President's Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Our club, the Rotary Club of Manila, the First in Asia, definitely made a statement by having an eloquent speaker in the person of my co-Ateneo Law alumni and was never an ACCRA Lawyer, although I’ve known him for 25 years - since 1990, COMELEC Chairman Andy Bautista, as our first speaker for the Rotary Year 2015-2016. His brief but definitely informative speech was a wake up call for all Filipinos that we are definitely a “running” nation so to speak by having the longest list of candidates in almost any election such that the poll body is constrained to adapt ways and means to ensure more accurate elections results. This opening salvo is definitely an indication of the direction our club is taking this year with top brass speakers ready to feed our hungry minds with the information needed for us to succeed as a nation. We owe this to our hard working Program Committee Chairman Rtn. Tong Payumo and his team.

One of those dignitaries present was the Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Kazuhide Ishikawa, who was conferred honorary membership by our club.

On news within our club, AG/IPP Frank Evaristo and Rtn. Tong Payumo, assisted by our very own SC Ching Salazar, lead the turnover of the school house which can accommodate 132 students as well as the repaired school library in Tabon-Tabon, Leyte last July 14-15, 2015.

On news from around the district, last July 10, 2015, DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan and CoS Rudy Bediones were on hand to witness the changing of the guards of the Rotary Club of Quirino Manila Central during their Handover and 14th Induction Ceremonies held at the Legend Seafood Restaurant at the CCP Complex, Pasay City where WCP Ezekiel Koa received the mantle of leadership.

Last July 11, 2015, our fellow Manila Rotarians, VP Teddy Ocampo, PP Benny Laguesma, DCC/AS Alvin Lacambacal together with his spouse, Cath and IDCoS/ISDG/IPS Albert Alday joined DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan and CoS Rudy Bediones on the occasion of the Joint Induction Ceremonies and Benefit Dinner of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic and the Rotaract Club of Manila at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City with the theme, “Fire & Ice”. During this occasion, our club received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Rotaract Club of Manila, our sponsored Rotaract club, for our “unwithering support and dedication to nurturing and molding the club and its members to be role models, established professionals and stewards of community” and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rotary Club of Manila Magic, a Rotary club whose membership bulk are considered the pillars of the Rotaract Club of Manila, in grateful recognition of our “valuable contribution” to their club “as a Service Partner”. Both awards were received by IDCoS/ISDG/IPS Albert Alday in behalf of our club.

Likewise, during this event, for the Rotaract Club of Manila, WCP Ralen Marie Jimenez received the mantle of leadership from BCP Jan Michael Raleigh Cuales while for the Rotary Club of Manila Magic, BCP Marie Goldilyn Uy turned over the reins of leadership to WCP Orladel Berdiomil Tomampoc. Furthermore, sisterhood agreements were signed by the said clubs with their counterparts.

Last July 13, 2015, CoS Rudy Bediones attended the Handover Meeting of the District 3810 Past Presidents Council.

Today, we shall have our very own PVP Dr. Benjamin E. Diokno, Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, UP Professor of Economics and Former Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management who will speak on the topic, “Preserving Development Gains Amidst Economic Changes”. Hence, let us all participate by attending our luncheon meeting and by making our presence felt during the open forum which will follow his talk as I encourage each and every Manila Rotarian to take part in the activities of our club this Rotary year.