May 31, 2000

What are we in Power For?

By: Dennis Valdes

The past week saw 2 + 1 excellent RCMA events. I say 2 + 1 because only two were official events, but the other might as well have been official as well, since there were so many RCMA’ers there.

The first event was the 5^th Dynamic Duo Birthday Bash, by Dir. Eugene Go and Sec. Alvin Co. This year, the DDBB became an official event by virtue of Presidential Decree, especially in light of the fact that every RCMA’er was invited, the theme was in line of our last Quarter objective of having more fellowships and there are still a few RCMA’ers clamoring for events they can use as make-ups to make the 100% cut-off of May 31.

The event turned out to be super well attended. But of course, after all Tequila Joe’s is always a great place to meet and all the more so when hosted by the Dynamic Duo themselves. The best part was that so many Anns attended – it was great to see so many, as I believe this has been our first "Rotarian with Ann Get Together" this year.

The following evening was the unofficial RCMA event – the 25^th Anniversary of Gendiesel in the Philippines, hosted by Gendiesel Czar and RCMA stalwart, PP T.R. Mohan. Eyewitnesses claim that T.R. was misty-eyed at times during the ceremonies. Could that be true?

A slight digression, if I may. As the club gets larger and larger, there will be many more events in future where members may feel that they cannot invite the entire club but are embarrassed about it. Well, I think we should as a club encourage more members to be open about events and not inviting everyone. After all, we cannot all be as gallante as the Dynamic Duo.

Saturday was the second official RCMA event: the President’s Cup. The P Cup was very well attended – as all our golf events tend to be. I shot an 84 at Midlands, which I believe would have won the tournament, except that it was on Sunday, the day after the P Cup. Unfortunately, I was totally sick from Thursday to Saturday and missed both the P Cup and the Gendiesel Anniversary. Many thanks to the ever-reliable, unbelievably healthy Club Secretary, Alvin, once again, for organizing the P Cup when Sports Chairman Dindo Litonjua also got sick.

Which brings me to another digression. Starting Monday, May 29^th, there will be another Rotary event at Manila Golf. The District 3830 Bi-weekly Fellowship, which will be held every 2^nd Monday evening at the Fairways Dining Room. Of course, this being our "home turf" I hope that many RCMA’ers will attend when they can. The host of the District Fellowships next Rotary year will be our very own PP Bobby Chang.

PP Arsenic Laurel is starting a new Sports Fellowship and we hope this will catch on – Wednesday Night Softball Games! The first match is scheduled for tonight at the Polo Club diamond featuring the Incoming Team, with Captain Paul Chuatico, taking on the Outgoing Team, with yours truly as Captain. The best part is that aside from Rotary Fellowship, we get to bond with our young kids, many of whom will be joining in the hostilities. More next week on the results.

Speaking of PE Paul, this Friday to Saturday is his Planning Session for the Jubilee Rotary Year, RY 2000-2001. Every director is already looking forward to the event, which will be held at the Bayview Hotel in Roxas Boulevard. Just the sort of event to keep us chewing, as we enjoy our breakfasts this morning!