RYLA103 Subic sets another milestone in D3790 history
Oct. 26-28, 2007
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
DRR Flo Espiritu, R.I. Dist. 3790
Rac-Metro Olongapo
R.I. District 3790 has once again proven its prowess and unity in holding a district Rotary affair for their youth counterpart despite of a not so strategic geographical location and regional culture diversity in its recently held and record-breaking Rotary Youth Leadership Awards for RY 2007-2008 (RYLA103) at Subic Bay Freeport Zone last Oct. 26-28. CP Raul Peralta served as the District RYLA chair with the Rotary Club of Freeport Zone (Subic Bay), Cluster 4C as the host club.
Delegates jam-packed the Subic International Hotel as early as 9:00 in the morning of the opening day to register. Having assigned all RYLA-designated rooms of the hotel to the registrants, the organizing committee had to accommodate other delegates to a nearby hotel – the Majestic Hotel. With more than 500 promising youth delegates sponsored by around 50 Rotary Clubs, this Rotary year’s RYLA coined as The Youth: Shaping a Better Future has indeed broken record of previous RYLA editions, said RYLA Club Chair Ed Papera. A robust batch of 60 Rotaract clubs and 20 Interact clubs actively participated from the colorful parade kicking off from the historic Spanish Gate vicinity heading toward the state-of-the-art venue - the Global Terminal, where well-rounded resource speakers and facilitators touched, inspired, and somehow transformed lives of RYLArians.
A series of team building activities and leadership workshops was facilitated, gaining active participation from RYLArians. Having the morale boosted, then came dancing in the rhythm of the popular Papaya novelty song, swaying with hands held together with I Won’t Last A Day Without You theme song, cheering for an exciting colorful flag raising competition, dancing gorgeous Rotaractors for a cause, rocking on the night with various cultural presentation, and getting hipped with a freestyle dancing with a live acoustic band en sync.
RYLA Program host ADRR Jasiel Yumang of the Rotaract Club of Holy Angel University (Rac-HAU / Area 3) has once again exemplified the cream of the youth crop of the district. With her versatility, youthfulness, and exemplary public speaking skills, RYLA proceedings had been so lively. “What a highly effective and brilliant host!” commended RYLA Program Chair Dir. Caesar of RCFZ. Having been asked of her experience as Program host, ADRR Jasiel humbly and cheerfully replied that it was indeed a great opportunity to be of service to fellow RYLArians in her own little way of being an emcee. “In spite of being a neophyte emcee of a big event like RYLA, I’m so overwhelmed to know that others appreciate what I am doing as it really takes a lot of courage and confidence to stand before such a huge crowd,” added ADRR Jasiel.
RYLA103 also highlighted a special District Rotaract Assembly facilitated by DRR Flo Espiritu, with two proposed resolutions on payment of annual district dues and club eligibility for District awards, unanimously approved. District Rotaract Representative election immediately followed. It was the closest election ever in D3790 history as ADRR Rod Gutierrez representing Area 1 emerged as the DRRE by only a single vote (24-23) over District Rotaract Auditor Jason Capa of Area 4. Instead of electing the DRRN, the District Rotaract Assembly along with the Election Committee unanimously agreed on selecting DRA Jason as the DRRN. On the other hand, Interactor Anjo Ramos was elected as District Interact Representative for this Rotary Year.
Several RYLArians stood out among others, were caught by the watchful and critique eyes of the Awards Committee, and were awarded as Most Promising and Outstanding RYLARians. Interactors Raymund Ticman and Erlyn Fe Cosme bagged the former awards while Rotaractors Joseph Carl “JC” Macalintal, Jefra Joy “JJ” Tolero, Angela Agustin, Jhaydine Wee, Sarah Kayad, Ivan Liwanag, Lira Feliciano, Kamille Erika Sunga, DIR Anjo Ramos, and DRRN Jayson “JC” Capa bagged the latter set of awards.
With the US Navy participants of the Balikatan Exercises on queue of using the venue, the event culminated with a Holy Mass, awarding, AVP of Seoul Interota primer, and RYLA103 synthesis. “Thanks so much again! Because of your support, the RYLA was a huge success!” extended RYLA Chair Raul to District Rotaractors who formed part of the organizing committee. As spirit of delegates lifted high with all the invaluable support of sponsoring Rotarians, a very hospitable accommodation, learning, experience, motivation, renewed and new found friendship, DG Owens Torres officially adjourned the annual event with flying colors and fulfillment.