Growing stronger

In 1984-1985, there were only about 10 Rotary clubs in Quezon City compared to 95 clubs now. In fact Quezon City then was not yet a Rotary District by itself but only a part of Rotary District 380 made up of all Metro Manila clubs north of Pasig River as well as clubs in the northeastern provinces from Bulacan to Batanes.

At that time, a group of professionals, mostly lawyers with some government officials and businessmen were meeting regularly during lunchtime at a mini restaurant near Quezon City Hall upon invitation of then QC City Court Judge Oscar Innocentes, a common friend of them all. The group knew him well enough through personal contacts and professional dealings. He was also well known then as one of the former Assistant Fiscals of QC who became the nemesis and prosecutor of the “Big Four” criminal syndicate. “Oca” as he is intimately called, readily saw that his lunchtime friends had the potential of becoming a closely knit group of individuals well acquainted with each other and embracing the ideal of “service above self” as well as believing and practicing the tenets of truth, fairness, friendship and goodwill. He thought that he could organize them into another Rotary Club like the Rotary Club of Cubao where he was a charter director and later on president. 

And true enough, after several lunch meetings full of fun, friendship and camaraderie coupled with some serious discussions of service oriented projects, the group became amply ripe to be another Rotary Club in QC. Thus on January 22, 1985, it was chartered and became known as the Rotary Club of Cubao West (RCCW) with 32 charter members. Its charter officers were “Naning” Alinea, president; “Ben” Villanueva, vice president; “Joe” Rodulfa, secretary: “Ding” Tobias, treasurer; “Ping” Sison, protocol officer; and the following as directors: “Butch” Bautista, “Titong” Imperial “Mar” Laqui, “Bemby” Valencia, and “Manding” Zabala. Other charter members still active in the club now are “Bobby” Viray, who became district governor of Quezon City, “Joe” Ragos, and “Obet” del Rosario. Others who remained active for a time were “Tito” Galang, “Mon” Mison “Ben” Baysa, “Pacing” Advincula and “Boy” Santillan.

The charter officers and members were actually a conglomeration of individuals with sharply contrasting personalities and political persuasions, yet they merged and stuck together beautifully because there was no superficiality or pretense in their demeanor. They were all genuine people who never hide their weaknesses or flaunt their strength. The solidarity in the club became so strong and durable that it has been dubbed as the “club with a legend.”

And so through the years, RCCW grew stronger despite undergoing several “storms”. While the number of its members also dwindled during those stormy periods in its existence, it somehow managed to come back stronger and more solid. Now on its 27th year, the club remains as strong and solid as ever, composed of members with colorful, varied and clashing personalities of different ages and persuasions but nevertheless closely knit because of a common and intense desire “to make things happen”, and a firm commitment to carry out the various humanitarian projects and programs of the club under the Rotary motto of “service above self”.

To commemorate its 27th anniversary the RCCW will hold a “roaring twenties” party at the Quezon City Sports Club Music lounge tomorrow, January 26, 2012 starting at 6 p.m. The club’s incumbent officers who make things happen are: president Mel Velasco; president-elect Nes Atienza; vice president Alex Bernales: Secretary Michelle Cabrera; Treasurer Max Tan; PRO Josie Garcia; Immediate Past President Joel Sarmiento; and Club Directors Ven Martillo, Ayie Gonzales, Santi Rodriguez, Ed Trinidad, and Mel Waje. The Chairman of the organizing committee for this year’s affair is Joe Ragos. Also expected to attend the affair and given special tribute are Q C Mayor Herbert Bautista and his father Butch who is a charter member and Past President.

The RCCW members really have all the reasons to celebrate as they look back to a colorful and fruitful past filled with highly successful humanitarian projects which are also reasons enough for them to look forward to a promising and brighter future ahead.  

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