Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference - Pilipinas 2006

Reported by Rtr Lenny Chee

Tagaytay City, Philippines was the venue for the 3rd Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC). IPP Wee Yik Chuang, Rtr. Eugene Tan and I, representing the Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka were part of a strong contingent from District 3310 to Pilipinas 2006 from the 31st of August to 3rd of September 2006. Other delegates in our party included members of Rotaract Club of Northwest, Rotaract Club of Marina City, Rotaract Club of Raffles City, Rotaract Club of NUS, Rotaract Club of Kota Kinabalu and Rotaract Club of Likas Bay.

Delegates from District 3310 to PILIPINAS 2006, Tagaytay City, Philippines

Tagaytay, 70km south of Manila, perches on a 600 metre high ridge overlooking Taal Volcano, is a popular weekend retreat because of its cool climate. Upon arrival at Clarke International airport, we were being transported by bus to Tagaytay International Trade Center where the conference was being held as well as where most participants including ourselves were accommodated.

The first day of conference was basically free and easy whereby we were required to register our attendance and attend a welcoming dinner for all delegates. At the dinner, we were able to mingle with the other 500 plus participants, some coming as far Canada and Australia while majority of them are from our neighbouring countries Taiwan, Japan and the host country Philippines. Exchange of name cards and bannerettes started at a furious pace while we were treated to some local delicacies as well as local traditional dances.

Exchange of bannerettes with other clubs was a norm throughout the conference

For the next two days of conference, we attended various forums on topics relating to the development of Rotaract movement within the Asia Pacific region as well as notable community projects being carried out by Rotaract clubs to better the lives of less fortunate people.

Q & A sessions with some of the speakers during the conference

The highlight of the 4 days conference was the Cultural Night whereby all the delegates appeared in their traditional costumes. In addition, each District was given a 5 minutes window to do a cultural performance. District 3310, led by Rtr. Michael Choy, did a medley of traditional folks songs comprising of Rasa Sayang, Burung Kakak Tua and Chan Mali Chan. We did not win anything on the night but certainly enjoyed performances from other Districts especially the Taiwanese who did a kungfu style dance.

Performance by District 3310 contingent during PILIPINAS Cultural Night

On the last day of the conference, each District was given a booth to showcase their country. On our part, we decided to distribute Malacca tourism brochures obtained from the Malacca Tourism Board as well as a free sample of durian and coconut dodols. Within an hour of the setting up the booth, all the dodols and brochures were snapped up like hot cakes.

The conference ended with a farewell dinner on the last night whereby all participants let their hair down and danced the night away. The APRRC bell was then passed on to the next host Malaysia which will be organized by District 3300.

For those that miss all the fun and excitement of this year’s APRRC, do save up now for the 4th APRRC next year in Malaysia scheduled for 24th to 28th August 2007.