Rotaract Club of Manila’s Kickstart: Mastering Money in a High-Inflation Economy

By Hans Villamor | Posted on March 19, 2025

In the time of surging inflation, both individuals and businesses face challenges that test their financial stability and decision-making, the Rotaract Club of Manila stepped up into a proactive empowerment of the community through its signature Professional Development Service project, Kickstart, with the title “Mastering Money in a High-Inflation Economyto equip participants with essential financial tools and strategies to navigate these turbulent economic times effectively. 

From left to right: Rotary Club of Manila Rtn. Xavier Zialcita; Senior Vice President of RCBC Group, Mr. Michael Ricafort; Chief Economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), RC Manila Magic Charter President Charlemagne “Charlie” Chua; Country Manager of Era Group Philippines, MIP Summer Stephanie Bonifacio of The Rotaract Club of Manila; alongside Aspirant Angelo Mamis, International Service Director Rainier Cabungcal, Club Service Director Jenna Aguilar, Professional Development Director Russel Palubon, President-Elect Andrea Cuevas, Past President Abigael Sarmiento, Hans Villamor, as well as Rotaractors, Rotarians, and participants representing various organizations.

The seminar, held on February 15, 2025, at Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, brought together two prominent experts who shared valuable insights:

Mr. Michael Ricafort, Chief Economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) educating the participants.

Mr. Michael Ricafort, chief economist of the Treasury Group from Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), enlightened the participants on “The Philippine Economic & Financial Market Outlook from 2025-2029: External Challenges, Domestic Opportunities.”

Drawing from his extensive expertise, Mr. Ricafort analyzed key global and domestic factors influencing the economic landscape of the Philippines. Attendees gained insights on future expectations and learned how to navigate the dynamic local and international markets as proactive Filipino citizens.

CP Charlie Chua; CPA Country Manager of ERA Group Philippines, sharing the knowledge of VCP Process (Visibility, Credibility, and Profitability) to the participants.

Following this discussion, Mr. Charlemagne Chua, CPA, CFO, and Country Manager of ERA Group Philippines, shared practical strategies in his talk, “Smart Debt Management and Beating Inflation Without Sacrificing Lifestyle.”

With over two decades of financial experience and his unique perspective as a former Rotaractor, Mr. Chua introduced the innovative VCP ProcessVisibility, Credibility, and Profitability—a framework for cultivating meaningful business relationships and securing long-term success.

His session emphasized the importance of balancing financial resilience with quality of life to tackle economic challenges head-on. 

From left to right: Representatives from the Rotaract Clubs of Makati, Adamson University, Manila, and Zamboanga City West with the Knowledge Partners, Rotary Club of Manila and Rotary Club of Manila Magic.

This event was organized in collaboration with its Knowledge Partners, the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of Manila Magic. It was sponsored by Rtn. Xavier Y. Zialcita, Senior Vice President of RCBC Group. The seminar also included co-hosting Rotaract Clubs such as the Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley, Rotaract Club of Makati, Rotaract Club of Manila Business College, Rotaract Club of Puerto Princesa, and Rotaract Club of Tagbilaran, with participation from Rotaractors of the Rotaract Club of Adamson University, Rotaract Club of Makati West, Rotaract Club of Navotas, and Rotaract Club of Zamboanga City West.

The Rotaract Club of Manila with their parent and sponsoring clubs: Rotary Club of Manila and Rotary Club of Manila Magic.

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