19th District Conference of
Rotary International D3870

April 3-5, 2003
Cagayan de Oro City

Thanks for Gifts

Acknowledgment of

RI President’s Representative, PDG Dens

In GOVERNOR’S BANQUET

"To dream the impossible dream,

 To fight the unbeatable foe,

 To bear the unbearable sorrow,

 To run where the brave dare not go.

 This is my dream follow my star.

 No meter how hopeless.

 No meter how why."

More than 35 years ago, the noted English actor Peter O'Tool vividly portrayed the "Knight of the woeful countenance" in the film "Don Quixote".

The way he goes after his dreams touched me deeply. Also in 19 years ago, this song of “the impossible dream” inspired me to be a Rotarian. 12 years ago, it also inspired me to be a charter president, and 8 years latter then to be a District Governor.

And now it also inspired me to come from far away to your district conference, to become a round table Knight to support your King Arthur-DG Ruben, to protect your district.

It also inspired me to be a single wing angle to hold you’re DG, my aid, and all of you to fly, fly freely.

It also inspired me to be a very small dropt of water to joint with all of you to become a big dropt of water across the window of 19^th Discon. It sculpted a wonderful line in your heart in my mind and in our memories.

Tonight Becky and I receive a lot of gifts from you. Let me think about that J. Stone said: “The most visible creators I know of are those artists whose medium is life itself. The ones who express the inexpressible; without brush, hammer, clay or guitar. They neither paint nor sculpt - their medium is being, whatever their presence touches has increased life. They see and don”t have to draw. They are the artists of being alive.”

The completion of the 2003 District Conference is just such a piece of masterpiece. For many months DG Ruben & Chair & many Rtns used their “life” as the tool to complete this “Mission Impossible”.

DG Ruben inspired the members to put in their heart and soul for this District Conference. So DG Ruben & all of you are truly a ”Rotary Artist of being alive”.

I truly feel that all of you are modest and unassuming living Rotarian artists, who are quietly committed to the Rotary movement, using their life as a tool to exemplify the spirit of Rotary.

Now, except I very much appreciate these gifts. They will become Becky and I , our precious memories and also let me follow the example of all of you, become a “Rotarian Artist of being alive!”