An Afternoon with the First Lady

Before First Lady Liza Marcos sent the gathering into laughter with her quick wit, the young artists of Hospicio De San Jose had moved her to tears.

Those two moments captured the spirit of the Rotary Club of Manila’s 17th Weekly Membership Meeting on November 5, 2026. There was the public figure, answering bold questions with disarming humor, and the art enthusiast, visibly touched by the creativity of young people whose work deserved to be seen. Between them unfolded an afternoon of fellowship, candid conversation, and generosity that would extend well beyond the meeting room.

With over 150 people in attendance, it was clearly one of the best-attended gatherings of the Rotary year, rivaling even the Club’s traditional inaugural meetings, the occasion brought together RCM members, visiting Rotarians, district leaders, media representatives, and friends. The intimate garden setting had been chosen with the First Lady’s comfort in mind. The intention was to welcome her into a gathering where conversation could come naturally and where the Club’s service could be encountered through the people it supports.

The visit also recalled an earlier chapter in RCM history. In 1978, then First Lady Imelda Marcos had graced the launch of the TOWER Awards (The Outstanding Workers of the Republic) under then-President Alberto Romulo. The awards recognized outstanding non-supervisory blue-collar and white-collar workers, affirming the dignity of their contribution to national life.

Forty-eight years later, welcoming First Lady Liza Marcos offered a meaningful connection across the decades. That history formed part of the welcome remarks, but the afternoon soon found its own character in the paintings of Hospicio De San Jose.

The young artists of the Angels of Rendu Art Club had brought works that invited guests to pause and look closely.

Their exhibit gave expression to individual talent, imagination, and patient effort. It also served a practical purpose: proceeds from art sales and exhibits support Hospicio’s facilities rehabilitation and youth programs. Each painting therefore carried two possibilities. It could find a place in someone’s home, and its purchase could help improve the place where a young person lived and learned.

The First Lady’s response gave the exhibit particular significance. In her address, she shared that watching "Angie," a young artist born without arms, paint with her feet had brought her to tears. She congratulated the young artists, told them they had every reason to be proud, and encouraged them to keep painting. For young people still discovering their abilities, such recognition can endure. A distinguished visitor had taken the time to appreciate their work and speak directly to them about its value. The paintings had opened a conversation in which the artists could be recognized for what they could create.

The First Lady added a personal admission: during the pandemic, she, too, had begun to paint, learning through online videos. Her self-effacing account brought an easy warmth to the room. She understood the pleasure of attempting something unfamiliar and the satisfaction of giving an idea form and color.

Another painting introduced an affectionate note to the visit. Up-and-coming artist Van Cabantac gifted the First Lady with a "pawtrait" of the family’s three dogs: Tequilla, the Labrador; Oreo, the pit bull; and Lucky, the Pomeranian. Amid the formalities of the occasion, the gift brought a glimpse of home. Filipino artistry had found a charming subject in three much-loved companions.

From the Hospicio exhibit, the First Lady’s remarks moved toward a broader reflection on dignity. She recalled an outreach visit to New Bilibid Prison involving legal assistance, personal care, and painting activities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). Former detainees had helped teach the inmates to paint, and she described her amazement at the work that emerged.

Her account emphasized the possibilities that remain within people, whatever their circumstances. Given encouragement and an opportunity to learn, a person can discover an ability, regain confidence, or find something to anticipate with hope. That message spoke directly to Rotary’s work. Projects begin with particular needs, but their significance becomes clearest in the lives they touch.

The First Lady acknowledged Rotary Club of Manila’s support for schools and learning facilities, its provision of neonatal equipment for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and its community service. She described the people behind those undertakings: a child needing a better place to learn, a parent worried about a baby, a family whose burden becomes lighter because someone has reached out. Her recognition brought the afternoon back to the purpose behind the Club’s gatherings. Professional experience, personal networks, and resources acquire greater value when they help improve another person’s circumstances.

She then offered a piece of advice particularly relevant to a room of people accustomed to organizing and acting: before beginning a project, take time to listen.

The people a project intends to serve understand their own needs, she reminded the gathering. Humility and curiosity allow those offering assistance to learn what will be useful. Her message gave members much to consider as they continued their work in education, health, and access to clean water.

Four new members entered that work during the meeting: Edison Kwong, Atty. Sid Barrios, Dr. Christian Peter Scheld, and Steve Allen Tycangco. District Governor Nominee Herminio Hermie Esguerra delivered the membership charge, followed by the oath administered by yours truly. An induction always looks toward the future. Each new member brings experience and relationships that may become the beginning of another project or partnership. On this occasion, the newest Rotarians joined a fellowship whose service was visible around them.

The First Lady welcomed them with humor, addressing the "STAR Rotarians" and encouraging them to find friends and opportunities to roll up their sleeves. It was a fitting invitation to Club life, where fellowship grows through work undertaken together.

The afternoon also brought substantial support for that work. The PHILIPPINE ROTARY WATER WARRIORS initiative also featured in the program, reflecting cooperation among Rotary leaders and clubs seeking to expand access to potable water. Led by our Past President and Past District Governor Jackie Rodriguez, Club Secretary Arnil Senoron

of the Rotary Club of Luntiang Maynila Prime, and Past President Rei Flores of the Rotary Club of Mapua Alumni Manila, the contributions strengthened that effort and entrusted the Club with the responsibility of helping translate goodwill into carefully managed assistance. The First Lady even pledged US$30,000 to RCM's water, sanitation, and hygiene project, matching the US$30,000 contribution of Past Rotary International Director Raffy Garcia. Together, the gifts represented US$60,000 in support.

The generosity gave the gathering a concrete achievement to celebrate. Safe water affects the routines upon which health and opportunity depend: preparing food, attending school, caring for children, and keeping a household well. Support for water, sanitation, and hygiene reaches into these ordinary necessities of life.

With the formal address concluded, Past Director Tony Lopez of Biznewsasia took the conversation into less predictable territory.

Tony had been instrumental in making the First Lady's visit possible. As dialogue moderator, he approached the microphone with the same persistence that had helped bring the occasion about.

Would you like to be president of the Philippines?

The room fell briefly quiet.

The First Lady met the question with an emphatic refusal and an amused consideration of what such a possibility would entail. As commander-in-chief, she imagined, her husband would have to salute her. She would salute him back; both would laugh; the solemnity of the ceremony would disappear.

Then came the imagined announcement of "President Liza Marcos and the First Gentleman."

The gathering responded with laughter. Beneath the humor was her familiarity with the demands of the office. She described the President's schedule as brutal and spoke of looking forward to a quieter life, with fewer occasions requiring a terno, makeup, and hairspray.

Tony persisted.

"But Ma'am, if you were president…"

"I would fire you first."

The reply brought another burst of laughter.

Their exchanges became one of the afternoon's most memorable features. Tony's questions were direct, sometimes mischievous; the First Lady's answers were quick and conversational. The ease between them allowed the gathering to enjoy the banter while hearing her perspective on public life.

When Tony asked what she might do differently, the discussion turned to digitalization. The First Lady spoke about the President's efforts to improve government services and the difficulty of securing cooperation across institutions. Referring to faster processing of services, she acknowledged Land Transportation Office chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao and MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, who was present.

For an audience drawn largely from business and the professions, the subject had immediate relevance. Public systems are experienced through daily transactions. A clearer procedure or a shorter wait can make a meaningful difference to someone trying to obtain a document, complete a requirement, or return to work.

Past District Governor Alex Cureg brought forward another practical concern: the peso-dollar exchange rate. The First Lady responded by placing the issue within what she described as wider international pressures, including conflict and energy costs. She also spoke about the importance of cooperation through ASEAN. The exchange reflected a longstanding strength of RCM's weekly meetings. Members bring concerns shaped by their professional lives, and invited guests provide an opportunity for direct discussion. Fellowship creates the setting, while questions give the encounter substance.

Past President Chito Zaldarriaga then asked what legacy the First Lady hoped to leave and how Rotary could help.

Her response turned toward cultural institutions and the example of her mother-in-law. Tony highlighted her restoration efforts involving the Philippine International Convention Center, the Coconut Palace, and heritage properties around Malacañang. The First Lady encouraged those present to visit the Malacañang museums and learn more about the history available within them.

The conversation found an echo in the art exhibit that had opened the afternoon. The young painters of Hospicio were discovering what they could express, while the discussion of heritage concerned what a country chooses to preserve and make accessible. Both invited attention to Filipino creativity and experience.

Past Director Dean Amado Valdez added a question about the Pasig River Esplanade and its possible extension. The First Lady described the broader vision for the river's development, explaining that costs required implementation in phases.

The subject widened the afternoon's discussion to the city itself: its waterways, shared spaces, and possibilities for movement and recreation. Members heard how she understood the relationship between restoration and the daily experience of people using those places.

A violin serenade by Merjohn Lagaya provided a graceful interval. After the questions and laughter, music gave the gathering another way to enjoy the occasion. Alongside the paintings, it helped lend the meeting a personal warmth. The Rotary Club of Manila's World-Famous Music Chorale added its own voice to the afternoon's welcome. Led by Past Director Oscar A. del Rosario, the chorale sang the Rotary Hymn, bringing a familiar Club tradition into an occasion already rich in fellowship. Members who share the work of service stood together in song, lending warmth and a sense of belonging to the gathering. Their performance offered a fitting expression of the bonds that sustain the Club, as friendship and shared purpose found a musical voice.

Behind that apparent ease was the work of many hands.

Tony Lopez's generosity and persistence had helped make the visit possible. The Programs Committee, led by DGN Herminio Hermie Esguerra, attended to the gathering and generously sponsored the entertainment. Rotarian Francisco Roberto "Coco" Mauricio guided the program as moderator.

Director Carlos "Charlie" Serapio's invocation had grounded the occasion in gratitude and selfless service, while The Four Way Test recalled the ethical principles that guide Rotary fellowship.

Sister Martha Abejero Gamolo and Hospicio De San Jose shared the young artists' works with the Club. STAR Rotarian Myles Yeo Tan helped facilitate the exhibit and gifts. Hospicio Chairman Phillip Ong coordinated from abroad and flew in from Australia to join the occasion.

Club Secretary Albert Singson Alday, Executive Secretary Lhea Lozano, Executive Secretary Emeritus Anna Kun

Toledo, and the RCM Secretariat brought the many arrangements together. Visiting Rotary leaders and clubs, media representatives, members, and guests completed a gathering whose energy came from their wholehearted participation.

By the afternoon’s end, the visit had given the Club much to remember: a bold question answered with a sharper joke; four new members taking their oath; a portrait of three dogs; a violin serenade; and generous contributions to work that would continue after everyone had gone home.

The young artists remained central to its meaning. Their paintings had drawn the First Lady’s attention and prompted a reflection on what encouragement can make possible. Her response affirmed the purpose of bringing them into the gathering and giving their work an audience.

For the Rotary Club of Manila, the next chapter lies in the responsibilities the occasion renewed: helping new members find their place in service, sustaining the partnership with Hospicio, and putting support for the water initiative to effective use.

The First Lady’s visit will be remembered for its humor and warmth. Its lasting value will also be found in the work it encouraged and in the people who will benefit from the generosity shared that afternoon.