TY - BOOK TI - Gov. Ben Legarda's monthly letter - The Rotary Balita no. 713 (January 22, 1953) N1 - The Rotary Balita no. 713 (January 22, 1953) N2 - R. I. PRESIDENT VISITS DISTRICT 48 President "Bru" Brunnier and his Rotary Am "Ann'' arrived on Philippine soil as scheduled a December 27, 1952, and from that day up to the time of their departure at 7:00 o'clock, January 2, 19 they had a busy program which kept them on the go from morning until night. In spite of my request as expressed in my letter of September 2 1952 (letter No. 3) recommending to the various clubs where the Brunniers were to visit that provisions be made so that they might have some rest and relaxation in order that their health may not be impaired and their energy not over taxed, many clubs overlooked the fact that this energetic couple in their late sixties have been traveling continuously for two months, so that it was really wonderful how they stood the severe ordeal. I am just wondering whether any of us could take in so much without breaking down (and we are not their age yet). On the afternoon of their arrival on December 27th, this notable couple was taken to Malacañan to pay their respects to President Quirino, who offered a cocktail party in their honor. From the Palace, they hurried over for dinner at my home where they were delighted to see a whole "lechon" for the first time. Early the following morning, December 28th, we motored to Baguio and stopped in Malolos for breakfast. The reception that the Malolos Rotary Club gave them was very impressive. President "Bru" and Rotary Ann "Ann" tasted and enjoyed the Philippine mango for the first time at this breakfast, and for the first time also they heard an eloquent speech which was delivered very impressively by President "Frank" Aniag. The Mayor of Malolos and the Governor of Bulacan were both present at this breakfast and each one delivered an appropriate welcome speech which was characteristic of Filipino cordiality and hospitality. A big key was given to the Brunniers by the Mayor of Malolos and the Rotary Club of Malolos presented each of them a bamboo tube containing Philippine woven hats. From Malolos we motored to San Fernando, where President Brunnier and party were greeted by a band playing "Mabuhay" outside the regular meeting place. Although the Brunniers had partaken of a hearty breakfast in Malolos, Rotary Ann "Ann" was so attracted by the famous San Fernando "ensaymadas" that she could not resist it. In true Filipino cordiality and friendship, the Rotary Anns of San Fernando wrapped a few more of those "ensaymadas" for Ann to take home. From San Fernando, we motored to Tarlac, where President "Bru" was impressed because of the fact that the Rotary Club of Tarlac is the only club in the district which has its own "clubhouse In Tarlac, President Brunnier's party was met by the late President Flor Buan, Art Ilagan and others, who in spite of short notice, were on the spot to meet us. We arrived in Baguio at half past twelve and were received by the group of Rotarians who had driven to the City limits to welcome the party. In Baguio the Brunniers were entertained at a luncheon meeting featuring several very interesting numbers, consisting of some Filipino and Igorot dances and songs which they enjoyed tremendously. Delegations of Rotary Clubs from Vigan, Lasag and Dagupan came to Baguio to join the Baguio Rotarians in welcoming President "Bru" and party. After lunch and the program, parts of which had to be abbreviated for lack of time, we repaired hurriedly to the airport (clouds were fast closing in) to take the plane which took us to Manila in time to allow for a few minutes rest and then at the end the dinner offered by President Hans Menzi at his home. On the morning of the 29th, President "Bru" placed wreaths of flowers at the tombs of President Quezon and President Roxas. In the evening, dinner was offered in their honor by Senator and Mrs. Gil Puyat (Gil and Gening to us Rotarians). On the morning of the 30th, after laying a wreath of flowers at the Rizal monument, the Brunniers motored to Tagaytay. Nothing escaped their attention. We stopped to see a coconut shoot growing out of its shell and they wanted to see how "palay" looks like, and how a ripe stalk of rice looks like before harvesting and threshing. On the Cavite boundary line, we were met by the members of the Rotary Club of Cavite who joined the motorcade to Tagaytay. Upon arriving in Tagaytay, we were greeted by the members of the Rotary Club of Batangas and their Rotary Anns, the San Pablo Rotary Club and the Lucena Rotary Club. The Tagaytay motorcade was a very success. ful affair and was attended by around three hundred Rotarians, Rotary Anns, and their children. On the way back to Manila the party was entertained by the members of the Cavite Rotary Club who drove us through Sangley Point (U.S. Naval Reservation). After a delicious merienda offered by the Caviteños, we motored to the home of General Emilio Aguinaldo. President and Mrs. "Bru" were very happy to meet the General. Rotary Ann "Ann" was impressed by the youthful vigor and appearance of the 80-year old Filipino veteran who did not look his age. She was thrilled to meet a Filipino general who had valiantly resisted and fought the American forces. On our way to Manila, we stopped at Las Piñas where the Brunniers enjoyed the soft and melodious music of the hundred-year old bamboo organ, which played for them the well-known Christmas carol "Silent Night." In the evening, this indefatigable couple was entertained by Past Governor and Mrs. Emy Javier. Early on the morning of the 31st, the last day of the year, President "Bru" and "Ann" and 1 party of Rotarians from Manila flew to Bacolod where we arrived at around 9:30. True to Filipino customs, the reception given to the Brunniers we marked by warm cordiality and frienship which the Brunniers readily appreciated. After paying their respects to the Mayor, "Bru" and "Ann" were whisked to the Central Club house by the Rotary Anns. They disappeared from our view for a few minutes and when the room where the Rotary Anns locked them opened again "Bru" had on a beautiful Barong Tagalog (which was 3 inches short on the sleeves which he wore for the rest of the stay in Bacolod). Rotary Ann "Ann" was dressed in an attractive "pañueloless" terno in red and black yellow (red is her favorite color) jusi with shoes to match. It is intriguing how the Rotary Ans from Bacolod could guess "Ann's" measurements to the millimeter! Mrs. Brunnier looked perfectly gorgeous in her Filipino outfit. At noon, we were taken to the University Club where lunch was served. At this meeting several Rotary Clubs of the Visayas sent delegations. Dumaguete, Leile and Cebu were there and greeted them. A nice program, consisting of impromptu numbers, was enjoyed by all. At 3:30 p.m. we were rushed to the airport to take the plane for Manila where we arrived at 5:30. The New Year's Eve party at the home of EA Perkins proved to be a very highly successful and well-attended affair to which members of the Rotary Club of Manila and some of the nearby provinces prepared to greet the year in company of Rotary International's No. 1 member. While we waited for the stroke of midnight an impromptu and unrehearsed fashion show was staged by the Rotary Anns from Manila and Malolos. At the stroke of 12:00, President "Bru" offered a toast with champagne to all Rotarians of District 48. This affair marked the end of entertainment for President "Bru" and his Ann. January 1, 1953, they spent packing all the gifts they had received from the various Rotary clubs of District 48, a list of which I include here under. 1— 1 Box (Musical) Cigars (from Tony Anton) 2 — 2 Carved Pictures (Baguio Rotary Club) 3 — 1 Bolo in green cloth sheath (Rotary Club of Cavite) 4 — 1 Bust Igorot (woman) carved wood block (Rotary Club of Manila) 5 — 1 Bust Igorot (man) carved wood block (Rotary Club of Manila) 6 — 1 Igorot Doll (Baguio Rotary Club) 7 — 1 Key to City of Malolos 8 — 1 Key to City of Baguio 9 — 1 Key to City of Bacolod 10 — 1 Pair Book Ends (Rotary Wheel) 11 — 3 Buntal Hats in Bamboo Tubes (2 from Malolos Rotary Club) (1 from Dagupan City Rotary Club) 12 — 1 Moro Vinta (from Dumaguete Club) 13 — 1 Piña handbag, from San Fernando Club 14 — 1 Native Buri lady's bag. 15 — 1 Box from Mr. and Mrs. Emy Javier, retaining: 1 Piña handbag, hand embroidered 1 Barong Tagalog material 1 Red Shawl 16 — 1 Buri fan (paypay) 17 — 1 Philippine Doll (Maria Clara) 18 — 1 Box from Iloilo Rotary Club, containing: 1 Barong Tagalog with Rotary Insignia Ladies' handkerchiefs 19 — 2 Small packages tied with red tinsel 20 — 1 Flower vase (metal) 21— 2 Dolls wrapped in newsprint with red tinsel 22 — 1 Table lamp, shell ornament 23 — 1 Paper Stacker (green) 24 — 1 Box containing red Oriental stocks 25 — 1 Lighter 26 — 1 Fan 27 — 1 Pair Lady's shoes (used) 28 — 1 "Salacot" (Cavite Rotary Club) 29 — 2 Parasols 30 — 1 Box from Bacolod Rotary, containing: 1 jusi dress for "Ann" 1 Barong Tagalog for "Bru" 31 — 1 White Box containing: 1 Handpainted Dress for "Ann" (terno) from the Inner Wheel Club of Manila 1 Barong Tagalog for "Bru" from Governor Ben 32 — 1 Filipino Doll (Bridal costume) from Gening Puyat 33 — 2 Carabao horn wall vases (from Pompin and Tony Anton) 34 — 1 Painting (local) given by Past Governor Marianito Lichauco. In the afternoon of January 1, 1953, we drove to Wack Wack Golf Club for tea. The clubhouse was quiet and a soft breeze was blowing from the east which made our short stop in Wack Wack very agreeable and pleasant. "Bru" remarked that the Wack Wack links reminded him so much of California. Early on January 2nd, at 7 a.m. the Brunniers boarded the Philippine Air Lines plane which took them to their next and last stop, Japan. before returning home. I wish to thank every Rotarian and Rotary Ann of District 48 for their efforts in contributing to make the stay of the Brunniers so wonderful and pleasant. I wish to make particular mention of the supernatural efforts exerted by Tony Anton, (Chairman of the Program Committee) whose one-man job was executed without a fault. I would not be fair to Yan Yanzon if J should skip him. The Tagaytay motorcade was the success it turned out to be on account of his well- coordinated efforts. PRESIDENT MENZI OF MANILA WITHDRAWS Since I wrote you last December, I have received a letter from President Hans Menzi of Manila, requesting that his name be withdrawn from the list of candidates for Governor Nominee, stating that "in the spirit of good fellowship and in the interest of Rotary, it is, according to previous understanding, the turn of the provinces for governorship for the incoming year." With Hans' withdrawal, d of the Manila candidates have retired from the race. This noble gesture of the Manila candidates — Mr. Manuel Lim, Mr. Rafael Anton and Mr. Hans Men — will no doubt be appreciated by the provincial clubs, thus proving once more that the Rotary Cab of Manila practices Rotary in the true spirit at "service above self." IMPORTANT NOTICE The attention of all club Presidents and Secretaries is hereby invited to the District Conference which will take place next February from the 19 to 21st. 1) Please submit the name of the most outstanding Rotarian in your club and specify re suns for your choice; and 2) Please send in the accomplishments of your club and state briefly be such accomplishments were affected. It is important that each club nominate now the name of the club member whom they consider the most standing of the club and also to state what achievements the club has accomplished during the year. This information is requested for submission to the Committee on Awards who will review all nominations for outstanding Rotarian, and accomplishments of each Rotary Club for proper appraisal and final award which will be made during the conference. BALLOTS SENT TO ELECTORS Ballots containing the names of 9 candidates are ready to be mailed to electors. Ten clubs still have not submitted the names of their electors, consequently, I shall have to request their names by wire. These clubs are the following: Tacloban Malolos Oroquieta Bacolod Laoag Batangas Lucena Daet Legaspi Vigan ER -