President’s Corner

There comes a time in life when one gets the feeling of having to move on and leave those people he cares so much about behind. Such were the thoughts I had last night. So sad. And yet I realize that I will still be around in one capacity or another, or hopefully as a simple member of the club.

When I was selected to be your President, I had many hopes and dreams for all of you. They were idealistic. One of them was to improve our club situation and relationships with other clubs as well. To build pathways and highways with clubs all around the world. Many plans, but, I started late because we were all busy with the Centennial Celebration and I certainly did not want to be a stumbling block to the success of our Centennial Celebration. But, I tried my very best to work double time and catch the needed time to complete my plans, programs and ideas. In many areas, we succeeded. In others, we barely made it.

The coronavirus stopped us dead on our tracks. We had to dramatically change gears. That we did. We immediately tested for two weeks the application we call Zoom. Soon we felt we were ready for the whole club’s participation and we launched ourselves into the new normal of life. We had great meetings on Zoom. We also had many more videos and committee meetings on Zoom. Immediately, our RCM Disaster Task Force, headed by PP Jimmie led the way with the programs supporting protective materials where needed and food where it was necessary. I felt I had much more to do, but, on government’s curfew and protective orders, we could not. That is life.

I have promised the new leadership headed by President Bobby Joseph to help them and to continue some of my programs, most especially, programs that meant so much to me, T.R.E.E.S. and PDG Vince’s Ambassadors of Goodwill program.

I truly hope that time and the environment will allow us to have more fellowships together. This is an important element of the Rotary club. I extend a hand of friendship to all members who have in one way or another helped me and the club during the sheer difficult times of the year. To those of you who contributed your money, your time, your ideas or even your presence, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those of you who felt that I was short in the delivery of my friendship and services, all I can say to you is I tried my best to be an excellent president, Leading the way, the President of the club should be an example. Following our many rules and trying to please 225 members of the club, I’ve learned that this was not a difficult task but an impossible one.

I call upon all of you to illuminate the club with affection for each other. It is ok to have cliques within the club provided we respect, love and honor the club and each other.

I can smile as I say goodbye knowing fully well that the Rotary club of Manila will move forward in the coming years to greater heights with the leadership of President Bobby Joseph and the upcoming young star Rotarians who have recently joined us. As I always told my sons, “I can only pave the way, you have to walk the talk.” Thank you for the great year you’ve given me.