Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris Celebrates Mooncake Festival with Members

On the evening of September 19, 2024, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris gathered for a heartwarming Fellowship General Membership Meeting (GMM) at Comedor, Golden Prince Hotel. Seventeen enthusiastic Rotarians, together with two cherished family guests, came together to celebrate the Mooncake Festival, a cherished tradition that represents unity, gratitude, and the joy of family reunions.

The Mooncake Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This festival holds profound cultural significance across East and Southeast Asia. It marks a time for families to give thanks for the harvest, reflect on the year’s blessings, and enjoy mooncakes—round pastries filled with sweet and savory fillings that symbolize wholeness, completeness, and harmony. The act of sharing mooncakes among family members, friends, and loved ones is not just a tradition, but a heartfelt gesture that conveys good fortune, love, and best wishes. It is a moment for communities to come together, embrace one another, and celebrate the beauty of unity.

At Comedor, the evening unfolded with a delightful “Taste of Cebuano Heritage” as attendees enjoyed a culinary journey through traditional dishes that exemplified the rich flavors of Cebu. The celebration wasn’t only about savoring delicious food but also about connecting with one another through fun games and activities that brought out the playful side of each participant. Laughter filled the air as Rotarians and their families engaged in a series of games, where friendly competition fueled the excitement.

As part of the festivities, prizes were generously distributed, ranging from chocolates, noodles, and coffee to tumblers, milk, and kitchen supplies. These simple yet thoughtful gifts were an embodiment of the Rotary spirit—fostering generosity, camaraderie, and support for one another. The games and prizes served as an enjoyable reminder that Rotary is about more than just service; it’s about creating lasting connections and shared memories.

The evening lasted from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, during which members not only delighted in the food and festivities but also deepened the bonds that make the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris a family in its own right. The event was more than just a social gathering—it was a testament to the values that Rotary holds dear. Through the festival, Rotarians celebrated their collective mission of fostering goodwill and friendship while embracing the cultural diversity that makes the world a richer place.

We arrived as clubmates, but by the end of the evening, we departed as brothers and sisters in Rotary, united in purpose and strengthened by the bonds we had forged.

The Mooncake Festival at the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris was a true celebration

of togetherness, culture, and the joy of giving. It reminded us that even in our busy lives,

there is always room for gratitude, reflection, and a little fun. As we shared mooncakes

and enjoyed the festivities, we were reminded of the importance of family, friendship,

and service. As always, Rotary continues to be a place where hearts unite, and the spirit of giving thrives.