PE/Dir. Raffy Alunan III's Message

Thank you President Hermie. May I first greet our fellow RCMers and our distinguished guest of honor today, Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, who will be properly introduced later. Selamat siang (good afternoon) and Selamat datang (welcome) to the Rotary Club of Manila.

I was minding my own business and keeping my head down after a 2yr covid break, but last Thursday (Sept. 8) took an unexpected turn. I’ll have to amend my Facebook profile to say that I’m now in a complicated relationship with people of the same gender from Mars. It’s usually Venus. Levity aside, thank you, on behalf of your incoming board, for your trust and confidence. Honestly, I didn’t think that last week’s elections would turn out that way. I personally had younger choices in mind to head RCM next year. The good news is that your board today under President Hermie will also be next year’s incoming board under me, to include our incumbent Asst. Board Secretary Mike Albaña. I’m truly delighted to be part of a team that symbolizes continuity. It means that projects launched in Pres. Hermie's term revolving around Rotary’s seven areas of focus have a good chance of being sustained next year.

However, may I convey this early a caveat, so you’ll know up front what yours truly may not be able to perform from time to time. As some of you may already know, my personal situation inhibits me from being out of the house too long. We’re an empty nest. I serve as caregiver of my ailing wife at night. In the daytime it’s our kasambahays. My eye bags are eloquent testimony of sleep deprivation for what I’ve chosen to do for my wingman.

Moreover, I’m still somewhat gainfully employed. Scheduled board and committee meetings will require first priority whenever there’s a conflict. Therefore, I beg your understanding, and will count on those who know of my unique circumstances and assured me of their support, to help me out next year in representing the Club, or chair a meeting, whenever I won’t be able to. I do recognize that RCM’s stage and field presence is a crucial expression of fellowship and leadership. It's a shared responsibility that I'll be counting on; hopefully, not too much.

That said, we will continue to live up to Rotary International’s motto: Service above self. As RCM’s stewards we will lead with integrity and competence to generate goodwill and build better friendships to benefit all concerned. We will ensure good governance, exercise fiscal prudence, stimulate the membership, and reach out to the donor community. We will be tireless in uniting our members to combine their efforts, talents, resources, insights, enthusiasm and inspiration to serve those who need us. We will gently remind you when necessary to join our various committees to maximize RCM's service power. We will network with as many entities as we can to expand our reach, enlarge our capacities and extend our influence.

Your solidarity and wise counsel will be earnestly sought from time to time. I’ve begun that process by meeting first with the Council of Past Presidents. It won’t be the last. We shall consult the membership through surveys or General Assemblies in the spirit of unity, solidarity and teamwork. We will be cognizant of our Constitution and By-laws, and our alignment with Rotary International, particularly when delicate decisions between evolution and tradition may arise.

Later this afternoon our incoming board will begin the process of organizing and planning. We shall endeavor to bring as much inclusion, camaraderie, energy, joy and fulfillment to all concerned. In the famous words of our late member, former President Fidel Ramos: Kaya Natin Ito! I hasten to add: Kayang kaya kung sama-sama. United we stand the Rotary way, and that’s how it should always be.

Thank you President Hermie for giving me the floor to greet our members. Thank you fellow RCMers for your attention. May God continue to guide and bless us all.