A Nation’s Story, A Club’s Spirit: The 2025 Pro Patria Journalism Awards

ON the afternoon of June 19, 2025, the air inside the Manila Polo Club was rich with reverence, rhythm, and remembrance. For the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), this 35th Weekly Membership Meeting was no ordinary gathering — it was a tribute to the enduring spirit of Philippine Independence, and a reaffirmation of the Rotary ideal: that service, truth, and nation-building walk hand in hand.

A Prelude in Harmony and Heritage

Before the official call to order, the morning stirred with cultural resonance. A video montage recapped the year’s Weekly Membership Meetings, a visual archive of service and solidarity. Then came a stirring saxophone performance by Datu John Rey Pagalan, whose Indigenous roots and international acclaim offered a soul-stirring reminder of the country’s cultural richness.

Not long after, a theatrical homage titled “Rizal in His Own Words” —presented by the Rotaract Club of Manila — brought the voice of the national hero alive, reminding the audience not only of what he fought for, but why he continues to matter.

RCM President Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez III officially called the meeting to order. An invocation in heartfelt Tagalog by Rotarian Carlos “Caloy” Serapio, Chairman of the Programs Committee, grounded the gathering in thanksgiving and purpose.

At noon, the Santiago Trillana Academy Concert Chorus filled the room with soaring harmonies, just before the Philippine Coast Guard marched in with the colors. As the flag entered the hall, hearts swelled with pride and the room fell into solemn silence.

Voices then rose again in unison — first in the Philippine National Anthem led by the STA Chorus, followed by the rousing “Ang Bagong Pilipino” exceptionally performed by the lovely Ms. Xyrene Parsad Valencia. This anthem of rebirth and responsibility echoed the nation’s call to action.

Messages of Purpose and Projects of Promise

Past President Herminio “Hermie” Esguerra delivered the Four-Way Test with the aid of an award-winning video he produced during his term — an audiovisual reinforcement of Rotary’s ethical cornerstone. Following this, President-Elect Raoul C. Creencia previewed the upcoming July 3 Inaugural through a brief but compelling teaser.

In his President’s Time, President Jujut shared updates on ongoing projects. One highlight was the “Clean Up Pasig Project,” led by Past President Hermie Esguerra, demonstrating Rotary’s long-term environmental commitment. Next, President-Elect Bryan Vander Lugt of the Rotary Club of San Bruno presented the “Cleft Lip and Palate Project,” emphasizing international collaboration in life-changing medical missions.

Both projects — one about healing the earth, the other about healing people — showcased how Rotary bridges causes, countries, and communities.

Journalism, Imagination, and El Dorado

Then came a speech that was less report and more revelation. Past Director Dean Amado D. Valdez, Chair of the 2025 Pro Patria Journalism Awards, spoke with poetic clarity. “El Dorado is not a place,” he said, “it is within us.”

For Valdez, the Philippine dream — like the mythical city of gold — was not found in treasure maps, but in freedom, imagination, and collective effort. He cited the Pasig River Esplanade Project as “imagination in action,” a tangible proof of what can be achieved when storytelling, environmental stewardship, and civic will converge.

The Pasig River Project was then honored with the Newsworthy Project of the Year Award, accepted on behalf of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos by DHSUD Assistant Secretary Mark Aeron Sambar. His message was honest and compelling — an acknowledgment not only of the award, but of the shared responsibility between public and private sectors. He praised the trash traps installed under RCM’s environmental initiatives, sharing how they were instrumental in supporting the project’s success. “Ang Pasig, bigyang buhay muli natin,” he declared—a phrase both literal and metaphorical.

Press Freedom as a Public Trust

The celebration continued with a special segment devoted to recognizing The Daily Tribune as this year’s Pro Patria Hall of Fame Awardee. On behalf of the publication, its President Mr. Willie Fernandez delivered a speech that resonated like a newsroom manifesto and national call-to-arms.

His message was both an ode and a vow: “To be recognized not once, not twice, but now enshrined in the Hall of Fame… is both humbling and inspiring.” Speaking on the birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal, Fernandez reminded the audience that the pen remains powerful — and necessary. He invoked the legacy of Rizal as a journalist, truth-teller, and nation-shaper.

“Our work is far from over,” he said. “As long as truth needs a voice, the Daily Tribune will be there — pen in hand, heart in hand.”

A Fitting Finale

A series of intermissions in audio-visual form presented patriotic Filipino songs, further stirring pride and emotion among attendees. Another AVP chronicled past awardees, a visual history of voices that shaped the present.

Finally, President Jujut returned to the podium to offer closing remarks and formally adjourn the meeting. With sincerity and strength, he offered thanks to his team, the RCM, and to all who believe that journalism is not merely a profession, but a public service. The applause that followed was not just for the program, but for the ideals it reaffirmed.

Where Freedom Meets Responsibility

More than a meeting, the 35th Weekly Membership Gathering of the Rotary Club of Manila was a moment of synthesis — where past and present met; where celebration was fused with service; and where freedom was reframed not only as a right, but as a duty.

On the birthday of Rizal, with the Pasig River recovering, and the press re-empowered by purpose, RCM reminded the nation of a powerful truth: that when people of goodwill gather — Rotarians, journalists, environmentalists, and dreamers — El Dorado is no longer mythical.

It is here. It is now. It is ours to build.