23rd Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

Rtn. Carlos “Caloy” G. Serapio served as the week’s Program Moderator who efficiently shepherded the sequence of the meeting. He began by greeting everyone present and thereafter invited all to be seated for the meeting to officially commence.

Call to Order

Sounding the bell, Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III called the 23rd weekly membership meeting to order.

Invocation

With a beautifully prepared prayer, Rtn. Paul Anthony “Paul” Koh led the invocation, which set the tone for the weekly meeting.

Philippine National Anthem

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

Four-Way Test

Rotarians were again reminded of their commitment to live by the Four-Way Test, with the recitation of this mantra led by Dir. Albert “Hans” C. Palacios.

The Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and Welcome Song

The “World-Famous” RCM Chorale led the singing of the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and the Welcome Song. As expected, all the guests were pleased to hear a special song to warmly welcome them to the weekly meeting of Asia’s First Rotary Club.

President’s Time

President Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III took the opportunity to inform all members that the RCM's Mid-Year Report has been submitted to District 3810. He happily underscored that nine (9) out of the twelve (12) challenges and commitments for the Rotary year 2023-2024 have already been met, leaving only three (3) goals to achieve this year. He congratulated all Manila Rotarians for their collective effort in making this achievement possible.

Additionally, President Raffy Alunan announced the initial meeting with VP Reggie Yu and PE Jujut Enriquez to discuss the plans for RCM's 105th anniversary on June 1, including inviting Sister and Daughter Rotary clubs for the event.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

Given his past working relationship with the guest speaker, President Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III introduced CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera.

Guest of Honor and Speaker

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera delivered her message to the members and guests. She focused on the mandate and various projects, reforms, best practices, and initiatives of the Clark Development Corporation.

Open Forum

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera was in her element and gamely engaged in an interactive conversation with (below photos, clockwise) PD Issam Eldebs, VPE Joel Valdes, Dir. Johnny Chotrani, PDG Roberto Pagdanganan, Rtn. Bollie Bolton, and DE Rod Valencia.

Token of Appreciation

Pres. Rafael Alunan presented the club’s token of appreciation to CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera. Witnessing this are (from left) Rtn. Carlos “Caloy” Serapio, Dir. Albert “Hans” Palacios, and Rtn. Paul Koh.

Adjournment

After thanking the guest speaker and all attendees, the meeting was adjourned by Pres. Raffy Alunan.