President’s Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Last week, we were treated to a bright 2019 forecast on the Philippine Economy as well as the Global Economy through the very interesting and enlightening talk of Lito Camacho, Former Secretary of the Department of Energy and Former Secretary of the Department of Finance, who is, presently, Vice Chairman of Credit Suisse Asia Pacific and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific Division of Credit Suisse.

In particular, his forecast on the phenomenal emergence of China was an eye opener for all of us, giving us a cue on our respective business plans for 2019.

On the Fellowship front, DE/Dir. Bobby Joseph and I are hosting cocktails for all active Star Rotarians of our club today, January 17, 2019, 3:00 pm, at the Ralph’s Wine and Spirits along Arnaiz Ave. (formerly Pasay Road) in Makati City. This will serve as an opportunity to meet our Star Rotarians upclose and personal and motivate them to play active roles in our centennial celebration.

On 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 happen a few weeks thereafter. Likewise, I wish to inform you that Rotary International has just launched the theme for RY 2019-2020, “Rotary Connects the World”.

On the Centennial Celebrations front. I presided over the meeting of the Centennial Steering Committee last January 15, 2019 at the Rockwell Club in Makati City where we reviewed the status of the different centennial projects with particular emphasis on “A Legacy of Rotary Service” and the Centennial Gala Night. With respect to the DISCON 2019, our club will be hosting it by highly encouraging all our members to attend and accordingly, pay the fees for that event which is mandated by Rotary International. With respect to the Centennial Projects, the Rotary Club of Manila Coffee Table Book will be launched on March 1, 2019 which will be sold at Php 2,000.00 per copy. The Centennial Commemorative Stamps are now being sold to generate much needed funds. The Rotary Club of Manila Centennial Chorale Competition Committee will be holding its Regional Eliminations at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City on January 29, 2019 and I have caused the circulation of an advisory to all of you who wish to join us for this event.

The REAP will be holding a Special Event on January 25, 2019 where the sponsors will be meeting our fifty (50) scholars in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila. On this note, I wish to convey my earnest appeal for more benefactors so we could reach out to more students who need our help. D & L Industries has likewise given its commitment to the REAP project.

The Save Manila Bay Project is now underway and press releases have shown the actions already undertaken by DE/Dir. Bobby Joseph.

On the Club Administration front, our Sagip Kabataan Foundation held its Annual Meeting last January 10, 2019 at the New World Makati Hotel in Makati City. This foundation has always been at the forefront of our community service activities.

Today, Japanese-Philippine relations take centerstage as His Excellency Koji Haneda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines, speaks before all of us.

Undoubtedly, all these are colossal undertakings which will greatly entail 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 in all our undertakings as we continue our fidelity to the tenets of Rotary in living our everyday lives.