ALL roads lead to the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on November 2 as members of the 10,000-strong Lions International from hundreds of clubs from the Orient and Southeast Asia are set to arrive in Manila to attend the 60th OSEAL forum.
Past International Director Michael So, the forum’s chairperson, said the arrival of International President Dr Patti Hill was among the most awaited special guests. Immediate Past International President Brian Sheenan of the United States will accompany Dr. Hill and her husband, Greg Holmes.
Dr. Hill, who is from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada, will meet with the OSEAL area’s District Governors, while International First Vice President Fabrício Oliveira from Catolé do Rocha, Brazil will meet with the First Vice District Governors.
Past Council Chairperson (PCC) Robert Roque Jr., the forum’s vice chairperson of operations, said hundreds of Lions International members from Korea, Japan, Singapore, Guam, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other countries from Constitutional Area V will attend the Forum, which carries the theme “Steadfast Together.”
“They are expected to attend the opening ceremony and various seminars to enhance leadership, membership, and community services,” said PCC George Ong-Tan, the Forum’s Convention Committee chairperson.
One of the main agenda of the forum is Mission 1.5, an aggressive membership drive to reach 1.5 million members worldwide to serve the communities’ needs better. There will also be a seminar on New Voices, an inclusive program focused on women, young adults, and Leo-Lions.
Roque said attendees can participate in the Special Olympics service project organized by Leos (young individuals organized to work side-by-side with their adult Lion counterparts to do humanitarian services) from the Philippines.
To start the event on a fun and happy note, there will be the International President’s Golf Cup on November 2 to be held at the Villamor Air Base Golf Course in Pasay City. There will also be a food festival, bazaar, and exhibits for the 10,000 attendees during the duration of the forum.
Among the major sponsors of the 60th OSEAL Forum are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Bevi Beauty Elements Ventures, Inc., Esguerra Kurobuta, Pure Berkshire, PG Flex Linoleum, BDO Unibank Inc. and District 301-A4.