Leadership can often feel like a lonely climb to the top, but for the men of JCI Manila, it’s always been about who you bring up with you. On January 29, the energy at KAO Manila in Newport City was electric, and it wasn’t just because of the stunning venue.

Under the leadership of the newly minted LB26 President Edison Ke, the Board of Directors gathered the press to unveil something historic. It’s called the Monching Awards, and if you think this is just another corporate pat on the back, you’re looking at it all wrong.

---

The Legacy of “Monching”

To understand the weight of this award, you have to know the man behind the name. Ramon V. del Rosario Sr.—fondly known as “Monching”—wasn’t just a visionary businessman; he was the spark that started it all. In 1947, amidst the rubble of post-war Manila, he founded JCI Manila, the first and premier JCI chapter in Asia.

The Monching Award is a tribute to that “rebuilding” spirit. It’s a beautifully symbolic trophy that represents courage, integrity, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t just show up for the photo op but stays to finish the job.

Competition? No. Elevation? Yes.

In a room full of high-achievers, you’d expect a bit of rivalry. But President Edison Ke set the record straight during the launch.

“We don’t really take it as a competition,” Edison shared. “It’s about challenging ourselves to really elevate our projects. We know we can still do better, and hopefully, through this award, we can attain our full potential.”

The philosophy is simple: Growth over rivalry. By bringing in high-integrity external judges to evaluate community projects, fundraising, and execution, JCI Manila is pushing its members to outdo themselves, not each other. It’s about ensuring that the impact on the communities they serve is the best it can possibly be.

Leading Beyond the Expected

The theme for the 2026 Board is “Lead Beyond.” It’s a catchy phrase, but at the launch, it felt like a mission statement.

• Beyond Limits: Breaking through personal barriers.
• Beyond the Expected: Delivering more than what’s on the brochure.
• Beyond the Next Generation: Creating a legacy that their kids (and their kids’ kids) will be proud of.

The Monching Awards are the tangible expression of this vision. It’s a call to every member to lead with purpose and passion, keeping the spirit of brotherhood alive while making a real-world dent in poverty, education, and social development.

A New Cornerstone for JCI Manila

As the night concluded, it was clear that the Monching Awards are set to become the heartbeat of the organization. It isn’t just about recognizing excellence; it’s about institutionalizing it. By honoring those who embody innovation and integrity, JCI Manila is ensuring that the torch lit by Monching del Rosario in 1947 burns brighter than ever in 2026.