Editor’s Note

FINIS CORONAT OPUS.

The end crowns the work; the goal gives value to the labor that produced it. With indefatigable hearts as volunteers, Manila Rotarians led by President Raffy Alunan have certainly done well in this eventful Hope Creating Rotary year.

This is exactly what I wrote last year as RCM marked the end of Imagine Rotary year. Hopefully, this will be a yearly tribute to the Club President who self-effacingly steered the Club to another fruitful year.

To be sure, each year presents a different kind of challenge, a host of novel problems and issues, and a unique set of dynamics. But this is how the grit and determination of the leaders, as well as the resilience and discipline of the members are tested. Despite of the numerous hurdles, Team RCM still chose to emerge victorious, ending the year on a truly high note. Indeed, this year, RCM passed with flying colors.

Continuing its long tradition of excellence, and building on the excellent performance of past presidents, Asia’s First Club once again exhibited a sterling and awe-inspiring performance this year, garnering numerous awards during the June 15 year-end District gathering. With this, RCM again firmly cemented its premiere position not just in the District, but in the Philippines.

After two years as Editor-in-Chief of our beloved BALITA, I will be officially handing over the position to a new appointee. I am told that it will be VP Reggie Yu, who I believe is an excellent choice, and who I am sure will do an impeccable job next year. Although I initially accepted PE Jujut Enriquez’s invitation to again serve as EIC during his term, I had to eventually express my inability to handle the weekly newsletter due to other pressing work commitments.

Serving as BALITA’s Editor-in-Chief for two years has indeed been fulfilling for me. Moreover, working alongside a hardworking staff (Rhea, Jeff, Anna, Lhea, and Jonathan) has been a joy. BALITA religiously came out every week because of their hard work, and I could not have done it without them. I also thank VP Reggie and Rtn. Senen for the support by contributing articles and giving counsel on sensitive editorial policy matters.

Finally, I thank Team RCM — the constant inspiration behind BALITA. Each Manila Rotarian is the one which animates the pages of our newsletter. Each Manila Rotarian is the reason why we have colorful stories of service and evocative photos of volunteerism, fellowship and fraternal bond.

BALITA, as a vessel of positivity and instrument showcasing the best in our Club, will surely continue to shine not only as the oldest Rotary newsletter in this part of the world, but as the faithful chronicler of the continuing legacy build-up of Asia’s First Club — the Rotary Club of Manila.