Why I am Still a Rotarian

I have been urged by Editor-in-Chief Dhory Vicencio to share my thoughts on “Why I am still a Rotarian” all these years. I wonder what I have to say and write. It is not important to say that I have been in this organization for 36 years, nor to say that I have maintained 35 years 100% perfect attendance. It’s a cinch, really (not an easy thing to do). Rotary that I know of is neither a game of perfect attendance, nor a mutual admiration society. What matters is, I joined Rotary because I simply believe in helping others in need, in my humble way of serving.

I am impressed and deeply inspired by the two mottoes of Rotary- “Service Above Self” and “He profits most who serves best,” I have looked up to some leaders of our club, some of whom are still around. They may not have been necessarily Past Presidents of our club, but they exemplified the true Rotarian spirit. These are leaders and good followers as well. Service- yes, the reason for our continued existence, as an organized group.

"He profits most who serves best."

Here is where I have met friends whom I don’t ordinarily meet anywhere. These acquaintances have developed into long lasting friendships, one of whom is a PDG, who would jokingly greet me, “Angie, buhay ka pa ba?”, and follows this with a “BIG bear hug,” a brotherly gesture. One remembers that these words are blessings from HIM above. There are many others, like Rotarian golfers with whom I played several rounds of golf in the past. Incidentally, this was how I got invited into Rotary.

With all the Rotary activities and programs, I feel Rotary is also a source of therapy for a healthy and longer happy life.

If I may say, I had jitters speaking in public before I joined Rotary. I have developed my self-confidence later, especially with the opportunity of practicing my public speaking and communication skills. Rotary indeed has enhanced my personal growth- a continuing process of educating oneself to learn about the community, the country and the world. Rotarians practice the “Four-Way Test” which governs one’s ethical standards. In many decisions affecting my daily life, I apply this, and to others.

Modesty aside, in my younger years as a Rotarian, I was intimately involved in various club administrations. They were challenging assignments at that, like eight cumulative years as Club Treasurer; as Editor-in-Chief of our Club Bulletin, the Cañao—for 3-1/2 years; and for some years, as a member of the Board. I am just passing through as a Rotarian. I have enjoyed taking an active part in club projects.

The RCB Chorale has honored yours truly with the privilege to be among the “Paul Harris Fellows” of the club, thus contributing to the Rotary Foundation. Moreover, it was a great honor for me to be the recipient of the “Commitment to Service Award” given by R.I. President Glen Estess in RY 2005-05; a rare recognition for a Rotarian’s unwavering support to the ideals of Rotary for 25 years or more.

The “Pinnacle” of my being a Rotarian, I suppose, was involving my family; when my Spouse Coring, son Andre and daughter Glocel, and yours truly visited the R.I. World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA in 2006. My son Andre set the appointment date with the Secretariat, and drove us 150 miles to reach the place. The imposing 18-storey edifice seats the center of Rotary activities worldwide. The topmost 18th floor is where the R.I. President and President-Elect held their offices. With a Rotarian tour guide, my family was warmly welcomed, toured all over the place and had the opportunity to have a ten-minute exchange of pleasantries with the RI President. It was a memorable experience for my family to have visited that prestigious place called “Rotary One Center.”

With all these God-given experiences and surprises – I AM FULFILLED!