President's Corner

Last week, our weekly luncheon meeting was a full house as our very own Manila Rotarian, Secretary Carlos “Sonny” G. Dominguez, III of the Department of Finance, literally “brought the house down” with a very eloquent presentation of the advocacies of the department he heads meant to bring the change our country has come to know. His peculiar fine points on the taxes portion was, indeed, an eye opener for all of us, as he even alluded to certain justifications to emphasize his case in point. We hope that all his plans for our country would be carried out during the term of President Duterte as his views on business define a fresh start for our country.

As for updates within our club, I would like to ask you to storm the heavens for our fellow Manila Rotarian Sonny Arevalo who rushed to the Medical City last September 26, 2016 after suffering a cardiac arrest and is still in a coma. It is our fervent wish that he be saved and his life be extended so he could still enjoy many happy moments with us. Also, please pray for the recovery of Rtn. Nicky Villaseñor who has also been hospitalized last September 27, 2016 at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City for dengue. Let us pray for both of them as well as all our fellow Manila Rotarians that the Almighty will give us more years to touch lives and make a difference.

On a brighter note, it is with great pride that I announce the graduation of our very own hardworking Executive Secretary, Anna Kun-Toledo. She completed and graduated with a Master in Management degree from the Technological University of the Philippines. This adds another feather to the cap of our club. This will definitely enhance her capabilities of managing the Secretariat of our club. Again, our heartfelt congratulations!

After this meeting, PE Jimmie Policarpio is inviting all of us to attend the First Fellowship of our club which he is hosting at this residence at Pacific Village in Muntinlupa City. This promises to be another fellowship to remember as we endeavor to forge and enhance camaraderie among all our members.

Updates from around the district include the attendance of DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones and CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo at the 16th Induction and 15th Handover Ceremony of the Rotary Club of Hiyas ng Bacoor last September 22, 2016 at the Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park in Cavite where my classmate, ASP Jojo Jarcia was inducted as President for Rotary Year 2016-2017. The following day, September 23, 2016, DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and PD Armie Aquino attended the 8th Charter Anniversary and Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Manila Sta. Ana at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila where my classmate, ASP Linda Buenafe was inducted as President for Rotary Year 2016-2017. CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo was likewise present earlier during their Governor’s visit. The next day, September 24, 2016, DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones and CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the 7th Charter Anniversary and Mass Induction of the Rotaract Club of University District Manila at the Tramway Buffet Restaurant in Manila. Two days later, September 26, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday attended the feeding program of the district for special children led by the Solid Cavite, entitled, “Save a Life, Feed the Hungry” which coincided with the birthday of DG Ernesto Yu yek at the Rosario Elementary School in Cavite. The next day, September 27, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the Governor’s Visit of the Rotary Club of Pasay Business District at the Copacabana Apartment Hotel in Pasay City.

Today, we welcome Ret. Gen. Dionisio Santiago, former PDEA Chief, as he speaks on the administration’s drug war. 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.