The RC Makati Disaster Response mobilized its Hope Mission in response to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Uwan, which brought massive flooding and left thousands of families in Catanduanes struggling to rebuild their lives. As part of the Club’s commitment to rapid disaster response, RC Makati deployed a team to deliver essential aid to the hardest-hit communities. On Sunday, the gutsyteam led by Pre. Eddie Galvez, together with PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos, and CoS Ron, flew to Virac for a full day of humanitarian work on the ground. Upon arrival at the airport, the RCM team immediately hit the ground running as they were welcomed by a delegation from RC Virac headed by Pres. Ednalyn San Ramon. The group was then transported to Lucky Hotel for a quick early lunch while awaiting the District 3820 contingent, who traveled by ship along with the relief goods. After a nearly two-hour ride from Virac navigating one landslide after another, the team reached St. Isidore Parish in Gigmoto, where Bishop Luisito Audal Occiano celebrated a special Mass and acknowledged the presence and partnership of the Rotary teams. The atmosphere was solemn yet hopeful, as the community gathered in gratitude and relief. The moment the Mass concluded, the team immediately went to work. Pres. Eddie climbed onto the truck and began rearranging the relief goods to streamline the distribution — a task that proved to be physically exhausting but essential. PN Chris took charge of the distribution line, ensuring that every beneficiary received the correct package. Meanwhile, Nicky supervised the registration area, carefully checking the tickets of those who lined up to guarantee an orderly and fair process. The relief mission in Gigmoto successfully served 1,000 families, each receiving a food pack from District 3820, facilitated through DGN Japps Callos, as well as beddings donated by St. Giles Hotel through Dir. Derrick Tan. After the grueling but heart-warming tasks of distributing to 1,000 families, the team then travelled almost an hour and by around 6PM we reached the town of Baras, where there is still no electricity and where 800 families are waiting for them for the much needed assistance. During the brief program, Pres. Eddie addressed the families with messages of solidarity and encouragement. PN Chris shared his own experience of surviving a major typhoon in his home province, offering empathy, hope, and strength to those facing the long road to recovery. The team then turned over 800 sets of mats, blankets, and pairs of slippers generously provided by Taba Samson. The relief mission in Baras was coordinated through Mayor Paolo Teves, with the assistance of DS Louie Aseoche. The long day concluded with a fellowship dinner hosted by RC Makati at Sea Food Restaurant—an opportunity for partners to regroup, reflect, and strengthen bonds after a full day of service. The following day, Nicky and CoS Ron continued the mission, extending assistance to additional communities. RC Makati provided food packs to around 300 families in Barangay Pagsangahan, San Miguel, Catanduanes, in partnership with St. Therese Parish through Fr. Raymund Teodones. This mission was made possible through strong collaboration with RC Virac, District 3820 led by DGN Japps Callos, and RC Makati’s daughter club, RC AIM. Beyond Catanduanes, RC Makati also supported parallel relief missions in Cebu, where the Club partnered with Sun Savings Bank through Paquito Dizon to distribute mats and blankets to displaced families in Talisay and Liloan. Our heartfelt thanks go to George Barcelon for supporting this mission. In Palawan, RC Makati joined forces with RC Roxas and RC Makati San Antonio to deliver relief goods to affected residents in Roxas and Araceli. The relief mission did far more than deliver goods; it delivered hope. In every community we visited, we sought to remind families that they are not alone — that Rotary stands with them, ready to lend a hand as they rise and rebuild.

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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 unleash its force. On November 7, the RC Makati team led by Pres. Eddie Galvez, together with PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Community Service B Dir. Michael Hsu, and Anns Mitzi Parungao and Meg Rivilla, flew to Laoag and made their way to Vigan for a medical mission scheduled the following day. That evening, members of RC Vigan warmly welcomed the delegation with a fellowship dinner at their clubhouse—a night filled with camaraderie, stories of shared history and projects, and of course, lots of singing. The next day, the medical mission took place at the covered court of Sitio Namnama, Barangay Tamorong, Sta. Catalina, where nearly 180 patients, mostly senior citizens, availed of free consultations and medical services. The WOW Clinic+ team conducted blood tests, ECGs, and urine dipstick tests, while medicines—some generously donated by Unilab—were distributed to those in need. The use of the WOW Clinic+, including all medical tests and medicines, was fully sponsored by RC Makati. The program began with welcome remarks from RC Vigan Pres. Benjie Buen, followed by acknowledgments for the RC Makati delegation, the WOW Clinic+ staff, and the Ilocos Sur Medical Society. Pres. Eddie delivered a message on this year’s Rotary theme, “Uniting for Good,” emphasizing how this mission exemplified collaboration among many organizations to bring much-needed healthcare to Ilocos. Dir. Michael and PN/Dir. Chris also gave words of encouragement, with Chris endearing the audience by speaking a few lines in Ilocano. While the medical services were ongoing, RC Makati representatives and some RC Vigan members visited Laoingen, Ilocos Sur to explore potential collaboration on RC Vigan’s ongoing water project. They also stopped by Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, to check on RC Makati’s Global Grant water project. Upon completion of the mission, reports showed that 162 patients availed of ECG tests, 120 underwent blood tests, and 114 received urine dipstick testing. In addition to medical services, RC Vigan also conducted an optical mission using an eye refractor machine donated by RC Makati during the presidency of PP Bing Matoto, under the project “EYE AYATENKA” (meaning “I Love You” in Ilocano). Through this initiative, many residents received free eyeglasses—bringing clearer vision and brighter smiles. In the evening, the team gathered at Grandpa’s Inn Restaurant to meet with RC Narvacan, where both clubs renewed their Matched Club Agreement, reinforcing their bond of brotherhood and shared service. The agreement was signed by RC Narvacan Pres. Richard Gomez and PP Gigi Ramos-Tesoro, alongside Pres. Eddie Galvez and PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza. Bannerettes and tokens were exchanged to commemorate the partnership. It was during this meeting that the group learned all activities in Ilocos Sur had been suspended by the LGU upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC, resulting in the cancellation of the scheduled medical mission in Narvacan the next day. RC Makati left the medicines and testing kits with RC Narvacan to allow them to carry out the project at a later date, in coordination with Sta. Maria RHU and the Southern Ilocos Sur Medical Society. Another activity that had to be postponed was the planned collaboration with RC Baguio Summer Capital on November 10, which will be rescheduled alongside the medical caravan with RC Dau and RC Dagupan in March 2026. RC Makati would like to express its heartfelt thanks to RC Makati Premier District, the proponent of the WOW Clinic+ under a Global Grant project. RCMPD played a vital role in ensuring the program’s success, with PP Leah Quesada actively participating in the weekly coordination meetings and contributing significantly to the smooth implementation of the mission. While the mission ended as “mission incomplete,” RC Makati still accomplished what mattered most—delivering essential healthcare to over 180 patients, and rekindling strong ties with its brother clubs, RC Vigan and RC Narvacan—a true testament to Rotary’s enduring spirit of service and fellowship.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h5bRcYv0Y6YHqosxQKEoH0AIMTjQ3gvI/view?usp=sharing

RC Makati continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Filipino families through its partnership with the International School of Sustainable Tourism, Inc. (ISST) and the Hilot Philippines Development Center (HPDC). This collaboration aims to preserve the country’s traditional healing practices while creating new opportunities for personal growth and livelihood. The Hilot Training Program, consisting of Hilot 101 and Hilot 102, provided practical and theoretical training to 12 participants, mostly mothers from Pasay, Taguig, and Parañaque. Through the program, they gained valuable skills in traditional massage and wellness therapy—skills that not only promote community health but also open doors to economic empowerment. The project formally began with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing and turnover of donations on September 23, during the club’s luncheon meeting at The Peninsula Manila. The Club allocated P371,000 to cover costs related to training materials, facilitators, venues, and other program expenses. Hilot 101 ran from October 13–17, culminating in a Graduation Day held in Pasay City. The ceremony was attended by Pres. Eddie Galvez, PP Bing Matoto with Ida Joseph, and Nicky Ramos, alongside Dr. Mina Gabor, President of ISST; Cora Alma de Leon, ISST Director; and Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, Chairman of the Hilot Philippines Development Center. During the ceremony, Pres. Eddie delivered an inspirational message highlighting the deeper meaning of touch and healing. He said that when people “know how to hold each other,” they become instruments of the Lord’s compassion, expressing love not just through words but through the act of healing. He emphasized that the practice of Hilot is both an expression of love and a way of preserving Filipino heritage, thanking PP Bing Matoto and Ida Joseph for their leadership in making the program possible. “The most important thing,” he reminded the graduates, “is that you are happy and that you love what you are doing.” PP Bing, who endorsed the project to the Club and from whose unallocated savings the budget was drawn, addressed the graduates with an uplifting message about the purpose of Rotary’s involvement in such initiatives. He shared that projects like this reflect Rotary’s true mission—to help people, especially those who need it most, by giving them the skills and opportunities to uplift their lives. He expressed pride in seeing the graduates’ progress and reaffirmed that the Club is committed to continuing programs that empower communities through education, livelihood, and compassion. Adding a deeply personal touch to the event, one of the graduates, Maria Teresa Mendoza, shared her heartfelt testimony. “Hilot 101 is a blessing for us because it increased our knowledge,” she said. She shared how the training helped her and expanded her skills in wellness and traditional healing. “Because of this program, my knowledge grew—and so did my income. Before, I earned P500; now it’s P700. Thank you very much to the Rotary Club of Makati for this blessing.” The program continued with Hilot 102, held from October 29–31, culminating in another graduation ceremony attended by IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison, together with Boy Arteche and Nicky Ramos. Each participant received a certificate of participation recognizing their completion of the program. Through this initiative, RC Makati reaffirms its commitment to sustainable livelihood, cultural preservation, and community wellness—empowering individuals not just to heal others, but to create better futures for themselves and their families.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15GNEVl94MEhKx9RtDpCSQfJKutYEq1P8/view?usp=sharing

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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