An Afternoon of Diplomacy, Partnership, and Rotary Purpose: Joint Meeting of RC Manila, RC Makati, and RC Makati Premier District Welcomes U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson

THE gilded chandeliers of the Rigodon Ballroom cast a dignified glow over an extraordinary afternoon of Rotary fellowship on May 13, 2025, as three of the country’s most venerable Rotary clubs — Rotary Club of Manila, Rotary Club of Makati, and Rotary Club of Makati Premier District — gathered in joint session to welcome a distinguished guest whose presence spoke volumes of diplomacy, shared values, and enduring friendship.

With the ceremonial gravity befitting such a moment, the joint meeting was formally called to order in seamless succession by President Keith Harrison (RC Makati), President Jujut Enriquez (RC Manila), and President Eric Quiason (RCMPD). It was a symbolic gesture of unity, each voice echoing not just formality but a shared vision of service above self.

PE Raoul C. Creencia (RC Manila) offered the invocation — a prayer of reflection, unity, and purpose. As national anthems played and club hymns followed, a gentle reverence enveloped the ballroom, grounding the grandeur in the simple, steadfast principles of Rotary.

PE/UGP Jose Luis Vera (RCMPD) led the Four-Way Test, a recurring Rotary compass that gains deeper meaning with every meeting. Guests and visiting Rotarians were warmly acknowledged, serenaded by a welcome AVP and celebratory greetings to those marking birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

Club function updates and committee announcements were shared, but it was during the Presidents’ Time that the distinct voices of leadership wove a collective narrative — one that was optimistic, ambitious, and profoundly collaborative.

Then came the moment most awaited: the introduction of the day’s keynote speaker. Rtn. Mike Toledo, seasoned public affairs executive and classmate of Pres. Eric Quiason, delivered a spirited, at times humorous, introduction that was both personal and evocative. His words painted a portrait not just of titles and credentials, but of warmth and humanity.

“She hails from Little Rock, Arkansas,” Toledo noted, “a place that gave the world a certain President Bill Clinton — and now, graciously, our very own Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.”

Drawing laughter, applause, and even playful references to marites and Rotary karaoke nights at Ambassador Carlson’s side, the introduction culminated with a resonant quote by Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

And then, Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Philippines, took the podium.

With genuine humility and poise, Ambassador Carlson opened by acknowledging the warmth of the gathering and echoed Toledo’s Maya Angelou quote, noting it as one of her own favorites. “You’ve made me feel so welcome here today,” she said, her voice both assured and sincere.

She offered a brief but powerful narrative of the deep, evolving partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines — a bond forged in history, elevated by people, and sustained by shared values. “The Rotary movement,” she remarked, “has long served as a global thread of service and leadership, and here in the Philippines, that thread is vibrantly alive.”

Her address centered on the strategic and human dimensions of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, highlighting key areas of economic engagement. She celebrated the presence of over 30 Filipino business leaders attending the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, representing fields as diverse as health care, agribusiness, technology, and renewable energy.

“These innovators are showcasing the Philippines as a hub of entrepreneurship and opportunity,” she said, proudly noting the expansion of DoubleDragon’s Hotel 101 brand into Los Angeles, strategically timed for the 2028 Olympics.

She continued with accounts of U.S. firms investing across the Philippine archipelago — from Lexmark and Kimex to Teradyne — employing thousands of Filipinos in roles that span generations and continents.

But Carlson’s remarks were not confined to economics alone. With clarity and conviction, she spoke of the interdependence between economic stability and regional security, noting that “economic security is national security,” echoing the words of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Underlining the multi-faceted nature of U.S.-Philippine relations, she emphasized that economic initiatives are not separate from the military and diplomatic alliance. “They are a vital part of it,” she said. “Our economic ties strengthen the bonds that define our shared journey.”

She praised the Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” campaign, calling it a “monumental achievement” and a testament to the quiet, determined magic of Rotary service. With both gravity and grace, she concluded, “Serving as U.S. Ambassador to this remarkable nation is the honor of a lifetime.”

The speech, though short, resounded with dignity, authenticity, and depth.

A spirited open forum followed, governed by Chatham House rules, where members engaged the Ambassador on issues ranging from economic diplomacy to people-to-people exchange, from regional stability to soft diplomacy through education and cultural collaboration.

Finally, Presidents Keith, Jujut, and Eric returned to offer their closing responses — thanking the Ambassador not just for her presence, but for her palpable sincerity and service.

With PP David Ackerman moderating the proceedings to a seamless conclusion, the afternoon came to a close — but not before leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

This was not merely a Rotary luncheon. It was a moment of convergence — of three clubs, two nations, and one enduring commitment to the ideals of service, peace, and partnership.

And in that grand ballroom of The Peninsula, beneath the weight of chandeliers and the lightness of laughter, the message was clear: When people of goodwill come together with purpose, borders blur, alliances deepen, and hope endures.