A report, APRRC 2011

A week has passed when delegates from the Philippines and neighboring countries attended the Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference 2011 in Subic Bay. I can still recall the excitement that I felt while I was on my way to Manila alone. I had to take the bus alone too!

This year, District 3790 from the Philippines hosted almost 500 Rotaractors from Thailand, Taiwan, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Australia and from our country. Prepared with plenary sessions, leadership speakers, workshops, networking activities and cultural shows, the conference truly made an impact to all delegates.

District 3850, were represented by yours truly, DRRE Ruvinier Ace D. Viñarta of Rotaract Club of Bacolod North, President Aldimin Kalli of Rotaract Club of Zamboanga West, and PP Isabel Moreno of Rotaract Club of Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

We had a welcome dinner on our first night after we were given our respective room assignments and had settled down. We socialized with the rest of the participants and danced to the music played by the bands.

The Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center which was at least 10 minutes away from our hotel has seen most of what has happened in this conference. We had the opening ceremony, presentation of dignitaries, inspirational talks, country reporting and the first ever Mr. and Ms. APRRC capped the first night.

I was so excited for the Amazing Race the following day. This was the chance to bond with others and to tour Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) since I was a virgin in this place. We were not even close to accomplish our first goal yet when we had to head back to our hotel and end the game because of the heavy rains. We continued the day with workshops facilitated by Rotaractors from different districts and clubs. The cultural show was the highlight that night. Each country also showcased their national costumes, and other items that they can present. It's unfortunate that our district was not able to put up a booth and highlight the different delicacies that we could have offered the delegates.

We went back to the convention center for the last few talks and final announcements on our last day. Delegates from Thailand and Taiwan promoted APRRC 2012 and 2013 respectively. The transfer of gavel from the Philippines to Thailand was also part of the ceremony. It was a happy and sad day for me. Happy because I got to know other Rotaractors; sad, because it was my last day in Subic.

This is the first time for me to attend this kind of gathering; a gathering of leaders, of good people and of individuals with a purpose to uplift lives. It may not have been a perfect event because of the circumstances that happened. But I know that deep inside each of the delegates, we've learned to accept differences and we've understand more of the goal that we aspire.

To all who were involved and participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference 2011, Aim High!