Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris Strengthens Fellowship with Rotary Club of Kanuma Japan for Cross-Cultural Service and Unity

On the evening of June 19, 2025, the ambiance of Misto Restaurant at Seda Hotel, Cebu Business Park, was imbued with more than just the aroma of fine cuisine—it echoed with stories, laughter, and the quiet elegance of shared Rotary fellowship. At 6:30 PM, two clubs from different nations sat side by side to celebrate unity in service: the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris and the Rotary Club of Kanuma, Japan.

Representing the Rotary Club of Kanuma were President-Elect Jack Kawanabe and Rotarian Kaz Sotome, who brought with them a dignified presence and a spirit of connection. Welcoming them from the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris were Club President Myra Urbiztondo and her husband, Rotarian Alden Urbiztondo; Assistant Governor-Elect Christine Tan Ashby; Past President Jodelyn May Seno; Past President and Charter Member Dr. Vivian Dyhongpo; and Director of Public Image and President Nominee Dorothy Borces.

More than a formal gathering, the dinner became a quiet celebration of international camaraderie, cultural appreciation, and the enduring language of service that transcends borders.

With no stage nor podium, the exchange unfolded naturally over shared plates and personal stories. There was laughter, gentle teasing, and reflections on both clubs’ legacy of service. At one point, Club President Myra’s lighthearted comment about the eligibility of one of their younger members sparked warm laughter, prompting Rotarians from both countries to lean into the universal language of humor and friendship.

The grace and hospitality extended by the hosts were matched by the humility and openness of the guests. Conversations ranged from club projects and cultural practices to mutual hopes for future collaboration. It was a reminder that while Rotary’s mission is global, its impact is personal—rooted in relationships like the ones being nurtured that evening.

The evening also showcased the rich intergenerational tapestry of Rotary leadership, with seasoned past presidents and incoming officers standing together in shared purpose. Their seamless collaboration during the event reflected the club’s strength in continuity and its openness to fresh perspectives—an inspiring portrait of tradition meeting the future, side by side.

Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris demonstrated not only a well-rooted foundation but also a thriving intergenerational synergy, where past, present, and future leaders align in shared purpose and authentic fellowship.

The evening was also marked by subtle yet meaningful moments—Past Presidents reconnecting with guests, the club’s charter member ensuring comfort for everyone at the table, and Japanese delegates expressing admiration for the genuine hospitality extended to them. The atmosphere, though relaxed, carried the weight of legacy and the promise of strengthened ties between the two clubs.

Though the dinner lasted only a few hours, it reflected the essence of Rotary’s global identity—a fellowship that knows no boundaries, a kinship sustained by empathy, and a shared belief in service above self.

As farewells were exchanged and warm smiles lingered, the event concluded not with finality, but with a sense of new beginnings. Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris extends its deepest gratitude to the Rotary Club of Kanuma for the memorable evening and looks forward to meaningful collaborations in the future.

Indeed, in the simple act of dining together, the two clubs found something profound: a reaffirmation that when Rotarians come together—across language, age, and culture—they do more than meet. They build bridges that inspire, uplift, and endure.

Written by: Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, Rotary International District 3860