President’s Corner

Last week, our very own Manila Rtn. Tony Lopez gave his fearless assessment of how the Duterte administration is handling the state of affairs of our nation. His hard hitting ways are well respected in media worldwide. There is nothing like an honest to goodness view of what is happening in our country now.

As for updates within our club, grief has again stricken our storied club with the demise of PRIVP Francisco “Don Paco” Delgado, one of our most revered Rotarians who has made a lasting mark not only in our club and district but in Rotary International as well, last October 24, 2016 at the ripe age of 100, considered a feat in itself. Don Paco served as President of our club during RY 1957-1958, District Governor of then District 305 during RY 1961-1962, Rotary International President’s Representative and as Vice President of Rotary International from 1967-1971. Necrological services by our club were held last October 26, 2016 at the Capilla de la Virgen of the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. 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, many Manila Rotarians attended the natal day celebration of PD Nick Locsin held last October 24, 2016 at Selu’s Bar, Oakridge Bldg., Magallanes Commercial Center in Makati City.

Updates from around the district include the attendance of CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and DCoS/SDG/Dir. Albert Alday at the Governor’s Visit and the Regular Meeting of the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan Manila held last October 20, 2016 at the New World Manila Bay, Manila. A day later, October 21, 2016, IPDG/PP Obet Pagdanganan, DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and SDG/IPAG/PP Frank Evaristo attended the Induction of the Rotary Club of Juan Luna Manila at the Century Park Hotel in Manila. The following day, October 22, 2016, IPDG/PP Obet Pagdanganan, DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones and CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the Charter Presentation and Induction of Officers of the Rotary Club of Manila Binondo Prime at the Marina Bay East Clubhouse in Parañaque City where my classmate, ASP Ofelia Valiente took over the mantle of responsibility from CP and DT Ronnie Co. Three days later, October 25, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the Governor’s Visit of the Rotary Club of Quiapo Manila Central at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City and later that day, attended the 3rd Handover and Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Jose Abad Santos Manila at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Manila together with IPDG/PP Obet Pagdanganan and DGN/IPCoS/PP Rudy Bediones. A day later, October 26, 2016, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo attended the Governor’s Visit of the Rotary Club of Imus East at Kenny Rogers, Talaba, Bacoor, Cavite.

Today, we welcome the Hon. Antonio F. Trillanes, IV, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, as he makes a proverbial return in order to shed light on the current issues hugging the limelight.

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.