Issue 1: The QC RACStar

“The Question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” - Ayn Rand The world is facing many crisis as I create this message for our Rotaractors. We welcomed 2020 with the Taal Volcano eruption and few weeks after, this Pandemic Virus happened. But let us not forget that the year 2020 also gave us the new Rotary Theme: “Rotary Opens Opportunities”. This New Rotary Year together with the Resiliency, Courage and Bayanihan of the Filipinos will help us get through all of this crisis.

I personally commend and want to send my appreciation for all the Rotary and Rotaract clubs who are continuously doing Service Projects and Online Fellowships despite the Pandemic situation that we have. I believe that no Pandemic can stop the heart of Rotaractors for fellowship and creating impactful change in our community. Let us use the resources, talents and skills that we have for us to be able to continue the essence of Fellowship through service in this time of catastrophe.

When I assumed office as your District Rotaract Representative last July 2020, i know that this Rotary Year would not be as easy as it seems but i know that it would always be worth it to serve passionate and genuine Rotaractors of our District. I am with you in Praying for everyone’s health, safety and that this Pandemic shall end very soon!

I personally want to thank our beloved District Governor Johnny Gaw Yu and Spouse Veronica Ho for their untiring and continuous support for the Rotaract.

Mabuhay QCRacstars! One City, One District!

Hasem Baladjay District Rotaract Representative - RY 2020 - 2021 Rotary International District 3780

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“We are all affected one way or another by the COVID19. It did not matter who we are in our society, students, experts, medical practitioners, lawyers, government officials, professionals young and old alike cower in fear and some have succumbed to its complications be it health, economic or psychological.

COVID-19 now classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, a new disease for which people don’t have immunity to is still spreading despite quarantine measures implemented in the last 6 months. But this should not be a call to panic regardless of how difficult our circumstances are. Instead, this should be a time especially for the youth to step up and become leaders whether it be in the confines of your homes or in the community where you belong.

Generations after generations, the young have always had that curiosity to change the world. I should know as I was once in your shoes, living a life of idealism and dreaming big for a better world. Living out the youth anthem “Next in Line” for many years to come, I have gone thru many highs and lows that come with my teenage years. From the end of a tyrant, to one of the most difficult of all financial crises, and of many years of turbulent social, political, economic and environment tides in our country – I braved it all.

Fast forward 2020, the once “young” Johnny Yu stand before you as your Rotary Governor. Have the years of struggle to change the world changed me? It did, but for the better. I fought for change and I am still fighting for change. The very idea of changing the world to make it a better place is what kept me going then and it still keeps me going up until now.

Now more than ever, you too can change the future. Aimed with the intrinsic attributes that sets your generation apart from the rest of us, you can do what you do best: self-organize, self-mobilize, and come together just as you have in the causes that you are passionate about such as climate change and HIV/AIDS Awareness that are serious and relevant issues affecting your generation.

Your active engagement with Rotary International’s program for the Youth dubbed ROTARACT is your perfect platform for change. Many have witnessed your pure love of doing good in the world with your various programs and activities that not only affect your generation, but the world in general. While some of you might think that its particularly difficult to effect change at this time of the pandemic, you have the endless opportunity of support from your Rotary Community and access to social media as a tool for more efficient communication.

Let me enjoin you to adopt these simple steps that you can easily do to change how you, your friends, families and your community can change the outcome of our battle against COVID-19 and ensure the future of not just of Rotary but the entire community thru the 1-2-3 punch combo: 1. Follow Health Protocols. Stay safe by following health advisories such as wearing of face masks, face shields, social distancing, frequent hand-washing and disinfection and observe curfew.

2. Educate Your Family, Friends and Community. Spread awareness about COVID-19 truths and recovery stories using online and offline tools. Prevent spread of face news that sows fear and misinformation.

3. Volunteer. Find opportunities to support your local communities individually or using your Rotaract Clubs. You can help promote youth awareness on what your generation can do to stem transmission and cultivate a positive environment that promotes positivity.

We need your leadership now more than ever as the COVID19 poses an imminent threat against humanity. By staying healthy and safe, we are one step victorious in ensuring that the future is within reach!

Johnny Gaw Yu District Governor Rotary International District 3780

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Some of you may say that it is sad to be young at this time of the Pandemic. Gone are the “Black Pink”, “Momoland” concerts. Gone are the sleep-overs with your BFFs. Most importantly, your allowance is “Gone with the Wind” as you are now forced to study at home in front of seemingly monotonous online sessions.

But there is a more disturbing social perception that belittle the youth that needs our attention. In the recently concluded UNESCO International Youth Day last August, there is perception about the Youth that is not encouraging. The youth have sometimes been accused of spreading the virus and lacking respect for quarantine and sanitation procedures.

Among other things, the youth are confronting new issues such as separation of social bonds as a result of lockdowns, mental health issues, access to education and to some of the population – access to employment.

However, truth of the matter is, the youth are among the ones most active in responding to the pandemic and helping their communities remain safe and develop coping strategies. In the UNESCO’s “My COVID19 Story” campaign, it was highlighted how the youth from the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Nigeria and Argentina demonstrated the power of the youth engagement in unprecedented time of crisis.

Here in the Philippines, I have the highest regard to our Rotaractors as I have seen resiliency and willingness to volunteer to do their share in our fight against COVID19. Under the leadership of DRC Aya Nicole Corpus and DRR Hasem Baladjay, we have seen positivity in coping with our current situation.

While the communities struggle with changing community quarantine guidelines, you have been unstoppable using available online tools to communicate and support one another.

To date, you have successfully gone through various online trainings for FREE and had a chance to win raffle prizes right at the comfort of your homes! You managed to pull together virtual events that foster learning and camaraderie.

So, who ever said its sad to be young at this day and age? I don’t know with them but from what I have seen, this crisis has presented endless opportunities for us to engage. All it takes is some creativity and fun – attributes that the youth seem to have an endless supply of!

Veronica Ho District Youth Service Chair Rotary District 3780

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“COVID-19 has created an unprecedented health crisis, disrupting the lives of thousands of individuals, as well as our society. As this pandemic expands, young people have been amongst those mobilizing to shape new forms of solidarity, demonstrating humanism and creativity even though they are amongst those impacted by the current crisis in terms of mental and physical health, learning and professional development, civic engagement and respect for their rights.

Rotaract, as an organization of young professional servant leaders, has shown impeccable resilience and adaptability amidst this pandemic. From conducting service projects, to club meetings; Rotaractors indeed demonstrate that any crisis cannot wither their passion in helping others in need.

In our very own district, Rotaractors have mobilized and played an active role in mitigating the sufferings of the population by organizing fund raising activities to support the anti COVID campaign by virtual seminars; inviting speakers from the medical and allied fields to speak on how to be safe this pandemic times, on how to avoid catching the virus, and on what to do once the virus was inadvertently acquired. Our Rotaract Clubs will continue to serve the community until this storm blows off.

The move to elevate Rotaract was a good decision, indeed. Our partners in service have gained confidence in the service of mankind like their Rotarian seniors.

It would be nice if due recognition be given to them.

A little praise and a back slap would do the trick to encourage them.

May they serve as an inspiration to not only young leaders but also to senior Rotarians.

Ligaya Nicole "Aya" Corpus District Rotaract Chair Rotary International District 3780

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Welcome to the first volume of The QC RACStar: The Official Publication of the Rotaract Clubs District 3780. In this material, you’ll find articles covering the accomplishments of our Rotaract Clubs and District. This chapter also features the works of the talented individuals that I am grateful to work with whose contribution made this magazine issue possible.

It has been a while since the Rotaract District 3780 had an official team who is working for a project delving on the public image of the district. As a newly appointed District Public Image Chair this is one of the flagship projects that I dreamt of.

Together with my Publication Team we promised to deliver the fruits of our Rotaract Clubs and District through writing despite the impediments the pandemic imposed on us.

With this first issue of The QC RACStar: The Official Publication of the Rotaract Clubs District 3780 I am serving as your Editor in Chief.

I would like to dedicate this first issue to my Publication Team who accepted the challenge to be a part of the family. I am overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions brought upon the assistance of my team, enabling the thoughts in my head to be converted to a well-rounded magazine.

Thank you to our Writers: PP James Cruz “Cachi” Cachuela (RAC Rotaract Club of Quirino - Quezon City), Desiree Castro (RAC Midtown QC), Marian Abio (RAC Mega Edsa) , Kimie Ann Balesteros (RAC Holy Spirit) and Rose Marie Letran (RAC Holy Spirit) for sharing their skills and talents in every article. Also grateful to Marianick Villegas (RAC San Franciscon Del Monte Malaya Achievers) and Maria Leonila Latoza (RAC Holy Spirit) our Proofreaders who moderated this paper and improved the magazine significantly. Many thanks to my Art Directors PP Tij Arbues (RAC Balintawak) and Ginia Pauline Caoile (RAC Mega Edsa). This would not be a success without you all.

My humblest praise to all the contributors who took extra effort even during these busy days.

To DRR Hasem, this is all because of you. Thank you for trusting me to serve under the District Team and for your full support to this project, my humble appreciation to DRRE Diana Isabel Desuyo, DRC Ligaya Nicole Corpus, Governor Johnny Gaw Yu and YSC Veronica Hoof Rotary International District 3780 for unceasing support to us despite your busy schedules.

To All the Rotaractors of District 3780 let’s move together.

We ask you all to engage and keep sending your works to us.

Let our motivations keep running and let’s make this world a so much better place.

As One District, One Rotaract, We Rise as One! Mabuhay!

Alfredo "Chie" Ladia Bullo Public Image Chair Editor in Chief Rotary International District 3780

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THE ROTARACT DISTRICT 3780

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THE DISTRICT OFFICERS OF ROTARACT DISTRICT 3780 RY: 2020-2021

DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

HASEM BALADJAY

JOHNNY GAW YU

Rotaract Club of Greater Loyola Heights

Rotary International District 3780

DISTRICT ROTARACT CHAIR

YOUTH SERVICE CHAIR

LIGAYA CORPUS

VERONICA HO

Rotary International District 3780

Rotary International District 3780

DISTRICT ROTARACT TRAINER MDIO CHAIR

LOUIE BOY DE REAL Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers

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DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF

DISTRICT SECRETARY

JOYCE DAMASEN Rotaract Club of Loyola Heights

SENIOR DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY

RACHEL DIANO Rotaract Club of Cubao

DIANNA DESUYO

Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers

DEPUTY DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF / PROFESSIONAL SERVICE DIRECTOR

TRISHIA SOLDEVILLA

PUBLIC IMAGE CHAIR

ALFREDO BULLO Rotaract Club of Holy Spirit

Rotaract Club of Midtown QC

CLUB SERVICE DIRECTOR

VALERIE DACANAY Rotaract Club of Mega EDSA

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE DIRECTOR

BHON MAR BALOIS Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers

COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR

JENNY BARSUBIA Rotaract Club of New Manila

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

DARIN GATONGAY Rotaract Club of Quezon City Central

FINANCE SERVICE DIRECTOR / FOUNDATION COMMITTEE

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

SOLOMON HERMOSO

MICHELLE ESTENZO

Rotaract Club of Balintawak

Rotaract Club of Holy Spirit

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DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY, REGION 1

DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY, REGION 2

DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY, REGION 3

PRINCESS SALONGA

MIRA PAYOPAY

JHEANINE TEJANA

Rotaract Club of Loyola Heights

Rotaract Club of Quezon City Central

Rotaract Club of Midtown QC

DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY, REGION 4

HAYDEE PADAUAN Rotaract Club of Midtown QC

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE, REGION 1

DARELLE AGUSTIN Rotaract Club of National College of Business and Arts

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE, REGION 4

JAMES CRUZ CACHUELA Rotaract Club of Quirino - Quezon City

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DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY, REGION 5

DEPUTY DISTRICT SECRETARY, REGION 6

AMIEL GONZAGA VERONIQUE LOLARGA Rotaract Club of Quezon City Central

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE, REGION 2

Rotaract Club of Midtown QC

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE, REGION 3

JAYSON MONTE DE RAMOS

RUBYLEN CEPE

Rotaract Club of Holy Spirit

Rotaract Club of Bagong Silangan

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE, REGION 5

MARIA ISABEL PIANO Rotaract Club of Balingasa

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE, REGION 6

REY BALLARAN Rotaract Club of Midtown QC

DRR Champion of Rotaract D3780 The District Awarding Ceremonies conducted last August 30, 2020 during the Rotaract District Leadership Training (RDLT) was a resounding success, and therefore, I would like to give thanks to the Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers and the District Rotaract Committee of Rotary International District 3780 for giving me all the opportunities.

The objective of conducting the District Awards is simply to give recognition to the most outstanding Rotaractors and Rotaract Clubs who exhibited only the most commendable performance for their Club, our District, and the communities that they serve. It is also the duty of the DRR to ensure that this event will come to fruition, even during the current pandemic scenario that we are all currently facing.

My sincerest congratulations to the 102 Rotaractors who were the awardees receiving Outstanding Awards and DRR’s Citations as well as the 64 Rotaract Clubs who garnered awards under different categories such as the Most Promising Club, Good Standing Club, the Most Outstanding Club for Service Projects, and of course, our Most Outstanding Club. You are all deserving of those awards and I believe that the Rotaract Clubs in our District will prove to be a shining beacon of inspiration for the next generation of leaders. I hope to see more awardees in the future.

I would like to officially thank my Classmates, the Champion DRRs for being that extra shoulder to lean on from April 2019 to June 2020. I will never forget all the late nights with coffee with my biggest ally in the Rotaract Committee, my DRC Nikko Carlo Cayaga. I also want to express my sincerest gratitude to my YSC Veronico Ho for all the support from Quezon City to Vigan going to Taiwan. I also want to thank the Inspiring District Rotaract Representatives for the support in giving recognition to the best performing Rotaract Clubs in District 3780 and for giving color to the second half of my journey as a DRR. Of course, my boss in Rotary, DG Bernadette Herrera, for being a very approachable Governor during my term. I will always be proud to have served our District with Governor BH. Thank you for all the time, effort, and support and for ensuring the success of the Rotaract Clubs for Rotary Year 2019-2020, and for giving me the most wonderful journey as a DRR. I would not have made it this far without you all.

IPDRR Solomon "Cholo" Hermoso Champion DRR - Rotaract District 3780 RY: 2019-2020 Rotaract Club of Balintawak

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COPING UP WITH THE CHALLENGE OF OUR LIFETIME Written by: ADRR James Cruz Cachuela Rotaract Club Rotaract Club of Quirino - Quezon City

With the rise in prevailing cases of COVID-19 in the ‘Land of the Orient’, our great nation, carried by our medical workers and the rest of our frontliners, is at war with this deadly virus.

While government workers and officials work tirelessly to assess and address the unprecedented damage brought by COVID19 upon the economy and the citizens, we are given both the luxury and burden to stay at our own homes. But given the economic, political, and social injuries brought by this pandemic, those of us who remained bound to the four walls of our homes became more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

With the rise in prevailing cases of COVID-19 in the ‘Land of the Orient’, our great nation, carried by our medical workers and the rest of our frontliners, is at war with this deadly virus.

While government workers and officials work tirelessly to assess and address the unprecedented damage brought by COVID-19 upon the economy and the citizens, we are given both the luxury and burden to stay at our own homes. But given the economic, political, and social injuries brought by this pandemic, those of us who remained bound to the four walls of our homes became more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

Countless jobs have been lost and businesses have shut down as fast as we can send a text message.

We are at what seems to be an impasse. We can no longer juggle our worries about the country and our concerns in keeping our health and own sanity intact. We need justifiable distractions. We need things to go back to the way they were. All those things we must enjoy for us not to feel anguish and grief.

Over the past few weeks, the Rotaract International Service team of RID 3780 has been in close coordination with RID 3232 in Chennai, India. With high hopes of finding ways to deal with the harsh gravity of these perilous times we dwell in; the two districts have put together a roster of experts in the fields of health disaster response, clinical psychology and public health.

They say that the first step in solving a problem is addressing that there is one.

The first international service project of RID 3780 made sure that the participants knew what they are up against. But more importantly, our participants must be cognizant of the countless ways we can do to cope up with life even when bore down with the recent events.

The 1-day webinar revealed the secrets of still living a peaceful life whilst in this pandemic. Here are some of the notable quotes from our speakers.

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When you pause, what happens? When you pause there is silence, and in that silence, we need to reflect, we need to listen, we need to think, and we need to act because these are difficult times. – Rtn B. Dakshayani Just because we are shackled to the safety of our own homes, we tend to forget that our homes are the best place to meditate, think, and reflect.

We must reflect on how blessed we are that we are still alive. We need to think about how we are going to keep ourselves safe from the virus.

We also need to act accordingly with the government’s health and social distancing protocols.

2. “Now is the time to celebrate humanity. This is one of the few coping mechanisms that you can use to feel good about yourself and being there for somebody else reaching out.”

– Rtn B. Dakshayani

3. “Together we can beat this Pandemic maybe not by coming up with a vaccine or an anti-virus real soon but by being caring human beings.” – Dr. Lou Mandalupe This plague that envelopes the world has shown signs of dire ramifications. Humanity is in peril. The tides of darkness have come again and the whole world is poised upon another threat to our civilization.

This plague that envelopes the world has shown signs of dire ramifications. Humanity is in peril. The tides of darkness have come again and the whole world is poised upon another threat to our civilization. We must unite; for this is the time that humanity needs us most.

Help. Reach out. Open not your doors; but your hearts.

4. “Stop worrying about what happened in the past, stop worrying what will happen in the future because you cannot change anything in the past nor in the future but you can do something about your present. So be mindful. If you take care of yourself now, you will have a tomorrow to look forward to.” – Dr. Lou Mandalupe The only way that we can affect our future is by doing something now. Wear your face masks and face shields. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands regularly. If we can manage to survive the harsh environment COVID has put us in, then there’s nothing that humanity will not be able to endure.

As human beings, we must not thrive inside the dark clouds of our thoughts. We must wash away the pain. We must cope. We. Must. Survive.

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RAC SFDM MALAYA ACHIEVERS: SHINE DURING CHAMPION YEAR WRITTEN BY MARIANICK VILLEGAS ROTARACT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO DEL MONTE MALAYA ACHIEVERS

The Rotaract Club of San Francisco del Monte Malaya Achievers (RAC SFDMMA) has once again earned the attention of District 3780. It has received various achievements during the Champion Year. The club was not only awarded as the 'Most Outstanding Rotaract Club' and 'Most Outstanding Community-Based Club' in the district. It also received several citations for its projects for the past year.

Here is the list of awards garnered and the corresponding projects: Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in Community Service: Rotadyip: Kaalamang Pananalapi Sa Unang Pasada, Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in Club Service: Malaya Achievers Club Administration Training and Seminar (MACATS) Year 8 2nd Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in Finance Service: P50JECT: Php 50 para sa PPE 2nd Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in International Service: Project Kalikasanayan / Kalikasanayan 2020 2nd Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in Professional Service: The Qualitative ELearning Session with Malaya Achievers (QuaReSMA) The Community Service project, Rotadyip: Kaalamang Pananalapi Sa Unang Pasada, aimed to promote the financial literacy of the Senior High School students of E. Rodriguez Jr. High School at La Loma, Quezon City. One of the goals of the project is to encourage and instill the habit of saving money at a young age. The members of the club challenged the students to save at least ten pesos per day until December. In partnership with Robinsons Bank, the club also helped the students open a savings account.

For the Most Outstanding Club Service project, MACATS Year 8 had the theme "Reconnecting and Igniting the Passion in Us!" MACATS is the Malaya Achievers' Club Service long-standing project which started in 2011. For the Champion Year, the goal of MACATS was to establish a relationship with the newly inducted members of the club with the existing ones especially those who have joined the club years ago (old generation).

The first day had a team-building activity facilitated by JCI. The activity gave the members a chance to reflect and cherish the value of the members as well as rekindle friendships. On the second day, the club held a meeting and elected their President-Nominee. (photos are from the facebook page of the rotaract club of san francisco del monte malaya achievers.)

Other than making connections, the goal of MACATS was to ignite the passion for service and leadership within the members, as this is the reason why most of the members joined Rotaract. But the real essence of MACATS is fellowship and having fun.

That is why this project is the most awaited club activity by the Malaya Achievers.

Though in second place, the Rotaract Club of SFDM Malaya Achievers made a huge impact on its community during the beginning of the community quarantine. Through its project, P50JECT: Php 50 para sa PPE, it was able to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Quezon City's frontliners.

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P50JECT: Php 50 para sa PPE was an online fundraising campaign made on Facebook. The club released an official "Call for Donations" post on its official Facebook page. It was able to raise a total of 75,322.27 and provided two batches of PPEs - one for the Lung Center of the Philippines and another for the Philippine Genome Center.

As for International Service, the club had Project Kalikasanayan/ Kalikasanayan 2020 (Project K) together with the Rotary Club of San Francisco Del Monte, Interact Club of Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. High School, and Arnel D. Mateo Partners | Data Privacy and Consulting, Inc. This project was a partnership between the Malaya Achievers and several of its twin clubs and other advocacy partners. Project K was an environment-inspired project for the benefit of the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment. It tackled pressing issues and sustainable solutions that create positive impacts and opportunities.

Project K is a platform to uplift the sense of environmentalism of all Filipinos to help the nation and its people become more sensitive and responsible for the environment. That way, Filipinos can achieve a greener and ecofriendly environment without reservation.

Last but not the least, the second Most Outstanding Project for Professional Service is The Qualitative E-Learning Session with Malaya Achievers (QuaReSMA). The project aims to teach the Malaya Achievers on the Rotary-Rotaract initiatives, understanding the essence of the organization as well as the value of Rotaract. The club members were challenged to take on the 24 courses from the Rotary Learning Center. Courses included short videos and presentations spanning from five minutes to an hour.

With all these projects under their belt, it is no wonder that RAC SFDMMA bagged most of the district awards. Besides these accolades, RAC SFDMMA also received several of the prestigious individual awards given in the district. These are the following: Most Oustanding President - Champion President Bhon Mar Balois Oustanding Rotaract Club Secretary - Mary Joyce Fernandez Most Promising Rotaractor - Christine Kyra Jean Galvez Outstanding Rotaract District Officers: DRRE Dianna Isabelle Desuyo, TP Francis Villamil and PDDR Louie Boy De Real

Promising Rotaractors: Leandro Milan and Scott James Choa Indeed, the past year was a great year for the Malaya Achievers. They have done a great job helping their community grow and help their members improve in more ways than one. With that said, District 3780 is excited to see what else can they bring to the table. This Transform Year is challenging, but Malaya Achievers will surely pull through. Everyone will be looking forward to how RAC SFDMMA will innovate and bring new ideas for its projects in the years to come.

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SOCIAL MEDIA: WEAPON OF GENERATION WRITTEN BY KIMIE ANN BALLESTEROS ROTARACT CLUB OF HOLY SPIRIT

For months, the on-going threat of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak had caused a major distortion and panic to the global community and still currently tops the global health headlines. Countless news and stories on the impact of this virus spread across the internet and social media as the epicenter for public opinion. Thus, social media platforms obtain a greater role in spreading news and updates prior to the global pandemic.

Some argues that the misuse of social media could lead to harmful effects to many if not handled wisely. Social media is indeed a powerful tool in identifying issues of the society as it has become an accessible source of information. In fact, a number of Rotaract Clubs have been utilizing different social media platforms to channel public awareness on COVID-19. This also includes preventive measures and other necessary precautions that could serve as a guide in order to lessen the chance of getting the said disease and evade the spread of the virus. Yet still, weaponization of social media incurs greater responsibility as it can easily influence the audience with the information shared. Before disseminating facts, it is very crucial to ensure its credibility through searching upon reliable sources so to retain its factuality and reliability. The users of social media should be wiser and more meticulous in checking and sharing information whilst facing this challenging situation.

Moreover, the distressing truth is that the vaccine probably won’t arrive any time soon.

We are all stuck with the same question: Until when will it take us back to normal? It is still uncertain when to get back to the life without social distancing, long quarantines, masks, restricted actions, and other regulatory measures. However, while there is no vaccine available for the cure and prevention of the illness, we could still become beacons of hope in raising public awareness and consciousness with the right and proper usage of social media platforms.

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. BEFORE DISSEMINATING FACTS, IT IS VERY CRUCIAL TO ENSURE ITS CREDIBILITY THROUGH SEARCHING UPON RELIABLE SOURCES.

86400

Written by: Desiree A. Castro Rotaract Club of Midtown QC

Carpe Diem, seize the day!

Make your life extraordinary, Look at the world in your own way, Then you shall not again worry.

Every second in every day, Carpe Diem!

Doth cherish life to aim, For all the fantasy be a reality, 'Coz every dream is not worth any penny.

Stand thy ground and rise above, For you cannot hide forever in your shell.

Never mind those who repel, For only you know what you truly love.

The best things in life are free, Better pursue it and flee.

Be larger than your life, Let your soul and heart on fire.

Rip out that page of the rule book, Because we are in pursuit of happiness.

The consequences come from the risks we took, So that we can fill our life's emptiness.

Live your life to the fullest, To be contented with no regrets.

There is more to life than death.

Every second in a day, seize the day!

-This poem of mine was inspired from a novel entitled “Dead Poets Society� written by N. H. Kleinbaum.

-There are 86400 seconds in a day.

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CHIE - RAC HOLY SPIRIT Editor in Chief

OUR VIBRANT TALENT

KIMIE - RAC HOLY SPIRIT

CACHI - RAC QUIRINO-QC

DESIREE - RAC MIDTOWN QC

Writer

Writer | Copy Reader

Writer

NIKKI - RAC SFDM MA

MARIAN - RAC MEGA EDSA

NIL - RAC HOLY SPIRIT

Proofreader

Writer

Proofreader

GINIA - RAC MEGA EDSA

TIJ - RAC BALINTAWAK

CHICHA - RAC HOLY SPIRIT

Writer | Art Director

Art Director

Writer

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THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS: CP LIGAYA NICOLE "AYA" CORPUS DISTRICT ROTARACT CHAIR, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTIRCT 3780 CHARTER PRESIDENT, ROTARY CLUB OF WEST CENTRAL IPP EXCELSIS ANGEL ILAGAN ROTARACT CLUB OF QUEZON CITY CENTRAL THANK YOU!

D OTOYOU W ANT SHARE YOUR WORKS? SEND IT TO: THEQCRACSTAR@GMAIL.COM

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