ANVIL GRACES RCM'S 95TH

Greatly honored to have spent Independence Day by representing the Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs (Anvil Business Club) on the occasion of the Rotary Club of Manila's 95th Founding Anniversary and Inaugural Ceremony of its Board of Directors and Officers, led by President Frank A. Evaristo, who extended a personal invitation to yours truly.

Amid lavish ceremonies and surrounded by a distinguished roster that clutters the whole business and political firmament of the country, the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect how far the Rotary Club of Manila has come in providing innumerable and noteworthy projects to our community. In its 95-year history, it has pioneered various projects covering the whole spectrum of the four avenues of Rotary service. In his inaugural address, President Frank has committed to continue this unblemished legacy of service, endeavoring to be that tiny spark that would "Light Up Rotary" and revolutionize "Service Above Self" under his leadership.

A civic icon, diplomatic confidant, former Wall Street banker, newspaper columnist and entrepreneur, RCM President Frank Evaristo is no stranger to humanitarian causes. Apart from being the Number One man in RCM, his key role in volunteer organizations included serving as President of the Rotary Club of Raja Sulayman (1998-1999), National President of JCI Philippines (1980), President of JCI Senate Manila (1984-1985), and President of the Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc. (2004-present), among many others.

I first met Tito Frank when we were both gym-mates at the Quezon City Sports Club; I was fresh out of college then. But it was during our active years with the JCI Senate that I personally knew him to be a sincere and passionate advocate of altruism. His ascension to the RCM Presidency was a dream come true for him, as it symbolizes the apex of his career as a dedicated humanitarian.

The Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) – chartered on June 1, 1919 – is the first Rotary Club established in Asia and is the biggest in the Philippines, with more than 200 active regulars. Being the premier service club of its kind in Asia, it has had an outstanding record of leadership in service to the community. RCM has undoubtedly carved its niche as an icon of voluntary service among all the other Rotary Clubs in the Philippines today.

Congratulations, President Frank and to your newly-inducted set of officers! May you continue to be a shining embodiment of genuine Rotarian service, taking part in transforming our society into the great nation we all aspire for