History
On its 16th year: QUO VADIS RC KATIPUNAN?
By Charter President JORGE L. BANAL, SR.
This once full-time Jaycee, not a regular Jaycee anymore starting 1980 but still red-blooded as 2008 president of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate ASEAN and 2005 National President of JCI Senate Philippines, was savoring the prestige of being a life-time JCI Senator (senatorship is the highest award given to a Jaycee member for dedicated leadership and exemplary achievements), when no less than past District Governor Oscar Inocentes, himself a JCI Senator, gently coerced, or should I say recruited, him to be a charter member of Rotary Club of Downtown Cubao where he became its 3rd president during the Rotary year 1987-88.
Turning back the hands of time, I distinctly recall in blissful reminiscence how the Rotary Club of Katipunan was born. It was some 16 years back, on May 8, 1992, to be exact, when the Club was formally chartered-with birthpains and all that characterized the spirited recruitment efforts for membership in starting a new club. But in retrospect, they constituted the source of satisfaction and joy for the people behind the establishment of the RCK in our Rotary District 3780.
For the order of the day for quite sometime has been camaraderie and friendship, fun and laughter, and the Rotary ideal of service above self. If only I could forever cling to those cherished moments and unforgettable memories, like a child hugs close to his breast his favorite toy, a most loved possession!
Chartering a new club was, indeed, a challenging mission to this past Rotary president as District Governor Special Representative, and a clarion call to gather the professional and other prominent people in the South Katipunan area for a worthy cause. And upon receipt of his appointment papers, this DGSR readily rolled up his sleeves and worked!
The ensuing recruitment blitzkrieg spelled never-ending telephone calls and continuing visits to, and series of meetings with, prospective members, primarily residents of St. Ignatius Village, Blue Ridge and White Plains. They were, consequently, briefed on what Rotary is all about and how it has touched the lives of Rotarians and the many people that have been served by them. And in retrospect, all the hard work, night-outs and little sacrifices were “labor of love” that paid off and paved the way for the birth of the RC Katipunan.
It must have been because of the quality of the initial membership core that the club zoomed off to a smooth and strong start to pursue its commitment of service to the community.
The initial meetings with prominent socio-civic and business leaders in the area were informal yet animated and courtesy of the then Blue Ridge Dinette which was owned and operated by the ever generous and amiable Rose Ballaret (for the records, she has distinguished herself with being the Club’s first lady president and the first to serve a 2nd term, at that!). Among the founding members, the stout-hearted men and women who stood up to be counted include past presidents Rose Ballaret, Letty Sablan, Amading Astudillo, Joe Legaspi and Leo Alejandro (on leave).
And the succeeding batches of Rotarians who joined to reinvigorate RC Katipunan stayed behind to become stalwart-presidents led by Jun Bautista, Kardy Lakhmani, Gaudy Rayo, Dennis Nakpil, and Vic Cruz (on leave). With enlarged attendees in the organizational meetings that followed, the newly-opened Whistle Stop Restaurant along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Libis, Quezon City (now stopped operations) which was then still undergoing finishing touches, was the unanimous choice as meeting venue.
And RC Katipunan became the first organization to meet there every Tuesday evening for more than a year for the simple reason that Whistle Stop was the first lovable and decent “watering hole” in that side of our little world during that time.
The Charter Presidency of JORGE BANAL, 1992-1993
The annointment of this representation as Charter President was actually the result of a veiled threat from a smiling DG Manding Gonzales: “Ikaw rin, masasayang lahat ng pinagpaguran mo at ng mga ibang ‘Loyalista’ dahil ang mga presidentiables-Jun Bautista, Amading Astudillo and Mon Lugtu, among others, refused to say ‘yes’ because they felt they were not yet ready to assume the ‘Herculean’ responsibility of the charter presidency.”
As this socio-civic leader-turned politician succumbed to some gentle arm-twisting, he somewhat played with generally-accepted tradition that one becomes a Rotarian president only once in a lifetime. And, hence, in spite of his active involvement in various groups and organizations, Charter President Jorge found time to do the lead role and “made things happen”, with his genuine enthusiasm and personal touch. And that started in earnest Rotary Club of Katipunan’s colorful history. Since then, RCK celebrates yearly its founding anniversary every last Tuesday of June.
The JUN BAUTISTA Presidency, 1993-1994
One year after its chartering, RC Katipunan was ready to flex its muscles and make its presence felt more strongly in the Rotary World in Quezon City. Auspiciously, the reins of leadership fell on the able shoulders of that suave gentleman Jun Bautista who oversaw the Club’s distinct personality forming from the mix of professionals that composed it and from whose combined persuasions evolved the club’s projects and activities. He now plays a vital role as 2008 club treasurer.
The AMADING ASTUDILLO Presidency, 1994-1995
The seed sown two years earlier continued to grow and spread its branches under the well-organized Amading Astudillo. Even busy as he was with his management consultancy work here and abroad, the Rotary spirit worked wonders under his presidency, which saw the Rotary Club of Katipunan becoming more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of people and the behavioral patterns of its officers and members. His words of wisdom are often sought by RCK.
The PERRY DELA CRUZ Presidency, 1995-1996
Under the inspiring leadership of Perry dela Cruz, RC Katipunan persisted to enlist more members as the “Katipuneros” and “Katipuneras” shared their individual talents and time to add more meaning and purpose to the Rotary Ideal of “Service Above Self”. Consistently demonstrating responsible leadership in all the positions he held in the District, PP Perry could have been our Club’s first valuable contribution to the crop of District Governors had fate been kind to him.
The LARRY MAGNO Presidency, 1996-1997
Rotary’s theme “Build the Future with Action and Vision” was given more meaning under the presidency of Larry Magno, as RC Katipunan played Lead Host with other clubs as co-hosts, to the Rotary Academy II held at the Philippine Medical Association Office, Quezon City, and as Solo Host Club to the Executive Training Seminar at Club Filipino in June, 1997. Discon ’97 was co-hosted by this Club at the UP Diliman Film Center and at the Manila Hotel. His expertise was put to good use as he took care of the Club’s billboards and PR-advertising materials.
The VIC CRUZ Presidency, 1997-1998
President Vic Cruz started his incumbency with a bang by holding the induction ceremonies of his 1997-98 team at the Mimosa Leisure Complex, Clarkfield, on July 12, 1997, where the RC Katipunan afficionados, their families and other Rotarian guests enjoyed overnight stay and duty free shopping. The Club’s hosting (together with QC Cubao) Distas ’98 at the Valle Verde Country Club on May 30 of the same year meaningfully complemented the series of club projects which included medical-dental missions and free eyeglasses distribution in Barangays Escopa I, II, III and IV, “Christmas Carol for a Cause,” and fellowship encounters.
The ROSE BALLARET Presidency, 1998-1999
The assumption of the first woman Club President of RC Katipunan in the person of the dynamic Rose Ballaret, a Rotarian with a mission to serve, added fresh service perspective. This ushered in a new chapter as the Club plunged deeper into community projects under her charismatic leadership, with the frequent togetherness engendered by these activities further enhancing camaraderie and friendship among its members. And with the inauguration of an ably- handled newsletter, the channel of communication was naturally improved which allowed RC Katipunan to continue making its mark. During her term, the Club was one of the lead hosts for the DISTAS.
The KARDY LAKHMANI Presidency, 1999-2000
It was during Kardy Lakhmani’s term as President that RC Katipunan’s strong sense of camaraderie fully ripened which led to joyous moments for the members. Kardy’s friendly disposition and his innate selflessness served as a unifying force that gave every member a strong sense of belonging. He was the friendly guy with the disarming smile for everyone, probably the most democratic and consensual fellow among the line of presidents. And his humility and generosity added up to his being well-loved by his peers and other Rotarians.
The Judge LETTY SABLAN Presidency, 2000-2001
With “Her Honor” Judge Letty Sablan at the helm of the 2000-2001 term, the Club entered the new Millenium with renewed vigor and boundless enthusiasm. Judge Letty brought to the presidency her solid experience in socio-civic and community involvement as a former Barangay St. Ignatius Chairman, and her keen analytical mind as a prominent lawyer before becoming a Manila RTC Judge. The Ideal of “Service Above Self” was given a fresh perspective and application which gave the members the added inspiration to climb greater heights of achievements
The GAUDY RAYO Presidency, 2001-2002
The 10th Club President was Gaudy Rayo, a soft-spoken but forceful speaker, be it in Tagalog or English. His pleasant disposition and a knack for achieving consensus turned the Club into one big, happy family. It was during his watch that the Club received an Outstanding District Award for community service. His ‘poetry’ whether impromptu or prepared has always elicited applause and admiration. He always delivers when given an assigned task.
The LEO ALEJANDRO PRESIDENCY, 2002-2003
We witnessed a no-nonsense administration of the RCK with President Leo at the helm. A hardworking businessman, he certainly applied sound business principles in his decisions. This enabled the Club to undertake more efficiently projects that were attuned to the objectives of Rotary. The Club eagerly awaits his return to active membership as he has established himself as a matured and responsible leader.
The DENNIS NAKPIL Presidency, 2003-2004
This debonair-president gave the Club the urge that lent a hand to our less fortunate brothers in the community. The dashing and bemoustached restauranteur of Dencio’s fame provided youthful leadership and spearheaded fellowship encounters which enhanced healthy relations among the RCK members. He has chosen to stay with the Club and shared off himself, tho in a modest way, in spite of his busy schedule.
The BOOTS RELOJ Presidency, 2004-2005
Celebrating 100 years of Rotary, Boots propelled the Club into the 21st Century with a number of notable projects. Under her leadership, RC Katipunan garnered several distinguished awards, like: Most Outstanding Rotary Club; Achievement Award for Club Service – Continuing Rotary Education; and Governor’s Citation for Signature Project – “The Men Behind the Wheels Education Program” Drivers’ Education Seminar Program.
The JOE LEGASPI Presidency, 2005-2006
Fondly dubbed as one of Uncle Sam’s favorite sons, Joe was a sober and serious president with a poker-faced sense of humor. He was hesitant to accept the mandate at first but was prevailed upon to demonstrate his brand of leadership and it was not surprising that he religiously carried out the task ahead. His breed of a Rotarian stands out as a leader who can be depended upon and who performs his functions to the letter.
The ROSE BALLARET Presidency, 2006-2007
Serving as Club President is “lovelier the second time around!”. The ever charming and generous Rose has consistently shared off herself so that RC Katipunan will be kept as alive. Her motherly and endearing ways have been greatly instrumental in preserving the camaraderie and friendship among the “katipuneros” and “katipuneras”. She was honored by the Club as its first president to be elected to serve for a 2nd term. And she selflessly did it-her way!
Our Rotary Club has suffered the normal “wear” and “tear” in membership and lost quite a number of old reliables, for one reason or another, thru the years-the likes of past presidents Larry Magno, Perry dela Cruz and Edna “Boots” Reloj, lawyer Celso Fernandez, Dr. Lino Pereña and James Mejilla, to name a few. And to replenish the loss, fresh recruits were registered and inducted in the persons of Vicente “Roy” Kayaban, Melchor “Mac” Nacario, Florencia “Baby” Lozano, Rafael Roman Concepcion, Lea Angeles Ng, Rommel S. Miranda, Cecilia A. Sanchez and Laarni C. Vidal.
Now “sweet sixteen”, we ask : QUO VADIS ROTARY CLUB of KATIPUNAN? Will the new members exhude commitment, passion for service and staying power, and be a real shot in the arm? Full-pledged Rotarians as most of us old guards are, we would like to think that the rising prices of petroleum products and socio-political-economic disturbances make Rotary goings-on a little tougher than before. But it is said that “the harder the obstacles are, the sweeter the rewards!”
And with renewed leadership spearheaded by an inspired and innovative President, Rotarian Lallie Tolentino, and warmly supported by a Board of Directors ( a blending of the young once and the young ones ), RCK welcomes the challenge as it looks forward to a service-oriented and exciting Rotary Year 2008-2009!