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

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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.

There are chance meetings, and then there are what we call “hijacked” encounters. That’s exactly how it looked during the recent visit of RC Singapore to the Philippines. With their limited time in the country, we seized the opportunity, worked around their availability, and managed to squeeze in a few hours to sit down with them. On August 7, IPP Keith Harrison, together with baby Rotarians Yaron Hahami and Makoto Numata, joined the trip to Payatas, Quezon City, to meet the delegation from RC Singapore led by DG Shahul Hameed with First Lady Michelle, along with VJ & Anna Africa, and Anson Sia Dichaves. The mission was to introduce them to the Fairplay For All Foundation, led by Roy Moore, whom we came to know through Ronalyn Lagata, a finalist of our PHYLA last year. The first stop was the Payatas Sports Center, home of the foundation’s futsal program, which RC Makati supported last year with a P500,000 renovation grant. The visitors saw firsthand the training of the kids and even got the chance to throw in some kicks themselves. Afterward, the group was taken on a tour around Payatas—passing through narrow streets lined with tightly packed homes, and stopping by the man-made mountain of trash. Though plants and trees have started to grow, traces of waste, especially plastic, remain visible. The tour concluded at the Fairplay educational center, where the visitors observed children studying and receiving tutorials. To cap the experience, they were treated to a vegan snack prepared at the restaurant operated by Fairplay. The next day, August 8, we found another crack in the schedule and managed to arrange a 4:00 p.m. meeting with RC Singapore. This time, IPP Keith, Pres. Eddie Galvez, and Dir. Derrick Tan met with their delegation at the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel, with RC Singapore Pres. Sonali Sinha in attendance. The meeting allowed for a more in-depth discussion of possible joint initiatives, including the Child Protection/Human Trafficking project, Special Magic 2, the AI Academy, the Rotary Dorm, Sisters of Mary, and the Dualtech program. On Saturday morning the delegation flew to Isabela for the induction of RC Cauayan, which is a Sister Club of RC Singapore and as well as being a Brother Club of RC Makati. There to join them in the trip and for the weekend were IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison and a late arrival from RC Singapore, PP James Lee. In Cauayan, IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison were very generously hosted by Rtn Winston Uy in his guest house even though he was unable to join the trip himself. After being met at the airport by RC Cauayan (particularly by PP Tonton Pua and wife Jen, PP Raymond Tan and wife Donna, and PP Sheila) they were taken on a whirlwind trip of early lunch hosted by RC Cauayan, coffee at Donna Tan’s latest coffee outlet, a visit to the Southern Isabela Medical Center to see the equipment purchased under a GG with RC Singapore. Here we were guided by Dr Phinee Alivia (wife of PP Danny Alivia) and the Hospital Administrator and team. Back to base for checking in freshening up. Next stop was the RC Cauayan Clubhouse, here we met the whole club at a welcome dinner for the visiting sister clubs. This was taking place immediately after the governors visit. The programme included the presentation by IPP Keith of a token of a Reef-bud plaque to incoming President Sherlon Gonzales and exchange of banners. The evening was very social with a number of singing and dance performances by the members and the guests. The Sunday was further packed with activities. Starting at 6:30am they attended an End Polio Now walk around Cauayan led by RC Cauayan, including the other Rotary and Rtaract clubs in the area and visiting Rotary clubs and all supported by the local PNP. This was followed by a vocational visit to the very professionally run Ranch/Farm of PP Raymond Tan (with over 2,000 head of cattle - Angus breed from Australia) and a visit to his farmhouse (wife Donna’s lockdown project). This was then followed by a visit to a Rotary water project at Villa Cayaban Elementary School, San Manuel, Malalinta, followed by a superb lunch at the Isabella La Suerte Rice Mill. In the evening IPP Keith and Ann Rachel attended the Induction and Handover from IPP Chris Macadangdang to Pres Sherlon Gonzales. The evening included the valedictorian speech of IPP Chris, showcasing disaster relief efforts of over P700k, education projects of over P3m (including 2 new classrooms of PHP1m each), a partnership to distribute vitamin and the opening of the new PHP17m club house (the key project of PP Czarah Dy) one year ago – a very successful year indeed! The evening also included Philippine folk dances by local school children, singing from the School for the Blind and a dance from the club members. We also heard an Inspirational Address from DG Dr Shahul Hameed, RC Singapore, District 3310, a Keynote Address from DG Alex Santos, District 3770 and the acceptance speech of President Sherlon. A very splendid evening with over 200 guests. Monday morning, IPP Keith and Rachel met their hosts again to say good-bye over a coffee before heading to the airport for the first flight back to Manila. What a great few days, thank you RC Cauayan!!!

If there is one program that RC Makati proudly upholds year after year, it is the Nutrition Program—a project close to our hearts because its impact is visible in the lives of children and families. This Rotary year, the Club launched its first initiative under this program: the Food Share Program (FSP), a partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi that addresses immediate food needs while helping families build sustainable nourishment for the future. On August 14, RC Makati officially launched the program at the Municipal Hall of Padre Garcia, Batangas, a two-hour drive from Makati. Leading the Club delegation were Pres. Eddie Galvez, PP Freddie & Jojo Borromeo, Dir. Michael Hsu, Amb. Melvin Castelino, Jolyon & Ann Menchu Tiglao, Makoto & Marilou Numata, and Yaron Hahami. They were joined by Kabisig ng Kalahi President Ms. Vicky Wieneke, Mayor Celsa Rivera, Vice Mayor Micko Rivera, and members of the RC Padre Garcia led by Pres. Mary Rose Briones. The program opened with welcome messages from local officials, followed by an orientation from Ms. Wieneke. Pres. Eddie underscored Rotary’s commitment to fighting hunger and improving nutrition. PP Freddie, who has championed this program for over two decades, highlighted that the Food Share Program goes beyond distributing rice—it empowers families to grow their own food, take responsibility, and work together for a brighter future. Dir. Michael reinforced this message, noting that sustainability is the heart of the program, with Rotary standing alongside families throughout their journey. Mayor Celsa expressed her deep gratitude to RC Makati and Kabisig ng Kalahi for uplifting the lives of her constituents. One of the highlights of the event was the signing of an agreement among Kabisig ng Kalahi, RC Makati, DSWD CALABARZON, and the LGU of Padre Garcia, witnessed by RC Padre Garcia, which will also help monitor the program’s impact. The first 60 beneficiary families—30 each from Barangays Tamak and San Miguel—will receive 60 kilos of rice in three tranches over six months, in exchange for their participation in community gardening projects. These gardens aim to provide daily meals and potentially an additional source of income. During the initial distribution of 20 kilos of rice, the LGU added 5 extra kilos per family. Beneficiaries also received bottles of garlic cooking oil donated by Glenn & Christine Gatuslao, as well as cookbooks from Kabisig to guide them in preparing affordable, nutritious meals. After the formal program, the RC Makati delegation met with Mayor Celsa to explore future collaborations, followed by a fellowship lunch at Tom Yang, hosted by Pres. Eddie. The Food Share Program is a collaborative effort involving LGUs, NGOs, and community representatives. It addresses food insecurity by redistributing surplus food and promoting sustainable practices through food waste reduction, local food production, and educational campaigns. Beneficiaries are profiled families who become the nucleus for community development. Backed by continuous monitoring and strong LGU support, FSP has proven its effectiveness in improving family welfare and community resilience. This is the third time RC Makati has supported this program—the first in Calatagan, Batangas during the presidency of PP Michael Escaler in RY2022-23, and later in Tanay, Rizal during the presidency of PP Bing Matoto in RY2023-24. The Nutrition Program has just begun, and we are excited to launch more initiatives this year to protect children from malnutrition and continue the fight against hunger.

The Sierra Madre mountain range, often called the country’s “last frontier,” is home to the largest remaining tract of old-growth tropical rainforest in the Philippines. It serves as a natural shield against typhoons and a vital source of biodiversity, water, and life. Recognizing its critical role in environmental sustainability, the Rotary Club of Makati (RC Makati) has strengthened its commitment to preserving this precious ecosystem by expanding its participation in the Adopt-a-Hectare Forest Program, a partnership with the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR). On August 10, an RC Makati delegation led by Pres. Eddie & First Ann Trina Galvez, PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Dir. CB & Meg Rivilla with their son Mari, together with Rtns. Aaron Mempin and Yaron Hahami, joined volunteers and members of the Rotaract Club of Makati for a day dedicated to the environment. Representing UPLB-CFNR were Dean Marlo Mendoza and Land Grant Manager Reynaldo Lorida. At the heart of this collaboration is the Industrial Tree Plantation (ITP) initiative, a forward-looking program that integrates ecological restoration with long-term educational benefits. Through the sustainable harvesting of indigenous trees, the project will fund scholarships, incentives for Latin Honor graduates and Forester Licensure Exam topnotchers, and hands-on training for forestry students across the value chain—from seedling to sawmill. Beyond academics, it contributes to forest landscape restoration, recovery of ecological services, and CFNR’s community extension programs. With the first harvest expected in 12 years, the program ensures sustainability by replanting every tree that is harvested. In his welcome remarks, Dean Marlo Mendoza explained that the harvests from the land grants will fund scholarships, making the program self-sustaining. He highlighted the rich biodiversity of the land grants, which serve as research sites in partnership with global institutions such as Oxford University. Dean Marlo assured everyone that the seedlings planted would grow into real forests, not just compliance plantings, and expressed gratitude for RC Makati’s unwavering support. Pres. Eddie Galvez, in his message, emphasized that the Tree Planting activity aligns with Rotary’s Areas of Focus—Protecting the Environment. He underscored the importance of building partnerships with experts and expressed hope that in 10 to 12 years, the Club will see the fruits of this collaboration. Following the messages, RC Makati sealed its renewed commitment by signing a Memorandum of Agreement for four more hectares of adopted forest and turning over a donation of ₱460,000. The group then embarked on a five-kilometer trek—nearly two hours on steep, rocky, and muddy trails—to reach the planting site. Despite the challenging path, the experience of planting trees deep in the forest was both rewarding and relaxing. Before planting, Dean Marlo gave a short orientation on proper seedling handling—emphasizing correct depth, careful handling of roots, soil compaction, planting in pairs for safety, and proper disposal of plastic materials. Along the way, he shared insights on forest growth, explaining that transforming shrubland into a forest can take decades. Planting native seedlings under existing vegetation, which serve as “nurse trees,” improves survival by shielding young plants from sunlight and conserving moisture. While growth may be slower in shaded areas, the long-term success rate is far greater than planting in open grasslands. On this visit, RC Makati volunteers planted around 200 seedlings, with more scheduled for planting between September and February, when rainfall provides optimal conditions for growth. RC Makati first joined the Adopt-a-Hectare initiative last Rotary year during the presidency of IPP Keith Harrison, adopting four hectares of forest. On August 10, the Club took another bold step forward by committing an additional four hectares in Sierra Madre, bringing the total to eight hectares under the UP Land Grant. With 1,500 hectares identified for proposed Industrial Tree Plantation under the 2011 Approved Master Plan, RC Makati is clearly helping the environment and supporting future foresters to sustain this program. This initiative demonstrates how Rotary can turn environmental advocacy into measurable action. By linking forest restoration with education and livelihood opportunities, the program ensures lasting benefits for both nature and communities.

Last Sunday, August 10, Iñigo & Angela Garcia, together with the Tuldok team, led an inspiring art class for the children of Bolanday Cooking for Kids, a community group headed by Ms. Ida Arreza. They were joined by members of RAC Makati, who hosted a lively talent portion where the children showcased their unique skills and creativity. For the art class, Ann Angela drew inspiration from butterflies — a symbol of beauty in transformation and growth, rebirth and renewal, freedom and liberation, resilience and endurance, and ultimately, hope and optimism. These values reflect the spirit of the Bolanday Cooking for Kids program, where the children themselves embody the butterflies — choosing hope and optimism even when optimism feels radical. With her passion and dedication to improving the lives of underprivileged children, Ann Angela not only conducts free art training but also brings art materials such as canvases, watercolors, and other supplies. She even surprises the girls with pre-loved shoes, adding joy to their day. The afternoon concluded with a shared meal for the kids, coupled with a birthday celebration for the July and August celebrants. Among those honored were Rtn. Iñigo, who turned a year older last August 1, and Ann Angela, who will be celebrating her birthday on August 22. Last Rotary year, under the leadership of IPP Keith Harrison, the Club proudly sponsored the Food n’ Books (FnB) program, an initiative dedicated to supporting the educational and nutritional needs of underprivileged children. For an entire year, the program ran every Sunday, providing not just nourishment but also fostering a love for learning among its young beneficiaries. Through initiatives like these, RC Makati continues to spread not only resources but also hope, joy, and encouragement to communities in need.

With the Philippines highly susceptible to natural disasters due to its geographic location—earning the tag of a disaster-prone country—typhoons, earthquakes, and man-made hazards such as fire continue to pose serious challenges to communities. In response, the Disaster Relief Committee has remained one of the most active arms of our Club, always ready to mobilize aid where it is most needed. Just last week, when a massive fire displaced 4,500 families in Tondo, we received a call for help from Jane Walker of the Upskills Foundation on the very same day. Without delay, our Disaster Relief Committee, chaired by Nicky Ramos, began strategizing—coordinating with partners on the ground to assess urgent needs, ordering the required goods, and planning the distribution in close cooperation with Upskills Foundation. Manpower support also came from the Philippine Red Cross, Administrator in Manila Baby Cayetano through its General Secretary Gwendolyn Pang, who had recently been a guest speaker at the Club. By Sunday, Chair Nicky—joined by Baby Rotarian Yaron Hahami, who is fast becoming a “Robin” to Nicky’s “Batman,” in our relief efforts—headed to Gen. Vicente Lim Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, to distribute 600 mats and blankets to families sheltering at the evacuation center. They were assisted by our ever-reliable Rotaract volunteers and Phil. Red Cross, Administrator Baby Cayetano, ensuring that the relief reached those in dire need quickly and efficiently. RC Makati will always stand ready to support families affected by disasters, whether natural or man-made.

On August 4, the Rotary Anns, led by First Ann Trina Galvez, held their first monthly gathering for the Rotary year at the Acacia Waldorf School, The Farm Shed in Sta. Elena, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Eighteen members came together for an event that blended fellowship, learning, and inspiration—underscoring the group’s commitment to continuous personal growth and meaningful engagement. The day’s theme centered on the vital connections between soil health, ecology, composting, and community well-being—topics closely aligned with Rotary’s mission of service. The program opened with thought-provoking presentations from two inspiring speakers: Ms. Hindy Weber-Tantoco, sustainable fashion designer and agripreneur, and Ms. Melanie Teng-Go, an emerging biologist and co-founder of the innovative Holy Carabao Farms. Together, they explored the deep relationship between food, health, and the evolving modern food system. They discussed how industrial farming, commercial marketing, and lifestyle shifts have distanced communities from wholesome, nutrient-rich diets. Addressing issues like genetic modification, excessive chemical use, and misleading food advertising, they urged a return to natural, mindful practices—growing and preparing real food, supporting small-scale local farms, eating seasonal produce, and cultivating gratitude for the nourishment nature provides. Adding a hands-on dimension, Ms. Yvette de Leon-Manotoc, sister of First Ann Trina, delivered an engaging and practical talk on composting. She demonstrated how dried leaves and kitchen scraps can be transformed into nutrient-rich organic soil through a natural process. She introduced a special activator—created by burying a mixture for six months to harness both earth and cosmic energy—that accelerates decomposition and enhances soil vitality. Yvette showed how to energize the activator with water and vortexing before spraying it over layered organic waste. Beyond waste reduction, she framed composting as a sustainable, chemical-free practice that improves soil health, reconnects people with natural cycles, and supports healthier food production. The gathering also featured a heartfelt reflection from First Lady Sue Ann Nolido, who began her Rotary journey in 2001 alongside her husband, now District Governor Reggie Nolido. At the time, she participated as a Rotary Ann—the title given to Rotarians’ spouses when Rotary was still an all-male organization, a tradition that RC Makati preserved. Over the years, she has been involved in numerous impactful projects and has come to see Rotary not just as an organization, but as a way of life rooted in compassion, dignity, and genuine human connection. Guided by Maya Angelou’s words—that people may forget what you said or did but will never forget how you made them feel—she shared her hope that every project she supports makes others feel seen, valued, and empowered. For her, changing even one life for the better is a success worth pursuing. After the enlightening talks, the Anns enjoyed a sumptuous lunch sponsored by RC Makati, fostering camaraderie and strengthening bonds. With this successful first event, the Rotary Anns aim to make monthly activities a tradition—building relationships while exploring new ways to collaborate with Rotarians in serving communities in need. Those who joined the fellowship included: Tess Aseoche, Jojo Borromeo, Angela Garcia, Tesha Garcia, Rachel Harrison, Camille Makasiar, Daianne Mempin, Queenie Mills, First Lady Sue Ann Nolido, Menchit Ordoveza and her daughter Margaux, PP Fred and Mely Parungao, Mitzi Parungao, Myda Prieto, Angela Quila, Menchu Tiglao, Caling Young, and Yvonne Kuan.