The Ambassador Club Philippines: Celebrating 41 Years of Friendship and Understanding
The Ambassador Club, founded in Berne, Switzerland, in 1956, is a unique international friendship society. Unlike civic organizations like Rotary or Lions International, the Ambassador Club focuses solely on cultivating deep, meaningful friendships without specific social or civic obligations.
Establishing the Ambassador Club in the Philippines
The Ambassador Club was introduced to the Philippines in November 1983, during a period of national political challenges. German expatriate Helmut Clauss and Swiss national Arturo Schatzman invited a small group to dinner at the Westin Philippines Plaza, where the Regional Ambassador Club of Manila (RAC-Manila) was formally established on November 22, 1983.
This pioneering group, led by founding president Jose R. Valdecaňas, included both expatriates and local professionals, forming the foundation of the Ambassador Club in the Philippines.
Regional Expansion and Challenges
RAC-Manila’s success inspired the formation of new clubs. Antonio Llamas established RAC Davao, hotelier Leoncio Lee set up RAC Baguio, and John Go helped create RAC Cebu. By March 1987, these clubs joined forces to form the National Ambassador Club (NAC) of the Philippines. Although some clubs encountered challenges, others demonstrated resilience, with RAC-Davao often hosting national gatherings and providing steady support to the NAC during challenging times in Manila.
The Core of Ambassador Club
Meaningful Fellowship
Meaningful friendships are more than just connections they are the foundation for a more united and compassionate world.
Network
Building a lasting relationships that inspire change, promote collaboration, and bridge divides. every connection can make a difference.
No Strangers
The Ambassador Club is more than just a community—it’s a place where strangers become friends, and friendships become bridges to a better world.
Mission and Values
The Ambassador Club is dedicated to building friendships across political, religious, racial, gender, national, and international boundaries. Our mission is best captured by this quote:
“There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.”
Philippine Contributions to International Relations
The Philippines has proudly hosted four official visits from European IAC delegations, beginning with a courtesy visit to President Cory Aquino in 1989.
Additional visits in 1996, 2003, 2010 and 2017 underscored the Philippines’ significance within the IAC and reinforced the bonds between international members.
Today’s Active Clubs and New Chapters
Today’s Active Clubs and New Chapters
As the National Ambassador Club of the Philippines marks its 41st anniversary, it celebrates a growing presence of active clubs across the country. The surviving and newly established clubs that continue to uphold the Ambassador Club’s mission include:
- RAC Manila
- RAC Manila Ladies Circle
- RAC Pasay
- RAC Davao
Today’s Active Clubs and New Chapters
- RAC Alabang
- RAC Metro Subic
- RAC Metro Subic Ladies Circle
- RAC Makati
- RAC Parañaque
- RAC Iloilo
These clubs uphold the Ambassador Club’s core values, legacy, fostering friendship, respect, and international understanding throughout the Philippines. As it looks forward to the future, the Ambassador Club of the Philippines remains steadfast in its mission amidst
the challenges to create a world where there are “no strangers, only friends we haven’t yet
met.”
Explore Our Club
