24th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

PDG Vicente “Vince” Carlos served as the week’s Program Moderator, who efficiently navigated the sequence of the meeting. The program commenced with him greeting and inviting Manila Rotarians and guests to be seated.

Call to Order

Sounding the bell, Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III called the 24th weekly membership meeting to order.

Invocation

With a beautifully composed prayer, Rtn. Victor “Vic” G. Garcia led the invocation, setting the tone for the meeting.

Philippine National Anthem/RCM Hymn

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

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 AS Rami Chahwan.

The Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and Welcome Song

Manila Rotarians heartily sang the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and the Welcome Song.

President’s Time

President Raffy shared some uplifting news in regard to RCM's Mid-Year Report. According to him, out of the 12 governor's challenges and citations for the RCM at the start of the Rotary Year, 9 of them have already been met or accomplished. The remaining three challenges for the next six months revolve around reaching the target membership number of 250. Currently, there are 240 members. He added that if each member can bring in at least one potential member, RCM will achieve the target.

The Club President also mentioned the TRF goal of $25,000.00 for the year, equivalent to $100.00 per capita per member. He mentioned discussing this with AT Karlo Castro, who informed him that RCM has $12-13k in the kitty, placing them halfway to the goal. For the remaining amount, RCM still needs 12 Rotarians to become Paul Harris Fellows; otherwise, 12 RCM members may continue donating to fill the gap.

Regarding the Rotary Citation, RCM has accepted 12 of the 17 citations and has already surpassed the requirements. RCM has achieved 13 of the 12 roles they accepted, exceeding expectations. President Raffy promised that RCM will continue striving to meet all 17 citations. He congratulated everyone in the meeting for achieving RCM's goals and thanked every member for their contributions.

Finally, President Raffy revealed that preparations are on-going for the forthcoming 105th year of RCM, which also marks RCM's Charter anniversary. Before concluding his speech, he disclosed the members of the Organizing Committee, viz: PDG Vince Carlos, PDG Alex Cureg, PDG Obet Pagdanganan, PDG Rudy Bediones, DGE Jackie Rodriguez, VP Reggie Yu, PE Jujut Enriquez, VPE Joel Valdes, Treas. PJ Garcia, and DE Rod Valencia.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

BLA Raoul C. Creencia introduced the guest of honor and speaker, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, H.E. Tull Traisorat.

Guest of Honor and Speaker

In his informative and animated speech, H.E. Tull Traisorat underscored Thailand’s continuing desire to nurture the close relations between the two nations. He likewise emphasized his country’s pursuit toward strengthening and expanding its economic and business activities in the Philippines.

Open Forum

Amb. Tull Traisorat gamely responded to the thought-provoking questions of (below photos, from left) DE Rod G. Valencia, PP Freddie Borromeo (RC Makati), IA Nick Locsin, PD Beda Fajardo, and DGE Jackie Rodriguez.

Token of Appreciation

Pres. Rafael Alunan presented the club’s token of appreciation to Amb. Tull Traisorat. Witnessing this are (from left) BLA Raoul Creencia, DGE Jackie Rodriguez, AS Rami Chahwan, and Rtn. Vic Garcia

Adjournment

After thanking the guest speaker and all attendees, and noting another well-conducted meeting, the weekly official gathering was adjourned by Pres. Raffy Alunan.