The Rotary Club of Manila hosted a luncheon on July 12, 2018 in honor of Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez at the Makati Diamond Residences in Greenbelt, Makati City.
I missed their first invitation for a luncheon a week before. I got the dates wrong. This time I made sure I didn’t mess up with the dates again.
It was no surprise that they picked Fausto Preysler to be the master of ceremonies. Ang ganda ng boses ni Fausto parang pang radio announcer. Well modulated.
No less than the US Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Sung Kim, was tasked to introduce Babe.
Jesus “Susing’ Pineda is the current president of the group.
The group was mostly guys but I didn’t mind. I knew quite a number of people there, some have been my friends for 25 years.
Our lunch menu
Cashew Crusted Parrot Fish with Wing Beans and Pilaf Rice
Chocolate Budino Tart
I was not able to join our group’s trip to NY and DC in June because of prior commitment with FPG. AOC also missed the trip because of gallbladder operation. We were laughing because the two of us are now gallbladder brother and sister. When Philippines, Inc. went to DC a few years ago, Tonyboy told me “kahit anong mangyari huwag mong ipapaalis yang gallbladder mo”. Kaya ngayon natawa ako sa kanya “O bakit mo pinaalis ang gallbladder mo? Hindi mo sinunod yung utos mo sa akin”. Welcome to the no bladder club.
Pres. Duterte picked the best qualified and most fitting diplomat to represent us in Washington. Now that he is stationed in DC, what I miss about Amb. Romualdez is his kwento. After every lunch or dinner meeting of Philippines, Inc., ang sarap ng kwentuhan, the best ang mga kwento ni Babe. Ako tiga tawa lang.
If only, every human being adheres to the Rotary Club of Manila’s 4 way test, then the world would be a much better place.
