2023 The Birth of Rotaract Club of HOPE 604
The first Discussion Forum that brings in the new members. Its like an information session about why join Rotaract Club and what is Rotaract Club.
The Rotaract Club of HOPE 604 was born out of vision, dedication, and the belief that young people can create meaningful change. Its revival began when Matt Caparas, Director and Past President of the Rotary Club Vancouver Mountainview (RCVM), entrusted Pamela Gervacio and Danvic Briones with the challenge of revitalizing the club. Both accepted wholeheartedly, ready to breathe life back into Rotaract 604.
The first meeting took place at the residence of PP Matt Caparas, with guidance from PP Dublin Deus, past president of the original Rotaract Club 604. Together, they strategized: to revive the club, they needed at least 25 dedicated members.
To spark interest and build momentum, they organized the very first Rotaract 604 Discussion Forum. Leveraging Pam Gervacio’s connections to Liza lending us their board room office, they secured a free venue. With the support of Bert Parungao, RCVM President (2023–2024), and initiative of PP Matt Caparas. The forum took place on August 17, 2023, at 288 West 8th Avenue, featuring esteemed guest speakers: Ron Shaw, Rotary Club District Assistant Governor; Ron Suzuki, Rotaract Chair; Jocelym Vissia, Rotaract Regal President; and Kaustac Ghosh, former Rotaract Regal member.
With the help of Jinkee Celestino, a strong supporter of RCVM, prospective members were invited, and the forum was a resounding success. She sponsored 5 new members, PP Matt Caparas sponsored Christine de Castro, Rhea Roxas sponsored 2, 9 new members were sponsored by Pam Gervacio, and Danvic Briones, RCVM Rotaract Committee sponsored his 2 children as well and Past President Dublin Deus retained his membership, together with 3 more previous members and continued to serve on board until current time. Inspired by the group’s energy, Pam and Rhea , already Rotarians, also became members of the club. Establishing the 25 chartered members needed to officially launch the club. Although not all members remained active, their participation was instrumental in meeting the requirements for establishing the club. The chartered members were:
The second Discussion Forum set the stage for electing the first officers of the newly revived club. Guided by AG Mary Anne Velayo and using modern technology voting by Kamila Mirvanova, the new leadership for 2023–2024 was formed:
- President: Christine de Castro
- Vice President: Kamila Mirvanova
- Secretary: Kristina Celestino
- Treasurer: Jinkee Celestino
- Event Director: Dublin Deus, PP
- Committee of Service: Ervin Arriesgado
- Social Media Committee: Amen Shafiq
- Membership Chair: Sterling Rios
- RCVM Rotaract Committee and Learning Facilitator/Foundation Chair: Pam Gervacio
All members were officially designated chartered members, and the officers became the directors of the club.
The Installation Day of the Rotaract Club of HOPE 604 took place on October 21, 2023, when all members were formally inducted into the club. This day now serves as the club’s official anniversary of formal induction, a milestone celebrated each year as a reminder of the club’s official beginning.
To inspire and engage the new members, the club launched its inaugural project: the Miyawaki Forest Method of Tree Planting. On October 28, 2023, over 30 volunteers participated, cementing the club’s commitment to service, community, and environmental stewardship.