13th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

Rtn. Warren So was the week’s Program Moderator who efficiently navigated the sequence of the meeting. He began by inviting the members of Rotary Club of Manila and Rotary Club of Manila Bay and guests to be seated to allow the membership meeting to proceed.

Call to Order

Vice Pres. Reggie Yu, in behalf of Pres Raffy Alunan, called the 13th weekly membership meeting to order, which was followed by Hope Creating Pres. Jonathan Juan “JJ” DC. Moreno, who likewise called the meeting to order for Rotary Club of Manila Bay to order.

Invocation

Rtn. Ray Davis led the invocation for the membership.

Philippine National Anthem / RCM Hymn

Rotary Members and guests took a position of respect as they sang the Philippine National Anthem. This was followed by the singing of the RCM Hymn.

4-Way Test

Rotarians were again reminded of their commitment to live by the 4 Way Test. The recitation of this mantra was led by RCManila Bay RID 3810 District Senior Deputy Governor Andrew Buencamino.

The Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and the Welcome Song

The “World’Famous” WF Chorale led In the singing of the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and the Welcome Song.

Announcement

PE/Dir. Jujut Enriquez invited members to participate in the Spooktacolor Affair in the forthcoming halloween event that will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the Heritage Park Coffee Shop. Members and guests were encouraged to come in their best halloweeny attire. Registration Fee is Php 1,500.00 (if wearing a costume) or Php 2,000.00 (if not wearing any costume).

President’s Time

In a video message that was presented during the President’s Time, Pres. Raffy Alunan expressed his shock over the video message of RI Pres. Gordon McInally, which the latter addressed to all Filipino Rotarians. The message centered on factionalism and politicking in the various Rotary Clubs and Districts in the Philippines. Pres. Raffy also underscored that RCM has 242 members, but only 1/3 are participating. Some are lethargic and undermining the ideals of Rotary and Rotary Club of Manila. Pres. Alunan appealed to the membership to be one solid group as Rotarians, serving humanity using the motto of Service Above. Self. He said: “We are not supposed to be divided. We have to walk our talk. Together as one, let us move Rotary faster, further and higher. Let’s return to the old ways to make Rotary great and shine and make it the shining beacon once again. Mabuhay ang Rotary Club of Manila.”

VP Reggie Yu, as the caretaker of the club while Pres. Alunan was in China, updated the membership of the activities of the Club and acknowledged the presence of RCM friends from the Rotary Club of Manila Bay, headed by President JJ Moreno. VP Yu commended the outstanding efforts of the Rotary Club of Calumpit, which, last Saturday, September 23, carried out the second leg distribution of Typhoon Egay relief aid to five barangays. This incredible initiative amounted to a total of Php130,000. He extended the Club’s heartfelt gratitude to the Handang Tumulong Foundation for their generous donation, facilitated by our dedicated Emergency and Disaster Committee Chair, Joshua Aragon. The segregation and distribution of the much-needed relief packages were efficiently executed by Committee Chair Joshua Aragon and Co-chair Inov Talusan, along with the support of Rotary Club of Calumpit President Capispisan and its members.

Part of VP Yu’s message includes the following: “Of course, all these would not have been made possible without the invaluable assistance and initiative of our indefatigable Rotarian, PD Oca del Rosario. Furthermore, we proudly participated in the Alay Lakad event on September 24th at Rizal Park, standing side by side with uniformed contingents, government agencies, and fellow civic organizations. Rotary District 3810 was well-represented by District Governor Lai dela Cruz, while our very own Rotary Club of Manila was proudly represented by RCM President-Elect and Director Jujut Enriquez, RCMFI Chair Lito Sibayan, accompanied by his daughter Mica Sibayan, RCM Alay Lakad Chair and Director of Engagement Nagi Zeitouni, and Music Committee Chair Past Director Oscar del Rosario. We were also joined by the vibrant Rotaract Club of Manila, led by President Arvin Reyes. It was a memorable day, and I'd like to express our appreciation to those who co-hosted the breakfast at the Tap Room of Manila Hotel.

Today, RCM also take a moment to celebrate the personal achievements of our fellow Rotarians: A historic milestone for our country, as we claimed the first medal, a bronze, in the men's individual poomsae category, thanks to the outstanding performance of the RP team in China, led by our very own President Raffy Alunan. A special congratulations to our Treasurer, PJ Garcia, for completing the Berlin Full Marathon, showcasing determination and perseverance. A special shoutout to our President-elect, Jujut Enriquez, for winning first prize in District 3810’s presidents-elect mid-autumn festival dice game hosted by Governor-elect Jackie Rodriguez at the Elks Club last Tuesday. Lastly, a heartfelt congratulations to Rotarian Junjie Vazquez on the joyous occasion of becoming a grandparent for the first time.”

Before the President’s Time was concluded, VP Yu warmly invited everyone to the District 3810 Mid-Autumn Festival Extravaganza, which will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Chinatown. This will be on October 4, 2023, from 6:00 PM onward at the Century Seafood Restaurant at the Century Park Hotel, Vito Cruz, Manila. He also mentioned that the Exhibit at LRI Design Center -- “Expanding Horizons” -- is still ongoing. He thanked those who have supported the Hospicio de San Jose building extension project, and exhorted those who still wish to support this noble project.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

RCManila Bay Pres. JJ Moreno introduced the guest of honor and speaker, Hon. Aquilino “Koko” Martin dela Llana Pimentel, Minority Floor Leader, Senate of the Philippines.

Open Forum

Senator Pimentel gamely engaged in an interactive conversation with (from left) PP Chito Zaldarriaga, Dir. Hans Palacios, VPE Joel Valdez, PD Oscar del Rosario, and PD Beda Fajardo.

Guest of Honor and Speaker

Senator Koko Pimentel delivered his message to the Rotarians and guests of Rotary Club of Manila and Rotary Club of Manila Bay.

VP Reggie Yu presented the club’s token of appreciation for Hon. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, Senate Minority Leader, House of Philippine Senate, in the presence of District Governor Elect Jackie Rodrigiez (Chairman, Program Committee), Rotary Club of Manila Bay Pres. Jonathan Juan “JJ” DC Moreno, PP Andrew Buencamino (RI District 3810 Senior Deputy Governor), and Rtn Ray Davis (Chairman, People with Special Needs Committee).

The meeting is co-adjourned by Rotary Club of Manila Vice Pres. Reggie Yu (in behalf of Pres. Raffy Alunan) and Rotary Club of Manila Bay Pres. JJ Moreno.

Membership Concerns: Induction

Introducing the inductees: After Rtn. Warren So introduced the nominee – Mr. Yasushi Iwata, the charging rite was led by PDG Alex Cureg, who reminded inductee on the obligation of being a Rotarian. Vice Pres. Reggie Yu inducted Mr. Yasushi Iwata (Managing Director and Country Head of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation).

Presentation of RCM Name Badge and Rotary Pin to Inductee

STAR Rtn. Yasushi Iwata delivered a message of commitment as Rotarian and is thankful for being accepted as member. WF Chorale led the membership is welcoming STAR Rtn. Yasushi Iwata with RCM’s unique and joyful Welcome Baby Rotarian song.

Meeting Fellowship

Rotary Club of Manila Bay during pre-meeting fellowship.