r us Rotarians, simply knowing that many are benefited by our services is already heartwarming.  To be given recognition for extending service is even more flattering.  To be recognized as the most outstanding is indeed a magnanimous distinction.  Although to gain recognition was never our intention and never will be, I believe that the recognition we have received is a bonus we have gained from extending service without after anything in return.

Out of the 75 Clubs in the District, I am happy to inform all of you that we were chosen as the MOST OUTSTANDING CLUB in the entire DISTRICT 3790 during the recently concluded Mid-year Review held last Saturday in Tarlac.  Again, I would like to extend my profoundest thanks to all of you who made these things possible. I know that without your full cooperation and support, we will not be able to accomplish any of the things we have reported to the District.  Let us continuously live the example set by the Geese of the Northern Hemisphere who instinctively fly in perfect formation which allow them to reach distant places. We too must work in perfect harmony for the achievement of our planned XXSAY2K.

Supposedly, we should have known who is our DG for the Rotary Year 2001-2002, however, a Rotarian had challenge the nomination of the chosen DG.  For sure with this challenge, many of us are vexed on how our District Governors are elected or chosen?  Actually, the district has a nominating committee who looks into the qualifications of the aspirant who are then interviewed by a panel which is currently chaired by PDG Bong Joven.  Furthermore, the District have already started with the Rotary Academy which gives information and education to Rotarians in the District about Rotary, its objectives and other details. However, I am pleased to inform you that our club has started with our own Rotary Academy way back then and has been organized by PDG Ces Mendoza.

Incidentally, we have with us today, the Chairman of both the Nominating Committee and Rotary Academy.  In behalf of the Club, I officially welcome PDG Emiliano " Bong" Joven as Guest Speaker for today. I believe that he is the most appropriate Rotarian to discuss with us further, regarding the nomination of District Governors.

attends Rotary meetings without fanfare, sits quietly in a vacant chair, and listens to whoever has the floor.  When recognized he simply stands up, breaks a smile and waves his right hand humbly, then quietly takes his seat.  This soft-spoken and self-effacing man happens to be PDG EMILIANO "BONG" JOVEN. 

PDG Bong is a prominent businessman in Pampanga, the scion of the well-to-do Joven clan of Bacolor town.  A true blue Atenean, he got his education from grade school all the way up to college from the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science.  He is President of three Pampanga-based companies, namely Joven Farms and BAC Trading in Floridablanca and the 4PJ Corporation at Dolores, San Fernando.  He is also the Vice-President of Solid Group Finance, Inc. also at Dolores, the BAC Pawnshop and the Metro Pawnshop both based in Metro Manila.  Despite his hectic schedules and business commitments, PDG Bong still has time for civic-oriented activities, such as his involvement in Rotary. From a mere member of the Rotary Club of Dolores, he rose to become its President ( RY 1994-95 ) and subsequently District Governor's Group Representative for all Pampanga Clubs for RI District 3790.  Inevitably, he was bestowed the District Governorship for RY 1997-98.   PDG Bong's tract record clearly shows that his phenomenal rise to the top of the Rotary District ladder, is something very well deserved.  His term as RC Dolores President saw the construction of the Rotary Skills Training Center in San Fernando which has provided employment assistance to so many lahar victims.  This and other high impact projects earned for him the Most Outstanding President citation.  Subsequently, he became a recipient of the Rotary International Presidential Citation for community concerns and of an International Award for Friendship from RC Chang-Nyung, Korea of RI District 3720.  He was later elected by fellow chief executives in the District as the President of their organized league.  To top it all, our beloved PDG Bong has distinguished himself as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Benevolent Benefactor.

PDG Bong is very much married to his Ann Cindy, a pretty Business Management graduate from St. Joseph's College. The happy union has produced four bright future Rotarians.