President’s Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Last week, we were treated to a heart warming appreciation luncheon where benefactors of the Rotary Club of Manila Educational Assistance Program (REAP) were honored. The REAP Scholars gave a moving testimonial of how the help we have given them has changed their lives while the respective heads of PLM and PUP expressed their outpouring of gratitude to us for coming up with this worthwhile endeavor. As a whole, the entire luncheon touched the hearts of our fellow Manila Rotarians who were present last week.

On the centennial celebration front, we are now on the homestretch of our preparations. On this note, I have secured the commitments of PAGCOR, RCBC Bankard, Toyota Motor Philippines and Ayala Corporation for their sponsorships with respect to the centennial culminating activities. PAGCOR has committed to be a co-presentor. Toyota, through the immense help of PP Boy Guevara, and RCBC Bankard have likewise given their nods to be big sponsors. Ayala will likewise deliver their share in the sponsorship.

The centennial culminating activities kick off on June 20, 2019 where we will have a Salubong Fiesta for our international sister clubs and daughter clubs at the World Trade Center in Pasay City where there would be a concurrent art sale for the benefit of the Hospicio de San Jose Cerebral Palsy Building. This is the Welcome Party where the Guest of Honot will be Rotary International President-Elect Mark Maloney. Attire will be Filipiniana Casual. This runs from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The following day, June 21, 2019, “A Legacy of Rotary Service” takes place. This is a day long event where activities include the mass oath taking of District Governors-Elect and Presidents-Elect before Rotary International President-Elect Mark Maloney, complete with photo opportunities and a certificate, a Rotary forum of district governors with the Rotary International President-Elect, a Centennial Chorale Competition which aims to awaken the consciousness of the youth towards service, the Centennial Awards for Outstanding Service Projects and an Enchanting Evening with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Towards this end, our registration is gradually gaining ground as the event nears. Invitations have already been sent to many, both here and abroad, The Distinguished Board of Judges for the Centennial Awards are now in the process of selecting the best service project from among the ten, chosen by the Screening Committee. Plaques and corresponding tokens are presently being prepared to be given to dignitaries.

The Centennial Gala Night which happens on June 22, 2019 is gradually gaining in attendance as well as in sponsorships as many Manila Rotarians continue to pledge and make good on their pledges of financial support following Chair VPE/PAT Hermie Esguerra’s animated appeal during the Town Hall meeting held recently. The program and entertainers are already in place.

The Centennial Commemorative Stamps continue to be on sale. Please secure for yourselves issues of these stamps as they make a priceless piece of memorabilia to be treasured for the rest of our lives.

With respect to REAP, I continue to earnestly appeal to your generosity as we endeavor to have more benefactors to make more dreams of financially challenged, but, academically endowed graduating students of PLM and PUP come true. Meanwhile, the names of those who have paid and partially paid the Centennial Seed Fund, the Centennial Donations and the Annual Dues will appear in the BALITA as we endeavor to collect all these since they will go a long way in augmenting our centennial expenses.

Today, we shall have Ombudsman Samuel Martires as Guest of Honor and Speaker. He will speak on his experience in maintaining the high ethical and moral standards of government officials by prosecuting them. This promises to be an eye opener into the functions of his office.

Undoubtedly, all these are colossal undertakings which need the most of efforts 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 as we embrace Rotary in our everyday lives.