RC Makati Meeting: "What Powers Tomorrow?" by Ms. Bernice Gretchel P. Garcia-Rafor upload September 22, 2026 | Seda Nuvali, Greenfield Autopark, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna What Powers Tomorrow? Bernice Gretchel P. Garcia-Rama, CEO of Digital Edge Philippines, shared an insightful perspective on how data centers are quietly powering everyday life, business growth, and the Philippines’ next wave of investment. From GCash transactions and Grab bookings to online banking, healthcare, businesses, AI, and communication, data centers have become an essential part of the digital infrastructure that keeps our lives and economy moving. Her talk highlighted three major opportunities for the Philippines: Investment, Capability, and Competitiveness—with growing potential for foreign investment, job creation, Filipino talent development, and stronger digital infrastructure. More than technology, data centers are about trust, continuity, and opportunity—protecting livelihoods, keeping families connected, supporting businesses, and creating new opportunities for Filipinos. As the Philippines moves toward a more digital future, the message is clear: the future may be digital, but its foundations must be built here in the Philippines. Thank you, Bernice Gretchel P. Garcia-Rama, for sharing this meaningful and forward-looking perspective with the Rotary Club of Makati. #RotaryClubOfMakati #DigitalInfrastructure #DataCenters #Philippines #Technology #DigitalEconomy #Investment #AI #PoweringTomorrow

Published in the Kaunlaran Newsletter on September 22, 2026. Just Around the Corner: 100 Days of Service As we approach the first 100 days of Rotary Year 2026-27, we are taking Rotary fellowship beyond the boundaries of Metro Manila. Today’s meeting is both unique and exciting as we gather outside our usual venues for a field visit and tour of the NARRA1 Data Center (NARRA1). This world-class facility is a joint venture between Digital Edge and an enterprise led by our very own PP Charlie Rufino. At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the way we live, work, and do business, it is important for us to better understand the infrastructure that makes this technology possible. Our visit gives us a firsthand look at how data centers operate and the increasingly important role they play in powering our digital and AI-driven world. This is also the kind of meeting we have incorporated into our Club programs. Offsite meetings give us an opportunity not only to learn something new, but also to visit and appreciate the businesses and industries where our own members are making an impact. It creates value for those attending while giving us an opportunity to showcase and support the work and businesses of our fellow members. We hope to organize another offsite meeting during the second half of our Rotary year. My sincere thanks to VP Philip Soliven for arranging today’s offsite meeting and to PP Charlie Rufino for opening the doors of NARRA1 to the Rotary Club of Makati and giving our members this opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the world of data centers firsthand. ZONE 10A Awards The awards and recognitions from our highly successful 60th year under IPP Eddie Galvez continue, as RC Makati shone across three major areas, i.e., Membership, The Rotary Foundation, and Public Image at the Zone 10A Awards held last September 12. In Public Image, our AI Academy was recognized as the 2nd Best Public Image Campaign, while Impact — Stories of RC Makati was also named a finalist. We were likewise finalists for Best Facebook Page and Best Club Hymn. The recognition of AI Academy is especially meaningful because its story has reached audiences beyond our Club. It was featured on ANC News and across social media, culminating in a presentation at the Rotary International Convention that showcased how Rotary can help prepare young people for an AI-driven future. In Membership, RC Makati received the 100-Member Growth Award, while our support for The Rotary Foundation placed us among the Top 5 clubs in Annual Fund Contribution. To be recognized across all three areas among 930 Rotary clubs in 10 districts across the Philippines is a source of great pride. Congratulations as well to IPDG Reggie Nolido for leading District 3830 to a banner year. These recognitions remind us that strong membership gives us more hands to serve, our support for TRF provides resources to create greater impact, and effective Public Image allows our stories to inspire others to action. As we celebrate these achievements, we continue toward our greater vision: to deliver scalable, sustainable, and transformative impact for the Philippines and beyond. Food Share Program in Padre Garcia Just last Friday, we were in Padre Garcia, Batangas, for the second site of our Food Share Program, benefiting 60 families in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi and the LGU of Padre Garcia. This marks the second site of our Food Share Program for this Rotary year, following its earlier launch in Tanay for the Dumagat-Remontado community. This Thursday, we will return to Tanay to finalize the Board-approved provision of a carabao and farming implements for each of the two barangays in the area. We will also assess opportunities to enhance livelihoods through the cultivation of high-value crops such as citronella and the increasingly in-demand ube, as well as explore the feasibility of establishing a cooperative. Joining us on this visit will be an expert from the UPLB College of Forestry, who will provide technical guidance in evaluating the area’s potential and identifying sustainable, community-based livelihood opportunities. My sincere thanks to PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo for continuing to champion programs like this and for helping ensure that children and their families have sustainable access to healthy and nutritious food. Upcoming Activities We have several activities lined up in the coming weeks, and I hope many of you can join us, not only for fellowship, but also in bringing our projects directly to the communities we serve. For our return to Tanay this Thursday, we will depart from the Clubhouse at 7:00 AM. Expect an off-road adventure featuring several river crossings, so to our off-road enthusiasts, this is an adventure for a cause that you won’t want to miss! On Friday, we are planning a relief mission for communities in Calumpit, Bulacan, that have remained submerged in floodwaters for more than two months. This mission was endorsed by PP Bimbo Mills, who brought the community’s call for help to our attention and generously extended financial support through the Club. We also plan to assess the feasibility of implementing a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project in the area and neighboring municipalities. Details will be shared once plans have been finalized. On Saturday, we will host the District 3830 TRF Seminar at the Clubhouse from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. I encourage our members to attend and better understand how our contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into projects that create lasting impact in communities here and around the world. There will be no luncheon meeting on September 29, as it is the fifth Tuesday of the month. Since we meet only three times each month, let us use the week to implement, visit, and plan our various programs and activities. Our next regular meeting will be a dinner meeting on October 6 at Makati Shangri-La, with Dr. Ronilo Balbieran, former Chief of Party of USAID, as our guest speaker. On October 3, we will mark another important milestone with the formal turnover of 12 homes at Rotary Homes Muntinlupa and the charter presentation of RCC Malasakit, composed of families from the said community. I hope you can join us as we continue building not simply houses, but a thriving community that now has 40 homes. We will also be meeting with RCC Malasakit to discuss the establishment of a cooperative for the community. Once the group is ready, the Club will coordinate with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to conduct the mandatory seminar required for cooperative registration. On October 4 will be the first RC Makati Family Day, celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. The event will begin with a Roman Catholic Mass at 8:00 AM, followed by the pet blessing at 9:30 AM and fellowship from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon, with a light breakfast and coffee, music, games, kids’ activities, pet treats, and a family photo booth. This initiative is part of Membership B’s efforts to strengthen member engagement while giving the children of our members, our potential future RC Makati Rotarians, the opportunity to experience firsthand the fellowship, values, and spirit of service that define our Club. Bring the whole family, and, of course, your beloved pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, turtles, hamsters, and other family pets are all welcome, provided they are on a leash or safely in carriers. Come and enjoy a morning of family, fellowship, fun, and meaningful encounters with our furry friends. I look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special morning with you and your family. And finally, please join us for our Oktoberfest on October 16 at the RC Makati Clubhouse. This will be the third year we are holding this event as a fundraiser for End Polio, made even more meaningful by the historic role of our Clubhouse in Rotary’s fight against polio. It was here in 1979 that Rotary’s first polio immunization initiative in the Philippines began—an effort that would help pave the way for what became the global PolioPlus campaign. My thanks to Mike del Carmen for leading the organization of this year’s Oktoberfest. Ticket details will be announced soon, and I hope everyone will support the event by bringing your family and inviting your friends. It promises to be another fun evening of fellowship for a cause that remains one of Rotary’s most important humanitarian commitments.

Zone 10A brought together some 930 Rotary clubs across 10 Rotary districts in the Philippines during the Zone 10A Joint Awards, last September 12, 2026, at Casa Ibarra, MOA Complex in Pasay City. Earning recognition at the Zone level is already considered a meaningful achievement, what more if a club is recognized in three significant areas of Rotary — i.e., Membership, The Rotary Foundation (TRF), and Public Image — like the Rotary Club of Makati (RC Makati). These were the trifecta distinctions received by RC Makati in the Zone 10A Awards, represented by IPP Eddie Galvez, Pres. Chris Ferareza, PDG Reggie & Sue Ann Nolido, PDG Pepz Bengzon, PP Louie Aseoche, PP Keith Harrison, PP JunJun Dayrit, VP/Dir. Philip Soliven, and Derrick Tan with CoS Ron. In Public Image, RC Makati’s AI Academy earned the plum as the 2nd Best Public Image Campaign in Zone 10A, while “Impact — Stories of RC Makati” was also one of the finalists in the same category. The Club earned further recognition as a finalist for Best Facebook Page and for Best Club Hymn. The recognition of AI Academy was particularly meaningful. Its campaign went beyond promoting a Rotary project as it told the story of how Rotary can help prepare young people for a rapidly changing world through artificial intelligence, digital skills, mentorship, and pathways to employment. The story of the AI Academy reached audiences far beyond the Club. It has been featured on ANC television and social media channels, shared through Impact — Stories of RC Makati, and brought to the international Rotary stage as a Breakout Session at the recent Rotary International Convention in Taiwan. Through these platforms, the project demonstrated not only what Rotary can do, but also how effectively telling the story of the project can inspire others to move into action. In Membership, RC Makati received the 100-Member Growth Award, recognizing the Club’s continued strength and ability to attract and engage members who share Rotary’s commitment to service. The Club was likewise recognized for its strong support to The Rotary Foundation, ranking among the Top 5 clubs in Annual Fund Contribution. This distinction reflects the generosity of RC Makati members and their commitment to extending Rotary’s humanitarian impact well beyond the Club and the communities it serves. Recognition across these three areas tells a larger story about RC Makati: a strong and growing membership enables it provides more people to do service; sustained support for The Rotary Foundation enables it to continue providing resources to create greater impact to communities worldwide; and an effective Public Image ensures that the stories of Rotary service reach, engage, and inspire more people. The Zone 10A Joint Awards also celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Rotary districts and clubs from across the Philippines. IPDG Reggie Nolido of RC Makati led District 3830 to a banner year, earning for the District and its clubs many distinctions. For RC Makati, these awards are more than trophies or recognitions. They are an affirmation of the collective efforts of our members, officers, directors, partners, and volunteers who continue to give their time, resources, and talents in service to others. More members. Greater support. Stronger stories. Greater impact.

RC Makati’s Hope Mission was back on the road with the Hope Mobile, this time bringing much-needed relief to 200 families affected by flooding in Candelaria Riverside, Macabebe, Pampanga, on September 6. In a mission led by Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos, with support from CoS Ron, Al, and Jess, the team traveled aboard the Hope Mobile to the flood-affected community, where they oversaw the unloading and distribution of relief supplies to families continuing to cope with the effects of prolonged flooding. Each family received food packs, including rice generously donated by Laus Group, along with RC Makati’s usual disaster relief essentials of mats and blankets. Bottled water from Balipure was also distributed through the generosity of PP Tito Panlilio. The Club likewise extends its sincere appreciation to Makati 3H Corp for supporting the Hope Mission and helping make the relief operation possible. During the mission, the team visited a nearby parish that had been converted into an evacuation center for 15 displaced families. What they found underscored the difficult conditions facing the community: the parish serving as their temporary refuge was itself flooded. The sight was a stark reminder that even as floodwaters persist, families must continue to find ways to carry on, sometimes seeking shelter in places that are themselves vulnerable to the disaster. With the Hope Mobile now serving as RC Makati’s dedicated vehicle for humanitarian missions, the Club is better equipped to reach communities where assistance is needed most. More than transporting relief goods, it carries with it the spirit behind every Hope Mission: to bring practical assistance, solidarity, and hope to communities during their most difficult days.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f7Sx8L1yIEmeLRZThF6fDvbTu3-fucLJ/view?usp=sharing

More than 800 flood-affected families in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga received food, rice, mats, and blankets and, most importantly, hope—the assurance that they are not alone during this difficult time. For days, reports of severe flooding across parts of Northern Luzon dominated the news. Floodwaters inundated communities and even portions of the North Luzon Expressway, causing massive traffic jams and making access to some of the hardest-hit areas extremely difficult. But where the need was greatest, RC Makati’s Hope Mission was determined to go. That is why on September 2, the Hope Mission team embarked on another full day of service, bringing relief, compassion, and renewed hope to families severely affected by typhoons and flooding in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga. After traversing several flooded areas in Bulacan, the team reached the National Shrine and Parish of St. Anne in Poblacion, Hagonoy, where 500 families were waiting. The team immediately went to work, distributing food packs containing two kilos of rice, canned goods, and noodles to each family. The Hagonoy Hope Mission site was endorsed by Fr. Anton Pascual of Caritas Manila, an invaluable partner of RC Makati in its disaster-response efforts. Caritas Manila provided logistical assistance and helped ensure an organized and orderly distribution. RC Makati likewise thanked the Rotary Club of True North E-Club and the Bureau of Fire Protection (Bulacan) for their steadfast support and assistance in helping deliver the mission on the ground. With the Hagonoy distribution completed before lunch, the team thereafter proceeded to San Fernando, Pampanga. The journey itself demonstrated the difficult conditions confronting communities in the area. The team passed through the heavily flooded portion of NLEX in San Simon, enduring near-standstill traffic before finally reaching the G4 Arena past 3:00 PM. Another challenge awaited them upon arrival. Thick mud made the distribution site inaccessible to vehicles, requiring the team to manually carry the relief goods into the area. Despite the conditions, the mission continued. Hope Mission distributed 130 sets of mats and blankets, while its partner, the Laus Group, provided two kilograms of rice to each affected family. Due to high water levels and the time required to reach certain areas in San Fernando, the remaining relief sets were turned over to the Philippine Red Cross for distribution to other flood-affected communities in Pampanga. RC Makati extends its sincere gratitude to the Laus Group, whose CEO, Lisset Laus, responded swiftly and positively to Pres. Chris Ferareza’s call for partnership, as well as to CLTV 36 News for covering the mission and helping highlight the needs of affected families. The team was originally scheduled to continue to Macabebe, Pampanga, to assist another group of affected families. However, with the area still difficult to reach because of flooding and with daylight running out after a full day of operations, the team decided to reschedule the Macabebe mission for a safer and more accessible time. The mission also put RC Makati’s Hope Mobile through a rigorous real-world test under some of the most challenging conditions. Carrying a full load of relief supplies, it traversed flooded roads, endured hours of heavy traffic, and navigated difficult terrain with reliability and resilience. Its elevated ground clearance and 4x4 capability enabled the team to reach inundated communities, demonstrating how a dedicated service vehicle can further enhance RC Makati’s capacity to deliver assistance efficiently and bring hope to those who need it most. RC Makati is profoundly grateful to Mazda Philippines for its trust and partnership in bringing the Hope Mobile to life, enabling it to deliver service and hope to communities wherever the need arises. Leading the Hope Mission were Pres. Chris Ferareza, Hope Mission Chair Nicky Ramos, and Rtns. Boy Arteche and Lester Kiong with Ann Chum Aquino, supported by CoS Ron, Al, and Aron. The successful mission once again demonstrated the power of partnerships. RC Makati could not have reached as many families without the collective support of Mazda Philippines, Laus Group, Philippine Red Cross, Caritas Manila, RC True North E-Club, the Bureau of Fire Protection, CLTV 36 News, and the many partners and volunteers who wo rked alongside the Club. Together, the mission reached more than 800 flood-affected families with essential assistance and a message of hope. Beyond the relief goods they received, families were assured that they were not facing the aftermath of the disaster alone. In times of hardship, hope endures because compassionate individuals and organizations are willing to step forward, serve, and help communities rebuild. Seeing firsthand the extent of the flooding and its impact on families also reminded the team that much more remains to be done. Many communities continue to struggle with the aftermath of the disaster, while some areas remain difficult to access. For RC Makati, the mission does not end when the last relief pack is distributed. Another round of relief operations is already being planned as Hope Mission continues to go where help is needed most. The team will not only bring tangible relief, but hope to communities in their most difficult moments.

RC Makati Meeting: The Maharlika Investment Corp by Rafael Jose Consing Jr.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18boGjRyo6bfkbdq9aKpDl7kcEA6V7vH6/view?usp=sharing

Published in the Kaunlaran Newsletter on September 8, 2026. Fireside Chat at the Clubhouse? Tonight’s dinner meeting offers a welcome opportunity to gather once again at our Clubhouse while learning more about the Maharlika Investment Corporation. We are honored to welcome Mr. Joel Consing, President and CEO of Maharlika Investment Corporation, who will share insights into the Corporation’s mandate, investment strategy, and role in supporting the country’s economic development. The evening will also feature a fireside chat with Mr. Consing, joined by our own George Barcelon and Ronnie Siasoyco, for a focused and engaging discussion on topics of interest to our members. My sincere thanks to VP/Director Philip Soliven and our newest Rotarian, Eric Cruz, for helping organize this timely and informative program. I do not remember us having a meeting in this format before, and I am sure it will add a fresh perspective to our traditional gatherings. We look forward to an evening of warm fellowship, stimulating dialogue, and valuable insights. Hope in Motion Only a week after its activation, Hope Mobile was put to the test in the flooded areas of Bulacan and Pampanga and immediately proved its value in delivering timely assistance. It has truly become much more than a vehicle. It is now a vital service platform that enables RC Makati to deliver assistance more quickly and reach communities farther away, while making Rotary’s presence and commitment to service clearly visible. Last Wednesday, the Hope Mission team brought relief to 500 families in Hagonoy, Bulacan, followed by another operation in San Fernando, Pampanga, where we distributed mats, blankets, rice, and food packs despite flooded roads and difficult conditions. Our thanks to Caritas Manila, RC True North E-Club, BFP, Laus Group, Philippine Red Cross, and our other partners who made these missions possible. And just last Sunday, Hope Mission returned to Macabebe, Pampanga, bringing relief to 200 flood-affected families in Candelaria Riverside. We distributed food packs, rice, mats, blankets, and bottled water, with generous support from Laus Group, Balipure through PP Tito Panlilio, and Makati 3H Corp. Led by our Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos, together with our dedicated volunteers and team, Hope Mission continues to respond wherever we can make a difference. Rotary Homes Muntinlupa Last Thursday, RCC Chair George Haxton, together with the Rotary Homes Foundation officers, conducted the final inspection of the 12 new homes at Rotary Homes Muntinlupa. These form part of the 40 houses solely sponsored by RC Makati. During the visit, George also met with representatives of our newly established RCC Malasakit. I invite everyone to join us on October 3, Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon, for the formal turnover of the 12 homes, which will also coincide with the Charter Presentation of RCC Malasakit. Rotary Anns’ Doll-Making Session Last Saturday, our Rotary Anns gathered at the Clubhouse for a hands-on pillow doll-making session with teachers from Acacia Waldorf School. These handmade dolls will be given to the young beneficiaries of our Last Angel Project. The activity was made possible by IPFA Trina Galvez, Co-Founder of Acacia Waldorf School and Chair of this year’s Last Angel Christmas Project. Thank you, IPFA Trina, for sharing your time and skills with our Anns. I’m not sure if there’s a deadline for making these dolls, or if FA Nette has simply fallen in love with doll-making, because we now have quite a collection at home! More importantly, I hope everyone will support the Last Angel Project, which will be launched soon, as we once again bring joy and hope to children this Christmas. RC Makati Strikers Team Last Sunday, our RC Makati Strikers represented the Club at the District 3830 Bowling Tournament at Superbowl, Makati Cinema Square. I came prepared to be a spectator and cheerleader, but after Dir. Patrick left the game, I unexpectedly found myself stepping onto the bowling lane. As our team captain Regi Ponferrada confidently declared, “We are not here to participate, but to dominate!” We appreciate his optimism and are doing our best not to get in the way of his vision. Whatever the outcome, the real victory lies in the fun, camaraderie, and fellowship we share. So, come and cheer for our team this Sunday. It’s definitely more fun when we’re together! Upcoming Activities We have several activities to look forward to in the coming weeks. This Thursday, IPP Eddie Galvez will host the President’s Cup at Canlubang Golf and Country Club, with 21 players already confirmed. Thank you, IPP Eddie, for hosting this fellowship. On September 12, we will represent RC Makati at the Zone 10A Awards for RY2025–26, where the Club is expected to receive recognitions in membership and public image. Congratulations in advance, IPP Eddie, on these new well-deserved awards. They are a fitting addition to the many accomplishments and distinctions the Club already achieved under your leadership. Please also note that there will be no meeting on Tuesday, September 15, as it will be our Service Project Week. I encourage everyone to participate in a service activity or use the week to plan your upcoming projects. We would be delighted if you could join our Food Share Program on September 18 in Padre Burgos, Batangas. Come and see firsthand the impact we can make in our communities when we serve together. As we go through all these activities, i.e., from bringing relief to families affected by floods, building homes, bringing joy to children, and simply coming together as Rotarians, it reminds us that service is not only about what we do today, but about the lasting change we leave behind. Let us continue to serve with purpose, create meaningful impact, and leave a lasting legacy of hope.

The name Rotary Club of Makati was heard repeatedly throughout the District 3830 Awards held at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang on August 29, as the Club and its members were recognized for an outstanding Rotary Year 2025–26. RC Makati garnered the most number of points to earn for it top honors among the Most Outstanding Clubs and top honors as well among the Most Outstanding Leadership Awardees for IPP Eddie Galvez. The twin awards served as a fitting recognition of the Club’s collective accomplishments and IPP Eddie’s exemplary leadership throughout the year. They reflected RC Makati’s strong and consistent performance across its programs, service initiatives, membership, public image, administration, and engagement with the District and the wider community. Among the Club’s major recognitions was the Best Project Showcase in Basic Education and Literacy for the RC Makati AI Academy. The project emerged as the winner among the finalists in the Class “B” (big clubs) category. RC Makati received, as well, several major membership awards. The Club was recognized as Most Number of Sponsors of New Members – Large Club Category, with 11 sponsors, tying with the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District. It also received the Best in Member Attraction award, recognizing its success in bringing new members into Rotary. Further highlighting its sustained membership efforts, the Club was recognized for Sustainable Membership Growth – Clubs with Five Consecutive Years of Growth. The Club’s commitment to The Rotary Foundation was likewise prominently recognized. RC Makati was named Highest Giving Club for its US$51,330 contribution to the Annual Program Fund, and received the Highest PolioPlus Giving award for its US$4,343 contribution. Another significant recognition was Highest Global Grant in Amount for Project SafeNet: Enhancing Comprehensive Prevention and Response Strategies for OSAEC, which received US$95,920 in funding. Cheering on the Club throughout the evening were IPDG Reggie & Sue Ann Nolido, Pres. Chris Ferareza, PP Louie Aseoche, who served as District Secretary during the previous Rotary year, PP Bimbo Mills, Dir. Roger Collantes, and Andy Manalac. The evening brought together the many accomplishments of RC Makati during RY2025–26, with numerous other awards and citations recognizing the Club’s work and the contributions of its members. For the Club’s detailed list of awards received, which totalled 71, please see page 12 for the complete lists. The D3830 Awards was more than an evening of recognition. It was a celebration of the people, partnerships, and collective effort that made RY2025–26 a remarkable year for the Rotary Club of Makati. The twin honors of Most Outstanding Club and Most Outstanding Leadership Award stand as the highest recognition of that collective achievement—a testament to a Club that continues to lead, serve, and make a difference. Mabuhay, RC Makati!

RC Makati Meeting: Nation Builders Without Borders by Dante “Klink” Ang II September 01, 2026 | The Conservatory, The Peninsula Manila