The Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198 (RC Manila Supreme 198) is a service organization of passionate Rotarians united by a common purpose—to live the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self” and create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of people and communities.
The club traces its beginnings to the vision of Rotarians who believed that a new Rotary club could bring together professionals, community leaders, and advocates who were willing to serve beyond themselves.
The Birth of Manila Supreme 198
In March 2016, the Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198 was chartered under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Manila 101, during the leadership of its Charter President, CP Tess Tumangan.
At the heart of this new Rotary club was its founding leader and Charter President, Maria Rosa Nieva “Bing” Carrion.
From its very beginning, Manila Supreme 198 was envisioned not simply as another Rotary club, but as a family of committed individuals who would use their professional expertise, resources, networks, and compassion to respond to the needs of communities.
The club’s establishment became the beginning of a continuing journey of fellowship, leadership, advocacy, and community service.
The club is officially recognized as part of Rotary International District 3810 and continues to identify itself as a Manila-based, service-driven Rotary club established in 2016.
One of the defining chapters in the early history of Manila Supreme 198 was its commitment to the advocacy “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence.”
Recognizing the importance of protecting women and children from violence and abuse, the club developed this initiative as a Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) advocacy project.
The project brought the club into communities where vulnerable women and children needed not only assistance, but also hope, understanding, protection, and a voice.
Among the beneficiaries and partner communities of this early initiative were Center of Hope and Tahanan ni Sta. Luisa in Antipolo.
Through the initiative, Manila Supreme 198 sought to help break the culture of silence surrounding violence. More than simply providing material assistance, the project promoted awareness and encouraged communities to recognize that violence against women and children should never be ignored or tolerated.
This early signature project helped establish an important identity for Manila Supreme 198: a club willing to stand beside vulnerable members of society and transform compassion into action.
The advocacy also reflected the spirit of Rotary's commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention, while demonstrating the club's belief that service should address not only immediate needs but also the deeper social issues affecting communities.
Following its establishment, Manila Supreme 198 continued to develop its culture of service through projects addressing different community needs.
The club's service philosophy evolved around the principle that meaningful Rotary service requires partnership, sustainability, and direct community engagement.
Over the years, the club has participated in projects involving health, education, humanitarian assistance, community development, women and children's welfare, environmental initiatives, and leadership development.
This continuing commitment is consistent with the club's present-day identity, which recognizes the Seven Areas of Focus of Rotary International and seeks to create lasting impact through purposeful partnerships and community service.
An important part of Manila Supreme 198's history has been its willingness to work with other organizations.
The club has built relationships with fellow Rotary clubs, Rotaract, Zonta, government institutions, private organizations, schools, community groups, and individual advocates.
This spirit of collaboration was demonstrated years later through projects such as Creating Hope, where Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198 worked with the Rotaract Club of Manila Supreme 198 and Zonta Club of Makati Central Business District.
The 2023 celebration combined environmental action through “Kawayan Para sa Kinabukasan,”, and the induction of new Rotary and Rotaract leaders.
These partnerships demonstrate how the club's original vision has grown from a small group of Rotarians into a broader network of people and organizations working together for community transformation.
The story of Manila Supreme 198 cannot be separated from the leadership and continuing service of its Charter President, Maria Rosa “Bing” N. Carrion.
From the club's formation, her leadership helped establish the foundation upon which Manila Supreme 198 continues to build.
Her Rotary journey has extended far beyond the club itself. She has served in various leadership and district roles and has continued to be associated with Manila Supreme 198.
District 3810 records have identified Ma. Rosa Carrion in district leadership roles, including Public Image and other district responsibilities.
Her continuing involvement has also made Manila Supreme 198 part of a larger Rotary leadership story within District 3810.
Today, she is recognized as the club's Charter President and, in the 2026–2027 Rotary Year, serves as District Governor of Rotary International District 3810. Recent club records continue to identify her as the club's Charter President and highlight her presence in club leadership activities.
Her journey—from founding the club to district leadership—represents one of the most significant chapters in the history of Manila Supreme 198.
Continuing the Journey
As Manila Supreme 198 entered succeeding Rotary years, leadership passed from one president to another, but the founding spirit remained.
Every new leadership team brought its own ideas, projects, and priorities while building upon the work of those who came before.
The club has continued to strengthen its relationship with its Rotaract counterpart, recognizing that developing young leaders is essential to the sustainability of Rotary service. Recent initiatives have included support for Rotaract strategic planning and leadership development, demonstrating the club's commitment to nurturing the next generation of Rotary leaders.
The club has likewise continued to participate actively in District 3810 activities, learning opportunities, service initiatives, fundraising, public image programs, and leadership development.
The journey of Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198 can be viewed as a continuing story of transformation.
It began with a group of Rotarians who believed that service could make a difference.
It found its early voice through “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence,” standing with women and children affected by violence.
It grew through partnerships, community projects, humanitarian initiatives, education programs, environmental activities, and leadership development.
And today, it continues to evolve while remaining faithful to the Rotary principle of Service Above Self.
From its chartering in March 2016, Manila Supreme 198 has grown into a club whose story is not defined simply by the number of projects it has completed, but by the lives it has touched, the partnerships it has built, the leaders it has developed, and the communities it continues to serve.
Our Continuing Legacy
The history of RC Manila Supreme 198 is ultimately the story of its people.
It is the story of Charter President Maria Rosa “Bing” Carrion, the charter members who believed in the vision, the succeeding club presidents and officers who carried the responsibility of leadership, and every Rotarian who gave time, talent, treasure, and heart to the cause of service.
It is a story that began in 2016—but it is far from finished.
As Manila Supreme 198 moves forward, the club carries with it the lessons of its past and the responsibility of its future:
To serve with compassion.
To lead with purpose.
To build partnerships.