The Rotary International Convention, a significant event in the Rotary calendar, returned to Southeast Asia at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from May 26 to 29. This marked a triumphant return after a 12-year hiatus from the time Bangkok hosted the event in 2012. The last time the convention was held in Asia was in 2016 in Seoul, Korea. Given the proximity to Manila, this was an opportunity that RC Makati members and Anns, demonstrating their active involvement and commitment to Rotary International, could not afford to miss.
A 22-man delegation from RC Makati, led by Pres. Bing Matoto, traveled to Singapore to join the world's largest Rotary event this year. Accompanying him were PP David & CP Mache Ackerman, PP Louie Aseoche, Roger & Rina Collantes, IPP Michael & Papat Escaler, PN Eddie Galvez, PDG Sid & Tesha Garcia, PE Keith & Rachel Harrison, PP Bimbo & Queenie Mills, Manny & Rose Padiernos, PP Carlo & Cat Rufino, and Derrick & Jane Tan. The Club also sponsored the trip of CoS Ron Dotaro to provide him with his first convention experience, ensuring that he is well-prepared when Manila hosts the event in 2028.
The RI Convention started a day early for IPP Michael & Papat Escaler on May 25 as they were honored as Arch Klumph Society (AKS) members at a pre-convention event. AKS is The Rotary Foundation’s highest tier of major donors, those who have contributed at least USD 250,000 during their lifetime. The Escalers join PP David & CP Mache Ackerman, the late PRID Paing & Mely Hechanova, and the late PDG Robert & Yvonne Kuan in the elite Society from RC Makati. Two other top-tier donors are credited to our Club’s AKS list—philanthropist Angelo King and banker Frederick Dy. Both are non-Rotarians who contributed to TRF on the invitation of PDG Robert.
With most of the delegation arriving on the 25th, several members took the opportunity to explore the local culture and cuisine. They gathered to try the hawker center at Newton, one of the most popular hawker spots in Singapore, experiencing the vibrant food scene and fostering camaraderie within the delegation.
The opening general session on the 26th, due to the venue's inability to accommodate over 11,000 attendees, was divided into two seatings, with assignments given prior to the convention. The delegation was split into two groups, one attending the morning session and the other in the afternoon. The opening session was a vibrant and engaging affair, starting with a Lion and Dragon dance presentation, followed by the acknowledgment of the nationalities present at the convention. The delegation's excitement was palpable when the Philippines was called. The session continued with a discussion on peace, featuring an interview with Graca Machel, an international advocate for women's and children's rights. The main speaker, RI Pres. Gordon McInally, delivered a thought-provoking talk on mental health. The session concluded with a captivating performance from Calum Scott, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for the rest of the convention.
In the evening, the delegation accepted an invitation from RC Singapore for a fellowship meeting with their sister clubs in the Philippines at the presidential suite of the Marina Bay Sands. There, they exchanged pleasantries with IDG Dr. Yap Lip Kee and PP Perlita Tiro, as well as representatives from RC Vigan led by Pres. Glenda Rabino, over bottles of wine, while marveling at the splendid view of the bay.
On the 27th, the day started super early for the delegation as the Asia-Philippine Breakfast began at 6:00 AM at Swissotel, the Stamford Hotel. Over 600 attendees, mostly Filipino Rotarians, were there to represent their respective clubs. Rotary dignitaries, including RI Pres. Gordon McInally and PE Stephanie Urchick, were present to share their time and message. The keynote speaker of the event was Hon. Heng Swee Keat, the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. The event ended with a special number from the Philippine College of Governors to promote the RI Convention in Manila in 2028.
Right after breakfast, the delegation proceeded to the Marina Bay Sands for General Session 2 with the theme “Sharing Light with the World.” The session was full of impactful speeches, including one from RI General Secretary and CEO John Hewko on “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” a keynote on Trauma-Informed Care by Alexandra Rose, an RI Peace Fellow, a keynote on Mental Health and the Environment by Nacho Dean, a naturalist and professional explorer, and a keynote on Social Responsibility by Claire Chian, co-founder of the Banyan Group.
In the afternoon, the delegation broke out into groups to maximize learning from the breakout session topics—E-business for the Youth, A Communication Toolkit for Your Rotary Project, and the Impact of “Companion” Clubs.
In the evening, the delegation went to De Golden Spoon Seafood for a fellowship dinner organized by PP Carlo & Cat Rufino. The main attraction was the crab dishes, complemented by Tiger beer. It was like a mini-social event held in Singapore. The day ended with a night walk along Tiong Bahru.
Day 3 of the Convention on the 28th started at 9 AM for the general session with the theme “Sharing Dreams in the World.” It began with an emotional valedictory address from RIPP Barry Rasin, the outgoing chairman of The Rotary Foundation. This was followed by several informative speeches on the End Polio campaign, giving attendees a closer look at how close we are to eradicating the disease. The keynote address for the session came from Jack Sim, Founder and Director of the World Toilet Organization, who provided an entertaining take on how his organization contributes to environmental and sanitation efforts.
In the afternoon, some members took time out from Rotary activities. PDG Sid & Tesha, PP Bimbo & Queenie, and Manny & Rose went for a factory tour of Thales, the world’s premier private data security provider. Meanwhile, first-time attendees, including Pres. Bing, PP Louie, Roger, with PE Keith, made the most of the convention experience by attending breakout sessions on “Trauma and Mental Wellness in Times of Crisis” and “Cultivating a Lifelong Love.”
In the evening, the Rotary affair did not end for Pres. Bing and PP Louie as they attended the Longevity Dividend seminar hosted by the Standard Chartered Bank and RC Makati McKinley at the Standard Chartered Building in Orchard Road.
The last day of the Convention on the 29th had a more relaxed pace. The delegates took the time to visit the House of Friendship in the morning, and after a quick early lunch, they showed their support by attending a breakout session hosted by RCM McKinley entitled “Small Clubs, Big Projects.”
The closing session of the Convention was already in a celebratory mood, with attendees dancing to the groove of “YMCA” before the formal closing ceremony. The enjoyment continued with a performance from Heather McInally, spouse of RIP Gordon, accompanied by professional singer Michael Lapina. The highlights of the event were the messages from RIPE Stephanie and the closing remarks of RIP Gordon. The Convention concluded with entertainment from the Red Hot Chili Pipers with their bagpipes playing some contemporary songs.
In the evening, PE Keith attended the RC Singapore meeting at the Tanglin Club where he met numerous Rotary dignitaries, while Pres. Bing and PP Louie joined the dinner hosted by Roger Collantes at the Holy Crab at the old Capitol Movie compound to celebrate CoS Ron’s birthday.
The Rotary Convention served as a fitting platform to enrich one’s Rotary experience and to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it is to be a Rotarian. It likewise served to foster camaraderie among club members, and networking with colleagues from other Rotary clubs in the world. Most of the RCM delegates who were first time RI Convention attendees left Singapore with a better affection for what Rotary does in the global community.
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