Fun and Art Sunday in Luneta with the Interactors

A nother heartwarming outreach activity unfolded on April 6, 2025, as the RC Makati, in collaboration with the Interact Club of Gen. Pio Del Pilar National High School,gathered for a meaningful service project at Burnham Green, Luneta Park, Manila. By 7:00 AM, fifteen eager Interactors, accompanied by their dedicated Club Adviser, Mrs. Arlene Okuma, boarded the RC Makati-sponsored van at their school, joined by RCM Pres. Keith Harrison, for a morning of fellowship, play, and purpose.Upon their arrival at Luneta, the group was warmly welcomed by New Gen Youth Service Dir. Boy Arteche, Rtn. Nikko Dayrit, and the Bolanday for Kids team, led by Ms. Ida Arreza. Bolanday for Kids, a long-time partner program supported by RC Makati, regularly hosts outreach activities to uplift underprivileged children in the community. For the Interactors, this initiative offered a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the beneficiaries of RC Makati’s service programs and gain firsthand experience in community service.

The morning’s activities kicked off with brief introductions between the Bolanday children and the Interactors, setting a cheerful tone for the day. Pres. Keith and Rtn. Nikko led a lively game of softball, where the joyful energy of both groups lit up the park. This was followed by rounds of traditional Filipino games and spirited badminton matches, creating an atmosphere of laughter, camaraderie, and inclusivity. Shifting from physical activities to artistic expression, the group then gathered for a painting workshop led by Ann Angela Garcia and her guest artist, Ms. Tates Cannon. With warmth and encouragement, they guided the children through an art session that celebrated creativity, self-expression, and confidence. The activity not only engaged the children’s imaginations but also fostered deeper bonds between the Interactors and the young participants.

As noon approached, everyone came together to share a hearty lunch of pork giniling and rice, lovingly prepared by Bolanday volunteers. In a moment of joy and generosity, RC Makati distributed toys to the Bolanday children—gifts from the Club’s Last Angel gift-giving project, bringing smiles and excitement to the young faces.

Before concluding their Luneta visit, the Interactors gathered for group photos at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, a symbolic stop that paid tribute to the national hero and celebrated the spirit of service, youth leadership, and patriotism. Following this, the Interactors enjoyed a a short tour of Intramuros, also sponsored by RC Makati, before returning to their school via the Club’s service van. This outreach program not only provided moments of joy, learning, and meaningful connection for the Interactors and the Bolanday children but also reinforced the RC Makati’s mission of nurturing compassion, leadership, and community service among the youth.

RC Makati has committed P200,000 to support Bolanday’s Sunday Food n’ Book Program in Luneta for one year—a combined feeding and literacy initiative targeting underprivileged children. The program provides nourishing meals and engaging reading sessions for up to 100 children from Grades 1 to 3, addressing both hunger and learning gaps. Beyond weekly support, the initiative also serves as a platform for identifying deserving students for Bolanday’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP), offering them a pathway to continued academic support..

The Interact Club of Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School, sponsored by RC Makati, was first chartered on July 15, 1999, as Makati High School – Pio del Pilar Annex. After four years of inactivity, it was rechartered on September 15, 2022, under its current name. Starting with 50 members, the club has since tripled in size, now engaging 150 student members—mostly from Grades 8 and 9—in meaningful service and leadership.