‘Beyond The Ordinary:’ The Rotary Club of Baguio South Celebrates Selfless Service and Compassion

With a mission to recognize individuals from the grassroots level who exemplifies “service above self,” the Rotary Club of Baguio South (RCBS) launched “Beyond the Ordinary,” a project that recognizes what it truly means to be extraordinary and to have a heart that goes beyond the ordinary.

Through the project, the RCBS reevaluates what it truly means to be outstanding. They look for people who go beyond their ordinary livelihoods to serve. They seek those who do good deeds no matter what resources they have or don’t have without expecting anything in return. And they aim to pay it forward through sharing their stories and sharing the effect they inspire.

Beyond The Ordinary: Celebrating Heroes Who Commit To Service Above Self

RCBS Members, honored guests, and members of the media all came together on September 27 at the Capital Building to celebrate the project and its first honoree Marites Castro, a masseuse by profession and an exemplary citizen by heart.

Rtn Omeng Fallarme kicked off the main event with a little background of “Beyond the Ordinary.” It was then followed by a heartwarming narration by Rtn John Magallanes and the introduction of the recipient by Rtn Eric Coronacion. Afterwhich, a touching short video presentation showed the guests just how Mrs. Castro embodied selfless service detailing her commitment, sincerity, and generosity in helping others.

With her humble earnings, Ms. Castro has helped provide for the educational and medical expenses of kids in her neighborhood who are in need often leaving very little to nothing for herself. She has also given a new home to some of the kids allowing them to stay at her house, feeding them, and taking care of them as a mother would. As one of the school teachers who have witnessed her selflessness said, it’s Ms. Castro who takes the first step to help these kids. Nobody has to ask and she gives what she can without expecting anything in return. After the video, the room immediately burst into loud applause with everyone standing up and bearing warm smiles on their faces for Mrs. Castro.

The first lady of Baguio City, Ms. Arlene Magalong together with Ms. Corazon Aquino and other RCBS officers presented Ms. Castro with the award. And even in her acceptance speech, Ms. Castro continued to inspire saying that simply knowing that the kids are doing well in school already makes her very happy. With everything she shared with everyone in that room, it was evident that her compassion knows no bounds.

Indeed, it was a night of inspiration.  And before the evening closes, RCBS President Rowena Tabanda urges everyone to follow Ms. Castro’s example. Take the first step to help, be compassionate, and more than anything, go beyond the ordinary.