Rotary International, founded by Paul Harris in Chicago, USA in 1905, is an organization of service clubs known as Rotary Clubs with members referred to as Rotarians.
Rotarians are business and professional leaders who assemble in fellowship to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. These purposes are encapsulated in the two well-known mottos: “Service above self,” and “They profit most who serve best.” And the concise but beautifully worded test of the things we think, say or do.
With these lofty and honorable ideals, it was inevitable that the flames of Rotary would catch and spread throughout the world. The first club in Asia was the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) chartered in 1919, and a few years later in 1932, RCM organized its first daughter club, the Rotary Club of Cebu (RCC). RCC has grown into the mother club of the Visayas, and recently celebrated the significant milestone of 75 years of service to the community.
After five days of activities with local and foreign clubs joining in the service projects, medical missions and fellowship, the grand celebration was held at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel with representatives from most of its sister and friendship clubs, including Japan and Kota Kinabalu. A violin quartet provided the background music for dinner as welcome remarks and formalities were delivered. An innovative ballet performance was presented by the Ballet Center of Cebu. Also during the dinner, an interesting digital video reviewed the 75 years of history with many now forgotten faces vividly brought back to mind. Exclamations and sighs were heard across the room as fond memories of old friends were recalled.
A significant part of the program was the awarding of two lifetime service awards, which were the first ever in the 75- year history of the club. Past District Governor Rex Reyes and president during the 25th anniversary was the recipient of the first, while past president Dodong Chan was recognized for 33 years of perfect attendance, aside from his wholehearted and selfless dedication to Rotary. These two pillars of RCC were presented with plaques of appreciation by President John Domingo for invaluable service rendered to Rotary.
With the program concluded, the band began to play and drew the youthful and young-at-heart members to the dance floor to celebrate the 75-year-old club.