Lions Clubs District 204 Marks 34 Years with Gatsby Glamour and New Leadership

​The Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Resort in Saipan was transformed into a scene of Roaring Twenties grandeur on September 26, 2026. Under the vintage elegance of a Great Gatsby theme, 230 members and distinguished guests of Lions Clubs International District 204 gathered to celebrate the district’s 34th Anniversary, the inauguration of District Governor Lion Eden A. Mercado, PMJF, and the installation of cabinet officers and committee chairpersons.

​Anticipation for the affair began earlier in the week as visiting dignitaries and delegations arrived from Malaysia, South Korea, Guam, and the Philippines, where they were warmly welcomed by the Region 2 Lions Clubs.

​The evening commenced promptly at 5:30 p.m., guided by Masters of Ceremonies, Past District Governor (PDG) Roy Adonay, PMJF (Global Extension Team Coordinator) and Lion Daisy Sablan, PMJF (Global Service Team Coordinator).

​The festivities opened with the traditional Parade of Clubs led by Region 1 Chairperson Lion Patti Quichocho, PMJF, and Region 2 Chairperson Lion Alice Barbo, PMJF. District Governor Eden A. Mercado called the gathering to order, followed by an invocation and blessing of the food offered by Global Membership Team (GMT) Vice Coordinator Lion Alfredo Cabael, PMJF. Guests enjoyed an evening banquet accompanied by live entertainment before transitioning to the anniversary program.

​Marking 34 years of humanitarian service across the region, the official anniversary toast and ceremonial cutting of the cake were led by Global Action Team (GAT) Area 5 Leader PCC Anacleto Zamoranos, PMJF, alongside District Governor Eden Mercado and all attending Past District Governors.

​The formal inauguration commenced with the presentation of colors and the singing of national anthems representing the United States, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Palau, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Korea. Lion Judy Mendieta, PMJF (District Cabinet Treasurer), led the Lions Prayer, followed by the recitation of the Lions Purposes by District Cabinet Secretary Lion Marilyn Parnes, the Lions Code of Ethics by Second Vice District Governor Lion Natividad Bui, PMJF, and the Lions Song led by the region and zone chairpersons.

​First Vice District Governor Lion Marcelo Masilungan, PMJF, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by the formal acknowledgment of visiting dignitaries by PDG Monito Co, PMJF, District Administrator and International Relations Chairperson. Immediate Past District Governor Lion Ronald Hidalgo, PMJF, shared his outgoing message, reflecting on the district's accomplishments over the previous term.

​The highlight of the evening arrived with the Grand Entrance of the newly designated District Governor, who was introduced by her sister, Edna Mercado-Breis. Escorted by family, friends, the Saipan Fil-American Lions Club, and incoming cabinet officers, District Governor Eden A. Mercado, PMJF, made her entrance before delivering a moving and deeply personal inaugural address.

​In her speech, DG Mercado expressed profound gratitude to God, her family, and her mentors, reflecting on her own humble beginnings. She shared that she is a "living testimony that those who receive help can, one day, pay it forward," recalling benefactors whose kindness created a lasting impact on her life, even if she never met them. "Today, I have the privilege to give back, not because I have forgotten what it feels like to receive help, but... because I remember," she stated, underscoring why service is so meaningful to her.

​Addressing the newly installed Cabinet Officers and Committee Chairs, DG Mercado emphasized collaboration, stating, "I do not see you simply as officers or committee chairs. But I see you as partners in service". She acknowledged that while challenges and discouragement are inevitable, they should be viewed as opportunities for growth. Drawing on advice from International President Mark Lyon, she reminded the members that "Every setback can open the door to a new possibility. Every moment is a learning moment".

​DG Mercado encouraged Lions to reflect on their original purpose for joining when feeling unmotivated, allowing that passion to renew their strength. Using a lighthearted analogy, she added, "until we become accustomed to facing challenges, let us remember what to do when life gives us lemons. Slice that lemon, get some salt, and you know what happens next! We turn something sour into something we can enjoy".

​She concluded her address with a powerful call to action, establishing the theme for her term: "Together We Grow” which is aligned for this year’s LCI Presidential Theme- “Rooted In Service”, grounded in the legacy of those who served before us, strengthened by the commitment of those serving today, and ready to grow toward a better tomorrow". She urged members to serve with love, compassion, and purpose, emphasizing that "when every Lion feels valued and empowered, there are no challenges too great and no dreams too far".

​Following her speech, DG Mercado presided over the installation of the District 204 Cabinet Officers and Committee Chairpersons for the term.

​Congratulatory messages were delivered by District 354H Korea District Governor Lion Do-Wan Kim, PMJF; and the keynote address was presented by Lion Dato' Yeow Wah Chin, PMJF, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Area Leader for CA5F and LCI Past International Director, who was introduced by PDG Loisa M. Cabuhat, PMJF.

​Following the keynote, certificates of recognition, official resolutions, and gifts were presented by Senator Manny Gregorio Castro, and DG Eden Mercado. Recognition continued with the conferral of LCIF Awards and Club Excellence Awards by PID Dato' Yeow Wah Chin, DG Eden Mercado, Lion John Cruz, PMJF, and IPDG Ronald Hidalgo.

​Closing remarks were delivered by Event Overall Chairperson and GMT Coordinator Lion Loisa M. Cabuhat, PMJF. District Governor Mercado then formally adjourned the business proceedings, opening the floor to an energetic Gatsby-themed evening of raffle drawings and social dancing.