25th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

AT/RCMFI Treas. Karlo Castro was the week’s “Foundation Day” Program Moderator. With his charm and wit, he efficiently navigated the sequence of the meeting.

Call to Order

Sounding the bell, Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III called the 25th weekly membership meeting to order.

Invocation

Rtn./RCMFI Pres. Willie Peliño led the invocation with a well-composed prayer.

Philippine National Anthem/RCM Hymn

Manila Rotarians and guests took a position of respect as they patriotically 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 Rtn./RCMFI Asst. Treas. Michael Roxas.

The Rotary Club of Manila Hymn and Welcome Song

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

President’s Time

President Raffy gave an update on his mid-year report, which he will submit and present in the upcoming mid-year meeting in Busan, South Korea. He emphasized the challenges set by the District Governor for RCM and mentioned that out of the twelve (12) challenges, RCM has successfully achieved nine and a half points (9.5 points). Further, he mentioned that RCM already met/achieved eleven (11) out of the actual 12 challenges given.

President Raffy shared information from AT Karlo Castro, reporting approximately $20,000 in pledges (not yet accepted) awaiting approval from the club. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to PDG Alex Cureg for support in balancing the funds, with acknowledgments to PD Oscar del Rosario, STAR Rotarian Del Lorenzana, and Rtn. Mike Roxas.

In conclusion, President Raffy once again urged RCM members to invite more potential new members, aiming to reach the target of 250 members in the remaining five (5) months, considering the current count of 240 members.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

IPC Jose Nuñez, Jr. introduced the guest of honor and speaker, PT/RCMFI Chairman Joselito “Lito” Sibayan.

Guest of Honor and Speaker

PT/RCMFI Chairman Joselito “Lito” Sibayan conveyed his message to both members and guests, with the current state of RCManila Foundation, Inc.

Open Forum

Several important and timely matters about RCM and RCMFI were elucidated and discussed during the Open Forum, with PT/RCMFI Chairman Joselito “Lito” Sibayan gamely engaging in an interactive conversation with (below photos, from left) PP Archit Bartolome, IA Nick Locsin, DGE Jackie Rodriguez, PDG Obet Pagdanganan, IPP Hermie Esguerra, VPE Joel Valdes, Rtn. Butch Alcantara, and PD Beda Fajardo.

Exchange of Bannerettes

Exhibiting the unique RCM hospitality, President Raffy Alunan handed the RCM Centennial Book to visiting Rotarian and RC San Bruno (California, USA) President Cody Sammut, during the weekly membership luncheon at the Manila Polo Club on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Keeping with tradition, the two Club Presidents likewise exchanged bannerettes.

Adjournment

After thanking the guest speaker and all attendees, the successful “Foundation Day” was adjourned by President Raffy Alunan.

RCMFI’s Raffle Draw Winners

Spicing up the weekly meeting with fun and excitement, RCMFI revisited the golf tournament awarding ceremonies vibe with a raffle draw, to the delight of everyone in attendance. The lucky raffle winners are: 1) SAA Jason Bogovich, 2) Rtn. Daniel Obrado, 3) Rtn. Emman Dela Cruz, 4) Rtn. John Cenica, 5) STAR Rtn. John Simon, 6) IPC Jose Nunez, Rtn. Caloy Serapio, DE Henry Go, and 7) VPE Joel Valdes.