The 16th Regular Meeting: A Recap

The singing of the RC Manila Hymn was led by the World Famous Music Chorale through an audiovisual presentation. The Club had its 16th Regular Meeting at Conrad Hotel with Sec. Edwin Hernandez as Program Moderator/ Facilitator. Enthusiastically sounding the bell, Pres. Hermie Esguerra called the meeting to order. The Philippine National Anthem was made more meaningful and alive by the Rotary Club of Manila Audiovisual Presentation, featuring Manila Rotarians honoring the flag and country. AS/DE Mike Albaña led the Invocation and Special Prayer.

Treas. Karlo Castro led the recitation of the Four (4) Way Test.

The World Famous Chorale sang RCM’s signature Welcome Song to honor the Club’s guests and visitors. The Moderator acknowledged and introduced the Visiting Guests and Rotarians.

The week’s birthday celebrants were duly acknowledged, namely Rtn. Sean Rodriguez, Rtn. Art Dela Cruz, STAR Rtn. Pablo Calles Arguelles and Rtn. Teng Catalan. This was followed by the World Famous Music Chorale singing the unique and jolly birthday song.

Dir. Jujut Enriquez (on behalf of PP Frank Evaristo), PT Pepo Nunez, PP Boy Guevarra and Rtn. Bollie Bolton, as proposers, introduced the new members who were scheduled to be inducted. Pres. Hermie Esguerra led the induction of new RCM Members namely: STAR Rtn. Antonio V. Echavez, STAR Rtn. Nicolo Sumulong Hallare, STAR Rtn. Benedict Julius F. Ibuyan, STAR Rtn. Juan Miguel Lazaro and STAR Rtn. Philip Wombwell. PDG Vince Carlos gave an inspiring message during the charging of the new members.

PD Issam Eldebs introduced the Guest Speaker PDG Liza V. Elorde, Chairman, District Rotary Foundation, R.I. District 3810.

PDG Liza V. Elorde, Chairman, District Rotary Foundation delivered her address. She gave valuable information about the workings of the Rotary Foundation, and how RCM could better avail of Global and District Grants to support its various projects.

Important points were further discussed and clarified during the open forum participated by DGN Jackie Rodriguez and BLA Raoul Creencia.

Pres. Hermie Esguerra delivered his impressive first quarter report, a first in the history of RCM. His report highlighted the Club’s laudable performance after three months of RY 2022-2023.

President Hermie Esguerra and Programs Committee Chairman IPD Amading Valdez presented the Certificate of Appreciation, attested by Club Secretary Edwin Hernandez, and a Commemorative Stamp to Guest Speaker PDG Liza V. Elorde.

The singing of the Philippine Rotary Hymn again proved to be an electrifying part of the program. Capping another successful meeting, Pres. Hermie Esguerra delivered his closing remarks and adjourned the meeting.

A newly inducted member, STAR Rtn. Benedict Julius F. Ibuyan, handed his USD 1,000 Paul Harris Fellow contribution to The Rotary Foundation through PDG Liza Elorde, Chair of the District Rotary Foundation. Looking on are Pres. Hermie Esguerra and Paul Harris Fellow Chair/Treas. Karlo Castro.