Party On Jeans with Rotary Governor Nonoy Villa-Abrille

BY: NINO A. CALAMBA, RN


During the PETS-DISTAS 2011 of the Rotary International District 3860, distinguished Rotarians from all over Mindanao gathered full of zest and enthusiasm to welcome yet another Rotary year with a bang. “PETS” stands for Presidents-Elect Training Seminar, while DISTAS is a coined term for District Assembly. It is during this occasion that new leaders for the incoming Rotary year are trained to become service-oriented Rotarians striving to meet the Governor’s challenges through worthwhile service projects.

District Governor Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa-Abrille said in his message: “As we begin our journey for Rotary Year 2011-2012, let us call upon the Change Maker (Club) Presidents and other Club Officers, and the rest of us in the district (3860), to draw inspiration and guidance from Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee as all Rotarians espouse to his annual theme – REACH WITHIN TO EMBRACE HUMANITY.”

On the fellowship night, Mindanao Rotarians all came garbed in their fascinating jazzed-up jeans and white tops at the Grand Ballroom of the posh Marco Polo Hotel Davao. Fabulous dance production numbers were rendered by the energetic Rotarians from the Rotary Club of South Digos, and from the Rotary Club of South Davao. Sessionistas Band provided upbeat music bringing the party people grooving on the dance floor, with “group dancing” led by professional dance instructors.

PETS-DISTAS 2011 Organizing Committee was chaired by Antonio “Ony” Partoza and co-chaired by Remegio “Boy” Salanatin. Event Secretariat was composed of: Jonathan “Butch” Jocom-Chairman; Virgilio “Jing” Quijada – Registration; Casilda “Sising” Aparis – Souvenir Program; Phillips “Phillips” Dumaligan – Handouts & Kits; Maximo “Max” Lozano – Hotel Accommodation. Finance Committee was being chaired by Salvacion “Sally” Baneke, with Jacob “Jake” Chua taking care of the Ads Solication, and Arthur “Art” Uy and Remegio “Boy” Salanatin for Sponsorships.

Program Committee was chaired by Scott “Scott” Nimmo, with the following members: Ismael “Maeng” Tabije – Protocol, Jose “Joe” Valenzuela – Plenary/Workshop, and William “Willy” Yong – Hall, Venue, Exhibits. The joy-filled and memorable Fellowship Night party was handled by Rodolfo “Rudy” Abellana as Chairman, with Espedita “Espie” Chinel Aparis for Entertainment, Robert “Bobby” Carabuena for Wine & Spirits, and Maria Bea “Bea” Lao for Foods & Snacks. Spouses’ Program was taken cared of Mi Li Yong and Lynda Tabije, under which Marselle Lozano and Rhoda Nimmo taking charge of the Seminar and City Tour respectively.