Some Peace Presidents could not
write their own piece for various reasons. So I was asked by Gov. Sue to help
by interviewing then writing an article for some Presidents assigned to me. I
was asked to interview many Peace Presidents actually, at first I thought it
was an easy task, but then my own work caught up with me too and I interviewed
only a few of them. Some wrote their own papers and just asked me to suggest
revisions and refinements to their papers.
I will post in this blog the
stories of those Presidents and a few District officials who helped the
District whom I have interviewed, or at least suggested revisions to their own
papers. Each of these Peace Presidents and Past Presidents have wonderful
stories to share, I admire their stories, and I think I should help publicize
those wonderful stories and MOMENTS in my own little way.
I will start with our own club
President.
Rosemarie “Rose” Antonio
Rotary Club of Taguig Fort
Bonifacio
Leading a small but compact club
is both a challenge and a blessing at the same time. A challenge because I
could count on not too many members to be involved in our various community service
projects. But also a blessing because club leadership succession is not a
problem and securing members’ support is easy.
My Presidency came as a surprise
for me. Way back in 2011, I was just a “baby Rotarian”. My presence in previous
club meetings was mainly to accompany my husband, Niel Antonio, who was the
Club’s Immediate Past President at that time. Few months after I was inducted
as a new member, I was groomed to be a President Elect, a big surprise for me
as I was not even expecting to be a Club Officer. I thought that my clubmates
were just kidding me. Then I realized that it was the real thing when I was later
officially announced as the club PE.
I was a bit nervous when I joined
the PETS as the thought of being a new or “baby Rotarian” was still heavy in my
mind. But when I met my would-be classmates, so many of them, plus the incoming
District officers led by then Governor-Elect Sue Sta. Maria, most if not all of
those doubts have been replaced by enthusiasm and friendship.
Club Presidency for me means responsibilities,
commitment and fulfillment. Sometimes it
can be overwhelming and definitely, it really is. Stressful, lots of work load, but it’s all
worth it. The reward is the feeling of
accomplishment and fulfillment, friendship and the joy that I have done my best
for my club and the communities where we have rendered various service
projects.
Rotary for me is a catalyst for
people to give community service on their own, willingly and voluntarily,
without compensation and even digging from their own pockets, and still enjoy
it. The friendship and fellowship with other people who hold the same ideals,
and service orientation makes the work even more enjoyable.
For one year, I have seen many
inspirational and heart-warming stories and community services. But the most
unforgettable moment for me was when we visited the Philippine Cerebral Palsy,
Inc. office in Makati. I and my
clubmates went there thinking that it could be a nice project to submit for our
Global Grant application. But when we were
already touring the facilities and different therapy sessions, I felt like I
was on the verge of tears just by looking at all those special kids with
disabilities, mostly wheelchair bound.
I always have a soft heart to
children especially those who are somehow deprived of a normal life and
physical well being. Life can be
perplexingly complicated sometimes. Lots of questions bombarded my mind then. Why does it have to happen to those innocent
juveniles? Why are they almost incapacitated
for life? Will they ever cope up and
have the chance to live a normal life? They
are so young and yet so helpless. 
The past 12 months have been a
tiring but fulfilling experience for me. I want to share these thoughts to my
friends and readers. I swear that if I did not become a Club President, my
appreciation for these thoughts would not be so
deep.
Be prepared always. Be flexible
and have back up plans when the original plans and strategies do not work. Know
as many details as possible, be immersed with the situation. Practice the “Art of War Principle” – know yourself, know
your enemy, and know your terrain.
Empowerment
comes not with pride but with humility and reason. Learn to utilize and share it. A true leader inspires values in action. A
great thought is geared towards realization.
An untainted principle and honest life is a noble life.
It is easy
to ignore and social indifference is everywhere, but a life lived with
fulfillment and responsibility is a big achievement.
I take
pride in my unrecognized contribution, however small. For without it, I may not
have given my best effort.
I may not
be the best among my peers but definitely, I have somehow touched the lives of
some deprived people. And, that makes me
happy and contented.
Commitment
is something that I always regard highly, a kin to responsibility. If combined with truthfulness, they are
definitely a perfect team.
Being a
leader requires a lot of dedication. Combined with strategy and planning, it
can lead to a path of unknown
adventures.
The
greatest legacy that parents can give their children is to raise them properly
and independently, prepare them for uncertainties in life and ensure that they can
survive and thrive.
--------------See also:
Club Planning Workshop, March 2012, April 02, 2012
Club Officers, RY 2012-2013, June 01, 2012
Club Relief Operations After the Manila Flooding, August 13, 2012
Art Peace 2013, April 24, 2013
Peace President Rose Antonio, May 23, 2013
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