Closing Remarks

Fellow Rotarians, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we - meaning all of the Rotary Clubs in Asia gathered here tonight - draw the curtain on OUR 105th birthday, I’d like to thank on behalf of RCM: Our generous sponsors PAL, Palawan Pawnshop, Eternal Gardens, Jason Ong, Ralph's Wines, RCM member Manny Dy, RC Kowloon East led by President Chung, RC Taipei, RC Singapore, and District Gov 3810 Lai de la Cruz; RCM member Ricky Yap, Manila Hotel President Joey Lina 3830 District Governor Jay Tambunting and District 3810 Officers; our Past Rotary International Directors Raffy Garcia and Guilller our Past District Governors and Past Presidents; esteemed officers and members of our sister, daughter and Rotaract clubs; The Manila Hotel staff; Event Chair VP Reginald Yu, the RCM Secretariat and the event organizer; the various media organizations of RCM member Edgard Cabangon; emcees RCM PD Issam Eldebs and Risa and tonight's entertainers; my fellow Hope Creating Presidents from D3810; and, last but not least, our beloved spouses, family members, and friends of RCM, for contributing to the success of RCM’s modest but meaningful 105th benefit dinner.

RCMers kindly stand to show our heartfelt appreciation by joining me in putting our hands together to give them a standing ovation.

We just commemorated 105 years of unwavering dedication to service, and celebrated the enduring bonds of fellowship that unite us across Asia and the Philippines. Our journey, from the inception as the first Rotary club in Asia, has been marked by countless acts of kindness, leadership, and community building. Your valued presence here today underscores the far-reaching impact and shared values that define Rotary’s mission globally. Be it together or separately, we built bridges, nurtured communities, and created a legacy of positive change in our world.

To our distinguished guests from our sister clubs, daughter clubs, and District clubs, your participation enriched our celebration and reaffirmed the solidarity and camaraderie that Rotary fosters. Your well-documented stories of service, challenges, and triumphs inspire us all and highlight the collective strength we possess when united by a common purpose. May the lessons learned and friendships forged during this celebration propel us toward even greater achievements in service above self.

As we look to the future, let us carry forward the spirit of Rotary with renewed vigor and commitment. Together, let us continue to light the path of service, compassion, and leadership for the generations to come.

Here are some famous quotes that can serve as inspiring food for thought for the Rotary Club of Manila's 105th anniversary:

1. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi

2. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." – Winston Churchill

3. "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

4. "The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own." – Benjamin Disraeli

5. "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." – Albert Pike

6. "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." – Albert Einstein

7. "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." – Oscar Wilde

These quotes celebrate the spirit of service, community, and making a positive impact, resonating well with the values and mission of the Rotary Club of Manila as they commemorate their 105 years of service.

I will end with a toast. Please rise and raise your glasses. Here's to the next century of RCM’s extraordinary contribution to society. Cheers! Thank you for making this anniversary a remarkable success as we wish our fellow Rotarians who traveled to Manila a safe journey home. Mabuhay!