Last Angel Gift-Giving 2024: A Season of Record-Breaking Generosity

The Rotary Club of Makati has once again brought the spirit of giving to life with its annual Last Angel Gift-Giving Project. This year’s event was marked by record-breaking achievements, reaching an impressive 3,797 beneficiaries and raising a total of P1,208,000.00, a combination of P1,133,000.00 in cash and P75,000.00 in-kind donations.

Chaired by IPP Bing Matoto, this initiative spanned 30 sites, including 6 schools, 18 communities, and 6 centers/orphanages, making a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged children and youth. 2024 Last Angel Gift-Giving reflected the continued dedication of RC Makati and its network of members, partners, and donors. The project also highlighted the invaluable contributions of First Ann Rachel Harrison, Anns Cecille Dayrit, Tess Aseoche, Rose Galvez, Trina Galvez, Brin Panlilio, Cat Rufino, Marie Segura, Amy Villatuya, and many others who assisted in purchasing and selecting gifts for the children.

The gift-giving journey began on November 22, 2024, at P. Villanueva Elementary School in Pasay City, where 65 students, also beneficiaries of the club’s Feeding Program in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, received gifts. Pres. Keith Harrison, IPP Bing Matoto, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Dir. Neil Makasiar, Dir. Boy Arteche, and Ann Tess Aseoche were among those who attended the event. On November 27, 2024, the project moved to Makati City, where 24 children at the Makati City Social Development Center and 13 teenage boys at the Makati Youth Home received personalized gifts from their wish lists, alongside Jollibee meals. The same day, 16 orphans at Bahay Maria Foundation in Bel-Air Village were also delighted with toys and meals. Among the attendees were Pres. Keith, FA Rachel Harrison, PN Howie and Marla Calleja with their son Hugo, Treas. Leo de Leon, Dir. Derrick and Jane Tan, Dir. Boy Arteche, Rtn. Bom & Amy Villatuya, Rtn. Aiai & Rose Galvez, Anns Cecille Dayrit and Tessie Amparo. The festivities continued on November 30, 2024, in the RCC Bukluran and Happy Barangay of Viejo, Makati, where 200 children received gifts and meals. The event was graced by Pres. Keith, IPP Bing, Dir. Boy, PP Louie Aseoche, Aiai and Rose Galvez, CB Rivilla, PDG Pepito Bengzon and Doris Ensomo. In Pandacan, Manila, 105 learners from the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, beneficiaries of the Teaching the Deaf to Speak Program, received gifts on December 6, 2024 attended by IPP Bing and PP Cesar Campos, followed on December 7, 2024, where 150 children from Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish in partnership with Lazarus Kitchen were also given slippers courtesy of Rtn. Taba and Baby Samson and graced by Pres. Keith, Dir. Boy and Ann Menchit Ordoveza.

The project extended its reach to San Juan Nepomuceno School in Malibay, Pasay, on December 11, 2024, providing 320 learners with gifts and aguinaldos were given to the teachers and staff of the school. Attended by Pres. Keith, PP Tito and Brin Panlilo, Dir. Boy Arteche and Rtn. Michael Hsu. On the same day Pres. Keith and PP Cesar distributed gifts to 150 children from St. Claire of Assisi Parish in Longos, Malabon together with a pair of slippers courtesy of Rtn. Taba and Baby Samson. Similarly, 104 SPED learners from Gen. Pio Del Pilar National High School in Makati received gifts and storybooks on December 12, 2024, thanks to surplus donations from previous projects during the term of Past First Ann Papat Escaler. This was attended by Pres. Keith, PP JunJun Dayrit, PE Eddie Galvez, Dir. Boy Arteche and Michael Hsu. Rawang Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal, welcomed the team on December 13, 2024, where 70 students, part of the Feeding Program in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, received toys, books, and slippers. In presence are Pres. Keith, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo and PP JunJun Dayrit. On December 14, 2024, Gawad Kalinga sites in Taguig City brought smiles to 205 children with gifts and slippers which 75 children came from Gawad Kalinga Laura Drive, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig, 65 kids from CWC Gawad Kalinga, Brgy. Pinagsama, Taguig and lastly, 65 children in GK Jack n’ Jill, Pinagsama, Taguig and attended by Pres. Keith, Dir. Boy, DGE Reggie and Sue Nolido.

On December 15, 2024, they reached 60 children from GK Sunshineville in Talon Dos, Las Piñas, with gifts, slippers, crayons, coloring books, and meals provided by PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit which led by IPP Bing, Dir. Boy, Dir. Rodrigo and Marie Segura, Roger and Rina Collantes and Ann Cecille Dayrit. Simultaneously, 65 children at Luneta Park, in partnership with Bolanday Cooking for Kids, received gifts, pre-loved storybooks, and stuffed toys donated by PP Willie Soong. Attendees included Pres. Keith, FA Rachel, and Dir. Boy. The following day, December 16, 2024, 330 dependents of PNP Makati personnel were delighted with gifts in Makati City. Present at the event were Pres. Keith, FA Rachel, and Dir. Boy. On December 18, 2024, the team visited Makabata Foundation School in Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, bringing joy to 150 learners with gifts and slippers. Cash gifts were also given to high school students, teachers, and personnel by PP Tito and Brin Panlilio with FA Rachel and Dir. Boy who attended. December 19, 2024, marked visits to multiple sites. At Saint Rita Orphanage in Parañaque, 30 children were gifted toys, along with a ceremonial turnover of a SMART LED TV and nearly 400 donated books. At the Stepping Stone School of Excellence, 110 SPED learners received gifts, and a scholarship donation worth ₱555,000 was turned over. The event was attended by Pres. Keith, PDG Pepz Bengzon and Doris Ensomo, DGE Reggie Nolido, Dir. Neil and Camille Makasiar, Dir. Boy Arteche, Rtn. Jolyon and Menchu Tiglao, Ann Charina Garcia and daughter Nina. Later that day, 30 young ladies at Laura Vicuña Foundation in Cubao, Quezon City, received pairs of shoes from their wishlists and was attended by Pres. Keith, Rtn. Nikko and Paula Dayrit and son Nathan, Charina and daughter Nina, and Paquito Dizon.

The celebrations reached 120 children in GK Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila on December 20. 2024 as each child received thoughtful gifts, preloved storybooks, new slippers, and a Jollibee meal. These tokens of joy were made possible through the generosity of PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit. The event was graced by Pres. Keith, PP JunJun, Charina, and her daughter Nina, who joined in spreading the holiday cheer. In the neighboring city, 70 children in GK Tatalon, Quezon City were also beneficiaries of the club’s holiday efforts. They received similar gifts of joy, including storybooks, slippers, and Jollibee meals. This heartwarming event was attended by PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, their granddaughter Marga, Dir. Boy, Nikko, and Paula Dayrit along with their son Nathan. On December 21, 2024, at the Marillac Hills Training Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa, 200 ladies received support and care from the club. Pres. Keith led the delegation, which included PP Bimbo and Queenie Mills, Dir. Boy, Iñigo and Angela Garcia, Ann Marie Segura, and Rina Collantes. Continuing in Muntinlupa, 150 PWD children from the San Pedro Calungsod Parish, Poblacion. Muntinlupa, community received gifts, storybooks, and slippers. Pres. Keith and Ann Marie Segura took the lead in this meaningful engagement. In partnership with the RC Narvacan, the club extended its reach to 100 children in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The Jesuit Mission Station in Caloocan City witnessed a celebration of joy on December 22, 2024 as 120 children from the community received gifts and tokens of love. PP Tito and Brin Panlilio with their children and grandchildren, PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, Aiai and Rose Galvez, Nikko Dayrit, Charina Garcia, and her daughter Nina joined hands to make this event a memorable one.

A festive gathering on December 28, 2024 was held in Brgy. La Huerta, Parañaque City, where 156 children from Rotary Homes Par 1 and 144 children from Rotary Homes Par 3 celebrated the season with gifts and joy. Additionally, the families in these communities received Media Noche packages, ensuring that no table was left empty during the New Year’s celebration. This event was made possible through a partnership with the RC Parañaque St. Andrew. Pres. Keith,FA Rachel, IPP Bing with her daughter and grandchildren, Dir. Derrick Tan and his son, and Dir. Boy attended this impactful event. In South Cemetery, Makati City, 70 children enrolled in RC Makati’s Book Reading Program with St. Andrew the Apostle Parish received gifts, storybooks, and slippers on January 12, 2025. Pres. Keith, FA Rachel and her son Julyan, PP JunJun, Dir. Boy Arteche, Dir. Derrick and Jane Tan, and Rtn. Nikko and Paula Dayrit with their son Nathan were present to engage with the children and foster a love for learning. On January 15, 2025 they also visited the White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City, where 100 orphans were treated to gifts and the warmth of fellowship. Rotarians Julian Lim, CB Rivilla, Nikko and Paula Dayrit, and their son Nathan ensured the event’s success and the children’s joy.

RC Makati is set to continue its impactful initiatives with a series of upcoming feeding programs aimed at addressing food insecurity in underserved communities. In Brgy. Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, 60 beneficiaries will receive nourishment through a well-planned program. Similarly, another 60 individuals in Dreamland Ville, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, will benefit from the club’s efforts. Meanwhile, the largest program will take place in Calatagan, Batangas, where 250 beneficiaries will be served in coordination with the culmination day of the local community’s activities.

The success of this year’s project would not have been possible without the generosity of donors, including individuals, families, and corporate sponsors: Pres. Keith and FA Rachel, IPP Bing Matoto, DGE Reggie and Sue Ann, PE Eddie and Trina Galvez, PN Howie and Marla Calleja, PND Chris Ferareza, PDG Pepz Bengzon, PDG Sid and Tesha Garcia, PDG Tony and Angela Quila, Amb. Melvin Castelino, Treas. Leo and Luli de Leon, Sec. Regi and Cey Ponferrada, Dir. Winston and Adette Uy, Dir. Rodrigo and Marie Segura, Dir. Boy and Geline Arteche, Dir. Johnny and Christina Ang, Dir. Derrick and Jane Tan, Dir. Andy and Joanne Mañalac, Dir. Neil and Camille Makasiar, Dir. Brian and Kathy Liu. PP Michael and Papat Escaler, PP Rene and Lu Limjoco, PP Peter and Pam Manzano, PP Fred and Menchu Pascual, PP Eddie and Dely Yap, PP Louie and Tess Aseoche, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, PP Conrad and Chit Marty, PP Bimbo and Queenie Mills, PP Cesar Campos, PP David and Mache Ackerman, PP Fidel Alfonso, PP Tito and Brin Panlilio, PP Fred and Mely Parungao, PP Carlo and Cat Rufino, PP Charlie and Chinit Rufino, PP Willie Soong, PP Reuben and Mimi Valerio, PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, PP Carlos and Mariza Del, George and Irene Barcelon, James and Jenny Bosch, Gani and Teody Buenaflor, Anton Cabrera, Felix and Grace Ang, Arthur and Ditas Antonino, Jun and Jovee Abrazaldo, David and Alexa Aboitiz, Chito and Vicky Cantada, Roger and Rina Collantes, Peter and Ellen Coyuito, Mon Diokno, Paquito and Joyce Dizon, Andrew and Celine Escaler, Aiai and Rose Galvez, Iñigo and Angel Garcia, Tetu and Rissa Garcia, Glenn and Cristine Gatuslao, Ric Gindap, Shav Halley, Michael and Chi Ying Hsu, Dendricks and Jaimie Lao, Julian and Julienne Lim, Don Lino, Tony and Melanie Lopez, Wash and Pizza Lou, Ferdie and Menchit Ordoveza, Manny and Rosa Padiernos, Jun and Wilma Palafox, Patrick and Mitzi Parungao, Freddie and Aly Placino, CB and Meg Rivilla, Ed Rojas, Taba and Baby Samson, Ronnie and Luchi Siasoyco, Philip and Mita Soliven, Johnny and Nancy Sy, Johnson and Eleonor Tan, Wilson and Gina Tan, Jolyon and Menchu Tiglao, Mike and Connie Toledo, Paolo and Christine Turno, Bom and Amy Villatuya , AJ Violago, Carlo and Joy Ybañez, Warren and Kathy Yu, Tessie Amparo, Titang Montinola, Yvonne Kuan, Ev Galve, Et Librea, Jean Chavez, J’net Zulueta, and Dely Fernandez. In-kind donations, including slippers from Taba and Baby Samson and preloved toys from PP Willie Soong, also added meaningful touches to the gift-giving efforts. Truly, this year’s accomplishments are a testament to the power of community and compassion.