Visit of RC Singapore

There are chance meetings, and then there are what we call “hijacked” encounters. That’s exactly how it looked during the recent visit of RC Singapore to the Philippines. With their limited time in the country, we seized the opportunity, worked around their availability, and managed to squeeze in a few hours to sit down with them.

On August 7, IPP Keith Harrison, together with baby Rotarians Yaron Hahami and Makoto Numata, joined the trip to Payatas, Quezon City, to meet the delegation from RC Singapore led by DG Shahul Hameed with First Lady Michelle, along with VJ & Anna Africa, and Anson Sia Dichaves. The mission was to introduce them to the Fairplay For All Foundation, led by Roy Moore, whom we came to know through Ronalyn Lagata, a finalist of our PHYLA last year.

The first stop was the Payatas Sports Center, home of the foundation’s futsal program, which RC Makati supported last year with a P500,000 renovation grant. The visitors saw firsthand the training of the kids and even got the chance to throw in some kicks themselves.

Afterward, the group was taken on a tour around Payatas—passing through narrow streets lined with tightly packed homes, and stopping by the man-made mountain of trash. Though plants and trees have started to grow, traces of waste, especially plastic, remain visible. The tour concluded at the Fairplay educational center, where the visitors observed children studying and receiving tutorials. To cap the experience, they were treated to a vegan snack prepared at the restaurant operated by Fairplay.

The next day, August 8, we found another crack in the schedule and managed to arrange a 4:00 p.m. meeting with RC Singapore. This time, IPP Keith, Pres. Eddie Galvez, and Dir. Derrick Tan met with their delegation at the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel, with RC Singapore Pres. Sonali Sinha in attendance. The meeting allowed for a more in-depth discussion of possible joint initiatives, including the Child Protection/Human Trafficking project, Special Magic 2, the AI Academy, the Rotary Dorm, Sisters of Mary, and the Dualtech program.

On Saturday morning the delegation flew to Isabela for the induction of RC Cauayan, which is a Sister Club of RC Singapore and as well as being a Brother Club of RC Makati. There to join them in the trip and for the weekend were IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison and a late arrival from RC Singapore, PP James Lee.

In Cauayan, IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison were very generously hosted by Rtn Winston Uy in his guest house even though he was unable to join the trip himself. After being met at the airport by RC Cauayan (particularly by PP Tonton Pua and wife Jen, PP Raymond Tan and wife Donna, and PP Sheila) they were taken on a whirlwind trip of early lunch hosted by RC Cauayan, coffee at Donna Tan’s latest coffee outlet, a visit to the Southern Isabela Medical Center to see the equipment purchased under a GG with RC Singapore. Here we were guided by Dr Phinee Alivia (wife of PP Danny Alivia) and the Hospital Administrator and team. Back to base for checking in freshening up. Next stop was the RC Cauayan Clubhouse, here we met the whole club at a welcome dinner for the visiting sister clubs. This was taking place immediately after the governors visit. The programme included the presentation by IPP Keith of a token of a Reef-bud plaque to incoming President Sherlon Gonzales and exchange of banners. The evening was very social with a number of singing and dance performances by the members and the guests.

The Sunday was further packed with activities. Starting at 6:30am they attended an End Polio Now walk around Cauayan led by RC Cauayan, including the other Rotary and Rtaract clubs in the area and visiting Rotary clubs and all supported by the local PNP. This was followed by a vocational visit to the very professionally run Ranch/Farm of PP Raymond Tan (with over 2,000 head of cattle - Angus breed from Australia) and a visit to his farmhouse (wife Donna’s lockdown project). This was then followed by a visit to a Rotary water project at Villa Cayaban Elementary School, San Manuel, Malalinta, followed by a superb lunch at the Isabella La Suerte Rice Mill. In the evening IPP Keith and Ann Rachel attended the Induction and Handover from IPP Chris Macadangdang to Pres Sherlon Gonzales. The evening included the valedictorian speech of IPP Chris, showcasing disaster relief efforts of over P700k, education projects of over P3m (including 2 new classrooms of PHP1m each), a partnership to distribute vitamin and the opening of the new PHP17m club house (the key project of PP Czarah Dy) one year ago – a very successful year indeed! The evening also included Philippine folk dances by local school children, singing from the School for the Blind and a dance from the club members. We also heard an Inspirational Address from DG Dr Shahul Hameed, RC Singapore, District 3310, a Keynote Address from DG Alex Santos, District 3770 and the acceptance speech of President Sherlon. A very splendid evening with over 200 guests.

Monday morning, IPP Keith and Rachel met their hosts again to say good-bye over a coffee before heading to the airport for the first flight back to Manila.

What a great few days, thank you RC Cauayan!!!