In Focus: Past Director Henry S. Go

Inducted on: June 25, 2020 Pau Harris Fellow 2021 Membership Classification: Business Services - Business Assistance Service Club Position: Director RY 2024-2025 | Assistant Secretary RY 2020-2022

If you could have dinner with one person—living or dead—who would it be, and why?

I think I would choose my younger self. Maybe it sounds strange, but I would really like to sit down with him and talk. I would want to sit with my younger self and see him with the understanding I have now. I would probably tell him not to worry too much about some of the things he was worrying about. Some things that seemed very important then really were not. I would also remind him that not every decision would turn out right, but even the wrong choices would teach him something.

I don't intend to change the past. What happened has happened. But looking back, I can see how those experiences shaped the person I am today. Some things I learned easily, and some I had to learn the hard way.

Maybe that is what I would take away from that dinner—not a wish to change the past, but a better understanding of where I am now and a greater appreciation for the years still ahead.

What's one hobby or interest that most people in Rotary probably don't know you have?

I am not sure if you can call it a hobby. I like observing people and what is going on around me.

People are really interesting. I have learned a lot just by being around people of different ages and backgrounds. Sometimes they teach me things I never expected to learn.

When I am around people, I notice their character, how they behave, and how they handle situations, especially those challenging ones. Sometimes knowing what someone has been through helps me look at things more positively and put them in better perspective.

From these observations, I try to pick out what I find meaningful or interesting, put my thoughts together, and turn them into a lesson or message about life. I share these thoughts every day with my friends and my RCM family, together with a prayer and the Gospel verse for the day.

If you had one free day with no meetings, emails, or responsibilities, how would you spend it?

I don't think I would make any plans for that free day. If I plan everything, it can start to feel like just another day with things to do. I'd rather take it easy, spend time with my family, and see where the day takes us.

I would probably spend most of the day with my family, talking about things we normally don't get to because there is always something going on. Just being together, taking our time, and not worrying about what comes next would be nice.

And if I get some time by myself, that's fine too. Nothing special. I think the whole point of a rare free day is simply to slow down and enjoy it.

I would probably end the day quietly, thanking God for the blessings in my life and for the years ahead of me.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

I do not think there is one thing that has guided me through my life. When I look back, I think a lot of what has made me who I am today came from my parents, my family, my friends, people I have met, and the things that have happened to me; they all taught me something. There were other things I had to figure out for myself, and some of them were tough.

I am a fairly reflective and private person. I like to think about how I can make my life better. I don't always talk about what's on my mind, so sometimes people may misunderstand me. I usually like to think things through first before I talk about them.

But thinking things through also means that I must be honest with myself. I know I can't be right all the time. When I realize I was wrong, I admit it and correct it so I don't make the same mistake again.

Over time, I learned that knowing myself doesn't mean I have to have all the answers in life. I know there are still many things I don't know. That's why I want to keep learning—not only about life, but also about myself.

It means being comfortable with who I am and not always feeling like I have to prove myself to other people. I believe God sees what I do, and for me, that is enough. He knows what is in my heart, and that is what matters to me.

What is your favorite part of Rotary?

Of course, aside from listening to the speakers, I enjoy having a meal together, talking, and catching up with fellow Rotarians. Unfortunately, I don't get to join the evening fellowship gatherings as much as I would like because my 90-year-old mother lives with me and I have responsibilities at home. My social life is somewhat limited, so whenever I do get the chance to join, I treasure it.

Beyond that, I appreciate what Rotary stands for. The Four-Way Test and "Service Above Self" are things I can understand and relate to. For me, they are a reminder to ask myself if what I say and do is right, fair, builds goodwill, and helps others.

Maybe that is what keeps me connected to Rotary. I get to keep learning, stay connected with people, and hopefully be of some help to others. At this stage of my life, those things mean more to me than recognition.

What's one item on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish someday?

These days, I find myself asking less about what I can have and more about what I can learn, what I can give, and what I can leave behind.

It doesn't have to be anything grand. In my modest way, if I can reach out and give something back to society, that already means a lot to me. It means more than doing something just for myself.

That's the kind of legacy I would be proud of. If I can make life a little better for someone, that would be enough for me.

That's really what my bucket list is these days—those few things I still hope to do.

What I like best about RCManila is our membership meeting. I don't get to go as often as I would like, but whenever I do, I usually leave with something.

As a premier club, the Rotary Club of Manila is fortunate to invite seasoned resource persons from different fields to share their experience and thoughts with us. I learn a lot from listening to them. Even when they talk about their own field, I often come away with a better understanding of people, business, society, and what is happening around us.