Baylight and Brotherhood: The Rain-Kissed Fellowship that Sparked Rotary Year 2025–2026

ON the morning of July 24, 2025, the sun barely peeked through the thick drapes of cloud that loomed over the capital. The tropical air, heavy with salt and silence, hinted at something brewing over the horizon. News alerts flashed warnings of twin typhoons — Crising and Dante — barreling toward Luzon, and yet, amidst forecasts and flood bulletins, a determined spirit stirred within members of the Rotary Club of Manila.

This was no ordinary Thursday. This was the first fellowship of the new Rotary Year — a chance to inaugurate a season of service, camaraderie, and continuity. A celebration was set to unfold at the stunning Encaramada Rooftop Bar of TRYP by Wyndham, a coveted perch above the city that promised a front-row seat to the Manila Bay sunset.

But as fate would have it, nature had other plans. Still, Rotarians are not ones to surrender to storms. They are, after all, the kind who plant trees knowing they may never sit in their shade.

The Shift: From Rooftop Dreams to Lobby Light

With the rooftop winds howling and rain pelting in all directions, the event's venue was gracefully moved down to the hotel's second floor. Far from a compromise, this proved to be serendipitous.

The 2nd Floor Lobby at TRYP was an unexpected gem — intimate yet elegant, its minimalist interiors exuded a quiet sophistication. Sleek furniture formed clusters of conversations, and its floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered a panoramic, albeit moody, view of the bay under a weeping sky.

The lobby, bathed in dim ambient lighting, transformed into a space of comfort and reflection. Outside, the city braved the elements; inside, a fellowship bloomed in warmth.

More than 30 Rotarians arrived, umbrellas dripping and spirits soaring. They greeted each other not merely with handshakes but with the kind of laughter reserved for those who have weathered many storms—both literal and metaphorical—together.

Of Wine, Warmth, and Witty Stories

Glasses of red and white flowed as guests eased into the rhythm of the evening. The Fellowship Chair, Rotarian Nico Valencia, moved with practiced grace, ensuring everyone felt welcome. STAR Rotarian Dean Cid played host with his signature blend of class and charm. Conversations ranged from current events and Rotary projects to musings on life and the beauty of a well-aged wine.

For all its sophistication, the mood was never stiff. One could spot spontaneous laughter erupting from various corners of the room. Some recalled typhoons of years past; others traded updates on family, career, or causes close to heart. At the center of these pockets of warmth was the quintessential Rotary essence — service through friendship.

Some members took to the mic in an impromptu turn of entertainment, belting out their favorite songs to a cheerfully encouraging audience. The lounge had morphed into a cabaret of sorts, with no less than the Rotary Club of Manila as its cast.

A Night for David: Farewell to a Friend

The night’s beating heart, however, belonged to one man: Dr. David Ferdinand Klebs. After three years of committed service in the Philippines as Economic Counsellor at the German Embassy in Manila — and as an active RCM member — David was slated to return to Germany by the end of July. The fellowship thus doubled as a heartfelt send-off, a chance for his Rotary family to toast not just his departure, but his legacy.

Soft applause filled the room as VP Ricky Guevara, standing in for President Raoul Creencia who had to attend another Rotary event, stepped forward. Accompanied by Secretary Anton Mauricio, he addressed the assembly: “Rotary is not simply about projects — it’s about people. Tonight, we honor one of our own who has quietly, but impactfully, embodied the Rotary spirit in everything he does.”

David, visibly moved, stepped forward. With a steady smile and that unmistakable spark of humility, he accepted the "Unite For Good" commemorative Rotary pin, a gesture that needed no fanfare. For those who knew him, the pinning symbolized more than appreciation — it marked an indelible place in the tapestry of RCM’s brotherhood.

Then came an unexpected treat. With a guitar slung across his shoulder, David took to the mic and sang — his voice mellow and melodic, a soulful counterpoint to the storm raging outside. He performed two songs, both filled with gentle longing and grateful reflection, leaving many in the room misty-eyed.

“Thank you,” he said after the last note lingered. “The Philippines has changed me more than I can say. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”

Beside him stood his elegant wife, Mrs. Farah Hasan Klebs, quietly radiant in her support. As David prepares for his next posting at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, he leaves behind not just diplomatic footprints but heartfelt memories in Manila’s civic heart.

Rotary by the Bay: A Spirit that Withstands

One could be forgiven for thinking the rain would dampen such an event. But the truth is — it only magnified what Rotary truly stands for. What began as a weather-worn gathering blossomed into a tapestry of shared moments, spontaneous joy, and meaningful reflections.

The fellowship reminded every Rotarian present that while venues may change, and skies may darken, the light within Rotary endures. It is not always about the grandeur of the setting, but the genuineness of the gathering. The 2nd Floor Lobby — with its ambient lighting and welcoming lounge — turned into a sanctuary of kindness, purpose, and belonging.

And outside, beyond the dripping glass, the city braved the storm. Yet within, hearts were fortified by laughter and lifted by song.

Portraits in Fellowship: Moments Captured, Memories Preserved

As cameras clicked and group photos were taken, a peculiar thing happened — smiles became stories. Every photograph from the evening captured not just faces, but connections. The kind that last long after the party ends.

There was the table of seasoned Rotarians, sharing insights and sipping wine like sages. There were the younger members, wide-eyed and eager, absorbing the legacy they were now part of. There were guests who were inspired just by watching. There were gestures — arms slung over shoulders, a light toast raised, the shared rhythm of spontaneous laughter.

In the center of many of these shots stood David, his gentle smile framing the evening in a narrative of transition — of leaving, but not losing; of bidding farewell, but never goodbye.

Reflections and Forward Steps

As the evening drew to a close, there was no formal closing bell. Just the soft tapering off of music, the hush of final hugs, and whispered promises to see each other again soon. But beyond the twilight and the tides, something lingered. A collective affirmation that the year ahead — RY 2025–2026 — was off to a beautiful beginning.

It began not in grand halls or sprawling ballrooms, but in a lobby lit with sincerity and spirit. It began not under clear skies, but in defiance of wind and rain. And it began with a song — from a departing friend, for a family that remains.