RCM & BALITA’s 105th and 104th Anniversaries!

For someone to belong to the oldest Rotary Club not just in the Philippines, but the whole of Asia, is indeed an honor. But doubling that sense of fulfillment is being able to serve as Editor-in-Chief of perhaps the country’s oldest internal newsletter – our very own BALITA.

Yes, as we celebrate RCM’s 105th Anniversary today, we also joyfully note the legacy and longevity of the country’s longest running club newsletter.

BALITA has been RCM’s internal newsletter since 1920-1921 when RCM started the publication of the first fortnightly issue. Except during the Japanese occupation, our Club newsletter was published without fail; and through the years, its continued publication was entrusted to a duly appointed group of Manila Rotarians who, with passion and dedication, kept the newsletter alive. Each of the 4,010 weekly publications, (including a few special editions) very much testifies to this fact.

Since 1920, BALITA has served its readers and has catered to each member’s need (and right) to be informed and updated.

Since 1920, the men who served in the Editorial Board have steadfastly endeavored to make BALITA a source not just of Club information, but of inspiration; a repository not just of updates, but of uplifting articles.

Since 1920, BALITA’s relevance and utility have not waned, and has maintained its status as a reliable companion in every Manila Rotarian’s journey of service above self.

BALITA’s enduring presence is, to be sure, no accident. It continues to be an integral part of a cherished institution that is the Rotary Club of Manila. Each publication of this newsletter has devotedly chronicled RCM’s rich history – showcasing milestones, meetings, members’ achievements, project implementations, social gatherings, fellowship activities, and informative articles, among others.

Last week, I wrote that the Rotary Club of Manila is fascinating because, although it is not a duly organized and formally registered corporate entity, it did not affect RCM’s ability to survive and flourish throughout its centennial and continuing existence – buoyed and fueled solely by the inspired work of great men who have graced its membership roll.

The same can be said about BALITA. This newsletter of 104 years has survived and blossomed through the century, not only because of the editors and writers who have dedicatedly worked on each publication, but more because there have consistently been inspiring stories to tell, fascinating write-ups to feature, meaningful projects to share, communities served to celebrate, and over-all a Club that continues to bring into its fold well-meaning and accomplished gentlemen whose aim is simply to be of service to others – the special kind that is imbued with the spirit and values of Rotary.

Mabuhay ang Rotary Club of Manila… Mabuhay ang BALITA!