Alay Lakad 2018: “Kabataan Suporta ng Bayan”

It could have been any other Sunday where one could simply doze off from an early morning grind and stay within the comforts of our respective abodes, but, September 23, 2018, literally, changed our Sunday morning habits. Heeding the calls of ALAY LAKAD Foundation President SDG/PP Frank Evaristo, Executive and National Coordinating Committee Chair PD/DSAA Oscar del Rosario, Director-in-Charge Albert Alday and Rotary Club of Manila ALAY LAKAD Chair Rtn. Dong Benedicto, sixteen (16) Manila Rotarians, some of whom with their family members, braved the early morning rise for a worthy cause of sending our out-of-school youth to school.

Manila Rotarians in the persons of DG Rudy Bediones, SDG/PP Frank Evaristo, DSAA Oscar del Rosario, Rtn. Dong Benedicto, Dir. Albert Alday, Dir. Caloy Reyes, Dir. Jackie Rodriguez, Treasurer Nicky Villaseñor, AT Jason Ong, PP Benny Laguesma, PP Teddy Ocampo, Rtn. Celso Abastillas, Rtn. Cris Acosta, Rtn. Johnny Chotrani, Rtn. Zdenek Jankovsky and Rtn. Roy Zosa set forth to represent Asia’s First Rotary Club in leading the pack of the very first walk group, bearing the huge tarpaulin of Asia’s First Rotary Club on a year where Rotary was the designated host club to recognize the pivotal role of the Rotary Club of Manila in celebrating its 100 years which coincides with that of the Rotary movement in the Philippines and in Asia.

The group began to gather at the Planetarium as early as 4:30 am where the ALAY LAKAD shirts were distributed. Thirty minutes later, the group transferred to the opposite lane to prepare for the assembly. They were later joined by the Rotaractors from De La Salle University Manila, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and Manila. Upon invitation of SDG/PP Frank Evaristo, the group mounted the stage and photo opportunities became commonplace with ALAY LAKAD officials. Thereafter, the group proceeded to the Champagne Salon to partake in the hearty breakfast prepared through the courtesy of Rtn. Rickie Yap. Indeed, all is well that ends well as the walk group can rest with the thought that they made a difference with our out-of-school youth.

The early walkers gathering at the Planetarium-Rtn. Cris Acosta, DG Rudy Bediones, Dir. Jackie Rodriguez, Treasurer Nicky Villaseñor, Rtn. Roy Zosa, Dir. Caloy Reyes, Rtn. Dong Benedicto, Rotary Ann Marilou Benedicto, ISDG/PDCoS/Dir. Albert Alday, Rtn. Zdenek Jankovsky, PP Teddy Ocampo and PP Benny Laguesma

The Rotary Club of Manila contingent preparing for the walk on the opposite lane as part of the first group of walkers

The break of dawn signalled the start of the walk

The ALAY LAKAD leaders begin the walk

Followed closely by the Rotary Club of Manila group who were joined by Rotaractors from its Rotaract-sponsored clubs

The Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila and the Rotaract Club of Manila

Manila Rotarians posed for a groupie at the crossing of Padre Burgos and Roxas Boulevard before crossing the street

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation in front of its original home, the Manila Hotel.

The walk group in front of Manila Ocean Park and Hotel H2O

The group approaching Quirino Grandstand

SDG/PP Frank Evaristo, ALAY LAKAD Foundation President, joins the lead group

The Rotary Club of Manila delegation arrives at Quirino Grandstand.

Manila Rotarians and Rotaractors on stage at the Quirino Grandstand.

Photo opportunity of Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of Manila, Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila and Rotaract Club of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde on stage at the Quirino Grandstand

SDG/PP Frank Evaristo and PD/DSAA Oscar del Rosario are interviewed regarding ALAY LAKAD 2018

Manila Rotarians proceeded to Manila Hotel for breakfast at the Champagne Salon courtesy of Rtn. Rickie Yap

With the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University-Manila

With the Rotaract Club of Manila

With the Rotaract Club of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde

PP Benny Laguesma begins his emceeing chores

Rotaractors with Rotarians alike.