Saturday, August 31, 2019, started with much energy. The event is not purely medical like in prior years but rather a holistic approach to wellness.
Though no longer spring chickens The Secretariat (Flor Soriano – In-Charge of Logistics, assisted by Annie Padlan, Ruby Ferniz, Tita Nits Pastrana and yours truly) wiith some trustees like Yoly Alcaraz, Ernie Cruz, Brandy Brandares & Malu Jimenez woke up at dawn to be at the venue by 6 AM.
By 7 AM, doors opened to the Be Well Day at the MERALCO Multi Purpose Hall, a venue which has been the home of many Shell Club15 events through the kindness of Mr. Oscar S. Reyes. The usual Medical Mission has evolved into a holistic approach to wellness, inspired by Country Chair Cesar Romero under the direction of Club15 Chairman Baste Quiniones and supported by Club15 President Sammy de Guzman with the indefatigable VP and ball of energy, Raffy Capinpin.
All trustees did their part well – to name the new Board – Baste Quiniones, Sam de Guzman, Raffy Capinpin, Gerry Valentin, Ernie Cruz, Malu Jimenez, Yoly Alcaraz, Vic Sonsing, Janot Barretto, Ferdie Vasquez, Elma Figueroa, Brandy Brandares, Carol Manuel -and Visayas & Mindanao Trustees – Ven Lacustales & Boy Lacno, respectively. MC/Barkers Vic Sonsing & Yoly Alcaraz used their vocal cords to the max to cascade info, help in crowd control, provide entertainment when called for, even at times when they have to compete with colleagues eagerly seeing their friends, telling jokes which have been retold and enjoyed with undiminished enthusiasm and laughter.
The MCs announced that in the absence of an official photographer, prizes will be given to the “Best Action Shot”.
Lines for registration, Medicard and flu vaccines swelled early but crowding was ably handled which left enough time for lots of picture-taking, initiated by Baste Quiniones and superbly enjoyed by the participants. As we are all aware, “picture-picture” happens in any gathering.
The program proper started with a beautiful invocation prayer by Ruby Ferniz that God wants us to be happy and He is ever-caring about our needs.
In his welcome message, Chairman Baste Quiniones stressed that the new Wellness Day format was inspired by Country Chair Cesar Romero. He urged members to look at Club15 as a means to give and not just to take. He paraphrased the famous quotation from the late Pres. John Kennedy – “Ask not what the Club can do for you but what you can do for the Club.” He emphasized that making others happy, by serving and being kind will give us back happiness.
The first of three speakers, Dr. Gia Sison, was introduced by Mila Azanza, who aptly followed up Baste’s message to serve, by mentioning the gospel for the day – The Parable of Talents. She urged members to share their talents by serving. Mila extended CH Cesar Romero’s greetings to all participants because he cannot be present due to a prior business appointment.
Dr. Gia Grace Sison, a cancer survivor, mental health advocate and regular TV and radio host in CNN & FM 89.9 talked about Lifestyle Illnesses and what can be done at this stage in our lives in terms of eating properly and doing exercises during a regular day in the house. She encouraged participants to be aware of things that they can use to exercise in the ordinariness of the home like using mineral water bottles and canned goods as dumbbells, lifting a chair, walking straight on a line for balance and doing home gardening.
Janot Barretto introduced the Green Team of Baste – the PSFI Team – Pam Castro & Bernardo S. Camano, Jr., who came with agricultural produce like black and brown rice, string beans, finger chili which sold like hotcakes as prices were so cheap! To highlight the importance of the therapeutic value of Urban Container Gardening, there will be prizes awarded to participating retirees who will produce the highest yield using the 4Ps – Plan, Prepare, Plant and Produce. Pakbet seed packages were given out.
Jay Javier added 2Ps – Purpose and Priorities to serve as additional guides in gardening.. It could both be therapeutic and income-generating.
There was no need to introduce the third and last speaker – Atty. Rubin Cura, an adopted son of Shell Club15, long before he became an official member. He always wowed members with his emceeing talent in partnership with his “brader” Vic Pascual. Atty. Rubin has an equally-captivating singing voice and style.
Like in a BINGO session, Atty. Rubin drew maximum attention. From the view at the back, it was difficult to say if the group was sleeping or paying attention. However, when I went to the front portion, I saw that ears were glued to him as he explained Estate Planning, e.g., legitime, usufruct, donation versus sale of properties, holographic will, disposable assets, etc. Interest was so high we had to courteously cut the session as it was 4pm and there was a heavy downpour which will definitely create horrendous traffic jams. Thanks to Raffy Capinpin who sent questions to Atty. Rubin in advance.
We acknowledged the presence and support of our Chairman Emeritus, Terry Valladores, who braved the traffic from Meycauayan and Ortigas to be with us. Oscar S. Reyes could not make it because of a very nasty cold. I reckon Elson Dagondon, another staunch supporter, was unable to come due to a conflict in his busy schedule.
Thank you for the cash donations of our product exhibitors, Cherry Ducusin-Rivera, Efren Ayo, PSFI for the Pakbet seeds, and Dra. Luth Umali for the toothbrushes and toothpaste. Special thanks to Dean Pax Lapid who donated three sacks of Lapid’s Chicharon!
In Sammy de Guzman’s closing remarks, he thanked everyone for their participation and support. Furthermore, he invited everybody to the Christmas Party scheduled on December 14, 2019.
As we bid goodbye after the event, I saw Sammy de Guzman, thanking our very generous caterer and member, Teresing Bautista. She was deeply touched by Sammy’s kind gesture. Teresing added that she is very happy to be of service to Shell Club15.
As we go about in our individual races in life, let us be conscious of a quotation from John Donne – “No man is an island”. May our service create ripples of kindness and happiness for others. Let’s make our lives matter as we make people matter in our lives. After all, this is what life is all about.
As Baste always says – Kaya kapag sama-sama!