12th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

Director Hans Palacios served as the moderator and invited Pres. Raffy Alunan to call the meeting to order.

Invocation

PD John Cutter led the saying of a special prayer, setting the tone of the meeting.

Philippine National Anthem / RCM Hymn

Rotary Members and guests took a position of respect as they sang the Philippine National Anthem and the RCM Hymn.

President’s Time

During the President’s Time, Pres. Raffy Alunan encouraged members to stay committed to their pledge to Rotary Club of Manila by being engaged in weekly and various project activities. Additionally, Pres Alunan informed the membership of a proposed joint undertaking with the Management Association of the Philippine on Project Malnutrition, that is causing stunted development of children. He exhorted everyone to live by Rotary’s spirit of fellowship and leave personal drudges outside of the door of Rotary when serving the Club activities. Lastly, Pres Alunan informed the membership of the retirement of Executive Secrertary Anna Kun Toledo. The Program Moderator called on PP Chito Zaldarriaga, to introduce Executive Secretary Anna Kun Toledo, to deliver her Valedictory Message.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

PD Beda Fajardo introduced the guest speaker, Atty. Antonio “Tony” Oposa Jr.

Guest of Honor & Speaker

Atty. Antonio “Tony” Oposa Jr. actively engaged the members and guests in his advocacy on the preservation of the environment.

Pres. Raffy Alunan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to ES Anna Kun Toledo. DGE Jackie Rodriguez presented to ES Anna a pearl necklace and a pair of pearl earrings as gifts (from him and spouse Sonja Rodriguez).

Atty. Oposa made sure that there was an interactive participation of members and guests. They were taught how to engage the government in the preservation of the environment. The members and guests listened intently to the engaging talk of Atty. Oposa.

Atty. Tony Oposa presented a book and a painting to Pres. Raffy Alunan. The RCM Certificate of Appreciation was presented by Pres. Raffy Alunan to Atty. Tony Oposa, witnessed by DGE Jackie Rodriguez (Chairman, Program Committee) and PD Beda Fajardo.

Membership Concerns: Induction

DGE Jackie Rodriguez and Rtn. Warren So introduced their respective nominees – Mr. Lorenzo “Toti” Cortez and Mr. Colin Steley. Introduction of the inductees: PDG Obet Pagdanganan, as Charging Officer, articulately reminded the inductees about the obligation of being a Rotarian. Pres. Raffy Alunan inducted Mr. Lorenzo “Toti” Cortez (Managing Partner, Guided Construction & Trading Inc.), proposed by Rtn John Tan, and Mr. Colin Steley (Director & Chief Sustainability Officer, Stratcon Asia, and Stratcon PH), proposed by DGE Jackie Rodriguez.

Presentation of RCM Name Badge and Rotary Pin to Inductees

STAR Rtn. Colin Steley received the Rotary Club of Manila name badge and the Rotary pin from proposer DGE Jackie Rodriguez. STAR Rtn. Lorenzo “Toti” Cortez received his Rotary Club of Manila name badge and Rotary pin from co-proposer Rtn. Warren So.

The newly minted Manila Rotarians were warmly welcomed by the membership with a WELCOME BABY ROTARIAN song led by the RCM WF Music Chorale.