President’s Diary
My dear fellow Manila Rotarians,
I am happy to report that this past week has been filled with amazing events and meetings for the Rotary Club of Manila. From RI District 3810 Team Visit to our 32nd Weekly Membership Meeting, where we introduced the RCM Digital Library Project and heard from two incredible Rotaract Clubs, it was a week full of achievement, inspiration and growth. We even had the honor of exchanging bannerettes with the Rotary Club of Taipei Mushin in what truly was a special moment for us all.
The energy in our club has been buzzing as we continue to make meaningful connections and create a lasting impact in our community.
Here are the details of the events I attended last week.
Team Visit of RI District 3810 Executive Committee
Thursday, 23 March 2023, 10:00 a.m.
After two weeks of hard work in preparing the presentation for the District Team Visit, we finally had the pleasure of welcoming Senior Deputy Governor Essie Villavito, Area Treasurer Manny Yuyek, Asst. Governor Jen Moreno and District Area Director Cynthia Llorente last Thursday, March 23rd.
We proudly presented the Rotary Club of Manila’s accomplishments and projects from July 2022 until the first half of March 2023. We showed them that our Club has already achieved all the 16 Governor’s Challenges as well as all the goals in the Rotary Club Central (Rotary International Citation).
Our presentation was supported by screenshots taken directly from the RI portal to demonstrate that these projects were actually done and carried out by RC Manila, complete with the total number of man hours as well as project cost—a true testament to Manila Rotarians’ hard work and dedication.
We also outlined our upcoming projects for the rest of Rotary Year 2022-2023, and the District Team was impressed that, besides implementing projects and organizing events to help the local communities, we also recognize industry professionals through our upcoming 19th Tourism Awards, The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Awards, and the RCM Journalism Awards.
The District Team commended our excellent and comprehensive presentation, and even extended 16 congratulatory remarks after our presentation. No further clarification was required, and the meeting ended with appreciation from all present at the Team Visit.
They also mentioned that since DG Joyce Ambray has already visited us during Handover and Induction ceremonies and is well-versed with all of our projects and activities, there is no need for RC Manila to present to the District Governor.
Overall, it was an amazing Team Visit and I am proud to report that our Club was recognized and applauded by the District Team.
VP Reggie Yu, Dir. Albert Alday, Sec. Edwin Hernandez, Treas. Karlo Castro, SAA Nagi Zeitouni, Asst. Treas. PJ Garcia, Grant Chairman/STAR Rtn. Aries Balanay, RCManila Foundation Chairman/PD Pepo Nunez, Dir. Johnny Chotrani and PD John Cutter were all present at the Team Visit.
32nd Weekly Membership Meeting
Thursday, 23 March 2023, 12:30 p.m.
During our Weekly Membership Meeting (WMM) last week, RCM Digitalization Committee Chairman/Rtn. Inov Talusan and Co-Chairman/Rtn. Rami Chahwan presented the RCM Digital Library Project, another milestone project for the Rotary Club of Manila.
Other important events that happened during our WMM were the Phenomenal Rotaract Club Reports and the Club Bannerette Exchange with the esteemed Rotary Club of Taipei Mushin.
Phenomenal Rotaract Club Reports
The Rotaract Club of Manila and Rotaract Club of Dela Salle University joined our WMM and the respective presidents shared their club’s accomplishments and current status.
With the Rotaract Club of Manila team (left, holding banner) and Rotaract Club of Dela Salle University team (right)
Club Bannerette Exchange with the Rotary Club of Taipei Mushin
We exchanged club bannerette with first-time visiting Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Taipei Mushin, represented by Rotarians Jacky and James Tseng. Also in the photo is Rtn. Winnie Cheng.
It was an honor to be part of such meaningful events last week. I am proud of our club’s achievements and initiatives, especially the RCM Digital Library Project which is sure to benefit not just RCM but other clubs as well.
We have also made lasting connections with other Rotary Clubs around the world, exemplifying the spirit of international service that makes us strong as a global organization.
As we move forward into more exciting projects and activities for this Rotary year, let us continue to work together towards creating positive change in our own little way!
I have been indisposed since Monday, but I am still monitoring the progress of our projects in the pipeline.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Pres. Hermie Esguerra