President’s Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Last week, we were enlightened on the policy directions of the Department of Tourism through the very informative talk of Secretary Bernadette “Berna” Romulo-Puyat before a jampacked audience at our luncheon meeting. Thereafter, she answered questions sent by Manila Rotarians right before our program started, an innovation we introduced in keeping with our time limit.

On the centennial front, I take pride in announcing that PD Pepo Nuñez has volunteered his services for the Centennial Launch. Further, Rtn. Jun Alvarez has volunteered to take part in the Finance Committee. These, indeed, are welcome additions to the fold of the committee as our centennial celebration, which coincides with that of Rotary in the Philippines and in Asia, is truly a colossal undertaking. Indeed, great things in Rotary are never the works of a single individual, but, by a team of Rotarians moving towards a common goal.

Likewise, our centennial projects are shaping up as we move closer to our centennial. On this note, I wish to remind you of our 100 Years of Rotary: An Art Celebration which happens this evening at 6pm, North Court, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City. Cocktails will be served. Let us all support this project which will immensely generate needed funds.

On the international front, a team of Manila Rotarians left yesterday and today for Bangkok to attend the 88th Charter Anniversary of our sister club, the Rotary Club of Bangkok which takes place tomorrow, September 14, 2018. On this note, I exhort each one of you to join our foreign trips to attend the events of our sister clubs, the Rotary Club of Kowloon East and the Rotary Club of Taipei which are both forthcoming.

On interclub activities, our daughter club, the Rotary Club of Caloocan, invited us to attend their 59th Charter Anniversary on September 15, 2018 at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. This is a good opportunity to rekindle ties and invite them to our centennial celebration.

On the fellowship front, I wish to thank Dir. Jackie Rodriguez, Fellowship Chair, for the successful fellowship of September celebrants last night, September 12, 2018, at the Elks Club, Makati City which also served as a welcome fellowship for new members. I also wish to invite you to attend our Rotary Club of Manila Oktoberfest hosted by our German and European members at the German Club in Makati City which takes place on October 17, 2018. Likewise, District 3810 will have a Mooncake Fellowship 2018 on September 29, 2018 at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Pasay City.

Towards the end of this month, on September 23, 2018, let us all participate in the ALAY LAKAD 2018, the funds of which go to the education of out-of-school youth. Assembly time is 4:30 pm at the Planetarium in Manila.

With all of these happening, the best is yet to come. In ONE CENTURY ONE MISSION ONE ROTARY, I remain.