Manila Rotarians Lead District 3810 in Alay Lakad 2017

It could have been a relaxing Sunday morning where waking up at our convenience was the norm and spending the day in utmost relaxation was commonplace. But, then, there are men born for others whose fidelity to Service Above Self goes over and above the comforts of living in paradise and finding true meaning in their lives, seers if you may, finding the future of Basic Education and Literacy in the world we call Rotary.

With the theme, “Kabataan Para Sa Pagbabago”, ALAY LAKAD 2017 brought many familiar faces from the world of civic organizations toward a common goal, that of preparing a brighter future for the youth of today who are bound to be the leaders of our tomorrow. Yes, more than the thought of a healthy lifestyle through walking, the cause for which ALAY LAKAD brought life to every Filipino of decades past remains the same cause that has kept its flame burning all throughout its years of meaningful existence. Under the abled stewardship of our PP Frank Evaristo, ALAY LAKAD has remained the hope for many of the underprivileged Filipino youth for a life they could only dream of, much less, survive in.

The day was September 24, 2017 under the dawn of a miraculously cloudless morning sky about to unleash its morning glory that sixteen (16) Manila Rotarians led by President Jimmie Policarpio and ably supported by members of the Rotaract clubs under our wing, namely, the Rotaract Club of Manila, the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila and the Rotaract Club of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, decided to seal the future of our youth at that very moment. While many Rotarians from our district gathered in front of the Planetarium which has been the ultimate meeting place for years, the resilience of Asia’s First Rotary Club on the doorsteps of a historical centennial in waiting could not be undermined.

Despite the odds of an early wake up call and closed roads that often marked every ALAY LAKAD, President Jimmie Policarpio, AS Rene Policarpio, DE/Dir. Caloy Reyes, Club Secretary Alvin Lacambacal, DE Raffy Alunan, Rtn. Nilo Aventura, DGE Rudy Bediones and Rotary Ann Sharon, Rtn. Dong Benedicto, PDG Vince Carlos, PDG Alex Cureg and Rotary Ann Anna, PD Oscar del Rosario, ALAY LAKAD Foundation President IPSDG/PP Frank Evaristo, PP Francis Juico, PP Ebot Tan, IPCoS/PP Cesar Ubaldo and I, in my capacity as the club’s Chair of the ALAY LAKAD Committee, braved all the crevices that go with an early rise to raise the banner of our club, the Rotary Club of Manila, First in Asia, as it occupied its rightful place in a District 3810 parade behind the District Officers of Rotary International District 3810 led by DG Emmanuel “Loy” Cosico.

Leading the pack of more than 120 clubs in the district marching from Padre Burgos Street crossing Roxas Boulevard enroute to the famed Quirino Grandstand, Manila Rotarians and its Rotaractors, all clad in green ALAY LAKAD shirts courtesy of PAT Hermie Esguerra, walked briskly towards the grandstand in grandeur, living up to its moniker as the “First in Asia”, as ALAY LAKAD President PP Frank Evaristo descended from the stage, warmly greeted his fellow Manila Rotarians and led them towards the stage where a myriad of photo opportunities abound.

After completing our tour de force on this meaningful event, a sumptuous breakfast awaited each and every participant of the walk at the Cafe Ilang-Ilang of the posh and historic Manila Hotel, home for many years of Asia’s First Rotary Club, courtesy of IPCoS/PP Cesar Ubaldo, IPSDG/PP Frank Evaristo, Rtn. Dong Benedicto and Rtn. Rickie Yap who graciously accorded us a 40% discount on the meal.

Indeed, it was a September to remember, because more than the sweat brought about by the rays of the morning sun and the efforts of rising early while finding a much coveted parking where it would be easy to leave after the event, were the faces who would immensely benefit from our club’s humble donation, the smiles on the faces we might never see but whose yearnings to lead our nation tomorrow remain our lasting legacy as we march on to our 100 years of existence and the centennial of the Rotary movement in the Philippines and in Asia. No wonder the spirit of Paul Harris lives on in each and every Rotarian as we see a future replete with a trail blazed by the wheels of Rotary. And the mystery of Service Above Self lives on.