The Rotary Club of Manila’s 13th Weekly Membership Meeting: A Convergence of Service, Insight, and Global Discourse

OCTOBER 17, 2024 — Manila Polo Club. On a brisk Thursday afternoon, the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) convened its 13th weekly membership meeting for Rotary Year 2024-2025. The event was steeped in camaraderie and intellectual exchange as Rotarians gathered under the elegant halls of the Manila Polo Club. Moderated by Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Dr. John Michael “John” Cutter, the meeting began promptly at 12:00 PM, marking another milestone in RCM's enduring legacy of service.

Opening the Doors to Fellowship

As attendees registered, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. At 12:15 PM, President Eduardo “Jujut” Enriquez III officially called the meeting to order, setting the tone for the afternoon. Rotarian Raymond “Ray” N. Davis then delivered the invocation, a heartfelt moment of reflection on the values and mission of the Rotary Club. The familiar strains of the Philippine National Anthem followed, presented via an audio-visual tribute featuring the dedicated members of RCM. The RCM World-Famous Music Chorale serenaded the crowd with the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn, invigorating the spirit of service among those in attendance. Director-Elect Edwin Hernandez led the audience in the recital of the Four-Way Test, an ethical compass that guides Rotarians worldwide.

Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Dr. John Cutter then acknowledged the guests, followed by the rousing “Welcome Song” performed by the RCM World Famous Music Chorale, embracing all attendees in the warmth of Rotary fellowship.

A Moment of Growth

The induction of new members commenced at 12:30 PM, marking an important chapter for the club. Rotarian Bernd Schneider introduced Peter Rankl, General Manager of Plant Calamba and President of the Automotive Region ASEAN, who joins the RCM with a wealth of expertise in the Automotive Industry — specifically in Intelligent Automotive Technologies. Meanwhile, DG Joaquin “Jackie” Rodriguez introduced Ingill Ra, Regional President of the Global Peace Foundation Asia Pacific, bringing a distinguished background in humanitarian service to the club. Both new members took their oaths of membership, led by President Jujut Enriquez, with high hopes for their contributions to the club’s continued success.

Service in Action and Global Perspectives

The energy in the room shifted as President Eduardo “Jujut” Enriquez III took the podium. The customary gravity of his “President's Time” gave way to an exciting and heartwarming presentation, signifying Rotary’s commitment to service beyond personal and professional boundaries. President Jujut introduced Ms. Ashley Fruno, Director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, who was on hand to unveil the “Ampon Alaga” project, an initiative focused on rescue and adoption for the thousands of stray animals roaming the streets of the Philippines.

Ms. Fruno emphasized the role that the Rotary Club of Manila could play in this campaign — not just as advocates, but as active participants in promoting responsible pet ownership and providing the support necessary for PETA’s shelters. Several members of the club, many of whom were pet lovers, visibly reacted to the emotional appeal. It was a call to service — one that aligned perfectly with Rotary’s long-standing mission to uplift and serve the community. The presentation concluded with applause and pledges from members to support the “Ampon Alaga” initiative, both personally and through the club’s collective resources.

The project, aptly named “Ampon Alaga” (Adopt-a-Pet), embodies the spirit of compassion, aiming to provide abandoned and homeless animals with shelter, care, and, most importantly, loving families. In her presentation, Ms. Fruno explained the harrowing conditions faced by these animals and how simple acts of kindness from ordinary citizens could transform their lives. She illustrated the urgent need for collective action through powerful visuals that documented the plight of these strays, stirring emotions across the audience.

Following the uplifting presentation from PETA, the tone of the afternoon shifted once more to a discussion of international political landscapes. With Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Dr. John Michael “John” Cutter at the helm, the next segment featured two heavyweight guest speakers: James “Jay” Savage, Chairman of Democrats Abroad Philippines, and George M. Drysdale, Chairman of Republican Overseas Philippines. This dialogue, aptly titled “Global Perspectives: The US Election and Its Impact on International Relations,” aimed to provide Rotarians with critical insights into the upcoming 2024 US Presidential elections. As Dr. Cutter introduced the speakers, he highlighted the unique opportunity for club members to witness a dialogue between two seasoned leaders representing both ends of the US political spectrum. The engagement that followed was not merely an exchange of partisan viewpoints but a deeper discussion on how US politics reverberate globally, particularly in the Philippines and other countries within Southeast Asia.

Jay Savage began his address with a reflective tone, invoking the ideals of past Republican luminaries like Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower, as he stressed the need for balance in political discourse. He praised the Democrats' vision of an inclusive future — one that fights for economic equality, accessible healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Savage also voiced his concerns about the potential resurgence of policies under Donald Trump, touching on issues like immigration, civil rights, and America’s role in global environmental efforts. His speech brimmed with statistics and anecdotes that provided clarity on how current US policies directly affect not only Americans but also the international community, including American expatriates in the Philippines.

George Drysdale, on the other hand, offered a Republican perspective, underlining the importance of free-market economics and deregulation, with a focus on empowering American businesses, both domestically and abroad. He provided data-driven insights into how a potential Republican win in the Senate and House could shift global trade policies, particularly with Southeast Asia. Drysdale’s use of an electoral map and real-time polling data kept Rotarians engrossed as he broke down the key swing states that could determine the next US president. His experience in agribusiness and his time working for high-ranking officials during the Reagan administration lent authority to his analysis.

In a particularly striking moment, Drysdale raised the issue of double taxation on American expatriates — a point of convergence for both speakers. This longstanding issue impacts many Americans living abroad, including several Rotarians in the audience. Both Savage and Drysdale agreed that reform in this area was overdue, demonstrating that, despite their political differences, common ground can still be found on issues that transcend party lines.

The engaging presentations were followed by an open forum, moderated by veteran journalists Antonio “Tony” Lopez of BizNews Asia and Conrado “Ding” Generoso of Malaya Business Insight. The two moderators deftly balanced humor with sharp political analysis, as they facilitated a spirited Q&A session between the speakers and the audience. Rotarians eagerly asked questions ranging from foreign policy and international trade to climate change and workers' rights. The discussion was peppered with witty digs and insightful commentaries from Lopez and Generoso, keeping the atmosphere lively yet thought-provoking.

As the open forum drew to a close, President Jujut returned to the stage to present Certificates of Appreciation to both Savage and Drysdale, thanking them for their time and insights. The day’s program had not only provided Rotarians with valuable perspectives on critical global issues but had also reinforced the club’s dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue across diverse ideologies.

At 2:00 PM, the meeting was officially adjourned, yet the discussions continued long after. Members lingered in groups, exchanging thoughts on the presentations they had just witnessed. There was a shared understanding that, whether in service or in political discourse, the Rotary Club of Manila remains a vital space for dialogue, learning, and collective action — always striving to create positive change both locally and globally.