This Excuse Called Rotary
By: Ma. Theresa P. Valdes

Don’t think that my articles only surface whenever I have something to complain about Rotary. The bad and ugly side of Rotary only becomes a topic of argument when the President doesn’t mind "little old me." I have been totally busy lately with the opening of Gold Ranch, a restaurant that we were renovating over the Holy Week – this was the reason I wasn’t able to go on vacation or write articles.

So now that all that has been successfully completed, I can go back to my readers … if they’re still out there. I’ve been meaning to write about the GOOD side of Rotary to show my fair and balanced side – but I guess it has taken me a few weeks to do so. (I wonder why!)

Seriously, the greatest asset this Rotary Club has is its members. DOV’s term has been more bearable with the help of his Rotary boys – with Alvin way up there on the list. He has been such a great help and support throughout this year. He even attended the Mid-Year Review when DOV had to go to Sandy’s wedding. Then at the Discon 2000, he also attended – that is one event I refused to go to and participate in the Governor’s Waltz.

So when Alvin planned a Surprise Party for his dear Becky, I was just so glad to be right on time to greet her. We arrived only minutes before they both arrived. My quest for Obelix has become just as committed as Alvin’s and Becky’s, such that I now light a candle for them during my Wednesday Baclaran ritual.

Aside from Al, one of my faves is the best-dressed Rotarian – Eugene. Even if it is a fact that he has not been to a single breakfast meeting this year, he is present whenever I am… during the more exciting Rotary parties. I just love hanging out with him analyzing the suits of the rest of the boys and backbiting other Rotary Clubs. We have so much fun, especially when Marco joins us and shares his knowledge of roof tiles.

Of course, I cannot forget the mainstay Big Helpers – Bobby, Miguel, Arsenic, Paul, Coch, Mike, the Dongs, etc., etc. – who handle the real Rotary mission of charity work. My only regret now that DOV’s term is coming to an end, is that I won’t get to know the newer and younger members. It has only been lately that I discovered that Tristan is a great cook, that Carey’s wife Marisa takes tae-bo classes at their house (which is in the same street as our future house), that Marco is looking for a girl friend (… if only!) or that RJ parties more often than I do.

I only wish that I had more events to get the newer set more involved but maybe we can have the best and last big party with them in June. DOV tells me this will be called Sports Night and is also the turnover from him to Paul. All the Anns are invited so everybody please put this on your calendars already. As this is the last party I will be planning, you can all bet this is gonna be a great big bang! If there are any suggestions for a theme, let me know soon!