President’s Column
by Pres. Manuel U. Along

Back to reality, as some would put it. After almost a whole month of being in a holiday mood, it’s kind of difficult to get out of it and back into the usual daily routine. But, do it we must. Such is the reality of life.

To fittingly cap the first semester of RY 2009-2010 (and the year 2009), a gift giving project was undertaken last Dec. 28, by the Rotarians and Anns of our club for the children of Boys Town. The venue was SM City. This is a continuing project which has been faithfully carried out by the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro for many, many years now. Funding has mostly been provided by generous contributions of club members, most notably the Sarraga family and PP Sammy and PP Vicky Blanco. Transportation to and from Boys Town to SM City was arranged by VP Ian Nacaya and approved by Mayor Tinnex Jaraula.

Even though it was held on a Monday after a four day Christmas holiday, 22 Rotarians and 16 Rotary Anns were present. They were Lady Tere Sarraga, Lady Divin Jaraula, John Mark & Ching Sarraga, Luigi Sarraga, Chito Sarraga, Sammy & Vicky Blanco, Dietmar & Vilma Schug, Tony & Malou De la Cruz, Ian Nacaya, Mar Paano, Manny & Josy Alinabon, Manny & Biema Along, Jun & Sarah Hipona, Aida Gonzaga, Nits Evangelista, Ferdie & Janet Bernasor, Angie Dael, Sonny Cruz, Alvin Benasa, Leo Aba, Dexter Bandera, Romy Morales, Ronnie Apdian, Gus & Riza Rodano, James & Luz Pamparo, Paul Ferrer. Newly inducted member Popo Juarez came with ann EnEn even though he was on crutches.

Last Tuesday, Jan. 5, we had our first board meeting for the year 2010. I am happy to note that we had an almost perfect attendance. Present were VP/PN Ian Nacaya, PE Dietmar Schug, Sec. Mar Paano, Treas. John Decleene, Dirs. Luigi Sarraga, Alvin Benasa, Gus Rodano, Phillip Dael, and Mike Turner. PP Chito Sarraga and PP Carlo Romero were there and so with incoming Treas. Ben Elio and incoming Dir. Leo Aba. We discussed the projects that are yet to be implemented and goals to be achieved in the second semester of this rotary year. We have not reached our target membership growth and we need more effort in this area. May I ask those who have not brought in a recruit to please do so in the next few weeks. Also discussed were improvements needed in the areas of attendance and program. This is where we need the cooperation of everybody. If you are requested to be a program participant, please accept the assignment. If you need coaching, please do not hesitate to ask for help. And, PLEASE attend our weekly meetings. I am sure you will enjoy bonding with your fellow rotarians.

Tomorrow, Jan. 8, 2010, will be the first meeting of the breakfast club of RC  CDO. It will be at Bo’s Coffee – Lim Ket Kai (beside Bigby’s) @ 7:30. This is testing the waters and the next meetings will depend on the response and consensus of those who will come to the first breakfast. We are hoping that the breakfast club will help strengthen fellowship among members and be a catalyst for ideas and projects for our club. But initially, let us just enjoy the coffee and the company of friends.