The Rotary Balita no. 683 (October 25, 1951)

This one ought to have been written by a Rotary Ann, because it smacked more of a society gathering, a circus with Mandrake Bert Parsons as top trouper, and an operetta with Jimmy Norton, the Rotarian with the golden voice, and other top performers. And I wouldn't have written this except for Ramon Ordoveza breathing down my neck and certain characters by the name of Tim Certeza, Pacoy Lopez and others turning that swanky joint Riviera into the old time Savoy at the time when Moncado's Diana Toy was wowing them in the twenties. And of course I must not forget my sister-in-law and Rotary Ann Elvie Manahan who organized herself into a one woman cheering squad that day. But that was the day when three times Prexy Trining Legarda and the Rotary Anns decided to invite the Rotarians to the Riviera much to the concern of Charlie Hollmann who incidentally did not like the service at all. Following is the cut and dry chronicle of what happened that day, and if you don't enjoy it blame yourself for being absent. Meeting ended not as usual at 2:30 p.m. The session was opened by the introductory remarks of Inner Wheel Club President, Rotary Ann Trining Legarda, the better half of Rotarian Ben Legarda. Rotary President Vince Bunuan responded on behalf of his club. The Rotary Anns then started the wheel rolling by singing Happy Birthday to their fellow Rotary Anns celebrating their birthdays. This was followed by the induction of Baby Rotarian Charles "CX" Clark, manager of the RCA who was sponsored by Bert Parsons. Just after "CX's" induction, five baby Rotary Anns were inducted to the Inner Wheel Club by President Trining. In connection with the anniversary of the Republic of China, better known as the Double 10th, the Chinese Community was honored by the playing of the Chinese National Anthem. Hans Menzi, chairman of the Rotary International Committee explained before the congregation the meaning of the Double 10th. K. Huang responded on behalf of the Chinese community. Some Rotary Anns in Balintawak sang the "Harana," a kundiman. They went to the extent of hanging a sampaguita lei around the neck of President Vince. Hilary Silayan who had been sick for almost a year was greeted warmly by the Rotarians together with Peg Green and Dalup Dalupan, both new arrivals from the United States. Bert Parsons performed stage tricks which earned him the name "Mandrake the Banana." Just after the announcement of Pepe Tiosejo, Gary Yupangco, Natoy Halili and Sergio Bayan as members of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Industries, Mrs. Ramon Ordoveza declaimed in Spanish. Jimmy Norton, the "Great Caruso" of the Rotary Club, contributed two songs which he sang so romantically that the audience cried for more. Past President Ben Legarda, not to be outdone, proved his versatility when he played the piano like a master. But better still, to spite President Vince, he kissed Mrs. Bunuan in public. The Music Committee of the Rotary Club sang "Ding Dong Daddy" and Gene Puyat, inspired by his Rotary Ann Nina, sang two songs dedicated to his "OAO." Rotary Ann Hati Cojuangco then sang "I Love You Truly," dedicated to the Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel Club.