President’s Message……………………………….…....4 Club Event/Activity………..…………………….……...5 District Event………………………………………………..9 Rotaractions!......................................................11 Rotary International News…………………………..12 Christmas Trivia…………………………………………..13 Christmas Symbols…………………………………….…14 Rotary Monthly Theme………………………..……...15 Areas of Focus ………………………………..……........15 Club History …………………………………………….....16 Club Vision Statement …………………………….…..17 Club Officers & Directors RY2022-2023……..18 Roster of Members/Classification…………….…19 Attendance…………………………………………………..19 Council of Past Presidents………..………………….20 Club Bulletin Team……………………………………….20 Christmas Cooking………………..……………………..21 Announcements/Upcoming Events……….….…23 October Celebrants….…….……………………………24 Certificate of Attendance……………………………25 The Four Way Test ……………………………...…….26 Object of Rotary………………………………………….26 Core Values of Service…………..……………….......26 Code of Conduct…………………………………….......26 Rotary Pledge………………………………………….…..27 Featured Photo and Quote………………………….28 Entertainment……………………………………………..29 Rotary Information Crossword……………………30 !"#$% &' (&)!%)!* SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 2

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 4 Margaret Canlas Imaginative Amazing Treasure President RY 2022-2023 Aristotle once said, “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” This is the thought that comes to mind as we donned our winter clothes for this year’s RCMC Winter Wonderland Christmas Party. We need to go outside of our comfort zones, our usual daily grind, and our area of responsibility, just to witness a larger world, one that needs our attention, assistance and aid. In the midst of experiencing the intense heat of our winter jackets and wool scarves, we were reminded of the warm and happy vibes that we felt each time we completed a service project. We saw the smiles and the sparkle in the eyes of our beneficiaries. Thank you to all of you, my RCMC Family, for travelling this Rotary journey together, whatever the weather, for supporting our service projects and providing warm hugs, sustenance, and joy to our beneficiaries. As we celebrate another Christmas in the new normal, what current and future struggles and life difficulties would we be willing to face to pursue our own unique and beautiful life journey? We are all meant to write our own stories, depending on our own decisions and goals. Whatever the story, wherever the path, let us take it one step at a time while holding the hand of our loved ones and facing head on forward. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! IATP Margaret Canlas

,*(*- CHRISTMAS CLUB ACTIVITY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 5 RCMC WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS PARTY The Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Central celebrated a freezing winter wonderland Christmas Party at the Makati Sports Club last December 5, 2022. Rotarians, spouses, and guests arrived in jackets and scarves, thankful for the extra cold air-conditioning of the venue. President Margaret spared no expense decorating the function room with a beautiful stage backdrop and adding a photo booth for unlimited camera moments. After enjoying a delicious buffet dinner, the program started with a meaningful invocation from Rotarian Olivia Fabale. Senior Assistant Governor Helen Buencamino acknowledged all the guests in attendance, followed by a special inspirational message given by special guest Assistant Governor Joel Reña. President Margaret Canlas also delivered a very touching Christmas Message and thanked everyone for attending. As intermission, Past President Orlan Bibares and Spouse Ney rendered a couple of songs for the audience. Raffle and games followed, with everyone excitedly participating. Line-dancing was, of course, part of the program, while others happily chatted with one another at their tables. The exchange gift portion consisted of a fun exchange from left to right or vice versa, as facilitated by Past President Jona Bagaporo, with all the participants receiving a gift that was themed “something white and useful”. As traditionally done by RCMC, the Council of Past Presidents convened on the sidelines to ratify the previously elected President-Elect and choose the President-Nominee. Congratulations to Rotarian Jardine Book for being elected President Nominee, whose term will begin July 2024! Closing Remarks was ably done by PP Jun Virtudazo, capped by a rendition of “Delilah” in response to public clamor.

CHRISTMAS CLUB ACTIVITY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 6 PHOTO GALLERY

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CHRISTMAS DISTRICT EVENT PAGE 9 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE The District Christmas Party was a fun-filled event held on December 4, 2022 in Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City. Dinner and drinks were plenty as Rotarians and spouses arrived in “Imaginative Christmas” attire. A Christmas Caroling Contest was the highlight of the program, with Zone 8 winning the top cash prize. Best Costume award for male was given to Past President Herman King of RC Mandaluyong Premier. Raffle prizes brought much excitement to the guests. The singing group BTS, or the Bobby Tanyag Singers, composed of Imaginative Amazing Treasure Presidents including President Margaret Canlas, rendered a song to cap the evening. DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY

CHRISTMAS DISTRICT EVENT ZONE 8 WINS CHORALE CONTEST! SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 10 At the District Christmas Party held December 4, 2022, Zone 8 Mandaluyong Clubs won First Place in the Christmas Caroling Contest portion of the program. Singing the upbeat song “Paskong Pasko na Talaga”, the Zone 8 carolers blended well in harmony, with synchronized merriment and choreography. Thank you to all the volunteers and participants, with special mention to Past District Governor Nelson Aspe for his support; Assistant Governor Rey Pineda, who acted as conductor at the last minute; and, of course, the maestro, Mark Agpasa, for being ever so dependable and diligent in creating magic in so short a time. Congratulations, Zone 8!

ROTARACTIONS! CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH ROTARACTORS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 11 The Rotaract Club of New Zaniga, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Central, celebrated its Christmas Party last December 16, 2022 in Emilio’s Café and Restaurant, Pasig City. After a sumptuous dinner of best-seller dishes, the Rotaractors held some games and dancing. Thereafter, a raffle with cash prizes provided excitement, as well as the prize for overall best attire. The party was attended by all the Rotaractors, led by their President JM Refareal, and Barangay New Zaniga’s Punong Barangay Liza Cruz, Kagawad Chico Cruz, and Nutrition Action Office Chair Gerlyn Lagleva. RCMC’s SAG Helen Buencamino, Past President Vic Buencamino, Past President Jona Bagaporo, and Past President/Rotaract Adviser Jocelyn Sarte were likewise present.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL NEWS MESSAGE FROM RI PRESIDENT JENNIFER JONES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 12 (excerpts from www.rotary.org) Being asked to Imagine Rotary can seem like a big, heady exercise, but the most important element of it is something quite small, even personal. Not too long ago, Rotary members were expected to perform our acts of service quietly. I understood and appreciated the thought behind that — humility is a wonderful trait, and we should continue to nurture it in other ways. But keeping Rotary to ourselves has a cost, and by sharing our Rotary moments, we are being generous with others and giving them an opportunity to understand the impact of Rotary. It brings to mind that wonderful aphorism: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” So how do we make people feel Rotary? The best way is to share our Rotary moments. We have all had them — when the ordinary collides with intention to create something extraordinary. Some people have those Rotary moments the first time they go to a meeting. For others, it can take years, before seeing the joy in the eyes of someone we serve. Or perhaps in hearing from another member something that hit close to home. As Nick and I share this journey, we are amazed at the work you are performing and the lives that are transforming. Throughout the year, I’m going to share with you the sights and the stories that made those tours meaningful for us. I hope you can do the same in your corner of Rotary. It can be something you share in meetings or on social media. For the most savvy and ambitious, it could be an event you publicize with local media. Even sharing your stories with friends has impact. We need ambassadors for Rotary’s message and our dreams for a better world. The best ambassadors are you. The more you share stories — and share them from the heart — the more you encourage others to partner with us, to join us, and to stay. xxx In everything we do, what people feel about Rotary will shape our future. I can only imagine what you will inspire through the stories you’ll tell.

,*(*- CHRISTMAS TRIVIA SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 13 DID YOU KNOW….? (sources: www.goodhousekeeping.com; www.hughbaird.ac.uk) The legend tells that candy canes date back to 1670 when a choirmaster in Germany gave out sugar sticks to the choirboys to keep them quiet during services. The hook was meant to symbolise a shepherd’s crook for the Christmas occasion but other people think the hook exists so they can easily be hung from trees. Christmas in Japan is a secular holiday with less than 1% of the Japanese population identifying as Christian. When KFC launched their “Kentucky for Christmas” marketing campaign in 1974, it was an instant hit and now KFC is a popular choice for Christmas dinners in Japan. You might be aware that Oliver Cromwell banned the Pagan holiday of Christmas for 12 years from 1647 in the UK, but did you know that the ban was only lifted in Oklahoma USA in 1907? This means in some parts of the US, Christmas was banned for over 260 years! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared in 1939 when the Montgomery Ward department store asked one of its copywriters to create a Christmas story for kids that the store could distribute as a promotion. The Christmas wreath first originated as a symbol of Christ. The holly represents the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion and the red berries stand for the blood he shed. So when you see a wreath this holiday, you'll remember the reason for the season. "Silent Night" is the most-recorded Christmas song in history. It's had more than 733 different versions copyrighted since 1978.

,*(*- CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 14 (source: www.goodhousekeeping.com) 1. WREATHS In Northern Europe, the pagans believed the sun was a wheel that rolled away from the Earth during the winter, and decorated their homes with wheels festooned with greenery and lights to coax the sun back toward them during winter solstice. As they began to convert to Christianity, the wreaths took on a new symbolism. The evergreens and unbroken circle reminded them of God's eternal love and the salvation that Jesus brought to the world. 2. CHRISTMAS TREES While many different cultures have used evergreens to decorate during the long, cold winter, 16th-century Germany likely popularized the light-draped Christmas tree as we know it today. As the story goes, Martin Luther went walking in the woods one night and was struck by the beauty of the stars filtering through the evergreens. He cut one down, brought it home, and decorated it with candles to recreate the scene for his family. The idea spread, and now Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a tree. 3. POINSETTIAS You may think their bright red color against their green leaves is the only reason we associate the poinsettia flower with Christmas, but it actually has its roots in Mexican folklore. As the story goes, two children named Maria and Pablo wanted to bring gifts to their town's Nativity scene but didn't have the money. So, they picked up some pretty leaves on the road. The townsfolk teased them about their offering, but as Maria and Pablo placed their gifts around the manger, these magically bloomed into the star-shaped flowers. 4. CHRISTMAS GIFTS Your kids may ask, "If Christmas is Jesus' birthday, why do we get presents?" While that pile of gifts by the tree may seem totally secular, remember it finds its origins in one of the traditional Bible stories. The Three Wise Men arrived with gifts for the baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While we don't exchange quite the same presents in modern times, the spirit remains the same.

ROTARY THEME: DECEMBER OUR FOCUS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 15

CLUB HISTORY The Rotary Club of MANDALUYONG CENTRAL (RCMC) was born as an offspring of the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong West under the leadership and guidance of PP Onofre Consolacion. It started from a small group of ten individuals who held a meeting one Thursday noon at the Marco Polo Restaurant sometime in January of 1985. On the following month of February, with total membership force of twenty nine (29), the club filed its charter papers to Rotary International which was subsequently approved on March 27, 1985 as Club No. 22550, with Rotarian Arcadio “Gabby” Gabriel as its charter president for RY 1985-1986. Among the club’s projects were the medical-dental service held in Barangay Barangka, Mandaluyong City, benefiting over four hundred (400) beneficiaries; “Complitary”, a computer literacy project started in 1999 that benefited 1,500 out-ofschool children; “Feeding Program” that started in 2003 benefiting 600 malnourished children in Brgy Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City; Pinugay Water System & Pinugay Mini-park/Playground in May 2006; Highway Hills Elementary School Water tank in April 2006; Oplan Cataract and Oplan Silip Mata in March 2006; medical/dental mission for 500 patients in February 2008 televised over UNTV 37; the construction of a one-storey school bldg. in Barangay Hulo in June 2009; donating books in various schools and barangay libraries; providing food carts to Persons with Disability; built a library filled with story and reference books for the school children of Ikpan Elementary School in Baao, Camarines Sur; constructed/rehabilitated restrooms for two schools; planted trees in a mountain barangay in Tayabas Quezon; provided scholarships to high school students in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte; and provided livelihood training seminars to various groups, including PWD-Deaf, for the making of hand sanitizers, among others. RCMC has also partnered with the organizations for Persons with Disabilities and had established a Rotary Community Corps (RCC) in Bgy. Plainview in 2015, which has been the club partner in the continuing community service projects in Mandaluyong City. RCMC has also sponsored its own Interact Club of Highway Hills Integrated School and a community-based Rotaract Club of New Zaniga as its youth partners in Mandaluyong City. RCMC has been active in District activities with its hosting of the District Halloween party in 2005 and 2017; Fun-Shoot in November 2006; Octoberfest in 2007 & 2012; Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in 2008; Palarotary in February 2010, February 2016, and January 2018; District Awards Night in 2013; and the Family of Rotary Day in 2020, celebrating 115 years of Rotary. RCMC aims to continue to improve lives in communities every day through its sustaining and significant service projects locally and globally, with a charitable heart, with a helping hand, and with a thoughtful mind. SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 16

,*(*- CLUB VISION STATEMENT “The Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Central endeavors to help the community with a charitable heart, a helpful hand and a thoughtful mind, to promote selfsufficiency, good health, and relevance to society. “ “Leadership is the capacity to translate VISIONinto reality.” Warren Bennis PAGE 17 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE

NEW GENERATIONS CHAIR Christian Estrella NEW GENERATIONS CO-CHAIR Elaine Duarte Gemmalyn Harper Maria Majella Tampinco Tzarie Guingcangco Anna F. Andres Heresito T. Fulgencio II CLUB ADVISERS Simplicio M. Virtudazo, Jr. Gonzalo A. Capili Victor R. Buencamino Robert R. Castañares OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Irene Gallardo TRF DIRECTOR Jocelyn T. Sarte "Leaders CHANGE LIVES for the BETTER ” PRESIDENT Margaret Canlas CLUB ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR Mary Grace B. Marzan SERVICE PROJECTS DIRECTOR Adriel A. Bersola SERVICE PROJECTS CO-DIRECTORS PUBLIC IMAGE DIRECTOR Kent Rubino EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Jose D. Piñon, Jr. VICE PRESIDENT Serafin Songco SECRETARY Jona Bagaporo TREASURER Orlan Bibares CLUB TRAINER Ruby Lacuna AUDITOR Grace B. Guingcangco ASST. AUDITOR Flor De Leon TRF Director Jocelyn Sarte Ex-Officio/ Club Administration Mary Grace Marzan OFFICERS & DIRECTORS RY22-23 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 18

,*(*- ROSTER OF MEMBERS, CLASSIFICATION & ATTENDANCE PAGE 19 NAME CLASSIFICATION NOV. 21 DEC. 5 1 Ellalyn Abutal Academic Administration 2 Nikki Amistoso Integrated School Education 3 Anna F. Andres Leasing 4 Jona A. Bagaporo Human Resources 5 Adriel A. Bersola Construction- General Contracting 6 Orlando B. Bibares Banking-Operations 7 Helen K. Buencamino Learning and Development 8 Victor Buencamino Properties Management 9 Gonzalo A. Capili Aviation 10 Roberto R. Castañares Resort Operations 11 Adan Delamide Law-Taxation 12 Flor De Leon Government Service 13 Natasha B. Din Public Service 14 Margaret D.Canlas Events Management 15 Ma. Elaina Duarte Education 16 Michelle Espadilla Elementary Education 17 Christian Estrella Personal Franchising 18 Olivia Fabale Mechanical Works Services 19 Heresito T. Fulgencio II Manufacturing-Trading 20 Gerald S. Gallardo Electrical Engineering 21 Irene G. Gallardo Restaurant Management 22 Grace B. Guingcangco Trading-Sales 23 Mamerto S. Guingcangco Construction- Real Estate 24 Tzarie Go Guingcangco Sales 25 Gemmalyn M. Harper Dental Nursing 26 Ruby R. Lacuna Accounting Services 27 Mary Grace B. Marzan Corporate Learning Solutions 28 Evangelista P. Oreta Construction-Training 29 Jose D. Piñon, Jr. Property Management 30 Edgard Reyes Audit 31 Kent C. Rubino Banking- Investment 32 Jocelyn T. Sarte Law- Documentation 33 Serafin S. Songco Health and Wellness 34 Ma. Majella Tampinco Vocational Training 35 Simplicio M. Virtudazo, Jr. Law-Litigation SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE

2012-2013 Gonzalo A. Capili 2013-2014 Gerald S. Gallardo 2014-2015 Ruby R. Lacuna 2015-2016 Orlando M. Bibares 2016-2017 Helen K. Buencamino 2017-2018 Heresito T. Fulgencio II 2018-2019 Kent C. Rubino 2019-2020 Jona A. Bagaporo 2020-2021 Jocelyn T. Sarte 2021-2022 Mary Grace B. Marzan PAGE 20 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE

,*(*- CHRISTMAS COOKING SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 21 LECHON BELLY WITH BACON SAFFRON RICE (part 1) Rice stuffing: ¼ cup olive oil 200 grams picnic bacon, cut into small cubes 2 pieces medium-sized onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped 5 cups cooked rice (sticky or Japanese rice) 2-3 small sachets saffron powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons curly parsley, finely chopped zest of 1 lemon annatto oil (heat up ¼ cup annatto seeds in 1/3 cup olive oil) Instructions: 1. In a large tray, lay flat the pork belly skin side down then prick or cut all the meat portion using the tip of a sharp knife then season or rub the meat on both sides with rock salt, garlic, ground pepper and freshly pan roasted crushed whole black peppercorns. 2. Place and chill in the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours without cover. Remove seasoned belly from the refrigerator and sew up both ends of the belly using an over-sized needle with the use of butcher’s twine or any kitchen twine until it looks like a body of a “lechon.” 3. Place again inside the refrigerator until ready for stuffing. To make rice stuffing: 1. Heat oil in a pan and pan fry bacon until golden brown. 2. Add in onions and garlic and pan and sauté until aromatic. 3. Toss in cooked rice and give a few stir until the rice is fully covered with the sautéed ingredients. 4. Season with saffron powder, salt, parsley and zest of lemon. 5. Continue mixing the rice until the lemon is aromatic. 6. Turn off heat and cool the rice. Set aside for later use. Ingredients: 2.5-3 kilos boneless whole pork belly slab 2-3 tablespoons rock salt, enough for rubbing 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 ½ tablespoons freshly pan roasted black peppercorns, crushed

,*(*- CHRISTMAS COOKING SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 22 LECHON BELLY WITH BACON SAFFRON RICE (part 2) To assemble: 1. Get the sewn pork belly and stuffed with the prepared bacon saffron rice stuffing. 2. Enclose both ends of the stuffed pork belly with foil and cover the entire top of the pork belly with foil. 3. Arrange in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven 350°F/177°C for about an hour then turn up heat to 375°F/190°C removing the foil on both ends, every 30 minutes’ brush belly with prepared annatto oil. 4. After an hour turn up heat again to 400°F/204°C and continue roasting until the skin of the pork belly gives a crackling sound when knocked. 5. Remove belly lechon from the oven and rest for 10 to 15 minutes before chopping. Yield: 10-15 servings (source: www.themayakitchen.com)

ANNOUNCEMENTS / UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE 23 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE February 5, 2023 Palarotary Marikina Sports Center January 14, 2023 Midyear Review Club Filipino

DECEMBER CELEBRANTS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 24

A newsletter is a regularly distributed publication that is generally about one main topic of interest to its subscribers. Newspapers and leaflets are types of newsletters. CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 25

,*(*- PAGE 26 CODE OF CONDUCT CORE VALUES OF SERVICE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE

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IMAGINATIVE PHOTO IMAGINATIVE QUOTE PAGE 28 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE “CHRISTMAS TREE” By: IATP Margaret Canlas

ENTERTAINMENT Answers next issue SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAGE 29 ANSWERS TO UNSCRAMBLE (12/05/2022): 1. Tennis 2. Badminton 3. Volleyball 4. Running 5. Cycling 6. Golf 7. Basketball 8. Soccer 9. Boxing 10. Rowing 11. Squash 12. Swimming GUESS THE CHRISTMAS SONG IN THE PICTURE

ROTARY INFORMATION PAGE 30 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE ROTARY PROTOCOL* Answers next issue *based on the lecture of PDG Edi Chua Co Kiong during Rotary 103, Club Filipino, Nov. 19, 2022. ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD (12/05/2022): Down: Across: 1. Treatment 2. Blood 3. Outbreak 7. Eradication 4. Vaccination 9. Disease 5. December 10. Mission 6. Educate 11. Health 8. Clinic 12. Doctor

THE OFFICIAL CLUB BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF MANDALUYONG CENTRAL