Inspirational Message

Protocol observed, but I still want to greet President Reggie Yu, Immediate Past President Raoul and spouse Myls, to the members of the Rotary Club of Manila, District Governor Bing Carrion. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

Some years ago, I overheard my spouse Martin, encouraging Reggie to join the Rotary Club in my district, of course, but obviously, he has chosen the Rotary Club of Manila. Well, I can understand why, because there are clubs whose names have become part of Rotary’s history. There are clubs that are admired because of the kind of leaders they produce, and the Rotary Club of Manila is one of those.

When I joined Rotary in 1999, it was the first lesson that I learned: that the Philippines is home to the first club in Asia, the Rotary Club of Manila, where Rotary’s journey in this region began.

For 107 years, each generation has served something precious, from those who came before, and that’s not just a club; it's not just tradition; it is legacy. And every legacy comes with the responsibility to preserve it, strengthen it, and pass it on to the next.

And, I believe, that this is the same responsibility that Immediate Past President Raoul has entrusted to President Reggie. Because in Rotary, leadership is not about occupying a position, it is about accepting a responsibility, and that responsibility begins with understanding where Rotary stands today.

Fortunately, Rotary enters its second century from a position of strength, financial strength, global respect, and its presence in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. But the whole world is changing; technology, including artificial intelligence, is reshaping the way we communicate, the way we work, and the way we serve, and that’s the reason why rotary must also evolve while losing its values and missions. Because even at these challenges, rotary continues to thrive. Why? Because the world still longs for something that Rotary uniquely offers: human connection, compassion, purpose, service, and hope, which makes Rotary still matter today more than ever.

For the past months, as I had visited district across our country, I have shared my vision for rotary to exist for the next 107 years, a younger, greener and stronger rotary. And, I am humbled, that the Zone Institution Chairs of the Zone 78 and Zone 10, already adopted these as the guiding theme during the zone institute for the years 2027-2029, when I will be privilege to serve as your Rotary International Director.

Younger not only in age but in spirit, energy, courage and innovation. Greener rotary, because the future of rotary service and the future of our planet can no longer be separated from each other. Stronger rotary not only by numbers, I know you’re going to bring in 100 members this year, but through good governance, transparency, stewardship and unity of purpose.

Last, for 107 years, someone made a decision that change rotary forever, someone decided to bring rotary in Asia and the rest is history.

President Reggie, it is your privilege to be inheriting a great legacy from predecessor and more years ahead, another generations will gather to celebrate another milestone in the remarkable history of the Rotary Club of Manila. And I truly hope, that they will also remember and celebrate this turning point of Rotary Club of Manila, Turn towards United Rotary Nation.

Congratulations, Rotary Club of Manila, for having Reggie as your President this Rotary Year.

President Reggie and your team, please continue inspiring Rotarians, not only to admire but to live and embrace its ideals.

Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Maraming maraming salamat po.