President's Corner

Happy Easter to one and all! After a week of hiatus to reflect on the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are now, definitely, more energized to bring Rotary to higher levels never seen before. A week before we went our separate ways for the Holy Week break, we had a timely weekly luncheon meeting, featuring, a fellow Rotarian, the Hon. Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas, Governor of the Province of Batangas, who gave us a glimpse of Batangas today and how its heritage helped mold the province into the success story it has now become with an added sidelight on how the province is coping with the recent temblor that has rocked the province.

As for updates within our club, we are still in the process of gathering Manila Rotarians to attend the 60th Anniversary of our sister club, the Rotary Club of Osaka East this coming May 27, 2017. For more details, please coordinate with our Secretariat.

Last April 9, 2017, Manila Rotarians were treated to a spectacular fireworks display on the 75th Anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan in Pliar. Bataan, entitled, “Philippine-Japan Friendship Pyromusical and Concert” courtesy of our Japanese Rtn. Kenji Mori and after which, Manila Rotarians got a “merienda” treat from PDG Connie Beltran at her lovely home in Bataan.

As to updates within the district, last April 8, 2017, AT Hermie Esguerra hosted the Rotary Friendship Exchange of Rotary District 3810 at his HERMA Farms. In particular, he hosted cocktails and dinner with a cowboy theme to spice up the late afternoon to early evening event where the Rotarians from Rotary District 5950 in the USA who form part of the exchange had a grand time partying with Rotarians from the district led by no less than All Star District Governor Ernesto “Ernest” Yuyek. The event was also graced by many Manila Rotarians who brought their unique brand of fun to the rest of the Rotarians in the district as well as those visiting from overseas. In behalf of the entire district, I wish to thank AT Hermie Esguerra for hosting the big event and showcasing what the Rotary Club of Manila is capable of doing.

Today, we welcome a beautiful face to perk up our weekly luncheon meeting, Ms. Paulina Gallardo, Executive Director of Global Business Worldwide, who will present a comprehensive profile of her agency which specializes on compiling high quality business and economic country reports on emerging markets, developed countries and dynamic sectors of the global economy as well as identify new, exciting and challenging opportunities for the risk-averse global investor, among other issues currently hugging the limelight.

I look forward to your cooperation as we endeavor to make our stars shine in the remaining months of Rotary Year 2016-2017 through meaningful projects and fellowships that will strengthen the bonds of Asia's First Rotary Club.