500 attendees were expected but 700 arrived. Like any event, there was already an allowance for additional show-ups but despite that, there still remained Rotarians standing even after the program had started. Luckily, additional 7 tables for 70 people were setup along the center portion but this was done only after the Smiling Visionary Presidents had walked down the aisle and the entrance of “colors”. It was a good problem which was resolved immediately. Governor Sid and his team extend their gratitude to the Rotarians and guests for the patience and understanding they exemplified.
The program started on time but the many important indispensable ceremonies had to take their place in that night’s Handover which explains why the total program lasted 4 hours. After the fun and lively walk of each SVP, the usual rotary protocol followed — invocation, national anthem, Welcome Remarks, introduction of District Dignitaries and other VIPs – all given by members of the Rotary Club of Makati (RCM), as the Handover’s host.
Buffet dinner commenced immediately after protocol ceremonies while the “Los Platitos”, four members from RCM dressed in tuxedo, serenaded the attendees by singing tunes of The Platters. We now know that Rotarians have talent aside from community service.
After out-going District Governor (DG) Boyet Limon gave his valedictory address, DG Sid Garcia had an unusual induction ceremony. The oath-taking was administered by PP Tito Panlilio, Sid’s proposer in the RCM, and witnessed on-stage by Ann Tesha and his Ateneo classmates. Thereafter, the handover ceremony, where out-going DG Boyet pinned the Governor’s pin on DG Sid, was witnessed on-stage by CP Sonie Zamora and Ann Tesha Garcia. This highlight handover was then followed by the Inaugural address of DG Sid whereby he reminded Rotarians that even ordinary people can perform extraordinary projects in ordinary ways with the blessings and care from God Almighty.
An inspirational message was given by our highest ranking Rotarian in our district, Past RI Director (PRID) Paing Hechanova and after the charging given by PDG Ato Magadia to the District Officers and by PDG Jimmy Cura to the Smiling Visionary Presidents (SVPs), their respective inductions took place.
The handover night would not have been complete without the SVPs singing their version of this year’s Rotary Theme “The Future of Rotary is in your Hands” and the entertainment number performed by the selfless and talented Rotarians and Anns from RCM who tirelessly practiced to give their “offering” to our very own DG Sid. Raffle prizes were awarded only to those who braved the event and dancing continued way past the adjournment.
It truly was a successful and enjoyable Handover and definitely “A Night to Remember” to start a new Rotary Year 2009-10. Kudos to District 3830 !!!
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