The Arceemak Shooters gathered at the Southern Police District Headquarters Shooting Range in Taguig City on Saturday, October 5, 2024 for a day of thrilling competition and camaraderie. The event, organized by Oliver Buenaflor, son of Rtn. Gani Buenaflor, brought together a diverse group of enthusiasts who share a passion for precision shooting. The day was filled with competitive matches, teamwork, and friendly banter, creating an exciting and memorable experience for all participants. The event drew an enthusiastic group of 15 participants, including family members and guests, such as Dir. Boy Arteche, Gani Buenaflor with his son Oliver Buenaflor, and granddaughter Casey Buenaflor, Ed Rojas with his sons Francis and Gino Rojas, along with Ramon Garcia, George Haxton, Johnny Ang, Felix Yulo, Raymund Peralta, and guests Eric Salido, Donald Limcaco, and Bianca. The participants, ranging from seasoned shooters to newcomers, took part in various matches designed to test their accuracy and speed. The highlight of the event was the man-to-man shooting match, where shooters competed head-to-head. After an intense series of rounds, Oliver Buenaflor emerged as the champion. Following the individual matches, the event took a thrilling turn with a team competition: Team Arceemak versus the Team Range Officers in a 5 versus 5 showdowns. Representing Team Arceemak were Gani Buenaflor, George Haxton, Johnny Ang, Ramon Garcia, and the youngest participant, Casey Buenaflor. Despite the stiff competition from the Range Officers, Team Arceemak triumphed, demonstrating not only their shooting abilities but also their strong teamwork and coordination. The Arceemak Shooters, known for their love of gun shooting and friendly competition, thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities. The success of the event, organized meticulously by Oliver Buenaflor, left the participants eagerly anticipating the next gathering.

October brings with it many celebrations, but perhaps none more iconic than Oktoberfest—a global tradition of enjoying beer and camaraderie. However, for Rotary, October holds even greater significance. This month marks World Polio Day on October 24, a day recognized by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about polio and the ongoing efforts to eradicate this crippling disease. As Rotary has been at the forefront of the fight against polio for decades, RC Makati decided to merge the festive spirit of Oktoberfest with a noble cause. On October 18, the 3rd floor of the Paing Hechanova Creativity Center was transformed into a Bavarian wonderland, where tradition met advocacy. Wooden benches were laid out, and waitresses donned classic beer maid attire, serving guests with flair. Live music filled the room, while the more than 200 attendees enjoyed some traditional German cuisine, and indulged in craft beers. The evening kicked off at 6:00 PM, with seven food and beer concessionaires—Engkanto Brewery, U!Bro, Mabdul Cerveza Artesana, Taza Manila, Julyan Hub, Yummy Dumplings, and Chad’s Cafe—welcoming guests with a variety of delicious offerings. While enjoying their meals, attendees watched a slideshow of RC Makati’s activities that highlighted the club’s ongoing service projects and community impact. At 6:30 PM, the formal program began, with Howie Calleja taking on the role of emcee, adding fun and energy to the night. A memorable moment was when Pres. Keith Harrison made his entrance, introduced by James Bond video clips played during the Induction. In his message, Pres. Keith welcomed the attendees and thanked them for their support. In a symbolic gesture, he wore a white coat and bow tie, but in a “superhero” moment, he removed them to reveal an End Polio Now shirt beneath, emphasizing the importance of the night’s cause and Rotary’s enduring fight against polio. Next on stage was PE Eddie Galvez, chairman of the Oktoberfest committee, who took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of his committee members—Anton Cabrera, Howie Calleja, Pres. Keith Harrison, CB Rivilla, Paolo Turno, and Bom Villatuya—for ensuring the event’s success. He also expressed gratitude to the event sponsors, including his own GG&A Club Shares, as well as generous contributions from club members Felix Ang, Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. through Dir. Winston Uy, Anthony Jude “AJ” Violago, and Balibago Waterworks through PP Tito Panlilio. Since there will be no Friday Night Lights event hosted by birthday celebrants this month, the October and November birthday celebrants were recognized during Oktoberfest. Celebrants included PP Carlo Rufino, James Bosch, Arman Cataga, PP Eddie Yap, PP Roger Davis, Patrick Parungao, Roger Collantes, Roger Sarmiento, Carlo Ybañez, Tony Tan, Felix Ang, Hiro Oba, Jay Bernardo, Sam Young, Andrew Prieto, David Aboitiz, CB Rivilla, Ador Hizon, Jojo Binay, Michael Hsu, Dir. Johnnu Ang, VP/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Mark Gan, and Ed Rojas. These celebrants also generously contributed to cover the cost of styling the event, adding to the evening’s festive atmosphere. Of course, Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without entertaining games, including the crowd-favorite Beer-drinking contest, which was held during every entertainment break. Among the winners were DGE Reggie Nolido, and others who took home bragging rights. The event also featured exciting raffles, with prizes such as Polio Bears, Oktoberfest mugs, and bottles of Macallan. Although there was no formal attire competition, Rtn. Shav Haley stood out with his Bavarian-inspired outfit. The rest of the night was filled with jamming and dancing to the live music of Ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez and Stank Tank featuring Yanni Diola, keeping the energy high and spirits lifted. D3830 Governor Prescy Yulo dropped by later that evening and shared the dance floor a bit to show her support to the event. It was truly a night of fun, music, camaraderie, and giving back to the community, as RC Makati’s Oktoberfest for End Polio Now brought everyone together for a meaningful cause.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I20Et7TK8-BUopHWoVwz740POKD-9Q7f/view?usp=sharing

Despite the rainy morning on Sunday, October 6, RC Makati successfully launched its partnership with Bolanday Cooking for Kids (BCFK) at the Quirino Grandstand. Originally planned for Luneta Park, the venue was relocated to accommodate the crowd and activities for the day’s event, “Fun & Art Sunday FnB sa Luneta”. This event, aimed at supporting children’s literacy and nutrition, gathered community members, students, and enthusiastic volunteers for a day filled with art, sports, and camaraderie. The event marked the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between RC Makati and Bolanday to implement the Food n’ Books (FnB) program, which focuses on supporting the educational and nutritional needs of underprivileged children. As children arrived from Tondo, Pres. Keith Harrison, First Ann Rachel Harrison, Dir. Boy Arteche, Rotarians CB Rivilla and Michael Hsu engaged them with a spontaneous storytelling session. This created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, setting the tone for the rest of the day. The formal program began with an opening prayer led by Kuya Marvin, a youth facilitator from Bolanday’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP), followed by the National Anthem. Ms. Ida Arreza, President of Bolanday, and Pres. Keith then shared words of welcome, expressing their enthusiasm for the partnership and shared vision for the FnB program’s impact. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to recognize RC Makati’s support, highlighting the partnership’s goal to foster holistic growth in children’s lives through nutrition and education. The event featured fun sports activities led by Pres. Keith and Kuya Lambert from Bolanday, where the children enjoyed badminton, baseball, and even boxing. The day concluded with a joyful feeding session, providing a nutritious meal for the children to enjoy together. Following the event, Pres. Keith and FA Rachel hosted a lunch for RC Makati members and staff at Ilustrado in Intramuros, celebrating the morning’s meaningful activities. This partnership, which began with a Memorandum of Agreement and a Php 200,000 donation to Bolanday on August 27, is a testament to RC Makati’s commitment to the FnB program and its mission to nurture children through consistent support in literacy and nutrition.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g-TeEfBvtN4gWwdBxFlXphMAcruuF9nP/view?usp=sharing

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the RI District 3830 Public Image Seminar was held at the MRCFI Building, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Makati and Makati San Antonio. This seminar aimed to provide Rotary clubs with effective strategies to enhance their public image, improve their presence across multiple platforms, and align their branding efforts with Rotary International standards. Attendees included Dir. Boy Arteche, PP Louie Aseoche, Juliam Lim, and Aaron Mempin, representing RC Makati as one of the host clubs. The RI District 3830 Public Image Seminar featured a distinguished lineup of resource speakers, each offering valuable insights on enhancing rotary’s public image. James Deakin, CEO of Deakin Digital Advertising, discussed the Importance of Public Image, emphasizing how it can elevate rotary’s reputation and community engagement. PDG Ann Lorenzana focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, stressing the need for rotary’s messaging to reflect its diverse membership. PIP Alejandro Tay provided practical strategies for Enhancing Facebook Campaigns to reach wider audiences. PP Allan Palacio shared best practices for People of Action Photos and Monthly Bulletins, highlighting effective ways to showcase rotary’s impact. Lastly, PIP Eiza Mendoza concluded with a detailed presentation on Public Image Executions, Awards, and Branding Issues, offering guidance on adhering to rotary’s branding guidelines and executing successful campaigns. This seminar provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to stay updated on the latest trends in public relations, social media, and branding, enabling rotary clubs to communicate their service efforts more effectively and strengthen their community connections.

September was an exciting and action-packed month for the Rotary Club of Makati, as we closed the first quarter with a series of meaningful projects and collaborations! On September 3, we had the honor of hosting an inspiring meeting at the Peninsula Manila's Rigodon Ballroom with Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and Ms. Cynthia Carrion. With the typhoon season causing widespread flooding, our Club sprang into action. On September 6, we conducted a relief mission for over 150 families in Tanay, bringing them much-needed mats, blankets, and food packs. On September 7, our members attended the District 3830 TRF Workshop at A. Venue Hotel in Makati. It was an enriching experience, particularly for our new members, as they learned more about how The Rotary Foundation supports global initiatives. That same day, our Club hosted the Pre-PETS 1 at the RCM Clubhouse, led by DGE Reggie Nolido. The President-Elects preparing to serve in the next Rotary year had the chance to connect and learn from each other. September 8 marked the opening of the District 3830 Bowling Tournament at Makati Cinema Square, where our RCM Magical Bowlers enthusiastically took part in the month-long competition. Later that afternoon, we proudly joined our newest daughter club, RC AIM, for their charter presentation, celebrating the birth of a new chapter of service." On September 11, we visited Mano Amiga, a school in Parañaque offering scholarships to indigent students. We explored ways to best support their mission to uplift young lives through education. September 18 was a night to remember as our members attended the Climate Change Summit and The One Awards Night, affirming our commitment to environmental and social causes. On September 21, our Public Image team participated in the District 3830 Public Image Seminar at our very own RCM Clubhouse, gaining insights on how to enhance our outreach and visibility. And when a devastating fire broke out in Tondo displacing over 2,000 families, we partnered with Upskills+ Foundation on September 22 to provide mats, blankets, and food packs for over 250 families in need. From helping communities in need to fostering fellowship and learning, September was an unforgettable month for RC Makati. And this is just the beginning—there’s so much more in store for the rest of the year! We invite you to join us and be part of the magic of Rotary.

With escalating tensions and no end in sight, the livelihoods of fishermen in Zambales have been severely disrupted by China’s fishing ban. In response, on October 1st, RC Makati, led by Pres. Keith Harrison, IPP Bing Matoto, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Howie Calleja, and PDG Pepz Bengzon, embarked on a mission to Botolan, Zambales, to extend much-needed support to the affected fishing communities. The day began with a heartfelt program featuring messages from Pres. Keith, IPP Bing, Dir. Rodrigo, and project partners, including former Senator Bam Aquino. Sen. Bam emphasized the importance of bridging resources to those in need and praised RC Makati’s quick action in providing essential support without hesitation. In a key highlight, RC Makati solidified its partnership with the Atin Ito! Coalition by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to formally support the Adopt-a-Payao campaign. The initiative, which aims to enhance the livelihood of local fishermen, was further underscored by the ceremonial turnover of a P250,000 check. This funding will go toward the construction of two payaos—floating structures designed to attract fish—offering a sustainable solution for improving the fishermen’s catch. Seven fisherfolk groups, including the New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association, Mabayo Agri-Aqua Association, Subic Commercial Fishing Association Inc. (Scofai), and others, were awarded grants through this project, providing them with the resources needed to overcome the challenges posed by the ongoing maritime restrictions. The project partners, which also include the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, have joined forces to ensure the success of this initiative. The Adopt-a-Payao campaign was first introduced during a luncheon meeting at RC Makati, where Sen. Bam shed light on the severe impact of China’s restrictions on the local fishing industry. With the installation of the payaos, Zambales fishermen are expected to boost their catch while staying within safe maritime boundaries, providing them a sustainable path forward. This initiative is just one of many ways RC Makati continues to make a lasting impact on communities, supporting sustainable livelihoods and fostering hope for a better future.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_EdapUIrK3cADpqVR2vRHygOS6clUIvA/view?usp=sharing

On September 14, a massive fire devastated Tondo, Manila, leaving over 2,000 families homeless and in desperate need of assistance. Immediately, the Rotary Club of Makati’s Disaster Relief Committee sprang into action. President Keith Harrison reached out to Ms. Jane Walker of the Upskills+ Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping the Tondo community, to assess the needs of those affected. Within just seven days of the fire, RC Makati organized a relief mission to provide essential aid to the families still struggling to rebuild their lives. On September 21, RC Makati’s Director Johnny Ang, along with our Rotaractors, set out for Tondo in a coaster filled with much-needed supplies. In partnership with Upskills+, they provided mats and blankets to 240 families, who had been sleeping on makeshift surfaces, as well as 30 grocery packs for the families of Upskills+ scholars. These small comforts brought relief to those who had lost nearly everything, offering a glimmer of hope as they begin to rebuild. RC Makati stands ready, always prepared to assist the marginalized, especially when disaster strikes—whether natural or man-made. Together, we can make a difference. RC Makati, always at the forefront of service, lending a hand to those in need.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SVL3ZZYVGQj0HxZr-LCBJ5cQCOZ0xj0s/view?usp=sharing

Each year, we invite students at the Philippine Institute for the Deaf (PID) to join us for our meetings. And on those occasions that the club is graced by their presence, those amazing deaf students would try their very best to express their gratitude for our unyielding support in words that most of us would strain to understand. But their messages of thanks, even the dreams they share, are both resonant and clear and almost invariably tug at the heartstrings of those in attendance. These are touching moments that have happened year after year since 1994 for 30 years now. This yearly ritual of sharing and gratitude again transpired last September 10, during the Club’s luncheon meeting at the Peninsula Manila. Ethan Rivera, one of RC Makati’s scholars, addressed the members and guests as part of the program. During the same event, the Club turned over P950,000.00 to support the scholarships of 19 deaf and needy students. Representing the Club were Pres. Keith Harrison, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, and PP Cesar Campos, who serves as the Committee Chairman for the project. Ms. Julie Esguerra, PID’s President and Executive Director, graciously received the donation on behalf of the school. The amount will cover 50% of the tuition fees for the learners, as well as individualized one-on-one speech therapy sessions for each scholar. In this long-standing partnership between RC Makati and PID , our Club has made substantial contributions to PID’s mission of teaching deaf children to communicate using the spoken language rather than traditional hand signals. The club’s first project with PID involved the setting up of a classroom equipped with a group hearing aid system. Since then, RCM has continuously supported the school by securing a TRF grant for auditory and speech development equipment, providing scholarships, and contributing to the students’ annual musical programs. Currently, six of the club’s scholars are participating in PID’s Immersion Program, fulfilling their on-the-job training requirements for graduation, as mandated by the Department of Education. They are set to complete this training by February 2025, returning to school for graduation in March. Meanwhile, the remaining 13 students would continue their academic journey at PID courtesy of the ongoing support provided by the Teach the Deaf to Speak Program. RCM’s dedication to empowering the hearing-impaired has allowed many students to transition into mainstream schools, graduate from college, find employment, and even return to PID as faculty members, highlighting the transformative impact of this project.