“Congress-Meow" Headlines RCM's First Weekly Membership Meeting

THE First Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila for Rotary Year 2026–2027 marked far more than the beginning of another Rotary calendar. It represented the first opportunity for Club President Reginald Yu to translate his vision of "Rotary T.U.R.N. — Toward a Unified Rotary Nation" into meaningful action.

Coming just one week after the Club's historic 107th Anniversary and Induction Ceremonies, the meeting drew an encouraging turnout of more than one hundred Rotarians and guests. The strong attendance reflected the members' enthusiasm to reconnect, engage in meaningful dialogue, and actively participate in the life of the world's first Rotary club in Asia.

The afternoon commenced with the traditions that have distinguished the Rotary Club of Manila for more than a century — the invocation, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the Club Hymn, the recitation of the Four- Way Test, and the recognition of visiting Rotarians and guests. While officers may change from year to year, these enduring traditions continue to remind members that Rotary's values remain constant.

One of the most heartwarming portions of the meeting was the recognition of the Club's birthday celebrants, followed by the President's Time, during which President Reggie welcomed everyone to a new Rotary year and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support extended during the historic induction ceremonies.

He then invited Induction Chairman Past District Governor Alexander Cureg to present a brief report on the successful culmination of the 107th Anniversary and Induction Ceremonies. The report was complemented by a professionally produced audio-visual presentation that allowed members to relive many of the memorable moments from that historic evening.

A particularly moving highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of Past Internal Auditor Dr. Jaime "Jimmy" Laya, who achieved the extraordinary milestone of Fifty Years of Rotary Service.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Laya reflected on the priceless friendships that Rotary had given him throughout five decades of service. He fondly recalled fellow Rotarians who stood beside him during some of the most challenging periods of his distinguished career in public service and spoke warmly of Rotary's unique ability to cultivate lifelong fellowship built on trust and shared ideals.

He also reaffirmed Rotary's enduring commitment to serving the poorest of the poor through meaningful community service. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Laya expressed the heartfelt wish that every Rotarian present would one day receive the same Fifty-Year Service Award — a sentiment that resonated deeply throughout the ballroom and served as an inspiring reminder of Rotary's enduring legacy of commitment.

The centerpiece of the afternoon was the address of Guest-of-Honor and Speaker, Former Congressman Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga.

Few contemporary public figures have generated as much discussion as the former legislator. Elected to Congress at only twenty-seven years of age, he became one of the youngest members of the House of Representatives and among the earliest representatives of Generation Z to serve in the national legislature.

In 2025, however, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to expel him for disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a Member. Among the cited violations were unauthorized live social media broadcasts inside the session hall, repeated interruptions during important budget deliberations, sarcastic remarks directed at House leadership, and actions deemed disruptive to legislative proceedings.

Yet despite the controversy, Congressman Barzaga demonstrated that his convictions remain unchanged.

During both his formal address and subsequent conversations with members, it became evident that he continues to view those events through the lens of principle rather than political consequence. He likened his confron- tation with the House leadership to the biblical story of David and Goliath, explaining that he knowingly accepted the personal cost of standing up for what he believed was right.

As he poignantly remarked:

"I fought against the Speaker knowing the consequences to myself and my family. A soldier does not go to war believing he will return home safely; he fights for his country no matter the cost."

Whether one agrees with his methods or not, there is little doubt about the depth of his conviction.

Rotary does not exist to endorse political positions, nor does it seek ideological conformity. Instead, it provides a forum where differing viewpoints may be expressed respectfully, examined thoughtfully, and discussed with civility. One of Rotary's greatest strengths has always been its ability to bring together people of diverse perspectives in an atmosphere of friendship, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue.

In his formal address, Congressman Barzaga underscored the indispensable role of non-government organizations in nation-building. Drawing upon his experience in public service, he observed that government — both local and national — often relies upon civic organizations to help address societal needs that public institutions alone cannot fully meet.

He described philanthropy, particularly as exemplified by Rotary, as one of the highest expressions of moral responsibility, emphasizing that those who have been blessed with greater resources likewise bear a greater obligation to uplift those with less, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.

The Open Forum that followed became one of the liveliest and most engaging portions of the afternoon.

While members naturally raised questions concerning governance, leadership, and current national issues, one particularly memorable exchange revolved around a subject that has become inseparable from Congressman Barzaga's public identity — his affection for cats.

Known by many on social media as "Congress-Meow," Congressman Barzaga explained that his advocacy for animal welfare extends well beyond the online world. His love for feline companions has become a defining aspect of both his personal life and public service. He spoke passionately about rescuing abandoned cats, promoting responsible pet ownership, and encouraging stronger animal welfare legislation. It offered members a refreshing glimpse into the more personal side of a public figure often viewed only through political headlines.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day, however, unfolded after the meeting had officially concluded.

Long after most members and guests had departed, Congressman Barzaga graciously accepted President Reggie's invitation to stay for a late lunch while waiting for his next appointment — a Taekwondo training session later that afternoon. Away from the podium, microphones, and cameras, the conversation became candid, relaxed, and remarkably introspective.

They spoke at length about his journey in public service, his reflections on recent political developments, and his thoughts regarding his future plans. Naturally, the discussion also touched upon the ongoing impeachment proceedings that continue to dominate national discourse. While much of that conversation remains appropriately private, it provided an opportunity to understand the individual behind the headlines through direct and honest dialogue rather than through public commentary alone.

The conversation eventually shifted to subjects far removed from politics — his lifelong passion for Taekwondo, his unwavering commitment to animal welfare, and the personal values that continue to guide his decisions. Like many conversations among Rotarians, the exchange was less about agreement than about understanding.

That unexpected lunch served as a quiet reminder of one of Rotary's most enduring lessons: behind every public office, every headline, and every controversy is a fellow human being whose story is often far more complex and nuanced than public perception alone can reveal.

For President Reggie, the First Weekly Membership Meeting could not have provided a more fitting beginning to Rotary Year 2026–2027.

The afternoon embodied the very qualities that have defined the Rotary Club of Manila for more than a century — meaningful fellowship, recognition of exemplary service, respectful dialogue, and the willingness to engage even the most challenging and controversial issues with civility, open-mindedness, and mutual respect.

The Club honored fifty years of faithful Rotary service through Dr. Jimmy Laya, welcomed a guest speaker whose life and career have sparked vigorous national discussion, encouraged thoughtful questions rather than unquestioning agreement, and demonstrated that genuine fellowship often continues long after the formal meeting has ended.

If the First Weekly Membership Meeting is any indication of the year ahead, the Rotary Club of Manila is well positioned to continue building bridges, fostering meaningful conversations, strengthening friendships, and creating opportunities for service that transcend differences.

Together, the Club moves forward in the spirit of the Rotary International theme, "Create Lasting Impact," while advancing President Yu's own vision of "Rotary T.U.R.N. — Toward a Unified Rotary Nation."