As the current Rotary year approaches its end on June 30, the incoming board of RC Makati is gearing up for an exciting new year of service and impact, set to begin on July 1. Led by incoming president Keith Harrison, the board recently gathered for a pre-planning session at the RCM Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo on April 13. The meeting, held to reorganize and discuss initial plans, aimed to provide the incoming board with a glimpse of the upcoming Rotary year’s priorities and initiatives. One of the highlights of the session was a video message featuring incoming Rotary International Pres. Stephanie Urchick, who shared insights on the RI Theme “Magic of Rotary.” PP Doris Ensomo, the incoming Rotary Academy Executive Director, presented and discussed the RI and District’s overarching goals and strategies. This was followed by PE Keith’s presentation on RC Makati’s specific priorities and the delegation of responsibilities among board members. The board also deliberated on proposed ideas and assessed the budgetary requirements for the upcoming year. Among those present at the half-day planning session were incoming VP/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, Treas. Tetu Garcia, Asst. Sec. Paolo Turno, comptroller PP Fred Parungao, directors Boy Arteche, Neil Makasiar, Andy Mañalac, Rodrigo Segura, Derrick Tan, Winston Uy, and advisers PP David Ackerman, PDG Pepz Bengzon and PDG Tony Quila. Looking ahead, the incoming board is scheduled to convene for an off-site planning session at Zambawood in Zambales on May 17-18, further solidifying their plans and strategies for the new Rotary year.

It was a dark night as I drove away from the Manila Polo Club, having attended the PHYLA and Club Charter night celebration on Friday, March 15, 2024. I was on my way to President Elects Training Seminar in Abagatan Ti Manila in Alfonso, Cavite. Sometime after midnight, I started to hallucinate and imagine my wife’s words to me, “I told you to get a driver!” I arrived around 1:30 am, checked in, and immediately fell asleep. The next morning, I was up early and ready to go. Getting to breakfast and starting to meet some of my “classmates,” I enjoyed the buzz of the enthusiastic PE’s. I got to the Event Hall early and found myself a good seat, not too near (don’t want to be picked on), not too far away (I am short-sighted) – just like school!! The Rotary theme for 2024–2025 is the Magic of Rotary, and the theme of PETS was Harry Potter – All the PE’s had been assigned to one of the four houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - I had been assigned to Hufflepuff. The day flew by with excellent speakers covering: • How to log on and use myrotary.org, RC Central, and Rotary Showcase • The themes of the upcoming Rotary year • Global grants and the importance of community needs assessment and project IMPACT (not just completion) • Club management and responsibilities • Rotary International and District resources • Servant leadership Finally, we were released from “school” and given a bit of free time to practice for the main event, the Hogwarts Ball, later that evening. Crucially, the Hogwarts Ball had a major competition between the houses for a show to be judged, critically and independently, by important dignitaries! During the practice session, under a tree in the car park, my Hufflepuff teammates decided that, as there was a certain amount of dancing required, I should stay right at the back of the group (so as not to be visible to the judges)! Naturally, I was delighted with this decision. Having changed into our Hufflepuff witch and wizard robes along with yellow and black scarves and magic wands, we headed to the dinner. The performances of all houses were outstanding. The judges followed the fifth test of the four-way test “Are they any good and did they please the audience?” Sadly, they decided that we were not that good! However, after several of us paraded (similar to the Miss Rotary models of RY 2022-2023) on the stage, Hufflepuff was awarded both the best-dressed witch and the best-dressed wizard prizes. In the case of the best-dressed wizard, it was me … I can only hope my fellow RCM members are suitably proud of this feat and that this award will help us with our presidential citation points! My prize of PHP2,000 was immediately spent at the after-party on beer and snacks where we gathered with the other night (Hogwarts) owls for an impromptu singing and social gathering. The next morning, it was a little bit more difficult to get to breakfast early!! However, the session was relatively easygoing, covering a summary of the matters of the training seminar, the graduation ceremony, and the taking of even more photos!! I managed to get home, and by 3:30 pm was enjoying a long Sunday afternoon nap. Summarizing the RI and District 3830 themes we need to focus on in RY 2024 - 2025: Rotary International (incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick) • Prioritizing Peace efforts • Eradicating Polio • Balancing continuity with change The Rotary Foundation (incoming chairman Mark Maloney) • Personal contributions to TRF (a plea for all members to continue your generosity) • Rotary Direct (monthly giving), Polio Plus Society, and Paul Harris Society • Legacy events District Governor (D3830) (incoming DG Prescy Yulo) • Membership growth +10% • Establish new clubs • Increase TRF donations • High attendance at Discon • Improve our Public Image • Projects - Maternal Health and child: First 1,000 days and teenage pregnancy projects • International – develop new sister clubs • The above goals will be incorporated into our club plans for RY2024-25 and set out for the approval of members in early July 2024. I am delighted to inform you that I “passed” PETS and am ready to serve. Keith Harrison President-Elect, RC Makati

It was another Rotary Day, but this time, the RC Makati team led by Pres. Bing Matoto with PE Keith Harrison, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Dir. Winston Uy, incoming Dir. Andy Mañalac, and PP Louie Aseoche, had a special destination: Isabela, for a series of impactful Rotary activities. The day started with a chartered plane ride from Pasay, courtesy of Dir. Winston, taking them on an hour-long journey over the picturesque fields of northern Luzon before arriving at Cauayan airport. Their first stop was a visit to a tobacco field in Reina Mercedes, managed by Universal Leaf, as part of a vocational tour. Here, they witnessed a demonstration of the process of curing or drying tobacco in barns after harvest. Next, the team visited Mallalantang Elementary School, where over 100 eager schoolchildren belonging to families of farmers in Cauayan were waiting in the shade to greet them. The school is the beneficiary of books from the club’s “Books Across the Seas” program, which dovetails with Universal Leaf’s “Let’s Play After School Program.” This joint initiative also included the donation of educational toys and equipment for physical activities like basketball, volleyball, and badminton. A short program followed, with messages of support from Pres. Bing, Dir. Winston and Michee dela Cruz-San Pascual, Director for Corporate Affairs & Compliance of ULPI, highlighting the importance of education and community involvement. The team then enjoyed a quick lunch, graced by the presence of Mayor Malou Saguban of Reina Mercedes, the team launched the “Functional Literacy Program” at San Fermin Elementary School in partnership with Teach for the Philippines (TFP). Pres. Bing, Dir. Rodrigo, and Ma. Victoria Ungco, CEO of TFP, highlighted the importance of partnerships in improving education. Supported by RC Makati with a donation of P400K, the program aims to benefit 300 public school students by developing basic literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on involving guardians in home learning. A tour revealed classrooms in need of repair, prompting a request for a school library. Next, the group paid a visit to the Philippine Red Cross branch where they were met by the Red Cross staff and members of our brother club, RC Cauayan led by Pres. Czarah Dy to show the refrigerant for storage of blood that RC Cauayan was able to secure a Global Grant for with RC Singapore. They also discussed with Pres Bing a possible co-funding for another cold storage for collected blood in the facility. The day was capped by a fellowship dinner at the ULPI guest house where partners and participants from ULPI, Teach the Philippines, and RC Cauayan merged to celebrate a full day of service with a sumptuous dinner buffet and overflowing drinks hosted by Dir Winston. The Rotary Day in Isabela was a true reflection of Rotary’s ideals of Service and Fellowship, showcasing the impact that can be made when individuals from different regions come together with a common goal of making a difference in their community.

Rotary Homes Foundation organized the “Run Ride Rebuild” event at the Pacific Rim area in Filinvest Loop, aiming to support their ongoing project of providing and constructing houses for individuals in need of relocation from residences along waterways. Despite the challenges posed by the scorching summer heat exacerbated by El Niño, the event witnessed an impressive turnout of over 600+ participants, including runners and cyclists, all rallying behind the noble cause. The event, held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, saw the enthusiastic participation of Pres. Bing Matoto, PP Louie Aseoche and his daughter Katja, PP Junjun Dayrit, PP Bimbo Mills, PE Keith Harrison along with his son Julyan, Sec. Regi and Cey Ponferrada with their son, Dir. Rodrigo and Marie Segura, Chief of Staff Ron Dotaro and his daughter Karylle, as well as Jeremy, the son of PDG Robert Kuan, accompanied by his wife while only PP Junjun took on the biking challenge. Additionally, rotaractors, IPDRR Berna Lebrias, CP Kevin Enomerables, Pres. Adrian Manuel, PP Elena Gana, PP Nico Dela Cruz, and Sec. Hira Hermoso added their energy to the event. Amidst the early morning hustle and bustle, with participants rising before dawn to commence the race at 4:30 a.m. Gratitude was extended to the event’s sponsors and organizers, “Rule & Rich Events” for their instrumental role in ensuring the event’s success. Special acknowledgment was given to PP Louie Aseoche, the fundraising chair for this fun run, and Trinity Insurance of PDG Sid Garcia, recognized as a major sponsor. Moreover, the morning was further enhanced by a hearty breakfast hosted by Dir. Rodrigo and Marie Segura at the Palms Country Club, providing participants with the energy needed for the day’s activities. RC Makati’s steadfast support and significant contributions for Rotary Homes, includes the donation of houses and adoption of a community in Paranaque, a generous donation of PHP 1 million for the Siargao site, and serving as the sole sponsor of 40 homes in Muntinlupa. As participants crossed the finish line, exhausted but fulfilled, they left with the knowledge that their contributions would play a vital role in rebuilding homes and restoring hope for families facing displacement.

It was another Rotary Day, but this time, the team led by President Bing Matoto had a special destination: Isabela, for a series of impactful Rotary activities. The day started with a chartered plane ride from Pasay, courtesy of Director Winston Uy, taking them on an hour-long journey over the picturesque fields of northern Luzon before arriving at Cauayan airport. Their first stop was a visit to a tobacco field in Reina Mercedes, managed by Universal Leaf, as part of a vocational tour. Here, they witnessed a demonstration of the process of curing or drying tobacco in barns after harvest. Next, the team visited Mallalantang Elementary School, where over 100 eager schoolchildren belonging to families of farmers in Cauayan were waiting in the shade to greet them. The school is the beneficiary of books from the club’s “Books Across the Seas” program, which dovetails with Universal Leaf's “Let's Play After School Program.” This joint initiative also included the donation of educational toys and equipment for physical activities like basketball, volleyball, and badminton. A short program followed, with messages of support from President Bing Matoto and Director Winston Uy, highlighting the importance of education and community involvement. The team then enjoyed a quick lunch, graced by the presence of Mayor Malou of Reina Mercedes, before proceeding to the main purpose of their trip ─ the launch of the “Functional Literacy Program,” in partnership with Teach for the Philippines, at the San Fermin Elementary School. This program, supported by RC Makati with a donation of P400K, aims to benefit 300 public school students by developing their basic literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on involving guardians to facilitate learning at home. A tour of classrooms that needed repairs ensued right after the program, where a request for a school library was made by the school principal to Pres. Bing. Next, the group paid a visit to the Philippine Red Cross branch where they were met by the Red Cross staff and members of our brother club, RC Cauayan to show the refrigerant for storage of blood that RC Cauayan was able to secure a Global Grant for with RC Singapore. They also discussed with Pres Bing a possible co-funding for another cold storage for collected blood in the facility. The day was capped by a fellowship dinner at the ULPI guest house where partners and participants from ULPI, Teach the Philippines, and RC Cauayan merged to celebrate a full day of service with a sumptuous dinner buffet and overflowing drinks hosted by Director Winston Uy, The Rotary Day in Isabela was a true reflection of Rotary's ideals of Service and Fellowship, showcasing the impact that can be made when individuals from different regions come together with a common goal of making a difference in their community.