To mark the celebration of International Friendship Day last July 30, more than 170 Rotaractors from different countries— Australia, Bangladesh, Hongkong, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates—participated in the Inter-RAC: A Virtual Friendship Encounter via Zoom.
The virtual friendship encounter, hosted by Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente-University of San Carlos, served as an avenue for Rotaractors all over the world to immerse in Cebuano culture as well as to foster friendships among the participants. We celebrate this year’s Inter-RAC with the theme, “Diversity makes us better and stronger.”
The key theme that surfaced during the event was to celebrate diversity as what Asia-Pacific Rotaract MDIO Chair Louie Boy G. De Real pointed out in his keynote speech. Despite our differences may it be in our cultural identity or ideas, we should go beyond these and establish friendships not only within Rotaract but outside as well. He emphasized to embrace diversity and be inclusive in order to realize our vision of building a strong and better future. Hence, Rotary advances inclusion, equity and diversity.
The event started by giving us a glimpse of how rich and vibrant Cebuano culture is. They virtually toured us around the province’s famous landmarks and shared delicacies, fashion, and furniture Cebuanos are truly proud of. What every tourist should look forward to when visiting Cebu post-pandemic is the Sinulog festival—an annual celebration in commemoration of the Filipinos’ acceptance of Christianity. During this grand festival, you can see beautiful street dances that narrate the country’s pagan past, danced along with heart-pounding music in honor of Sr. Sto. Nino (the Child Jesus). Sinulog is where you can truly feel the Cebuanos’ spirit of community.
Afterwards, a culinary workshop was held by Rtrs. Vanessa Lu and Rieko Diaz, emphasizing two famous Filipino delicacies: the arroz caldo and mango float. The workshop showcased Rtr. Vanessa’s recipe of the arroz caldo (chicken porridge), as well as Rtr. Rieko’s secret technique in making her version of the classic Filipino dessert, turning it into a delicious Mango Graham Cake.
Knowing that Inter-RAC is a perfect avenue for showcasing Filipino talents to the different Rotaractors and visiting Rotarians all over the world, there were then cultural performances presented by the University of San Carlos (USC) Dance Troupe and Aspiring Rotaractor Alyssa Conte. It was a very blissful moment to know that Carolinians had marvelous talents they can show to fellow foreign Rotaractors.
The overall highlight of the entire event was the Friendship Rooms. It was a moment where each one could get to bond with and know more about their fellow Rotaractors. Participants were able to share how they coped up with the pandemic as well as their thoughts and insights on what a leader should be. In such a limited time, they were able to build a rapport with each other, even sharing each other’s social media accounts to stay connected. Back in the main room, they also shared their wonderful experiences during the said event.
Inter-RAC proved that diversity can really make us better and stronger. Our cultures may be different but these differences will instead help us build a stronger relationship with one another. As Rotaractors, we need to reach out to these different cultures and to practice working hand in hand with them because as Mr. Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is SUCCESS!”
