President's Corner

Last week, Sen. Leila de Lima gave us an overview of the issues hurled against her and her thoughts on the drug menace as well as the extra-judicial killings as she gamely celebrated her birthday in a belated manner with the World Famous Music Committee serenading her.

As for updates within our club, I wish to congratulate the next leaders of our club for Ry 2017-2018 after our just concluded elections last week, namely, Jimmie Policarpio, President, Babe Romualdez and Chito Zaldarriaga as Vice Presidents, and as Directors, Caloy Reyes, Bobby Joseph, Lance Masters, Issam Eldebs and Susing Pineda. Per our By-Laws, for that year I automatically become a member of the Board as Immediate Past President.

On a different note, I likewise wish to congratulate DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday and Rtn. Dong Benedicto, Chair and Co-Chair, respectively, for our club’s successful participation in the ALAY LAKAD 2016 with the theme, ALAY LAKAD – MAY PAGASA ANG KABATAAN last September 4, 2016. This committee is chaired by DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday and co-chaired by Rtn. Dong Benedicto where nine (9) of us, namely, DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday, Rtn. Dong Benedicto who was there with his wife, CoS/PP Cesar Ubaldo, SAA Lance Masters, PD Oca del Rosario, IPP Ebot Tan, PP Francis Juico, Alay Lakad Foundation President SDG/IPAG/PP Frank Evaristo and I braved an early morning rise to gather at the Planetarium and walk for a cause. After which, the Manila Rotarians ascended the stage for photo opportunities and to recognize our vital role in the Alay Lakad where our group regained our rightful place in the parade just behind the District Officers. Our deepest gratitude likewise to the ALAY LAKAD Committee for providing free shirts for the walkers, the Rotaract Club of Manila and the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila who joined us in the walk and also to our every generous Rtn. Rickie Yap for graciously hosting a sumptuous breakfast which benefitted both Manila Rotarians and Rotaractors alike.

Last September 6, 2016, DGN Rudy Bediones, PE Jimmie Policarpio, Rtn. Hermie Esguerra and I met in Rockwell to discuss plans for the Centennial Celebration.

Before I forget, I wish a ton of thanks to DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday, the Editor-In-Chief of the GML for featuring our Solar Panel Project at the Hospicio de San Jose on one entire center spread of the August issue of the GML. This definitely is the way to make some noise towards our centennial celebration.

Updates from around the district include the attendance of IPDG/PP Obet Pagdanganan, DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones and CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo at the 30th Induction and 31st Handover Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Rosario last September 1, 2016 at the Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park in Cavite where my classmate, ASP Julita de Jesus was inducted as President for RY 2016-2017. The following day, September 2, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo was part of the Governor’s Visit to the Rotary Club of Dasmariñas which was followed by its 26th Induction Ceremonies at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite where IPDG/PP Obet Pagdanganan and DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones were likewise present and where my classmate, ASP Ed Toribio was inducted as President for RY 2016-2017. The following day, September 3, 2016, SDG/IPAG/PP Frank Evaristo, turned over the mantle of responsibility as Chairman of the Best Class Presidents at ceremonies held at the Admiral Baysuites in Manila where DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones was likewise present. The next day, September 4, 2016, our club joined the Alay Lakad 2016. The following day, September 5, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo, DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday and I attended the Area Meeting of the district for the month of September at the Aristocrat Restaurant in Manila while DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones and PDG Vince Carlos attended the Dinner in honor of Rotary International President-Elect Ian and Lady PDG Juliet Risely tendered by the Philippine College of Rotary Governors at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City. The next day, September 6, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday attended the Governor’s Visit of the Rotary Club of Hiyas ng Maynila at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

Today is insurance day as we welcome Hon. Emmanuel Dooc, Insurance Commissioner, to our club, Asia’s First Rotary Club as he speaks on the Future of Insurance in this administration. I look forward to your cooperation as we endeavor to make our stars shine this Rotary Year 2016-2017 through meaningful projects and fellowships that will strengthen the bonds of Asia’s First Rotary Club.