EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS DURING THE ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL ROTARACT CONFERENCE (APRRC) 2009

The Asia Pacific Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) is an annual conference for Rotaract Clubs in Asia Pacific. This year’s APRRC Singapore is a recollection for me as participant and organizer. Aside from being part of the organizing committee as the country host for APRRC 2006 in Tagaytay, Philippines, my last participant APRRC attendance was during the 1st APRRC in Hongkong way back in 2003.

I think this year's APRRC was truly an “Asia Pacific” with the presence of Australia, China, Guam, and Korea. I was a bit surprised but we also had a Rotaractor from Germany. Some districts and countries included the APRRC fanatic like Taiwan (largest delegation), Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Hongkong, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, among others. There were about 400 participants from 21 countries that attended the event. This year’s APRRC country was hosted by Singapore of Rotary International District 3310.

Below is my list of APRRC 2009 Unforgettable Experiences / Observations:
- I should not be alone to represent my club next time.
- It is more challenging to deliver a talk in front of non fellow Filipinos!
- One can really propose a marriage in APRRC!
- High heels kill especially if the plenary venue is far from the hostel or dorm.
- White is the non-conventional color of blazer to set formality.
- Wearing great national costume attracts cameras, whether foreigners or fellow Filipinos.
- Bannerette should be satin type next time and not of tarpaulin material. It is so heavy to bring back undistributed ones so I really made an effort to give it all away :). However, I still have 25 out of 150 pieces!
- Aikido is a very interesting non-deliberate self defense.
- The $200.00 sensor key. It was really amazing how security system is very high tech.
- Foreigners usually easily appreciate and fall in-love with Filipinas!