President’s Corner

This is, indeed, a red letter day. Today, we are joined by many friends and guests from various sectors of diverse representations. It’s uncanny how our theme for this Rotary Year, “SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES”, dovetails with the life of our Guest of Honor and Speaker whose destiny is etched with doing just that. One has merely to look at the events that led to her colorful rise to this position of national import. Her late husband, the legendary Jessie Robredo, was on the radar to do greater things until his untimely demise several years ago. Vice President Leni’s impressive and consistent performance became a catalyst and basis towards her path of destiny. And today, despite her not-so friendly boss that she has to contend with, her track record manifests clearly that she, indeed, has been serving and changing lives. That is her destiny.

Destiny. So many have attempted to define this aspect of our lives. Meriam Webster defines “destiny” as “a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency”. And here are more Quotes on Destiny

“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.” ― Steve Maraboli

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” ― William Shakespeare

“One love, one heart, one destiny.” ― Robert Marley

“There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be...” ― John Lennon

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk.” ― Guy Gavriel Kay, Tigana

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” ― Gautama Buddha, Sayings Of Buddha

What I noted about these perspectives is that they are all introspect and individualistic. It, invariably, puts extreme pressure on a person to form his own destiny – “I did it My Way” as Ol Blue eyes so melodically puts it. So, in my continued search, I finally came across one narrative of “destiny” which, for me, matches reality spot on, a definition that personally gave me a good deal of comfort. The Good Book (the Bible) has this to say:

Ephesians 3:20 “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.”

And this one which is quite apt for our Guest of Honor and Speaker:

Psalm 31:15 “My life, my every moment, my destiny—it’s all in Your hands. So I know You can deliver me from those who persecute me relentlessly.”

There is so much comfort and excitement from these infallible truths! I believe our Guest of Honor and Speaker for today has her destiny lined up for her according to the Power who has ordained what was, what is, and what is about to come! I believe we are about to witness a more exciting and life changing chapter in her life. And should this happen the way it should, the destiny of every Filipino will align itself accordingly, as well.

So my dear RCM brothers, guests and friends, let us draw inspiration from this amazing woman whose destiny has been and will hopefully continue to be one that will “Serve to Change Lives” as we, the Filipino people, will all have our share of changed lives as well. Mabuhay po Kayo Ma’am Leni! May God bless you, indeed, and ordain His destiny for you!!! Thank you everyone here who are joining us in this milestone meeting! Mabuhay po tayong lahat!!!

Humbly yours in Rotary,