RC Makati and Fairplay For All Foundation Organize Community Day for Marcus Smith

In a heartwarming fusion of sports and community service, RC Makati and the Fairplay for All Foundation recently hosted a memorable Community Day in Payatas, Quezon City. The event, which drew together more than 30 children aged 13 and under, featured Rugby and Futsal clinics that showcased the transformative power of sports in inspiring and uplifting young lives. Leading the RC Makati delegation were Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison, joined by DGE Reggie Nolido, PP JunJun Dayrit, IPP Bing Matoto, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, CB Rivilla, Jay Savage, and Paolo Turno. The event was headlined by Marcus Smith, a renowned international Rugby star, and Ronalyn Lagata, a futsal standout who has leveraged sports to rise above poverty. Marcus Smith shared his skills and experiences with the eager young participants. Ronalyn, supported by her team and Fairplay for All Foundation co-founder Roy Moore, also played an active role in coaching the children, further emphasizing the impact that sports can have in changing lives. The event was graced by dignitaries such as Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines, and DG Prescy Yulo. Other special guests included Marcus Smith’s mother, Suzanne, and his brothers Luc and Tomas. The event’s success was further supported by Neil Gene, a close family friend of the Smiths, who played a key role in organizing the event for the day. Adding to the excitement, each child received a Rugby shirt courtesy of RC Makati, and a pair of shorts provided by Marcus Smith. The community was also gifted Rugby balls and tees donated by the Makati Mavericks through RC Makati member Rick Santos, ensuring that the children would continue their sports journey even after the event concluded. In his address, Pres. Keith shared the story behind the event’s conception. “Rotary, much like sports, has the power to unite people from different backgrounds, all working together to achieve a common goal. Let me share a brief background on how this event came to be. Last (Rotary) year, we held the Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards, a nationwide search for the most outstanding youth leaders. Nominations were submitted for over 70 candidates, but only 10 were recognized as finalists, including Ronalyn Lagata. Her story and her impactful work here in Payatas continue to inspire us all, earning her a special award during the Awards Night. The magic of Rotary didn’t end there; that platform allowed Ronalyn to share her story, which reached Marcus Smith. Marcus was deeply moved by Ronalyn’s story, and that is why we are all here today. This event is a testament to the Magic of Rotary (our theme for this year), and I hope it is one of many positive changes you experience in the community.” The day not only provided an opportunity for the children to learn from world-class athletes but also underscored the shared commitment of RC Makati and the Fairplay for All Foundation to make a lasting difference in the lives of the young generation.

RC Makati continued its commitment to fostering mental well-being among youth by hosting the SuPEER Heroes training program at the Sisters of Mary Girlstown in Brgy. Biga II, Silang, Cavite. In collaboration with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, this initiative was held on July 20, 21, 27, and 28, engaging 81 10th-grade students. The program aims to equip students with essential life skills to support their peers experiencing emotional distress. Split into Basic and Intermediate training, the modules covered a wide range of topics, including Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, Self-Care, Love Languages, Emotional Resilience, Communication Skills, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Basic Helping Skills, and Mental Health First Aid. The program’s launch featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RC Makati and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, accompanied by a P485K donation to NGFI. This ceremony was made memorable with a heartfelt birthday celebration for Pres. Keith Harrison by the 2,700 students clapping 65 times to celebrate his age that day. The event was attended by prominent RC Makati members, including Pres. Keith Harrison, PE Eddie Galvez, PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, Dir. Chris Ferareza, and rotarians Ronnie Siasoyco and CB Rivilla. The Basic level training began by emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-care. On the first day, topics such as Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, and Self-Care were introduced. The second day delved into understanding Love Languages, fostering meaningful relationships, and building emotional resilience. Students learned to embrace their imperfections and validate their feelings and those of others. The Intermediate level training, conducted the following weekend, focused on enhancing interpersonal relationships. It covered Basic Communication and Listening Skills, the value of Gratitude, and Mindfulness practices. Participants engaged in various mindfulness therapies to manage stress effectively. The training concluded with lessons on Basic Helping Skills and Mental Health First Aid, where students were taught empathy, respect, trustworthiness, and maintaining a non-judgmental perspective. They were equipped with tools like “Egan’s Skilled Helper Method” to help peers navigate personal challenges collaboratively. The training concluded on July 28 with a graduation ceremony. It was attended again by Pres. Keith, together with IPP Bing Matoto and Nick Matoto, PP Charlie and Chinit Rufino, featuring performances by the Sisters of Mary Girlstown’s Handbells ensemble and a dynamic dance by all students. The event also showcased a SuPEER Heroes poster-making competition, celebrating the creativity and dedication of the participants. The judges, Jean Goulbourn and IPP Bing, were faced with a difficiult decision as all 10 of the groups demonstrated beautiful artwork eloquently explained by their respective group leaders to share the story behind the art linking it to matters learned over the 4 day course. The awards were given to the top 3 (winners were Team 8). Then IPP Bing was himself honored with a birthday song, lively tune of “Celebrate Good Times”, a cake plus 77 brithday claps from all 2,700 girls. His thank you was even more loudly and excitedly received by the girls in the school – ice cream for everyone!!

The Rotary Club of Makati continues to make a significant impact through its Art Therapy Workshop for students with autism at Stepping Stone School in Parañaque. The recent 10-day workshop, which ran from June 24 to July 26, concluded with a culmination activity attended by RC Makati members, led by President Keith Harrison, along with Baby Rotarians Patrick Parungao and newly inducted member Roy Moss. The summer workshop, held every Monday and Wednesday, aimed to provide art therapy to children with special needs, fostering their creative and emotional development through a series of carefully crafted sessions. This initiative is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Makati and the Fernando Amorsolo Foundation, spearheaded by Mr. Nandy Amorsolo Lazo, the grandson of the celebrated national artist Fernando Amorsolo. The project, which began during the term of IPP Bing Matoto, is being continued by Pres. Keith Harrison, who has a strong commitment to supporting people with disabilities, especially those with autism. In his opening remarks, President Keith Harrison expressed his happiness and gratitude for a program that provides purpose and meaning to individuals with special needs, particularly through art. He emphasized the importance of having a purpose in life for everyone, especially for those with special needs and their parents. Pres. Keith shared his personal experience as a parent of a 32-year-old autistic child who, despite severe autism and lack of spontaneous speech, has found joy and purpose in art/painting. He recalled that his son started painting in his early 20s and has been creating art for over a decade, bringing him immense pleasure. Pres. Keith mentioned having videos on his phone of his son both displaying his artwork at exhibitions and working on new pieces. He hopes the program continues to provide purpose, meaning, and enjoyment to all participants, both now and in the future. He concluded by expressing his personal connection and emotional response to the program, thanking everyone involved. After the speeches, the children were awarded certificates to acknowledge their completion of the program. The guests also had the opportunity to tour the school’s facilities, led by Stepping Stone’s executive director, Dayal Nandwani, and trustee Peter Solomon. The tour was followed by a sumptuous lunch prepared by Stepping Stone, during which discussions were held about potential opportunities to further develop the school’s services for children with special needs. The Rotary Club of Makati and its partners are proud to continue this program with the next phase planned to be with special children at the General Pio del Pilar National High School in Poblacion. As this program is continued we can further assess the positive aspects of art lessons/therapy to the development of children with autism.

The province of Isabela in the Cagayan Valley is becoming a favorite destination for RC Makati, not for its tourist attractions but for the humanitarian projects the Club has initiated in the area. On August 10, it was the turn of Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison to return to Isabela for two important events: the induction of RC Cauayan and participation in Wave 10 of the Feed Back Program. The day began with the inauguration and blessing of the new RC Isabela clubhouse. Soon after, the Harrisons embarked on a half-hour journey to Labinab Pequeno in Reina Mercedes, we were warmly met by Iris Alonso of ARK and joined by by Mayor Malou Respicio-Saguban. During the short program, Pres. Keith expressed his gratitude for the community’s efforts to build a more sustainable future. His message was translated into Ilokano by FA Rachel, ensuring it resonated deeply with the locals. Following the program, the couple enthusiastically joined in the day’s activities. They helped weigh the vegetables, with each kilo earning the participants a raffle ticket per type of vegetable. The Harrisons then assisted in sorting the produce, ensuring every family received an equal share of the community harvest. They even joined the games, much to the delight of the locals, and later handed out raffle prizes, capping off an engaging and joyous event for everyone involved. At the end of the program, the couple continued their immersion in the community by riding a tricycle to visit a family of tobacco farmers, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Feed Back Program and how it has positively impacted their lives. The Feed Back project, a signature initiative introduced by PP Louie Aseoche in Rotary Year 2021-22, is a partnership with the organization Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). The program’s aim is to establish sustainable neighborhood vegetable exchange programs in rural communities. Previous waves of the program have been successfully implemented in Bay, Laguna; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Inabanga, Bohol; and Reina Mercedes, Isabela, with 95% of participating families continuing to grow their own produce. For the Wave 10 of the Feed Back project, RC Makati under IPP Bing Matoto last Rotary year, supported the program with P2.4 million pesos in funding to support three more communities in Isabela. The program also bagged 1st runner-up in the nationwide search conducted by the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) for the Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY2023-24.

One of the great traditions that Rotary uphold is the strengthening of bonds through their brotherhood agreements. These partnerships foster a spirit of unity and mutual support, and one of the key responsibilities of these agreements is to encourage club visitations, particularly during induction ceremonies. On August 10, Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison embraced this storied tradition by traveling all the way to Isabela to attend the 42nd Induction of the Rotary Club of Cauayan. Their day began with a commercial flight early in the morning, and their first stop upon arrival was the inauguration and blessing of the new RC Cauayan clubhouse. This impressive two-storey facility was built on a donated 690 sqm plot located along the 1st Bypass Road in San Fermin, Cauayan City. Prominently displaying the Club logo and the “End Polio Now” emblem as part of a public image campaign, the clubhouse features a multipurpose hall, function rooms, and even a bar where the members can hold their fellowship. Remarkably, this modern structure was completed in just seven months, thus showcasing the dedication and efficiency of the RC Cauayan members. During lunch, Pres. Keith signed the renewal of the brotherhood ties with RC Cauayan Pres. Christopher Macadangdang. This bond was initially established during the term of PP Michael Escaler in RY2022-23. As part of the ceremony, Pres. Keith handed over a reef buds certificate bearing his name, which will be planted in RC Makati’s reef buds site. In the evening, the Harrisons attended the 42nd Induction at the ICON in Cauayan City. True to form, the largest and strongest club in District 3770 delivered a spectacular show, complete with an energetic dance performance featuring over 20 members. The event perfectly encapsulated the strength of fellowship and commitment within the Rotary community.

On July 27, 2024, RC Makati co-hosted the Multi-District Membership Growth Workshop at the RC Makati Building in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. This event, attended by 213 participants, focused on strategies for achieving sustained membership growth. Key attendees included Pres. Keith and Rachel Harrison, PP Louie Aseoche, Dir. Rodrigo, and Marie Segura. Dir. Rodrigo, a certified executive team coach of CMC Business Solutions and Ken Blanchard Philippines, addressed critical membership challenges facing rotary clubs. He highlighted several pressing issues: stagnant membership numbers over the past five years, a high attrition rate with members typically leaving within two years, and the disbanding of 30% of new clubs within three to four years. Additionally, nearly 50% of clubs struggle to maintain the 20-member charter strength, and there is an over-reliance on Presidents for member recruitment and club management. Dir. Segura emphasized the importance of understanding the spectrum of motivation, ranging from suboptimal (disinterested, external, imposed) to optimal (aligned, integrated, inherent). He argued that effective leadership requires fostering a club culture where values and purposes are clear, meaningful, and shared. This involves analyzing personal motivational outlooks, strategizing to enhance the motivation of prospective and current members, and promoting a supportive environment where members feel valued and engaged. By embodying and promoting optimal motivation, leaders can create a vibrant and engaged membership, aiding in both recruitment and retention efforts. Another distinguished speaker was Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Past President of RC Sampaguita Grace Park (D3800).

On August 12, RC Makati made a return visit to the Brothers of Mercy Hospicio de San Juan de Dios in Bocaue, Bulacan. This facility, a sanctuary for nearly 70 mentally ill male adults, has been providing care for those who are often marginalized by society. Founded by the late Brother Francis Joseph, FM, three decades ago, the hospice is now under the compassionate care of two Brothers who continue his mission to serve those most in need. The visit was arranged by Ann Cecille Dayrit, whose unwavering commitment to the hospice spans nearly two decades. Ann Cecille’s recent donation of P430,000, remitted last year and now nearing its final quarter of allocation, has been used strategically to make a meaningful impact on the hospice’s operations. A portion of the donation is funding a qualified psychiatrist, who visits the facility monthly to provide crucial mental health care to the residents. Additionally, the donation covers the hospice’s utility bills, ensuring the continued provision of light and power, which are vital to the day-to-day operations. Accompanying Ann Cecille on this visit were Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison, and Michael Hsu. They were warmly received by Brother Raymond, who guided them through the hospice and explained the current challenges the facility faces. One significant issue confronting the hospice is related to land ownership. Access to the facility has been blocked, forcing volunteers and visitors to use a makeshift road through a private subdivision—an often muddy 100-meter stretch. Furthermore, the hospice faces the potential loss of its property. In response, the Brothers are constructing a new building in Bustos, Bulacan, to serve as an alternative home for the mentally ill residents. This effort urgently requires financial support, and those interested in helping may reach out directly to Ann Cecille. This visit, like many others, underscored RC Makati’s deep commitment to humanitarian causes, especially in supporting the most vulnerable members of society.

PP Michael Escaler hosted the first mini social for RY2024-25 in honor of IPP Bing Matoto for his successful Rotary year. The event took place at his home in Dasmariñas Village, Makati, and was a night filled with camaraderie and celebration. Joining the fun were Pres. Keith Harrison, Dir. Johnny Ang, PP Louie Aseoche, Howie Calleja, PP Jun Jun Dayrit, Leo de Leon, VP/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Bitoy Lon, Tony Lopez, Dir. Andy Mañalac, Philip Mallari, PP Fred Pascual, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, PDG Tony Quila, PP Charlie Rufino, Philip Soliven, Paolo Turno, Dir. Winston Uy, Bom Villatuya, and PP Roland Young. The evening was made even more special with a sumptuous meal and live entertainment, as PP Michael arranged for a singer to perform. The guests also had the chance to showcase their singing talents, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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