THE countryside ambiance of Villa Asucena in San Matias, Guagua was the perfect venue of this year's induction of the new roster of officials of the Rotary Club of Villa de Bacolor (RCVB).

And what better way to live up to their reputation of doing everything in style but by fine food courtesy of resort hosts, one live brass band, a keyboardist, and a throng of tasty delicacies as well as wine and booze that flowed relentlessly on every guest table.

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It was an evening to celebrate one fruitful year for the organization and the turnover of the leadership from Past President Jess Sama to President Diman Datu.

Indeed a very momentous event. The party was attended by Rotarian luminaries like Past District Gov. Jess Nicdao, Clark Development President Benny Ricafort, and District Governor Rolando "Oyan" Villanueva.

Guests from other Rotary Clubs from all across the province, even as far as Baguio, and officials from the South came in their full force. Rotary Central Pampanga President Ricardo Yabut was in attendance, along with Second District Board Member Edna David and Board Member Rolly Macalino.

"This is an event that signals another fresh start in the history of RCVB. We are proud to be well-awarded despite only a year in existence. I will not leave RCVB until it has reached its full potential and be in line with other Rotary Clubs in the halls of excellence," Sama said as he relinquished his post to Datu.

Datu said he is humbled by the many achievements of Sama and would surely strive for far greater excellence.

"Our focus for this year would be social and poverty alleviation programs for Bacolor and community involvement in many of our programs," Datu said.

Gov. Oyan urged RCVB to continue their programs and activities for their community with particular attention to increasing the quality of club membership.

"RCVB is very inspiring in the sense that it has surpassed the achievements of some Rotary Clubs in just a year of existence. Continuing this performance, RCVB is surely in for a good Rotary Year," Villanueva said.

The party went on through the rest of the night with a couple of us guests sharing fine wine and lechon with Ricafort and Nicdao, drinking to our hearts content till the late hours of the night.

For comments, suggestions, violent reactions, invites, hate mails, indignant rebuttals, and what have you, e-mail the author at ianocampoflora@yahoo.com or call 0927-5425466. (IOF)