What Are We In Power For?
By
Dennis Valdes

    We just finished our regular RCMA Board meeting - so I thought I would share some of what we discussed with all of you:
1. RC Yamagata East - We agreed to check into the possibility of a youth exchange involving our children and theirs. Ideally, the kids (12-15 years old) would go to Yamagata during Semestral Break in October. At the end of the week, a group of RCMA fathers would pick them up.
2. Long Island Youth Orchestra - We are exploring the possibility of sponsoring the LIYO to come to Manila and play at the CCP and the Peninsula. This event would be in late July and would be final event of my term, even though it technically spills over into PE Paul's term.
3. National Living Treasures Foundation - Unfortunately, our Honorary Chairperson has been too busy to schedule the Organizational Meeting. We are going to try and get this set up soon though.
4. In Step Fest - It seems that we have to explore two possible funding schemes: either Metrobank Foundation or getting a 3H Grant. We will try and explore the possibilities of both further.
5. Discon 2000 - IPP Miguel, PE Paul, Dir. Cary and Jun have committed to attending. We are also working on sponsoring Rotaractors who may be interested to attend.
6. All Makati Golf Tournament - We have committed to sending two teams. Now the only thing that remains is to pick the crème de la crème of RCMA Golfers: the Magic 8 who will represent us and take the crown away from Makati South!
7. Valentine's Day Party / GSE Welcome Dinner - The dinner party has been moved to the 17th! All other details remain the same. Please note there are no costumes required, except that those that do bother to come in matching attire with their "significant other" are eligible for prizes.
8. Medical Mission 7 - This is being planned for either Feb. 27 or the first week of March. For the first Med Mission of the new Millennium, we will probably go to the Pamantasan ng Makati to do a joint Mission with our Rotaract Club.

Does all that seem like it would take 3 hours to discuss? Well, I guess I just encapsulated everything pretty well, because that is the time we spent on the above discussions and more.

    In the early part of the year, Rotary is really rather slow. It seems that Christmas really slows down the Rotary year, with the Christmas Party being the highlight of the previous calendar year. It takes awhile to get the Rotary momentum going, and all of the Directors are hoping for a super Valentine's Party as the proper kick start to the start of the new Millennium.

    All the young new members should enjoy the Party: the GSE Team will be invited. These young Rotary scholars have traveled from all over the world promoting the ideals of Rotary. Let's see if any of the girls on the GSE Team meet an ideal at our Party!

    Well, that is all for now. I'm still jet lagged from my long trip so I hope none of you will mind this rather short article. Enjoy your breakfasts!