President's Diary

Dear fellow Manila Rotarians,

I hope this week's edition of the President's Diary finds you all well. This past week has been a hectic one for many of us. I myself have attended several noteworthy meetings and events, and it's been a lot of work, but it was worth it knowing that we're making positive changes in our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make these activities successful. Here's a recap of what happened in the past seven days.

Meeting of the RCManila Foundation Inc. Ways and Means Committee on the 1st RCM Golf Cup

Thursday, September 29, 2022, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

I joined the Zoom meeting of the RCManila Foundation Ways and Means Committee to discuss the 1st RCM Golf Club. Also present during the meeting were RCMFI Pres. Lito Sibayan, RCMFI Trustee Abe Pascual, RCMFI Asst. Treas. Willie Pelino (Chairman of the 1st RCM Golf Club), Rtn. Xavy Zialcita (Co-Chairman, RCM 1st Golf Cup), Rtn. Romy Nones, Rtn. Rocco Sarmiento, Rtn. Noel Tanglao and Rtn. Xavy Zialcita.

Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198’s 6th Induction and 5th Handover Ceremonies

Friday, September 30, 2022

I attended the Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198 6th Induction and 5th Handover Ceremonies on September 30, 2022, at GSIS Gym. PDG Rudy delivered the charging of officers and directors.

Repacking of Relief Goods for Typhoon Karding Victims

Sunday, October 2, 2022

We’re blessed to have spent our Sunday repacking the much-needed relief goods at Elorde Gym in Pasay City to help those affected by typhoon Karding. The grocery packs and some daily essentials will be distributed to the typhoon victims in San Miguel, Bulacan and Polilio, Quezon Province.

Visit to Asilo De San Vicente de Paul Orphanage

Monday, October 3, 2022

I visited Asilo De San Vicente de Paul, an orphanage in Manila that is run by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. It was a humbling, heartwarming experience to see the children and talk to them. I am glad that we are able to help them in our own little way. The children's gesture of serenading me with a welcome song upon arrival was very touching. Upon donating Php 100,000 as well as Jollibee meals, I was graciously given a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of my support.

I delivered a message to the children and youth of Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, encouraging them to stay strong and never give up on their dreams.

I led the birthday serenade for Angelica, the birthday celebrant who turned 7 years old. The children were very happy and thankful for our donation.

The visit to Asilo De San Vicente de Paul was a fulfilling and memorable experience. It always warms my heart to help others, especially children.

Visit to Hospicio De San Jose

Monday, October 3, 2022

I met with Hospicio De San Jose's team, Sr. Martha (Administrator) and Sr. Marcelyn (Finance). RCM Special Children Committee Chairman Ray Davis and ES Anna Kun Toledo were also present. It was a wonderful experience spending time and dancing with the Hospicio De San Jose's Persons with Disability team.

Disaster Relief Operation for Typhoon Karding Victims in San Miguel, Bulacan

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

I joined the Rotary Club of Manila team (eight officers and members) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) team (five officers, 15 non-officers, and one non-uniformed personnel) in going to Bulacan to distribute relief goods to 50 families affected by the typhoon. We traveled for 3.5 hours to reach San Miguel, Bulacan, where we distributed grocery packs, blankets, mats, modular tents and shelter kits to the typhoon victims. The shelter kits include nails, coco lumber, plywood, a hammer, a wood saw, and G.I. corrugated sheets.

I met Congresswoman Lorna Silverio, representative of the third district of Bulacan, at the Office of the Mayor to discuss the Rotary Club of Manila's efforts to assist the typhoon victims.

I delivered a message to San Miguel, Bulacan residents who were hit by typhoon Karding, expressing our sincerest sympathies and informing them that the Rotary Club of Manila is there to help and assist them in this time of need.

The affected families received shelter kits, emergency modular tents, mats, blankets, and grocery items.

Program Tech-Run

Thursday, October 5, 2022, 4:30 p.m.

We had a program tech-run yesterday for our 14th Weekly Membership Meeting via Zoom. With me online were DE/AS Mike Albaña, PAS Joel Valdes (Program Moderator), Rtn. Alvin Ampil, and SAA Nagi Zeitouni (Sports Committee Chairman).

It's been a week well spent. Once again, I am grateful for the support of our members as we work tirelessly to improve the lives of those in need. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Pres. Hermie Esguerra