RCDS: Kelwyn

Congratulations to our incoming president of the Rotary Club of Downtown Session Kelwyn Tan who shall be inducted into office on Sept. 10 at the Newtown Hotel.
He promised to continue the tradition of service of which the RCDS has been known since we started it in 1997 when then President Fidel V. Ramos inducted me into office as the charter honcho.
RCDS arose from the desire of a group of individuals to pursue common interests and goals which was civic, religious, professional, or service-related. The RCDS was to be gathering of service-minded businessmen and professionals who conduct humanitarian projects, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and work toward community building.
It was initially called a “P100 Club” because that was the contribution of each who drank booze and ate pulutan (sam luk) while having a “spirited” discussion at Luisas Café.
An authorization to formally organize a new group was sought it gave “godfather Rotarians” Rudy Asiatico (+) and Roland Wong of then RCBN and Eli “Pedped” Refuerzo of RCBS to not only be drinking partners but also advisers of the club.
There was no turning back then and the rest as they say is history. The club was formally chartered on April 17, 1997 and today, the club has been in existence for 23 years and going strong.
The past presidents include Doc Willy Occidental, Bobby Burgos, Bok David, Ed Canave (+), Sonny Estabillo, Mike Limbo, Alex Rimando, Vashi Pursnani, Danny Quinones, Fernan Sanchez (+), Manong Morris Palaroan(+), Ely Adora Santos Bautista, Laura Montes, Orly Tadeo, Amado “Dong” Dizon, Sonny Agcolicol, Jean Hamada Del Rosario, Karl Gabaen, Jennifer Aritao Herbolario, Joseph Rimando, and last year, Mike Tan.
Special mention has to be made about charter members Victor Keswani and Khitz Ang, who could have been president but opted not to, outstanding members incoming president Kat Gumaya, John Palaroan, Rob Ocampo, Faye Lizada Magallanes, Ernie Tuquero (+), Chris Jeric Villareal, Cris Baterina, James Jimmy Sayang-od and all (Sorry if I did not list you down. Memory loss) who helped the club evolve to what it is now.
So with our honorary members former Presidents Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; former Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Manoling Morato, and businessman Paul Lalwani who have generously and unselfishly helped the club grow.
RCDS president Kelwyn will lead and initiate to help achieve our dreams and continue serving our communities and we have his back. Carry on Kelwyn! Sigh.