5th WMM Recap: Sailing into New Horizons: The Rotary Club of Manila’s Groundbreaking Fellowship Evening

AS the sun dipped towards the horizon on a balmy August afternoon, the Manila Yacht Club emerged as a living tableau of tradition and modernity. The Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) convened its 5th weekly membership meeting of the Rotary Year 2024-2025, heralding a departure from convention with a fresh and vibrant format. In a bold and imaginative stride, RCM's leadership unveiled a transformative approach: dedicating one of each month's four weekly meetings to a fellowship function, thereby reimagining the familiar cadence of formal meetings with guest speakers.

The evening began in earnest at 3:00 PM with the gentle bustle of registration, where the sea breeze carried whispers of anticipation and excitement. By 4:00 PM, the scene was set for an extraordinary voyage — a journey across Manila Bay aboard a balangay boat, an emblematic vessel steeped in Philippine maritime heritage.

This traditional wooden craft, renowned for its outrigger design that speaks to ancient seafaring ingenuity, offered an evocative passage through history. The balangay, a symbol of exploration and trade from the Austronesian era, glided across the water as a living homage to the pioneers who charted these very waters centuries ago. Divided into two batches, the members embarked on this nautical odyssey, each group savoring the tranquil beauty of the bay while reflecting on the rich legacy of seafaring that the balangay represents. The boat's steady progression across the bay was not merely a journey through space but a celebration of Rotary’s enduring spirit of exploration and connection.

As the balangay returned to port, the scene shifted to the opulent surroundings of the Manila Yacht Club. At 5:30 PM, the transition from sea to shore was marked by an elegant affair of afternoon tea and cocktails. The conversations, as smooth as the refreshments served, laid the groundwork for the evening’s more formal engagements.

President Jujut Enriquez took the helm at 6:30 PM, initiating the evening’s formal proceedings. An invocation by Rotarian Nico Valencia set a reflective tone, followed by a stirring rendition of the Philippine National Anthem via an audiovisual presentation that resonated with national pride. The esteemed RCM World-Famous Music Chorale then filled the air with the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn, their harmonies weaving a rich tapestry of Rotary’s ideals. Rotarian Ben Ibuyan’s recitation of the Four-Way Test reinforced the ethical compass guiding the organization’s mission.

As twilight embraced the Manila Bay, the pre-dinner cocktails at 7:15 PM flowed seamlessly into an evening of celebration. The dinner was not merely a feast but a jubilant reflection of the spirit of Rotary. Manila Rotarians, embodying the club’s vibrant culture, took the stage to showcase their talents in a spirited display of song and dance, with a live band providing the rhythm for a night of joyous revelry.

The evening’s zenith arrived at 7:00 PM with the President’s Time, where a momentous Memorandum of Understanding was inked between the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of San Bruno, San Francisco. This MOU, poised to further their collaborative efforts on a new Cleft Lip project, which marked a significant expansion of Rotary’s global network, was signed by President Jujut Enriquez and Rotarian Meg Finones, Chairman of the RC San Bruno Foundation and past president of RC San Bruno, alongside husband Ed Finones together with Marisa Otto, past president and current board member of the Rotary Club of San Jose Evergreen. Their presence highlighted the importance of international collaboration and shared commitment to service.

The Manila Yacht Club, a paragon of maritime history and elegance, provided a fitting backdrop for this memorable evening. Its rich heritage as a symbol of nautical excellence and resilience lent an air of grandeur to the Rotary gathering, beautifully bridging the past and the present.

In redefining their meeting format, the Rotary Club of Manila has not only invigorated their regular schedule but also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering both local and global connections. This innovative approach reaffirms the heart of Rotary — an unwavering dedication to fellowship, service, and community — ensuring that its spirit remains as vibrant and engaging as ever.