President's Diary

Dear fellow Manila Rotarians,

We are all thrilled that Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is in the Philippines this week as part of her Imagine Impact Tour. We are honored to have the opportunity to attend the DEI Townhall Meeting today at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). This event is an important opportunity to hear directly from the RI President her commitment to make Rotary more accessible and equitable. We are inspired to hear how she is championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Rotary.

The Townhall Meeting will provide a platform for dialogue around DEI initiatives and an opportunity to share best practices. We are committed to making Rotary a more diverse and inclusive organization that embraces the unique differences among our members and encourages everyone to reach their full potential. We are excited to be part of this historic meeting and look forward to learning more about the initiatives President Jones will be introducing. Meanwhile, here are the meetings, events and activities I attended during the past week.

45th Anniversary and 46th Induction Ceremonies of Seven Lakes Lions Club MJF

Wednesday, 16 November 2022

I attended the Seven Lakes Lions Club MJF event held at Vikings, SM Mall of Asia last Wednesday, November 16. The Seven Lakes Lions Club MJF is our partner club at the Eye Prosthetic Project held last August 29, 2022 at the Veridian Social Hall in Greenhills, San Juan which served 40 pediatric eye cancer patients. RCM will continue Service Project partnerships with organizations in line with the Rotary’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

Rotary Club of Manila San Miguel’s 39th Charter Anniversary and 40th Handover and Induction Ceremonies 2022

Friday, 18 November 2022

I attended the 39th Charter Anniversary and 40th Handover and Induction Ceremonies of Rotary Club of Manila San Miguel that was held in East Ocean Palace located in Aseana Entertainment City, Pasay City.

The event’s theme was “Crazy Rich Asian”.

Fourth Special Board Meeting

Saturday, 19 November 2022, 9:00 a.m.

We had our Fourth Special Board Meeting last Saturday, November 19. With me at the meeting were IPP Chito Zaldarriaga, VP Reggie Yu, Directors Johnny Chotrani and Jujut Enriquez, and Asst. Secretary Mike Albaña.

Project Inspection: Mobile Potable Water Station and Charging Station

Sunday, 20 November 2022

I’m happy to give an update on the mobile potable water station and charging station project. This is a joint project of the Rotary Club of Manila, Rotary Club of Paco Manila and Rotary Club of Lahaina, Hawaii.

We just need to change the tires and put Rotary branding, and the mobile-potable-water-station-cum-charging-station is ready to go!

An Update on the Child Patient Diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome

Sunday, 20 November 2022

Last September, we helped Cjay Benoza Severa who was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. This is him today, cured of his kidney ailment. He just needs maintenance medicine. The family is currently staying at the Esguerra Farm as they wait for his follow-up check-up. The family is grateful to the Rotary Club of Manila for all the help and support extended to them. Thank you, Director in Chage for Medical Treatment and Child Care PE/Dir. Raffy Alunan, Chairman PD John Cenica (for referring the urologist) and Co-Chairman of Maternal and Child Care Committee Rtn. Brix Pujalte for the guidance and referral to National Kidney Hospital.

Coordination Meeting to Prepare for the Visit of our Sister Club, Rotary Club of Sang Ju Central

Tuesday, 22 November 2022, 6:00 p.m.

We had a coordination meeting last Tuesday, November 22 via Zoom to prepare for the visit of our sister club, Rotary Club of Sang Ju Central, RI District 3630, South Korea. In attendance were Chairman/Sec. Edwin Hernandez, Dir. Hans Palacios, Dir. Albert Alday, SAA Nagi Zeitouni, Rtn. Rami Chahwan, Rtn. JB Pallasigue, Rtn. Joel Talampas, Grant Chairman Aries Balanay, Save Pasig River Chairman Junjie Vazquez, STAR Rotarians Ben Ibuyan and Miguel Lazaro, Pasig River Coordination and Management Office Team, and Rotary Club of Manila Premier Past President Jay Jang.

Meeting of the Committee on Rotary Vision Care

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

We had a Zoom meeting yesterday, November 23, to plan for the launch of Rotary Vision Care, an approved Global Grant project #2344386.

Rotaract Club of DLSU’s Financial Literacy Program

Wednesday, 23 November 2022, 2:00 p.m.

I joined VPE/VP Reggie Yu, Asst. Secretary Mike Albaña and Rtn. JB Pallasigue yesterday in supporting the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University’s Financial Literacy Program.

That's all for this week. I hope you join me in sharing your enthusiasm and energy for Rotary International's commitment to DEI. Let’s all have a great Thursday, my fellow Manila Rotarians!

Yours in Rotary Service,

Pres. Hermie Esguerra