8th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

The moderator for the 8th Weekly Meeting, Rotarian Emman dela Cruz, greeted everyone in attendance, and invited President Raffy Alunan to call the meeting to order.

Call to Order

The 8th Weekly Meeting session was called to order by Pres. Raffy Alunan, signaling the official start of the program.

Invocation

Rotarian Caloy Serapio led the invocation and offered a special prayer for peace, humility, understanding, and service above self. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Rommel Cañete, the week’s guest speaker. The prayer was accompanied by the hymn "Come Holy Spirit" which was solemnly played in the background.

Philippine National Anthem

Members and guests took the position of respect as they sang the Philippine National Anthem.

Four Way Test

The Four-Way test was led by Rotarian Juan Manuel Montel, which was meaningfully echoed by all Rotarians present.

RC Manila Rotary Hymn

The RCM World Famous Music Chorale sang acapella the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn.

Acknowledgement of Guests

Moderator Rotarian Emman Dela Cruz acknowledged the guests present and members seated at the presidential table: (from left) Rotarian Marius Angara, Guest of Honor and Speaker Mr. Romel C. Cañete, President Raffy Alunan, Rotarian Carlos Serapio and Rotarian Manual Montel.

The RCM WF Music Chorale sang the Rotary Club of Manila Welcome Song acapella to acknowledge esteemed visiting Rotarians and guests present.

RC Manila Birthday Celebrants of the Week

An announcement of the week's birthday celebrants paved the way for another round of wishes and greetings. Rotarian Juan Manuel Montel was present to bask at the joyous felicitations from everyone. The WF Music Choral of course sang the signature birthday song for him and the other celebrants.

Fining Session

For the week’s fun fining session, RCM set its sights on Spanish RCMers in light of Spain winning the FIFA World Cup 2023. Accordingly, the following were fined P1,000 each: Rotarians Juan Manuel Montel, Pablo Arguelles, Program Chairman DGE Jackie Rodriguez, and STAR Rotarian Daniel Calzado Obrando. Felicidades a nuestros miembros Españoles! Viva!

President’s Time

President Raffy Alunan took the floor and made several important announcements and reminders. Firstly, he reminded everyone about the upcoming election on September 7, as well as the need for Rotarians to settle their annual membership dues in order to participate in the voting. The President also emphasized that the submission of Project Proposal Forms is a mandatory requirement for Committee project proposals. Moreover, a Project Completion Form must be submitted once a project is accomplished. Additionally, he encouraged members who have not yet joined the Club's Paul Harris Membership to do so.

Presentation of the Guest Speaker

Mr. Romel Cañete gave an interesting talk. He recounted the challenges and experiences he faced on his journey to success with the Hudson Yard project. He reflected on his milestones, starting from 1979 when he began his career in public service and politics, to the year 2004 when he embarked on the Hudson Yard development venture in New York.

Open Forum

During the open forum, Guest Speaker Romel Cañete welcomed and answered questions from PP Chito Zaldarriaga, Rotarian Butch Alcantara, BLA Raoul Creencia, PP Archit Bartolome, Dir. Hans Palacios, Treas. PJ Garcia, and Daily Tribune writer, Mr. Raffy Ayeng.

Awarding Certificate of Appreciation to Guest Speaker Romel Cañete

President Raffy Alunan together with DGE Jackie Rodriguez Sr. gave the Certificate of Appreciation to guest speaker Mr. Romel Cañete. They were joined by Rotarians Marius Angara, Carlos Serapio, and Juan Montel, together with the warm applause of all the Rotarians and guests.

Adjournment

President Raffy Alunan rang the bell to signify adjournment of the 8th Weekly Meeting.

Membership Concerns: Induction of Executive Officer

Teodoro Alejandro Kalaw IV took his oath as Assistant Board Legal Secretary (for the Rotary Year 2023-2024), which was administered by President Raffy Alunan.