Presidents' Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

The staging of “An Evening with Rotary International President Barry Rassin and Lady Esther” last July 19, 2018 at the Grand Ballroom of the OKADA Manila was an overwhelming success with more than 600 plus people in attendance, not, because of one Rotarian’s efforts nor a group of Rotarians’ leadership ways, but, because our club stood united in one mission towards paving the way for the future, not only of Asia’s First Rotary Club, but, of the entire Rotary movement in the Philippines and in Asia, as well. While we do not profess perfection in its entirety, our collective efforts have worked wonders beyond time constraint and produced the perfect kick-off for festivities of our centennial to which we received an array of accolades from various Rotarian dignitaries and Rotarians from all over the country.

As such, I wish to thank my hardworking steering committee who saw to it that every minor detail was covered and whose anticipation of minor glitches in the processes were dealt with in the most practical manner, taking into consideration our role as gracious host to the sea of Rotarians present that evening. Further, overflowing gratitude goes to the World Famous Music Chorale who left a lasting impression on Rotary International’s First Couple with the launching of our Centennial Hymn composed by Louie Ocampo through the kindness of PP Teddy Ocampo. Our banner event, according to the Rotary International President was simply “amazing”.

Earlier in the day, Rotary International President Barry and Lady Esther Rassin were literally “Walking on Sunshine” on a predominantly gloomy day as the sun miraculously made a sneak preview for the first couple’s Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the Rizal Monument with our directors and officers in attendance. Rotary International’s first couple were given full military honors during this event, thanks to the immense help extended by CP Naomi Lachica of the Rotary Club of Padre Burgos.

The event was followed by a Tree Planting Ceremony at the Lapu-Lapu monument beside the former Department of Tourism organized by Chair Rtn. Celso Abastillas and Co-Chair BLA Amading Valdez as tree planting is an activity close to the heart of the Rotary International President. Certainly, the torrential rains did not dampen the spirits of the directors, officers and fellow Manila Rotarians who took part in this endeavor. A myriad of thanks to Rtn. Celso for the well-organized tree planting activity, the Rotary Club of Manila Centennial Friendship Trees Project, initiated by PDG Obet Pagdanganan, which I hope many of our fellow Rotarians will follow suit.

Today, we welcome Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense as he speaks on “National Security and the Military Situation in the Philippines” and this evening, I invite all of you to rekindle ties with fellow Manila Rotarians at the Centennial Fellowship Kick-off, 6pm, at the Salvatorre Roofdeck of the Pacific Star Building in Makati, hosted by Chairman PAT Hermie Esguerra, PD Pepo Nuñez and PT Lito Sibayan.

Indeed, “Great things that happen in Rotary are never done by one person, but they are done by a team of Rotarians.”

In ONE CENTURY ONE MISSION ONE ROTARY, I remain.