Sunday, October 31, 2004
Pangan: All about the Midtowners
By Benjie R. Pangan
Non-Rotarians may be curious about the Rotary movement, its activities, members, goals and objectives.
I had the privilege of being invited as a guest of honor and speaker at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Angeles Midtown, through the courtesy of its current president, Engr. Romy Calara.
With a hastily-crafted speech on the functions of the Mabalacat PESO, I had the opportunity to meet with the officers and members of the club.
I must admit that I was impressed by the warmth and cordiality shown by the club officers and members led by Calara, the centennial club president; Dodong Balayan, vice president; Ariel Jersey, secretary; Mike Gumabon, president-elect; Jun Tiatco, treasurer; Dr. Noel Villamucho, auditor; and Jun Pingul, sgt-at-arms.
The present directors are: Raffy Enriquez, also protocol officer; Rene Sumang, ex-officio director; Modesto Puno, Rico Dimabuyu, Dan Daquis, Abel Maglambayan, Arnold Yabut and chessplayer Nestor Malonzo.
Previously, I had the occasion to attend the induction ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Angles Midtown last July 13, 2004. In that event, I have seen the fine camaraderie among Midtowners, witnessed the warm reception they have accorded guests and have observed at close range the considerable efforts expended to make the affair very, very successful. It was a good model of excellent time management and organization!
Incidentally, the guest of honor and speaker that time was John Paul "Jaypee" S. Cadaing, Centennial district governor, R.I.D. 3780.
Lest I forget, I must mention the names of the other members of Rotary Club of Angles Midtown. These are: Allan Arceo, Edwin Catli, Oscar David, Edwin delos Santos, Leomar Guinto, Luciano Gulapa, Pat Herron, Alex Indiongco, Sonny Lao, Greg McDougal, Mariano Navarro, Wildredo Pabustan, Henry Pabustan, Roman Palo, John Park, Ariel Racelis, Miguel Samia, Nelson Santos, Nestor S. Santos, Pablo Mark Soriano, Jonathan Tobias, Arnel Torres, Laureano Tuazon, Jr., and Dr. Ric Zalamea.
For the uninitiated in, and about, the Rotary movement, allow me to state its so-called 4-way test: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Ok, I asked our Rotarian friends what is the test is alluding to?
Like the other local clubs, Rotary Midtown has a weekly club bulletin, a pamphlet-type issuance which contains, among others, the brief history of Rotary International, Philippine Rotary history, object of the Rotary, messages, profiles, secretary's and president's reports, bio data of the week's guest of honor and speaker, the week's program and other information about the club's past, present and forthcoming activities. There is also the treasurer's report, make up and attendance roster and a classification survey of wanted positions of probable and potential Rotary members.
On the whole, the Rotary is one well-organized, synchronized and managed civic organization aimed at developing skills, talents and character of members. Not to be forgotten, of course, is the club's thrust to promote community relations and values.
If there's one group worth emulating, it is the Rotary Club, be it Midtown, Centro, North or elsewhere. It is one good way of training oneself to become an involved, committed and worthy citizen. Try being a Rotarian - it's worth your while.
(October 31, 2004 issue)
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