Invocation

Let’s put ourselves in the presence of the Lord.

Thank you Lord for this special gathering as today marks our renewed hope against the crisis of truth in our culture and our nation, as we can still find rare breed of people, like the ones who will be awarded here today with journalism awards, who are braving the fear of speaking or writing the truth, in a word where it is often a difficult challenge to pursue and live the truth.

We pray that these handful of gems will continuously be inspired to adhere to the codes and principles of journalism — Truthfulness, Accuracy, Objectivity, Impartiality, and Public Accountability, despite the difficulty of upholding them consistently in a real world that is always compromised to fit in our own comfort level and our culture.

Lord, always bless these extra ordinary men and women with courage in the cause of truth...With boldness to speak it openly and clearly even when it is unpopular or even in the face of adverse consequence.

We also pray that this momentous occasion will remind the rest of us here today that while our lives here are temporary, we can always choose to leave behind legacies that will inspire the next generation.

Lord, we lift up to you every detail of this occasion and may your blessings and protection be upon us today and always. Lord Bless the Rotary Club of Manila its members and officers and its pursuit to spread the ideals and principles of Rotary Movement. God Bless the Filipino people and our country the PHILIPPINES. Amen!