Fabulous fashion, melodious music, and superb solidarity – these will sum up the 40th Anniversary of RD Group of Companies which happened last June 9, 2016 at the Pacman Stadium, Brgy. Tambler, General Santos City. Exactly 40 years ago from the day of the event, the Riveras marked their name in the business community through RD Pawnshop as their first company. With this milestone, the RDians gathered together for a day full of fun, fellowship and festivity.
4 Ways of Celebration
CARAVAN. The day kicked off with a motorcade. Approximately 100 cars and company vehicles lined up and coursed their way from the oval plaza up to the Pacman Stadium. Drums and music accompanied the caravan. Various freebies were also given to the bystanders such as towels with RD@40 official logo. This was carried out to let the people of General Santos know that RD Group is celebrating its 40 years in business.
DOCUMENTARY VIDEO. To fortify RD’s drive to make known its celebration, a documentary video was created to recollect the roots of RD Group of Companies. In the video, two students, acted by RD employees, interviewed Mr. and Mrs. Rivera about how from a pawnshop RD was able to grow and expand into its present status. This documentary, entitled “The RD Story” can now be viewed in RD Group’s YouTube channel.
RD@40 MUSIC VIDEO. Another video which shows different companies under RD Group was also uploaded in the same channel. The striking feature of this video is its background song entitled RD@40. The chorus of the song conveys RD as a home and a companion in success. Its well-crafted lyrics and musical arrangement made it easy for RDians to learn. The video production portrayed RD’s operations and RDians dancing to the song. RD@40 theme song is a composition by Mr. Emmanuel Hope C. Gruzo, one of the RD Corporation’s internal auditors. Along with Mr. Gruzo, the song was performed by Mr. Joshua Madria of RD Fishing Group, Ms. Hashime Binatero of RD Corporation, and Ms. Carol Brizuela of RD Pacific International.
RAFFLE PRIZES. Another way of celebrating this momentous event is by giving back to the RDians who had been dedicated in their professions. Four (4) motorcycles and four (4) pangkabuhayan showcases were awarded to eight RDians. That was not the end of the prizes. The Malayan Insurance and Sendah Remit, business partners of RD Pawnshop had given away a 40-inch flat screen television and P10,000 worth of assorted gift certificates, respectively. These prizes surely added a thrill to the event
4 Exciting Activities
The day’s celebration is filled with games and contests which brought out the RDians’ spirit of teamwork. The RD Group was divided into four groups namely: 70s (RD Retail, RD Hotel Group & RDEX), 80s (APPSCOR, Arowana, Seabest, Celgas & GSMWI), 90s (RD Realty, RD Credit, Penbank & RD Pawnshop) and the 21st century (PBCC, Igloo, RD Fishing Group & RD Foundation). This classification was done to recollect those decades that RD had gone through. The groups competed in four exciting activities: RDeKaDa Festival, RD Festival of Talents, Group Hep Hep Hooray and RD Singing Bee.
RDeKaDa Festival required that all participants wore the fashion trend in their assigned decade. This contest served as a sort of introduction wherein each group showcased their quick dance performance and group chanting. The whole gym jammed and danced with each group. RD Festival of Talents was an opportunity for each group to create a presentation of their choice, i.e., dancing, singing, film exhibition, etc. This contest revealed that RDians are a bunch of multi-talented individuals. Group Hep Hep Hooray tested the teamwork of each group as they should be synchronized in their actions whenever it was their turn. The same teamwork was even more challenged in the RD Singing Bee game. In this game, a portion of the song will be performed by RD Talents, and then a group will be picked to sing the next stanza, chorus or rap with their own dance moves.
The 80s group got the first place in RDeKaDa Festival, RD Festival of Talents, and Group Hep Hep Hooray. For the Group Singing Bee game, the 70s was awarded the 1st prize.
4 Exceptional Talents
To pump up the event, four outstanding talents were invited. Neil Rey Llanes, the human beat box from Davao City who joined the Asia’s Got Talent 2015, impressed the RDians and the guests with his breathtaking performance. Zendee Rose Tenerefe, a Youtube sensation who appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, captivated the audience with her powerful song numbers. Marife Castillo, one of the finest hosts in Cebu, excellently conducted the program.
The fourth talent which debuted during the event was the RD Teatro. This is a group of RD employees from different subsidiaries who dedicated a time to practice after work to show the RDians a dynamic opening salvo. The event really had a way to discover and unleash the performers within RD.
4 Decades of Strength
Reaching 40 years in business is not an easy talk. It would take great dedication, diligence and faith. The founders always emphasize that God is the foundation of their success. Mr. Rodrigo E. Rivera, Sr. said during the event, “We are here to celebrate the goodness of God. We are here to thank Him, to praise Him, to worship Him because we know that without God our hard work, out talents, our plans, systems, strategies and all our best effort would amount to nothing. Without Him, we cannot do anything.” Mrs. Dolores C. Rivera fortified this idea by saying, “Today is a day of thanksgiving. God is the source of all blessings and we are but His stewards.” As recognition for the founders’ dedication and for being an inspiration, a plaque was given to each of them. Hon. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary for the Industry Development Group (IDG) of the Department of Trade and Industry and Vice Chairman and Managing Head of the Board of Investments and Hon. Albert E. Gutib, OIC-Director of DOLE Region XII, handed over the plaques to Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo E. Rivera, Sr.
Hon. Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera also graced the event to express his gratitude to RDians and encouraged them to work hard not just for RD, but also for the city and the country. Ms. Debbie Ann R. Riveral and Mr. Ritche C. Rivera, board members, also acknowledged the men and women of RD who are instrumental to what RD has become.
This historic event shows what RD can do in unity. It symbolizes how RD dealt with the tests of times. It signifies where RD is headed to in the years to come. And RD is Going Strong at 40.
(Mary Katherine T. Limbaga)