11th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

Rtn. Basti Lacson served as the moderator and requested Pres. Raffy Alunan to call the meeting to order.

Call to Order

Pres. Raffy Alunan sounded the bell to commence the Weekly Meeting.

Invocation

Rtn. Philip Wombwell led the invocation, setting the tone for the week’s membership gathering.

Philippine National Anthem

Rotary members and guests all assumed a position of respect as they sang the Philippine National Anthem.

Four-Way Test

The recitation of every Rotarian’s mantra, the Four-Way Test, was led by DE/ABLA Teddy Kalaw.

RC Manila Rotary Hymn

RCM Members sang the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn, with all members present actively participating in the heartfelt singing.

Birthday Celebration

RCM WF Chorale serenaded the birthday celebrants of the week. AS Rami Chahwan was present and he gleefully savored the birthday song, and blew the candle of the birthday cake.

President’s Time

Pres. Raffy Alunan invited the members to support the completion of the renovation project: the place of residence of the Persons with Disabilities at Hospicio de San Jose, through the sale of paintings by ten gifted artists. He also encouraged members to participate in the Alay Lakad, which is headed by Past Pres. Frank Evaristo. The RCM contingent is being organized by DE/SAA Nagi Zeitouni. Moreover, Pres. Alunan invited the members to support the District Mooncake Festival being hosted by the Rotary Club of Chinatown. A table for 12 pax has been reserved for RCM, with a registration fee of P2,500 per pax. President Alunan also underscored that, based on the Club’s membership, less than 1/3 attend the weekly membership meeting; and he said this must be increased to at least 50% of the total members. The Council of Past Presidents has extended their hand of support to help perk up membership engagement and participation. In this regard, the Fellowship Committee was requested to submit a program for the remaining quarters of the year.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

RCManila Foundation Trustee/Rtn. Paco Magsaysay introduced the guest of honor and speaker, Hon. Sec. Ernesto V. Perez, Director General, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

Open Forum

Sec. Perez squarely and enthusiastically responded to questions raised by members.

Awarding of Certificate of Appreciation

Pres. Raffy Alunan together with DGE Jackie Rodriguez presented the Certificate of Appreciation to Sec. Ernesto V. Perez, witnessed by Rtn. Philip Wombwell and ABLA Teddy Kalaw.

Adjournment

Pres. Raffy hit the bell to signify adjournment to the 10th weekly meeting.