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- CLUB EXTENDS SUPPORT TOSUNDAY FOOD N’ BOOKS SA LUNETA
In every service initiative, our guiding principle has always been impact—creating meaningful change in the lives of those we serve. When a project proves its ability to uplift, inspire, and produce lasting results, we commit to sustaining and strengthening it. This is precisely the case with our ongoing support for the Sunday Food N’ Books sa Luneta program in partnership with Bolanday Inc. The results speak for themselves. According to the July progress report, the initiative has led to remarkable improvements in the children’s well-being. Street kids participating in the program are noticeably happier and healthier, and attendance has steadily increased—an encouraging sign of trust, consistency, and deeper engagement. More importantly, the project has ignited a renewed desire for learning among these children. Several have been included in a scholarship program, and in one inspiring case, an out- of-school youth took the initiative to enroll himself in an alternative learning program after being motivated through the sessions. On October 26, a delegation of RC Makati Rotarians—led by IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison, Boy Arteche, Angela Garcia, and Baby Rotarian Ken & Yam Vergaño—spent their Sunday morning with the Luneta street children to formally launch the program’s second year of support. During the brief program, Bolanday Project founder Ida Arezza expressed heartfelt gratitude to RC Makati for its unwavering support in uplifting the lives of street children in Luneta. IPP Keith shared his joy in seeing the Club continue this meaningful initiative, which began during his term last year. Boy emphasized the enduring impact of the program, affirming RC Makati’s belief that the youth are our future and deserve opportunities to learn, grow, and dream. Angela, who introduced Art Sunday to the Bolanday kids, proudly showcased the children’s artworks—now transformed into greeting cards and displayed for sale at a café in Alabang. RC Makati further demonstrated its commitment by turning over a ₱40,000 donation to support Art Sunday and provide school uniforms for Bolanday children affected by the recent Tondo fire. This follows the Club’s previous ₱200,000 contribution during a recent dinner meeting, which funds another full year of the Sunday Food N’ Books program. After the brief turnover, Art Sunday activities began, with Angela bringing a large canvas and guest artist Julyan Harrison leading the children in completing a collaborative painting. The Food n’ Books (FnB) program is one of the six core pillars of Bolanday—a feeding and literacy initiative designed to support children’s nutritional and educational needs. It also serves as a platform to identify young learners eligible for Bolanday’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP). The initiative includes the weekly Sunday Food n’ Books sa Luneta for street children in Luneta and Rizal Park, where kids enjoy three hours of outdoor reading, games, and a nutritious meal. Complementing this is the Community FnB Reading Corner Literacy Project, which caters to up to 100 children in Grades 1–3 across local communities. If you happen to be in Manila on a Sunday, we encourage you to drop by and witness the program firsthand. Not only will your presence uplift the children— it will also remind you of the profound impact we create, one Sunday at a time.
- RC MAKATI SUPPORTS “SA-MALAMIG”PROJECT OF RCM SAN LORENZO
In line with Rotary’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy, Club continues to champion initiatives that create better learning environments for students. This year, the Club extended support to the Sa-Malamig Project of RC Makati San Lorenzo (RCMSL), a program that provides air conditioning units to public school classrooms to help ensure students have a more comfortable and conducive learning space. With the Philippines’ tropical climate, classroom heat often hinders focus and makes learning difficult. While full air-conditioning systems may not always be necessary, proper ventilation and cooling greatly enhance student comfort, attention, and productivity. On October 23, Dir. Paolo Turno and Dir. CB Rivilla joined RCMSL for the official turnover of eight air-conditioning units — six of which were donated by RC Makati, with the remaining units contributed by RCMSL. The funding from RC Makati came from the current term under Pres. Eddie Galvez and the previous term of IPP Keith Harrison, underscoring the Club’s continuous commitment to education-focused projects. During the short program, Dir. Paolo shared that RC Makati is glad to be part of this meaningful initiative supporting education — which is also the main focus of his directorate this year. “We believe that a more comfortable and inspiring classroom helps students learn better and dream bigger,” he said. Dir. CB added, “We hope that this small contribution helps create a more conducive environment for both students and teachers.” R e p r e s e n t i n g RCMSL at the turnover were UGP Erika Aquino, PDG Chacha Camacho, PP Maridel Villavicencio, Lisa Lou C. Sabado, Odette Ong, PP Leigh Guallar, and PP Jing Sarao. Through projects like Sa-Malamig, RC Makati reaffirms its dedication to uplifting public school communities and enabling young learners to thrive. Small but practical interventions — like improving classroom comfort — have lasting impact on students’ success and well-being.
- Kaunlaran no. 12 (14 October 2025)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NZdAqUzn1pDlH_GsHTEpCXw6Rdk6c5-v/view?usp=sharing
- RC Makati Responds to Typhoon Opong Victims in Masbate
More than a week after Typhoon Opong struck Samar and nearby provinces, the devastation remains visible — electricity is still out in many areas, debris from damaged homes and fallen trees line the roads, and countless families continue to struggle to rebuild their lives. On October 4, RC Makati Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos and CoS Ron braved an exhausting 14-hour land journey and a 3-hour ferry ride from Masbate to reach the affected communities. They joined forces with the RC Masbate, led by Pres. Mark Lawrence Sia, and other Area 4 Bicol Clubs under the leadership of DGN Japps Callos, to deliver much-needed assistance to families severely affected by the typhoon. RC Makati brought 500 sets of mats and blankets, which were distributed to families in Barangay Pinamarbuhan, Mobo Municipality. These simple yet essential items provided comfort and warmth to those who had lost so much. RC Masbate and the Area 4 Clubs also extended additional relief, including rice, food packs, bread, hygiene kits, and medicines, offering renewed hope to the community during this difficult time. Witnessing the situation firsthand in Masbate was both humbling and inspiring. The gratitude of the people was overwhelming — many residents shared that this was the first time they had received any relief goods, and the first time a Rotary Club from outside their district had joined a local relief mission. Thank you to all Rotarians and partners for your continued generosity and commitment — truly embodying the Spirit of Rotary: Service Above Self. P.S. Beyond Masbate, RC Makati continues to extend help to other areas in need. The Club has provided ₱30,000 in assistance to fire victims in Davao through its brother club, RC Davao, with distribution scheduled soon. For the recent earthquake in Cebu, RC Makati has also committed ₱150,000 worth of portable water filters in partnership with RC Cebu, to ensure affected families have access to safe drinking water.
- RC Makati Launches Complementary Feeding Program in Tanay, Rizal
The Rotary Club of Makati, through its Family Health & Nutrition Committee led by Chairman PP Freddie Borromeo, rolled out another six-month school-based Complementary Feeding Program at Rawang Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal on September 30, 2025. Conducted in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, the project will provide 60 malnourished children aged 6–12 with a daily glass of milk for 120 days to help improve their health and development. Representing the club at the launch were Pres. Eddie Galvez, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, Dir. Michael Hsu, PP Junjun Dayrit, Dir. Patrick & Mitzi Parungao, Dir. CB & Meg Rivilla, Rtn. Chito & Vicky Cantada, Rtn. Yaron & Grace Hahami, and Rtns. Boy Arteche, Aiai Galvez, and Wash Lou. Also present was Ms. Vicky Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi. Ms. Vicky opened the program by sharing a progress report on the Complementary Nutrition Program (CNP) previously conducted at the same school with RC Makati’s support. The initiative provided milk supplements over 120 feeding days and focused on improving the well-being of 60 children identified as undernourished through school health screenings. The results were encouraging: • 54 of the 60 children showed marked improvement in their health, with 25 restored to normal nutritional status. • Five students dropped out and one transferred due to economic challenges. • Orientation sessions helped parents better understand the program’s value. • Regular health checks showed notable progress in the children’s energy, learning readiness, and participation in school activities. While issues such as absenteeism sometimes disrupted the feeding schedule, the program highlighted how collaboration among schools, parents, and community partners can transform young lives through proper nutrition. In his remarks, Pres. Eddie stressed the importance of good nutrition in children’s education and development. He expressed admiration for the parents who braved the bad weather and rough roads to attend the launch, reminding them that today’s children represent the country’s hope for a better future. PP Freddie spoke about “passing on the kindness” and urged everyone to continue RC Makati’s mission of improving children’s health. He thanked the local government for supporting the initiative and cited past successes where severely undernourished children recovered within six months of the program. He encouraged families to keep preparing affordable, nutritious meals to sustain this progress. Dir. Michael added a warm and lighthearted note, calling the children “special” and saying he hoped they would grow strong and healthy enough to someday dunk a basketball. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve them again. The partnership was formally sealed with a ceremonial signing, followed by the symbolic serving of the day’s meal. The Anns ladled steaming porridge with egg into bowls and poured glasses of milk, which Rotarians personally handed to the children. In addition to the feeding launch, RC Makati donated 200 books through the Books Across the Seas program, copies of Beware the Snake — a children’s storybook on personal safety and rights donated by Ann Angela Garcia, and pairs of slippers courtesy of Rtn. Taba Samson. The school also received a ₱25,000 check from PP Freddie Borromeo, who had chosen the school as the beneficiary of his prize for being “Best Dressed Rotarian of the Night” during the Club’s 2024 Christmas Party. Rawang Elementary School expressed its gratitude by presenting certificates of recognition to RC Makati and its partners. Teachers shared how the initiative not only nourishes children physically but also inspires them to keep attending school and striving for a brighter future. This project is RC Makati’s second official feeding initiative for the Rotary Year. Earlier, on September 10, the club launched a similar program at Capt. H. Francisco Elementary School, also with Kabisig ng Kalahi, benefitting 70 undernourished children with daily meals and milk for 120 days. Since the program’s inception in 2004, it has supported 6,901 children across 230 modules. The launch concluded with a hearty lunch at Balanga Seafood Restaurant in Pililia, Rizal, hosted by President Eddie Galvez and complemented by PP Freddie Borromeo’s signature lechon — a fitting end to a day dedicated to service and fellowship.
- Kaunlaran no. 11 (7 October 2025)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Macl0kCjJ_5qGDtH04GaDy56RcuiF7fw/view?usp=sharing
- RC Makati Brings Home the Pinnacle Award
Rotary Year 2024–2025 was truly a magical one—not only for the countless beneficiaries we served, but also for RC Makati and IPP Keith Harrison. The year was capped with the club bringing home the Pinnacle Award, the highest recognition given during the 2025 District Awards Gala held on September 28, 2025, at the Solaire Grand Ballroom. It was a night to remember for IPP Keith, who walked up and down the stage several times as the club received honor after honor. Beyond the Pinnacle Award, RC Makati was recognized with the Exemplar Club Award with six stars—the highest distinction the district can bestow on a club. The celebration did not stop there. The Rotary Club of Makati also earned the Best of the Best recognition in three major categories: Membership Attraction, Public Image and Service. On top of these, the club was also recognized for achieving the highest overall contributions to TRF for the last Rotary year. (please see complete list of awards below). IPP Keith was joined that evening by RC Makati members and leaders who celebrated the victories with him: DS Louie Aseoche, PGD Pepz Bengzon, Chito Cantada, Pres. Eddie Galvez, Yaron & Grace Hahami, DG Reggie Nolido, PDG Tony Quila, Nicky Ramos, Rodrigo & Marie Segura, Sonny Tambunting Jr. with his daughter, Derrick Tan, and of course, Ann Rachel Harrison. It is also worth noting that our daughter club, RC Premier District, proudly received the Pinnacle Award for Large Club, alongside RC Makati. Truly, it was another banner year for RC Makati—a year recognized by the district for outstanding service, leadership, and commitment. And this success will only inspire the club to soar even higher in the years ahead. Awards Received by RC Makati at the 2025 Awards Gala • Pinnacle Awards - Large club category • Exemplar Club Awards (six stars) • Club Leadership Award • Club Excellence Awards • Governor’s Citation for Major Donor Achievement • Club Administration Award with Distinction • Club Administration Mandatories • Highest Per Capita Contributions • End Polio Now • Best of the Best in Service (Gold Star) • Vocational Service Distinction Award • RCC Service Distinction Award • Service Award • Legacy of Impact Award • Exemplary Club Award for Member Sponsorship • Best of the Best in Membership Attraction • Best of the Best in Public Image (Gold Star) • Public Image Award
- Kaunlaran no. 10 (23 September 2025)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14WKhtajtLBzbd5zHWlrDVaHf2orDCKjT/view?usp=sharing
- Kaunlaran no. 9 (9 September 2025)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u3j5NMQ25XQUq0WHRKqeUFHIzOc8XUkU/view?usp=sharing
- Kaunlaran no. 7 (26 August 2025)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wVbRFnGYCpoEQsEMzFzPJySznLzu2CfL/view?usp=sharing
- Kaunlaran no. 8 (4 September 2025)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I5QA3UeFreDY6ve_0q01mqyzS2MDBqvN/view?usp=sharing
- RC Makati Launches AI Academy
Makati City, August 30 — After nearly a year of planning and collaboration, the Rotary Club of Makati (RC Makati) officially launched its AI Academy, a flagship initiative designed to give underprivileged youth access to education in artificial intelligence and data science. The launch, held at the RC Makati Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo, marks a highlight of the Club’s 60th year and underscores its commitment to innovation and service. A Program Built on Education, Empowerment, and Employment The AI Academy is a pioneering and intensive training program for senior high school students and out-of-school youth. Conceived by Dir. Roger Collantes, the program rests on three pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Employment. It aims not only to provide technical knowledge but also to equip participants with practical applications and pathways to meaningful careers. The Launch Program The event, hosted by Sec/Dir. Philip Soliven, began with a prayer led by Dir. Patrick Parungao. Collantes then presented an overview of the Academy, followed by the blessing of the new facility led by Fr. Carmelo Estores. The AI Academy Hall—located on the 2nd Floor of the Paing Hechanova Creativity Center—was formally inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the marker. The 150 square-meter facility features 35 laptops, an 80-inch Smart Board, two 65-inch screens, full classroom furnishings, air-conditioning, and carpeting, providing a professional learning environment for its first batch of students. Key Messages from Leaders Secretary Henry Aguda of the DICT delivered the keynote, stressing that “no one should be left behind” in the digital age. He emphasized that graduates of the program will have access to digital jobs, freelancing opportunities, and entrepreneurship pathways — and committed that employment opportunities will be made available to them upon completion. Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang of the Philippine Red Cross highlighted AI’s potential to enhance disaster response and service delivery, showing how technology can be a transformative tool for humanitarian work. RC Makati President Eddie Galvez reaffirmed the program’s mission to give disadvantaged youth a fighting chance in a world being reshaped by AI. He emphasized that education must balance future-ready skills with ethics and values, reminding all that today’s youth are “living messengers” of a future we may never see. Sr. Teresita Sumalabe of the Sisters of Mary expressed gratitude for including their students as beneficiaries and requested a future extension of the program to Cavite. District Governor Reggie Nolido, an educator himself, called on other Rotary Clubs to replicate the initiative. With 121 clubs in the district, he pledged to actively promote adoption of the program as a model of service. The program closed with a performance from Himig Kawayan of the Sisters of Mary. Collaboration and Support The success of the launch was made possible through the dedication of the RCM AI Academy Committee: Pres. Eddie Galvez, Dir. Roger Collantes, PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, PP Bing Matoto, Dir. Patrick Parungao, Rodrigo Segura, Sec/Dir. Philip Soliven, Dir. Paolo Turno, and Bom Villatuya. Support also came from the Makati Rotary Club Foundation, Inc., led by Chairman IPP Keith Harrison, Immediate Past Chair PP Bing Matoto, and the Board of Trustees, who not only funded the project but also provided the 2nd Floor of the Creativity Center as its permanent home. Additional financial backing was contributed by members Winston Uy, Johnson Tan, Ai-Ai Galvez, AJ Violago, and Dir. Andy Manalac. Special thanks were extended to Don Lino (interior design); PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza (donation of computers via FEU Alumni Association); Ric Gindap and team (project branding); Michael del Carmen (computer setup); and PP Charlie Rufino (partnership with Sisters of Mary Boys and Girls Town) A Legacy Project for RC Makati’s 60th Year As RC Makati celebrates six decades of service, the AI Academy stands as a landmark initiative — combining service, innovation, and sustainability. More than a training program, it represents hope and opportunity, preparing a new generation to thrive in a technology-driven future while carrying with them the values of Rotary’s guiding principle: Service Above Self.












