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On July 26, the Rotary Club of Makati Clubhouse was abuzz with excitement as members gathered to celebrate the June and July birthday celebrants during the club’s Friday Night Lights (FNL) event. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and camaraderie, this gathering provided an evening filled with delectable food, delightful entertainment, and joyful fellowship. The event featured a delicious array of dishes, including spring rolls, lechon, beef caldereta, chicken cordon bleu, baked salmon, mashed potatoes, stir-fried broccoli and cauliflower, vegetable lasagna, and green salad with Caesar dressing. For dessert, they enjoyed a refreshing mango sago. The sumptuous feast was complemented by whiskey and wine, generously sponsored by Rante Aguila, Mon Diokno, PE Eddie Galvez, Glenn Gatuslao. PDG Tony Quila and Dir. Winston Uy The program was emceed by Dir. Boy Arteche, who ensured the event ran smoothly. Bom Villatuya, the invocator, led the invocation with a heartfelt prayer, asking for guidance, blessings, and unity among the members. Pres. Keith Harrison delivered the welcome message, expressing gratitude for the members’ dedication and the joy of coming together to celebrate. The night featured lively entertainment from the 8 in 1 Band, led by Mr. Hernan, which kept the atmosphere festive and engaging. The band played a mix of classic and contemporary hits, encouraging members to sing along and dance the night away. Special recognition was given to the birthday celebrants for June and July. The June celebrants included PP Junjun Dayrit, Tony Lopezand Dir. Neil Makasiar. The July celebrants were Pres. Keith Harrison, Nic Aboitiz, PDG Pepz Bengzon, PP Freddie Borromeo, Toffy Concepcion, Mon Diokno, Freddie Garcia, Ira Kiener, IPP Bing Matoto, Ferdie Ordoveza, PP Fred Pascual, Jack Ponce-Enrile, Niko Sunga, Johnny Sy, Paolo Turno, Dir. Winston Uy and PP Roland Young, These celebrants were also acknowledged for their contributions to the evening, with PP Roland Young sponsoring the lechon, Dir. Winston Uy sponsoring the band and other members, including Pres. Keith Harrison, Nic Aboitiz, PP Junjun Dayrit, Mon Diokno, Tony Lopez, Dir. Neil Makasiar, PP Bing Matoto, Ferdie Ordoveza, Johnny Sy, and Among the attendees were members such as Pres. Keith & Rachel Harrison, Rante Aguila, PP Fidel Alfonso, Dir. Boy Arteche, PP Louie & Tess Aseoche, Gani Buenaflor, Anton Cabrera, Roger Collantes, Leo de Leon, PE Eddie Galvez, Inigo Garcia, Glenn Gatuslao, PP Rene Limjoco, Tony Lopez, Wash Lou, Andy Mañalac, IPP Bing Matoto, Aaron Mempin, PP Bimbo Mills, PDG Tony Quila, CB Rivilla, Ed Rojas, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Ronnie Siasoyco, Philip Soliven, Dir. Derrick Tan, Paolo Turno, Dir. Winston Uy, Bom Villatuya and PP Roland Young. The evening concluded with lively singing and dancing, leaving everyone in high spirits and looking forward to the next FNL gathering.

Overcast skies in Pililia, Rizal did not deter RC Makati, led by Pres. Keith Harrison along with IPP Bing Matoto and baby Rotarians Patrick Parungao and CB Rivilla, from going back to the Josefheim Foundation to turn over its much-needed generator. The Foundation, nestled in the mountains approximately 30 minutes from the town proper of Pililia, is home to at least 21 abandoned elderly and mentally challenged adults. Despite its picturesque location, surrounded by windmills and overlooking the vast lands of Pililia and Mabitac, the facility is burdened with an unstable power supply. Recognizing the critical need for a stable power supply during their first visit on April 22, RC Makati decided to step in and provide a generator. The brand new 30kva generator, worth P350,000, will not only significantly improve the quality of life for the residents but also ensure their safety and comfort, especially during the night. During the short program, Pres. Keith expressed his excitement about providing this essential equipment to the community. IPP Bing said that their return fulfilled a promise. Fr. Dari Dioquino expressed his appreciation to RC Makati for this generous donation. One of the residents spoke up, expressing how this donation would not only brighten their days but also bring a sense of security during the nights when they are most vulnerable to snakes nearby, which are shrouded in darkness. The turnover of the generator marks a significant step forward in improving the living conditions at the Josefheim Foundation. This initiative underscores RC Makati’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and enhancing their quality of life. The generator not only brings light but is also an energizing symbol of hope and security for the residents.

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The highly-competitive President’s Cup was back with great enthusiasm! This year, it was hosted by IPP Bing Matoto and organized by PDG Pepz Bengzon on July 11 at the Alabang Golf and Country Club. A total of 16 golfers showcased their skills in four flights. The first flight featured IPP Bing, PP Bimbo Mills, PE Keith Harrison, and Tony Lopez. In the second flight were PDG Pepz, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Andrew Prieto, and Johnny Ang. The third flight comprised Gani Buenaflor, PP Michael Escaler, Philip Mallari, and Leo de Leon. Completing the roster were PE Eddie Galvez, PP Roland Young, Chris Ferareza, and Bitoy Lon in the fourth flight. Despite the unpredictable weather, nine players managed to complete the 18-hole course. IPP Bing finished at hole 13, PP Michael Escaler stopped at the 9th hole, and five players did not reach the sixth hole. To make the game more competitive, a friendly bet was placed with each player staking P1,000 each. Partners were drawn blindly by IPP Bing, with their scores combined. Philip Mallari and Gani Buenaflor won the front nine with a combined score of 65, while Philip and Keith Harrison won the back nine with an identical combined score of 65. The overall win went to Philip and Rodrigo Segura with a combined score of 142. Each winner received a cash prize of P2,400, while the runners-up received P1,000, all coming from the pool money. The overall winner of the tournament was Philip Mallari with an impressive net score of 63. As a first-time champion, his name will now be engraved on the trophy. The tournament concluded with a delightful dinner hosted by IPP Bing at Barcino, where participants enjoyed pica-pica, beer and wine, further enhancing the camaraderie and fellowship among the members.

Monsoon rains, locally known as “Habagat,” were exacerbated by Super Typhoon Carina, bringing relentless rain over Luzon and nearby towns throughout the morning of Wednesday, 24 July. This deluge left nearly the entire region flooded, resulting in a two-day halt of work and school activities and compelling five provinces to declare a state of calamity. The very next day, 25 July, the RC Makati disaster relief team, led by Pres. Keith Harrison and Dir. Boy Arteche, sprang into action. The team concentrated their efforts on the Taytay area, partnering with Angat Taytay. Their first stop was Sitio Ramona, where 64 families were sheltered in an evacuation center. Next, they visited Hapay na Manga, providing relief to 51 families. The third site was Brgy. San Juan, serving 28 families, and finally, they reached Brgy. Sta Ana, where 5 families remained as their homes were still inundated. Each family received mats, blankets, and slippers from RC Makati, while Angat Taytay supplied food packs. Additionally, RC Makati handed over 100 sets of mats and blankets to Angat Taytay for distribution to three more sites the same day. On the second day of relief efforts, the RC Makati Disaster Relief Team hit the road again. This time, they ventured further out of Metro Manila, with Dir. Chris Ferareza, chair of the disaster relief committee, joining the distribution efforts. In coordination with RC Bulacan True North E-Club through CP Senen Pineda, the team navigated the still-flooded roads to Malolos, Bulacan. Their first and second stops were at San Sebastian Chapel and the multipurpose center of Brgy. Catmon, providing relief to 12 and 38 families, respectively. They then traveled a few more kilometers to Paombong, Bulacan. After a challenging drive through 800 meters of road submerged under three feet of floodwater, the team provided relief to 32 families in the first barangay. They continued through a narrow, partially flooded and rough concrete path to reach their fourth and final stop, Brgy. Pinalagdaan, Paombong, where they aided 90 families. All recipients received mats and blankets, as many were sleeping on cartons. The elderly, in particular, expressed deep gratitude for the Club’s efforts. In addition to mats and blankets, the team provided food packs to 39 families in dire need and to 11 senior citizens and PWDs. On 27 July, Pres. Keith, Dir. Chris, and Rtn. CB Rivilla traveled to San Mateo, Rizal, for another relief mission. This initiative was conducted in partnership with Ronalyn Lagata, a top ten nominee for the Paing Hechanova Leadership Awards from Payatas. After brief messages from RC Makati, the team distributed 300 food packs to families in need. Each food pack contained rice, canned goods, and noodles. Additionally, senior citizens received mats and blankets. The Club also supported the District 3830 efforts by donating P25K for their relief missions conducted in Muntinlupa and Bulacan. The Club would like to thank PP Roland and Sam Young for their respective donation of P50,000 to the disaster relief fund. Special thanks as well to Queenie Mills for connecting us to Medtechs Materials Technology Corporation which donated some blankets and hospital items for distribution to affected families. During the three-day relief mission, RC Makati reached 694 families and distributed approximately P250,000 worth of relief goods.

Monsoon rains, locally known as “Habagat,” were exacerbated by Super Typhoon Carina, bringing relentless rain over Luzon and nearby towns throughout the morning of Wednesday, 24 July. This deluge left nearly the entire region flooded, resulting in a two-day halt of work and school activities and compelling five provinces to declare a state of calamity. The very next day, 25 July, the RC Makati disaster relief team, led by President Keith Harrison and Director Boy Arteche, sprang into action. The team concentrated their efforts on the Taytay area, partnering with Angat Taytay. Their first stop was Sitio Ramona, where 64 families were sheltered in an evacuation center. Next, they visited Hapay na Manga, providing relief to 51 families. The third site was Brgy. San Juan, serving 28 families, and finally, they reached Brgy. Sta Ana, where 5 families remained as their homes were still inundated. Each family received mats, blankets, and slippers from RC Makati, while Angat Taytay supplied food packs. Additionally, RC Makati handed over 100 sets of mats and blankets to Angat Taytay for distribution to three more sites the same day. On the second day of relief efforts, the RC Makati Disaster Relief Team hit the road again. This time, they ventured further out of Metro Manila, with Director Chris Ferareza, chair of the disaster relief committee, joining the distribution efforts. In coordination with RC Bulacan True North E-Club through CP Senen Pineda, the team navigated the still-flooded roads to Malolos, Bulacan. Their first and second stops were at San Sebastian Chapel and the multipurpose center of Brgy. Catmon, providing relief to 12 and 38 families, respectively. They then traveled a few more kilometers to Paombong, Bulacan. After a challenging drive through 800 meters of road submerged under three feet of floodwater, the team provided relief to 32 families in the first barangay. They continued through a narrow, partially flooded and rough concrete path to reach their fourth and final stop, Brgy. Pinalagdaan, Paombong, where they aided 90 families. All recipients received mats and blankets, as many were sleeping on cartons. The elderly, in particular, expressed deep gratitude for the Club's efforts. In addition to mats and blankets, the team provided food packs to 39 families in dire need and to 11 senior citizens and PWDs. On 27 July, President Keith, Director Chris, and Rotarian CB Rivilla traveled to San Mateo, Rizal, for another relief mission. This initiative was conducted in partnership with Ronalyn Lagata, a top ten nominee for the Paing Hechanova Leadership Awards from Payatas. After brief messages from RC Makati, the team distributed 300 food packs to families in need. Each food pack contained rice, canned goods, and noodles. Additionally, senior citizens received mats and blankets. The Club also supported the District 3830 efforts by donating P25,000 for their relief missions conducted in Muntinlupa and Bulacan. The Club would like to thank PP Roland and Sam Young for their P50,000 each donation to the disaster relief fund. Special thanks as well to Ann Queenie Mills for connecting us to Medtechs Materials Technology Corporation, which donated some blankets and hospital items for distribution to affected families. During the three-day relief mission, RC Makati reached 694 families and distributed approximately P250,000 worth of relief goods. RC Makati has becoming known for being first responders, especially in disaster relief, making sure that they are ready to respond to the needy when they need it most.

The Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila was transformed into a captivating world of mysteries, spies, and glamour as RC Makati hosted a James Bond-themed Induction Ball, an inspiring nod to the place where the club’s president-elect was born. Over 250 guests, dressed in black tie and long gowns, were transported into the sleek and sophisticated realm of Agent 007. The atmosphere was set right from the entrance, where the cocktail area featured a photobooth designed to mimic the iconic opening sequence of every James Bond movie. A blackjack table evoked scenes from “Casino Royale,” inviting guests to try their luck in true Bond style. And, of course, no James Bond event would be complete without the signature martinis—shaken, not stirred. The evening began with fellowship cocktails, providing friends and acquaintances the perfect opportunity to catch up. This was followed by the traditional lechon parade. The lechons were ceremoniously carved at the cocktail area led by PP Freddie Borromeo who generously donated the lechon, as he does year after year, adding a touch of Filipino tradition to the British-themed affair. Joining him in this festive carving were Pres. Bing Matoto, PE Keith Harrison, and the guest of honor, Atty. Leila de Lima. It was not all tradition for the night, as this year’s event added a new twist with the parade of the guest of honor. Atty. Leila de Lima, accompanied by Pres. Bing and PE Keith were welcomed with a red-carpet entrance into the ballroom. Leading the parade as the sergeant-at-arms was our baby Rotarian, Anton Cabrera, adding a fresh and charming element to the event. PP JunJun Dayrit opened the formal program with the invocation expressing profound gratitude for the blessings received in the past Rotary year. The prayer sought divine favor and guidance for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of the Rotary members’ work and responsibilities. Special blessings were requested for the new president and his team, who were to be formally inducted. The invocation also asked for protection, good health, and the unwavering adherence to truth, aiming to make the Rotary an effective instrument in promoting justice, peace, and prosperity for all. The flag ceremony and march of colors, accompanied by the national anthems of Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines, along with the Rotary Makati Hymn, set a patriotic and unifying atmosphere. The flags were then planted, and the flag officers departed, paving the way for the introduction of the evening’s emcee, Patrick Parungao. The ceremonial toasts followed, with PP Cesar Campos toasting to the Republic of the Philippines, PDG Sid Garcia to Rotary International, and PE Eddie Galvez extending special thanks to the distinguished guests. PP David Ackerman presented the Four-Way Test, while PDG Pepz Bengzon delivered a warm welcome and introduced the guests individually. This was followed by the welcome remarks from the chairpersons of the organizing committee, Rtn. Paolo and Christine Turno. As dinner was served, guests enjoyed delightful entertainment by Thristan on the marimba and pianist Mikhael, with a special performance by soprano Anya. The evening’s program also included the presentation of new members: H. E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Aaron Virata Mempin, Roy Moss and George Guthrie Haxton, Jr.. It was immediately followed with the recognition of 38 rotarians who pledged to donate a Paul Harris Fellow or $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. While still at dinner, Pres. Bing Matoto conferred the Youth Leadership Role Model Award on the Hon. Secretary Alfredo “Fred” E. Pascual, a past president of the Club, for driving the Department of Trade and Industry to unprecedented success. During PP Fred’s speech, he talked about Acceptance Speech for the Youth Leadership Role Model Award. This was followed by a stirring introduction of the Guest of Honor by PP Louie Aseoche. In her speech, Atty. Leila de Lima, centered on the Four-Way Test. Her address was followed by a vote of thanks and the presentation of a gift by PE Keith Harrison. The evening then transitioned to the induction ceremony, where the emcee introduced the directors, executives, and advisors. DGE Shahul Hameed from RC Singapore, District 3310, led the charging of the Board, followed by the swearing-in of the new Board by District Governor Prescy Yulo, of District 3830. PDG Tony Quila annotated the turnover ceremony. DGE Reggie Nolido then introduced the new President of RC Makati, PE Keith Harrison, who delivered an inspiring acceptance speech outlining his vision and goals for the upcoming year. The celebration continued with a James Bond-themed entertainment segment, featuring a movie screening led by Pres Keith and IPP Bing Matoto, reprising the roles of James Bond and M, respectively, followed by a short dance by the Board members, capped by a rousing dance by the Rotary Anns, led by Ann Rachel Harrison, as Bond Girls – FA Rachel Harrison, Amy Villatuya, Menchit Ordoveza, Tess Aseoche, Irene Barcelon, Aiai Galvez, Marie Segura, Jenny Bosch, Caling Young, Myda Prieto, and Kathy Liu. A well-attended event, glamorous setup, fast-paced program, exciting speeches, and entertaining numbers all contributed to RC Makati’s successful opening year.

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