RCM Centennial Celebration: A Preliminary Presentation

1. The Rotary Club of Manila, first in Asia, was founded on June 1, 1919, with American businessman Leon Lambert as Charter President. Thus, we will celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club of Manila and of the Rotary movement in the Philippines and Asia, during Rotary Year 2018-2019, with RCM Past President Rudy Bediones as District Governor for District 3810.

2. During the first week of November, 2016, President Teddy Ocampo relayed to me the request of the RCM Board for me to chair the RCM Centennial Celebration Organizing Committee as Assistant Treasurer Hermie Esguerra could not take the task due to pressure of work and many prior commitments. I suggested other names but no one at that time, according to President Teddy could take the huge task, so they decided on me. Realizing the importance of the responsibility and the urgency of the situation, and with assurances of full support from him and the Board, DGN Rudy Bediones and other well meaning friends and fellow RCMers, including some Past Presidents, I had to reluctantly accept the task.

3. An ad hoc Committee consisting of DGN Rudy, President Teddy, PE Jimmie, Assistant Treasurer Hermie, and PD/IS Alvin Lacambacal, and PDG Obet P., conducted a preliminary strategic planning meeting on November 17, 2016 at the German Club hosted by PE Jimmie Policarpio. The draft plan was presented to the COPP in a meeting on November 24, 2016 at the Manila Polo Club, hosted by PP Boy Guevarra. The resulting preliminary plan was thereafter submitted to the RCM Board.

4. The RCM Board passed a resolution on December 1, 2016 officially designating PDG Obet Pagdanganan as Chairman, with DGN Rudy Bediones and PP Ebot Tan as Co-Chairmen of the RCM Centennial Celebration Organizing Committee (RCCOC). They approved in principle, the proposed plan and the RCCOC was "given the independence to proceed". The RCM Council of Past Presidents, (RCOPP) is to serve as an Advisory Council.

5. Among the more important matters discussed and agreed upon by the RCMCOC

THEME

1919-2019: ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SERVICE ABOVE SELF AND FELLOWSHIP AMONG ROTARIANS IN MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES AND ASIA; AND A COMMITMENT FOR GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS AND RELEVANCE IN THE NEXT CENTURY!

VISION

A yearlong celebration in RY 2018-2019, of the centennial of Rotary Club of Manila, and the founding anniversary of Rotary in the Philippines and in Asia, culminating in a two-day Rotary Centennial Congress on or around June 1, 2019, to highlight the accomplishments during the first 100 years, of Rotarians in Manila, the Philippines and Asia, and lay down the foundation for greater achievements in the next 100 years.

MISSION

1.) To celebrate the success of Rotary in RC Manila, the Philippines and Asia, during 1919-2019; by showcasing significant accomplishments in serving above self, and recognizing outstanding achievers in RCM and other RCs in the Philippines and Asia; 2.) To undertake activities that will enhance Rotary's image as the foremost humanitarian service organization in the world that brings together outstanding leaders who take action; 3.) To inspire Rotarians in Asia to grow Rotary, propagate its core values and principles, and enhance its relevance in the lives of Asians and other peoples in the world, especially the less fortunate.

SOME PROPOSED ACTIVITIES, AND ACTION POINTS

1.) Rotary Asian Centennial Congress to be held for three days and two nights at the PICC in June, 2019, as close to June 1, 2019 as possible with the President of the Philippines and the RI President as Guests of Honor and Speakers. Outstanding achievers: Rotarians and Rotary Clubs will be recognized during the program. There will a Rotary Friendship Hall for photo exhibits and Humanity in Action showcases.

2.) Rotary International Presidential Conference similar to the one held in March, 2016 with PRIP Ravi Ravindran at the PICC. This may be held in Cebu or Davao during RY 2018-2019. There will be an Asia-wide contest on most outstanding service projects on the area of focus to be highlighted. We need to have this arranged with the RIPN as soon as possible. AP: RMP and DGN RB to write letter to RIPN Sam Omori;

3.) Rotary Centennial Commemorative Stamp to be issued by the Philippine Postal Office; AP: PP Banit Caasi, volunteered as Committee Chair. Upon his initiative, President Teddy wrote a letter to PPO requesting such issuance, for follow up;

4.) Centennial Coffee Table Book; AP: Initial discussions made with writer made by PDG Vince Carlos; PE Jimmie has prospective sponsor; for follow up;

5.) LOGO CONTEST on the Rotary Centennial Theme; AP: To be discussed with Rtn Philip Recto and PP Teody Hidalgo of RC Manila Midtown;

6.) Scouting National Jamboree in 2019, with Rotary Theme, AP: RMP already had preliminary discussion with CP Wendel Avisado of RC Natividad Almeda (Manila Scouts) who agreed in principle. To be taken up during BSP National Executive Board meeting on February 17, 2017;

7.) Asia Pacific Rotaract Regional Conference 2018 to be held in the Philippines, AP: RMP already discussed this with PDRR Alexiz Tan who agreed in principle to highlight the Rotary Centennial; details to be worked out;

8.) Nationwide, Asiawide planting of Rotary Centennial Friendship Trees, AP: DGN Rudy to coordinate with other Districts for them to include in their priority programs;

9.) Contest for Miss Rotary Club of Manila Centennial 2019 AP: To designate committee Chair;

10.) Centennial Cruise; AP: For further discussion;

11.) Centennial GIANT GARDEN WHEEL, At SM MOA? AP: For further discussion;

12.) Various Contests focusing on the Rotary Centennial Theme: a.) Essay Writing Contest, AP: To designate Chair and coordinate with Dep Ed and CHED; b.) Oratorical Contest, AP: Same as (a); c.) Choral Singing Contest, AP: Designate Chair d.) On the spot painting contest, AP: Designate Chair; e.) Centennial Golf Tournament; AP: Designate Chair; f.) CENTENNIAL SPORTS ROTALYMPICS, Designate Chair;

MARAMING SALAMAT PO!!! MABUHAY ANG ROTARY INTERNATIONAL!!! MABUHAY ANG ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA!!!