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Sept. 8, 1999 |
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What Are We in Power
For?
By
Dennis O. Valdés
September is always a busy and expensive
month for me. This past Monday was my
wife Tessa's birthday. My two sons
celebrate their birthdays on the 12th and
14th, and my Mother-in-law, also known as
The Boss (literally), celebrates hers on
the 11th. It's almost the kind of month
when I wish I could take a short break
from Rotary. But I did take an oath to
serve for one year, so here I am!
Speaking of "service,"
Secretary Alvin came up with a new twist
on the word. You'll have to get details
from him, but suddenly the Rotary motto
of "Service Above Self" has
taken on new meaning for me.
Last week, IPP Miguel and I met with
Prof. Jun de Leon of the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA). We discussed the set up of the
first Board of Trustees meeting for the
National Living Treasures Foundation AKA
Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Foundation
AKA Gamaba Foundation. Quite a mouthful,
eh? And just as difficult to type, let me
assure you.
The foundation is being set up to improve
financing for the National Living
Treasures Awardees, Filipinos who have
taken on our traditional cultures and
keep these alive. Awardees include
traditional weavers, singers, etc. Think
of these Filipinos as National Artists,
but in the traditional culture mode
rather than Western art mode.
Interestingly, the entire idea was an
RCMA brainchild during the time of the
two Tony's: Laurel and Yap. And it is a
unique Rotary project because it was
enacted into a law, and this law is
implemented by the NCCA. The good news is
that the First Lady, Dra. Luisa Loi
Ejercito Estrada has agreed to be the
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
Fellowship is such a core value of
Rotary. The reason I mention this is that
our membership drive continues to hit new
highs, with so many prospective new
members being processed by Director Jun
Ymson. Jun has done a stellar job, with
six new members inducted already and
another 5 or 6 waiting in the wings.
We are targeting a grand Induction
Ceremony for our last Club meeting this
September. At that meeting, I hope to
induct all our new members to join the
huge and growing family of our baby
Rotarians.
I realize that without our fellowship
activities, many of these prospective
members would not be able to get to know
us and become excited about joining.
Instead, through the Cigar Nights, the
Sunday Golfs and Presidents Cups, we
allow prospective members to enjoy Rotary
and become excited about joining us.
Today we welcome District Governor and
Coordinating Chairman for Club Service
Ernie Salas to our meeting. DGCCCS Ernie
has been a key supporter of our Paul
Harris Cup in previous years and his
daughter, Rhoda, is my classmate as she
is President of RC Makati Dasmarinas. DG
Ernie is here to talk to us about Club
Service, of course.
Right after the meeting, our Baby
Rotarians and I go off to visit our
Rotaract Club of Pamantasan ng Makati.
They are having a seminar entitled,
"Breaking the Chain of Physical and
Mental Corruption." Hey, don't ask
me what that means, I didn't dream up the
title. Anyway, I'm supposed to give an
Inspirational Talk. Can anyone help me
here? I have no idea what to say to these
kids.
This Sunday is PP Bobby Chang's big day:
Alay Lakad. As always, breakfast is on
the President, in Chinatown. Tessa and I
will think of a special pakulo for those
that come. Let's all please support PP
Bobby in this event.
How do you all like our new venue? I
thought the view might be more enjoyable
and the aircon a bit cooler, allowing us
more space to enjoy Rotary. Reminder for
next week: no regular meeting at Manila
Golf. Instead, we have a Joint Meeting
with RC Makati at the Hotel Intercon to
listen to RI Director Bill Boyd.
Attendance is still a must, gentlemen, so
please be there. Meanwhile, at least for
this week, enjoy your breakfast! |
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