President’s Corner

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

We had a fabulous week starting with the historic speech of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Ben Diokno. Our very own Ben gave an amazing, intelligent and educational speech that he would like us to do all those plans and programs for our country. This was well attended by closer to help people. I just included ten (10) of our foremost financial institutions in the country. Our question and answer session was highlighted by comprehensive service of questions, especially coming from panelists, Tony Lopez, Chito Zaldarriaga, Lito Sibayan and two from the Rotary Club of Makati West. I would like to congratulate PP and Chairman Jimmie and Treasurer as well as Fellowship Committee Chair Jason Ong for the terrific program. The program was simply the very best!

The very next day, the Ambassadors’ Circle proceeded to Kalibo to meet with the Rotary Clubs in the area in our program to reach out. Our Ambassador to Panay island, AS Ariel Abriam, did a magnificent job of arranging, hosting, feeding and spoiling all our members during our stay. Our hundreds of memories include the surprise joining in our district’s midyear report of the members of RCM who supported me and encouraged my performance. They were spectacular. Thank you guys.

Then, we ate in a beach front restaurant called NIGI NIGI. Sounded horrible, but, the food was great and so was the music. As if this was not enough, we gatecrashed the district midyear fellowship of our Rotary district much to the surprise and joy of all ninety (90) Champion Presidents. Our group included two (2) Past District Governors, Vince Carlos and Rudy Bediones, five (5) Past Presidents, Vince Carlos, Archit Bartolome, Francis Juico, Rudy Bediones and Frank Evaristo. Others with me were PD Rod Valencia, PE/Dir. Bobby Joseph, Vice President Hermie Esguerra and fifteen (15) heroes, including AS Ariel Abriam, PD John Ceneca, AT Karlo Castro, Champion Dancing King PD Ner Lonzaga, Rtn. Ludek Vrana and PDSAA Ferdie Co. We not only gatecrashed, but, we took over the party with VP Hermie’s singing, with everyone dancing and our getting together with the presidents of the ninety (90) clubs and district officers. We simply had a wonderful time.

And then, the next day, we proceeded to Ariel’s Point, named after the owner, AS Ariel Abriam. This was the most amazing business concept ever conceived by any entrepreneur. People pay AS Ariel Abriam, Php 2800.00, to jump off his cliff. How good is that. We were with sixty (60) other people, mostly foreigners, who all wanted to dance with our dancing king, PD Ner Lonzaga. It was a great trip.

Today, we meet with the Rotary Club of Makati West in a joint meeting to listen to our very own Rotarian, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez. We are breaking tradition here in meeting out of our home, but, this one is for Sonny! Sonny is a Davaoeño and a childhood friend of Sonja, while his wife, Ball, just like me, is from Tuguegarao and her family had been longtime family friends of mine. Sonny, we are truly proud of you and wish you continuing success.

Best, Jackie