Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

International Service: Third Day with our sister clubs… DAY TOUR!

By: Rotarian Archie Reano

Three days after the arrival of our sister clubs from Singapore and Hongkong Island East, Director Hec Lojo assigned me together with Chito Frondoso to accompany some delegates on their day tour at Intramuros, Manila. When I reached Dusit hotel, where our sister club from Singapore stayed, they’re already prepared for the tour. As the tour guides, Chito and I thought of an alternative place where we could bring our guests instead because it was raining that morning. Luckily, the rain stopped just before we left the hotel.

While driving on our way to Intramuros (Intra=within muros=walls), we started to give a brief history to our guests. Our first stop was Fort Santiago. There, we began sharing about the life of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Afterwhich, questions started to pour in about our Philippine history during the Spanish colony. Ann Isa from Hongkong was surprised when she saw the Mandarin translation of “Noli Me Tangere”. Moving farther, we reached the area where the dungeons are located. Aaron Tan, David Ong, PP Dr. Chin, especially Ann Lilian, Ann Lana and Ann Isa Hall, felt sorry when they learned that some of those dungeons were used as prison cell and for drowning the prisoners during the high tide. Moving past our first destination, we rushed next to Manila Cathedral. Just like us, we saw how religious IPP Laurence, Rtn. Jennie and Ann Isa are inside the famous church. We also tried to visit the oldest church in Manila, San Agustin Church, but sadly it was closed for lunch break. The group decided to proceed to Sofitel for our lunch sponsored by Director Vic Austria and Ann Lot. The food selection was great, there were Chinese food, Japanese, French cuisine and so on. You will see the “Law of Abundance” in the buffet section. President Rajaram said that it was the longest buffet he saw so far. After our overflowing lunch, Dir Vic suggested to visit Greenhills (Virramall) for shopping but we had a very limited time and Pres. Klink’s induction is approaching. We brought our sister club back to their hotel to take a rest and prepare for the induction.

I was so excited! This is my first time to attend the induction of the President Elect of the Rotary club of Makati north. The last time I attended the same gathering, I was part of the family member of the president elect that time. But this time, I’m not just the son of IPP Joe, but one of the members of this prestigious club of rotary as well.

Once again we would like to congratulate President Dante “Klink” Ang.