In an unprecedented show of support and fellowship, a 29-member delegation from RC Makati, including members, their Anns, and family, embarked on a memorable journey to Taiwan. This impressive turnout, rarely seen outside of Rotary International Conventions, marked a historic moment as the group traveled to celebrate the 63rd charter anniversary of RC Makati’s sister club, the Rotary Club of Taoyuan.
Coordinating the arrival of such a large group was no small feat, as members traveled on different schedules, making it a logistical challenge for the host club. Despite this, RC Taoyuan exhibited outstanding hospitality, ensuring that every arrival was warmly welcomed and thoughtfully accommodated.
Michael Hsu, Paolo Turno, and Henry & Marga Aquende were the first to arrive, touching down in Taiwan a week before the official program began. On the morning of November 4, another group consisting of PP Louie & Tess Aseoche, Chito & Vicky Cantada, Johnny Ang, and Yvonne Kuan, along with friends Sandra Cheng and Rowena Padpad, arrived and were greeted at the airport by members of RC Taoyuan. The Parungaos—PP Fred & Mely, joined by Patrick & Mitzi—followed later that evening.
On November 5, another batch of delegates arrived, led by Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison, PP JunJun & Cecille Dayrit, Derrick & Jane Tan with their son Mark, and CoS Ron Dotaro. They were followed by PE Eddie & Trina Galvez, IPP Bing Matoto, and Cat Rufino in the evening. PP Carlo Rufino rounded up the delegation on November 6, just in time for the grand Charter celebration.
Those who arrived early were treated to the fullest extent by RC Taoyuan’s hospitality. They enjoyed a delightful beer dinner at Blue Jazz and, the following day, explored Dadaocheng, including a tour of the Taipei Railway Museum, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, and the bustling local market. Delegates arriving on November 5 were welcomed with a sumptuous lunch at the Monarch Plaza Hotel, where most of the group was accommodated.
On the evening of November 5, the delegation gathered on the third floor of the Monarch Plaza Hotel for RC Taoyuan’s first official event, the Welcome Dinner. This lively gathering brought together Rotarians from Japan and Korea, who are also sister clubs of RC Taoyuan. The evening began with a captivating dance performance by the Anns of RC Taoyuan, followed by brief messages from Pres. Vision and the international directors of each participating club, including RC Makati’s Dir. Derrick Tan.
Highlights of the evening included an exchange of gifts, where RC Makati presented a certificate for the reef buds, the 60th-anniversary coffee table book, and a $2,000 donation to RC Taoyuan’s projects. RC Taoyuan reciprocated with thoughtful tokens for all their guests, making everyone feel appreciated. The evening culminated in music, dancing, and an abundance of toasts—a hallmark of RC Taoyuan’s reputed hospitality.
On November 6, the delegation immersed themselves in Taiwan’s rich history and culture with a tour of the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Home to nearly 700,000 Chinese artifacts and artworks, the museum offered a fascinating glimpse into centuries of heritage. This was followed by a delightful lunch at Silks Palace, where exceptional cuisine and fellowship took center stage.
The 63rd Charter Anniversary Gala unfolded in the evening at Royal-Wedding Events Place in Taoyuan. The event commenced with a soulful performance by the Vox Nativa Children’s Choir, featuring aboriginal children from Taiwan’s Jade Mountain region. Their pure and harmonious voices set an awe-inspiring tone for the celebration.
The formal program began with heartfelt messages from PP Realty (Lu Li-Xian), the Chair of the Event, Pres. Vision (Zeng Zhen-Lian), and DG Rehouse (Chen Ching-Hsiu). During his address, Pres. Keith Harrison highlighted RC Makati’s several significant collaborations with RC Taoyuan, including the latest scholarship initiative at Dualtech. He expressed hope that our Club can reciprocate the kindness and generosity of RC Taoyuan by being host to a large delegation next year to celebrate RC Makati’s 59th Charter Anniversary.
The evening concluded in true RC Taoyuan fashion—with lively drinking, singing, and dancing. The RC Makati delegation enthusiastically joined the festivities, taking to the stage and dance floor to celebrate the occasion.
This remarkable trip epitomized the Rotary spirit of fellowship and service. RC Taoyuan’s warm hospitality, combined with the enthusiasm of the RC Makati delegation, made the 63rd Charter Anniversary of RC Taoyuan an unforgettable experience and a testament to the formidable partnership between the two clubs.
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