Free Massage for the Elders

The UPLB Elderly Development Program (EDP), headed by Dr. Renato Torres, is an extension initiative of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS) and College of Human Ecology (CHE). It aims to motivate and keep senior citizens to “Stay Active, Productive and Happy” to improve their quality of life and delay the onset of dependency. RC LB Makiling has been supporting EDP for the past years, by providing food and other essential amenities during EDP’s monthly Elderly Day Care.

For their 5th Anniversary and Senior Citizens Summit held last September 24, 2016 at Baker Hall, UPLB, RC LB Makiling set up a free massage booth and hired 3 masseurs who were graduates of and licensed under TESDA. It was a very tiring morning for the masseurs, who provided massage services for 57 people in a span of four (4) hours. The Club recognized their efforts and assured to partner with them again next year.

A Busy Day for RAC Makiling

The Rotaractors of RAC Makiling were all over the place last September 17, 2016. After participating in the coastal cleanup held at Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños, they went straight to Bahay ni Maria at Calamba to do community service together with their fellow Rotaractors based in Laguna and District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Christian "Cita" Castillo and company. Afterwards, each Rotaract Club presented their Club Leadership Plan in front of DRR Cita during the official DRR's Visit. To cap off the day, the Rotaractors bonded over party and live rock music.

Community service in Bahay ni Maria

Bahay ni Maria is a retirement home for elders located in Calamba, Laguna. The center caters female senior citizens with psychological disability, where they are admitted and properly taken care of by staff and volunteers.

The Rotaractors of Laguna organized a community service project in line with DRR Cita's visit. It was a very heart-warming activity for everyone and it was a first time for RAC Makiling to have an activity there. The Rotaractors were at first very hesitant and cautious on how to approach the elders; but later on, they were able to make good conversations with them.

The program started at exactly 1:00PM and ended at 3:00PM. A simple intermission was presented by the All Star Presidents and simple personalized letters were given to each elders present. In addition, ROTEX Theo thought the activity was very relevant.

The AllStar Rotaract Presidents during the visit at Bahay ni Maria, Calamba, Laguna.

DRR's Visit 

This event is an opportunity for each clubs to present their activity for the new rotary year. When RAC Makiling presented the report, the District Rotaract Committee were very amazed and congratulates the club for a very detailed presentation and they were looking forward for all of the activities presented. DRR cita Castillo was very happy and really appreciate all the efforts of the clubs in the district.

RAC ASP AJ Mendoza presenting her club's Leadership Plan to DRR Cita and company.

Mass Induction

That evening, the Rotaract Clubs, headed by District Rotaract Area Representative (DRAR) Jill, conducted a Mass Induction to welcome the new Rotaractors, with RAC Makiling assigned in the Intermission and Fellowship part. DRAR Jill was very thankful for the club for providing both the sound system and live band (courtesy of RC LB Makiling and PP Beth Beltran) which completed the Rock Star feel that night.

The new members of RAC Makiling, from left to right, RAC Lorenzo Magadia, RAC Anne Humarang, RAC Gretel Principe, and RAC JI Sumague.

Photos courtesy of RAC  JI Sumague.

International Coastal Cleanup 2016

RC LB Makiling celebrated the International Coastal Cleanup Day last September 17, 2016—together with RAC Makiling, Interact Club of LBNHS Poblacion, the Makiling Medical Society, and the Philippine Medical Association - Laguna. A total of 36 volunteers joined together to collect and segregate trash found blocking the shoreline near the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños, Laguna. With the coordination of Kagawad Olan Evangelista, the cleanup was a success.

A total of 17 trash bags weighing 136.75 kg was reported to RID3820 ICC District Chair PP Cecilia Rosales for data consolidation. Items collected (number of pieces) were: cigarette butts (3); food wrappers (233); plastic take out/away containers (33); plastic bottle caps (42); metal bottle caps (15); plastic lids (15); straws/stirrers (39); forks, knives, spoons (68); plastic beverage bottles (14); glass beverage bottles (6); plastic grocery bags (21); other plastic bags (19); paper bags (10); plastic cups & plates (10); fishing buoys, pots & traps (2); fishing nets & pieces (23); rope (4); fishing line (4); balloons (7); cigarette lighters (7); construction materials (20); tires (4); toys (26); shoes/slippers (5); cloth/clothing (106); other plastic/foam packaging (18); other plastic bottles (5); strapping bands (2); tobacco/cigarette packaging/wrappers (7); diapers (19); sanitary napkins, tampons & applicators (5); and, tiny trashes measuring less than 2.50 cm include foam pieces (37), glass pieces (21) and plastic pieces (1,051). There was also a dead cat collected along the shore.

The volunteers enjoyed the activity and were willing to do it again in support to the worldwide interest to protect the environment.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling.

The members of Interact Club of LBNHS Poblacion.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling, together with the volunteers from the Makiling Medical Society and Philippine Medical Association - Laguna.

The aftermath of the cleanup drive at Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños, Laguna.

Governor’s Visit

September 16, 2016 was a busy day for RC LB Makiling. Aside from the Club’s participation in the Bañamos  foot parade, the Club also had the Governor’s Visit (GV) as scheduled by RD3820 RCSO.

DG Manuel Dindo L. Katigbak arrived with spouse Lady Princess, Ms. Sheena Cornejo and Ms. Lizanne Aldueso.  Prior to the GV Program, the Club toured DG Dindo and his company around the University of the Philippines Los Baños, (UPLB) for a brief pictorial session showcasing the UPLB campus and the breath taking view of Mt. Maria Makiling from the site of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Photos taken will be used in the promotional video of Rotaryo Educare, a district event hosted by RC LB Makiling, to be held on November 19, 2016. After the tour and photoshoot, they went straight to Mer-Nel’s Place in Barangay Maahas where the GV took place. Attendees were ASP Wen Parducho, IPP Carla Jimena, PP Tere Peralta, PP Beth Beltran, PP Lumen Gomez, PP Tess Pantua, PP Lisa Ronan, RTN Joy Pinca, RTN Gelli Parducho, ROTEX Theo Dussart and Rotaractors ASP AJ Mendoza and Tobie Parducho.

The official visit of DG Dindo aimed to: (1) know and have a better understanding of each club based on respective Club Leadership Plan; (2) provide helpful and friendly advices to club officers; (3) answer questions about the District and Rotary International; and, (4) assess the accomplishments of each Club based on the District Challenges and Presidential Citation. ASP Wen reported RC LB Makiling’s accomplishments for the first quarter of RY 2016-2017 as well as the Club’s planned programs/projects/activities until June 2017. In response, DG Dindo commended ASP Wen’s leadership and R LB Makiling Ladies for the accomplishments presented and the good line up of club projects for this RY.  Furthermore, he commented that it was the first time he encountered a Club who has already made a self-assessment before the District’s evaluation of its performance. In the end, considering the small number of physically active members, he suggested the Club to ensure implementation of proposed projects which will create greater impact to LB community.

To wrap up the evening, the GV was capped with a simple fellowship dinner with guests from neighbor clubs, i.e., RC Bay, RC West Bay and RC Los Baños.

Photo courtesy of RCSO.

LEFT TO RIGHT: IPP Carla Jimena, Prof. Emy Mendoza, ROTEX Theo Dussart, RTN Gelli Parducho, RTN Joy Pinca, PP Lumen Gomez, DG Dindo and Lady Princess Katigbak, ASP Wen Parducho, PP Lisa Ronan, PP Beth Beltran, PP Tere Peralta, RAC ASP AJ Mendoza, and RAC Tobie Parducho.

Bañamos Civic Parade 2016

This year marked the 15th Bañamos Festival of the municipality of Los Baños, a week-long celebration of its 401st founding anniversary. The term bañamos meant “to bathe” and was used to refer to the abundance of hot springs present in the municipality. The program include events such as booth trade fair, sale, pageants, foot parade, singing contest, and an awarding ceremony to recognize outstanding citizens. This year’s theme is “Nagtutulungan Mamamayan, Nagkakaisang Bayan, tungo sa Kaunlaran”.

RC LB Makiling, represented by ASP Wen Parducho, PP Lisa Ronan and RTN Gelli Parducho, participated in the foot parade held last September 16, 2016, with ROTEX Theo Dussart, RAC Makiling led by ASP RAC AJ with RAC Jerome and RAC Enzo, and with the Interact Club of LNBHS Poblacion. RC LB Makiling walked next to RC Los Baños with their Rotaractors and Interactors too, led by ASP Digna Austria. It was a good day for everyone to get to know each other.

ASP Wen Parducho and PP Lisa Ronan, together with Rotaractors ASP AJ Mendoza, Jerome and Enzo, ROTEX Theo

Dussart, and Interactors of LBNHS Poblacion, during the 15th Bañamos Foot Parade last September 16, 2016.

RID3820 VTT 2016 bound for South Korea

The selection of this year’s Vocational Training Team (VTT) is hosted by the Rotary Club of San Juan chaired by PP Jenny Salud, Chairman Outbound Team Selection. The selected team is bound for South Korea in October 2016. Pool of applicants were those with background or engagement in the field of agriculture. Rotarians may apply for either the team leader or team member position and must be a Past President and in god standing with the Club.

The Club endorsed two of its members, PP Lisa Ronan and PP Tess Pantua, to apply as team member and team leader, respectively. The selection was held at San Juan, Batangas last September 9, 2016. That afternoon, it was announced that the official team would include Marites P. Violanta-Pantua as Team Leader and the following as members: John Emmanuel T. Oliva, Mara Shyn M. Valdeabella, Francisco Jerome Isabela and Elizabeth M. Eseo.

The official RID3820 VTT bound to Jinju, South Korea, with DG Dindo Katigbak and DGN Jose Boy Garcia.

RC Cavinti Induction

ASP Jay Estrellado of RC Cavinti invited the Club to attend their Induction Ceremony last September 2, 2016 at Cavinti Covered Court. Attendees were ASP Wen Parducho, PP Lisa Ronan, PP Tere Peralta, and RTN Gelli Parducho.

ASP Jay Estrellado during his inaugural speech.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling with the members of RC Cavinti.

The AllStar Presidents who attended the induction ceremony, together with DG Dindo and Lady Princess Katigbak.

Sisterhood Signing with D3800 RC Pasig Sunrise

The Club was invited by the Rotary Club of Pasig Sunrise from District 3800 to attend their Induction Ceremony and renew the sisterhood agreement between clubs last September 1, 2016 at One Shangri-la Place, Ortigas, Metro Manila. The ceremony was attend-ed by ASP Wen Parducho, PP Lisa Ronan and RTN Gelli Parducho.

The sisterhood between clubs started back in 2010 and was initiated by PP Lisa Ronan and her fellow high school alumna ASP Jose "Pepe" de Silva. That year, both clubs collaborated on a project that benefited their alma mater. That was the first and last collaboration between clubs since the sisterhood agreement was not renewed; but this year, they graciously agreed to renew the agreement and both clubs promised better partnership and more fellowship for this year and the coming years.

Sisterhood agreement signing between ASP Wen Parducho of RC LB Makiling and ASP Pepe de Silva of RC Pasig Sunrise.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling together with almost all the members of RC Pasig Sunrise.

FORESTHACK 2016

Foresthack 2016 took place last August 27-28, 2016 at UPLB, organized by IDC Environment and Livelihood Development Foundation (ELDF) partnered with 8Layers Technologies, Inc. and Society of Filipino Foresters Inc. (SFFI). It challenged computer technology enthusiasts to develop an application through the use of mobile platforms. The Mobile App aimed at serving users with a tool that would enable them to: (1) contribute and access data and information for planning and monitoring sustainable forest management activities; (2) understand the challenges in the forestry sector; and, (3) search solutions that will address those challenges.

Nearly 150 college students from Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, metro Manila, and Palawan taking up Information Technology, Computer Science, and Forestry courses participated in the event. A total of 26 teams (composed of 4 students each) competed not only for the Grand Prize but as well as the opportunity to work with technology incubators and to pre-sent their “Winning App” at the Annual Conference of the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc., to be held in Iloilo City in October 2016. The team “H.E.Y.L.” with their mobile app on calculating carbon footprint won the grand prize. The other two teams that won the first and second prize were Team “Newbie” with their “GoHarvest” app and Team “Supremo” with their “Kolektiv” app, respectively.

RC LB Makiling was invited as community partner of the organizers. As such, the Club provided tokens for the panel of judges, resource persons and guests.


Photo courtesy of 8Layers Technologies, Inc.

RC Sariaya Induction

The club was chartered on December 1999 during the term of PDG Paeng Tantuco as District Governor of District 3820. And so, it has been the Club's tradition to attend the induction of PDG Paeng's home club, RC Sariaya. The induction was held at Queen Margarette Hotel, Lucena last August 25, 2016. It was attended by ASP Wen Parducho, IPP Carla Jimena, PP Lisa Ronan, RTN Joy Pinca, RTN Gelli Parducho, and ROTEX Theo Dussart.

The AllStar Presidents with DG Dindo Katigbak.

RC LB Makiling celebrates International Youth Day

In celebration of International Youth Day last August 12, 2016, the club hosted a gathering for everyone to say their welcoming and farewell greetings to the club’s youth exchange students Inbound Theo Dussart and Outbound Buggy Mendoza, respectively.

Invited guests were the four (4) host families, namely, Prof. Emy Mendoza; RTN Diane Guieb with her children, Claire and Clark; Eli Toribio; and Karen and George Kolojejchick-Kotch. Likewise present were members of RAC Makiling, WCP and ASP of RAC Caloocan, and some UPLB students.

Furthermore, RTN Alleli Domingo, the Club’s ROTEX Counselor, presented the five stages of adjustments an individual must go through when introduced to a new environment, which both the exchange students will experience.

Welcome to the Philippines, Theo and Bon Voyage to France, Buggy!


Photos courtesy of Ms. Isis Liwanag.

Sisterhood Signing with D3810 RC Rosario Magdiwang

RC Rosario Magdiwang of District 3810 has been a sister club to RC Los Baños Makiling (RCLBMak) since 2014, during PP Tess Pantua’s term as Club President. They have visited RC LB Makiling twice last year, during IPP Carla Jimena’s term, where they had a little tour around the UPLB campus.

This year, ASP Jacque Caaya and ASP Wen Parducho renewed the sisterhood agreement during their club’s induction last August 16, 2016, at Noveleta, Cavite. The two clubs signed the new MOA and exchanged bannerettes. There were already some discussions of partnered projects between the two clubs, and both are looking forward for a very fruitful and productive partnership.

(Left to right) PP Lisa Ronan and ASP Wen Parducho of RC LB Makiling and ASP Jacque Caaya and PP Ed Reyes of RC Rosario Magdiwang.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling (left) together with some members of RC Rosario Magdiwang (right).

Rotary Wheels On-the-Go

This is a joint project of RC LB Makiling and RC Bauan, as part of their sisterhood agreement.

SunPower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd., under their SunPower Wheelchair Project, will donate a total of 100 make-shift wheelchairs to RC LB Makiling, to be assembled on September 24, 2016 at Los Baños Central Elementary School (LBCES). Since the distribution is exclusive to Laguna and Batangas communities only, RC LB Makiling tapped its sister club RC Bauan to help distribute the wheelchairs. Each club will have 50 wheelchairs to distribute to beneficiaries in their own communities who qualify the conditions stated below. Distribution of the wheelchairs will be from September 24 to November 24, 2016.

Volunteers for the assembling of the wheelchairs include SunPower, RC LB Makiling, RAC Makiling, STP-UPLB, and a few teachers of LBCES.

RC LB Makiling is seeking financial assistance to cover the expenses on storage, transportation, and distribution of the said wheelchairs. Any contribution will aid in the delivery of items to the beneficiaries.

For donations, please proceed through this link -- bit.ly/2ch3DxD.

Your help will go a long way.

_________________________

For Laguna area, thee beneficiaries will be selected according to the following requirements:

1. In need of wheelchair but cannot afford their own;
2. Disabilities as result of accidents, injuries, illness, birth defects, or old age;
3. Beneficiary's annual income should no be more than PHP144,000; and,
4. Should be a bonafide resident of Laguna.

If you know anyone who fits the qualifications stated above, please email us at rclbmakiling@gmail.com or contact us at 0950-672-8146.

Thank you!

KICK-OFF Project: COMP4U

ASP Wen Parducho spearheaded the launching of the club’s kick-off project entitled COMP4U at the Los Baños Central Elementary School (LBCES), together with AG Lisa Ronan, IPP Carla Jimena, PP Lumen Gomez, PP Beth Beltran, PP Tere Peralta, RTN Gina Umali, and RTN Vina Parducho. A set of desktop personal computer was donated to the Science Laboratory Room of LBCES in support of the school’s 5-year Adopt a School Program under the Department of Education. The donation shall facilitate science teaching to 550 school pupils across grade levels 1 to 7. With the availability of a personal computer in the laboratory, the school children will better appreciate the lessons taught in their science subject particularly concepts and life processes.

Turn-over Ceremony, Installation of Officers, Induction of New Members & 2ND Club Assembly

RC Los Baños Makiling and RAC Makiling had a back-to-back turn-over ceremony last July 1, 2016 at the College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Invited guests were PDG Paeng Tantuco, PP Bobby Bautista of RC Los Baños, Interact Clubs of LBNHS Poblacion and Tuntungin-Putho, RCC Lalakay, family of Outbound Buggy Mendoza and himself, and STP-UPLB.

Highlights of the event were: first, the turn-over of bell and gavel to the incoming All Star Presidents Wen Parducho and RAC AJ Mendoza; second, the oath-taking of newly appointed officers; and third, the charging of new members by PDG Paeng Tantuco.

Hand over of bell and gavel from WCP Brigette to ASP AJ of RAC Makiling (left) and from WCP Carla to ASP Wen of RC LB Makiling (right).

Leadership Academy - Leg 1

Leadership Academy is a newly launched project by the club which aims to nurture and mold potential young leaders. This year’s theme, “A Strategic Training for an Empowered and Productive Service (STEPS)” focused on team work, putting into action RI President John Germ’s definition of TEAM — Together Everyone Achieves More. 

The first leg of the project was held on July 23, 2016 at the Los Baños Community National High School Covered Court. It was organized in partnership with Rotaract Club of Makiling, and was participated in by 23 participants, all of which are members of the Interact Club of LBNHS Poblacion. The event was highlighted by the election and induction of the new set of officers of the said Interact Club.

A message from IPP Carla Jimena

RC Los Baños Makiling held its Turn-over Ceremony and Induction last July 1, 2016 at the College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños. One of the highlights of the said event was the valedictory address of the outgoing World Class President Carla Jimena. Below are some excerpts from her speech that night.

"Thank you to DG Pepe Estevez and the presence of PDG Paeng

Tantuco and PP Bobby Bautista, who served as an inspiration to our club."

"Thank you to God, to our club members and partners, World Class Presidents and Rotarians, for the RI and district awards the club received this rotary year, most especially the "Club of the Year Award 2016" and the recognition of RI Presidential Citation on membership."

"My message to incoming All Star President Rowena Parducho, win the hearts of all the members not just those who are closest to you - being President requires objectivity rather than subjectivity. May the Lord give you the energy since rotary is energizing than tiresome as some people say. Never ever give up on your club and its members per Winston Churchill. God is the center of everything we do in rotary and may He bless you and the club more."

 "Thank you Lord for all the club members who worked hard and contributed to the achievement of RI citation and "Club of the Year Award 2016." Governor's Challenge Award was achieved above expected goals, 100% attendance to district events, perfect attendance both local and international, increased members attendance to the RI Convention in Seoul, WASH and Manila Zone Institute, club extension partners with USA clubs, Rotaryo Educare and TRF-RCC Seminar hosted by our club, to my family club and colleagues who served as wind beneath my wings, thank you!"