Rotary club of makati magical christmas

It was nothing short of magical as over 130 Rotarians and Anns in their spellbinding attire gathered at the Manila Polo Club on December 4 for RC Makati’s 2024 Christmas Party. The evening was filled with fellowship, holiday cheer, and dazzling performances that left everyone in awe.

Emceed by newly-appointed President-Nominee Howie Calleja, who also chaired the event, and Dir. Andy Manalac, the celebration began with a heartfelt prayer led by Baby Rotarian Patrick Parungao, setting the mood for an unforgettable evening. This was followed by a quick but warm welcome message from PN Howie.

With no time to waste, dinner was served as attendees were serenaded by the Music Making Company. This highly-touted band, originating in the mid-70s, has earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after show bands of their time, adding an air of nostalgia and festivity to the event.

The night’s magic was further enhanced with a touch of wonder, befitting the Rotary theme of the year, The Magic of Rotary. Attendees were mesmerized by a captivating performance from MJ the Magician, whose act culminated in a grand reveal—Pres. Keith Harrison appearing as part of the finale.

During his message, Pres. Keith thanked the organizers for their hard work in creating such a memorable evening. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the Club’s future leaders—PE Eddie Galvez, PN Howie Calleja, and PND Chris Ferareza. He expressed his gratitude for the Baby Rotarians present that night, emphasizing their integral role in the Club’s growth and future endeavors.

The program turned to one of its pivotal moments—the Cluster Christmas Competition. This year, the Club revived the cluster scheme, but this time divided into four groups based on their home locations, making it easier for members to meet. To add a little competition to the enjoyable night, the organizing committee introduced a contest where each cluster presented a Magical Christmas performance, whether through singing, dancing, or both, showcasing the participation and creativity of their members.

Although ranked fourth in the competition, Casterly Rock, representing the BGC and Forbes Park areas, led by PDG Pepz Bengzon and PP Michael Escaler, delighted the audience with a gamely performance of a Christmas Song Medley. Joining the presentation were Chito & Vicky Cantada, Ferdie & Menchit Ordoveza, Billy Del Rosarion, George Drysdale, PND Chris Ferareza, Ai Ai Galvez, Glenn Gatuslao, PP Charlie Rufino, PP Eddie & Dellie Yap and PP Doris Ensomo.

Third place went to Highgarden, the team from the South—Paranaque and Alabang areas—headed by PE Eddie Galvez and Dir. Andy Manalac. They performed two songs from the Dave Clark Five, “Because” and “Hurting Inside,” with their Anns enthusiastically cheering them on and even handing them handkerchiefs fan-like to wipe their faces. Joining the lively performance were IPP Bing Matoto, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Gani Buenaflor, George Haxton, Iñigo Garcia, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Bimbo Mills, PP Fred Parungao, Patrick Parungao and CB Rivilla.

The first runner-up was Winterfell, the cluster from the North representing the Pasig and Quezon City areas, led by Dir. Boy Arteche, and Dir. Winston Uy. With the gentlemen clad in all-white outfits and hats and the ladies in red shirts and hats, they performed a spirited sing-and-dance number. Ann Pizza Lou took the microphone for White Christmas, while the rest of the members grooved to the song Let It Snow. Joining the presentation were Bom & Amy Villatuy, Dir. Brian & Kathy Liu, Aaron & Daianne Mempin, Philip & Mita Soliven, Anton Cabrera & Ann Irene Barcelon, Sec. Regi Ponferrada & Ann Caling Young, Paolo Turno & Ann Pizza Lou and DGE Reggie Nolido.

The Christmas Competition 2024 Champion title went to Dragonstone, representing the Makati CBD and Rockwell areas. Led by PP Louie Aseoche and PN Howie Calleja, the group dazzled the crowd with their magician outfits and impressive dance moves to the music of A Kind of Magic. Their act included a magical show and a special appearance by Bruno Mars through PP Louie. Joining the performance were PP Cesar Campos and his daughter Maribee, PP Jun Jun & Cecille Dayrit, Michael Hsu & Kash Gana, Tess Aseoche and Marla Calleja. The team was awarded P25,000 and an additional 20 points in the cluster performance tally.

The five judges—Pres. Keith & Rachel Harrison, PDG Sid Garcia, Ann Yvonne Kuan, and PDG Tony Quila—faced a challenging task in tabulating the winner.

Next on the program shifted to recognizing the clusters’ performances in terms of membership attendance at weekly meetings and recruitment of new members.

Under the Membership Recruitment Awards, the top award went to Winterfell, led by Dir. Boy and Dir. Winston, with an impressive total of four recruits, earning them a reward of P25,000. Tied for 2nd Place were Highgarden, led by PE Eddie and Dir. Andy, and Casterly Rock, led by PDG Pepz and PP Michael. Each cluster recruited one new member and shared the P15,000 reward, with each receiving P7,500.

For the Membership Engagement Awards, points were awarded based on the percentage of cluster members attending. The more members from a cluster attending, the more points their cluster earned. The top cluster in Membership Engagement was Dragonstone, led by PP Louie and PN Howie, with an impressive 74 points. They received a reward of P25,000, with one of their winning strategies being the successful attendance of two previously missing-in-action members, earning a bonus of 10 points each. Coming in 1st Runner-Up with 71 points—just 3 points behind the top winner—was Casterly Rock, led by PDG Pepz and PP Michael.

Next on the program was the awarding of Mr. and Ms. Rotary of the Night, which went to PP Freddie Borromeo for his Harry Potter impression, and Amy Villatuya for her stunning white fairy dress.

There were also plenty of raffle prizes, including End Polio bears, Christmas grocery packs, and hotel gift certificates courtesy of St. Giles through Dir. Derrick Tan. Among the grand prize winners were Chito & Vicky Cantada, PP Bimbo & Queenie Mills, and PE Eddie & Trina Galvez.

As the night came to a close, the energy remained high, with everyone grooving to the music and dancing the night away. It was a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheers, marking a truly unforgettable holiday gathering.