In the heart of Los Baños, Laguna, a different kind of journey unfolds. This is the story of RC Makati, a group of dedicated individuals who traveled not for leisure, but for a purpose. Led by President Bing Matoto and supported by a team of passionate members, RC Makati joined forces with the UP Alumni Association, the Knights of Rizal, Sigma Delta Phi, and other partners to make a difference. The day began with a medical mission, where nearly 46 patients received consultations and essential medicines. Provisions for medicines and vitamins were provided through the sponsorship of Unilab Philippines. Simultaneously, a dental mission addressed dental issues for close to 20 patients. RC Makati also brought the cancer screening bus, with approximately 25 women undergoing breast and cervical cancer screenings provided by the Philippine Cancer Society, in partnership with RC Makati Premier District, enhancing early detection efforts and promoting women's health. In addition to healthcare, RC Makati's impact extended to education through the Books Across the Seas project, donating 700 books to local Reading and Information Centers. RC Makati continues to forge partnerships and expand their reach, embodying the Rotary's commitment to service above self. This health mission stands as a testament to their dedication, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Because true service knows no bounds.

On a typical Friday night in Poblacion, Makati, where the streets pulse with the energy of the young and the restless, something unique was brewing at the St. Giles Hotel. While the area is known as a hot spot for Gen Z partygoers, RC Makati had a different agenda – to blend fun and knowledge with their signature Friday Night Lights event last April 26. The event commenced with an enlightening Gen AI talk by Dominic 'Doc' Ligot of CirroLytix, who ignited the conversation about artificial intelligence. Attendees were fascinated by Doc Ligot's insights, sparking lively discussions and fostering a deeper understanding of AI's implications. The event transitioned seamlessly into the beloved Friday Night Lights at the Bay leaf restaurant of St. Giles. There to join the -fun were Pres. Bing Matoto, PP Louie Aseoche, PP Cesar Campos, PP Junjun Dayrit, PP Charlie Rufino, PE Keith Harrison, PN Eddie Galvez, Dir. Julian Lim, Dir. Bom Villatuya, Anton Cabrera, Chito Cantada, Aiai Galvez, Wash Lou, Andy Manalac, Manny Padiernos, Patrick Parungao, Ed Rojas, Philip Soliven, Derrick Tan, and Paolo Turno. Adding to the festivities were the birthday celebrations of April and May celebrants. April celebrants included Treas. Tetu Garcia, PP Charlie Rufino, PP Sonny Tambunting, PP Ruben Valerio, Toto Cruz, Harley Leano, Jun Lumagui, and Warren Yu. May celebrants included PDG Sid Garcia, PP Tito Panlilio, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, Dir. Julian Lim, Boy Arteche, Kiel Del Rio, Eric Lee, Don Lino, Wash Lou, and Freddie Placino. One of the highlights of the evening was the delectable feast that awaited the guests. The menu featured a variety of dishes that catered to every palate. Among the crowd favorites was the Singapore Laksa, a delicious and spicy noodle soup that made some of the members partaking of a second bowl. Adding to the evening's charm was the enchanting performance of Ms. Princess April Mansueto. Her soulful voice and sultry disposition captivated the audience, filling the room with a sense of joy and camaraderie. The Club would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Derrick Tan for the meticulous preparations that ensured the success and fun of the evening.

RC Taoyuan visited Manila in March to join our celebration for our charter anniversary. They left with a luggage full of happy memories apart from etching a mark that will forever be remembered. RC Makati and RC Taoyuan have come together in an inspiring display of international collaboration to support Dualtech scholars in the Philippines, highlighting the global impact of Rotary's mission. The partnership between RC Makati and RC Taoyuan began during the visit of an 18-member delegation from RC Taoyuan, led by Pres. Fred, to celebrate RC Makati's Charter Anniversary. During this visit, RC Taoyuan generously donated $2,500 to RC Makati. RC Makati then promptly wrote to RC Taoyuan, expressing gratitude for their donation and proposing to use it to fund additional scholars for Dualtech. RC Makati also pledged to match RC Taoyuan's donation, effectively doubling the impact of their generosity. On April 23, RC Makati officially turned over the scholarship funds amounting to P325,000 ($5,900) to Dualtech. This amount includes the $2,500 donation from RC Taoyuan. Thanks to this partnership, five new scholars—Jameel Marcus Garcia, 22, from Batangas; Janrick Paul Espiritu, 18, from Laguna; Gener Valdez, 18, from Cavite; John Mario Alojado, 20, from Laguna; and Julius Nacario, 19, from Laguna—will be able to pursue their education at Dualtech, with two of them directly sponsored by RC Taoyuan. Dualtech's program consists of a rigorous 2-year technical education course, including a 6-month Electromechanics course and an 18-month on-the-job training that involves real work experiences with partner companies, often culminating in job offers. This holistic approach goes beyond mere employment; it instills self-sufficiency and economic empowerment among graduates, ensuring their long-term success. The scholarship program covers various components, such as tuition fees, boarding house accommodation and meals for 6 months, uniforms, ID cards, insurance, and medical examinations. This collaboration exemplifies Rotary's core values of service and fellowship on an international scale. By working together across borders, RC Makati and RC Taoyuan have not only provided educational opportunities for deserving students but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and goodwill between their respective clubs. This partnership serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when people come together to make a difference in the world.

RC Makati members traveled to Los Baños, Laguna, the hot spring capital of the Philippines, not to take a dip at the pool, but to conduct a transformative community project. On a scorching hot Sunday morning of April 28, the street of Purok 5 in Barangay Mayondon, Los Baños, Laguna, was abuzz with activity as partners and volunteers, gathered for a transformative community project. Led by Pres. Bing Matoto with sister-in-law Emma Lazo, PP Cesar Campos, and daughter Maribee Lamers, as well as PE Keith Harrison and incoming director Boy Arteche, the RC Makati team assembled a formidable team to do service. They were joined by representatives from the UP Alumni Association, including VP Dindo Sanchez, PRO Yeye Marasigan, and Dir. Ana Quimbo, who partnered with RC Makati for the program. The Knights of Rizal, with Deputy Commander Gerry Tolentino, and also representatives from the UP Sigma Delta Phi and the Upsilon Phi Sigma, the school fraternity of Pres. Bing. The day kicked off with a medical mission led by a volunteer doctor from UP-PGH and an Upsilonian, Dr. Michael Leron. Nearly 46 patients, from infants to senior citizens, received free consultations and medical advice. With support from UNILAB Philippines, the Club was able to provide over 80 types of essential medicines, ensuring continued care for the community members even after the mission concluded. Simultaneously, a dental mission, staffed by four (4) dedicated dentists from UP-PGH, worked tirelessly to attend to dental issues of the residents. Close to 20 patients had their dental woes addressed, bidding farewell to painful toothaches and discomfort. But the outreach did not stop there. Approximately 25 women underwent breast and cervical cancer screenings provided by the Philippine Cancer Society, in partnership with RC Makati Premier District, enhancing early detection of a dreaded disease among women and promoting women's health. RC Makati's impact, however, extended beyond healthcare. Through the Books Across the Seas (BATS) project, the club donated 700 books to two (2) RICs in Barangay Mayondon. Pres. Bing added extra fun by treating the children to a Jollibee meal, spreading joy and nourishment in equal measure. After a tiring day filled with service and giving, the club hosted lunch at Dalcielo Searca in UP Los Baños. The partnership with the UP Alumni Association was sealed with a Memorandum of Agreement on April 2 during the luncheon meeting of the Club. The objective is to strengthen the two organizations’ relationship, support each other’s programs, and maximize their impact and reach in the campuses of UP Diliman and UP Los Baños under the Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus. RC Makati continues to forge partnerships to further expand the reach and impact of the projects under Rotary’s areas of focus. This health mission and donation of books stand as a testament to the club's dedication to service above self, making a difference to those in need.

As the current Rotary year approaches its end on June 30, the incoming board of RC Makati is gearing up for an exciting new year of service and impact, set to begin on July 1. Led by incoming president Keith Harrison, the board recently gathered for a pre-planning session at the RCM Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo on April 13. The meeting, held to reorganize and discuss initial plans, aimed to provide the incoming board with a glimpse of the upcoming Rotary year’s priorities and initiatives. One of the highlights of the session was a video message featuring incoming Rotary International Pres. Stephanie Urchick, who shared insights on the RI Theme “Magic of Rotary.” PP Doris Ensomo, the incoming Rotary Academy Executive Director, presented and discussed the RI and District’s overarching goals and strategies. This was followed by PE Keith’s presentation on RC Makati’s specific priorities and the delegation of responsibilities among board members. The board also deliberated on proposed ideas and assessed the budgetary requirements for the upcoming year. Among those present at the half-day planning session were incoming VP/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, Treas. Tetu Garcia, Asst. Sec. Paolo Turno, comptroller PP Fred Parungao, directors Boy Arteche, Neil Makasiar, Andy Mañalac, Rodrigo Segura, Derrick Tan, Winston Uy, and advisers PP David Ackerman, PDG Pepz Bengzon and PDG Tony Quila. Looking ahead, the incoming board is scheduled to convene for an off-site planning session at Zambawood in Zambales on May 17-18, further solidifying their plans and strategies for the new Rotary year.

It was a dark night as I drove away from the Manila Polo Club, having attended the PHYLA and Club Charter night celebration on Friday, March 15, 2024. I was on my way to President Elects Training Seminar in Abagatan Ti Manila in Alfonso, Cavite. Sometime after midnight, I started to hallucinate and imagine my wife’s words to me, “I told you to get a driver!” I arrived around 1:30 am, checked in, and immediately fell asleep. The next morning, I was up early and ready to go. Getting to breakfast and starting to meet some of my “classmates,” I enjoyed the buzz of the enthusiastic PE’s. I got to the Event Hall early and found myself a good seat, not too near (don’t want to be picked on), not too far away (I am short-sighted) – just like school!! The Rotary theme for 2024–2025 is the Magic of Rotary, and the theme of PETS was Harry Potter – All the PE’s had been assigned to one of the four houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - I had been assigned to Hufflepuff. The day flew by with excellent speakers covering: • How to log on and use myrotary.org, RC Central, and Rotary Showcase • The themes of the upcoming Rotary year • Global grants and the importance of community needs assessment and project IMPACT (not just completion) • Club management and responsibilities • Rotary International and District resources • Servant leadership Finally, we were released from “school” and given a bit of free time to practice for the main event, the Hogwarts Ball, later that evening. Crucially, the Hogwarts Ball had a major competition between the houses for a show to be judged, critically and independently, by important dignitaries! During the practice session, under a tree in the car park, my Hufflepuff teammates decided that, as there was a certain amount of dancing required, I should stay right at the back of the group (so as not to be visible to the judges)! Naturally, I was delighted with this decision. Having changed into our Hufflepuff witch and wizard robes along with yellow and black scarves and magic wands, we headed to the dinner. The performances of all houses were outstanding. The judges followed the fifth test of the four-way test “Are they any good and did they please the audience?” Sadly, they decided that we were not that good! However, after several of us paraded (similar to the Miss Rotary models of RY 2022-2023) on the stage, Hufflepuff was awarded both the best-dressed witch and the best-dressed wizard prizes. In the case of the best-dressed wizard, it was me … I can only hope my fellow RCM members are suitably proud of this feat and that this award will help us with our presidential citation points! My prize of PHP2,000 was immediately spent at the after-party on beer and snacks where we gathered with the other night (Hogwarts) owls for an impromptu singing and social gathering. The next morning, it was a little bit more difficult to get to breakfast early!! However, the session was relatively easygoing, covering a summary of the matters of the training seminar, the graduation ceremony, and the taking of even more photos!! I managed to get home, and by 3:30 pm was enjoying a long Sunday afternoon nap. Summarizing the RI and District 3830 themes we need to focus on in RY 2024 - 2025: Rotary International (incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick) • Prioritizing Peace efforts • Eradicating Polio • Balancing continuity with change The Rotary Foundation (incoming chairman Mark Maloney) • Personal contributions to TRF (a plea for all members to continue your generosity) • Rotary Direct (monthly giving), Polio Plus Society, and Paul Harris Society • Legacy events District Governor (D3830) (incoming DG Prescy Yulo) • Membership growth +10% • Establish new clubs • Increase TRF donations • High attendance at Discon • Improve our Public Image • Projects - Maternal Health and child: First 1,000 days and teenage pregnancy projects • International – develop new sister clubs • The above goals will be incorporated into our club plans for RY2024-25 and set out for the approval of members in early July 2024. I am delighted to inform you that I “passed” PETS and am ready to serve. Keith Harrison President-Elect, RC Makati