RC Makati Brings “A Thousand Forests” to Boystown

A project that is impactful naturally gains momentum and spreads to new communities. Such is the case with RC Makati’s latest environmental protection initiative—a special screening of the acclaimed musical film A Thousand Forests.

Following the successful screening for Girsltown students of the Sisters of Mary in Cavite, and Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati, the Club extended this initiative to the Boystown of the Sisters of Mary. The event aimed to instill environmental awareness among students through creative expression and an inspiring film screening.

The day’s activities were aptly entitled “Gift of Love to Mother Earth” as the event happened a day after the Valentine’s Day and commenced with a mural painting guided by renowned environmental muralist A.G. Saño.. Saño introduced the theme of the mural, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. Among those who joined in adding finishing touches were Pres. Keith Harrison, First Ann Rachel Harrison, PP Charlie Rufino, PP Eddie Yap, and PND Chris Ferareza. The painting session, which lasted nearly the entire day, provided students with an opportunity to express their artistic talents while reinforcing the message of sustainability.

At midday, the school’s culinary class prepared a special lunch for the guests, featuring an array of thoughtfully prepared dishes, including veggie pizza, menudo, creamy spaghetti, veggie salad, and creamy soup. PP Tito and Brin Panlilio joined the team during lunchtime and stayed on to participate in the subsequent activities.

We were also joined by Rtn. Daniel Beyeler from RC Singapore, our sister club.

The formal program took place at the school’s gymnasium, beginning with a heartfelt doxology led by the Boystown Chorale, who performed There Can Be Miracles. Sr. Laresa Morasa, local superior and principal of Sisters of Mary School Boystown, delivered the welcome remarks. Sr. Laresa Morasa, local superior and principal of Sisters of Mary School Boystown, delivered the welcome remarks. Pres. Keith, during his message, shared his excitement to bring this program to Boystown. PP Eddie recalled that a few of them were able to watch the Classical Christmas Concert which he produced and organized by the Club in December to support the school, providing awareness and promotion of the school’s advocacy. PP Charlie—who also serves as president of Fr. Al’s Children Foundation—shared a little about what the Foundation is doing.

Afterwards the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RC Makati and Fr. Al’s Children Foundation was done, alongside the formal turnover of a PHP 350,000 donation. A portion of the funds was raised from the Classical Christmas Concert that was produced for RC Makati by PP Eddie last December 10 will contribute to an upgrade of video and sound system for the school auditorium, enhancing the institution’s educational resources.

Following the signing, students of Boystown delighted the audience with a spirited dance performance to the tune of Dreamers. Additional messages of encouragement were shared by A.G. Saño, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr., Dean Marlo Mendoza of UPLB-College of Forestry and Natural Resources, and Ms. Jenie Chan, Executive Director of ISyoot Multimedia, a partner in the film screening initiative.

Before the screening of A Thousand Forests, the film’s artists performed Let’s Build a Forest, a song that energized the audience, with over 1,500 Boystown students and RC Makati members joining in the dance. The film, aimed at raising awareness of environmental conservation, was shown in two batches to accommodate all attendees. As the event ended, PP Charlie Rufino invited the guests to visit the construction site of the Digital Transformational Center at Sisters of Mary School Girlstown. He personally led the tour, sharing insights on the project’s progress and future impact.

This initiative builds upon RC Makati’s previous environmental efforts, including the first screening of A Thousand Forests at Sisters of Mary Girlstown on October 12, which engaged 2,600 students in a tree-planting activity. Another screening was held on October 17 at the RC Makati Clubhouse, where the club sponsored 500 students from Gen. Pio Del Pilar National High School. The program continues to expand, with upcoming screenings planned for the students of Laura Vicuña Foundation in Cubao.