Insider Spotlight
At the 61st Anvil Awards Recognition Night at the Solaire North Grand Ballroom, the Rotary Club of New Manila East became the first Rotary club in the Philippines to win an Anvil Award for a coffee table book and only the second Rotary club to receive the distinction in the awards’ 61-year history, according to a press statement.
The Silver Anvil honored “40 Years: The Rotary Club of New Manila East 1984–2024,” an ISBN-registered chronicle documenting service across health, education, livelihood, youth development, environmental stewardship, and peacebuilding. The milestone marks the club’s 40th award during its 40th anniversary year.
Why it matters
Established in 1965 by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil Awards are widely regarded as the country’s highest recognition in public relations and communications.
Senior industry practitioners evaluate entries based on research, strategic planning, execution, and results — benchmarks that underscore the rarity of the recognition.
Immediate past president Karlo Benjamin Nisce, who led the Rotary Club of New Manila East during its Ruby Year and spearheaded the publication, reflected on the achievement's deeper meaning. "We set out to honor our past and inspire our future," he said.
"This book proves that when you tell the truth about your work with clarity and conviction, the story becomes more than history. It becomes a call to action for every generation that follows."
Ruby Year Public Image chair Jullian Anisco emphasized the authenticity behind the effort. "This was not a campaign created for awards consideration. It was a deliberate effort to document our legacy for future generations. The recognition reflects the discipline behind the work and the strength of the story."
By the numbers
The Anvil win crowned a banner year that included 80 projects and activities, generating 34 Rotary International District 3780 Excellence Awards, including Outstanding Club and President with High Platinum Distinction.
The club also secured two Rotary Zone 10A Public Image Awards, placing it above more than 900 clubs nationwide, and earned a Rotary International Club Excellence Award.
Government agencies including DepEd and the Department of Health-QMMC recognized the Rotary Club of New Manila East as Partner in Service.
The big picture
Founded in 1984 and based in Quezon City, the Rotary Club of New Manila East has produced five Past District Governors and built a reputation for service excellence. Its Ruby Year now shifts from celebration to mandate — to continue serving with distinction while documenting impact with professional rigor. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
