Pres. Herminio S. Esguerra’s Valedictory Address

District Governor Joyce Michelle Ambray, distinguished guests, Officers and Members of my home club, the Rotary Club of Manila, fellow Rotarians, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon!

With immense gratitude, humility, and pride, I stand before you today, at the conclusion of my term as President of the Rotary Club of Manila for Rotary Year 2022-2023. I hope you enjoyed the video presentation we showed which featured all the projects and initiatives we carried out this Rotary year. Our trophies and awards on display at the foyer, including our distinguished title of “Most Outstanding Club - Overall”, are evidence of the collective efforts, dedication and commitment of our exceptional members. To me, they are all icing on the cake.

As I reflect on my journey, I remember I had several discussions with our Club Executive Secretary Ms. Anna Kun Toledo. Anna is like family to our Club, having custody of all of RC Manila’s records, history and stories for almost three decades. Anna officially retired from her position three years ago (at that time), but has agreed to extend her contractual employment with RCM. Before the election in September 2021, I had made up my mind that I will not sign up for the election nomination if she will not agree to continue working with our club. I knew that having her onboard for my Presidency is significant in connecting the past and future endeavors of our Club. Unfortunately, she was not able to join us here today as she is under the weather. But, thank you, Anna, for setting aside a year of your retirement for me and for RC Manila!

One week after I became President-elect, nine months before the start my term, I sought an appointment with the RCM Past President Council in the spirit of respect and courtesy. I appreciated their insights and suggestions before commencing my term as President of the club. In addition, I immersed myself in the aspirations of RC Manila's seasoned and esteemed members. I contemplated on what would bring them a sense of happiness and fulfillment by internalizing their vision for RCM. I aimed to steer our club in a direction that aligns with its rich history and values. An alignment that will enable us to celebrate the legacy of our club while embracing new opportunities for growth, and adapting to the ever-evolving Rotary landscape. These initiatives plus my own 10-year tenure as an RCM member and officer in various capacities have been fundamental to my leadership approach.

Leading a club, with a relatively short term as President, presented its challenges, but through strategic planning and proactive steps, we maximized the potential of this Rotary year. I enrolled our Board of Directors and Officers in the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). This program was exclusively accessible only to Phenomenal Leader Presidents. But I was able to persuade the Rotary Leadership Institute and justify to them that the RLI Program would suit best with participants from RCM, with a membership of more than 220, because in the long term, it would be beneficial to the District. For this, I want to express my appreciation to the entire District Training team headed by PDG Karen Tamayo for accommodating our request to include the RCM leaders in the RLI Program.

At this juncture, I invite you all to join me on a journey that embraces the concept of “Imagine Rotary” – a powerful and inspiring theme that had guided our efforts throughout this unparalleled Phenomenal Rotary year. When we speak of “Imagine Rotary,” we tap into the power of our imagination – the ability to envision a better world and take the first step towards creating lasting positive changes in the lives of those in need. Being called to “Imagine Rotary” has encouraged us to think beyond boundaries, to envision a world where Rotary's ideals of service and fellowship transform countless lives.

As we transition into Rotary Year 2023-2024, let us wholeheartedly embrace the noble call to “Create Hope in the World,” a theme that draws inspiration from the distinguished Rotary International President-elect Gordon R. McInally. Our sacred mission is to shape a future imbued with hope that reaches far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on a global scale. As we close this chapter, let us carry RI President Jennifer Jones' profound words with us. She highlighted the vital connection between imagination, hope, and continuity, reminding us to focus on the future rather than the past. Let us dream boldly and envision a future where the Rotary Club of Manila continues to make a lasting impact across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.

As I am humbled before God and all of you, please allow me to express my sincere appreciation…

To the highly esteemed dignitaries from various Rotary International Districts and our own RI District 3810, thank you for joining me on this joyful occasion and celebrating this journey with us.

To the RCM Past Presidents, you all have been the guiding light in our journey. Your wisdom and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Rotary Club of Manila into what it is today.

To the Rotary Year 2022-2023 Board of Directors and Officers, your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been the backbone of our club’s success.

To my Committee Chairs, your leadership and initiatives have driven our projects to new heights. Your dedication has been a shining example of Service Above Self.

To my fellow Manila Rotarians who have contributed their time, talent and treasure throughout this Rotary year, I offer my sincerest gratitude. Together, we have imagined Rotary as a force for positive change, and we have transformed that vision into a tangible reality. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your President, and I am deeply moved by the incredible work we have accomplished together.

To my classmates, fellow Phenomenal Leader Presidents, your support throughout my term has been invaluable. Together, we have forged a bond that goes beyond the realm of Rotary, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.

To the District Officers, your support and guidance have been instrumental to our club’s success. Your leadership has been a beacon of inspiration for all of us.

I am also deeply grateful to those who have given me the honor of being considered one of them, the distinguished men and women of class Presidents 101, the Rotary Club of Intramuros, and the Rotary Club of Manila Bay. You considered me as your honorary member, but let me tell you, the privilege and honor has always been mine.

To our daughter clubs present here today, the umbilical connection between you and the Rotary Club of Manila will always be alive. You are always attached to the first Rotary club in Asia. And I hope more clubs will join us in this endeavor.

To the Inner Wheel Club of Manila, to our Partners and Guests, our support for each other and collaboration have been invaluable in our quest to make a difference.

To the RCM Secretariat and staff, your dedication and support have been invaluable to our club’s operations. Thank you for taking care of the day-to-day administrative tasks which has allowed us to focus on our mission. To all of you, I would like to request your continued support for future RCM leaders, just as you have supported me.

To Ms. Rhea Vitto Tabora, my special assistant who work tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you for your long hours of hard work and dedication.

To my co-workers in the Herma Group who really stepped up and whose excellent efforts on my behalf have allowed me to do a multi-task and fulfill more humanitarian services through Rotary’s ideals and objectives; And to my family and Joyce's family, your constant love and support have been my wellspring of support throughout this journey. Your care, prayers, and best wishes have been a source of strength and inspiration for me to stay on course.

At this point, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our RI District 3810 Governor Joyce Ambray who holds a very special place in my heart—not only as our esteemed District Governor with whom I had the privilege of working, and beside whom I proudly stood as the First Gentleman, but also my beloved partner. Gov. Joyce, the joy and excitement I feel for sharing this extraordinary journey with you are immeasurable as moments like this are priceless. You have been my guiding light, especially during the most challenging times. Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement and motivation. At this point, may I invite you to join me now on stage…

May I request everyone to stand up for a toast, and let's celebrate this occasion together!

WE ARE ALL the embodiment of Rotary's spirit. We are the torchbearers of its legacy, the custodians of its future. We are the dreamers who dare to envision a world of peace and understanding, and the doers who strive to make that vision a reality.

To all of us standing here; This is what I call unity. This is what I call phenomenal. And this is the Rotary that I imagined! Cheers!!!

For the last time… I adjourn the Rotary Club of Manila’s 45th Weekly Membership Meeting, today the 29th of June, in the Year of our Lord 2023. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay tayong lahat!