Editor’s Note

At this day and age, one’s well-being must be our priority, as it is only with a healthy mind and body that we are able to function at our optimal best. This means that we need to eradicate anything that brings toxicity in our lives, and devote our time and headspace only for people and advocacies that matter most to us. As we welcome a brand-new year, and as we see the constant changes, as well as all the drama, in the world around us, it is always best to keep calm, listen to and heed our inner voice, dig deep into our hearts, and allow ourselves to be guided by our North Star. 2024 should be a year when we wisely limit and choose those that add, not subtract, meaning to our lives.

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With the woeful passing of PP Frank Evaristo, the Rotary Club of Manila once again lost another genteel individual who graced the Club, and served it well. I have always seen him as an unassuming, humble, and soft-spoken Rotarian. Unlike most members, I did not have the opportunity to closely work with PP Frank. However, I had the chance to sit beside him a couple of times during our weekly membership meetings (the last one was during the June 29, 2023 commencement program of IPP Hermie at Fairmont Hotel). During those occasions, he would share some highlights of his life as a Rotarian, as well as his thoughts and insights, including his experience when he served as President. All I can say is that PP Frank is a devoted Rotarian, and one person who is definitely worth emulating, not just in his outlook, but also in his demeanor and humble ways. I salute you, PP Frank, for your humility and self-effacing service to Rotary and its worthwhile causes.

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Kindness. This is what our parents taught us. This is what was constantly instilled in our minds during our kindergarten year. I think this is what we need to revisit: our kindergarten rules. What are these? Be respectful. Fall in line. Wash your hands. Cut your nails. Be helpful. Clean your desk. Say ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ as the case may be. Throw your trash inside the bin. Wait for your turn. Be kind. Let us not forget these basic kindergarten learnings, which we ironically sometimes forget to live by as adults.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, my Manila Rotarian brothers!