An Afternoon of Banking on Vision and Leadership

ON Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Manila Polo Club played host to the 20th Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, an event that was not just an ordinary gathering of minds but a celebration of leadership, innovation, and service to the community.

The meeting was moderated by Rotarian Xavier “Xavy” Y. Zialcita, who seamlessly guided the proceedings through a series of insightful reflections and inspiring speeches.

The gathering began with President Eduardo “Jujut” Enriquez III calling the meeting to order. As the members settled into their seats, Rotarian Raymond “Ray” N. Davis led the invocation, offering a moment of contemplation before the formal proceedings began.

The audience was then treated to an inspiring Audio-Visual presentation of the Philippine National Anthem and the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn, a beautiful performance by the world-renowned RCM Music Chorale. The Four-Way Test was read aloud by Rotarian Yasushi Iwata, reminding everyone of the core principles that guide the Rotary movement.

A Spirit of Fellowship and Service

President Jujut Enriquez took to the floor during the President's Time to announce a forthcoming fellowship event, along with an exciting collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross on a Wheelchair Project.

In a symbolic and momentous gesture of goodwill, the Rotary Club of Manila also signed a 'Special Friendship Club' agreement with the newly established Rotary Club of AIM (Asian Institute of Management). This marks the beginning of a partnership rooted in the spirit of collaboration and community service, a sentiment that would echo throughout the meeting.

A Visionary Speech from Mr. Eugene S. Acevedo

The highlight of the evening was the guest speaker address delivered by Mr. Eugene S. Acevedo, President & CEO of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). His speech was a powerful testament to the values of resilience, hard work, and innovation. He shared the story of his humble beginnings in Mangagoy, Surigao del Sur, where he was raised in a nipa hut by a father who worked tirelessly to become a lawyer. From this small provincial town, Acevedo went on to achieve remarkable success in his career, driven by a love for learning and an unyielding belief in himself.

“I was nothing but a third-rate, trying-hard copycat,” he confessed, recalling his school days and the moment that changed his life: a crush on a classmate who pushed him to excel academically. What started as a personal challenge blossomed into a realization that inspiration — whether drawn from love, adversity, or sheer willpower — could turn the seemingly impossible into achievable success.

His journey to success was shaped by a blend of hard skills and soft skills, the latter of which he believes are exponential in their power. “Hard skills are incremental; soft skills are exponential,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and the continuous development of one’s character. His time at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), where he carried only a duffel bag with his belongings, taught him the value of opportunity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth.

Throughout his career, Acevedo has remained dedicated to “paying it forward,” from mentoring young professionals to ensuring that leadership opportunities are available to individuals from all walks of life. At RCBC, his leadership philosophy has been anchored in the values of empathy, collaboration, and purpose. He spoke passionately about the bank’s focus on financial inclusion, its advocacy for renewable energy, and its commitment to serving underprivileged communities through innovative banking platforms.

Empowering Generations and Making a Difference

As Acevedo wrapped up his address, he shared the incredible achievements of RCBC, including their commitment to digital transformation and social responsibility. Under his leadership, RCBC has become a beacon of progress, winning awards for its digital banking services and contributing to nation-building through its advocacy for renewable energy. He reflected on how doing good is not just a business strategy, but a moral compass — "Doing the right thing is its own reward," he said.

His closing thoughts centered around the idea that true leadership is about caring for others and creating opportunities for growth and success. “Goals must inspire,” he reminded the audience. “They must make hearts beat faster.”

A Message for the Future

The evening concluded with the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation by President Jujut Enriquez to Mr. Acevedo, who humbly accepted the recognition with gratitude. As the meeting adjourned, the members of the Rotary Club of Manila left the venue inspired and energized by the words of a man who has dedicated his life to leadership, innovation, and service.

In a world that often emphasizes the pursuit of personal success, Mr. Acevedo’s story serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes not from what we achieve for ourselves, but from what we do for others. His words, resonating with the Rotary’s core values, remind us that leadership is not just about making a difference — it is about empowering others to do the same.

The 20th Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila was an afternoon not just of speeches, but of tangible inspiration — a call to action for each of us to live lives of purpose, to create change, and to make a lasting impact on the world around us.