Mission Accomplished: 60th Induction Ball

On July 11, the historic Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila became the site of this high-stakes operation. The ballroom was packed—wall to wall with agents of goodwill, partners in service, and our ever-supportive Anns. The program? Sharp. Engaging. No dead air. Speeches inspired more than applause—they provoked thought, reflection, and purpose. The food? Top secret recipe: delicious and disarming.

Leading the mission was our new President, Eddie Galvez, backed by his elite team of officers and agents, with the ceremony expertly navigated by Induction Chaircouple Neil & Camille Makasiar and his adviser DS Louie Aseoche ensured every detail was mission-ready.

The program started on the dot, as expected from a Club that runs like clockwork. In true RC Makati tradition, the lechon parade made its grand entrance, followed by the ceremonial carving. Leading the ritual was PP Freddie Borromeo, who explained that the carving must begin from the head and move to the tail—symbolizing friendship that flourishes from beginning to end. Joining him at the carving were Pres. Eddie, DG Reggie Nolido, and IPP Keith Harrison, completing the honorary lineup for this beloved tradition.

The formal program emceed by Rtn. Andre de Jesus alongside Patrixia Santos, began with an invocation led by PP Fred Parungao, who offered gratitude for the Club’s blessings—its resources and properties that enable service, the gift of leadership, a high-performing admin staff, and committed members. He asked for divine guidance for President Eddie and the new Board: to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and show compassion for those in need.

Up next was the welcome remarks from Chaircouple Neil & Camille Makasiar, who—tongue-in-cheek—shared a golden rule of RC Makati: “If you are given a task, the only answer is: Yes, Sir!” A message delivered with wit, charm, and the quiet authority of two people who had just executed one of the most memorable Inductions in recent history.

Then came the delicate operation of acknowledging dignitaries, district officers, and sister and brother clubs—dutifully handled by PDG Pepz Bengzon. What might be daunting for most was delivered with the cool composure and polish of a seasoned operative. For him, it was just another routine execution.

Dinner was no ordinary affair. It began with a surprise entrance of waiters, dressed in crisp white and sporting dark sunglasses—looking every bit like secret agents on a covert mission. With synchrony and flair, they delivered plates to the tables with military-like precision, drawing amused applause from the audience. As the guests dove into the delectable courses, The Plug Band performed live to whet everyone’s appetite—a musical teaser to the high-energy party that would follow the formal program.

Then came the inspiring speeches. Introduced by PDG Sid Garcia, DG Reggie Nolido took the stage and, without hesitation, declared: “Ang galing-galing ng RC Makati!” He highlighted the Club’s many accomplishments with pride—but also noted how it remained grounded and humble, to the playful jeers and laughter from the crowd.

This was followed by the recognition of 43 Paul Harris Fellows, led by PDG Tony Quila. Each awardee, symbolizing a deep commitment to The Rotary Foundation and its global mission, was individually recognized. Among them were: Pres. Eddie Galvez under the name of his late brother, Francis Galvez, and for his children Beatriz and Nathan; PP Keith Harrison, Anton Alcantara, PDG Sid Garcia, Neil Makasiar, Yaron Hahami, Michael del Carmen, Gov. Reggie Nolido, PP Carlo Rufino, PDG Pepz Bengzon, Makoto Numata, Dir. Derrick Tan, Dir. CB Rivilla IV, PP Roland Young, Peter Manzano, Johnny Sy, PP Tito Panlilio, Paquito Dizon, Ann Luli de Leon, Andrew Prieto, Philip Soliven, Dir. Michael Hsu, PN Chris Ferareza, PP/DS Louie Aseoche, PP Bimbo Mills, Amb. Melvin Castelino, Arthur Antonino, PP Fred Pascual, Johnson Tan, Freddie Placino, PP Bing Matoto, Winston Uy, PE Howie Calleja, PP Michael Escaler, Dir. Roger Collantes, Rante Aguila, PP Eddie Yap, PP JunJun Dayrit, George Barcelon, James Bosch, AJ Violago and Mon Diokno.

Then came one of the night’s major highlights. Introduced by BIR Commissioner Jun Lumagui, himself a proud member of RC Makati, Hon. Alfredo “Ben” S. Caguioa, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, took to the stage. With wit and charm, he reflected on the Rotary Four-Way Test — delivered earlier by PP Bing Matoto — as it applies to public service, emphasizing that public servants must remember they are there to serve, not to be served.

The evening then transitioned into the formal induction ceremony. The emcee presented the incoming directors, officers, and advisers, who stood ready to take the mantle of leadership. PP Jun-Jun Darit administered the charging of the Board, followed by the swearing-in of the new Board by DG Reggie Nolido. The symbolic turnover of leadership was meaningfully annotated by PDG Tony Quila, marking a seamless and dignified transfer of responsibility and trust.

One of the night’s most anticipated highlights came next. DS Louie Aseoche was tasked with introducing the new president and he delivered the introduction with trademark wit. He jokingly noted that the basis for the profile was a one-page résumé—triple-spaced—true to President Eddie’s style as a man of few words. Beyond the formal accomplishments, DS Louie gave a more personal perspective, highlighting Eddie’s role as the presumptive leader of the Barcino group, a not-so-secret circle within RC Makati whose members, like dominoes, eventually find themselves becoming Club President. He also shared fun trivia—Eddie loves dancing and golf, though he’s unsure whether either loves him back. DS Louie ended on a heartfelt note, saying that in this milestone 60th year, it was a cosmic design and divine guidance that led to Eddie’s presidency—a leader who will carry forward the excellence RC Makati is known for.

Pres. Eddie Galvez then took center stage and delivered his inaugural speech—sincere, heartfelt, and humble. He began by expressing thanks: to his classmates who remain close friends, to the Galvez family, to his Rotary classmates, and to the members and Anns of RC Makati, who, he joked, had “penalized” him with the presidency. He gave special thanks to the organizers of the Induction Ball, and saved his most tender appreciation for his “hun” Trina Galvez, and their children, Nathan and Bea.

He honored the rich legacy of the Club and its past leaders, acknowledging how each has built upon the other to make the Club what it is today. Looking forward, he outlined two key initiatives he intends to pursue this year: the AI Academy—which will provide underprivileged youth access to tech-forward education—and a project focused on Human Trafficking and Online Abuse.

He closed with a moving insight: that in every project they take on, members often find that they are the ones transformed. “It is us who are uplifted,” he shared, “and in the process, we uplift humanity as a whole.”

As a continuation of a tradition which started during the presidency of DS Louie Aseoche, the Induction Ball once again featured a mini-movie presentation, this year with a thrilling Mission Impossible theme. The film was cleverly carved into the program in three parts. The first part, shown before the Call to Order, featured Agent 0059 aka IPP Keith receiving his mission to recruit none other than Ethan Hunt, a.k.a. Pres. Eddie, to become the next President of RC Makati. The second part aired just before the turnover ceremony, portraying the official passing of missions to Pres. Eddie. The final installment, screened immediately after his inaugural speech, concluded with the successful delivery of the Club’s banner and gavel—mission accomplished.

With the final mission clip concluding, the program, superbly engineered by ActsEvents Management, transitioned into full celebration mode with a three-part dance number performed by the Members and Anns. Choreographed to entertain and inspire, the performance was filled with energy, humor, and heart—showcasing the Club’s vibrant camaraderie.

Then came the party—spirited, loud, and unforgettable. Laughter filled the ballroom, the dance floor came alive, and the night turned into morning in the best way possible. As tradition dictates, the celebration didn’t end there. The presidential breakfast capped off the festivities, with champorado and pares served hot and hearty—refueling guests and feeding the night with even more energy.

Mission One—Completed.

The agents have assembled. The course is set.

And if the 60th Induction Ball was any indication—this Rotary year is going to be legendary.