President’s Corner

Last week, His Excellency Ephraim Ben Matityau, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to the Philippines, gave Manila Rotarians, visiting Rotarians and guests who were present, a glimpse of the Promised Land of Israel and how places in that country shaped the history of mankind.

As for updates within our club, grief has again stricken our storied club with the demise of Rtn. Dante “Sonny” Arevalo, one of our very active Rotarians who has touched the lives of many in our club, last October 15, 2016 after being in coma for several days. Necrological services by our club were held last October 18, 2016 at the Loyola Sucat Columbarium Chapel after the 4pm mass. We also condole with Rtns Ricky and Michael Yap, whose grandmother – Dona Lydia Yap joined our Creator. On this note, I exhort each one of you to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and that the myriad of Manila Rotarians who have gone before him embrace him with open arms as he rests with the angels in heaven.

On a more positive note, I wish to thank everyone who attended our annual Oktoberfest Fellowship hosted by our German and other European Manila Rotarians at the German Club in Makati City last October 19, 2016. As with recent years, this has proven to be the most attended gathering of almost any Rotary year as Manila Rotarians feasted on German delicacies and raised their mugs in toasting to the success of our club. To our German and other European Manila Rotarians who hosted this event, a depth of gratitude for your generosity in continuously hosting this yearly event.

Updates from around the district include the attendance of CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday at the District Oktoberfest held last October 14, 2016 at Tamayo’s Villa Immaculada in Intramuros, Manila. Four days later, October 18, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the Governor’s Visit of the Rotary Club of Metro Escolta at Max’s near Malacañang in Manila. The following day, October 19, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the Governor’s Visit of the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown at Metro Club in Rockwell, Makati City.

Today, we welcome our very own Rtn. Tony Lopez, veteran journalist of the highest degree and Chairman, President and CEO of BiznewsAsia, as he makes an honest to goodness assessment of the first 100 days of the Duterte 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.