From Manila Bay to the Merlion: A Rotary Friendship Renewed

THE Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) and the Rotary Club of Singapore reaffirmed their longstanding ties on August 10, 2026, with the signing of the renewal of their Sister Club Agreement at The Last Chukker of the Manila Polo Club.

The signing took place over a luncheon hosted by RCM President Reggie Yu, bringing together leaders of two of Asia’s historic Rotary clubs to renew their commitment to friendship, international fellowship, and collaborative service.

Representing the Rotary Club of Singapore were Club President Raj Kumar and International Service Clubs Director Victor Jose Africa.

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation was composed of President Reggie, Director for International Service Mike Roxas, Director for Club Administration Mike Albaña, Club Secretary Albert Alday, Immediate Past Club Auditor Nick Locsin, and Immediate Past Club Secretary Anton Mauricio.

The partnership carries particular historical significance. The Rotary Club of Manila was established in 1919, while the Rotary Club of Singapore was founded in 1928, only nine years later. Nearly a century after both clubs helped establish Rotary’s early presence in Asia, their relationship continues through successive generations of Rotarians.

Under the renewed agreement, the two clubs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen fellowship among their members, pursue joint humanitarian, educational, environmental, and health initiatives, welcome visiting Rotarians from each club, and maintain active communication and cooperation in advancing Rotary service.

President Reggie emphasized that a Sister Club agreement should go beyond ceremonial signings and become a living partnership — one that translates international friendship into opportunities for fellowship, collaboration, and meaningful service.

The renewal also reflects the Rotary Club of Manila’s continuing effort to strengthen its international relationships and deepen cooperation with Rotary clubs beyond Philippine shores.

With the signing, the two clubs not only honored a friendship built by generations of Rotarians before them but also committed themselves to carrying that relationship forward through new opportunities for service.

From Manila Bay to the Merlion, a historic Rotary friendship begins another chapter — bound by fellowship, strengthened by cooperation, and united by “Service Above Self.”