RC Makati Brings Christmas Joy to Over 3,600 Children Through Last Angel 2025

Rotary service knows no season, and the Rotary Club of Makati proved this once again with its Last Angel Project 2025, the Club’s flagship Christmas gift-giving initiative. This year, the projecttouched the lives of 3,657 children across 42 sites, composed of 11 schools, 19 communities, 4 parishes, and 8 centers and orphanages.

Led by IPFA Rachel Harrison as this year’s Chair, continuing the tradition where the immediate past First Anns take the lead, Last Angel 2025 mobilized Rotarians, families, and partners throughout the holiday season to deliver hope and joy to children from various sectors of society. The project generated a total of P1,155,962.00 in donations, consisting of P1,060,750.00 in cash and P95,212.00 in in-kind contributions, reflecting the Club’s sustained commitment to this annual initiative.

Beyond the joy of receiving Christmas gifts, Last Angel 2025 carried a deeper purpose—one that nurtured not only happiness, but also awareness, values, and protection for children. What set this year’s project apart was the thoughtful inclusion of the storybook “Beware the Snake,” created and generously donated by Ann Angela Garcia. The book addresses the sensitive yet critical issue of personal space, boundaries, and sexual harassment, written in a child-friendly and tactful manner.

Complementing this advocacy, IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison took time during several activities to introduce the children to Rotary and its mission, as well as the Four-Way Test, explaining it as a simple yet meaningful guide for making ethical and kind decisions in everyday life—principles that the children can carry with them as they grow.

The series of gift-giving activities began on November 29, in Intramuros, Manila, where 120 children from San Agustin Parish received Christmas gifts. These children are also beneficiaries of the Club’s Feeding Program in partnership with Caritas Manila. The activity was attended by DS/PP Louie and Tess Aseoche, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, FA Trina Galvez, Dir. Michael Hsu, Boy Arteche and Ken & Yam Vergaño.

As December unfolded, beginning on the first day of the month, the Club reached Pililia and Tanay, Rizal, distributing gifts to 75 students of Hulo Elementary School in Pililia and 100 students of Rawang Elementary School in Tanay. These learners are likewise enrolled in the Club’s Feeding Program in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi. The activity was led by Pres. Eddie Galvez, together with PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, Dir. Michael Hsu, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, and Dir. Patrick Parungao.

The following activities took place on December 3, in Manila, where 80 children from the GK Smokey Mountain community received Christmas gifts and slippers. Each child was also treated to a Jollibee meal courtesy of PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit. The activity was attended by IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison and PP JunJun Dayrit.

On December 4, multiple gift-giving activities were conducted in Makati City. The Club visited the Makati City Social Development Center, where 20 children, and the Makati Youth Home, where 20 teenage boys, beneficiaries of the Club’s Bantay Bata Program, received gifts selected based on their wish lists, including clothing and toys. Pack meals were also provided for the children and staff, along with copies of the storybook “Beware the Snake”. This activity was attended by Pres. Eddie Galvez, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, and Rtn. AiAi Galvez.

On the same day, the Club also visited Bahay Maria Foundation in Bel-Air Village, Makati, where 20 orphaned children received toys, pack meals for both children and staff, and copies of “Beware the Snake.” Those present included Pres. Eddie Galvez, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, Rtn. AiAi Galvez, Brian Liu, Ann Brin Panlilio, and Tessie Amparo.

Gift-giving continued on December 5, in Quezon City, where 60 SPED learners of New Era Elementary School in Tandang Sora received Christmas gifts and copies of “Beware the Snake.” The activity was attended by Pres. Eddie Galvez, PDG Pepz Bengzon, and Last Angel Chair Rachel Harrison. On the same day, the Club also visited the Laura Vicuña Foundation in Cubao, where 25 young girls received rubber shoes, including futsal shoes based on their wish lists, as many of them actively play softball. The activity was attended by Rtn. Paquito Dizon, Nicky Ramos, Rachel Harrison, and Marie Segura.

On December 6, the Club held several outreach activities. In Makati City, 50 children from the YMCA Makati community, in partnership with Lazarus Kitchen, received gifts and pairs of slippers donated by Rtn. Taba and Baby Samson. This activity was attended by IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, FA Trina Galvez, and Ann Menchit Ordoveza. In Muntinlupa City, 50 children from Villa Cupang and 110 children from Sitio San Roque, in partnership with Bolanday for Kids, received Christmas gifts and copies of “Beware the Snake.” Attendees included IPP Keith Harrison, FA Trina Galvez, and Ann Angela Garcia.

On December 7, in Makati City, 75 children living inside the Manila South Cemetery, who are also beneficiaries of the Club’s Book Reading Program with St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, received Christmas gifts and slippers. The activity was attended by IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, PP JunJun Dayrit, and brother Iggy with wife Eleonor Dayrit. On the same day, a larger gathering was held for 200 children from the Club’s adopted communities, RCC Bukluran and Happy Barangay of Guadalupe Viejo, where children also enjoyed Jollibee meals in addition to their gifts. Those present included Pres. Eddie Galvez, DG Reggie and FL Sue Nolido, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, DS/PP Louie Aseoche, Dir. Derrick and Jane Tan, Winston and Adette Uy, and Boy Arteche.

On December 11, the Club visited San Juan Nepomuceno School in Malibay, Pasay, bringing gifts to 198 learners. The activity was attended by IPFA Rachel Harrison, together with friend Jed, Ann Vicky Cantada, Rtn. Nicky Ramos, Rtn. Art Villafuerte, and Una Capitulo.

Activities on December 12, included a visit to Stepping Stone School of Excellence in Paranaque City, where 121 SPED learners received gifts. The occasion also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and the turnover of P600,000 worth of scholarship support for students of the institution. The activity was attended by IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, PP Rene and Lu Limjoco, and Dir. Paolo Turno. On the same day, the Club also visited Tahanan ng Pagmamahal in Brgy. Sagad, Pasig City, where 55 children received clothing based on their wish lists. Rtn. Bom and Amy Villatuya, together with their daughter Aurora, also brought fruits and food items for the center. Additionally, 11 children of the Rotary Club of Makati Secretariat staff received gifts under the project.

On December 13, gift-giving activities were held in Taguig City and Quezon City. In Gawad Kalinga Laura Drive, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig, 70 children received toys and slippers, with Pres. Eddie Galvez, FA Trina Galvez, and PP Bing Matoto in attendance. In GK Tatalon, Quezon City, 80 children received gifts, slippers, storybooks, and Jollibee meals. The activity was attended by PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, their granddaughter Marga, brother Iggy and wife Eleonor Dayrit, Nicky Ramos, Mayette Pascual, and Una Capitulo.

On December 14, the Club conducted activities in Manila, starting with 70 children at Luneta Park in partnership with Bolanday Cooking for Kids, attended by Pres. Eddie and FA Trina Galvez, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, PP Bing Matoto, Dir. Andy Mañalac, Boy Arteche, and Iñigo and Angela Garcia with their children. Another activity followed for 83 children from the Sta. Elena Chapel Mission Station in Sta. Mesa, attended by IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, Ferdie and Menchit Ordoveza with son Jaime, Dir. Paolo and Christine Turno with daughter Xia, and Ken and Yam Vergaño.

On December 15, the Club visited Makabata School Foundation in Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, where 137 learners received gifts, slippers, and copies of “Beware the Snake.” Ann Brin Panlilio also extended cash gifts to high school students, teachers, and school personnel. The activity was attended by IPP Keith Harrison and Ann Brin Panlilio. On the same day, the Club extended support to 120 children in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, in partnership with Rotary Club of Narvacan.

On December 16, a major activity was held at Marillac Hills Training Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa, where 150 female residents received school supplies, art materials, slippers, and copies of “Beware the Snake.” The Club also partnered with the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) to conduct an art workshop for student art enthusiasts. Attendees included PP Bing Matoto with daughter Patricia and granddaughter Mayumi, Last Angel Chair Rachel Harrison, PP Bimbo and Queenie Mills, Dir. Patrick and Mitzi Parungao with their son Javi, Dir. Boy Arteche, Iñigo and Angela Garcia, Rodrigo and Marie Segura, Dir. Roger and Rina Collantes, Dir. Andy Mañalac, Neil Makasiar, and Ann Meg Rivilla. On the same day, 120 dependents of PNP Makati personnel received gifts, cupcakes, and inipit sandwiches courtesy of DS Louie Aseoche, with DS Louie Aseoche, Boy Arteche, and Ann Christine Turno in attendance.

On December 17, in Manila, 105 learners from the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, the Club’s partner for the Teaching the Deaf to Speak Program, received Christmas gifts and slippers. The activity was attended by Dir. Paolo and Christine Turno and Nicky Ramos. Another activity followed in Longos, Malabon, where 60 children from the community of St. Claire of Assisi Parish received toys and slippers, attended by Ann Christine Turno and Nicky Ramos.

On December 20, gift-giving activities were conducted in Taguig City, benefiting 70 children from GK CWC and 65 children from GK Jack n’ Jill in Brgy. Pinagsama. Each child received toys and slippers. The activity was attended by Dir. Philip Soliven, Boy Arteche, and Philip Edwards with daughters Kianna and Trinly.

On December 21, the Club visited GK Sunshineville in Talon Dos, Las Piñas City, where 90 children received Christmas gifts and Jollibee meals courtesy of PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, with Pres. Eddie Galvez, PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit in attendance. On the same day, 50 children from Taytay, Rizal received gifts under the Merry Little Hands Project of RAC Makati led by Pres. Jover Acebuche.

On December 22, 160 children from the Kharisma Mission Station in Malabon City received Christmas gifts, slippers, and Jollibee meals courtesy of the Panlilio family. The activity was attended by Dir. Paolo and Christine Turno, Rtns. Nicky Ramos and Art Villafuerte, and Ann Brin Panlilio with her children and grandchildren.

The year-long Christmas outreach continued on December 27 in Parañaque City, where 164 children from Rotary Homes Par 1 and 148 children from Rotary Homes Par 3 received gifts. In partnership with RC Parañaque St. Andrew, the Club also distributed media noche packages to the residents. The activity was attended by Pres. Eddie and FA Trina Galvez with children Nathan and Bea, Treas. Leo de Leon with daughter Cristina, and Rtn. Aaron Mempin.

Even after the Christmas season had ended, the Club continued to spread joy and goodwill. On January 17, 100 children from Happy Land, Tondo, Manila received gifts and slippers, with the activity attended by IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, Boy Arteche, and Ken and Yam Vergaño.

In addition to the gifts provided by the Club, shoebox gifts were also distributed through the generosity of FA Trina Galvez. These shoebox gifts were lovingly prepared and donated by the students of Acacia Waldorf School in Sta. Elena, Laguna.

The initiative followed the “Fill a Shoebox” concept, encouraging children to share new or pre-loved clothing they had outgrown or wished to give to another child for Christmas. To personalize each gift, the students also included handmade Christmas cards, wrapped the boxes, and labeled them according to age and gender.

With additional activities scheduled, including visits to White Cross Orphanage on January 21, Feeding Program beneficiaries in Pateros on February 13, St. Rita Orphanage in Parañaque on February 23, three schools in Calatagan, Batangas and Rotary Homes Muntinlupa (TBA), the Last Angel 2025 project continues to extend its reach beyond the Christmas season.

Special thanks are extended to the generous Rotarians and Anns whose donations in cash and in kind made Last Angel 2025 possible. Their continued support, generosity, and active participation enabled the Club to bring joy and meaningful assistance to thousands of children and communities. Pres. Eddie & FA Trina Galvez, IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison, PP David Ackerman, Rante Aguila, Anton & Kathleen Alcantara, PP Fidel Alfonso, Felix & Grace Ang, Johnny & Christina Ang, Arthur & DItas Antonino, Henry & Marga Aquende, Boy Arteche, DS Louie & Tess Aseoche, George & Irene Barcelon, PDG Pepz Bengzon, PP Freddie & Jojo Borromeo, James & Jenny Bosch, Gani & Teody Buenaflor, PE Howie & Marla Calleja, PP Cesar Campos, Chito & Vicky Cantada, Melvin Castelino, Dir. Roger & Rina Collantes, PP JunJun & Cecille Dayrit, Nikko & Paula Dayrit, Mike & Dada del Carmen, PP Carlos & Mariza Del Rosario, Ray & Sasha del Rosario, Treas. Leo & Luli de Leon, Mon Diokno, Paquito & Joyce Dizon, Andrew & Celine Escaler, PP Michael & Papat Escaler, PN Chris Ferareza, Iñigo & Angela Garcia, PDG Sid & Tesha Garcia, Tetu & Rissa Garcia, Glenn & Cristine Gatuslao, Ric Gindap, Shav Halley, Michael & Chi Ying Hsu, Julian & Julienne Lim, PP Rene & Lu Limjoco,Don Lino, Brian & Kathy Liu, Bitoy & Patricia Lon, Tony & Melanie Lopez, Wash & Pizza Lou, Neil & Camille Makasiar, PP Peter & Pam Manzano, Dir. Andy & Joanne Mañalac, Iggy Martinez, PP Conrad & Chit Marty, PP Bing Matoto, PP Bimbo & Queenie Mills, David & Renalyn Nithyananthan, Gov Reggie & FL Sue Ann Nolido, Manny & Rose Padiernos, PP Tito & Brin Panlilio, PP Fred & Mely Parungao, Dir. Patrick & Mitzi Parungao, PP Fred & Menchu Pascual, Freddie & Aly Placino, Regi & Cey Ponferrada, Andrew & Myda Prieto, Carlos Prieto, PDG Tony & Angela Quila, Martin Revita, Dir. CB & Meg Rivilla, Ed Rojas, PP Carlo & Cat Rufino, PP Charlie & Chinit Rufino, Taba & Baby Samson, Rodrigo & Marie Segura, Dir/Sec Philip & Mita Soliven, PP Willie Soong, Johnny & Nancy Sy, Dir. Derrick & Jane Tan, Johnson & Eleonor Tan, Wilson & Gina Tan, Jolyon & Menchu Tiglao, Dir. Paolo & Christine Turno, Winston & Adette Uy, PP Reuben & Mimi Valerio, Ken & Yam Vergaño, Bom & Amy Villatuya, AJ Violago, PP Eddie & Dellie Yap, Carlo & Joy Ybañez, Warren & Kathy Yu, Tessie Amparo, Yvonne Kuan, Ev Galve, Et Librea, Jean Chavez and Dely Fernandez.