President's Corner

The curtain call for Rotary Year 2014-2015 is definitely just around the corner. And what better way to make a fitting climax to an exciting year than to award deserving personalities and clubs for their exemplary performance in making the Rotary year one for the books. Hence, this coming Saturday, May 23, 2015, the Rotary International District 3810 Awards Night 2015 will be held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the historic Manila Hotel. This is hosted by the Rotary Club of Paco Manila. Time check for this event is 5:30 pm. Unlike all other annual awards held in the district in recent years, the district will recognize Rotarians who have given their time, talent and treasure to the district during the Rotary year that was as well as the respective Rotary clubs to which they belong to be billed as the “Rotary Service Award”. On this note, I encourage our fellow Manila Rotarians to attend this awards night in a Gatsby-inspired costume where tickets are at Php 1,800.00 per person.

On news within our club, our Valedictory Fellowship for Rotary Year 2014-2015 is in the works under the leadership of IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo as Chairman of the Fellowship Committee and Rtn. Hermie Esguerra as Co-Chairman. And what way to end an exciting year than to hold it at the home of the World Famous Chorale right at the Central Colleges of the Philippines of PP Babes Reyes, Chairman of the World Famous Chorale, on Friday, May 29, 2015. It will be held specifically at the Central Colleges of the Philippines Studio Theatre along 52 Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, near UERMMMC and SM Centerpoint. As such, this early, mark this red letter date, a Friday, on your appointment book as it will surely be a night of fun, friendship, fellowship and camaraderie complete with great entertainment singers where singing and dancing will be non-stop, not to mention the sumptuous buffet and bottomless drinks waiting for one and all FREE OF CHARGE. Your voluntary donation of your favorite wine will be highly appreciated. This early, i already wish to convey my sincere thanks and profound gratitude to my fellow Manila Rotarians who have fully supported me through their active involvement in the various club service groups this Rotary year.

On news around the district, I joined my Best Class Presidents last May 18, 2015 at the Past Presidents Council’s “A First Class Spring Blossom Presentation” hosted by the First Class Presidents as we were officially welcomed at a dinner reception held at the Midas Tent of the Midas Hotel. Earlier that day, DGE/PP Obet Pagdanganan, ICOS/AG/IPP Rudy Bediones and I were in meeting with our fellow Manila Rotarian Rickie Yap who is the Executive Vice President of the Manila Hotel for preparations regarding the District Conference under the governorship of DGE/PP Obet Pagdanganan which will be held sometime in April 2016 at the historic Manila Hotel.

Today’s Rotary Club of Manila Luncheon Meeting is a first of its kind for Rotary Year 2014-2015 as we will all be treated to a FREE LUNCH through the courtesy and generosity of The Standard – Defining The News which was made possible through our energetic Program Co-Chairman Rtn. Babe Romualdez. This luncheon meeting will serve as a Public Forum on Territorial Issues of the West Philippine Seas where there will be a panel of pro’s and con’s on the issue and who will likewise serve as our guests of honor and speakers. A pro-active open forum will definitely follow right after their respective presentations so don’t miss this one of a kind luncheon as I urge each and every Manila Rotarian to actively participate in the activities of our club on this final leg of our Rotary year.