As part of its continuing commitment to youth development through Vocational Service, RC Makati once again conducted its annual Career Guidance Seminar for Grade 10 students of Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. Held on March 27, the activity brought together 150 Grade 10 students for an inspiring and informative session designed to help them gain a clearer perspective on their future career paths and professional aspirations. Career Guidance remains one of RC Makati’s core projects under Vocational Service, providing young students with valuable exposure to the realities of professional life. Through this initiative, Rotarians and invited speakers share practical insights, personal experiences, and lessons from their respective careers to guide students as they prepare for senior high school and beyond. The seminar was facilitated by the Club’s sponsored Interact Club, with full support from RC Makati through the provision of meals, logistical requirements, and overall event coordination. Prior to the program, a courtesy call was made to the school’s newly appointed principal, Dr. Emi Cajigal, to formally introduce the activity and strengthen partnership with the school. The program proper was emceed by Interact Club Pres. Sam Chavez together with Interactor Nap Cordoviz. It opened with a prayer led by Interact Club Vice Pres. Kyle Resurrection, followed by a warm welcome message from Dr. Cajigal, who expressed her appreciation for the initiative and its relevance to the students. Pres. Eddie Galvez delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing that the seminar was not merely an informational session but an opportunity to help shape the students’ future. He encouraged them to learn from the speakers’ real-life experiences, including the challenges they encountered along the way. Acknowledging the uncertainty that many students feel at this stage, he reassured them that such feelings are normal and urged them to remain resilient, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams with determination. He also highlighted the importance of dreaming big—not only for themselves, but also for their families, community, and the nation. New Gen Youth Service Dir. Patrick Parungao followed with his own message, encouraging the students to embrace uncertainty as part of their journey. He reminded them that it is okay not to have everything figured out yet, and that growth comes from exploring different interests and learning from both success and failure. He also emphasized the importance of choosing a path with purpose and building strong character anchored on integrity, discipline, and kindness. The resource speakers were introduced by Club Adviser Mrs. Arlene Okuma, after which the series of talks proceeded seamlessly. Rtn. Ric Gindap, Creative Director and Chief Strategist of Design for Tomorrow, shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to building a career in the creative industry. He spoke about the realities of pursuing a creative path—highlighting both its challenges and its rewards—and encouraged students to stay grounded, embrace failure, and remain committed to continuous learning. Baby Rtn. Art Villafuerte, Surgeon and Vice President of Mindoro Medical Center, discussed the importance of making informed and practical career decisions. He advised students to consider not only their interests but also the long-term relevance of their chosen fields. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized perseverance, focus, and the ability to turn challenges into motivation. Rtn. Iggy Martinez, CEO of three companies under V3, Inc., shared his journey from corporate employment to entrepreneurship. He underscored the value of discipline, work ethics, and consistency, noting that success is built over time. He reassured students that it is normal to feel uncertain and encouraged them to explore different paths while staying committed to their goals. Rtn. Ken Vergano, Vice President of UnionBank, concluded the series of talks by sharing his professional journey in the banking and finance industry. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning, patience, and perseverance in achieving career growth. He also reminded students to maintain balance in life and to trust in God’s guidance throughout their journey. An engaging plenary Q&A session followed, allowing students to interact directly with the speakers and gain further insights. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the speakers, which included baskets of freshly harvested vegetables from the school garden. This activity highlights the strong engagement of the Interact Club of Gen Pio DPNHS, which has remained active since its reactivation during the term of PP Michael Escaler in RY 2022-2023, through the initiative of Rtn. Tony Lopez. Beyond organizing activities such as this Career Guidance Seminar, Interactors continue to participate in various Club projects, including tree planting activities in Marikina Watershed and UPLBFI in Quezon, as well as feeding and mental health awareness programs. Through initiatives like this, the Club, together with its Interact partners, continues to invest in the development of young leaders by guiding them as they take their first steps toward shaping their future.

Whenever a project calls for our presence—or when there is an opportunity to witness its progress firsthand—RC Makati makes it a point to be represented so that we can see the impact on the ground. In line with this commitment, the Club sent Dir. Patrick & Mitzi Parungao, incoming Dir. Bom Villatuya, and PE Chris Ferareza, who joined Dir. Philip Soliven, a member of the board of Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), in the recent Insider Trip held in Sorsogon for Wave 11 of the Feed Back Program. The first batch, which arrived on the morning of February 27 in Legazpi, was immediately transported to Bulusan Lake for a paddle boat race with members of the community, followed by a traditional boodle lunch. In the afternoon, the insiders met with barangay leaders to review and validate the Feed Back Reunion Plans and Presentation, before capping the day with a welcome dinner at Siama Hotel. The following day, February 28, PE Chris was able to join the group, while Dir. Philip had to leave early for another appointment. This day marked the main event of the Insider Trip, highlighted by the Grand Feed Back Exchange, followed by the Ancestral Cooking Contest Presentation and the Pantomina Dance Contest. It was during this segment that the RC Makati representatives were able to personally witness how the vegetable exchange system takes place within the community and even participate in some of the activities and groundwork involved in the process. The Feed Back Project was first introduced to RC Makati by DS Louie Aseoche in RY 2021–22, in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). Its mission is to establish sustainable neighborhood vegetable exchange programs in rural communities, empowering families to grow and share food while strengthening community bonds. Previous waves have been successfully implemented in Bay, Laguna; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Inabanga, Bohol; and Reina Mercedes, Isabela, with remarkable success—95% of participating families continue to grow their own produce. The project has likewise earned national recognition, receiving 1st Runner-Up in the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY 2023–24. This Rotary year, the Club has extended its support to three communities in Sorsogon, further expanding the reach and impact of this meaningful sustainability initiative. The Insider Trip gave partners and supporters the opportunity to personally witness the positive outcomes of the program within the community. Participants were able to engage with beneficiary families, observe the progress of the backyard farming initiatives, and gain a deeper appreciation of how the project continues to empower households toward food security and long-term sustainability.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bg10Cm_XDWoyp8yCFW3g6ZhQI2hLUARb/view?usp=sharing

The Rotary Club of Makati marks a historic milestone with the first graduation of RC Makati AI Academy, honoring 70 scholars as Certified AI Practitioners. On February 28, 2026, Rotary didn’t just graduate a class—it launched ethical builders of the nation’s digital future.

Rotary Club of Makati 60th Charter Anniversary on March 13, 2026 at Marriott Grand Ballroom.

After eight months of rigorous screening and evaluation, the Rotary Club of Makati culminated the Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards (PHYLA) 2025 with a grand Gala Awards Night held on January 30 in Makati City, honoring three outstanding young Filipino leaders whose work exemplifies service, leadership, and social impact.

As part of the Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards, the Top 10 finalists powered through an action-packed two-day boot camp and team-building experience designed to level up their leadership skills, strengthen their initiatives, and expand their impact in the communities they serve. Organized by IPP Keith Harrison and facilitated by Rodrigo & Marie Segura, together with Dir. Roger Collantes, the boot camp featured high-energy, hands-on sessions, dynamic collaboration, and real-world insights that pushed the finalists to think bigger, lead bolder, and act with purpose. Beyond skills training, the experience opened doors to mentorship, meaningful connections, and valuable networking—building a strong community of young leaders ready to create lasting change.

RC Makati's Christmas Party, December 9, 2025 at the Manila Polo Club

"When Super Typhoon Uwan struck Catanduanes, it left massive flooding and thousands of families struggling to rebuild their lives. In response, the Rotary Club of Makati swiftly mobilized its Hope Mission, bringing essential aid and a message of solidarity to the hardest-hit communities." "On November 16, the gutsy team led by President Eddie Galvez, along with PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos, and CoS Ron, flew to Virac for a full day of humanitarian work. They were warmly welcomed by RC Virac’s delegation, led by President Ednalyn San Ramon, before a quick lunch at Lucky Hotel while awaiting the arrival of District 3820 and the relief goods." "After navigating nearly two hours of challenging roads, the team arrived at St. Isidore Parish in Gigmoto, where Bishop Luisito Audal Occiano celebrated a special Mass, acknowledging the partnership between the Rotary teams and the local community. "The moment Mass concluded, the team sprang into action. President Eddie climbed onto the truck to rearrange relief goods, PN Chris managed the distribution line, and Nicky oversaw registration to ensure every family received their aid efficiently. In Gigmoto alone, 1,000 families received food packs from District 3820, along with beddings donated by St. Giles Hotel." "After a long but rewarding day, the team traveled to Baras, a town still without electricity, where 800 families waited for much-needed assistance. President Eddie shared words of encouragement, while PN Chris offered hope, drawing from his own experience surviving a major typhoon. Relief items—including mats, blankets, and slippers generously provided by Taba Samson—were distributed with care and compassion, coordinated with Mayor Paolo Teves and DS Louie Aseoche." "The mission continued the following day, extending assistance to 300 families in Barangay Pagsangahan, San Miguel, in partnership with St. Therese Parish and Fr. Raymund Teodones. Strong collaboration with RC Virac, District 3820 led by DGN Japps Callos, and RC Makati’s daughter club, RC AIM, made this possible." "This mission was more than delivering goods—it was delivering hope. In every community visited, RC Makati reminded families that they are not alone. Together, with Rotary partners and volunteers, they stand ready to lend a hand, helping communities rise, rebuild, and recover."

It was another Mission Impossible kind of moment for the Rotary Club of Makati — the mission: to deliver much-needed medical services to families in Ilocos Sur before a looming super typhoon could strike. On November 7, the RC Makati team led by President Eddie Galvez, together with PN/Director Chris Ferareza, Community Service B Director Michael Hsu, and Anns Mitzi Parungao and Meg Rivilla, flew to Laoag and made their way to Vigan for a medical mission the following day.

October 24, 2025 | RC Makati Clubhouse