Welcome to the third millenium, the 21st century, the year of the snake and the second half of Rotary Year 2000-2001. The current impeachment process has created a tense atmosphere, and then we also have bombing of civilian targets. I spent the yearend at my parents' place in Quezon City. I brought along my little kids hoping to bring them to sites in Metro Manila which I frequented as a kid, and later on as a young adult trying to make 'pasyal and ligaw' without a decent budget. Places like Luneta, Intramuros, Nayong Pilipino and Manila Zoo. I was sure that my kids, having grown up in the province, would be able to appreciate these places, and not consider them 'baduy' like many of my prematurely jaded nephews and nieces in the Metropolis. However, after the Dec. 30 explosions, we just stayed indoors.

The 5 day stay in Manila made me long for the fresh air of La Union, especially since there were little garbage piles developing into miniature 'Smokey Mountains' throughout the neighborhood. What is happening and who's in charge? Modesty aside, if our Rotary club were located in this neighborhood, we would know what to do!

Our Club Christmas party held last December 19 was a really lively affair. What with PP Aldy Dy trying to mimic Chavit Singson and the other senior Club members wearing Sta. Claus headgear, trying their best to look sillier than the normally 'silly' Rota-boys. With the very young set of officers elected for RY 2000-2001 last December 12, we can expect more of this during Richard Dy's term. Jerry Parlan and Edward Gaerlan who masterminded the crazy Christmas celebration, will no doubt play a big role in Richard's term, too! 

Another success was the Grand Christmas Party we hosted for the Special and Normal Children at the grounds of the North Central School. We hired clowns providing entertainment for the kids. I must say however, that the clowns were not half as entertaining as some of our Club Past Presidents can be.

The Balaoan Medical mission which we conducted last December 22, was the largest one we had in terms of number of patients ( more than 200 ). My special thanks to the Lorma Rotaractors, most of whom are Medical Technologists, who provided the free laboratory examinations.

Lastly, I hope we can have more 'fireside chats' like the one held in PP Ferdinand Fernandez's 'bachelor pad' ( yes, we were all bachelors that night !) also last December 22 ( and 23 ). Such fellowship activities turns us from 'once a week' acquaintances into real friends ( Gayyem in Ilocano ).

Today we will have a presentation of our Club's achievements by the different Directors as a preparation for our Mid-Year Review to be held in Vigan Ilocos Sur, this coming Saturday, January 13.