Paing Hechanova's book on Rotary's precepts

Rafael “Paing” Hechanova, a distinguished architect by profession has kept a low profile through the years, remaining so modest and unassuming that except for his peers in Rotary, the general public is unaware that he has been a highly esteemed and admired Rotarian for the past 41 years, and has served as director of Rotary International from 1996 to 1998. (It is Paing’s charming wife Mely who is often in the social limelight, a fact that does not in any way reflect on her.)

Paing has just written a book entitled Love for Others Is What Rotary Is. This was launched last Tuesday at the North Forbes Pavilion, and the circumstances surrounding the launch far exceeded the Rotarian precepts of caring, sharing and daring.

Let me explain. I was prepared to buy the book but to my surprise and everyone else’s guests (numbering about a hundred) each received free Paing’s elegant coffeetable book which carried the price tag of P3,000! On top of this largesse, guests were served cocktails and a sumptuous dinner (from which, incidentally, I begged off).

Prior to the dinner, former President Fidel V. Ramos, the night’s guest of honor, regaled the audience with humorous remarks sparked by a git-up-and-go spirit meant to fight off the blues attendant to the current economic crisis.

When Paing’s turn to speak came, he said (and I quote): “At the twilight of my life, after a journey of 80 years including 41 as a Rotarian, I felt the need to communicate with like-minded individuals who, day after day, are faced with decisions on their social, business or family priorities against a concomitant desire to help others.

“The Rotary movement is strong in the Philippines. It stems from our innate culture of wanting to help others. Yu find this in the ‘bayanihan’ spirit that has been handed down from generation to generation. You see this in our hospitable nature, our friendly faces and in our willingness to please and lend a hand. Our extended family ties enable us to accomplish more with the help of relatives and associates. We love being in the company of others. All these translate to a solid foundation for Rotary Service.

“But our inherent weakness is a lack of focus and single-mindedness; this can create problems in the long run and it is essential that we pass on to the younger crop of leaders, the same faith and enthusiasm that we have for Rotary and its motto of Service above Self — the willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. Service above Self and the Four-Way Test need to be embedded in our way of life, as well as Rotary’s other core values of friendship, integrity, leadership, diversity and capacity to work in service with others.

“As a Filipino, I can do no less and contribute my share in preserving our ideals of service.” Paing has been doing so for 40 years.

In concluding his speech, Paing profusely thanked his wife Mely who was always with him at Rotary’s various activities here and abroad, her moral support firm and unwavering. Author Paing also expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by his children Renna, Raffy, Raissa and Riana, pointing out in particular Raissa’s “invaluable assistance in the preparation of the book.” This features excerpts from Paing’s speeches covering such topics as the avenues of service, Rotary’s organization and programs, the Rotary Foundation, the President’s themes, Rotary today and the future of Rotary.

Paing’s truly inspiring book will encourage readers to become community-oriented, and will drive them to help alleviate the urgent needs of the country where, in these times of acute financial depression, the poor, the hungry, the sick and the disadvantaged have increased a thousandfold.

Hearty congratulations, Paing!

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As a personal note, I would like to add that my father, Sixto Y. Orosa, a doctor of medicine by profession, was a devoted Rotarian throughout his life. Owing to his known honesty and integrity, he was invariably voted treasurer, his fellow Rotarians having felt assured that the funds would be well-guarded.