The Rotary Balita no. 712 (January 8, 1953)

The Manila Rotary Club, in lieu of their regular luncheon meeting, celebrated its traditional Children's Christmas party in grand style at the picturesque and spacious Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. Hundreds of little "Rotarians" came with their papas and mammas. They enjoyed a real good time eating and blowing their paper horns. The eats, like ice cream, candies, cookies, and other Magnolia products, were peddled to them free. Balloons, hundreds of them, were distributed to the kids. The Welfareville String Band supplied the music. A magician exhibited his tricks which the young and old greatly admired. Not to be outdone, the children contributed their own numbers. Master Edmundo Garcia emceed the program. Melanie Villanueva recited "Happy Christmas." Minuet in G-Beethoven was played on the piano by 12-year old Miss Raquel Lim. Master Cristino Concepcion, Jr. declaimed "Christmas." Isabel Gonzales, Teresita Gustilo and Car- men Lim performed a "Palabas." A ballet dance was performed by Lucille Venturanza. Emcee Edmundo Garcia, not contented of his job, recited the poem "Give me Liberty or Give me Death." "Aria from Rigoletto," was played-four hands-on the piano by Joan and MacArthur Orendain. Strauss" v "Waltz by 'was played by Dolores and Virginia Orendain. Master Macky Lopez declaimed "For my Country." Chippy Orendain, 5 years old, sang "Black Zambo." Blue Danube, a ballet, was danced by Julie and Rosie Borromeo. All piano accompaniments were by Prof. Luisa Garcia Torres. Then the most awaited time came. It was seven in the evening and St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, dropped from the chimney. As the distribution of the Christmas packages started, squeals of delight were heard from hundreds of little throats that filled the place. Jolly old Santa, in the per- son of Mike Arnold, distributed the gifts. Chairmanned by Jack Preysler and with the following members assisting: Charlie Palanca, "K" Huang, Dan Aguinaldo, Mike Arnold, Joe Barredo, Tony Beltran, Juanito Cojuangco, Henk Marsman, Bill Saussotte, Tim Certeza and Yan Yanzon, the party turned out to be a big success except for some disappointed kids who had to go home empty handed due to the shortage of Christmas gifts. This situation cannot be blamed on the committee but on the member Rotarians as only very few Rotarians responded to the circular sent by the committee asking for the number of children they intended to bring along to the party. The last two Thursdays fell on two holidays, Christmas and New Year, hence, no meetings. Unfortunately, the visit of our RI President "Bru" Brunnier coincided with our vacation season and he did not have the opportunity to attend any of our regular meetings.