Inaugural Address

PROTOCOLS having been observed, I wish to recognize all our esteemed guests, friends, partners, and fellow Rotarians who are all here. Good evening to you all!

I am awed and inspired by everyone’s presence. It is a busy week, a busy Thursday, yet you chose to be here. So let me ask: WHY exactly are we here? Why do we do the things we do?

Specifically to my fellow Rotarians: Why are we in Rotary? We have surely been asked that question several times. Tonight is a good time to once again look into our WHY. Every day, in fact, is a good day to redefine, redefine, and reinforce our WHY.

When I was elected in October last year, I wrote a one-pager, some sort of a Guiding Principle for 2025, highlighting our club’s Destiny and Legacy. I presented this to the incoming Board, which was warmly received and adopted. I wrote the Council of Past Presidents a week later, I reiterated the 2025 vision -- redefining our destiny, and reclaiming our legacy.

Tonight, allow me to highlight these three words – Destiny. Legacy. Rotary. Separately, each word is powerful on its own. But together—they tell our story.

Destiny is not about fate. It is about purpose. The Rotary Club of Manila was born of a calling -- to serve, lead, and to uplift. From the moment our charter was signed in 1919, from the moment our Club became the first in Asia, our destiny was set -- to be a force for good.

Legacy is not just what we leave behind -- but also how we live our lives every day. It is not built merely on what we have done, it is built on why we do it. For over a century, our Club has blazed the trail, left its handprints on history, and pursued impactful projects anchored on our why.

And then there is Rotary — the bond that ties us together; a global movement of people of action; a fellowship of doers, thinkers, givers, and builders. Rotary is where service becomes impact. Where friendship becomes leadership.

It is here in Rotary where I met these amazing men in our Club, who despite their heavy professional commitments, still have time and make time to serve. It is here in Rotary that I befriended these self-effacing individuals who serve the community with dedication and passion. It is here in Rotary where I met my amazing classmates, united chosen Presidents who have all the heart to render service above self.

In the past couple of years, we have been encouraged to serve to change lives, to imagine Rotary, to create hope, to spread Rotary’s magic. This year, we are called upon to UNITE FOR GOOD. You will surely agree with me that this exhortation has come at a perfect time. With everything that is going on around us, the concept of, and the call for unity becomes more compelling than ever.

My RCM brothers, my fellow Rotarians, let us unite and remain united. Let us unite for our club and for our District. Let us remember, only when we are united can we truly and collectively imagine Rotary with a magical ability to create hope and change lives. Only when we unite for good can we be a force for good.

So this Rotary year, let us take that extra step to meaningfully unite – to forgive, to move on, and to act as one. Remember, disunity is anathema to Rotary.

Two days ago, we kicked off the year by invoking Divine guidance and strength at the Hospicio de San Jose, where we also had our malnutrition, oral health care, and WASH projects and orientation. RCM and Hospicio’s partnership will be strengthened this year.

And speaking of stronger partnerships, earlier tonight, we signed various MOAs and MOUs to strengthen existing partnerships, forge new ones, and reactivate former allies in service. The agreements are with – the Anti-Red Tape Authority – represented by Secretary Ernesto Perez (ARTA Director-General), Philippine Red Cross – represented by Chairman Richard Dick Gordon; World Surgical Foundation Philippines – represented by its President Dr. Lester Suntay and Chairperson Arlene Keh, Philippine Retailers Association – represented by its President Ms. Alice Liu, Chairman Bob Claudio, and Board Director Lorenzo Formoso, InnovationPH – represented by Marc Christian Gulle (Pdministrator) and Grace Fernandez (President), PETA-Asia – represented by Ms. Ashley Fruno, JCI Manila – represented by President Jan Adrian Padiernos and EVP Eikon Conrad Javaluyas, DUALTech Foundation – represented by Messrs. Jerry Muhi, Jose Jacob, and Leo Calderon, and WASH Education Pty Ltd – represented by Engrs. Kathly Faigal and Engr Ira Manuel.

We also signed two Sister Club Agreements with Rotary Club of Lipa South, represented by its President Joseph Vicente Lim, and Rotarian Rene Policarpio; and with RC Kandaya – represented by its President Lolit Escano, PP Fema Adizas, IPDG Caroline Adrade.

Yes, tonight, we celebrate these alliances. And as we stand at the intersection of history and hope --

We say yes to stronger partnerships, We say yes to meaningful projects, We say yes to more service above self, We say yes to more fun-filled fellowship activities, and We say yes to a better world because of what we do.

My RCM brothers, our club is Asia’s First, and therefore we are Asia’s oldest, Let us also make it the boldest – in service, passion and heart.

As we welcome a brand new Rotary year, let us not just mark the passage of time – let us honor a journey that began over a century ago. Let us remind ourselves that service is not an obligation, it is our identity. Let us remind ourselves that leadership is not a position that we seek, but a promise that we keep. Finally, let us remind ourselves that the future is not a destination we wait for; it is a direction that we build.

So let us unite, join hands, and build a new direction. Let us build a memorable Rotary Year together. Destiny. Legacy. Rotary.

I conclude this message with a composition that brings focus to these three powerful words. Joining me here to share this song with you is the Rotary Club of Manila World Famous Chorale. May each word and each note that we sing bring forth the hope, aspirations, and inspiration that I wish to share with you tonight.

Our Destiny. Our Legacy. Rotary.

Music and Lyrics: Raoul C. Creencia

I. here we are with united sense of purpose hand in hand in our bold and selfless service let’s not fail to see this was meant to be life in Rotary that’s our destiny.

II. we are one a committed band of brothers and much more we unite for good and others we will always be One Club, One Rotary ours was first to be that’s our legacy.

Chorus I: and now we’re here to seize the day unite for good, yes, come what may our history, one century of service to humanity we share a common destiny let’s mark our legacy.

[Repeat II & Chorus I]

Bridge: United we will always be In serving our community Let’s proudly wave the flag of Rotary…. Rotary!

Chorus II: unite for good and seize the day let’s be of service, come what may it’s Rotary, it’s you and me Manila was the first to be this is our common destiny let’s stamp our legacy. Our destiny, our legacy, ROTARY!