Imagine waking up one morning and finding a truck with hospital capabilities parked in front of your home, ready to serve you. Would you not take that opportunity to be tested and know the status of your health, especially your pulmonary and cardiac health? In the Philippines, which has the highest rate of TB incidence in Asia, and where cardiac diseases kill almost 20% of Filipinos who die from non-communicable diseases, access to hospital care and the cost of laboratory tests are major barriers to healthcare. This is where the Wellness and Outpatient Services on Wheels (WOW) Clinic+ comes in. The brainchild of RC Makati Premier District, the WOW Clinic+ offers primary health services, including tuberculosis (TB) and heart disease screening. The program aims to prevent these diseases through community healthcare worker training on TB patient monitoring, CPR, and basic life support. Additionally, a community campaign raises awareness of TB and cardiac diseases. Enabled by CFC ANCOP's vast network of volunteer doctors and nurses, this project has ancillary health services also available depending on the community's needs, which include medical consultation for adults and children, prescription medicine, health risk assessment - blood sugar, cholesterol, uric, and urinalysis tests, dental extractions, and Minor Operation (Circumcision, Removal of Cyst and Suturing of Laceration). On May 4, the WOW Clinic was deployed at the Rotary Homes in Parañaque with over 300 families living in RC Makati’s adopted community in Par 3 and residents of Par 1 participating. On hand that day were PE Keith Harrison and Manny Padiernos. On the same day, the project was ceremonially handed over to its beneficiary, CFC ANCOP Foundation, Inc. The WOW Clinic+ was funded by a $75,000 Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation as RC Makati Premier District’s fifth grant in its sixth year of existence. RC Makati has supported this project with a $6,000 contribution. In the evening of the same day, RCMPD hosted a thanksgiving dinner at the Hechanovas home for the partners. There to join the celebration were PDG Sid Garcia and PE Keith & Rachel Harrison. RC Makati is proud to support initiatives like the WOW Clinic+, which brings essential healthcare services directly to underserved communities. Through our collective partnership with RCMPD and The Rotary Foundation, and the invaluable contributions of healthcare professionals, we are able to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of those who need it most.

Rotarians from District 3830 assembled at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel on May 10 and 11 for the year’s most important district event—the District Conference, or Discon. This event held additional significance as it could be the last Rotary event hosted at the iconic Sofitel Hotel, following news of its impending closure by June 30. Day 1 began with RC Makati upholding its cherished tradition wherein the incumbent President treats the club members to a sumptuous lunch before the Assembly. VP Howie Calleja represented Pres. Bing Matoto, who was on a personal vacation in Spain, and co-hosted the delegation for lunch at the Spiral Restaurant, renowned as one of the best buffet restaurants in Manila. There to enjoy the lunch and the opening plenary of the Discon were PP David & CP Mache Ackerman, PP Louie Aseoche, PDG Pepz Bengzon and partner Doris, PP JunJun & Cecille Dayrit, PE Keith Harrison, Michael Hsu, Andy Manalac, PP Bimbo Mills, DGN Reggie & Sue Ann Nolido, PP Fred Parungao, Dir. Porsche Peña, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Sonny Tambunting Jr., Derrick Tan, Carlo Ybañez, and Rotarian guests from D3830 – PP Baby Bunye and PP Bea Tan. The conference commenced with the processional march of the dignitaries and the roll call of the clubs, setting a formal and celebratory tone for the event. PDG Pepz Bengzon mesmerized the audience with a heartfelt rendition of the song “Lead Me Lord” as Doxology to start the event. The program proceeded with an inspirational message from PRID Raffy Garcia and the keynote speech of RIPR PRID Eunsoo Moon of RID 3620 Korea. The opening session culminated with the State of the District Address by DG Jay Tambunting. As usual, Day 1 ended with a fellowship dinner that started with a special entertainment performance by the Council of Governors, where DGN Reggie & Sue Ann Nolido participated. The night concluded with a mini-concert by Ms. Bituin Escalante, providing a scintillating end to the day. The last day of the Discon started early for the RC Makati delegation. PE Keith Harrison attended the RIPR breakfast with his classmates, and DGN Reggie and Dir. Porsche joined him to witness the signing of a sisterhood agreement between several clubs in our District and District 3620. RC Makati provided tokens to the 10-man delegation from their district, including two members from RC Yejang Seoul, which is our sister club. After the business session at the plenary hall, DGN Reggie Nolido took the stage and gave the audience an eye view of what his vision for the district would be during his term, emphasizing the goals of expanding reach and determining impact. The rest of the program for the day featured informative and interesting talks from speakers on diverse topics. BPI President and CEO TG Limcauco spoke on “Preserving Legacy Through Continuous Reinvention,” followed by a fireside chat with Enchong Dee, Cat Trivino, and Chewy Garcia on “Making Good Lasting Impact in the Modern World.” PLDT Senior VP Butch Jimenez then spoke on “Championing Connectivity for Filipino Homes.” Capping the two-day event was the glittering Governor’s Night, where Mr. Jonathan Badon serenaded the attendees over dinner, and guests were treated to a glimpse of “Burugudunstuytugudunstuy,” a new theater performance at Newport World Resorts featuring the songs of the band, Parokya ni Edgar.

The need for clean water is an urgent and pressing issue—one that affects millions of people worldwide. Globally, one in three people lack access to safe drinking water, a staggering statistic that underscores the gravity of this problem. In the Philippines, the situation is similarly dire, with one in ten Filipinos still without access to improved water sources. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing this issue, Rotary International has made providing clean water one of its seven areas of focus." In response, RC Makati partnered with Waves for Water to provide 210 units of MVP filters, making clean water available to over 1,000 households in four barangays in Presentacion, Camarines Sur—Brgy. Bantugan, Bitaogoan, Bulalacao, and Lidong. The project was coordinated with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) as support for their Campaign Against Malnutrition. Arriving on the morning of May 14 to the scenic view of Mt. Mayon, PE Keith & Rachel Harrison and Dir. Bom & Amy Villatuya flew to Bicol to personally participate in the formal launch and turnover of the project." From Legazpi airport, the Harrisons traveled over five hours by land, while the Villatuyas took over three hours to reach the Presentacion Municipal Hall, where they were treated to lunch before a courtesy visit with Mayor Alicia Deleña." After a quick meeting where the partners shared their messages and a demonstration by Waves for Water, the team proceeded to the project site in Brgy. Bulalacao, the second site of distribution for that day." The team participated in the program with Dir. Bom helping out in the orientation on water and sanitation, Ann Amy on how to set up their filters, and Ann Rachel on the demo on producing clean water. PE Keith shared his message with Ann Rachel translating it to the delight of the crowd." In this site, 50 MVP water filters were distributed. The MVP water filter has a 1-million-gallon capacity, is gravity-fed (requiring no electricity), and is easy to maintain. It can be used for a minimum of five years. These MVP water filters eliminate the need to store water and reduce the possibility of water contamination after the filtration process." They remove bacteria, including those causing cholera, botulism, typhoid, amoebic dysentery, E. coli, coliform bacteria, streptococcus, and salmonella, among others." The next day, Dir. Bom and Amy continued to participate in the mission, helping out in the deployment of 69 filters in Brgy. Lidong for 342 households." The partnership with Waves for Water was forged on April 2 during the luncheon meeting of the Club, as endorsed by the MAP through its former president Atty. Dick Du-Baladad, who spoke to the club as a guest speaker during the luncheon meeting on August 22 last year. Through this effort, RC Makati continues to demonstrate its dedication to addressing critical needs and creating lasting, positive impacts in the communities it serves.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JerJAHhfM7biluWWQaFm_k0A35BcGca0/view?usp=sharing

The Rotaract Club of Makati recently garnered several awards during the annual Groundbreaking and Excellent Accomplishment of Rotaractors (GEAR) Awards Night. The event, which celebrated the exceptional contributions of Rotaract Clubs across the Philippines, took place on May 11, 2024, at Pines View Hotel in Baguio. It was attended by RAC Makati President Emmanuel Adrian Manuel, Immediate Past President Nico Dela Cruz, the club’s past presidents PP April Jan Sembrano, PP Prame Rose Cato, and PP Mark Gil Cato, as well as Treasurer Princess Angielette Pol and Director Karylle Dotaro. Organized by the Pilipinas Rotaract Multi-District Organization (MDIO), the GEAR Awards honor Rotaractors and Rotaract Clubs across the Philippines that lead the way in advancing Rotary International's causes and making a significant impact on Filipino communities through their service initiatives. RAC Makati, once again proved its dedication and passion to serving the community as it bagged multiple recognitions: • Exemplary Club Award with Silver Distinction • Merry Little Hands - Exemplary Project Finalist for Water Sanitation and Hygiene Category • Rotaract Insights: Capturing Action and Passion RiCAP ▪ Gold Distinction for "We Empower" ▪ Silver Distinction for "We Promote Peace" ▪ Silver Distinction for "We Connect" • Special Citations: ▪ Pilipinas Rotaract Branding Academy for R.Y. 2023-2024 ▪ Celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the 1st Rotaract Club in the Philippines • Individual Recognitions Meritorious Service Awards: ▪ PP Mark Gil Cato ▪ PP AJ Sembrano Rotaract Service Tenure Recognition: ▪ PP Mark Gil Cato ▪ PP Kash Gana ▪ PP Prame Cato ▪ Dir. Joseph Carlo Tan RAC Makati expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its partners in service: its twin Rotaract clubs nationwide, youth and local civic organizations, DRR Naomi Kaye Padrelanan, the RC Makati Secretariat, and most especially its sponsoring Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Makati, for their trust and unwavering support to the club. These recognitions further inspire the club to strengthen its commitment to championing the aspirations of Rotary through serving the community.

The need for clean water is an urgent and pressing issue—one that affects millions of people worldwide. Globally, one in three people lack access to safe drinking water, a staggering statistic that underscores the gravity of this problem. In the Philippines, the situation is similarly dire, with one in ten Filipinos still without access to improved water sources. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing this issue, Rotary International has made providing clean water one of its seven areas of focus. In response, RC Makati partnered with Waves for Water to provide 210 units of MVP filters, making clean water available to over 1,000 households in four barangays in Presentacion, Camarines Sur—Brgy. Bantugan, Bitaogoan, Bulalacao, and Lidong. The project was coordinated with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) as support for their Campaign Against Malnutrition. Arriving in the morning of May 14 to the scenic view of Mt. Mayon, PE Keith & Rachel Harrison and Dir. Bom & Amy Villatuya flew to Bicol to personally participate in the formal launch and turnover of the project. From Legazpi airport, the Harrisons traveled over five hours by land, while the Villatuyas took over three hours to reach the Presentacion Municipal Hall, where they were treated to lunch before a courtesy visit with Mayor Alicia Deleña. After a quick meeting where the partners shared their messages and a demonstration by Waves for Water, the team proceeded to the project site in Brgy. Bulalacao, the second site of distribution for that day. The team participated in the program with Dir. Bom helping out in the orientation on water and sanitation, Ann Amy on how to set up their filters, and Ann Rachel on the demo on producing clean water. PE Keith shared his message with Ann Rachel translating it to the delight of the crowd. In this site, 50 MVP water filters were distributed. The MVP water filter has a 1-million-gallon capacity, is gravity-fed (requiring no electricity), and is easy to maintain. It can be used for a minimum of five years. These MVP water filters eliminate the need to store water and reduce the possibility of water contamination after the filtration process. They remove bacteria, including those causing cholera, botulism, typhoid, amoebic dysentery, E. coli, coliform bacteria, streptococcus, and salmonella, among others. The next day, Dir. Bom and Amy continued to participate in the mission, helping out in the deployment of 69 filters in Brgy. Lidong for 342 households. The partnership with Waves for Water was forged on April 2 during the luncheon meeting of the Club, as endorsed by the MAP through its former president Atty. Dick Du-Baladad, who spoke to the club as a guest speaker during the luncheon meeting on August 22 last year. The Club’s support for the Water and Sanitation area of focus extends beyond this initiative. RC Makati has been involved in a Level 3 water system under the 3H Water project in San Fernando, Pampanga, which has already expanded to Tarlac and Ilocos Sur. Additionally, the club has undertaken several smaller water projects in Zamboanga and Ilocos, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing clean water and improving sanitation in various communities. Through these efforts, RC Makati continues to demonstrate its dedication to addressing critical needs and creating lasting, positive impacts in the communities it serves.

Answering Rotary International Pres. Gordon McInally's imperative to prioritize mental health, RC Makati has embarked on innovative endeavors aimed at tackling the mental health challenges faced by today's youth. Through a strategic alliance with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), the club has arranged pioneering programs that not only confront these issues head-on but also empower student leaders and educators to emerge as frontline advocates within their communities. RC Makati’s partnership with NGF led to the introduction of the “SuPEER Heroes Training Program” at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati. This program, conducted over four days starting on March 9 and spanning two weekends, aimed to equip 60 student leaders and 10 educators with the skills necessary to address mental health issues among their peers. The “SuPEER Heroes Training Program” includes ten meticulously designed modules: Self-Awareness, Communication Skills, Goal Setting, Gratitude, Self-Care, Resilience, Basic Helping Skills, Love Languages, Mental Health First Aid, and Mindfulness Therapy. These modules were designed to enhance participants' understanding of themselves and others, improve their relationship management, and provide them with effective tools for peer support. The program emphasized a cascading model of knowledge transfer, encouraging participants to share their learning with their peers. RC Makati supported this initiative with a P500,000 commitment, which included providing meals and snacks for the seminar. Extending the Reach to STI College Pampanga Building on the success of the initial training, RC Makati expanded the SuPEER Heroes Training Program to STI College Pampanga. The workshop, held on April 27-28 and May 4-5, saw the participation of 72 individuals, including 36 students and teachers from STI San Fernando and STI Angeles. Conducted by NGF’s team of licensed mental health professionals, the program focused on combating depression and self-harm through a peer support network. Esteemed guests such as PP JunJun Dayrit, Pres. Bing Matoto’s son Nicky, PE Keith Harrison, and Rachel Harrison graced the event. Keynote addresses were delivered by NGF’s founder Jean Goulbourn and chairman Dr. Romeo Enriquez, MD, a noted neurologist and psychiatrist from Angles University Medical Center. The SuPEER Heroes program creates a safe space for young adults to express their emotions and thoughts, often more comfortably shared with peers than adults. Such initiatives not only respond to global calls for mental health prioritization but also serve as a catalyst for positive change, nurturing compassionate young leaders.

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Who can forget that memorable concert entitled “The Best of Broadway and the Classics” last February 2. It was an evening of celebration, love, and nostalgia that featured the enduring allure of Broadway and classic tunes—all for a worthy cause. Among the many organizations that were supported by this concert event helmed by PP Eddie Yap was the Sisters of Mary in Silang, Cavite. At the Club's luncheon meeting at the Peninsula Manila on May 7, a significant partnership was forged. VP Howie Calleja, on behalf of RC Makati, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Sister Teresita Sumalabe, the Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc., representing the Sisters of Mary. This MoA signing, witnessed by Dir. Rodrigo Segura for the Club and Sister Mylene B. Arambulo for the Sisters of Mary, symbolizes the shared commitment to the cause of education and empowerment. The generous donation from RC Makati will have a profound impact on the Sisters of Mary. It will enable the procurement of ten (10) desktop computers, totaling P560,000, to enhance the Sisters of Mary's Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Training program. This program is a crucial step in equipping Senior High School students with the skills and resources needed to excel in CNC careers, empowering them to succeed in their chosen fields. RC Makati's support for the Sisters of Mary goes beyond the computer donation. The Club will also bring the SuPEER Heroes Facilitating Training Program, in partnership with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, to the Sisters of Mary School in Cavite. This program, valued at P500,000, is a testament to our commitment to enriching the educational experience at the institution. It will benefit over eighty (80) student leaders and teachers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in their communities. The total funding for these initiatives amounts to over P1 million, showcasing RC Makati's commitment to supporting education and empowering youth. This support was made possible through the success of "The Best of Broadway" fundraising concert, co-organized by RC Makati and RC Makati Premier District and produced by PP Eddie. The Sisters of Mary is renowned for its work in establishing Boystowns and Girlstowns which serve as boarding schools for deserving students from impoverished backgrounds. The institution provides comprehensive support, including food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and quality secondary education focused on a technical-vocational curriculum, all free of charge. Aside from the support to the Sisters of Mary, the two other beneficiary organizations which the concert had supported were: Dualtech, where the Club sponsored 15 scholars, and facilitated the procurement of modern CNC equipment for a global grant; and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, where the Club funded two SuPEER Heroes programs, one at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati and another at STI in Pampanga. The third site will be at the Sisters of Mary.

Two is better than one. No truer is that adage when the RC Makati and Medilines, Inc. joined forces and collaborated on the Adopt an Angel project of the San Pedro Calungsod Parish in Poblacion, Muntinlupa. The intrepid team of RC Makati led by PE Keith Harrison, PN Eddie Galvez, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, incoming Director Boy Arteche, and PP Louie Aseoche went to Muntinlupa on May 8 to visit the parish and meet the beneficiaries of the Adopt An Angel Project. Joining them were Ms. Maria Patricia Villar-Yambing, CEO of Mediline, and Karen Nillo. During the short program, messages were given by Rev. Fr. Willie Ramos, PE Keith and Ms. Patricia -- all expressing gratefulness for the opportunity to render service and help the marginalized. The Club turned over two months' supply of chocolate drinks and powdered milk for the 146 special children in need. Medilines, on the other hand, provided fifteen (15) wheelchairs requested by the parish, to the needy special kids. The connection with Medilines was bridged through PP Louie, an independent director of said company which provides quality medical equipment in the country. The request from San Pedro Calungsod was coursed through Pres. Bing Matoto by Fr. Willie who was the Chaplain when he made a pilgrimage trip to the Holy Land.ector in the company while the request from San Pedro Calungsod was coursed through Pres. Bing Matoto, who knew Fr. Willie as their Chaplain in a pilgrimage trip to the Holy Land.

A small band of RCM golfers gathered to have one last chance to qualify for the 2023-24 Tournament of Champions. President Bing Matoto led the team including Dir. Johnny Ang, Leo de Leon, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Bitoy Lon, IPP Michael Escaler and PE Keith Harrison. We were there to take on the South course at Canlubang Golf Club. To qualify, a team needs to finish in the top three on the day aggregating the top four scores of members in the team. This time we made it!! Finishing second in the, all important, team competition. The day itself was extremely well organized by RC Makati Premier District (with some kind support from our own Angie and Rhia). The organizers gave us breakfast, carts, caddies, golf draw gifts, major lucky draw prizes, ice cold saki (and beer), a fantastic buffet lunch, live entertainment, a golf course in very good condition given the dry conditions, a welcoming and fun experience and so much more. I think we can safely say the best organized of the 4 Governor’s Cup competitions this Rotary year (nothing to do with us playing well enough to qualify)!! We had notable individual prizes being won. President Bing was second runner up in the Class C competition. Rodrigo was first runner up in the Class A competition with a Gross 79. Many congratulations to both of you, rumor has it you have already been invited to join the Professional Senior Tour! Special mention also to Johnny who shot an excellent 82. In addition to the golf, Pres Bing recruited the performer to sing at our recent Friday Night Lights (good decision) and I won a raffle prize. Ang galing nating that day!! So now on to the serious matter of the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills on 24 May 2024. Beating the current holders, RC Makati-West, will not be easy but with the expected arrival of new RCM team golf shirts (currently prototypes are going though final modelling by Gov Pepz) and a strong member turnout we can look forward to the finals with much confidence. Fore!!!!