28th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

Although based most of the time in Japan, Rtn. Vee David acceded to be the week’s Program Moderator. Having flown in from Japan just the night before the meeting, he played his role as host emcee of the meeting with gusto. He began by inviting Manila Rotarians to be seated to allow the meeting to officially begin.

Call to Order

Sounding the bell and generating enthusiastic applause from the members in attendance, Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III called the 28th weekly membership meeting to order.

Invocation

With a beautifully written prayer for everyone in attendance, Rtn. Abdulgani “Gani” M. Macatoman led the invocation.

Philippine National Anthem

Rotarians 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 Rtn. D. Edgard A. Cabangon.

Welcome Song

With numerous guests delightedly listening, the “World’Famous” RCM Chorale led the singing of the Welcome Song.

President’s Time

President Raffy Alunan informed the members that various MOAs are expected to be finalized in the next few weeks. He also mentioned that, as part of the MOA with the Red Cross, bloodletting events will take place in March and April of this year, involving approximately 1,500 participants. IPP Hermie Esguerra took the opportunity to announce the forthcoming RCM activity entitled “Inspection of Trash Barrier” along the Pasig River, together with the DENR-PRCMO, on February 17, 2024.

Induction of New RCM Members

RCMers warmly welcomed two distinguished individuals as freshly minted members. Hanada Takahiro, Minister and Consul General of the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines, took his oath as a Manila Rotarian. He was joined by Amb. Miguel Utray of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines, who was given an Honorary Membership.

Hanada Takahiro, Minister and Consul General of the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines.

Amb. Miguel Utray of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor and Speaker

DE Rod G. Valencia, who himself served as a Provincial Government and Member of the House of Representatives, introduced the guest speaker, another celebrated public officer, Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas.

Guest of Honor and Speaker

Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas gave an interesting talk about his memorable milestones and achievements as a public servant. He also touched on various policy issues which he had championed, and a specially relevant local government taxation issue that he dramatically won in the Supreme Court.

Open Forum

Gov. Mandanas gamely engaged in an interactive conversation with (below photos, from left) PP Chito Zaldarriaga, PP Archit Bartolome, PD Beda Fajardo, and PDG Obet Pagdanganan.

Token of Appreciation

Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas received RCM’s Plaque of Appreciation, witnessed by (from left) DGE Joaquin “Jackie” C. Rodriguez, Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III, Rtn. Abdulgani “Gani” M. Macatoman, and Rtn. D. Edgard A. Cabangon.

RCM Bannerette for RC Saigon

Pres. Rafael “Raffy” Alunan III and DGE Joaquin “Jackie” Rodriguez presented to RC Saigon Pres. John Bayarong the RCM Banerette. Pres. John was joined by his wife, Ms. Beth Bayarong.

Adjournment

After thanking the guest speaker and all attendees, the meeting was adjourned by Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III.