The Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila was transformed into a captivating world of mysteries, spies, and glamour as RC Makati hosted a James Bond-themed Induction Ball, an inspiring nod to the place where the club’s president-elect was born. Over 250 guests, dressed in black tie and long gowns, were transported into the sleek and sophisticated realm of Agent 007.
The atmosphere was set right from the entrance, where the cocktail area featured a photobooth designed to mimic the iconic opening sequence of every James Bond movie. A blackjack table evoked scenes from “Casino Royale,” inviting guests to try their luck in true Bond style. And, of course, no James Bond event would be complete without the signature martinis—shaken, not stirred.
The evening began with fellowship cocktails, providing friends and acquaintances the perfect opportunity to catch up. This was followed by the traditional lechon parade. The lechons were ceremoniously carved at the cocktail area led by PP Freddie Borromeo who generously donated the lechon, as he does year after year, adding a touch of Filipino tradition to the British-themed affair. Joining him in this festive carving were Pres. Bing Matoto, PE Keith Harrison, and the guest of honor, Atty. Leila de Lima.
It was not all tradition for the night, as this year’s event added a new twist with the parade of the guest of honor. Atty. Leila de Lima, accompanied by Pres. Bing and PE Keith were welcomed with a red-carpet entrance into the ballroom. Leading the parade as the sergeant-at-arms was our baby Rotarian, Anton Cabrera, adding a fresh and charming element to the event.
PP JunJun Dayrit opened the formal program with the invocation expressing profound gratitude for the blessings received in the past Rotary year. The prayer sought divine favor and guidance for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of the Rotary members’ work and responsibilities. Special blessings were requested for the new president and his team, who were to be formally inducted. The invocation also asked for protection, good health, and the unwavering adherence to truth, aiming to make the Rotary an effective instrument in promoting justice, peace, and prosperity for all.
The flag ceremony and march of colors, accompanied by the national anthems of Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines, along with the Rotary Makati Hymn, set a patriotic and unifying atmosphere. The flags were then planted, and the flag officers departed, paving the way for the introduction of the evening’s emcee, Patrick Parungao.
The ceremonial toasts followed, with PP Cesar Campos toasting to the Republic of the Philippines, PDG Sid Garcia to Rotary International, and PE Eddie Galvez extending special thanks to the distinguished guests. PP David Ackerman presented the Four-Way Test, while PDG Pepz Bengzon delivered a warm welcome and introduced the guests individually. This was followed by the welcome remarks from the chairpersons of the organizing committee, Rtn. Paolo and Christine Turno.
As dinner was served, guests enjoyed delightful entertainment by Thristan on the marimba and pianist Mikhael, with a special performance by soprano Anya. The evening’s program also included the presentation of new members: H. E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Aaron Virata Mempin, Roy Moss and George Guthrie Haxton, Jr.. It was immediately followed with the recognition of 38 rotarians who pledged to donate a Paul Harris Fellow or $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
While still at dinner, Pres. Bing Matoto conferred the Youth Leadership Role Model Award on the Hon. Secretary Alfredo “Fred” E. Pascual, a past president of the Club, for driving the Department of Trade and Industry to unprecedented success. During PP Fred’s speech, he talked about Acceptance Speech for the Youth Leadership Role Model Award.
This was followed by a stirring introduction of the Guest of Honor by PP Louie Aseoche. In her speech, Atty. Leila de Lima, centered on the Four-Way Test. Her address was followed by a vote of thanks and the presentation of a gift by PE Keith Harrison.
The evening then transitioned to the induction ceremony, where the emcee introduced the directors, executives, and advisors. DGE Shahul Hameed from RC Singapore, District 3310, led the charging of the Board, followed by the swearing-in of the new Board by District Governor Prescy Yulo, of District 3830. PDG Tony Quila annotated the turnover ceremony.
DGE Reggie Nolido then introduced the new President of RC Makati, PE Keith Harrison, who delivered an inspiring acceptance speech outlining his vision and goals for the upcoming year.
The celebration continued with a James Bond-themed entertainment segment, featuring a movie screening led by Pres Keith and IPP Bing Matoto, reprising the roles of James Bond and M, respectively, followed by a short dance by the Board members, capped by a rousing dance by the Rotary Anns, led by Ann Rachel Harrison, as Bond Girls – FA Rachel Harrison, Amy Villatuya, Menchit Ordoveza, Tess Aseoche, Irene Barcelon, Aiai Galvez, Marie Segura, Jenny Bosch, Caling Young, Myda Prieto, and Kathy Liu.
A well-attended event, glamorous setup, fast-paced program, exciting speeches, and entertaining numbers all contributed to RC Makati’s successful opening year.
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