27/07/2026
RCM AFTER HOURS: AN EVENING THAT RE-IGNITED ROTARY FELLOWSHIP.
JULY 23, 2026. The Rotary Club of Manila demonstrated that fellowship remains the heart and soul of Rotary as it successfully launched RCM After Hours, its first "assessment-free" Monthly Fellowship in nearly five years, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the elegant 11th Floor Social Lounge of Fairmont Makati. What began as a simple post-meeting gathering quickly evolved into one of the most vibrant and well-attended fellowship events in recent Club memory, reaffirming that genuine camaraderie remains one of Rotary's greatest strengths.
Held immediately after the Club's Third Weekly Membership Meeting, RCM After Hours officially opened at 3:00 p.m. What few anticipated, however, was that members would be enjoying one another's company until nearly 8:00 p.m., reluctant to call an end to an afternoon that rekindled friendships and revived the fellowship that has long distinguished Asia's First Rotary Club.
The turnout was nothing short of remarkable.
A total of 86 participants filled the Social Lounge, including an unprecedented 78 Rotary Club of Manila members, three Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of Manila, and several invited guests. The impressive attendance made it one of the largest fellowship gatherings the Club has hosted in many years and reflected the growing enthusiasm among members to reconnect beyond the formal setting of weekly membership meetings.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the afternoon was that every member attended free of charge.
For the first time in approximately five years, the Club leadership deliberately waived all fellowship assessments, believing that removing financial barriers would encourage greater participation and allow members to simply relax, reconnect, and enjoy one another's company. The decision proved to be an overwhelming success, with many members expressing their appreciation for an initiative that placed fellowship ahead of formality and hospitality ahead of assessments.
The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was warm, lively, and unmistakably Rotarian.
Old friends reunited after long absences. Newer members found themselves sharing tables with Past Presidents and veteran Rotarians. Conversations flowed effortlessly across generations of membership, reminding everyone that while Rotary is renowned for its service projects, it is fellowship that sustains the organization year after year.
Overflowing refreshments, an endless selection of drinks, and a generous spread of hors d'oeuvres ensured that no one left wanting, while the relaxed ambiance encouraged members to linger long after the formal meeting had concluded.
The energy reached another level when Jan May de Vera and her acoustic band began performing.
Their engaging repertoire quickly transformed the gathering into an impromptu sing-along, with members enthusiastically belting out timeless favorites, taking turns at the microphone, and even filling the dance floor as the afternoon gave way to evening.
Among those entertaining fellow Rotarians with spirited musical performances were Immediate Past President Raoul Creencia, Director Mike Albaña, Past Director Rod Valencia, Rotarian Joanna Valencia, Director Mike Roxas, Past Director Pepo Nuñez, and Past Director Amading Valdez, whose enthusiasm proved infectious and kept the room alive with music, laughter, and applause.
The fellowship likewise highlighted Rotary's commitment to nurturing future leaders, as members of the Rotaract Club of Manila joined senior Rotarians in an afternoon of conversation, music, and fellowship, strengthening the bonds between generations of leaders committed to the ideal of Service Above Self.
Behind the tremendous success of the inaugural RCM After Hours was a dedicated team of Rotarians who worked tirelessly to transform an idea into one of the Club's most memorable fellowship events in recent years.
Special recognition is due to the Fellowship Committee, led by Director Nico Valencia and Chairman Atty. Cris Tamesis, together with Vice President Karlo Castro, Past Director Pepo Nuñez, and Director Mike Albaña, whose careful planning, attention to detail, and commitment to creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth and hospitality ensured that every member felt welcomed and every guest left with lasting memories. Their collective efforts exemplified Rotary's enduring principle that the best fellowship is thoughtfully planned but effortlessly enjoyed.
As the evening progressed, one observation became increasingly evident.
Members simply did not want to go home.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback that followed reflected a common sentiment throughout the Club: RCM After Hours should become a permanent monthly tradition. Many described it as one of the most enjoyable fellowship gatherings in years—a refreshing reminder of what had been missing and a welcome return to the camaraderie that has long been a hallmark of the Rotary Club of Manila.
While Rotary is widely recognized for its impactful service projects and meaningful weekly programs, its enduring strength has always rested upon the friendships that unite its members. Service may bring Rotarians together, but fellowship is what keeps them together.
The overwhelming success of the inaugural RCM After Hours demonstrated that meaningful fellowship remains as relevant today as it was when the Rotary Club of Manila was founded more than 107 years ago. Beyond the music, food, and festivities, the gathering rekindled old friendships, forged new ones, welcomed back familiar faces, and reminded everyone that the Club's greatest asset has never been its history alone, but the remarkable people who continue to write it.
If this memorable afternoon and evening served as any indication, RCM After Hours has already become much more than a monthly social gathering.
It is the revival of a cherished Rotary tradition.
A celebration of friendship.
A renewal of camaraderie.
And a living expression of this Rotary year's guiding vision:
Rotary T.U.R.N. — Toward a Unified Rotary Nation.
For five unforgettable hours at the Fairmont Makati, that vision was not merely spoken about.
It was joyfully lived.
