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.

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.

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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On June 24, RC Makati proudly inaugurated its fourth Dormitory Project at Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa, a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to education and community development. A delegation from RC Makati, including President Bing Matoto, VP Howie Calleja, Directors Rodrigo Segura, Bom Villatuya, Winston Uy, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Louie Aseoche, PDG Pepz Bengzon, and incoming RAED Doris Ensomo, traveled to witness this momentous event." The day's events commenced with a quick lunch at the PSU Hotel with Atty. Leni Robredo, Chairperson and President of Angat Pinas Foundation. Following lunch, the delegation proceeded to the dormitory site for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by President Bing Matoto, Atty. Robredo, and Dr. Ramon Docto, President of Palawan State University. Rev. Fr. Francis Mark Guzman led the dormitory blessing, covering all areas from the main door to the well-equipped kitchen, study area, 20-bed double-decker room, and the comfort rooms. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker bearing the RC Makati logo and the symbolic turnover of the dormitory key to PSU officials. The formal program at the jam-packed PSU auditorium followed. In his message, President Bing emphasized the impact of the project on students and discussed potential future projects for the province. Atty. Leni Robredo shared how the partnership with RC Makati began, leading to a P1M commitment to Angat Buhay, which eventually funded the dorm project This project, funded by RC Makati at P2.2M, aims to address absenteeism caused by long travel distances. The dormitory will accommodate 20 female students from underprivileged backgrounds, providing a safe and conducive living environment for their studies. RC Makati's partnership with Angat Pinas Foundation has been instrumental in previous dormitory projects in Sumilao, Bukidnon; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Infanta, Quezon." RC Makati also partnered with RC Puerto Princesa for the purchase of necessities inside the dormitory, further strengthening the collaborative efforts within the Rotary network. This collaboration underscores RC Makati's unwavering commitment to education and community development. Plans are already underway for a fifth dormitory in the upcoming Rotary year, continuing the legacy of support and empowerment for students in need. RC Makati: Building Futures, One Dormitory at a Time.

RC Makati has added another feather in its cap with the remarkable achievement of the Feed Back program, which bagged 1st runner-up in the nationwide search conducted by the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) for the Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY2023-24. The awards were presented during the Awards & Turnover Night held on June 29 at the Palms Country Club in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Present to witness the triumph and receive the award were IPP Bing Matoto, PDG Tony Quila, PDG Sid & Tesha Garcia, who is also the vice-chair for the Environmental Awards, PDG Pepz Bengzon and partner Doris, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Bimbo Mills, Philip Soliven, who chairs the Feed Back program, PP Louie Aseoche, and PP Bimbo Mills. They were joined by representatives from ARK, Iris Alonso and Ode Soliven. The Feed Back program, in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), focuses on establishing sustainable vegetable exchange programs in various communities. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also emphasizes that caring for the environment begins at home. In the Philippines, rural communities, home to 60 million people—half of the population—face severe environmental degradation. Encouraging eco-friendly practices like tree planting and coastal cleanups is challenging when over a third of these communities are impoverished, hungry, and desperate to find their next meal. This desperation often forces families into environmentally destructive acts like forest burning or dynamite fishing to earn income and feed their families. When basic survival is at stake, thinking about future environmental sustainability becomes nearly impossible. The Feed Back program addresses these challenges by empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to cultivate and exchange vegetables. This not only provides a sustainable source of nutrition but also fosters economic independence and community resilience. By improving food security, the program reduces the pressure on families to resort to environmentally harmful practices, thereby promoting long-term environmental sustainability. The road to the award was not easy. First, the Feed Back program had to win at the district level to be nominated at the national level. Besides the Feed Back program, two more RC Makati projects entered the top five at the district level—the BGC Greenway project chaired by PP Charlie Rufino and the Save Our Reefs project initiated by PP Peter Manzano. On April 2, District 3830 conducted its presentation of the top five finalists, where Philip Soliven and PP Louie Aseoche led the presentation for Feed Back. Following the win at the district level, Feed Back competed at the national level against nine other winners from other districts in the Philippines. This stage required us to submit presentations and videos showcasing our work. On June 9, at the Palms Country Club, PP Louie presented the program in front of the national judges, with assistance from Iris of ARK. RC Makati received a total cash prize of P250,000, with P50,000 coming from the district as the top winner and P200,000 from PRMFI as the 1st runner-up winner. This award would not have been possible without the support of our partner ARK through Ayesha Vera Uy, their CEO and Founder, as well as the support and guidance from our own district led by PDG Mildred Vitangcol, PP Doris Ensomo, and CP Danny Abinoja. This award again puts RC Makati in the nationwide spotlight and provides significant exposure to the Feed Back project, which will now be known to other Rotary clubs. This recognition is a testament to RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. The Feed Back program has not only made a positive impact on the environment but has also set a benchmark for other Rotary clubs to follow.

Monday, July 1, marked the beginning of the new Rotary Year, and RC Makati was determined to kick it off with a vibrant celebration. Despite being a weekday, the club successfully organized their traditional Children’s Day in partnership with RC Paranaque St. Andrew at Rotary Homes Parañaque, embracing this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary.”. This special occasionaimed to celebrate the new Rotary Year by providing children with a day filled with joy, magic, and new experiences. For the third consecutive year, the rotary event saw collaboration with the Rotaract Clubs of Makati and Paranaque St. Andrew. The day’s activities were meticulously planned to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for the children. Different areas within the Rotary Homes compound hosted a variety of events tailored to various age groups. The diverse and simultaneous programs included storytelling, a magic show, educational seminars, and vocational talks, ensuring every child had a meaningful and engaging experience. The event saw enthusiastic participation from RC Makati, led by Pres. Keith Harrison, along with IPP Bing Matoto, PDG Sid Garcia, DGE Reggie Nolido, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, Manny Padiernos, and James Bosch. RAC Makati members, headed by Pres. Hira Hermoso, PP AJ Sembrano, rotaractors Darlah and Vian Leonardo also played a crucial role in the day’s activities. Additionally, the event was graced by Gov. Prescy Yulo, Paranaque Mayor Eric Olivarez, and Congressman Edwin Olivarez. The Rotary Children’s Day targeted 200 children aged 5-10 years, who were treated to a captivating storytelling session and a mesmerizing magic show. The storytelling emphasized Anti-Bullying Awareness, a critical topic for young minds. Each child received a loot bag filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year, along with pre-loved storybooks from the Last Angel gift-giving project chaired by Ann Papat Escaler. These thoughtful loot bags were prepared and arranged by the dedicated members of RAC Makati. Girls aged 11-15 participated in a seminar on Mental Health Awareness and Teenage Pregnancy, providing them with essential knowledge and support. Boys aged 17-21 and selected parents engaged in a Youth Vocational Talk with Dualtech Foundation, highlighting career opportunities and vocational training. The event also included a health component, with free polio vaccines provided by the Paranaque Municipal Health Office. In addition, a Disaster Preparedness Seminar was conducted at the open court by the Don Galo Fire Fighters, ensuring that both children and parents are equipped with vital safety knowledge.

RC Makati has successfully inaugurated its fourth Dormitory Project, formally turning over the facility to the Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa on June 24. Among those who flew in to witness the turnover were Pres. Bing Matoto, VP Howie Calleja, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Dir. Bom Villatuya, Dir. Winston Uy, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Louie Aseoche, and PDG Pepz Bengzon and incoming RAED Doris Ensomo. The day’s events commenced with a quick lunch at the PSU Hotel with the Chairperson and President of Angat Pinas Foundation, Atty. Leni Robredo. Thereafter, they proceeded to the dormitory site for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pres. Bing led the ribbon-cutting alongside Atty. Robredo and Dr. Ramon Docto, President of the Palawan State University. The dormitory blessing, led by Rev. Fr. Francis Mark Guzman, covered all areas of the facility, starting from the main door to the well-equipped kitchen, the study area furnished with computers, the 20-bed double-decker room complete with beddings, pillows, and mosquito nets, and the comfort rooms and shower area. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker bearing the RC Makati logo, followed by the symbolic turnover of the dormitory key to PSU officials. The team then moved on to the jam-packed PSU auditorium for the formal program of the event. In his message, Pres. Bing shared the impact this project will have on the students of the school and discussed potential future projects for the province. Atty. Leni shared the story of how the partnership with RC Makati was conceived and this was at the time when she was invited to be guest speaker of the club. Right after her talk, the Club committed P1M to Angat Buhay — one of the projects under Angat Pinas Foundation — which later on was earmarked for a dorm project after then President Fred Pascual, now the Secretary of DTI, noted that school dorms for students who lived in far-flung barangays were not being funded by the government. This project aims to address absenteeism caused by the significant distances students must travel from their homes to school. The PSU dormitory, funded by the RC Makati at P2.2M, will accommodate 20 female students from underprivileged backgrounds and remote areas, providing them with a safe and conducive living environment for their studies. RC Makati’s partnership with the Angat Pinas Foundation has been instrumental in previous dormitory projects in Sumilao, Bukidnon; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Infanta, Quezon. RC Makati also partnered with RC Puerto Princesa through Pres. Claudio Favila for the purchase of necessities inside the dormitory, further strengthening the collaborative efforts within the Rotary network. This collaboration with Angat Pinas underscores RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to education and community development. Plans are already underway for a fifth dormitory in the upcoming Rotary year, continuing the legacy of support and empowerment for students in need.