15/05/2026
Last night, we celebrated 23 meaningful years of sisterhood, service, friendship, and love at the 23rd Anniversary and Handover Ceremony of the Rotary Club of Candelaria Circle. 🦋✨
Unexpectedly, the evening was visited by a two-hour power outage. Yet somehow, in the darkness, the night became even more beautiful. With only cellphone lights illuminating the room, the celebration turned solemn, heartfelt, and deeply memorable. The silence became louder, every message became more sincere, and every expression of support for our incoming President, PE Babylyn Amparo for Rotary Year 2026–2027, touched the heart more profoundly.
There were no distractions, no extra noise -- only sisters listening to one another, sharing laughter, memories, gratitude, and hope. It became a flash-lit dinner filled not just with light from our phones, but with warmth from the people around us. Truly, it was imperfectly perfect.
The butterfly theme beautifully represented the spirit of the evening -- symbolizing new beginnings, transformation, beauty, and the commitment to create lasting change. Just like the women of Candelaria Circle, every butterfly carried elegance, strength, and purpose. From butterfly-themed outfits to butterfly earrings lovingly gifted by DS Sigrid to all our sisters, the room radiated color and glamour even in the dark.
As always, the ladies of Candelaria Circle carried themselves gracefully and competitively in their stunning ensembles. Special mention to our ever-glamorous PP Beth, our annual best-in-costume bearer; Rtn. Trinette, PN Carol, PP Myrna, our very own Mother Earth PAG Emy, PP Chato, Rtn. Neribeth, PP Rechilda, PP Sigrid and even PP Charm, who all captured everyone’s admiration throughout the evening.
One of the touching moments of the evening was the giving of simple tokens of appreciation, signed by PE Babylyn Amparo, to the United Presidents of Candelaria Circle -- women leaders who wholeheartedly stood beside the club, extended their guidance, and helped carry the responsibilities of leadership throughout the Rotary year. Their unwavering support, dedication, and sisterhood will always be remembered with gratitude and love.
We were also blessed by the presence and efforts of sisters who travelled from afar just to celebrate with us -- PP Alice and Rtn. Hazel Dianne from Manila, Rtn. Neribeth from San Juan, Celimer from Lucena, and many others who may have been inactive during the past year but returned last night to show their unwavering love and support for the club. Seeing Rtn. Mary Ann and Rtn. Reina once again was truly heartwarming. PP Nilda also took time to celebrate with us despite accompanying RS VG for dialysis, a touching reminder of the dedication, love, and support shared within our sisterhood.
The evening also became extra special as we warmly welcomed our new sisters in the club, Atty. Leila and Atty. Everly, who are now officially part of the Rotary Club of Candelaria Circle family. Their presence signifies new energy, new ideas, and additional hands ready to serve not only the community of Candelaria but also the entire District 3820. We are truly excited to begin this Rotary journey with them. 💜
Though some members were unable to attend due to health conditions, their presence was deeply felt in spirit and in heart. Last night reminded us that no matter how much time passes, this bond remains strong.
We also joyfully celebrated our April and May celebrators — Rtn. Aico, Rtn. Aina, Rtn. Mary Ann, and Rtn. Celimer — with cakes, flowers, and warm wishes shared by their Rotary sisters.
Adding comfort to the evening were the sumptuous meals from Kawa Restaurant, where everyone enjoyed a hearty and satisfying dinner before the lights finally returned. But by then, we realized we no longer needed the electricity to brighten the night -- because the fellowship, laughter, and love in the room were already enough.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the ceremonial turnover of the bell and gavel by IPP Hazel to PE Babylyn Amparo, symbolizing leadership, trust, and continuity of service. Standing beside them were Assistant Governor Aileen and Incoming Assistant Governor Charm -- proof that our club continues to nurture empowered women leaders committed to serving others.
Indeed, the lights may have gone out, but the spirit of Rotary, sisterhood, and service shown brighter than ever.
Here’s to another beautiful Rotary year of serving others, strengthening camaraderie, empowering women, and creating lasting change together.
To God be all the glory!
Happy 23rd Anniversary, Rotary Club of Candelaria Circle. 🦋💜
