How to say No?

Why is it that the word "No" can sometimes be unspoken or cannot be uttered immediately to an offer? Why is it that it will take a thousand words to define the very simple word "No"? This is what I have encountered this morning when unexpectedly Past District Gorvernor Velez of Rotary Club of West CDO visited me here in my office earlier. It was flattering that someone like him who belongs to a high prestige group in the city personally came here to give the Rotarian application form to me. I admired and respected PDG Velez very much for his kindness and friendship to everybody irregardless of one's status in the community. And to say "No" from his offer is very difficult to do. I cannot simply utter this word but instead it took me much explanation justifying my motives of joining different rotary club instead of his. I have chosen a different group over his simply because I truly feel that this group that I intend to belong right now needs support for it to become a more strong organization. Since I'm in the IT field, I truly believe I can help them in giving information to people about what Rotary Club of Kalayaan is and its own way of reaching and helping the community. It was comforting when PDG Velez understands my intention and shows his warm support anytime. “Thank you Lord for allowing me to know a very kind person like PDG Velez”.

Rotary CLub Of Kalayaan District 3780

Last night, I joined the RC Kalayaan’s weekly meeting at P'joes Diner Limketkai. I received the invitation from the club president and allowed myself to attend and observe. Many of the Rotarians joined and actually I have conversation with. These past few days I am very determined to join a rotary club in our district because for one I love being in a group. And the idea of being a Rotarian gives me excitement since it is helping community at the same time enlarging the circle of professional acquaintances. While listening to their meeting last night as well as observing the dynamics of each Rotarian present, I said to myself "I finally found my group". I am quite determined now to continue attending their meetings for me to become a fully pledge Rotarian under RC Kalayaan. Last night also was an honor to hear a vocational speech from one the members/Rotarians, Fr. Olario a parish priest. He said and I quote "Success is not only being measured in terms of career achievements and richness but also in giving and serving without expecting for a return". And that is the greatest challenge being a Rotarian "Service above self".

The group of RC Kalayaan is very fun to be with and we describe it in our native language "Cowboy kaayo". Though last night was my very first to joined them and talked to them, I feel being myself already. Members can freely speak and share what's on their minds. Being first time in this kind of service, I wish to start little by little. I am still young and with GOD's grace and guidance, One of these days I would be able also to achieve the fulfillment of serving others , the acquaintances and camaraderie achieved by other Rotarians whom shall I say in their golden age now. The group of RC Kalayaan by the way is composed of men and women who's age bracket is between 30's to 50's. Each of them belongs to different industries and it was exciting mingling with them and knowing them well eventually. Deciding to join their group right now is a perfect timing for me since they will be holding their fellowship next week. This will be a great opportunity for me to meet all 40 plus members, I hope. To sum it all, I did enjoy the evening with them and it was indeed a privilege to know lots of details about Rotary Club of Kalayaan. There are still many things to learn like how they operate and do their projects but I am pretty sure I will be able to get all the information I need every meetings that I will be attending, definitely.

CDO Rotary Club 3RD Joint Fellowship

Last night, I have attended our city's Rotary Club fellowship at Ghana Lim Ketkai. I thought that was just a small gathering since I'm not much aware what's really the purpose of that event. It was actually not just a fellowship but also the launching of the 1st CDO Rotary Gawad Kalinga Village with Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez as the main sponsor. I was SO happy that I got the chance to meet and actually have conversation with the famous city officials as well as the major player businessman in the city. They were very accommodating and nice. That meeting was attended by 5 Rotary clubs in Cagayan de Oro City.The Rotary Club of Uptown CDO, Rotary Club of CDO Centerpoint, Rotary Club of Carmen Valley West, Rotary Club of CDO Far East, and the Rotary Club of West CDO who actually accommodated me well and sponsored me. My Sincere thanks to PDG Cocoy Velez , Chairman of Board Advisers for Rotary Club West CDO who personally accompanied me and explained to me how the rotary works and help the community. I was so flattered when Director Fe Juarez,mentioned during her welcome address how I was given the invitation to join the Rotary club. It was all started actually when I filled up an application form at the Rotary International website last July. I have never expected that the application was forwarded to my city's Rotary club officials. They called me up last Friday and invited me to join them last night. I simply thought that it was just a small gathering and have never expected that I'll be called in front together with the other invited guest. All of the Rotarians gave us a hand shake welcoming us to the group. It was so flattering. Miss Kagay-an 2009 and her court was also there speaking their motives and projects for the community. I was assessing everything last night asking myself am I in the right group. It's my dream to build a foundation someday and help the less fortunate. As I scanned the crowd, it feels that I'm not yet ready to face this kind of challenge and so I have decided to put on hold my membership for now until such time that I'll become fully ready to meet the requirements. Rotary clubs in the city has bigger projects and would really cost millions and not to mention the time it will require. I would love to join them but I think, now is not yet the time. Like what Mr. Manoloto said, also invited to join the group whom I also got the chance to share my insights, 'there are many ways in helping the community and it's up to us where to we feel comfortable and happy'. I was really glad I have met many people in there. Sir Roger Uy and Sir Chito Sarraga were also very kind to accommodate me. The food was great and I really enjoyed the evening. GOD Bless and Good luck to their future endeavor.