November 24, 2024 was not your typical Sunday morning! At an hour when most of Manila was still snuggled up in bed, the members of the Rotaract Club of Manila were wide awake, defying groggy eyes and cool morning breezes, ready to make a difference. By 4:30 AM, Roxas Boulevard became a hub of energy and anticipation as the Rotaract Club of Manila joined their parent club, Rotary Club of Manila and the entire Rotary District 3810 to kickstart Alay Lakad 2024.
Front row, from left to right: President-Elect Andrea Cuevas, Public Image Director John Carlo De Guzman, President Summer Stephanie Bonifacio and Rtr. Jan More. Second row, from left to right: Rtr. Hans Villamor, Aspirant Sophia Lan, Community Service Director Jenna Aguilar, Immediate Past President Arvin Reyes, International Service Director Rainier Cabungcal, Rtr. April Gopez and Rtn. Emman Gopez – Rotary Club of Manila Magic.
This annual walk-for-a-cause—renowned for its decades-long commitment to the Filipino youth—returned this year with even greater zeal under the theme “Alay Lakad Para sa Kabataan ng Bagong Pilipinas”. The event, steered by District 3810 Governor Joaquin Rodriguez and Alay Lakad Chair Rtn. Arik Carranceja from the Rotary Club of Manila, was one for the books in Rotary’s 2024-2025 theme “The Magic of Rotary”
MIP Summer Stephanie Bonifacio graciously helping our very own DRAC Angel Macasieb to gear up in Alay Lakad 2024.
Let’s have a moment of pause to talk about priorities. Before the first step, Rotaract Club of Manila, together with their parent club Rotary Club of Manila ensured that the morning had a proper kick—by jumping on the iconic TikTok dance craze, APT! Because why not? If you’re going to wake up at the crack of dawn, you might as well go viral doing it! It was a reminder that fundraising for a cause doesn’t always have to be solemn; a little groove can bring smiles to faces and boost spirits.
From left to right: Dir. Jenna Aguilar holding the club banner with DRAC Angel Macasieb and IPP Arvin Reyes, joining the Rotarians and Rotaractors of Rotary District 3810 in the annual Alay Lakad at Quirino Grandstand, Manila.
Of course, the event wasn’t just about dancing and walking. Alay Lakad 2024 doubled as a campaign for End Polio Now, one of Rotary International’s flagship causes. It’s a perfect example of service above self, combining physical activity with impactful advocacy.
Rotary Club of Manila’s President Jujut Enriquez III expressing his gratitude for the success of Alay Lakad 2024 at the Tap Room, Manila Hotel, during the breakfast.
By 8:00 AM, with steps logged and cause championed, participants gathered at the historic Manila Hotel’s Tap Room for a well-deserved breakfast. Pres. Jujut Enriquez III of the Rotary Club of Manila led the celebrations, reflecting on the success of Alay Lakad 2024 and the meaningful contributions it brought to the Filipino youth.
Rtn. Arik Carranceja shared heartfelt sentiments about how the funds raised would benefit young lives, while Rtn. Oscar del Rosario brought a sense of history to the occasion, recounting his experiences as a Past Director and the enduring legacy of this project.
Past VP Reginald Yu of the Rotary Club of Manila having his congratulatory speech.
Adding another layer of festivity, the clubs also honored Rtn. Reginald Yu, a recipient of this year’s prestigious Xavier-Kuangchi Award for Exemplary Alumni. His recognition further amplified the sense of pride and purpose in the room – that’s service above self!
Rotaract Club of Manila having a group photo with their parent club, Rotary Club of Manila, after the breakfast at Tap Room, Manila Hotel.
Alay Lakad 2024 was more than a walk; it was a celebration of collective action, hope, and the unyielding spirit of community. Whether it was through TikTok-worthy dance moves or heartfelt reflections over breakfast, the day was proof that every step we take—literal or figurative—can lead us closer to a brighter future. As the saying goes, when you walk the talk, the world follows.
