In the spirit of service and fellowship that defines Rotaract, meaningful connections often extend beyond conference halls and plenary sessions. Such was the case following PROCON Iloilo 2026, when members of the Rotaract Club of Manila embarked on a cultural and experiential journey to the island province of Guimaras on February 23, 2026—a day marked not only by exploration, but by serendipitous encounters and shared spirit of Rotary.
Our arrival at Jordan Port set the tone for what would become a day of unexpected “kitaan!”. There, we encountered fellow Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of San Jose del Monte (District 3770), coinciding over breakfast.
Our day’s itinerary began at the Jordan Municipal Hall, followed by a visit to one of Guimaras’ most curious landmarks—the Smallest Plaza, which was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the smallest plaza in the world. The stop offered both a cultural highlight and an opportunity to appreciate the island’s distinct charm. Nearby, we taste samples and purchased Guimaras’ world-renowned mangoes, widely regarded as among the sweetest in the world.
This journey continued to the island’s Artificial Forest, where rows of mango trees illustrated the agricultural backbone of the province. This immersion into Guimaras’ natural landscape provided a deeper appreciation of its identity as the “Mango Capital of the Philippines.”
At the Guimaras Provincial Capitol, another moment of convergence unfolded. We encountered Rotaractors from District 3780, accompanied by PDRR Yukihiro Yamada of District 2560. What a coincidence again! Such interactions highlighted the international dimension of Rotaract, where partnerships and friendships transcend borders.
From there, we proceeded to Alobijod Beach in Nueva Valencia, where we were warmly welcomed by our friendship clubs—the Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua and Rotaractors from District 3800. The coastal setting became a venue for both leisure and camaraderie, as we enjoyed in island hopping activities, including a visit to the pristine Natago Beach, known for its secluded beauty and crystal-clear waters. It was fun indeed!
Then we later returned to Alobijod Cove Resort for a shared lunch with the Rotaract Club of Manila Supreme 198. The gathering served as a testament to our enduring bonds within our organization, where conversations flowed as easily as the exchange of ideas and experiences.
This cultural dimension of our journey continued with a visit to Navalas Church, the oldest Roman Catholic church in Guimaras, established in 1775. Its historical significance and enduring presence offered a moment of reflection amid the day’s activities.
A brief respite followed at Roca Encantada, which is a heritage site overlooking the Iloilo Strait, where we took in the scenic vistas and enjoyed a period of rest. The tranquil setting provided a fitting pause before the final leg of our journey.
The day concluded at Buenavista Port, where we gathered souvenirs and local delicacies—tangible reminders of our experience defined by connection, discovery, and shared purpose.
More than a post-PROCON excursion, our Guimaras adventure embodied the essence of Rotaract: fostering fellowship, celebrating culture, and building bridges across districts and nations. It served as a reminder that while conferences ignite ideas, it is in moments like these—unplanned encounters, shared journeys, and collective experiences—where the true spirit of Rotaract comes to life.
