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June 18, 2002 * vol. 1 (42) |
Heart ‘n Pillars |
PAST PRESIDENT’S CORNER - Asst. Ed Dindo Astom |
My
Father Made Me A Rotarian BY PP VIRGILIO “Vir” CABADING |
ideals of Rotary
As a young boy, I personally witnessed my father’s remarkable
dedication and loyalty to Rotary. Tuesday was always a special day for him
because he looked forward to the Club’s regular luncheon when he’ll be with
his Rotarian friends. He always made it a point to attend the Tuesday
meetings because he believed that doing so would help the club achieve a high
percentage in the district and at the same time make him a 100 percenter in
attendance. Except for certain days when it was physically impossible for him
to be present (e.g. when he became sickly in his later years) he was always
present and punctual in his Rotary meetings. The close friendship of my father with the late Mr. Sixto de Vera, then the Manager of PNB and the founding father of Rotary in La Union, was the very reason why he decided to join this worldwide organization. During the Club’s organizational stage, they were always together in every endeavor, such as recruiting prospective members; or hosting the sponsoring Rotary club members during their visits to San Fernando. |
Manong Six was also our frequent visitor,
sometimes even staying in our house overnight. They always discussed about
Rotary and the prospective members.
So, when this club was formally organized and Manong Six was elected
Charter President, he chose my father as his Charter Secretary.
His exposure to various activities in Rotary, either at his home club
or in the district, as well as in national conventions probably made him a
committed, dedicated and self-made Rotarian. He took his Club responsibilities
so seriously and passionately, such that at one time, in a fit of jealousy,
my mother told him that Rotary has become his second wife. In conversations,
my father would often boast that Rotary is the best among worldwide
organizations.
Such was my late father’s unwavering zeal for Rotary that he proudly
displayed all the awards, plaques and commendations he received from the club
and the district, either at home or in his office. What impressed me most was his total
adherence to Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which he used not only in the way he lived
his own life but also in inculcating discipline in his children.
Papa never became president of the club because he chose not to,
perhaps because there were several of us then studying in college. But he
always gave his all-out support to those who needed his ideas and participation. As Rotary grew in numbers (either in terms
of membership and the number of Rotary clubs in La Union), he felt happy in
the thought that he was one of the club’s pillar who brought the ideals of
Rotary in this part of the country. He
was also proud that I followed him into Rotary. Unfortunately, he did not
live to see his eldest son become President of the Club (1997-98) he helped
form and nurture. It was for this
reason that I accepted the challenge of leading the Club and dedicated my
presidency in his memory. |
PP VIRGILIO CABADING President RCSFU Rotary Year 1997-1998 Theme: “Show
Rotary Cares” |
I’m proud to be a son of a
full-blooded Rotarian. My father, the
late Councilor MAURO A. CABADING, SR., whose first Rotary name was MAURE
(later on shortened to MAU) was a best example of a true Rotarian who make
Rotary as his way of life. Truly, his thoughts, words and deeds were always
in accordance with the |
- editor |
Club FulFILlMent |
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vol. 1 (42)
* June 18, 2002 |
June 15: Testimonial Award of Achievement
for 100% attendance |
June 15: Golden Club Award |
June 15: Governor's Special Citation- Best
Editorial 'The Gold Leaf' |
June 15: Outstanding Youth Service |
June 15: Most Outstanding Community Service |
June 15: Most Outstanding Vocational Service |