President’s Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Last week, we had a fruitful Town Hall meeting where updates on the various centennial projects and activities were thoroughly discussed which excited the interests of our fellow members. Indeed, this is an opportune time to be involved as we celebrate the centennial of our club.

In the Community Service front, I wish to thank the Sagip Kabataan Group led by PD Abe Pascual for leading the Christmas Gift Giving for the Sagip Children last December 6, 2018 at the Asilo de San Vicente de Paul in Manila where they painted smiles on the faces of these children with gifts that made the Yuletide season more meaningful for them, knowing that there are people who care.

In the International Relations front, I wish to invite everyone to register for the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany while rates are still reasonable. This likewise presents a last minute opportunity to invite Rotarians from all over the world to attend our centennial culminating activities which happens a few weeks thereafter.

In the Centennial projects front, updates on our various projects had been thoroughly discussed during our Townhall Meeting. Rest assured, your valuable comments and suggestions will be taken into consideration as we want only the best in the celebration of our centennial.

With respect to A Legacy of Rotary Service, a proposed program flow is now in place.

With respect to Rotary’s Heart for Little Angels, another patient has been helped under the leadership of Rtn. Zdenek Jankovsky.

With respect to the Rotary Club of Manila Centennial Chorale Competition, our office received a call from the DepEd, scheduling a MOA signing on December 17, 2018 with DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones and Usec Lorna Digno.

With respect to REAP, I wish to reiterate my earnest appeal for all of you to participate as more benefactors would mean a better and brighter future for these students.

With respect to the Centennial Week, a proposed Centennial Week Calendar is already in place.

In the Fellowship front, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the World Famous Music Chorale for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive through their Christmas carols at the residences of PD Ralf Gonzales, AT Ner Lonzaga and PD Pepo Nuñez as these, certainly, enhance camaraderie among Manila Rotarians through music. Likewise, I wish to thank Dir. Bobby Joseph for inviting many Manila Rotarians on his natal day which coincided with his being honored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for his Tourism Advocacy.

Today, let us set aside all our worries as the welcome respite to our busy centennial year has arrived. Let us partake in a sumptuous Christmas feast at the Golden Ballroom 2, Pearl Wing of the OKADA MANILA in Parañaque City and dance the night away to the music of Marcy David and his band while getting the chance to win raffle prizes, all for the reasonable amount of Php 2,500.00. Thank you Chairman AT Jason Ong for making this event an exciting one as well as all Manila Rotarians who donated prizes and graced us with their presence this evening.

Without doubt, these partake in the nature of colossal undertakings entailing our unwavering commitment in furtherance of Service Above Self. Indeed, great things in Rotary are never done by a single individual, but, by a team of Rotarians, moving together towards a common goal. Under ONE CENTURY, towards ONE MISSION and in furtherance of ONE ROTARY, the best is yet to come. Let us all BE THE INSPIRATION worthy of emulation. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to one and all!