Bulacan, Philippines - While typhoon Frank battered different parts of the country on June 22, 2008, sixteen (16) young and accomplished professionals coming from the different Rotary Clubs of District 3770 answered a battery of questions of Group Study Exchange Program (GSE) Selection Committee at the Max Restaurant in Catmon, Malolos City, Bulacan.







Before the interview, a short briefing and presentation of the members of the GSE Selection Committee, nominees and representatives of the various sponsoring clubs was done. The luminary chair of the GSE Selection Committee, PDG Atty. Manuel Punzalan assured the nominees and their sponsors that there shall be a very transparent, credible and judicious search process as this is in accordance with the Rotarian ideals of truth and fairness and to uphold the dignity of the selection committee. Emphasis was made on the laudable gesture of District Governor, Miguelito Jose and his better half in inhibiting their clubs' nominees to join the search to prevent suspicions of partiality.

Other illustrious members of the selection committee were:



District Governor Miguelito Jose;
PDG Manuel Punzalan;
PDG Mauro Villamar;
PDG Ding Sandiego;
Deputy Governor Bayani De la Cruz;
Assistant Governor Pam Santos; and
Assistant Governor Joy Dominado.

These members were chosen in strict adherence to the provisions of the Rotary Manual. Their judgment was made in line with these parameters and percentages:
academic records (20%);
oral communication skill (20%);
personality & character (20%);
general knowledge of the Philippines (15%) and
professional/occupational experience (25%).

Four nominees emerged as regular team members from the selection process namely;
Brenda Lansang (93.7%);
Nancy Prodon (93.1%);
Antonio Tamayao (90.9%) and
Katrina Anna Carreon (89.6%).

Brenda is a professor in the Far Eastern University teaching natural sciences and
Nancy is an Associate lawyer at the Poblador Bautista and Reyes Law Offices in Makati City. Meanwhile, Toni is a professor and currently the Executive Assistant to the President of Cagayan State University and Katrina is a University Physician of the University of Sto. Tomas.

Two (2) alternates were also selected in the person of
Donna San Luis (89.3%) and
Abigail Oliva (87%).



Donna is an Associate lawyer of Calleja Saulog Law Offices in Pasig City while Abigail is the head of the Human Resource Department of Mariano Quinto Alarilla Polytechnic College in Meycauayan, Bulacan. They shall replace any of the regular GSE Team members in the event that any of them shall not be able to make it during the program schedule.

The outbound GSE team of District 3770 shall be headed by a very active and able Rotarian who currently works as the Secretary of the District, Ms. Leonie Francisco. Though single, Leonie is committed to play a mothering role and "pilot" to her team in the USA. She is very proud to convey that she has the best team members which she expects will make a great deal in performing ambassadorial tasks in the "land of the stars and stripes".

In a short interview with the six (6) GSE team members; they collectively articulated that the search was indeed tough and challenging as all the nominees were the "cream" of the various clubs. Brenda said; Many good experiences are gained the hard way. This was exactly what I was thinking before I had my interview for the selection of the GSE team. I felt incredibly nervous being surrounded by intellectually engaging individuals coming from diverse backgrounds who also excel in their respective professions. All I did was pray hard and constantly remind myself of positive thoughts until my nervousness evolved as an energizer. My next logical move was to develop an intense mental focus and to speak with clarity in answering the tough questions.

Meanwhile, Tony happily revealed that the selection truly reflects the panel's genuine Rotarian spirit and high ethical standard as he said; "I am profoundly honored to have been selected as part of the GSE team for RY 2008-2009. I give my highest salutation to the esteemed members of the selection committee for maintaining their commitment to give credible and transparent result of the selection process. The rigors, tension, and brain-racking interview paid off with my joining the top four of the GSE team bound to District 7350. I believe this will be a life-changing experience that I will never forget and will always be grateful of".

Facing the selection team was a paramount concern for Donna. However, she concluded that "things are not what they seem to be" as with her testimony; "Facing the selection team was scary, I felt like I was screened for American Idol. But right there and then, the judges were scrutinuous but so nice and pleasant. Indeed the selection result was objective and fair and I am truly grateful that I am in it as an alternate".

On the other hand, Abigail, Nancy and Katrina, respectively, have this to say about their own experiences about the selection:

"The search was an agony in waiting. This was my exact feeling that stormy morning of the interview. But when I saw the panel members' smiling faces, I knew it was worth the wait. And indeed it was, for here I am, among the GSE outbound team members for D-7350" - Abigail

I felt stomach jitters upon entering a room full of impressive candidates who are all applying for the Rotary Group Study Exchange ("GSE") program. I was also a bit intimidated that there would be a panel of seven members who would conduct the interview (as if I would do a thesis defense for the second time). Questions asked were really thorough, ranging from an educational, political and social perspective. Gradually, I felt relaxed and comfortable during the interview and enjoyed my interaction with the panel members. I left with a smile on my face, knowing that even if I do not make it, being part of the selection process was already quite an experience - Nancy.

Being interviewed, I felt like appearing before the Supreme Court with all the justices to investigate me. But when I greeted them, I saw kindness and a welcoming attitude. Having shared my thoughts and feelings, I felt a sense of belonging to the Rotary. I felt oneness with the mission of service. After the interview, I felt very deeply grateful to God and the Rotary Foundation for giving me the privilege to be part of its very noble and admirable program of caring and service. - Katrina

Indeed, the four (4) regular members and two (2) alternates of the outbound GSE Team for District 7350 have many delightful things to say about the selection. These experiences were inspiring, exhilarating and spirit-moving which made them look forward for more meaningful and valuable moments in their visit to the USA.

The team is now busy preparing their papers and presentations to ensure a wonderful once-in-a-life time experience in District 7350. Also, as a newly formed team, they are finding every possible way to unify their group and make it a professional, something that the Philippines and District 3770 could be proud of.

They shall leave the country on September 27, 2008 and are duty bound to be the "window" of the Philippines and messengers of goodwill of District 3770 in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, USA.

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