RC Cebu Gloria Maris Welcomes Rotary Club of Kanuma for Cross-Cultural Fellowship and Future Collaboration

The true essence of Rotary often shines brightest in moments of fellowship—when cultures converge, friendships are forged, and service transcends borders. Such was the spirit on June 19, 2025, when the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) warmly welcomed visiting delegates from the Rotary Club of Kanuma, Japan for a memorable evening of cross-cultural connection. The gathering, held at the elegant Misto Restaurant, Seda Hotel in Cebu City, was not just a dinner—it was a celebration of Rotary’s global heartbeat.

A Warm Welcome Across Cultures

The evening began with smiles, handshakes, and the kind of genuine warmth that requires no translation. Members of RCCGM greeted their Japanese counterparts with heartfelt hospitality, a gesture symbolic of the club’s commitment to building bridges across communities and nations.

Representing RCCGM were Secretary Dorothy “Dothy” Borces, Immediate Past President (IPP) Myra Urbiztondo, Rotarian Alden Urbiztondo, Past President (PP) Vivian Dyhongpo, Past President (PP) May Seno, and Assistant Governor (AG) Christine Ashby. Each proudly stood as ambassadors of Filipino hospitality, embodying Rotary’s enduring principle of “Service Above Self.”

The Kanuma delegation, equally enthusiastic, reciprocated with gratitude and stories of their own Rotary experiences. It was a simple setting, yet the spirit in the room reflected something far greater—a unity that goes beyond geographical lines.

Fellowship Without Borders

As the evening unfolded over a delightful dinner, conversations flowed with ease. Stories of service projects, cultural traditions, and personal journeys created an atmosphere where mutual respect and curiosity thrived.

The beauty of this fellowship lay in its simplicity. Over plates of good food and the sound of shared laughter, Rotarians from Japan and the Philippines found common ground—not only in their dedication to Rotary but also in their hopes for a better, more connected world.

In many ways, the night symbolized the heart of Rotary International: bringing people together to understand, collaborate, and create lasting impact. Each handshake and each exchange of stories was a reminder that Rotary is not confined by geography—it is a movement that thrives on global unity.

A Celebration of Friendship and Service

Highlights of the dinner included thoughtful exchanges about ongoing service initiatives in both countries, reflections on cultural appreciation, and discussions on potential future collaborations.

What made the evening truly special, however, was the genuine sense of camaraderie that emerged. The event was not about grand speeches or formal ceremonies; rather, it was about celebrating friendship in its purest form. It was a chance to strengthen ties that had been built through years of Rotary service and to inspire new partnerships for the future.

Beyond the Night: Seeds of Future Collaboration

The dinner with the Rotary Club of Kanuma was more than just an evening of fellowship—it planted seeds of possibility. Conversations hinted at collaborative service projects that could impact both communities, from cultural exchanges to humanitarian initiatives. While no official agreements were signed that night, what was forged was equally important: trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to service.

For the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, hosting this fellowship was a reaffirmation of its role as a bridge-builder. It highlighted the club’s belief that partnerships are not only measured in projects completed but also in relationships nurtured.

A Toast to Friendship

As the evening drew to a close, both clubs exchanged tokens of appreciation and warm words of gratitude. With hands clasped and smiles shared, the night ended on a high note—a testament to the fact that the language of Rotary is universal.

The heartfelt gratitude of RCCGM was best captured in one collective sentiment: “Thank you, Rotary Club of Kanuma, for an inspiring exchange of service and smiles. Here’s to more collaborations in the future!”

The Spirit Lives On

The story of this fellowship night reminds us that while Rotary is known for its large-scale humanitarian impact, its soul is often found in these intimate moments of connection. Whether in Cebu or Kanuma, Rotarians are bound by a shared vision—a world where friendship, service, and unity can cross any border.

The night at Misto Restaurant, Seda Hotel was a shining example of that vision in action. More than just a dinner, it was a bridge built between two communities, two cultures, and two Rotary clubs—proof once again that in Rotary, there are no strangers, only friends we have yet to meet.