Rotary Club of Manila Members Attend 88th Charter Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Bangkok

Despite the threat of Super Typhoon “Ompong” (International Code Name: Mangkhut) wreaking havoc on the Philippines as it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility almost the evening before our departure, the delegation of the Rotary Club of Manila saw to it that the Rotary Club of Bangkok would not be deprived of its presence at a most auspicious time as it celebrated its 88th Charter Anniversary.

PDG Vince and Lady Tina Carlos were the first to arrive last September 12, 2018. The rest of the delegation gathered at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 last September 13, 2018 as early as half past the hour of six in the morning for their PR 730 flight.

IPP Jimmie Policarpio, AT Ner Lonzaga, AT Jason Ong, PT Jun Follosco, AS Rene Policarpio, Treasurer Nicky Villaseñor and ISDG/PDCoS/Dir. Albert Alday waiting at the airport terminal for their flight.

Their flight left Manila at forty-five minutes past the hour of nine as scheduled and arrived at noon time in Bangkok, Thailand to a warm welcome from fellow Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Bangkok led by International Service Director Abdullah Alawadi.

PT Jun Follosco lined up in the Priority Lane at the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation composed of IPP Jimmie Policarpio, PT Jun Follosco, Treasurer Nicky Villaseñor, PP Boy Guevarra, ISDG/PDCoS/Dir. Albert Alday, AT Jason Ong, AT Ner Lonzaga, PD Ed Lee and AS Rene Policarpio while waiting for their luggages at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

AS Rene Policarpio, PD Ed Lee and PP Boy Guevara, golf enthusiasts, waiting for their luggages

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation received a warm welcome from the Rotary Club of Bangkok

A surprise welcome by way of pastry carvings bearing the Rotary Club of Manila logo greeted the delegation at their respective rooms at the Novotel Platinum Pratunam in Bangkok, Thailand.

After freshening up following their check-in at the Novotel Platinum Pratunam, the group descended from their respective rooms as Dir. Abdullah Alawadi fetched them for the purpose of attending the Welcome Dinner for Sister Clubs at The Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

Rotary Club of Bangkok International Service Director Abdullah Alawadi fetched the Rotary Club of Manila delegation from Novotel Platinum Pratunam for the Welcome Dinner. Photo shows IPP Jimmie Policarpio, Dir. Abdullah Alawadi, PT Jun Follosco, AT Ner Lonzaga, AS Rene Policarpio and Treasurer Nicky Villaseñor.

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation during the Welcome Dinner for Sister Clubs last September 13, 2018 at The Royal Bangkok Sports Club where they were warmly received by the Rotary Club of Bangkok.

The oldest member of the Rotary Club of Bangkok at age 97 during the Welcome Dinner for Sister Clubs. The club is the first club in Thailand.

Rotary Club of Kowloon East PP Albert Poon with PDG Vince Carlos.

The members of the Rotary Club of Bangkok at the Welcome Dinner for Sister Clubs

The following day, September 14, 2018, the group headed out to Chatuchak Market for some real bargain shopping via almost an hour cab ride while AS Rene Policarpio and PP Boy Guevara engaged the Bangkok Rotarians in a friendly game of golf elsewhere. After exploring the different stores while shopping to their heart’s content, the group partook in a sumptuous Thai lunch at the said place.

The taxi ride last September 14, 2018 on the way to Chatuchak Market to do some shopping.

After shopping, partaking in an authentic Thai lunch at Chatuchak Market.

Photo shows Manila Rotarians with the lovely daughter of the owner of the restaurant.

As the day neared the sunset, the group returned to the hotel to prepare for the 88th Charter Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Bangkok at the Grand Hyatt Erawan. When the group arrived at the posh venue, Rotarian congeniality became commonplace as exchange of cards became a phenomenon. All Rotarians looked fabulous in their national dress while some in other formal attire. A vast majority of the delegation came in their best barong tagalog as the evening began with cocktails as guests lined up for registration. The program began with each of the sister clubs bearing their respective flags.

At the cocktail area outside the Grand Ballroom IPP Jimmie Policarpio, Rotary Ann Tina Carlos and PDG Vince Carlos at the photo wall for the event.

2002-2003 Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul of the Rotary Club of Bangkok with PDG Vince Carlos of the Rotary Club of Manila

The backdrop

IPP Jimmie Policarpio bearing the flag in a parade of colors.

IPP Jimmie Policarpio as head of the delegation was flag bearer

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Erawan

After the meeting was called to order, toasts were offered to His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirinshorn and Rotary International. Thereafter, a sumptuous dinner of steak or fish was served which was followed by entertainment and history presentation. Subsequently, various sister clubs presented their gifts and congratulatory notes.

2002-2003 Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul of the Rotary Club of Bangkok gives his congratulary remarks where he emphasized that “Rotary is connection.”

Past Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul with District Governors in attendance, including, PDG Vince Carlos

Past Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul with Past Presidents present, which included PP Boy Guevara and IPP Jimmie Policarpio.

IPP Jimmie Policarpio delivered the congratulatory message in behalf of the Rotary Club of Manila as he likewise invited them to attend our centennial celebration from June 21-22, 2019 as ISDG/PDCoS/Dir. Albert Alday presented the centennial plate and bannerettes

IPP Jimmie Policarpio presented a scaled model of the famous Philippine jeepney.

IPP Jimmie Policarpio received a token of appreciation in behalf of the Rotary Club of Manila from the Rotary Club of Bangkok

As the celebration drew to a close, Rotary Club of Manila could rest with the thought that sisterhood ties with the Rotary Club of Bangkok are as strong as ever. The group left on different flights the following days, September 15, 2018 and September 16, 2018, bringing with them the goodwill of Thai culture towards a better and brighter Rotary for everyone.

IPP Jimmie Policarpio personally inviting Past Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, to attend our centennial celebration while PT Jun Follosco witnesses his invitation.