President’s Message

AT the outset, let me express my deep appreciation to this year’s BALITA Editor-in-Chief, PVP Reggie Yu, for once again accepting this huge and important role. With EIC Reggie and his team managing our weekly newsletter, we can be assured of a Balita newsletter with impeccable quality, one that our Club can truly be proud of.

I also like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who attended the 106th Anniversary Celebration and Induction Ceremony that was successfully held at the Solaire Grand Ballroom on July 3. It was such a joy to see so many Manila Rotarians, with spouses and children, all enjoying a great night of fellowship and revelry. Truly, everyone’s presence made our first meeting for Rotary year 2025-2026 a memorable, meaningful and magical event. Hopefully, the great attendance that we had last July 3 will be replicated and sustained in the weekly meetings throughout the year.

As you know, we kicked off this brand new Rotary Year with an activity at Hospicio de San Jose on July 1. We had speakers on the importance of addressing malnutrition, the imperative of oral health care, and the basics of handwashing hygiene. Our Club thereafter donated various ABBOTT nutrition products, as well as toothpaste and toothbrush packages. We also treated all residents of Hospicio for lunch. It was service in action, anchored on duty, and fueled by commitment. It was a day that was meant to set the tone for the year. It was a day to remember.

On July 5, I and a good number of Manila Rotarians attended the District Handover Ceremonies, where we witnessed the formal unveiling of a new chapter, a new theme (Unite for Good), and a celebration of the just completed magical year.

The following day, July 6, the Rotaract Clubs of District 3810 had their District Learning Seminar, and I was invited to speak before this well-attended gathering of young leaders. It was an opportunity for me to interact with this year’s active members, including Rotaract Club presidents. Indeed, it is always fulfilling to share some thoughts and impart some advice to our Rotaractors.

Today, we are back at the Manila Polo Club for our weekly meeting. Dubbed “Prologue and Dialogue”, we are having our first Club Assembly, which I hope will be both positive and productive. Your RCM Board and the Program Committee headed by Chair Del Lorenzana recognize that a Club is essential for ensuring alignment, engagement, and readiness of all our members to carry out our goals and service projects. Today, we should frankly, yet constructively and respectfully, discuss all our concerns for the betterment of our beloved RCM. Through this essential club activity, we hope that all members are informed, aligned, and empowered to serve effectively during the Rotary year.

I hope that all of us are raring and excited to engage and participate in our various projects and activities. I hope that we are all excited to meet and greet our brothers in this club; for as a membership organization, we need to also nurture our fraternal bond with the amazing gentlemen who all share and live our motto: service above self.

Let this be the year when we all purposively become a force for good. Let this be the year when we all UNITE FOR GOOD!