I find myself wondering why I’m writing this article. It’s been sex…. I meant six weeks since I last wrote in our beloved award-winning Club Bulletin, Pagkakaisa.
I had no idea what our current Editor said to our current First Lady as I’m quite excited and look forward to the article of the Sea Princess each Wednesday morning. Good job, Chuck!

For today’s column, allow me to share with you my report on the Awarding Ceremony for Partners and Supporters for a Polio Free Philippines, held last July 23 at the Manila Midtown Hotel. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! The event was 26 days ago, but so what? At least I’m reporting it now, unlike Dir. Dong I which took him almost the whole last Rotary Year to submit his article on the Induction Night.

Anyway, it was raining super hard when I arrived at Midtown. Decided to stay at the car for a while until the rain subsides.

It didn’t…. and it’s 8:00 AM already and I don’t have an umbrella in the car. Bogey agad!

Fifteen minutes later, I was at the Binondo room of Midtown…little bit wet and freezing. There were less than 5 people in the room with El Tigre….oppps, this is not a Sunday Golf article…President Dennis leading the conversation with Dr. Terrell Hill. President Dennis is wearing his Amani Blazer….custom made in Taft Avenue.

After thanking me for coming (Do I have a choice?), I situated myself on the second row as PDG Oskie de Venecia came strolling in. I noticed that he’s holding on to a house key of the Midtown. Hmmm…I know we sponsored the Award Ceremony but did it come with a room?

Before I could asked PDG Oskie about the key…here comes the VIP of the event, Dr. Susan Pineda-Mercado, the Undersecretary of the Department of Health. Hmmm…did she DOH it?

Naturally, the event has to start as I assume checkout time is at 12 noon. The Invocation was led by Ms. Norma Escobido. National Anthem was led by Noel J. Bautis…I meant it was led by Dr. Agnes Benegas. Welcome Remarks was given by our very own President Dennis. His message centered around Polio…good idea since we are at an Award Ceremony of Polio-free Philippines. Pres. Dennis noted the “celebration of Partnership in fighting against Polio…” and he further added that it’s also a “celebration of the Rotary Theme: Service Above Self”.

Messages were given by PDG Oskie, who gave recognition to the volunteers and participants in making our nation Polio-free. According to PDG Oskie, our region may be certified Polio-free by next March. Afterwards, Dr. Terrell Hill followed. Dr. Hill emphasis the “continued cooperation of the private and public sector as well as the various civic organization to eradicate polio in our country.”

Dr. Susan Pineda-Mercado relates her experience with polio by sharing her “puppy love” who has a slight physical disability and it is where she feels the impact of a polio victim. Dr. Pineda-Mercado congratulates PDG Oskie for his valuable efforts in helping the eradication of Polio in our country. She stressed that PDG Oskie should continue to expect her to abuse the assistance given by our District.

The Award Ceremony follows and I then realize at the numerous private/public organizations involved in the fight against Polio. These partners includes Nestle Philippines, Wyeth Philippines, Girl Scout of the Philippines, Boy Scout of the Philippines, UNICEF Philippines, Yakult Philippines, Soroptimist International, Philippine Health Care Association of the Philippines and Rotary International.

The Closing Remarks was given by Dr. Teresita Bonoan. I’m not sure what she said as my mind was still wandering about the hotel key.

It’s been 26 days since…and I still don’t know about the existence of the hotel key.