Club of Makati

Club of Makati YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 Club of Makati

YEARS Setting Sail for501966 ~ 2016

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 YEARS 1966 ~ 2016

50 Setting Sail for New Horizons New Horizons

Setting Sail for New Horizons

The Rotarian spirit was once again in full display at the old seaport in Ormoc City during the 2016 turnover ceremony for the Gift of Boats project. YEARS YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 YEARS 1966 ~ 2016 501966 ~ 2016 50 Club of Makati

Setting Sail for New Horizons

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 Club of Makati

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 Setting Sail for New Horizons

Rotary Club of Makati: SETTING SAIL FOR NEW HORIZONS

Published by Makati Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. © 2016

Coffee-Table Book Committee Chairman: Carlos Miguel D. Rufino Vice Chairman: Freddie Borromeo Member: Felix Amparo Club President: Eddie Yap RCM Secretariat/Project Coordinator: Sandie Sacris

Executive Editor: Alfred A. Yuson Associate Editor: Tess C. Dumana

Book Designer: Orland S. Punzalan Photographer: Peter Manlangit † Cover Photography: Ronnel Dotaro

ISBN: 978-971-93289-1-9 e-book: 978-971-93289-2-6

Printed by: House Printers, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Contents THE LAST TEN YEARS 133 2006-2016

2006-2007 134 Conrado “Conrad” G. Marty

2007-2008 136 Jose AR “Pepito” Bengzon

2008-2009 140 Larry “Larry” A. Boyer

2009-2010 142 Felix “Felix” B. Amparo

Preface 06 THE FIRST FORTY YEARS 51 2010-2011 144 1966-2006 Filadelfo “Jun” Rojas, Jr. † Introduction 07 1976-1977 72 1986-1987 92 1996-1997 112 1966-1967 52 Roberto “Bert” J. Montinola † Carlos “Charlie” S. Rufino Ricardo “Ric” G. Librea 2011-2012 146 Messages 08 Armando “Mando” Picciotto † Renato “Rene” M. Limjoco 1977-1978 74 1987-1988 94 1997-1998 114 The 50th Anniversary 24 1967-1968 54 President: Edgar “Hadji” Kalaw † Renato “Rene” L. Paras † and Isidro “Sid” G. Garcia 2012-2013 150 Celebration Jose Luis “Louie” P. Faustino Alfredo “Fred” B. Parungao Reuben “Reuben” M. Valerio 1978-1979 76 1998-1999 116 Charter Anniversary 36 1968-1969 56 William “Bill” Beck 1988-1989 96 J. Antonio “Tony” M. Quila 2013-2014 154 Keynote Address Roger “Roger” K. Davis Jesus “Gigi” M. Zulueta, Jr. Carlos Miguel “Carlo” D. Rufino 1979-1980 78 1999-2000 118 Milestone Projects 38 1969-1970 58 Efren “Efren” Sales † 1989-1990 98 Cristino “Tito” Panlilio 2014-2015 158 (NACS & AQMS) Farid “Fred” S. K. Nassr Reynaldo “Rey” A. Adriano Reginald Alberto “Reggie” B. 1980-1981 80 2000-2001 120 Nolido The Rotarian Spirit 42 1970-1971 60 Froilan “Froily” T. Aragon † 1990-1991 100 Roland “Roland” U. Young (Boats Donation to Leyte Ford “Ford” M. Tussing † Teodoro “Ted” C. Borlongan † 2015-2016 162 victims of Haiyan) 1981-1982 82 2001-2002 122 Eduardo “Eddie” H. Yap 1971-1972 62 Ronald “Ronnie” L. Velayo 1991-1992 102 Juan “Jonny” J. Carlos, Jr. Historical Background 46 Luis Ma. “Louie” Guerrero † Fidel “Fidel” M. Alfonso Serving Beyond Club Level 170 1982-1983 84 2002-2003 124 1972-1973 64 Nicolas “Nick” O. Katigbak † 1992-1993 104 Robert “Robert” F. Kuan Rotary Anns 176 Rafael “Paing” Hechanova Armand “Jun” F. Braun, Jr. 1983-1984 86 2003-2004 126 Makati Rotary Club 178 1973-1974 66 Giorgio “George” A. Bongulielmi † 1993-1994 106 Rene “Rene” B. Benitez & Foundation, Inc. (MRCFI) Juan “Puno” N. R. Peña Jose “Joe” S. Alejandro Wellington “Willie” Soong 1984-1985 88 Fellowship 180 1974-1975 68 Cesar “Cesar” V. Campos 1994-1995 108 2004-2005 128 Silvestre “Beteng” M. Punzalan † Juan Carlos “Carlos” del Rosario Federico “Freddie” Borromeo Advocacies 182 1985-1986 90 1975-1976 70 Leocadio “Cady” J. Dominguez † 1995-1996 110 2005-2006 130 TRF Giving 190 Arthur “Art” G. Misner Jr. Evergisto “Ever” Macatulad † Jesus “Sonny” Tambunting Towards the Future 191 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

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he idea for this 50th Anniversary To ensure that it becomes a his publication is the product of many of his expertise as writer and coffee table book came up during the tangible keepsake and collect- minds, hearts, and hands coming editor and his familiarity with first meeting of the 50th anniversary ible, the scope of the book was together for one purpose: to produce a Club history and the people Tplanning committee that was held in President expanded to include the culmi- Tbook that tells the story of the Rotary Club of responsible for it. Eddie Yap’s house on July 10, 2015. nating celebration of the 50th Makati from its birth in 1966 to its 50th year. Tess Dumana, writer and The Coffee Table Book committee was Anniversary event, as well as the The story tellers are the presidents, past and long-time editor of the Club, formed, with PP Carlo Rufino designated to two milestone projects that were present, who have held the reins of the Club was conscripted as Associate lead as chairman. PP Freddie Borromeo was the Air Quality Monitoring Sys- one year at a time and who have contributed Editor, while Orland Punzalan, appointed vice-chairman as he was involved in tem and the National Awards for to the building of a strong and dynamic club, prizewinning book and magazine the previous 40th anniversary book. PP Felix Community Service. brick by solid brick, to catapult it to the place of designer, working from his Amparo was also tapped to provide input and This book thus aims to ac- prestige it currently occupies. base in Singapore, kept the guidance. knowledge the contributions of The meat of the story was supplied by the internet lines busy with digital The goal was to come up with a distinctive the past presidents who have story tellers in interviews, face-to-face and submissions. Thanks to the publication that would serve as a comprehen- made the Club what it is today, as online, and by thick volumes of the newsletter power of the internet, there was sive historical work highlighting the 50 years well as highlight the significant Kaunlaran, faithful journal of Club goings-on, no need for physical meetings. of Rotary Club of Makati history, with a special contributions to the country that as well as annual reports and sundry other This book also owes much to focus on the last ten years that had not been the Club as a whole has made sources. Sandie Sacris and Ron Dotaro of covered in the previous book. through the years. The by-year accounts were sent to the the Club Secretariat. It will also guide future gener- concerned presidents for their once-over, with Lastly, the inputs, suggestions ations on properly reflecting on a number offering suggestions or sending and guidance provided by what the Rotary Club of Makati pictures. Dusty photographs were unearthed, President Eddie Yap, PP Carlo stands for: the core values of sorted out and captioned. The back-and-forth Rufino, PP Freddie Borromeo “Service Above Self” through its among those in the work loop was animated. and PP Felix Amparo can only various projects that identify and Tapped to put everything together in a be recognized and appreciated as characterize the Club, apart from special coffee-table book was Alfred “Krip” having been invaluable. serving as its avenues for mani- Yuson, veteran book author, editor, and Palanca festing these values. Awards Hall of Famer, who had edited another such book on the Club’s 40th year in 2004. His designation as Executive Editor was on account

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Messages 8 9 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

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Benigno S. Aquino III Jejomar C. Binay President of the Philippines Vice-President of the Philippines

y warmest greetings to the Rotary Club would like to extend my warmest regards of Makati as you celebrate your 50th and congratulations to the Rotary Club Anniversary. of Makati, Inc. R.I. District 3830, on MA democracy thrives best when ordinary Iholding this year’s 50th Charter Anniversary citizens are engaged in the tasks crucial to a nation’s Celebration. development. Non-profit, community-based Truly, we have much to be proud of as we organizations are among those at the frontlines of mark our golden year. Since its inception, the this endeavour, and we count ourselves fortunate Rotary Club of Makati has drawn in many men to have such active partners in the Rotary Club of eager to serve others selflessly, and discover and Makati. develop their leadership potential. Within the For 50 years, your collective has given hope to those who are in the margins of your city, folds of Rotary, we have found greater meaning working with both private and public sector to and relevance in life through pursuits that alleviate hunger, poverty, and illiteracy in many enabled us to make a difference in the lives of of its areas. Let this milestone remind you of your others. accomplishments and the thousands of lives you It is worthy of note that our endeavors have have touched; may it inspire you to continue the touched countless lives, especially the less work you have done and help more people as you fortunate. As we mark this auspicious year, I look onward to a century of service. trust that the quality of service we provide our As we write a new chapter in our history, I fellow Filipinos will further improve, even as trust that the Rotary Club of Makati will remain we seek to widen the scope and impact of our a steady yet vigilant ally of our people in keeping programs and projects. our government remain honest and decent in the Mabuhay kayong lahat! next several years. Let us work together to turn our

dreams into reality, that our nation may reach even JEJOMAR BINAY greater heights and build a more inclusive and Vice-President of the Philippines progressive future. I wish you a happy and meaningful celebration.

BENIGNO AQUINO III President of the Philippines

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Franklin M. Drilon K.R. Ravindran Senate President of the Philippines Rotary International President, 2015-2016

y warmest greetings to the officers ear Rotary Club of Makati members. the members know that when they gather every and members of the Rotary Club of I am delighted to congratulate your week, real and lasting change happens. Makati as you celebrate your 50th club on its 50th anniversary. This anniversary is an important milestone. Mcharter anniversary. DThere is a point when we all must ask It not only marks your commitment to Rotary, Seeing how much the men of the Rotary ourselves what legacy we want to leave in this and the commitment of Rotarians who have Club of Makati give to the community is truly world. Will we see gone before you, but it admirable. Even with your busy lives, the someone’s need and meet presents the opportunity Rotarians always find the time to volunteer. it? Will we work for peace to renew your vision The Rotary experience is about doing good and and goodwill wherever we and passion for Service being of service to people in communities. It is go? Will we try to make Above Self. It is a time the shared passion to help those who have less the lives of those around to reflect on how we can in life that binds the members into a dynamic us better? grow Rotary, so that your and cohesive team. Because you have changed For 50 years, the club may continue to be the world and made it a better place to live Rotary Club of Makati, effective for the next 50 in, the millions you have helped will always Philippines has answered years. It is an opportunity be grateful to your organization. Rotarians those questions with for us to Be a Gift to the will always be known for their generosity tireless Service Above World all over again, and and compassion and thus I laud you for their Self. Thanks to the that is a truly wonderful humanitarian work and the contributions you work you do, Rotary is thing. have made to society. known as an organization I congratulate all of that fills needs, fosters you and wish you the FRANKLIN DRILON peace and goodwill, and best in your next year as Senate President of the Philippines improves lives in local and a club. global communities. Sincerely, Each Rotary club is unique. Successful clubs embrace the different strengths and passions K.R. RAVINDRAN of each member, and use that diversity to bring 2015-16 President, Rotary International out the best in each individual for the good of all. Vibrant clubs are willing to be innovative in the ways they serve their communities, and

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YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 Guiller E. Tumangan Jose A. R. Bengzon III Director, RY 2014-2016 District Governor, RY 2015-2016 Rotary International R. I. District 3830

ime flies, especially when you are having y warmest congratulations to the the Most Outstanding Economic a great time. Fifty years! That’s more than Rotary Club of Makati on its 50th and Livelihood Project in each of 2,500 weeks of fellowship and service, charter anniversary. the ten (10) rotary districts in the Twith the loving and active support of your spouses. MThis club has come a long way after its country. Multiply these by the number of members who put charter date on March 12, 1966. Now considered It is indeed a privilege to be a their vocations to work while upholding high ethical as the “mother of all Makati clubs,” and arguably member of this prestigious club. I standards, the good that you have sown is beyond the club with financial resources, the Rotary again congratulate the long list of measure. Club of Makati (RCM) has already produced past presidents who have led this The Rotary Club of Makati has maintained six (6) District Governors; with one of them, club to greater heights in each of its position as the largest club in District 3830. In Paing Hechanova, having served as Rotary the 50 years of community service addition, you have made your mark through Grand International Director in 1996-98. This club is and to all its members for a job TRF gifts , over 40 extension clubs, a Legacy of noted to share its time, talent and treasure not well done. I enjoin our members to education, Distinguished RI Officers and Senior only in various communities throughout the continue to reach out to those who District Leaders, Enabler of Special Children, and country but also with other Rotary clubs within need our support either directly the Noteworthy Partnership-in-Service Program and outside the district. In partnership with or through partnerships and joint Now that Rotary International is poised to other Rotary clubs through its Partnership in projects with other Rotary clubs advance peace with a membership composed of Service Program (PSP), RCM has been able to as we continue to be a source of more females, young executives and professionals, reach out to other communities. Notably one of inspiration and continue to “gift While the young still craft and Rotary Alumni, your published book its flagship programs, “Books Across the Seas” our time, gift our talent and gift and chase their dreams, let your will definitely be a source of inspiration and (BATS), has provided over 15 million books our treasure” to each other, to vision be their beacon. organizational wisdom. throughout the country since 1988. RCM has also our family and friends, to the Letty and my entire family Each member of the Rotary Club of Makati supported many other charitable organizations communities we serve, to the join me in extending to all has an extraordinary story to tell that mirrors the like Philippine Institute of the Deaf, PGH country we live in and continue to your members and your family interesting times gone by and the days well spent surgical missions, feeding and literacy programs, be a “Gift to the World.” our best personal regards and in the last 50 years. This book is a fitting and proper Gawad Kalinga houses and many more projects All the Best, congratulations! Be blessed tribute to all those whose lives you have touched and to improve the lives of the beneficiaries in the more. those who have touched yours. communities it serves. JOSE “PEPITO” A. R. BENGZON III And now, the club is establishing another District Governor, RY 2015-16 GUILLER E. TUMANGAN milestone as it celebrates its 50th charter District 3830, Zone 7-A, Philippines Director, RY 2014-2016 anniversary, with the nationwide launching of Rotary International

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YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 Eduardo H. Yap Rafael G. Hechanova President, RY 2015-2016 Director, RY 1996-1998 Rotary Club of Makati Rotary International

o be president of this great club, the roster tells us that the Club is in ellow Rotarians — standards, in friendship and in Rotary Club of Makati, is an honor. To be good hands. It is indeed a privilege from our Lord for fostering peace and goodwill its president on its 50th anniversary is a This is a good occasion for a me and others like our charter members to to others around the world Tblessing I am most grateful for. prayer of thanksgiving. We give Fstill be around and be a witness to 50 glorious years defines what a Rotarian is. We have arrived at a crossroad that allows us thanks for the rich blessings of Service, Friendship and Love for Others. There is no instant Rotarian an unobstructed view of three directions — the that have come our way which I still remember the day when as an architect – A person starts with being a past, the present, the future. has made it possible for us in 1967, I was invited by Bert Montinola to join a member of a Rotary Club but From my vantage point, I see a past abundant to be a blessing to others. We new NGO called Rotary. Never in my thoughts at does not become a Rotarian with reasons for pride for everyone who has give thanks for the men and that time did it occur that the organization and until he develops a love for passed the portals of this great club, a present that women we have worked with myself would still be around for this 50th Charter others. makes me want to rise and applaud, and a future who have taught us a thing or Anniversary. One cannot Serve without that is bright and laden with promises to fulfill. two and have become lifelong From a personal purpose, one begins to realize Loving and one cannot Love Our past is strewn with success after success. friends. We are grateful for the Every year in our 50-year journey has brought opportunity to add strength and as years go by that a personal development without Serving. us laurels on our head and feathers on our cap spirit, muscle and heart to the enhances one’s membership in the Club. One Love for others is what that have given us reason to stand tall. But it pillars of the Rotary movement begins to realize that for fulfillment in this world, Rotary is. is the things we have done to make lives and — service and fellowship. one has to help and love others. communities better that count the most. We are We look forward with This happens because of Involvement, RAFAEL “PAING” G. HECHANOVA SR. happy because they are. great anticipation to the Involvement and Involvement. Rotary membership Member, RC of Makati, since 1967 Today, on our golden anniversary, we are in a future — what it holds for the does not begin and end in luncheons. It is just Club President, 1972-73 happy place. It is a present that calls for a grand Rotary Club of Makati and an opportunity to develop your relationships; District Governor, 1979-80 celebration in a fitting applause for what we have more importantly, what the leads one to work jointly in service to others less RI Director, 1996-98 become. And for what we have yet to be. Our Rotary Club of Makati and its privileged and at the same time, also inculcates present line-up of projects tells of causes close to stouthearted men will bring in each one the promoton of the core values of our hearts, conditions we want to make better, to it. integrity, honesty and the recognition of the value places we want to help transform, people we want of each vocation. to lend our support to so that they may be in a EDUARDO H. YAP It is therefore a truism that the value of Rotary position to help themselves and others. President, 2015-2016 membership is equal to what you put in – in time, Our current crop of members stands on both sides of the age spectrum — seniors with a wealth talent and resources. Rotarians are busy people of wisdom and experience to share, and young – your classification defines what one is doing. men eager to learn and ready to soar on service One’s participation and engagement in community skies. A look at the new breed of Rotarians on our projects, in efforts to promote high ethical 16 17 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

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J. Antonio M. Quila Isidro G. Garcia District Governor, RY 2004-2005 District Governor, RY 2009-2010 R. I. District 3830 R. I. District 3830

leasant greetings to my fellow RC Makati ongratulations to my home club- the Rotarians: Rotary Club of Makati, as we celebrate There is so much reason for jubilation as we our 50th year! Pcelebrate this special occasion – the 50th year of our CThrough the years our club has been doing great Club. its share of making a difference in the lives of the I take great pride in the huge success and less fortunate and disadvantaged in society. We enormous accomplishments of our prestigious have given of our time, talent and treasure and we Club. It has been half a century of fostering true continue to do so. The pages of this coffee-table friendships and social responsibility. Fifty years of book will show that we truly care for others. I am commitment to improving the quality of life in our indeed fortunate to be a member of this Club and communities through our numerous projects of to have led it as a club president in RY 1997-98. feeding the hungry, eradicating TB and nurturing I have many friends in this club which I the sick back to health, building houses for the now consider family. The bonds of friendship homeless, training the unskilled, creating job developed through the years inspire us more opportunities for the unemployed, providing capital to strengthen this club and bring in potential to enterprising women and the marginalized, caring members who can help the club grow. for the abused and abandoned, protecting the Let this milestone event inspire us to rebuild environment and championing clean air, bringing and strengthen our bonds of friendship with relief to victims of natural calamities, and providing each other and inspire us to do good in our the light of education to those hungry for learning. communities. With the combined strength of our Club I’ve always believed that Rotary is God’s gift members, we will continue extending a strong to the world and we Rotarians are His vessels to helping hand to our less fortunate brothers and bring His love to others. Let us be deserving of sisters. The twin ideals of fellowship and service this privilege. that brought us together in the past fifty years will Sincerely, continue to hold us together for another fifty years and beyond. ISIDRO “SID” G. GARCIA District Governor, RY 2009-10 J. ANTONIO M. QUILA Club President, RY 1997-98 Centennial Governor Member since 1988

18 19 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons Robert F. Kuan Carlos Miguel D. Rufino District Governor, RY 2013-2014 Chairman, 50th Anniversary Coffee-table Book R. I. District 3830 YEARSCommittee 501966 ~ 2016

his is a perfect time for celebration, and of funds for the Club; PP Art Misner and Vic y fellow Rotarians, for congratulations. Indeed, we have Floresca for persuading Rohm & Haas to donate As a proud member of this club, I much to celebrate and be thankful for, the company’s 6-hectare property in Las Piñas would like to extend my congratulations Tand many to congratulate and thank. to MRCFI, a move that has secured the Club’s Mto our President Eddie Yap and the Rotary Club Let me begin with a word of thanks to the financial footing; and Miguel Ortigas, Nonoy of Makati on its 50th Charter Anniversary! I look Rotary Club of Pasay, our mother club, for giving Alindogan, and PP Fidel Alfonso for getting Ayala forward to the next fifty years to come! birth to RC Makati in 1966. Corporation to donate to MRCFI This book has been a challenge in trying to Thanks, too, to our founding the property on which the RC fit so many years of prestigious history into one members, for their vision and Makati clubhouse now stands. book. On behalf of the committee, I hope for your for their determination to win Our thanks must also go to patience and understanding if we could not cover the nod of Rotary International those who contributed time, everything. to create a club in Makati. We talent and treasure towards the I would like to thank all those that made this salute the charter members who construction of our clubhouse— book possible: Executive Editor Krip Yuson, Main have gone ahead of us and pay PP Tito Panlilio, Ruben Payumo, Writer Tess Dumana and COS Ron Dotaro and tribute to those who are still with Ben Hughes, and PP Charlie Project Coordinator Sandie Sacris of the RCM us—Ronnie Concepcion, PP Rufino. Secretariat who contributed their time and effort Roger Davis, Carding de Leon, And we thank all our in sourcing all the materials such as pictures and and Louie Lipio. members, past and present, for articles from the massive amount of records on the I take my hat off to all our presidents—too serving as the cogs on the RC Makati wheel club. I would also like to thank my vice chairman, many to name—for building a strong club, one to keep it well-oiled, turning non-stop and PP Freddie Borromeo, for providing guidance and year at a time, each one boosting the service humming with purposeful and fruitful activity support and PP Felix Amparo for helping edit and gains of the past, beefing up its resources, and for 50 golden years. proofread the texts. earning respect for the Club, not only within We are where we are today because of them. Lastly, thank you to everyone who contributed District 3830 and the Philippines but also on It is my fervent hope that the young members their stories, pictures, and fond memories for foreign shores. who are on our roster now and those who will this book. Congratulations, too, to Bert Montinola, come after us will cherish the legacy of service Tony Quila, Sid Garcia and Pepito Bengzon, and fellowship that is on our plate today; that CARLOS MIGUEL RUFINO past presidents who moved a step farther on the they will preserve and grow the resources we have President, RY 2013-2014 Rotary service road to take on the top post in the been blessed with and those we worked hard to Chairman, 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book district, sharing their experience and expertise build; and that they will enrich the RC Makati Committee and the Club’s resources with other clubs. Special story with new chapters that will inspire future mention must be made of Past RI Director Paing members to carry on, with purpose on their Hechanova, who has served on the highest minds and passion in their hearts. echelons of RI and succeeded in putting the Club on the global map of Rotary. ROBERT F. KUAN We are grateful to PP Hadji Kalaw for District Governor, D-3830, 2013-2014 conceiving and pushing to fruition the Makati Club President, 2002-2003 Rotary Club Foundation (MRCFI) as a generator Member since 1985

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Rafael N. Hernandez President, RY 2015-2016 Rotary Club of Pasay

n behalf of the Rotary Club of Pasay, District 3810, I am privileged to greet our fellow Rotarians from our daughter club, Othe Rotary Club of Makati in District 3830, on their 50th Charter Anniversary! We are very proud to have sponsored the club which has now become one of the most prestigious, influential and largest Rotary clubs in Philippine Rotary. Your achievements all these years are incomparable and beyond boundaries. May you continue to be a model Rotary club in service and fellowship, make a difference in the lives of many people you serve, and carry on to share opportunities of service with other Rotary clubs. Congratulations, Rotary Club of Makati! You Are a Gift to the World! Sincerely,

RAFAEL N. HERNANDEZ World Class President RY 2015-2016

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OPPOSITE PAGE: t was a glittering night of nostalgia, Due recognition was also given PRID Paing thanksgiving, and music as the golden to the charter members who Hechanova receives lifetime achievement anniversary of RC Makati was celebrated founded the Club in 1966, notably award from Pres. Ion the 12th of March, 2016 at the spanking new three of them who were present: Eddie Yap Shangri-La Hotel at Bonifacio Global Center in PP Roger Davis, Raul Concepcion INSERT: Ret. Supreme Taguig City. and PP Fred Nassr. The Club Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban Five hundred distinguished guests — the presidents were then presented in receives a plaque of gentlemen in smart tuxedos, the ladies in a processional. appreciation for his staunch support for stunning long gowns — filled the grand ballroom Lauded were two milestone the AQMS project of the hotel to commemorate the birth of the Club projects on the Club’s 50th FOLLOWING PAGES: in 1966. year: the National Awards for Rotary Club of Makati It turned into an evening of Rotary nostalgia Community Service and the Air Presidents and the finest in entertainment in terms of Quality Monitoring System. classical music and dance. The latter project had been The Rotary segment was a reminiscence-and- announced and launched by recognition program that began with a prayer by President Yap in his induction PE David Ackerman, followed by an audio-visual speech on July 17, 2015. It received presentation that featured the Club’s major, the enthusiastic support of the long-running programs, as well as a video clip of induction guest speaker, retired PP Roger Davis recalling how things were in the Supreme Court Chief Justice early days. Artemio Panganiban, who In his keynote speech, President Eddie Yap then and there made a cash recalled the highlights of the Club’s storied past donation. His support was duly — all of five decades of commendable service acknowledged with an award at the to the community, the country, and beyond. He 50th anniversary gala. thanked everyone who had played a part in its For the entertainment segment, success, and conferred a Lifetime Achievement the ballroom was instantly Award on PRID Paing Hechanova for his sterling transformed into a concert hall for contributions. a musical program that transported the guests to Vienna.

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RC Makati Rotarians “It was like being in Vienna.” In his Program Notes delivered Maestro Olivier Ochanine, resident musical with guests before the concert started, Rotary Winsome ladies in stunning long gowns. director of the national orchestra, Philippine Club of Makati president Eddie Distinguished-looking gentlemen, dapper in Philharmonic Orchestra, stirred the audience with Yap, wearing the persona of tuxes and bow ties. And music, divine, wafting the opener, Rossini’s La Gazza Ladra Overture concert producer, said the Vienna from instruments made by man and God in a (The Thieving Magpie). The unique melodies Spring Concert harks back to the setting that could have been Shangri-la. And evoking a clever, thieving magpie that were used era of romance when the world indeed it was. effectively by Stanley Kubrick in his movie,A was gifted with immortal classical The Shangri-La at the Fort, that is, that Clockwork Orange, were vintage Rossini and called compositions that have resonated spanking new hotel in Bonifacio Global City in to mind his popular opus, William Tell Overture. for generations in the hearts of Taguig that breathes refinement and good taste at Stefanie Quintin, a young soprano with rich music lovers everywhere. The every turn. promise, delighted with her agile coloratura voice selections gave a flavor of the A Viennese-inspired Vienna Spring Concert and technique in her rendition of the highly music performed in great concert was the musical highlight of the 50th anniversary ornamented Voices of Spring (Fruhlingstimmen). venues in Europe to take the gala dinner of the Rotary Club of Makati in the The extended runs, surges and trills evoked audience on a flight of musical magnificent ballroom, purposely transformed the sounds of spring with bird calls and chirps “We were blown away” fancy, Yap added. into a concert hall with a European opera-house and the cascades, ebbs and flows of nature To accentuate the point, by the elegance and ambiance. characteristic of that season of rebirth and joy. images were presented of Vienna’s “We were blown away” by the elegance and The introduction of aspiring talents is a regular grandeur of this not- famed Musikverein, Schonbrunn grandeur of this not-often seen concert, said guest feature in Yap’s concert productions. Palace, London’s Royal Albert often-seen concert, said Keith Harrison of Rotary Club Singapore. “It Rachelle Gerodias, the country’s acknowledged Hall, Rome’s Terme di Caracalla, was like being in Vienna,” remarked enthralled diva, was enthralling as the seductress Giuditta, a guest Keith Harrison Belgium’s Maastricth square and Rotarian spouse guest Jovie Yupangco. Spanish dancer, in Meine Lippen Sie Kussen so Berlin’s Waldbruhne open-air of the Rotary Club of The concert consisted of popular classical Heis (My lips, they burn so hot) from the operetta amphitheater, all venues of great music and dances, the best loved waltzes, polkas of the same title by Lehar set in colonized North Singapore. sell-out concerts by contemporary and marches with touches of the opera and Africa of the ’30s. Wearing a long-skirted Spanish classical music greats. operettas by Johann Strauss II and Franz Lehar, dress and with flaming red lips, Gerodias sang and plus a sprinkling of Rossini, Puccini, De Curtis danced, swirling her skirt like a flamenco dancer and Tchaikovsky. The titles of the pieces were while offering red roses to captivated males in the strange when read, but proved familiar when audience. played and sung.

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Images were presented of Vienna’s famed Musikverein, Schonbrunn Palace, London’s Royal Albert Hall, Rome’s Terme di Caracalla, Belgium’s Maastricth square and Berlin’s Waldbruhne open-air amphitheater

TOP: Pres. Eddie and Another soprano solo by Gerodias was the Park’s solo was a showstopper, First Ann Dellie lead popular Quando M’en Vo Soletta (When I walk the with his booming baritone the Emperor Waltz street alone a.k.a. Musetta’s waltz) from the world’s and stage presence artfully OPPOSITE PAGE: best-loved opera La Boheme by Puccini. interpreting Largo al Factotum Jojo Borromeo, Baby Manlapit, Terry Two romantic duets by the musical couple (Make room for the factotum) Tambunting, First Ann Rachelle Gerodias-Park and Beong In Park from Rossini’s popular opera, Dellie, Tessie Amparo enraptured the audience, with their rich soprano- Barber of Seville. and Lu Limjoco and-baritone blending in Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Classical music and classical L-R: PP Reuben & Mimi Valerio, Pres. Herz (Your heart is my delight). Business tycoon dance blended in a number of Eddie & First Ann George Yang lent color by joining in a trio in what dances performed by the ladies Dellie Yap, Marilou Alejandro, Louie is usually a love duet, vying for the hand of the and gentlemen of the Club, Aseoche and Miko lady only to be spurned when the Rachelle-Byeong led by president Yap and his Valerio duo went on to the lilting duet Lippen Schweigen lady, Dellie. The first dance, a FOLLOWING PAGES: (Lips are sealed) singing of unspoken love, finally Polonaise marked by precise The dance participants revealed, from Lehar’s wildly popular operetta, formation movements to the Merry Widow. music from the opera Onegin by Yang of McDonald’s fame admirably soloed the Tchaikovsky, showed off the grace well-loved Neapolitan Torna a Surriento by De and elegance of the dancers. Curtis.

30 31 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

32 33 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016

CLOCKWISE Competition ballroom dancer Elena Yap-Lee The final applause following FROM TOP: with Brian Ocana and Gener Galang gracefully the finale said it all — joyful Rachel Gerodias glided in a waltz, exhibiting their winning fluid appreciation for a lovely evening George Yang, form and style that kept the audience spellbound. of music that will live in the heart’s Rachel Gerodias, Byeong In Park Landler, an Austrian folk dance popularized by memory for a long time to come. Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer “The gala dinner and concert as Captain von Trapp in the blockbuster movie were unbelievable in all their OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: The Sound of Music was beautifully interpreted by splendor. The Rotary Club of Multi-awarded dancer an all-ladies group resplendent in long gowns and Makati set a standard that cannot Elena Yap with carrying dainty fans. be matched anywhere,” said Dr. partners The crowning glory was the grand waltz by 20 Albert Wee, a cardiologist at the RCM ladies perform “Landler” from “The Rotarian pairs to Strauss II’s regal Emperor Waltz, renowned Mt. Elizabeth Hospital Sound of Music” once again led by president Yap as the emperor and a member of the Rotary Club and below join and his lady, Dellie, as the empress. The dance of Singapore. Rotarian husbands for “Polonaise”. was a fitting showcase of the splendor of Strauss’ A balloon drop, a pleasant and music and of the poise and polish of the men and joyful surprise, put a definitive ladies of the Club. period to the enchanting program The evening culminated in a burst of liveliness that celebrated an achievement- with the bouncy “Funiculi Funicula” and finally, filled 50-year run of service by the as in all Vienna New Year’s Concerts, with Strauss’ Rotary Club of Makati. Radetsky March, the default finale since its inclusion in 1958.

34 35 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016

By President Eddie H. Yap

here must be a reason why Number “50” is — keeping in mind Rizal’s wise exhortation that achievements, brick after brick; and in our a district record that, we dare say, would be difficult assigned the color gold — and that reason those who forget their past are doomed to never current crop of members — the young, with their to duplicate, let alone surpass. How everyone beats in the heart of every member of RC reach their destination. So tonight, we remember idealism and energy; the “once young,” with their responded was breathtaking. Just as impressive were TMakati tonight. It certainly beats in mine. Speaking our members who left the Rotary fold for other precious wisdom and experience — who are all the efforts of our Ways & Means Committee — in for myself alone, my cup runneth over. fields, and we thank them for enriching the Club primed to honor the legacy of the past by carrying particular, PP Tito Panlilio and the Valerios: Miko, I am filled with pride over how much has been history and lending color to our traditions. it forward into the next 50 years. PP Reuben and Ann Mimi — who all moved to accomplished in 50 years by the men of stout Tonight, too, we turn our thoughts to and say We are fortunate to have a secretariat that is ensure that we have the wherewithal for tonight’s hearts and vibrant spirits who have filled our roster a prayer for those who have passed on, especially not only efficient and responsive but proactive, celebration, and our club members and friends who of members from March 12, 1966 to March 12, 2016. our past presidents who gave of themselves in anticipating needs and possible snags, and responded with characteristic alacrity to our calls for Allow me to give you just two shining examples. many selfless ways. attending to them before they turn into problems. support. These are the things that make a president On our maiden year, our founding members And we are here for something bigger — This I say with all sincerity: the exercise of happy and proud and grateful beyond words. boldly established a postal station at the Makati thanksgiving. producing tonight’s program has been made This year has bonded us together not just as Commercial Center to shorten the postal process We are here to give thanks for wave after wave of lighter by our staff—under the very able direction a team working for the same goal, but as a family for Makati-bound airmail — a big project for a new blessings that have come our way. We are here to tell of our Event Chair, Louie Aseoche. looking after each other. Club with limited resources. the world that all that we have done and all that we We have been blessed, we believe, so that we Together we confronted challenges and turned In 1972, the Club constructed a shopping arcade are now owes to one fact, one truth: we have been in turn can be a blessing to others, and “Be A Gift them into opportunities for service. We took in the same area to generate operating funds for its blessed, beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. to the World.” And, may I add, “be a gift to one stumbling blocks and turned them into stepping humanitarian projects. Quite a feat for a 6-year old The blessings have come in a copious flow another.” stones. It is our members who make this Club great. Club. throughout all of our 50 years — This was amply demonstrated on many And on a personal note, they are what has made my Since then, we have blazed trails and set trends in In our founding members who had the vision occasions this year, as time and again I called on our presidency a precious experience of a lifetime and our service and fellowship, reaping honors in the form to found a Rotary Club in what was then just a members to roll up their sleeves to do things or use 50th truly a year of gold. If I feel like a million dollars of plaques and trophies, and more importantly, in town with a promise; their resources to get things done. And each time, tonight, it is because of our members. the hearts of countless people whose lives we have In the properties we have received from they stepped up to the plate to hit homerun after There is no better time to celebrate our work, made better and who have in turn made better generous corporate donors; homerun — with tonight’s grand event the biggest crown our achievements, and give thanks for Rotarians out of us. In the connections we were fortunate enough homerun of all, with all the bases loaded. our blessings than on the very day of our 50th We are here tonight to celebrate everything that to have established that led to enduring projects; Allow me to mention just two instances that anniversary, the 12th of March 2016. This is our we have done and have become because of who we In our past presidents, who so selflessly have made my heart sing this year and reinforced moment. are. devoted a year of their lives to doing the work of my faith in this Club and its members. The first is Thank you, all, for being here to share this Although we indeed have much to celebrate, Rotary, thus polishing the name of the Club; the logging of 100 Paul Harris Fellows in just eight golden moment with us. Thank you for making this celebration is not all we are here for tonight. In our past members who carried the torch months, double our original target, a remarkable moment a golden memory that will forever shine in We are here to look back to where we’ve been and held it high, building upon previous achievement that belongs to PDG Tony Quila. It is our hearts.

36 37 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

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wo milestone projects highlighted the Air Quality Monitoring celebration of the 50th anniversary System year. To fill an essential public need, T the Rotary Club of Makati National Awards for Community has installed an Air Quality Service Monitoring System, a pilot The first, the National Awards for Community project in Metro Manila which, Service (NACS), is a nation-wide search for the as President Eddie H. Yap has most outstanding community projects of Rotary stressed, involves the very air we Clubs in the Philippines. Ten winners from the breathe — air that is life itself and ten Rotary districts in the country were awarded thus very precious. plaques and cash prizes. With the NCR’s population The National Awards for Outstanding increasing annually at 1.78%, a Community Service was a brainchild of PRID considerable number of people Paing Hechanova who also serves as Chair of the are surely exposed to air pollution project that involves all district governors. due to the sheer number of PRID Paing Hechanova first presided over vehicles that pass through the formal launch of the National Awards for major thoroughfares. In fact, the Community Service (NACS) to cap his year as National Capital Region reported Club President in 1972-73 after conceptualizing levels of carbon emission that and preparing for the recognition program for exceeded the National Ambient two years. Air Quality Guideline Value The efforts of individuals and institutions (NAAQGV). in enhancing various communities are thus The information on the levels elevated to national cognizance. Once again it of inhalable outdoor air pollution CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE, WITH PRES. EDDIE, LEFT: has been placed under the direct supervision in the form of particulate matter PP Armando San Diego, RC Meycauayan Uptown of its architect as part of the celebration of the (PM10 and PM2.5), population District 3770; L-R, Rtn. Benito Reforsado and Pres. Bobby Macahilig, RC Parañaque, District 3830, and PDG Tony Club’s 50th anniversary year. exposure, as well as precautionary Quila; L-R, Susan De Jesus and Zeni Yao, RC Chinatown measures must be made available Manila, District 3810, Fmr. Finance Sec. Roberto De to the public in order to catalyze Ocampo, and PP Tito Panlilio; L-R, PDG Robert Kuan, Sandra Chang, RC Ormoc, District 3860, Cong. Lucy the government to action and Torres-Gomez, and IPP Reggie Nolido.

38 39 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

YEARS CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: 1966 ~ 2016 “Live” interview with Pres. Eddie Yap about AQMS on 50 ABS-CBN early morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda At launch of AQMS Project and signing of MOA with UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, L-R: PE David Ackerman, PP Roland Young, Pres. Eddie Yap, UP President Fred Pascual, and Dra. Mylene Cayetano, UPIESM. At AQMS site on bust Ayala Avenue, L-R: Dir. Eddie Galvez, ABS-CBN reporter Tina Marasigan, and Pres. Eddie Yap.

support succeeding regulatory measures. and mobile app to designated of Environmental Science and Meteorology, Hence, this RCM air monitoring project, outlets of broadcast, print, has been tapped to provide technical assistance whose objectives are: to build public awareness social media organizations and to ensure integrity and accuracy of data of the hazardous condition of the air over Metro project partners. Readings will including: overall data analysis, management Manila; to catalyze to action relevant government also be flashed on participating and reporting; development and maintenance agencies to take immediate steps to strictly electronic advertising billboards. of the website and mobile app; and gathering implement the provisions of the Clean Air Act to Information dissemination of mortality data from nearby hospitals for curb carbon emissions; and to mobilize private involves broadcast partners ABS- statistical analysis. corporations, NGOs, and environment advocates CBN Channel 2 and ANC for Support for future expansion of the AQMS, to support the fight against air pollution and, TV, DZMM for radio and other will be solicited from individual donors and thereby avert or at least diminish the effects of media outlets; print partners corporate sponsors. The Makati Rotary Club climate change. Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Foundation Inc. (MRCFI) is funding the pilot Philippine Star and others; a phase to the tune of P3 million. The AQMS monitoring he project entails the procurement, station on Ayala Avenue dedicated website for access of The project is envisioned as a continuing in Makati installation and operation of an air real-time air quality index and club venture, to be undertaken from year to year. quality monitoring system with stations health advisories; mobile app Because of its high-profile, high-impact character, Tin strategic sites to measure the pollution index for real-time readings through it will place RC Makati front and center of this in the locality. smartphones; and digital critical issue that not only endangers public The system will have five monitoring advertising billboards in strategic health but also contributes to climate change, stations strategically located throughout public locations. thus giving the Club a distinctive public image Metro Manila. It employs German-made boost on its milestone 50th year. GRIMM EDM365C air and meteorological or the pilot phase, the The RCM’s AQMS Team includes avid monitoring units capable of automatically Ffollowing three stations were environment advocates headed by President and continuously measuring and recording commissioned: Station 1 on Ayala Eddie Yap as project manager. Lending able airborne particulate levels for PM10, PM2.5, and Avenue, Makati; Station 2 at assistance are: PP Roland Young, assistant project PM10-2.5. It is equipped with meteorological EDSA-Muñoz, Quezon City; and manager and in charge of technical matters; sensors to measure temperature, humidity, Station 3 at the Lung Center of Community Service A Dir. Eddie Galvez, media wind speed and direction. The PM2.5 sensors the Philippines, also in Quezon liaison and sponsorships; IPP Reggie Nolido, The project is envisioned as a conform with US EPA standards. City, through a data tie-up with mobile app; Drexx Laggui, IT adviser; and PDG long-term undertaking that will The system continuously analyzes air quality the institution. Tony Quila, PN Jun Jun Dayrit, Dir. Philip Soliven run through the terms of PE David and meteorological conditions and provides The University of the and Dir. Dick Upton as members, with Dr. Mylene Ackerman in RY 2016-2017 and PN access to the data in real time via website Philippines, through its Institute Cayetano of UP Diliman as technical consultant. Jun Jun Dayrit in RY 2017-2018. 40 41 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016

hen Ravi Ravindran took over contribution of $13,000; RC the helm of Rotary International Migeum of Korea, $2,000; and on July 1, 2015, he immediately District 52 DDF, $2,000; with Wsounded a rallying cry to all Rotarians RC Makati putting in $23,040, When President Ravi Ravindran took over the helm of across the globe — over 1.2 million men and and TRF adding a matching women — to inspire everyone to step up their fund of $ 36,520. PP Roland Rotary International on July 1, 2015, he immediately humanitarian programs in pursuit of Rotary’s was instrumental in getting sounded a rallying cry to all Rotarians across the globe — service goals. RC Shanghai, PP Frank Yih “Be a gift to the world,” he enthused. in particular, to support the over 1.2 million men and women — to inspire everyone to That worldwide call confirmed the intuitive project. step up their humanitarian programs in pursuit of Rotary’s and visionary thinking on the part of IPP The boats were fabricated Reggie Nolido, who on the previous year had by boat makers in Palompon, service goals. already initiated what he called his “Gift of Leyte, with the engines ABOVE: Pres. Eddie Yap with the Boats” project to benefit the victims of Typhoon sourced from a supplier in children of fishermen who were project beneficiaries Haiyan in Leyte. Cebu. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP. Photo op Then President Reggie coordinated with It was coincidental that this after awarding of certificates of the office of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez of the “Gift of Boats” was delivered a boat donation to Leyte fishermen fourth district of Leyte for the boat donation day before Pres. Ravi arrived OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM. An project for fishermen in her district who had in Manila for the Presidential array of boats at old seaport in Ormoc City at turnover ceremony been terribly affected by Haiyan (codenamed WASH Conference that took for Gift of Boats Project Yolanda locally). Instead of wooden boats, it place at the Marriott Hotel in was decided to donate boats made of fiberglass Pasay on March 18-19. that would last much longer. President Eddie Yap, project With the assistance of PP Roland Young, spearhead IPP Reggie Nolido, then Pres. Reggie immediately went to work on and project chair PP Roland the required funding by applying for a global Young, flew to Leyte on March grant from The Rotary Foundation (TRF). 15 to preside over the formal The grant, which totaled $94,560, was turnover the following day — contributed by international partners RC a total of 168 fiberglass fishing Shanghai, $13,000; RC Beijing, $5,000; District boats for fishermen in four 3600 with a District Designated Fund (DDF) towns in Leyte: Ormoc City,

42 43 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

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ABOVE: Pres. Eddie Yap with with 111 recipients; Merida, 18; Albuera, 20; and that the number 168 in Chinese beneficiary-fishermen’s children Isabel 19. means “a path to prosperity.” OPPOSITE PAGE TOP. Pres. Before the turnover, the recipients were The turnover was followed Eddie Yap receives plaque of appreciation from Leyte gathered for an orientation session in which by the blessing of the boats, Congresswoman Lucy Torres- they were informed of their responsibilities which gave Pres. Eddie, IPP Gomez in the presence of, L-R, PP With their brand new fiberglass boats, the Leyte fishermen Roland Young, IPP Reggie Nolido, under the deed of donation, especially the Reggie and PP Roland a and Congresswoman Lucy’s provision that forbids them from selling, chance to have a meet-and- will now be able to pick up their lives that had been husband Richard Gomez. mortgaging, transferring or using the boats for greet with the beneficiaries. OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: illegal activities. Also included in the project Painted white, the boats cruelly disrupted when Super Typhoon Yolanda turned The Rotarians who pushed the Gift of Boats project to a happy design is a training module in the care and are identified as a project of all of the Visayas into a virtual wasteland and reduced the conclusion: IPP Reggie Nolido, maintenance of the boats, as well as in trouble the Rotary Club of Makati, Pres. Eddie Yap, and people into a state of helplessness. PP Roland Young shooting. with letterings in blue, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez and husband complemented by the Rotary Richard Gomez were on hand for the turnover logo in gold. Two thin bands ceremony conducted at the old port of Ormoc on top, one in blue, the other City. Rep. Lucy was in tears as she thanked the in gold, complete the design. Club for the “Gift of Boats.” She narrated how, With their brand new in the aftermath of the deadly storm, she had fiberglass boats, the Leyte wished that at least 100 fishermen in her district fishermen will now be able would be so gifted. To date, she has received to pick up their lives that had some 2000 boats from various donors, but notes been cruelly disrupted when that the 168 under this Rotarian project was Super Typhoon Yolanda the biggest single donation by any donor. The turned all of the Visayas into a response to her efforts had gone beyond her virtual wasteland and reduced wildest dreams. the people into a state of Rep. Gomez presented a plaque to Pres. helplessness. Eddie as a token of appreciation for the project Now they can conduct their that exemplified the Rotarian spirit of always traditional livelihood once seeking to be “a gift to the world.” again, thanks to the Rotarian Interestingly, Pres. Eddie happily remarked spirit and RCM’s “Gift of Boats.”

44 45 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

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otary was brought to the Philippines by club under Kiwanis or Lions. Americans at a time when the country, But RI had set the rule, and it then called the Philippine Islands, was would not budge. In this instance, Runder American rule. In 1919 the Rotary Club of persistence failed to work. Manila was established — as the first Rotary Club It took all of four years for the not only in the Philippines but in all of Asia, then Pasay Rotarians to accept the RI known as the Far East. Chartered on June 1, 1919, verdict. The only way to solve the new club was under the direct supervision of the impasse was to create a new the then 14-year-old International Association of club for those who resided and/or Rotary Clubs, renamed Rotary International (RI) worked in Makati. in 1922. In January 1966, under District It took the club 13 years before it organized Governor Jose Barredo’s direction, its first daughter club, the Rotary Club of Cebu, RC Pasay Vice-President Armando in 1932. Subsequently, clubs were established “Mando” Picciotto organized in Iloilo, Bacolod, Baguio, Lucena, Malolos, a committee to handle the Batangas and San Pablo. In 1959, the Rotary Club documentary requirements for of Kalookan and the Rotary Club of Pasay were creating a new club. On February organized, with the latter remaining as the only 15, the Provisional Rotary Club CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: club south of the Pasig River for some time. of Makati held an organizational The Makati Post Office, the club’s first community service project The Pasay Club, composed of a mix of meeting at Capri International, a A shipment of medicine flown in businessmen and professionals, mostly from restaurant at the top floor of the to Jomalig Island for a medical Pasay and Makati, wanted a club name that Rufino Building on Ayala Avenue mission mirrored its composition. They wrote to RI to in Makati. In that meeting, Mando The Makati Rotary Foundation request for a name change to Rotary Club of Picciotto was elected charter Arcade inaugurated in 1973 Pasay-Makati “to truly reflect,” they pointed out, president. “the club’s composition.” The request, however, On March 12, 1966, the new club was thumbed down. Unfazed by what they shed its provisional status with its thought was a temporary setback, the Pasay formal acceptance as a member Rotarians persisted, carrying on a vigorous of Rotary International. Of the 64 postal back and forth that included a threat of members of RC Pasay, 46 chose to disbandment in favor of the formation of a new join the new club: the Rotary Club

46 47 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

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Certificate of membership of Makati under District 380. Ozamis, Rebecco Panlilio, John Concepcion. Carding de Leon is father to “Dicky” at the Rigodon Ballroom and, on in Rotary International It took three months for the fledgling club to Arthur Paradies, Jose Picornell, de Leon and father-in-law to PDG Tony Quila, occasion, at one of the adjoining prepare for its first major social event. On June German Pulgar Jr., Silvano who is married to Carding’s daughter Angela. function rooms. Eventually, 18, 1966, it was presented with its certificate of Quimbo, Donald Ress, Willis Peter Ng is the son of Joseph Ng, while PP Freddie reduced attendance prompted a membership in RI in what was described as “a Rohling, Erick Stern, Max Stuessi, Borromeo is a nephew of Amancio Sun, brother transfer to the cozier Conservatory glittering charter presentation ball” at the Manila Amancio Sun, Paul Taningco, of Freddie’s mother. at the upper lobby, with occasional Polo Club in Forbes Park. The RI president Luis Terren, Ford Tussing, Max It was the influence of PP Charlie Rufino moves to the Escolta Restaurant was C.P.H. Teenstra of The Netherlands, and Velhagen and Ramon Zosa. that inspired the entry of son Carlo, also a past and, for major events and joint the RI theme was “Action, Consolidation and Of the 46 members, four president, and nephew Andrew Prieto into the meetings with other clubs, back to Continuity.” Governor Jose Barredo administered are still in the club roster (as of world of Rotary. Three other father-and-son the ballroom. the oath of office to the charter officers and December 31, 2015): Raul “Ronnie” tandems have enriched the club: PP Reuben Since Year 1 of its existence, the directors: Concepcion, Roger “Roger” Davis, Valerio and son Miko, PP Roland Young and Club has been holding its weekly Armando Picciotto Charter President Ricardo “Carding” de Leon, and son Sam, and the late Irving Ackerman and son meetings on Tuesdays at noon. Benjamin Ayesa Vice President Aloysius “Louie” Lipio, while David, who is set to serve as president in 2016-2017 Vincent Hitt Secretary three became club presidents: ABOVE: Government-issued stamp commemorating the first Arsenio Maralit Treasurer Venues for Meetings Roger Davis in 1968-1969, Edgardo anniversary of the Makati Post Jose Luis Romero Salas Sergeant-at-Arms “Hadji” Kalaw in 1977-1978; Since its birth 50 years ago, the club has held its Office weekly meetings in three places. While the first Roger Davis Director and Roberto “Bert” Montinola, LEFT: Full-page supplement in the Jose Luis Faustino Director president in 1976-1977 and governor organizational meeting in 1966 took place at Capri Manila Bulletin on the club’s 25th anniversary Bernardo Gaberman Director of District 382 in 1982-1983. International Restaurant atop the Rufino Building Roberto Montinola Director owned by the family of PP Carlos “Charlie” Miguel Ortigas Director The Rotary Connection Rufino, the following year saw the meetings held Rotary runs strong in the families at an establishment owned by Charter Member The rest of the charter members were: of a number of members. Rebecco “Bec” Panlilio — Sulo Restaurant at the Freeman Allen, Newland Baldwin, Paul Calderara, Among the charter members, Makati Commercial Center (forerunner of Ayala Celedonio Caluza, Charles Cistan, Raul Ronnie Concepcion is the brother- Center). Concepcion, Ricardo de Leon, Adolfo Duarte, in-law of PRID Rafael “Paing” From 1977 to the present, the meetings have Warren Eck, Joaquin Garcia, Ramon Garcia, Hechanova, who is married been conducted at the Manila Peninsula Hotel Robert Johnson, Edgardo Kalaw, Basilio King, to Ronnie’s sister Mely and is (now The Peninsula Manila) at corner Ayala and Albert Levy, Aloysius Lipio, Alberto Morabia, uncle to Christopher “Toffy” Makati Avenues. Jose Morales, Karl Nathan, Joseph Ng, Jose Ma. Concepcion and Raul Joseph “Jojo” In the beginning, these meetings were held

48 49 Rotary Club Makati Setting Sail for New Horizons

The First Forty Years

50 51 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS Maiden Year: 501966 ~ 2016 12 March-30 June1966; 1 July 1966-30 June 1967 Charter President Armando “Mando” Picciotto †

is said that the presidency of any benefit to as many individuals or dizzying pace. Noting the delay in mail arrivals Joining hands with S.C. ABOVE LEFT: The Makati Post Office at the Makati Rotary Club is a full-time job that communities as can be reached. owing to the routing of letters and parcels from Johnson & Sons, it secured a Commercial Center, established requires much from the person. This To ensure sustainability, the Club the airport to the central post office in Manila donation of a 10-wheeler truck, on the Club’s maiden year ‘Tis doubly true of RC Makati, the presidency of would partner with government before their delivery to addressees in Makati, outfitted it with bookshelves, ABOVE RIGHT: Press release which demands undivided attention and, often, agencies, business corporations, the new club designed a new route that allowed and filled them with donated on the inauguration of the Makati post office, with Mrs. 24-hour days. It can be tiring. And challenging. and private organizations with air mail to be delivered from the airport straight books for a mobile library that Imelda Marcos and Pres. Which is why anyone elected president human and material resources, to Makati, bypassing the central PO. rolled through remote towns and Mando Picciotto cutting commits to one year and one year alone of full proven expertise in a given field, The project stood on three legs: the barrios in neighboring provinces ceremonial ribbon service to the Club — 12 months and no more. and a shared passion for or Bureau of Posts, which approved the plan and where books were in short That rule has rung true for all of its presidents. interest in a given program or provided the staff that manned the station; supply, there to be devoured by Except one. cause. Ayala Corporation, which provided the space students and teachers hungry Charter president Armando “Mando” The Club’s first major project for the station; and the Club, which provided for the knowledge derived from Picciotto stands out in club history as the only met all these criteria. In addition, the transportation for mail president who served for two terms, running it impacted a significant public pick-up and delivery, built for 15 months-plus: the first year, from March 12, — Makati’s business community PO boxes that it rented out to It was an ambitious undertaking for 1966 when the Club received its charter, to June and gated residential villages — institutional and individual a fledgling club that had yet to grow 30, 1966, the last day of that Rotary year, 1965- and served notice of the Club’s subscribers, and oversaw 1966; and then for a full-year term from July 1, arrival on the civic action scene. operations. wings: a postal station at the Makati 1966 to June 30, 1967. He also has the distinction It was an ambitious Its effects were Commercial Center (now Ayala Center). of being the only president to have served undertaking for a fledgling club immediate, and met with under two governors of District 380 — Jose that had yet to grow wings: a praise. It was, from the Barredo and Rodolfo Nisce. postal station at the Makati standpoints of public service As charter president, Mando set the Commercial Center (now Ayala and public image, a master stroke that merited books and thankful for the joy direction and laid the foundation for the Center). The MCC post office the issuance by the Bureau of Posts of a that books alone bring. Club’s service programs and strategy. The Club was a timely response to a felt commemorative stamp on its first anniversary. The mobile library would be would engage in projects with far-reaching need to speed up the flow of The Club’s maiden year also marked the the precursor of the Club’s most and long-term ends that bring the greatest communication and keep it in start of a long line of projects in the education enduring educational project — step with the town’s business sector. Books Across the Seas or BATS. center that was growing at a

52 53 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1967-1968 President: Jose Luis “Louie” P. Faustino

uilding on the foundations laid on the Its initial salvo in this and attending to the needs of customers, skills Club’s maiden year, Pres. Luis “Louie” department was a multi- that equipped them for jobs in hotels and Faustino expanded the operations of faceted livelihood and training restaurants. The project ushered in a wave of Bthe MCC postal station, doubling the number program for the residents of training programs in waitering in later years. of post office boxes in response to requests. Barrio Pinagkaisahan, one of The Sixties were a golden period for PO box rental provided the fledgling club with the smaller barrios (now called Philippine agriculture with the development the income it needed for Club operations and barangay) of Makati. With Bert of the much celebrated “miracle rice,” a variety project implementation. Montinola as chairman, the Club that yielded bumper harvests not seen before. The postal facility also gave the Club a partnered with the Philippine As Filipino farmers basked in their fortune, public image boost. As the first post office Rural Reconstruction Movement their counterparts in Indonesia were suffering branch in the Philippines, it attracted media (PRRM) for a project that from poor yields. In response to a request from FROM TOP: attention. It was featured in The Philippine offered classes in dressmaking, Indonesia, RC Makati shipped a donation Training of would-be waiters in Barrio Pio del Pilar, Makati Herald, a major broadsheet, in its 21 June 1968 embroidery, bamboo craft of 40 sacks of the so-called “miracle rice” to issue. It also merited space in the December and mushroom culture. With Indonesia for planting by Indonesian farmers. News clip from a press release on shipment of “miracle rice” to 1968 issue of The Rotarian, the official magazine the skills they acquired, the The donation helped the farmers recover their Indonesia, L-R: Fred Nassr, Pres. of Rotary International. As early as then, RC participants embarked on losses and get back on their feet, thus saving Louie Faustino, Seco Pertierra and Roger Davis Makati was making waves as a club to watch. ventures that generated income their country’s ailing rice industry. It was on this year that the Club set in for their families, thus decreasing motion a wide-ranging program in vocational their dependence on government service designed to uplift lives through dole-outs and building their self The Sixties were a golden period skills training, job placement assistance and esteem. entrepreneurship. The year also saw the for Philippine agriculture with the initiation of a waitering class development of the much celebrated for jobless out-of-school youth in Barrio Pio del Pilar, also “miracle rice,” a variety that yielded in Makati. Under this project bumper harvests not seen before. chaired by Bec Panlilio, trainees learned the basics of waiting on tables, serving food and drinks,

54 55 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1968-1969 President: Roger “Roger” K. Davis

he MCC Post Office continued to serve that enables an existing Rotary the growing mailing needs of Makati’s Club to organize a new club, burgeoning business and commercial thus “sharing its territory” and Tsectors and its expanding community of “extending” its reach and that of gated residential villages. Under Pres. Roger Rotary in general. “Roger” Davis, the postal station grew further, On this year RC Makati prompting its expansion to a new wing and organized and gave birth to the hiring of additional staff to accommodate its first “daughter,” the Rotary the increasing postal traffic. It was obvious that Club of Makati West which in the service was appreciated by the public it time grew to become the second intended to serve and whose interest spurred its largest in Makati and the district ABOVE: Pres. Roger in action on the creation. and a fertile breeding ground for hard court for RC Makati basketball team The interest and well-being of young district governors and RI officers. RIGHT: Groundbreaking for children was also among the areas RC It was also Pres. Roger who Kaunlaran Park, site of the Makati was intent on serving. Thus the Club started the practice of paying present clubhouse on Camia St. in constructed the Kaunlaran Park, a playground visits to other Rotary clubs to Guadalupe Viejo, Makati for children in Barrio Guadalupe Viejo, on establish fellowship and service a piece of property covered by a long-term links that benefit both visitor and lease to the Club by Ayala Corporation. It is the visited. He led delegations worthy of note that the property would later be on visits to the Rotary Club Year 3 is historically significant in that donated by Ayala Corp. to the Makati Rotary of Legaspi in Albay, the Bicol Club Foundation Inc. (MRCFI), the Club’s region, RC Cebu in Central it marked the start of the Club’s efforts funding arm, and would eventually become the Visayas, and RC Zamboanga in at “extension” or “territory sharing,” the site of the three-story MRCFI Building, which Mindanao. It is safe to assume now houses the RC Makati clubhouse. that it was that visit that paved process that enables an existing Rotary Year 3 is historically significant in that the way for the forging of a Club to organize a new club it marked the start of the Club’s efforts at matched clubs agreement with “extension” or “territory sharing,” the process RC Cebu in RY 1991-1992.

56 57 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1969-1970 President: Farid “Fred” S. K. Nassr

t was during the presidency of Farid “Fred” then four-year-old club had yet to ABOVE: News clip from Kaunlaran showing Pres. Fred handing keepsake Nassr that the Club had its first taste of the remit its first dollar contribution to guest speaker, Cong. Teodulo fruits of The Rotary Foundation’s grants to TRF, let alone register its first Natividad Iprogram. Paul Harris Fellow. That the LEFT: Products of bag-making The project was a rural health clinic for the Club merited assistance from project for unemployed women and out-of-school girls on display in tiny and remote Polilio Island, off Quezon, an TRF despite its being a non- Sister Juliane’s Homecraft Industries economically challenged fishing community contributor to its program of showroom where no health facility existed and where the giving offered concrete validation sight of a doctor or nurse or even a midwife was of the Foundation’s mission “to do cause for celebration. good in the world.” Through the clinic, the fishermen and their Carrying on with the Early on, the Club families underwent medical checkups, were vocational service mission provided free medicine for simple ailments like initiated the year before last, had made up its colds, coughs, flu, and diarrhea, and were taught the Club linked up with Sister mind to adopt a the basics of preventive medicine, hygiene and Juliane’s Homecraft Industries sanitation, and nutrition. The clinic was later for a skills training program with the grassroots-based Philippine Rural holistic approach given credit for the vast improvement in the in manicure/pedicure, sewing, Reconstruction Movement for a community to community health condition of the island residents. beauty parlor operation, and bag development scheme for the residents of Funding for the project was by way of a making for unemployed women Guadalupe Viejo in Makati, with components development that World Community Service (WCS) grant from and out-of-school girls. in health, skills training, livelihood generation, integrates as many The Rotary Foundation. It is worthy of note Early on, the Club had education and self-government. that at the time the WCS grant was received, the made up its mind to adopt a Pres. Fred also improved the Kaunlaran Park development areas holistic approach to community in Guadalupe Viejo by constructing a basketball as its resources development that integrates court for the use of the neighborhood’s young as many development areas hard court enthusiasts and building a fence would allow. as its resources would allow. around the property to lend it a measure of Thus guided, it partnered privacy.

58 59 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1970-1971 President: Ford “Ford” M. Tussing †

t was on this year, during the term of Pres. Ford Tussing’s term should Ford “Ford” Tussing, that the Club launched also be remembered as the the National Awards for Community year the Club first embarked IService (NACS), a national recognition program on disaster relief operations, an for outstanding community service projects. activity that in subsequent years News clips from The project, a brainchild of Rafael “Paing” would become a fixed entry in the Kaunlaran during Pres. Fred Tussing’s term Hechanova, was a nationwide search for Club’s annual plan. This initial the best projects undertaken by individuals foray into disaster response was or groups in villages and towns all over the in the form of financial assistance country, demonstrating the five-year-old club’s to the Rotary Club of Naga in advocacy for community development at the Camarines Sur and the Rotary grassroots level and its capability to successfully Club of Malolos in Bulacan, two execute a project of a national scope. areas badly affected by typhoons. It is worthy of note that NACS, though The year also saw carried out only on certain years, has lasted improvements made on the park Ford Tussing’s term should long enough to be set to motion on the Club’s and playground in Guadalupe 50th anniversary year, 2015-2016, and that the Viejo, with Pres. Fred donating also be remembered as person at its helm on this, its latest run, is none steel for the construction on the year the Club first other than its brains, Past RI Director Paing the property of a building that Hechanova. became a skills training center. embarked on disaster relief operations, an activity that in subsequent years would become a fixed entry in the Club’s annual plan.

60 61 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1971-1972 President: Luis Ma. “Louie” Guerrero †

his was a landmark year for the Club, the problem by obtaining a a boundary in time that ushered a syndicated bank loan of P660,000. period of financial security that has To keep costs down and ensure Tstood to this day. This was brought about by the that the borrowed capital would establishment of a foundation envisioned to cover all material and manpower be a generator of funds needed by the Club to expenses, donations were made enable it to engage in projects that offered the by a number of members, most good to the most number of people and notably Paing Hechanova who would run from one year to the next without donated his services as architect interruption. and Roberto “Bert” Montinola The entity was the Makati Rotary Club of Amon Trading who donated Foundation Inc. (MRCFI), a non-stock, non- construction materials. Others profit corporation duly registered with the chipped in with donations Although there were Securities & Exchange Commission. Although in cash and in kind, an early dissenters who viewed there were dissenters who viewed the idea as demonstration of the team spirit “an impossible dream,” its mastermind, Edgardo that would be the hallmark of the idea as “an impossible “Hadji” Kalaw, was able to convince them of club fellowship in years to come. dream,” its mastermind, the validity of the idea and in due time proved The Club capped the year Pages of the newsletter, himself right. by registering its very first Edgardo “Hadji” Kalaw, Kaunlaran, show activities during Pres. Louie’s term To give muscle to the foundation and get it contribution to The Rotary was able to convince on its way to becoming the funds builder and Foundation with the enlistment of treasury steward that it was conceived to be, the IPP Ford Tussing as a Paul Harris them of the validity of decision was made to build a commercial arcade Fellow in January 1972. the idea and in due time in the heart of the Makati Commercial Center, on The year culminated with a piece of property now occupied by SM Makati. the Club hosting the 8th district proved himself right. But it was clear to all that the infant club conference of District 380 under did not have the means to carry out such an District Governor Benjamin ambitious project. The officers quickly solved Campomanes.

62 63 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1972-1973 President: Rafael “Paing” Hechanova

he three-level Makati Rotary and pushed through by President Foundation Arcade rose from a Paing during his term, the blueprint designed, pro bono, by Paing project included mothers’ Completed in record time, the arcade flung open THechanova, who had put in his share of the classes that had women attend its doors in 1973 when the architect served as team effort by donating his services as building demonstrations on the planning architect. Completed in record time, the arcade and preparation of inexpensive club president, a case of perfect timing. flung open its doors in 1973 when the architect but nutritious dishes and talks served as club president, a case of perfect on such topics as nutrition, child timing. spacing, responsible parenthood, organize a nationwide essay writing contest on program that had been Per design, the ground floor was occupied by and basic health care, among The Test that hit two birds with the same stone conceptualized and prepared retail establishments, including a fast-food store others. — animated the usually boring Four Way Test for in the previous two and a jewelry shop, the second level was rented The Club linked up with the Committee and sprung it to action and led the years and which has moved out to shops and offices, while the top floor was Rural Bank of Makati to offer low- youth and their elders to a better understanding outstanding provincial home to a dance studio and a multi-tasking income families with an income- and appreciation of the Four Way Test and its community service projects to secretariat that handled the affairs of the club, generating opportunity through a four-pronged message. national prominence. Since foundation and arcade. hog fattening project thought up To promote healthy employer-employee then, through the years, the The inauguration of the building ushered by Tomas Soriano and responded relations and give due recognition to a group Rotary Club of Makati has CLOCKWISE FROM in a period of plenty that put the Club in an to an appeal for assistance by of unsung heroes in the workplace, the Club been giving due recognition TOP LEFT: excellent position to set off its mission of service the Rotary Club of Malolos for organized a Secretary’s Day at which members’ and awards to individuals and The Makati Rotary with renewed vigor, secure in the certainty of the families displaced by the great secretaries occupied center stage as guests of institutions that enhanced Foundation Arcade at resources it needs to see its every plan through. floods of 1972 that inundated most the Makati Commercial honor. With a mind to get the Club to pitch various communities in Center, designed by Pres. Paing’s term was host to a number of of Metro Manila and Central its share in Rotary’s campaign for growth the nation, thus elevating Architect Paing Hechanova significant projects. and Northern Luzon for several through extension, Pres. Paing worked for the its reputation to national Mothers and children in a The current nutrition project that provides weeks. The Club’s efforts were establishment of the Rotary Club of Makati cognizance. The program is nutrition center in Makati supplemental feeding to undernourished recognized with a plaque of North, the Club’s second daughter in seven enjoying another run under Hog fattening project children finds its roots in the Mothercraft appreciation by the Rotary Club funded by loans from years, which still exists today after 44 years. the personal supervision of Rural Bank of Makati Project, which provided free meals to of Malolos, Bulacan, D-377. And to cap a year of achievement, he presided its architect as part of the undernourished children in the various barrios His advocacy of Rotary’s over the formal launch of the National Awards celebration of the Club’s of Makati. Initiated by member Dr. Mike Celdran Four Way Test led Pres. Paing to for Community Service (NACS), the recognition 50th anniversary year.

64 65 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1973-1974 President: Juan “Puno” N. R. Peña

res. Juan “Puno” N. R. Peña expanded When violence erupted in them busy and out of trouble but also reinforced ABOVE: Pres. Puno (at rostrum) at the operation of the MCC Post Office Mindanao between Muslim rebels their self esteem and gave them a sense of hope meeting in Sulo Restaurant, Makati Commercial Center with the installation of an additional and government forces, countless that things can only get better. The impact of BELOW: Young children and their P400 post office boxes as a response to a public Muslim families were caught in the project as a catalyst for change in the lives mothers at a nutrition center clamor for the service. The rental income from the crossfire, with no recourse of young men and women was given proper the new PO boxes further fattened the Club’s but to flee their homes and seek recognition by Rotary International in the form coffers, allowing it to think up more projects shelter in evacuation centers. In of a Significant Achievement Award. to put in place for the community. With the a show of Rotary spirit, the Club The Club’s skills at event organizing was completion of the MRF Arcade, the postal sent financial assistance to the tested with two hosting assignments — first, station transferred to the new building, making refugees to help tide them over a summit meeting with then incumbent RI it easier for the Club to oversee day-to-day until the fighting came to an end. President William Carter; the other, a meeting operations. The Club also extended help to with Past RI Pres. James Conway. The successful It was a year of building upon the families that lost their homes in staging of both events further enhanced the accomplishments of previous years, in a big fire that razed the Rockwell Club’s prestige enough to claim the title as the application of the strategy of service laid out electric plant in Guadalupe Viejo, premier Rotary Club not only in Makati but in at the birth of the club. These strategic moves Makati. the district as well. included the expansion of the Makati Self- Pres. Puno’s term stands out Help Marketing Center and the facilities of the in RC Makati history as the year Kaunlaran Park in Guadalupe Viejo. Pres. Puno the Club manifested in a very Pres. Puno’s term stands out in RC also saw it fit to expand the coverage of the concrete way its strong advocacy Mothercraft Project with the opening of another for youth causes. This he did by Makati history as the year the Club ten nutrition centers in needy sections of Makati organizing a Rotaract Club whose manifested in a very concrete way its where children were found to be nutritionally members were rehabilitated drug deficient. dependents. Undaunted by the strong advocacy for youth causes. very real danger of their slipping back to their old ways, the Club carried on, filling their hours with activities that not only kept

66 67 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1974-1975 President: Silvestre “Beteng” M. Punzalan †

t was Silvestre “Beteng” Punzalan, From Kaunlaran: a newsclip ninth president, who concretized the on the 1975 Inter-Rotary Basketball Tournament, Club’s integrated community development with Pres. Beteng, center, Istrategy, a scheme designed to deliver a package holding pennant of services that covers as many community needs as possible. The platform for this application, and Pres. Beteng’s signature undertaking, was the Jomalig paid periodic visits to the island Project. As conceived, the project entailed the to offer consultations, checkups, Club’s “adoption” of the impoverished fishing and basic treatment in medical community of Jomalig Island off the coast of missions. Because the land-and- Quezon that lay in the direct path of the vicious boat trip was time-consuming and typhoons that visit the country every year, to dangerous, they would come in bring to it fruits of development that it had never by private plane and sometimes had a taste of. spent the night, relishing meals Initial efforts centered on filling the absence of fish fresh from the sea and of a very basic community need: health service. sleeping on cots. The service was The Club put up a medical clinic, staffed it a godsend for the Jomalig people with two full-time nurses and stuffed it with who before the advent of RC To this day senior members medicines for fever, colds, coughs, diarrhea, Makati had not been visited by a of the Club who had the The service was a godsend for the and other simple ailments. Doctor-members health worker, let alone seen the opportunity to join the trips to Jomalig people who before the likes of a doctor. the island have fond memories Years later, a deadly typhoon of the experience and still bask advent of RC Makati had not been tore through the island, leaving in the warm feelings that come visited by a health worker, let alone the structure that housed the with having done a good turn clinic in tatters and beyond for another, especially those in seen the likes of a doctor. repair. most need.

68 69 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1975-1976 President: Arthur “Art” G. Misner Jr.

wo major developments marked the for gainful employment. Most publication of four booklets with a list of job presidency of Arthur “Art” Misner, who significantly, MRDC served as a opportunities. He also embarked on other by a stroke of fortune for RC Makati, facility that taught children with training and livelihood programs including a Thappened to be president as well of Rohm physical and mental inadequacies hog fattening project, under which the Club & Haas Philippines, an American company the 3 Rs of academics and the provided interest- and collateral-free loans for engaged in the manufacture of chemical rudimentary skills a child needs the purchase of piglets; placement of Makati products. to function on his own. In later Polytechnic Community College students in TOP LEFT: Pres. Art Misner presiding over a meeting After the expiration in 1974 of the Laurel- years, MRDC would evolve to jobs with Mantrade, Novelty Philippines, and ABOVE: Out-of-school boys in Langley Trade Agreement that granted become an educational institution Gilbarco, among other companies; and held a training at Makati Research & American individuals and companies the same for children with special needs. Secretaries’ Day, a special meeting with company Development Center rights as Philippine nationals, including land Pres. Art pressed on with the secretaries as guests of honor, as a gesture of ownership, American companies, Rohm & Haas Jomalig Project and continued the appreciation for their services. among them, considered donating their real delivery of service in the health When Typhoon Didang struck, leaving estate to local entities. As luck would have it, clinic. On top of this, he built a thousands homeless and hungry, the Club As luck would have it, Pres. Art persuaded his company to donate to the vocational training shop where solicited donations from members, raising a Pres. Art persuaded his Makati Rotary Club Foundation Inc. (MRCFI) residents were given training tidy sum that enabled them to put together and the 6.5-hectare property on which stood their and eventually acquired skills deliver 2,000 bags of relief goods to as many company to donate manufacturing plant in Las Piñas. The donation for employment. The simple families under Operation Tulong. to the Makati Rotary made MRCFI a land owner and eventually made structure was built, bayanihan This year marked the Club’s initiation to the Rotary Club of Makati a rich club. style, with the men chipping in a health area that would in time be among its Club Foundation The other major development under Pres. their carpentry skills and in some longest-running service initiatives: the treatment Inc. (MRCFI) the Art’s watch was the creation of the Makati cases, native building materials, and eradication of juvenile tuberculosis, Research & Development Center (MRDC), giving them a sense of ownership euphemistically called primary complex. In 6.5-hectare property a multi-purpose facility initially designed to of the skills center. this initial venture, the Club linked up with the on which stood their provide economically-challenged families in Focused on Vocational Philippine Tuberculosis Society for a program Guadalupe Viejo, Makati with services in health, Service, Pres. Art partnered that trained nutritionists and other health manufacturing plant in nutrition, skills training and opportunities with the Rotary Club of volunteers to administer the BCG vaccine. The Las Piñas. Manila for Operation program resulted in the immunization of 822 Hanapbuhay, specifically the children against TB.

70 71 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1976-1977 President: Roberto “Bert” J. Montinola †

enior members will remember the term gainful employment as waiters, with a cash donation from the Rotary Club of of Roberto “Bert” Montinola, a charter cosmetologists, dressmakers, Tasmania in Australia that helped keep the member who went on to become a tailors, carpenters and craftsmen. school afloat that year. The Club in turn began Sdistrict governor of District 382 in RY 1982-1983, It also expanded the hog- a cultural exchange project that had MRDC as the year the Club ended its management fattening project by providing sending to a Rotary Club in India a set of dolls of the MCC Post Office, turning it over to the funds for projects in Daet, depicting the evolution of Philippine national Bureau of Posts after ten years of successful Camarines Sur and the towns of and regional costumes. and profitable operation. Having kick-started Taal and Lemery in Batangas Under Pres. Bert’s watch, the Club donated the project and run it to great success, the Club Wary of the increasing 5,000 books to various schools and libraries in felt it was time to mainline the project to the incidence of drug use among Cebu and Surigao del Sur. The Club also hosted government entity under whose province it the youth, the Club mobilized two inbound Rotary Exchange (Rotex) students rightfully belongs. the Rotaract Club of Makati, from Australia and Canada, and supported three The Club’s advocacy for the health of the membership of which was Filipino Rotex students bound for New York and Wary of the increasing mothers and children found concrete form in composed entirely of former Colorado in the United States. incidence of drug use the Targeted Maternal & Child Care Health drug dependents who had Program under which children and expectant kicked the habit — for good. The ABOVE: From Kaunlaran: Pres. among the youth, and lactating women from indigent sections of Rotaractors were conscripted Bert Montinola (second from right) at a meeting on a project the Club mobilized Makati were given access to free consultations into a Speakers’ Bureau and with doctors and free medicine for common sent off to schools and various MIDDLE, RIGHT: Young men from barrios in Makati undergoing the Rotaract Club ailments. It also continued the operation of organizations to share their training in preparation for of Makati, whose feeding centers and mothers’ classes under the stories on the evils of drug employment under “Operation Placement” Mothercraft Project. abuse, the prohibitive cost of members were former In vocational service, the Club worked rehabilitation, and the toll that drug dependents who in tandem with the Rotary Club of Manila addiction takes on relationships to donate the seed capital for a project to and self-worth. had kicked the habit. provide job opportunities to the un-employed The MRDC, which by then and under-employed under “Operation was beginning to evolve into a Placement” and organized training programs special school, was given a much- for Makati residents who hoped to find needed financial shot in the arm

72 73 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1977-1978 President: Edgar “Hadji” Kalaw †

dgardo “Hadji” Kalaw is remembered The MRDC continued its parents attended Incoming Pres. as the brains behind the Makati Rotary evolution into a special school lectures on family Hadji Kalaw receives gavel Club Foundation Inc., the entity that has under Pres. Hadji, who took steps planning, nutrition, from outgoing Eplaced the Club on a solid financial footing and to add muscle to it. Motivated by food management Pres. Bert Montinola enabled it to think up and carry out projects a desire to upgrade the quality and child care. that run for years and benefit large numbers of instruction in the school, In a push for rather than those with a one-year shelf life that he set in motion the Teacher vocational service, leave no footprint for good. of the Handicapped Project the Club provided During his term, the Club concentrated on to provide a stage for training funding assistance to building on the good projects initiated by his teachers interested in bettering the Tahanang Walang predecessors. their teaching skills in special Hagdan (House without Steps) Foundation, He expanded the Jomalig Project in a very education or teachers of other a nonprofit NGO committed to uplifting the He expanded the significant way by organizing the islanders into subjects with an eye on a shift to a lives of orthopedically handicapped persons Jomalig Project in a cooperative credit union with a small-loans career in special education. through training and rehabilitation programs facility that offered credit to fishermen for the The Center also served as that prepare them to become productive and self a very significant purchase of motorized fishing boats. The use of a platform for internship for reliant. The donation was for the wheelchair- way by organizing motor-run boats eased the fishermen’s fishing some 100 nursing students from manufacturing facility of the Foundation. trade, enabling them to focus on catching fish San Juan de Dios Hospital who To increase the chances of house help at the islanders into a instead of on rowing the boats, and a bigger did community service at the landing higher-paying jobs, the Club started a cooperative credit catch did mean higher income. With the Center for seven months and for training program for maids in cooperation with credit union came lessons in management Physical Therapy interns from the Punlaan Training Center in San Juan. The union with a small- and accounting for the officers, and for the UST to conduct a lecture-demo Club also responded to calls for assistance for loans facility that borrowers, the responsibility of paying a loan as on pediatric care in the school. the victims of fires in Candelaria, Quezon and it falls due. The year also saw the expansion of It was also under the Center Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati. offered credit to the project to include expanded health services, that some 200 children were fishermen for the an anti-TB drive, supplemental feeding for the immunized against vaccine- children, and livelihood programs for parents. preventable childhood diseases purchase of motorized like diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, fishing boats. measles and rubella, while their

74 75 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1978-1979 President: William “Bill” Beck

uided by the R.I. theme, “Reach Out,” With its multi-purpose Pres. William “Bill” Beck undertook a direction still in place, the procession of projects aimed at lending MRDC served as a staging point Ga hand to various groups. All in all some for projects that benefited the 3,600 persons benefited from these programs Guadalupe Viejo community. that spanned such fields as education, skills These included a supervised training, health, and even psychological and credit plan for 17 families badly Induction of club religious services. in need of capital for small officers and directors Its strong advocacy for the health of young businesses, a shampoo-labeling for RY 1978-1979 led by Pres. Bill Beck children spurred the Club to subsidize a number contract with Colgate-Palmolive of nutrition programs, working in tandem with Philippines that provided part- The Club also carried out another run of the the municipal government and barangay units time employment to a number nationwide recognition program for outstanding in running feeding centers for undernourished of unemployed persons, and a community projects, National Awards for All in all some 3,600 pre-school and grade school children in the workshop for parents of mentally Community Service (NACS) which on that year persons benefited economically challenged sections of Makati challenged children. was renamed National Awards for Barangay under the Mothercraft Project. The year marked the Service (NABS) to reflect the change in the term from these programs launch of the Search for Model for the smallest political unit, from “barrio” to that spanned such Employees, a recognition program “barangay.” for corporate workers with a Also enjoying another run were the Jomalig fields as education, proven track record of industry, Project and Tahanang Walang Hagdan. skills training, enterprise, and a proper work ethic in the workplace. Fifteen health, and even “model employees” were honored psychological and as workplace exemplars by the Club during a regular meeting religious services. in September, Vocational Service Month.

76 77 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016

LEFT: RI President James Bomar 1979-1980 administers polio vaccine to a child. The site is in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati, on the property on President: which the RC Makati clubhouse presently stands. BOTTOM: Pres. Efren Sales plays Efren “Efren” Sales † cheerleader at a basketball game.

otary Year 1979-1980 was a milestone In education, the school year for RC Makati, for two reasons. worked with the Elsie Gaches One, it saw PP Paing Hechanova Village to conduct a ten-day Rtaking on the post of district governor, the first summer camp in Legaspi City member from RC Makati to be so elevated and for special-needs children and the first governor of the newly created District held a seminar-workshop on President-Elect Rolf Klarich as guest of honor 382, to which RC Makati belonged. special education for public and logged a record turnout. It marked the birth on Two, it marked the birth on RC Makati soil school teachers of Makati and In international service, the Club forged ties of Rotary’s most ambitious global initiative — Manila and for MRDC staff; in with its very first sister club, the Rotary Club RC Makati soil of Rotary’s PolioPlus, a program that sought to eradicate health, there were seminars on of Kota Kinabalu-Malaysia, a relationship that most ambitious global polio from the face of the earth. The seed of the family planning, child care and stands strong to this day, after 37 years. The project was sown in 1979, RI’s 75th anniversary, nutrition for mothers and would- Club also sponsored the trip of three outbound initiative — PolioPlus, a when RI President James Bomar, taking part in be mothers, immunization and students and provided homestay to four program that sought to a polio vaccination mission conducted by the de-worming drives for children, inbound students under the Rotary Exchange Club, administered the first oral polio vaccine and medical-dental missions for (Rotex) program. The inbound group’s visit was eradicate polio from the to a Filipino child, setting off the PolioPlus the Guadalupe Viejo community. made memorable with a week’s stay in Baguio face of the earth. program. That event took place in Guadalupe With Paing Hechanova as and participation in the district conference. Viejo, site of the Club’s Makati Research and district governor, the task of Pres. Efren carried on with the Jomalig Development Center (MRDC) at the time and of hosting the district conference Project, expanding it to include two livelihood its clubhouse today. fell on RC Makati, his home club. projects — goat dispersal and peanut It was a busy year at MRDC, with a long list of The first district conference of the production. And to ensure the proper handling projects in its primary focal areas — education newly created District 382 put the of the finances of the credit union, its officers and health. Club’s event organizing capability were sent to Manila for training in bookkeeping to the test, one that it handled and basic accounting. He also expanded the hog with seasoned hands, although it fattening project and to give their enterprise a was only its first. The event was more organized twist, formed a Hog Raisers’ highlighted by the presence of RI Association in Brgy. Pitogo in Makati.

78 79 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1980-1981 President:

The MRDC Building, Froilan “Froily” T. Aragon † expanded during Pres. Froily’s term

1980-1981 was a year of firsts. Though an initiator of new projects, Pres. It saw the launch of the Froily also saw it fit to sustain established ones. harelip/cleft palate project He presided over the enlargement of the single- RYthat offered surgical correction of said facial a route that took them to Tarlac floor MRDC building with the addition of two deformities among children from families of in Tarlac province, Baguio City, floors that housed a clinic and an outdoor stage little means. A club member — Dr. Jorge Neri, San Fernando in La Union and for school programs. The physical expansion a noted plastic surgeon at the Makati Medical Dagupan in Pangasinan. The allowed the Center to increase the coverage of its Center — volunteered to perform the surgery caravan, the first such trip for the community health program and for the school to pro bono. On this, its initial year, Dr. Neri Club, became the precursor of experiment with new instructional methods and successfully operated on seven harelip and two similar trips in the future. create new curricular modules. cleft palate cases. The Club also kicked off three Also given another run was the “National In tandem with RC Panday Pira, the Club new projects — “Wheelchairs for Awards for Barangay Service” which was initiated a project aimed at helping agricultural Zambia,” which was recognized adjudged the Most Outstanding National sector workers augment their incomes. Together as an Outstanding International Community Program at the district awards Pres. Froily Aragon, seated, second from left, signs sisterhood agreement the two clubs put up a carabao dispersal project Project at the district awards, the program. The Club also won the Best Bulletin with RC Itako-Japan. Others in the picture: seated, leftmost, PP Roger that allowed farmers in Llanera, Nueva Ecija to “Search for Model Employees,” award. Davis; standing l-r: PP Bert Montinola and Rene Paras make interest- and collateral-free loans for the which was named Most purchase of carabaos, with a repayment period Outstanding Vocational Service of 30 months. Project, and “Ipil-Ipil Seedlings The interest of international service was On the international service front, Pres. Froily for Korea.” led a delegation of RC Makati Rotarians on a The interest of international served with the inking of sister-club ties goodwill caravan through Northern Luzon on service was served with the inking with the Rotary Club of Itako-Japan, of sister-club ties with the Rotary Club of Itako-Japan, which grew which grew to become one of the to become one of the Club’s most Club’s most fruitful such relationships fruitful such relationships, and organized a new club, the Rotary Club of Makati East, its third daughter club.

80 81 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1981-1982 President: Ronald “Ronnie” L. Velayo

LEFT: Awards ceremony for Search for nternational service was a strong suit under Model Employees President Ronald “Ronnie” Velayo’s watch. BELOW: Signing of a RC Makati-brokered It was during his term that the Philippines matched districts agreement between Isaw the forging on its shores of the first matched District 382, to which the Club belonged, and District 345 comprising Macau, Hong districts agreement — between District 382, then Kong and China. led by District Governor Oscar Ravanera, and District 345, which at the time comprised Hong Kong, Macau and the Republic of China. The campaign for Paul Harris Fellows Finally, after ten years, RC Makati pact was significant for Pres. Ronnie in that it (PHF) in earnest. The drive was brokered by RC Makati. yielded remarkable returns with was able to pay in full the P660,000 Preparatory talks in the preceding year the enlistment of 15 PHFs, a record syndicated bank loan it took to fund bore fruit this year in the form of sister-clubs high that would be broken again agreements with three Rotary Clubs in Asia — and again and again in the years the construction of the Makati Rotary RC Hou Kuong-Macau, RC Taoyuan-Taiwan to come. Foundation Arcade at the Makati and RC Peninsula-Hong Kong, the first two A new project was also still very much in force. Convinced that visits launched under the aegis of Commercial Center in the early ‘70s. between clubs are potent tools for reinforcing MRDC — the Portage Project, club ties and keeping relationships fresh, Pres. with the objective of developing Ronnie organized trips to Hong Kong to visit a way for parents to detect fees for needy pupils. The MRDC team did their RC Peninsula and to Macau to visit RC Hou mental deficiency in their infants school and the Club proud by turning in an Kuong. This was the year that the Club started a and toddlers and to get them excellent performance at the Pan Pacific Special to seek the necessary medical Olympics for Disabled Children, winning 11 out and psychological intervention of 17 medals up for grabs in the competition. to help mitigate the condition. And finally, after ten years, RC Makati was Also under the MRDC was a able to pay in full the P660,000 syndicated bank “Sponsor a Child Project,” that loan it took to fund the construction of the solicited donations for the school, Makati Rotary Foundation Arcade at the Makati specifically to underwrite school Commercial Center in the early ‘70s.

82 83 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 1966 ~ 2016 50 FROM LEFT: Mrs. Imelda Marcos is met by Pres. Nick Katigbak as she arrives at the Manila Pen for NACS awards ceremony RI President Hiroji Mukasa unveils marker 1982-1983 commemorating his visit to MRDC. Also in photo, l-r: Pres. Nick Katigbak, PDG Paing Hechanova and DG President: Bert Montinola Pres. Nick with Anns Lulu Katigbak (left) and Chinit Rufino in Osaka, Japan for a visit to RC Osaka- Nicolas “Nick” O. Katigbak † Shirokita

icolas “Nick” Katigbak’s term as club generation for the participant of the National Awards for Barangay Service president was highlighted by the visit mothers and partial subsidy for was special in that it was graced by the First of RI President Hiroji Mukasa to the the Club’s nutrition centers. The Lady, Mrs. Imelda Marcos as guest of honor and NMakati Rotary Development Center (MRDC), Club also launched “Sleeping speaker. where he observed classes and later unveiled Children Around the World,” Another significant achievement during Pres. a marker commemorating his visit. Given that under which the Club gave Nick’s watch was the Club’s foray into brother it is physically impossible for a RI president to slumber kits with mosquito nets, club territory, a place it had not ventured into visit every Rotary Club in the world during his blankets, and pillows to some in the past. This he did by forging brother-clubs one-year watch, the visit by President Hiroji was 500 homeless children who spent ties with two clubs in Camarines Sur — the a singular honor for the Club. nights on streets and sidewalks Rotary Club of Naga and the Rotary Club of That year also marked the second time a club and in parks. Nueva Caceres. Interestingly, Pres. Nick, together member — Roberto “Bert” Montinola — served His inclination towards with PE Giorgio Bongulielmi, flew to Bicol on a as district governor. With him as governor, the community service prompted 6-seater private plane for the signing ceremony, twin roles of event organizer and host of the Pres. Nick to beef up the services and stayed overnight in the city for fellowship district conference fell on RC Makati. Held at of the MRDC with the opening of with the Bicol Rotarians. the Manila Garden Hotel (now Dusit Hotel) in a medical clinic. Though operated Pres. Nick also headed the RC Makati February 1983, the discon featured a fashion only once a week, the health delegation that flew to Japan to visit the Rotary show with the Club’s Rotary Anns as models. facility was able to cater to the Club of Osaka-Shirokita and led the welcome The conference had the distinction of being medical needs of the Guadalupe party for visiting Rotarians from RC Kota planned, managed, and wo-manned entirely by Viejo community which at the Kinabalu who came to Manila for a renewal of the Anns, with no help from the secretariat, then time had no government health ties with RC Makati. housed at the MRCF arcade just a stone’s throw center of its own. The Club away from the hotel. also inked a memorandum of Pres. Nick initiated two community service agreement with the Kilusang Another significant achievement during projects — a “Lunch & Merienda on Wheels” Pangkabuhayan at Kaunlaran for Pres. Nick’s watch was the Club’s foray project where mothers of children enrolled in a joint project that offered the feeding program prepared simple meals skills training and livelihood into brother club territory, a place it had and sold them to office workers in Makati. The opportunities for the community. not ventured into in the past. projects hit two birds with one stone — income The year’s implementation

84 85 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1983-1984 President: Giorgio “George” A. Bongulielmi †

ith the brother clubs door opened The Club also kicked off a the preceding year, Pres. Giorgio Sponsor-a-Child fund campaign Bongulielmi built connections to raise funds for projects that Wwith the Rotary Club of Vigan that led to a trip benefit children and carried on to Ilocos Sur by a busload of Rotarians and with the operation of the feeding Anns. The Vigan Rotarians rolled out the red centers for malnourished children carpet for their Makati guests throughout their in economically challenged three-day visit, taking them on a tour of their sections of Makati. city’s cobbled-stone streets, well-preserved It was a year of recognition heritage houses and churches, and artisan for the Club as Pres. Giorgio shops, and treating them to Vigan’s culinary was named Most Outstanding It was a year gems, from breakfast to dinner. The Vigan Club President-Overall in the trip led to the inking of a matched clubs (a.k.a. yearend awards program of of recognition brother clubs) agreement between RC Makati District 382 and RC Makati was for the Club as and RC Vigan. conferred a Presidential Citation The Club also contributed to Rotary growth for Excellence in Carrying out Pres. Giorgio by creating the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala, the the Rotary Year’s Theme, Share was named Most first club in Makati to meet for breakfast and the Rotary — Serve People. Club’s fourth daughter club. The Club was granted two Outstanding Club Another important development during Pres. other awards, both non-Rotary: President-Overall FROM ABOVE: Giorgio’s tenure was the appointment of the Club the Golden Globe Highest as the Philippine representative of Direct Relief Award from the Asian Institute Visit to Vigan that led to brotherhood in the yearend agreement with RC Vigan International (DRI), a US-based humanitarian of Humanitarian Development awards program Fellowship cruise to Corregidor and organization that accepts donations of surplus and the Golden Harvest Award Puerto Azul medical equipment, supplies and medicine from the Far East Social Action of District 382 from large companies in the United States for Civic Organization for the Makati re-donation to developing countries around the Research & Development Center. world.

86 87 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 RIGHT: “Channel Rotary,” the variety show starring members and ladies of RC Makati, staged at the PCI Bank Auditorium on Makati Avenue to raise 1984-1985 funds for MRDC. BELOW RIGHT: Christmas President: gift-giving in Brgy. Pio del Pilar spearheaded by the Anns. Other beneficiaries Cesar “Cesar” V. Campos were Brgys. La Paz and San Isidro.

he practice of staging entertainment operational funds, for at least a short course, a treatment numbers with an all-RC Makati cast few more years. strategy that ensures that a on special occasions has become a It was during Pres. Cesar TB patient takes the medicine Tcherished tradition in RC Makati. There have Campos’ term that the connection without fail for the prescribed been many memorable shows, each a perfect with Direct Relief International period. showcase of the talents of club members and (DRI) took root, allowing the The observation that traffic the Anns. But for the senior members who have Club to make arrangements for in the Makati Central Business been around in the past 30 years, one show the shipping from the United District (MCBD) was starting stands out, indelibly etched in the mind despite States of medical supplies and to get knotty spurred the Club memory that fades and fails: Channel Rotary. medicines for the Club’s first anti- to think up and launch a traffic management Channel Rotary was not just a song-and- TB project. Funded by a matching scheme to correct the situation before it turned dance number in an induction ball or charter grant of US$162,000 from The bad. It thus banded with the Makati City anniversary program. It was a variety show Rotary Foundation, the first major government, Ayala Corporation, and the Bus & of songs, dances, skits, and novelty numbers TRF matching grant received by Jeepney Drivers’ Association for the Blue Zone conceived by Gigi Zulueta and woven into a the Club, the project treated TB Traffic Management Project aimed at easing seamless production under the direction of TV patients among families relocated vehicular flow along the main streets of the executive Freddie Garcia. Two things made the from slums in Manila to new district. project remarkable: one, the cast’s cheerfulness communities in Dasmarinas and With the groundwork laid for the at rehearsals, which turned into occasions for Carmona in Cavite. formalization of sister-clubs relations by PP Nick fellowship (that bred enduring friendships); With the TRF matching grant Katigbak’s visit to Japan a couple of years earlier, Channel Rotary was not and two, the willingness of Rotarians — top approved, implementation was set Pres. Cesar signed a sister-club pact with RC just a song-and-dance company executives, leading practitioners of the for the following year, with Cesar Osaka-Shirokita. A second sister-club agreement professions, members of the diplomatic corps, Campos, by then IPP, named with RC Kebayoran of Indonesia was signed as number, it was a variety top officers of finance institutions — to do things project chair. It was implemented well. Still along the international service line show of songs, dances, they had never done before and to have fun from in partnership with the Social was the initiation of a special exchange project making fun of themselves. This they did for one Welfare department and Akapka that called for RC Makati families to host the skits, and novelty numbers lofty cause: to raise enough money to extend Foundation, both headed by Sec. children of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of conceived by Gigi Zulueta. the life of the Makati Research & Development Mita Pardo de Tavera, who started Peninsula-Hong Kong who came to Manila on a Center special school, then in dire need of the directly observed therapy- cultural visit.

88 89 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1985-1986 President: Leocadio “Cady” J. Dominguez †

unning a school for profit by a business With poverty reduction in of Bulacan in the fields of reforestation as well ABOVE: Women in La Paz are taught candle making by trainers from NACIDA entity is no child’s play. Running mind, Pres. Cady initiated a as repair and maintenance of roads and heavy a special school as a public service by program designed to lend a equipment. To this end, the committee took a BELOW: Pres. Cady Dominguez, leftmost, poses with other Rotarians by the dental chair donated by RC Ra Rotary Club can be a daunting challenge. helping hand to residents of Brgy. trip to a forested area of Bulacan for an ocular Shirokita for the MRDC health clinic Such was the situation RC Makati found San Isidro and Brgy. La Paz, both inspection of the place and to meet the barangay itself in with its operation of the special school, in Makati. Through the Barangay leaders with whom it would be working. or school for children with special needs, as it is Upliftment Project, the Club The Club’s push for international service was now properly known, given the call for political organized a workshop in candle- made manifest with the inking of a sister-clubs correctness. Its financial woes were compounded making for women in La Paz agreement with the Rotary Club of Central Park by the fact of a growing population of pupils, and provided them assistance in in Dallas, Texas, sealing the relationship by many of them with little means whom the school marketing their products. Tapping supporting RC Central Park’s Operation Mercy did not have the heart to turn away. the help of club members, the Project. The Club also received a dental chair Pres. Leocadio “Cady” Dominguez was in a Club also made arrangements for and a cash donation from RC Osaka-Shirokita- dilemma, faced with two hard choices: one, opt qualified residents of La Paz and Japan and cash from RC Itako-Japan and RC for a permanent shutdown of a favored project it San Isidro to find employment in Peninsula HK. so wished to sustain but could no longer afford Rotarians’ companies. to run on its own; or two, seek assistance from When insurgency in the rural other organizations with similar goals. areas became alarming, club The choice was not one but both. First it members brainstormed ways to Running a school for profit by a decided to dissolve MRDC; then it invited help stem the tide of unrest in the business entity is no child’s play. seven other Rotary Clubs in Makati to form a countryside before it streamed new entity to take its place — the Development into the city. It was decided that Running a special school as a public Center for the Handicapped Foundation, Inc. a positive approach was the best service by a Rotary Club can be a (DCHFI). While the new Foundation was being course of action. A new committee organized, school operations were suspended. was created to organize the daunting challenge. With a heavy heart, the Club had to let go of its Countryside Development Corps, pet project. whose task was to undertake a pilot project that would provide employment to jobless residents

90 91 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 LEFT: Send-off for Emergency Action Van for quick distribution of relief goods to fire victims in San Isidro BELOW: MRDC-turned-Stepping Stone Learning 1986-1987 Center jointly run by 8 clubs led by RC Makati under the Development Center for the Handicapped President: Foundation. Carlos “Charlie” S. Rufino

hree major decisions were made by The second major move was patients, and prevention of contagion to other Carlos “Charlie” Rufino during his the mainstreaming of the Club- members of the family. watch as president. run feeding centers by placing To improve the Club’s quick response TWith the dissolution of MRDC, the them under the care of the capability in the face of typhoons and other Club fast-tracked the formation of the new Makati City Government and of natural disasters, the Club converted a donated foundation to get a new school up and running various parishes in Makati. container van into a mobile relief center that with as minimal a disruption as possible to The third was the kick- could be deployed posthaste to deliver food, the pupils’ school routine. The Development off for a health initiative that water, clothes, medicine and other items to Financial requirements were Center for the Handicapped Foundation was would be a recurrent area of places not accessible to small vehicles. envisioned to manage and operate a new special concern for the Club for years The year marked the setting up in Brgy. San eased with the provision school, which was aptly named Stepping Stone to come. The project was a TB Isidro of a Rotary Village Corps (later renamed by the Club of rent-free Learning Center. Elimination Project funded by Rotary Community Corps) whose initial project To place the school on solid footing for a matching grant of US$162,000 was a cooperative store. San Isidro was one of space for classes, on top its first few steps, the foundation hired a US- from The Rotary Foundation, three barangays where the Club put up a soap- of providing scholarship to educated special education specialist to run with support from AKAPKA making project and helped the women market the school as principal. With finance and Foundation, the Department of their products to clients including the Makati three pupils from in-need management now a shared responsibility Social Welfare and Development, City Hall. families. among eight Rotary clubs, Stepping Stone was and Direct Relief International. Pres. Charlie, making capital of his business on its way to discharging its mission of molding The project covered two sites and social connections, solicited donations the young minds of the special-needs students. in the province of Cavite: of used bed sheets and towels from hotels in Financial requirements were eased with the Carmona and Dasmariñas, Makati and gave them away to inmates of the provision by the Club of rent-free space for where informal settler families Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa. classes, on top of providing scholarship to three from Manila had been relocated. pupils from in-need families. With Social Welfare Sec. Mita Pardo de Tavera as spearhead, DSWD conducted a training program for nurses and volunteer Club-run nutrition centers in La Paz health workers in testing for and San Isidro were turned over to TB, dispensing medication to the Makati government and Catholic parish, respectively 92 93 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016

1987-1988 LEFT: Turnover by Pres. Fred Parungao of medicine and electric fans to AFP Medical Center under the Presidents: Assistance to Veterans project MIDDLE: Launch of school for street children with DSWD Sec. Mita Pardo de Tavera as guest of honor Renato “Rene” L. Paras † and BELOW: Medicine worth over $333K from Direct Relief International were used for the Club’s health projects and donated to Rotary Clubs and health Alfredo “Fred” B. Parungao institutions

or the first time in the Club’s 22-year The year also saw the Club Concern for the welfare of soldiers wounded history, the Club had two presidents in starting a new health project — in the series of coup attempts against the the same Rotary year and responsibility Save-an-Eye. Spurred by reports government of Pres. Corazon Aquino spurred Ffor running the club was shared in equal parts of the growing number of needy the Club to put up the Assistance-to-Veterans by the two presidents — Renato “Rene” Paras people with failing eyesight Project under which it donated wall fans and in the first semester, July-December 1987, and who, due to lack of money, were medicine to the V. Luna Hospital, where the Alfredo “Fred’ Parungao in the second, January- unable to seek medical help, the wounded soldiers were confined. The Club’s June 1988. The happenstance came about Save An Eye Project provided Emergency Action group also sent relief goods with the resignation of Pres. Rene to assume eye check-ups and surgery to to the victims of a typhoon in Samar. a European posting with Procter & Gamble, indigent cataract patients, with a In international service, the Club initiated prompting an automatic assumption of the club member, Dr. Vic Caparas, an Brother Club ties with RC Lipa in Batangas. presidency by Vice President Fred. ophthalmologist, performing the Two major projects were put in place operations for free. The project Concern for the during the year: the creation of a School for was able to restore the sight of a Street Children, which sought to get abused, good number of needy patients. welfare of soldiers abandoned, and neglected children off the Another project in the health wounded in the streets and back to their homes, to their parents sector involved the provision and siblings with whom they belonged. The of funds to the “Jaipur Foot series of coup project included a component meant to provide Program,” under which the Club attempts against the the waifs with basic education and values donated artificial legs to needy orientation. The Club joined hands with the amputees. The project name, government of Pres. Dept. of Social Welfare and other government “Jaipur,” referred to a town in Corazon Aquino and private groups, and committed resources India where the prosthetic limbs for project implementation. were manufactured. The Club spurred the Club to put also demonstrated its strong up the Assistance-to- advocacy for the cause of children with special needs by carrying on Veterans Project. with its support of the Stepping Stone Learning Center.

94 95 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 LEFT: The first Christmas Bazaar at the Manila Polo Club in November 1988 that kicked off a fundraising initiative that ran for 25 years MIDDLE: One of 10 recipients of pacemakers under Heartbeat International’s Rotary 1988-1989 Pacemaker Project BELOW: The start of the 27-year Books Across the President: Seas (BATS) project that has distributed over 15 million books to some 65,000 schools across the Jesus “Gigi” M. Zulueta, Jr. country.

f there is one project the Rotary Club of Another project Pres. Gigi Paz, Makati. The project was so well-managed Makati is most associated with and best gets credit for is the Christmas that it boasted a repayment rate of nearly 100%. known for, it is Books Across the Seas, or Bazaar, an enduring fund A boost on the international service front IBATS. generator that fattened the Club’s came with the initiation of one new matched- The shining legacy of Pres. Jesus “Gigi” purse by well over 12 million in clubs relations — with the Rotary Club of Zulueta, BATS is a book distribution scheme its 25-year run, from its first at the Rochester in Michigan, USA, and the renewal that was originally run jointly by the U.S. Manila Polo Club in November of an old one — with the Rotary Club of Vigan. Embassy’s United States Information Service 1988 that brought in less than The signing of the renewal agreement was the (USIS) and the American Chamber of P55,000 in net revenue, to its culmination of a visit to the Ilocos Sur capital Commerce (AmCham). In 1988 it was passed on final one at the Intercon Hotel where the Club conducted a medical mission to the Club after due diligence by the USIS and in November 2013 that brought and distributed books to schools. AmCham assured them that RC Makati was the in proceeds of P1,256,000.00 RY 1988-1989 was a banner year crowned right organization to bequeath it to, given its net. Following the template set with a hail of awards from the district at the track record in public service and its possession by First Ann J’net Zulueta in yearend awards program, including the much of the resources required to sustain operations 1988, subsequent bazaars were coveted twin awards: Most Outstanding Club- for a long time. chaired by the Ann of the sitting Overall and Most Outstanding President- The Club has since reinforced its links with president. Overall. The Club was also recognized RY 1988-1989 was a banner the Brother’s Brother Foundation, a charitable The year also saw the Club with awards as Most Outstanding Club in foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, building a link with Heartbeat Club Service, Most Outstanding Club in year crowned with a from which the Club sources the books it International for the Rotary Community Service, and Most Outstanding hail of awards from the distributes to schools. Now on its 27th year, Pacemaker Project, under which Club in International Service, and for the Most BATS is the longest running project operated the Club donated pacemakers to Significant Achievement Award for Books district, including the much on its own by RC Makati, without assistance 10 patients on Year One and more Across the Seas, and Most Outstanding Club coveted twin awards: Most from other Rotary Clubs. As of yearend of 2015, in succeeding years. Bulletin. The awards were conferred by the it had distributed 15 million books to 65,000 Pres. Gigi also set up district on its final year as District 381. Outstanding Club-Overall schools throughout the country. a microfinance project and Most Outstanding dubbed Bangko Pag-asa, which that year granted small loans to President-Overall. 11 small entrepreneurs in Brgy. La

96 97 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016

RIGHT: Pres. Rey Adriano hands trophy to a winner of the National Awards for Community Service 1989-1990 BELOW: The year marked the launch of the Medical Missions Project under which indigent patients undergo President: surgery at the PGH. Still running to this day, the project was initiated and Reynaldo “Rey” A. Adriano carried through by the late Dr. Boy Hilvano (center)

t was on this year, under the watch of Pres. University of Life, National the Cory Aquino government, demonstrating Reynaldo “Rey” Adriano, that the Medical Manpower & Youth Council, and its stand against violence with a substantial Missions Project was born. A brainchild and Apparel & Textile Industry Board donation to the Alay sa Kawal Foundation. Ipet project of Serafin “Boy” Hilvano, a surgeon Foundation. The Center also Its concern for health found manifestation at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offered post-training assistance in its donation of badly-needed equipment to the project started on Boy’s very first year as a to sewing class trainees who the pediatric ward of Ospital ng Makati and the member of the Club. Now on its 26th year of successfully passed the course medical missions it undertook in several places operations, this joint RC Makati-PGH project by recommending them for jobs — Cabanelas in Makati’s Brgy. La Paz, Bauang undertaking offers indigent patients free in garment factories owned by in La Union, Manila, and Butuan in distant surgery for hernia, hemorrhoids, gall stones, Rotarians. MRTC ran for several Mindanao. breast cancer, goiter, and meningocoele and has years, helping hundreds of The medical mission in La Union laid the benefited way over a thousand grateful patients people transition from unskilled groundwork for the forging of a brother-clubs since its inception in 1989. to skilled to gainfully employed. agreement with the Rotary Club of Bauang, It was under Pres. Rey’s watch that the Six years after its last run, the which flourished for over a decade. Club launched a project under the Vocational National Awards for Barangay It must be noted that Pres. Rey’s term Service umbrella — the Makati Rotary Training Service was revived under its marked yet another district renumbering plan Center (MRTC). Conceived and set to motion original name, National Awards that saw District 381 become District 3810. by Vinci Roco as a skills development facility for Community Service. With for out-of-school youth as well as un- and San Miguel Corporation as underemployed men and women, the project sponsor, the nationwide search Now on its 26th year of operations, offered a computer operation course and high- for outstanding community speed sewing classes, with support from project projects culminated in May 1990 this joint RC Makati-PGH project partners and sponsors — from the private with a program that honored that offers indigent patients free sector, the Ayala Foundation and the Philippine three top winners. Computer Society; from the government, the The Club kept up with its surgery has benefited way over a support of soldiers, especially thousand grateful patients since its those hurt, maimed or killed in the successive coups d’etat, inception in 1989. failed attempts at overthrowing

98 99 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: In the aftermath of the deadly quake of 1990, the YEARS Club organized quick-response assistance to affected 501966 ~ 2016 communities in Pampanga. Photo shows Rotarians posing in what’s left of a house near Clark in Pampanga. Charter members and presidents in a toast on the Club’s silver anniversary ball in July 1990 1990-1991 Pres. Ted leads distribution of relief goods to quake victims President: Teodoro “Ted” C. Borlongan †

1990-1991 made itself felt with On the home front, the flexed its event organizing muscles by hosting a great tremor, literally — a 7.8 Club intensified the operations the Asia Workshop under World Community magnitude quake epicentered in of the MRTC with financial Service, which assembled over a hundred RYNueva Ecija, with power radiating northward injections from the Club and Rotarians from six countries in Asia. to the Cordilleras, eastward to Aurora, and technical support from the Ayala The Club made up for the year’s heart- southward to Metro Manila. It struck with Foundation, Phil. Computer rending start in mid-July with a bright climax shocking force, toppling buildings, collapsing Society, and a new partner, leading up to the end of the year — the grand bridges and causing landslides that blocked Systems Technology Inc.(STI). Silver Anniversary Ball in celebration of the access to many place to ring in destruction, Offerings that year included Club’s 25th Charter Anniversary in March 1991. disease, and death. It was a dramatic, if tragic, the Information Technology This felicitous occasion, a high point in Club welcome for the Club’s 25th charter anniversary Outreach Program, a 5-month history, was announced to the public with a year under Pres. Teodoro “Ted” Borlongan. computer course, a high- full-page advertorial in major broadsheets One of the places bent and broken by speed sewing class, and short that featured a bullet-point presentation of the the massive shaking was Bauang, La Union, courses in baking, cooking, food Club’s major accomplishments since 1966. where a brother club, RC Bauang, was based. preservation, and various types When Bauang Rotarians sent a S.O.S. to the of body massage. The Club also donated Club, Pres. Ted, fully aware of the urgency in The Club also donated P520,000 worth of TB the appeal, immediately organized a fitting P520,000 worth of TB medicine response. On top of a move to fill immediate to the Makati Medical Center for medicine to the Makati needs for food, medicine, personal hygiene its TB Control Project in Brgy. Medical Center for its items, clothes, blankets and mats, the Club Singkamas and distributed over turned to addressing a longer-range but no less 900,000 books to schools across TB Control Project in urgent need by undertaking the reconstruction the country under BATS. Brgy. Singkamas and of a school building in Brgy. Pilar that had been Under the Brother Clubs badly damaged by the quake. Committee, the Club entered into Pres. Ted nips ceremonial ribbon at distributed over 900,000 reopening of a school house in Bauang, La a matched-clubs relationship Union reconstructed by the Club books to schools across with RC Davao, its first with a club in Mindanao. It also the country under BATS. exercised its skill at planning and

100 101 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

FROM LEFT: YEARS Delivery of portable beds and 1966 ~ 2016 relief goods to quake victims in 50 Pampanga under the Pinatubo Assistance Program The club-funded Rotary Training Center of RC Dau in Pampanga: at groundbreaking 1991-1992 MIDDLE: Pres. Fidel Alfonso awards Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate to President President: Corazon Aquino at RC Makati-led Testimonial Dinner in her honor. Fidel “Fidel” M. Alfonso The clubs also conferred on her an Outstanding Leadership Award.

he term of Pres. Fidel “Fidel” Alfonso mouthed and helpless, not 1991, he organized another fundraiser, a Super It was also on this year that the idea for a in RY 1991-1992 reached a high knowing what had hit them, let Family Bingo at the Manila Polo Club that fire safety organization was conceived. This point with the testimonial dinner it alone what to do. But not for generated another P400,000. The combined led to the establishment in 1996 of the Makati Torganized for President Corazon “Cory” Aquino long. proceeds from these two fundraising events Fire Safety Authority (MAFSAFI) to enforce at the ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel Gathering their wits, Makati made it possible for the Club to help the Rotary compliance with the Fire and Building Codes in Makati. The event packed a full house of Rotarians quickly rolled up Club of Dau in Pampanga, one of the areas among structures in Makati and develop a Rotarians from 14 Rotary Clubs and reps from their sleeves and went to work. that suffered most from the volcanic eruption, culture of safety and disaster preparedness top broadcast and print news organizations, Dipping into their pockets, their build a Livelihood Training among residents and evidencing RC Makati’s influence and stature companies’ and their own, they Center where local folk workers. The Foundation, as the premier Club in the district. The clubs quickly raised some P500,000 received training to acquire in tandem with the conferred an Outstanding Leadership Award for a Pinatubo Assistance immediately employable Bureau of Fire Protection, and a Paul Harris Fellowship on President Program designed to bring relief skills. conducts annual building Aquino and presented her with a sculptured to Central Luzon communities A more long-range inspections and recognizes glass trophy. where houses had collapsed assistance package buildings that comply with With 1992 an election year, the Club hosted from the weight of sand, rivers came to the Loob Bunga said Codes. RC Makati a joint meeting with presidential candidates had dried up, and flora and Resettlement Village is a founding member of Fidel V. Ramos and Salvador Laurel as the guest fauna had died or were dying. in Botolan, Zambales, MAFSAFI. speakers. To help the hungry huddled in another place devastated Under Pres. Fidel’s Hardly had the country recovered from temporary shelters, they brought by Pinatubo, in the form of a potable water leadership, the Club threw its support behind the shock of the previous year’s 7.8 magnitude food, medicine, clothes, water, system which the Club constructed in the district’s Sight & Light Program, a project earthquake than Nature delivered another blow, and personal care items, as well cooperation with the Philippine Business for aimed at preventing nutritional blindness a strike so massive, it turned Central Luzon as hundreds of blankets and Social Progress. caused by Vit. A deficiency among the poor. into a veritable wasteland, altered the lay of the portable beds. With its ties with RC Dau firmly secured, RC That year ended on a bright note with the land, and changed weather patterns, effects that A look at the situation Makati established brother-clubs relations with recognition of the Stepping Stone Learning would linger for decades to come. prompted Pres. Fidel to think the Pampanga club, and expanded the Club’s Center as “The Best School of its Kind” in When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in mid-1991, up other means to generate brother clubs roster by forging ties with the Metro Manila in affirmation of its excellent spewing 311 years’ worth of lava, ash, sand, and funds. In addition to proceeds Rotary Club of Cebu, one of the oldest Rotary educational, counseling, occupational and rocks that blocked out the sun and turned day of P400,000 from the annual clubs in the Philippines. therapy programs. into night, people everywhere stood open- Christmas Bazaar in November

102 103 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1992-1993 President: Armand “Jun” F. Braun, Jr.

he Club’s Pinatubo Assistance Program enough to battle it out on the job Aside from its excellent performance in the FROM LEFT: took a different turn under Pres. market. vocational and community service departments, Photo op during a break at the fundraising Super Family Bingo at the Manila Polo Club Armand “Jun” Braun as it focused on It was an active time for the Club recorded gains in the other avenues Pres. Jun Braun leads in the distribution of goods to Tmeeting a need that is usually without obvious community service. The of service: under Youth, the formation of two flood victims outward manifestations, but just as real, and assistance program for Rotaract Clubs; under Club Service, an essay BELOW: Pres. Jun and Ann Marlo (both in black tops) critical, as the need for basic physical needs. It Cabanelas ni Brgy. La Paz writing contest on the Four-Way Test in six join Medial Missions chair Boy Hilvano (leftmost) and turned its attention to families sheltered in the received a strong shot in the public high schools in Makati; and under doctors at the PGH Clark Air Base Command (Cabcom) evacuation arm with the establishment International Service, the enlistment of 30 new center, where it put in place a Psycho-Social of a cooperative sari-sari store Paul Harris Fellows, a new record for the Club, Development Project, under which they from which residents bought and the initiation of brother-club relations with underwent stress management and counseling everyday items at cheaper the Rotary Club of Cavite East. in periodic sessions with psychologists. prices and whose operation The year ended on a happy note with the On the practical side, RC Dau carried on provided community leaders Club receiving two major awards during the with training programs and job placement with a platform for learning district yearend awards: Most Outstanding Club assistance in the RC Makati- funded livelihood the rudiments of business in District 3810 and Overall Award of Excellence center. management and accounting. in The Rotary Foundation. What made it possible for the Club to With the observation that the implement the Pinatubo project and other barangay had many obviously assistance plans were two fundraising activities undernourished children, the What made it possible for the Club that generated a combined revenue of nearly Club enlisted the assistance of P1.4 million — the Christmas Bazaar and a the Rotary Village Corps for a to implement the Pinatubo project second run of the Super Family Bingo. supplemental feeding project and other assistance plans were two The fresh funds also put MRTC in a position that provided free meals to to intensify its training programs, conducting underweight children. In the area fundraising activities that generated various courses for a record 17 batches of of health, 13 medical missions a combined revenue of nearly P1.4 trainees, including out-of-school youth and were held, three in select employed persons wanting to acquire a new communities, the rest, surgical million — the Christmas Bazaar and skill. The year ended with 197 graduates skilled missions at the PGH. the Super Family Bingo.

104 105 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1993-1994 President: Jose “Joe” S. Alejandro

Y 1993-1994 recorded three firsts for the Makati Commercial Center, victims still living in the Cabcom evacuation FROM TOP LEFT: the Club consistent with its vision to and the makers of the best center. The massive expansion in project coverage, The club-organized town hall forum on LRT III that led to the position RC Makati as the leading and lanterns were awarded cash prizes. which entailed a substantial funding increase, was approval of the passage through Rnaturally preferred organization for those who Three, the First All-Makati made possible by a windfall from the Christmas Makati-EDSA of the light rail system want to serve others and the community. Rotary Golf Tournament Bazaar and Super Family Bingo that together Culmination of “Parol sa Makati” One, President Jose “Joe” Alejandro for Community Service, the added P1.55 M to the club purse. at Glorietta in Makati, a project organized the first Makati Town Hall Meeting proceeds of which funded 15 Also made possible by the bonanza was the initiated by Pres. Joe to promote that assembled leaders of various sectors of the community projects. Christmas Package Drive under which 300 gift the Christmas lantern-making tradition among Makati barangays. community for a discussion of the proposal to Reinforcing its leadership in bags were handed out to as many families in Brgy. In photo with the winners, l-r: build the LRT II mass transit system along EDSA, the district, the Club organized the Pitogo and Brgy. Cabanelas/La Paz in Makati and Ann Marilou Alejandro, Ann Didi Payumo, PDG Bert Montinola, passing Makati — its pros and cons in relation to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards gift packs were given to 1,200 children in Smoky Pres. Joe Alejandro and Rtn. Ruben safety and privacy for the residential subdivisions (RYLA) of District 3810 that packed Mountain. Payumo and buildings along the way, the national a record-breaking 700 youth- It also enabled the expansion of the MRTC RI President Bob Barth (left) economy, and the convenience of the riding leader delegates. It also increased training program with the initiation of a presents 1994 RI Award for the Most Outstanding Vocational public. It concluded with Makati officially giving the number of awardees in the course for young men and women interested Service Project to Pres. Joe its official consent for the LRT II to pass through National Awards for Community in finding employment as waiters and Alejandro. the Makati segment of EDSA. Service from three to four and bartenders, winning recognition for the Center as President Bob Barth is briefed on Two, Pres. Joe initiated the Parol sa Makati, a the prize money from P50,000 to the Most Outstanding Vocational Service Project RC Makati projects by Pres. Joe on his visit to the clubhouse. project that sought to revive the Filipino tradition P75,000 per winner, both moves at the district yearend awards. In recognition of of crafting lanterns at Christmastime to encourage intended to encourage wider this first such vocational project, RI President Bob creativity and resourcefulness through a lantern- participation in the years ahead. Barth visited Manila and personally handed the meetings. Committee activities were effectively making competition among the barangays of The beneficiary base of “RI International Award for Vocational Services orchestrated together with then Club Secretary Makati. the Psycho-Social Project for for Year 1993-94” to the Club during his visit to Ramon “Mon” Gonzales. The contest required the use of natural Mt.Pinatubo victims saw a Manila. International service was not left out of the materials such as leaves, twigs, bamboo sticks, and huge expansion from an initial 54 RC Makati was awarded as the Most service loop, either. The Club forged brother club tree bark and/or throw-away materials such as families to 403, for a sevenfold- Outstanding Club and President, Large Clubs ties with the Rotary Club of Laoag in Ilocos plastic straw, bottle caps, paper cups, and old plus increase that brought category, for year 1993-94. The Club reached Norte and Rotary Club of Downtown Mabalacat newspapers. The lanterns were displayed at the the psychological benefits of the a high of 210 members, with 19 nationalities in Pampanga, and sister club relations with RC old Glorietta after a parade around the streets of project to more of the Pinatubo and 75% average attendance during the weekly Pohang North of South Korea.

106 107 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1994-1995 President: Juan Carlos “Carlos” del Rosario

wo new projects were started under the The BATS book distribution Inked during the year were Sister Club ties watch of Pres. Juan Carlos “Carlos” del project received a much-needed with RC Kuala Lumpur-Diraja in Malaysia, RC Rosario. financial boost — one, a donation Bangkok in Thailand, and RC Sarasota, Florida, TThe Mobile Eye Clinic was a medical facility of P1 million from Allied Bank, USA. on wheels equipped with state-of-the-art which also made available to the The year also marked the setting of machines and tools to perform surgery on eye project rent-free use of a huge two records — one, for the 40 Paul Harris patients. Funded by a US$50,000 matching warehouse in Novaliches for Fellows enlisted; and two, the induction of an grant from The Rotary Foundation, it was a storing and sorting books prior impressive 34 new members and a net gain of 11. container van transformed into an operating to release; and two, a matching The Club enjoyed a flood of honors from CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: room with everything needed by an eye doctor grant of US$12,000 from The the district including the two most prized ones. Pres. Carlos at inauguration of the Mobile Eye Clinic that to perform surgical procedures to correct Rotary Foundation to step up Most Outstanding Club Overall and Most enabled Dr. Vic Caparas to conduct surgery on cataract patients around Metro Manila cataract and glaucoma. The Club also took part operations so that more books Outstanding Club President Overall. The Club Pres. Carlos del Rosario (leftmost) after recognition of in Oplan Alis Disease, a nationwide campaign can reach more schools and also received awards for Most Outstanding Club a granddaughter of Sonny Tambunting (rightmost) as a against diseases that can be prevented with libraries in the country. The in Club Service and Most Outstanding Club Paul Harris Fellow immunization. Allied Bank donation served as a in The Rotary Foundation contributions, as Cataract mission in Pakil, Laguna The year saw the inception of a new back-up fund for BATS, while the well as for Best Matching Grant Project for the Pres. Carlos dispenses polio vaccine to a child advocacy at the instance of PP Cesar Campos: warehouse is still being used by Mobile Eye Clinic and Best Youth Development Teaching the Deaf to Speak. It is actually a the project as storage facility for Project for its staging of the RYLA seminar. means of support to the Philippine Institute for books. The year saw the the Deaf, a school that pioneered the method The Club also hosted two of teaching hearing-impaired children how to district events — the District inception of a communicate through the spoken word instead RYLA Seminar and the District new advocacy at of through the traditional hand signals. Family Olympics and was able to raise close to P950,000 from the the instance of PP Christmas Bazaar. Cesar Campos: Teaching the Deaf to Speak.

108 109 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 FROM LEFT: Orientation for teachers in the lead-up to the launch of the post-grad level Teacher Training Program for public school teachers at the Ateneo Pres. Ever Macatulad orchestrates relief operations in 1995-1996 Pampanga Distribution of cookbooks for low-cost meals in a President: barangay in Makati Pres. Ever looks on as Jay Savage hands books to a Evergisto “Ever” Macatulad † public school librarian under the Books Across the Seas Project

his year marked the conception of an With the families displaced Under Vocational Service, 130 out-of-school educational program with the objective by Mt. Pinatubo still living in youth successfully completed the computer of upgrading instructional methods and evacuation sites four years after literacy course and high-speed sewing classes Tmaterials in the public schools, with the goal the volcanic outburst, the Club at the Makati Rotary Training Center, and were of narrowing the gnawing gap in the quality of carried on with its assistance sent on their way to finding a job. The Club also education between private and public schools. program, conducting timed visits launched special tutorial classes for academically- To Pres. Evergisto “Ever” Macatulad belongs to the CabCom area to distribute challenged senior high school students at the the credit for this noble idea that took form food, medicine, laundry and Pamantasan ng Makati Technical High School. in the Teacher Training Program. His term in personal hygiene products and In a tie-up arrangement with Chowking, effect served as the launch pad for the project, other basic need items. That year Nestle and the Makati City Government, the Club a period during which the idea jelled and some 600 families received about printed 10,000 copies of “Lutong Pangkalusugan,” was consolidated into a project brief that set P1.5 million worth of relief goods. a cookbook of easy-to-prepare and low-cost objectives, targets, and budgets, named project Wanting to take full advantage recipes, and distributed them to mothers in the partners and defined their roles, and drew of the Mobile Eye Clinic launched different barangays in Makati. The three sponsors program mechanics. The idea was to provide the preceding year, Pres. Ever also partnered for cooking demonstrations extensive training to public school teachers in conducted missions in Cabanelas in chosen barangays using the recipes in the the teaching of three core subjects — English, in Brgy. La Paz to test and screen cookbook. Mathematics and Science — in order to upgrade residents for eye ailments that The Club expanded its sister club roster by instruction in their schools. The Club allotted may be surgically corrected in inking an agreement with RC Moscow and raised P1.2 million for the initial phase of project the OR on wheels. Surgeries some P1.3 million from the Christmas Bazaar. That year some implementation that called for providing were performed on a number of 600 families scholarships to 100 teachers for a one-year, a cataract patients who were also masteral-level certificate program at the Ateneo fitted with intra-ocular lenses, received about de Manila University. all for free. Still in the health P1.5 million worth department, the Club donated to Ospital ng Makati’s neonatal care of relief goods. unit P300,000 worth of medical equipment critical to the care of newborn babies.

110 111 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

FROM LEFT: YEARS At the graduation of the first batch 1966 ~ 2016 of teacher-scholars at the Ateneo 50 under the Teacher Training Program At the launch of the Rotary Youth Action & Leadership Awards, a nationwide search for outstanding 1996-1997 youth leaders Pres. Ric Librea beams with his President: trophy as Most Outstanding President-Overall at the District Awards in 1997. The Club also Ricardo “Ric” G. Librea bagged the Most Outstanding Club-Overall prize.

ith the ground all prepped for the career talks for the graduating RI. Pres. Luis Giay gracing the occasion as guest of implementation of the Teacher class of a public school in Makati honor. Training Program, Pres. Ricardo to offer guidance in their choice of Having logged another record-setter with W“Ric” Librea started the ball rolling in a big courses to take in college. the generation of P1.5 million in net proceeds way with the deployment of the first batch of The year scored a new record from the Christmas Bazaar, the Club adopted scholars, 100 public school teachers from Makati, in the number of Paul Harris the Tejeros Tenement in Makati as its adopted to Ateneo de Manila University for an intensive Fellows enlisted in a single year community, delivering a package of services course on teaching the three core subjects of — an impressive 51 PHFs with to the residents, including a reading center for English, Science and Math. As agreed upon, the a monetary value of $51,000, a young children, training in high-speed sewing Club provided the funding, the Department of record that stood for 19 long years, for women, and scholarships in computer Education, Sports and Culture (DECS) took care broken only on the Club’s 50th education at the MRTC to 72 youths. The Club of screening and selecting the teachers, while anniversary year in 2015-2016. also distributed cookbooks and conducted the Ateneo assumed responsibility for the course Putting this contribution to use cooking demonstrations in Tejeros, as well as design, as well as project implementation and for the Club, Pres. Ric assigned in Brgy. Pembo and West Rembo, and donated evaluation. This initial phase was funded by a $34,500 in restricted TRF funds to $40,000 worth of medicines from the Brother’s P1.2 million outlay approved by the Club in the finance Club projects, including Brother Foundation to the PGH. previous year. The project later prompted the the National Resource Center for The year was crowned with felicitous honors creation of the Ateneo Center for Educational the Handicapped, a library-plus at the district yearend awards of District 3810, with Development (ACED) which became the at the Stepping Stone Learning its recognition as the Most Outstanding Club- The year scored a new umbrella under which the project was carried out Center. Overall and of Pres. Ric as Most Outstanding Club in succeeding years. The year also marked the President-Overall, the district’s most coveted and record in the number of Paul Still on Education, the Club received a TRF launch of the Rotary Youth in prized twin awards. The Club received a string Harris Fellows enlisted in a matching grant of $12,000 for the purchase of Action & Leadership (ROYAL) of other awards to boot: Best Club Bulletin, Best single year — an impressive equipment and materials for two especially- Awards, a nationwide search Fund-Raising Project for the Christmas Bazaar, equipped audiovisual rooms at the Philippine for the most outstanding Best Career Development Project for the Career 51 PHFs with a monetary Institute for the Deaf. The machines were used to youth projects in the area of Guidance Program, Best Education Program for value of $51,000, a record create exercises to help hearing-impaired students the environment. The awards Books Across the Seas, Best Recognition Program develop gradual use of their auditory and speech ceremony took place in Cebu, with for the ROYAL Awards, and Highest Contribution that stood for 19 long years faculties for communication. The Club also held to TRF.

112 113 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1997-1998 President: Isidro “Sid” G. Garcia

or the second year in a row, the Club The worsening traffic 2013. Implemented jointly with the Makati FROM TOP LEFT: was conferred the highest honors at situation in Metro Manila, Social Welfare Department, it is credited with Photo op during the visit to Manila of RI President Glen Kinross, L-R, seated: Past RI the district yearend awards — Most the Makati Central Business establishing the Barangay Council for the President Mat Caparas, RI President Glen, FOutstanding Club-Overall and, for Pres. Isidro District in particular, called for Protection of Children in Makati and Bantay Past RI Director Paing Hechanova; standing, “Sid” Garcia, Most Outstanding Club President- the Club to assemble a Metro Bata desks in barangay halls and police stations RC Makati Past Pres. Carlos del Rosario and Pres. Sid Garcia Overall. Manila Traffic Forum among in the city. It also conducts seminars and A club-organized traffic forum called It was a banner year in International Service. stakeholders for a spirited workshops on various aspects of child abuse attention to the worsening traffic situation The Club applied for two matching grants discussion of the situation and and child protection for barangay volunteers in the metro and invited suggestions on solutions to the problem totaling $80,000 from The Rotary Foundation what can be done about it in and social workers, seminars on responsible — for the Makati Service Cooperative, which terms of infrastructure, systems, parenting for parents, and out-of-town camps Donation of an artesian well to the Tejeros Tenement community offered skills training and gainful employment rules and ordinances. The and social activities, as well as counseling and At Makati City Hall: Launch of the Bantay to Makati residents; and the National Resource forum led to the revival of the spiritual retreats for victims of child abuse and Bata Project for the protection of children Center for the Handicapped, a facility Blue Zone Traffic Management neglect. from abuse and neglect. A brainchild of the late Frank Chavez, the project is a physically connected to the Stepping Stone Project that assigned loading and The year set yet another record in the ways collaboration between the club and the Learning Center that offered information unloading points, one-way and and means department by netting P1.6 million Makati DSWD and continues to the present. and assistance on physical, mental and two-way streets, and pedestrian in revenues from the Christmas Bazaar. psychological handicaps to students, teachers crossing points, deployed more and parents. traffic enforcers, and put in place The Club also hosted two inbound Group other measures to ease the flow Study Exchange Teams, one from D-5100 in of vehicular and human traffic in Oregon, USA, the other from D-9450 in Western the metro. Australia, enlisted 24 Paul Harris Fellows, and Launched during the year contributed $10,000 for two matching grant was a project that runs to this projects to Sister Club RC Kuala Lumpur Diraja day — Bantay Bata. A brainchild of Malaysia as an international project partner. of lawyer Frank Chavez, the project initially ran on a seed fund of P250,000 secured from Pagcor by Frank, who chaired the project until his passing in

114 115 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1998-1999 President: J. Antonio “Tony” M. Quila

mere 5 years after serving as Club wife of Glen Kinross, RI president for the Handicapped and two, for the Makati President, Tony Quila took on the helm in 1997-1998, it was conceived by Multipurpose Cooperative. of District 3830 as governor on Rotary’s Pres. J. Antonio “Tony” Quila as a Being a founding member of the Makati Fire Amost auspicious year — its 100th anniversary. concrete expression of his desire Safety Foundation Inc. (MAFSAFI), the Club As Centennial Governor, Gov. Tony led the to “teach a man how to fish rather joined hands with other MAFSAFI members and district in celebration through a year-long than give him fish” and a means the Bureau of Fire Protection for the staging of program of service and fellowship, scoring to arm men and women with the first Makati Fire Safety Compliance Awards, a many achievements — highest in district history employable skills to earn a decent recognition program for buildings and enterprises in unrestricted Paul Harris contributions of living and better their lives. Its that have complied with the Fire and Building $180,000, highest per capita TRF contribution, offerings on its maiden year were a Codes of the Philippines. The awarding ceremony and highest net membership growth in district five-month, comprehensive course was timed to serve as the culminating activity history, among others. These accomplishments on information technology called for the observance of Fire Prevention Month in earned him an RI Centennial Leadership Award, Information Technology Outreach March. Earlier on, the Foundation organized two Pres. Tony led a Club CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: delegation on a week-long the only Filipino governor so honored and one of Program (ITOP) for out-of-school seminars and a forum on fire safety awareness in Fellowship trip to Nepal only 100 (out of 529 governors) recipients of said youth and a short course for the lead-up to Fire Prevention Month. fellowship trip to the Kingdom arranged by Honorary Consul Gigi Zulueta award in the world. would-be electricians. Another project set in motion this year that of Nepal, arranged with the Nepal Consular Office headed by Inauguration of the Heather During his term as president, the Club The Center was the recipient has endured to the present is the Last Angel Kinross Center for vocational won approval for 3 matching grants: for the of a $40,000 matching grant Project, a Christmas gift-giving activity conceived Honorary Consul Jesus Zulueta, training, L-R: Roland Young, Heather Kinross Center for Skills Training and from The Rotary Foundation for by Ann Brin Panlilio as an adjunct of the and a 16-person delegation to the PRID Paing Hechanova, DG Jun Perez and Pres. Tony Quila Entrepreneurial Dev’t., the National Resource a program that sought to create Christmas Bazaar, which that year delivered a 1999 RI Convention in Singapore. In celebration of the Club’s Pres. Tony delivering gifts at Center for the Handicapped and the Makati opportunities for livelihood in the record P1.675 million to the Club treasury. Both Christmas Package Drive 33rd anniversary, he enlisted 33 Multipurpose Cooperative. form of jobs or micro businesses the bazaar and the Last Angel were chaired by Pres. Tony (leftmost) at The Heather Kinross Center for Skills Training for residents of the Tejeros First Ann Angela Quila. new Paul Harris Fellows, one for 33rd charter anniversary with & Entrepreneurial Development, Heather Kinross Tenement Housing, the Club’s In Community Service, the Club organized every year of the Club’s existence. Gov. Sonny Coloma (rightmost) In 2002-2003, Pres. Tony and charter members, L-R: PDG Center for short, was the up-leveled version of the adopted community. Two other several medical missions that benefited 1,350 Bert Montinola, Louie Lipio, long-running Makati Rotary Training Center and matching grants, applied for in patients and delivered gift bags to the residents of received the Service Above Self Carding de Leon, Linda Panlilio Award from Rotary International, standing in for husband Bec the Club’s direct response to Rotary’s challenge to the year prior, were approved Guadalupe Viejo and the wards of the Makabata Panlilio, PP Roger Davis and help reduce poverty in the world. and released this year — one, for Foundation under the aegis of the Christmas one of six in the Club so honored. Tito Picornell Named in honor of the late Heather Kinross, the National Resource Center Package Drive.

116 117 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 1999-2000 President: Cristino “Tito” Panlilio

res. Cristino “Tito” Panlilio was the first one more waterworks in Tarlac the Rotaract Tulong-Tulong Tayo Club, which president to serve under the newly formed in 2009 and two in Ilocos Sur in sponsored a movie premier to raise funds for their District 3830. 2016. All told, in a few years the projects, and the Rotaract Club of San Antonio PThis year is best remembered for a successful net cash flow of all of these units Parish, which conducted catechism classes for water project that ought to be a template for will reach P5 Million per annum children in Guadalupe Viejo. replication. Putting his expertise in waterworks to that again will be used to fund Under Ways & Means, the Rotary Anns were good use for Rotary, Pres. Tito constructed a water future waterworks in impoverished able to raise P1.57 million from the Christmas system designed to deliver piped water straight municipalities or barangays. Bazaar and, carrying on with the Last Angel to the homes of an initial 1,000 families in three Pres. Tito’s term also marked Project, brought gifts to some 700 kids in select neighboring barangays — Panipuan, Molino the kickoff for the Partnership in communities, project sites, and orphanages, with and Balite — in San Fernando, Pampanga. The Service Program (PSP), a grants the Anns personally delivering the presents to them.

project was funded by a 3-H grant of US$189,000 scheme that was considered The Club also manifested its advocacy for the CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: from TRF, the Club’s first and only 3H grant so far, the Philippine version of The protection of the environment by undertaking a Pres. Tito & Brin Panlilio led a club delegation to the including a contribution of $9,250 from District Rotary Foundation’s matching massive tree-planting activity in which Rotarians Rotary International Convention in Buenos Aires, Argentina, preceded by visits to Sydney,Australia and 2820-Ibaraki, Japan, the Club’s international grants program. PSP extended fanned out to different sections of the South Auckland, New Zealand partner, and $18,500 from the Club. The project financial assistance to Rotary Superhighway, from Makati to Muntinlupa, to plant The 17th Christmas Bazaar that netted P1.5 million for design specified that every house be outfitted with Clubs throughout the Philippines trees on designated spots. club projects. a water meter and that the people pay for their with big ideas but limited means The efforts of the International Service Laying of pipes for the water project for three barangays in San Fernando, Pampanga. Funded water consumption at subsidized prices. Also by providing them with outright directorate culminated in the signing of a by a 3-H grant of $189,000, it benefited some 1,000 built into the project design was a provision that grants of up to P50,000 to fund memorandum of agreement establishing sister- households and birthed similar projects in Tarlac and RC Makati form a service foundation to manage projects in the fields of education, club relations with the Rotary Club of Hong Kong, Ilocos Sur, at no cost to the club or to TRF. and operate the system, with RC Makati members, health, nutrition, water, and skills “mother” of all HK Rotary Clubs. acting in their personal capacity, serving as training, among others. In its The year ended with Pres. Tito and Ann Brin trustees. This is by far RC Makati’s biggest initial year, the Club earmarked leading a large delegation of 25 RC Makati Rotarians and most heavily funded project. Moreover, it is P1 million for the Program and and Anns on a fellowship tour of Australia and sustainable and enduring as per its lofty vision approved five applications with South America, en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina committed to Rotary International. grants totaling P250,000. where they represented the Club, and the then From the first waterworks founded in In the Youth sector, the Club fledgling District 3830, in the RI Convention. Pampanga in 2000, Pres. Tito has completed organized two Rotaract Clubs —

118 119 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2000-2001 President: Roland “Roland” U. Young

he R.I. theme that year called on clubs to Saviors, became the platform for water and land resources and preserve them for “Create Awareness, Take Action.” And that students to undertake projects future generations. With Roland Young as founding was precisely what Pres. Roland “Roland” and activities to protect, preserve president, the Foundation initiated an annual TYoung did. and renew the environment. The tree-planting program in Makati and a continuing He raised awareness for a cause he was project also involved tree planting awareness and advocacy campaign in schools and passionate about by engaging in a multi-pronged activities in Makati and Taguig barangays on solid waste management, sanitation, program that cemented the Club’s initiation to the and in the campuses of 36 public and clean air. cause and secured its stature as an ardent advocate. schools in Makati, seminars and During the year, the Club conducted workshops More significantly, he acted on his designs and workshops on sanitation and solid and demonstrations in rag-making, meat turned objectives into done deals. waste management in schools, and preservation, and massage for the womenfolk Environment was the apple of his Rotary eye. the construction of nine drinking of Tejeros Tenement, and workshops on family To contribute to efforts to reverse the massive stations at the La Mesa Ecopark. violence for the entire family, using the Rotary denudation of the La Mesa Reservation in Quezon Pres. Roland’s vision inspired Community Corps (previously known as Rotary City, a major source of water for Metro Manila’s 12 two long-range measures — one, Village Corps) as a platform for these community million-strong population, he forged an agreement the integration of environment activities. with the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan issues and concerns into the It provided homestay for a Rotary Exchange (Nature Watch) that called for the Club to plant annual programs of public schools group from Kuala Lumpur and hosted a Group some 47,800 trees on 76.5 hectares of the endangered in Makati; and two, the creation Study Exchange team from the United States. It watershed over a three-year period, with funds of the Makati Environment also maintained relations with five sister clubs — CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: from a TRF matching grant of US$75,400 supported Foundation among the Makati City RC Kota Kinabalu, RC Itako, RC Peninsula-HK, A beaming Pres. Roland Young receives from DG Hugo Perez the trophy for the Most Outstanding Club by contributions from RCs Itako, Kuala Lumpur Government, Makati Commercial RC Kuala Lumpur Diraja and RC Hong Kong, and President-Overall at the 2001 District Awards Diraja, Hong Kong. Deachon, Peninsula Hong Estate Association, and civic revived ties with RC Osaka Shirokita-Japan. Fellowship visit to RC Kota Kinabalu Kong, Kota Kinabalu and District 3620 Korea. groups like RC Makati, bound by Meetings were made alive with outstanding Pres. Roland leads Rotaractors on trek to the La The reforestation scheme was complemented the shared mission of promoting a speakers, notably former President Fidel Ramos, Mesa Watershed, site of a joint project with ABS- by an awareness and advocacy program among healthier environment in Makati. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Wall Street’s Gloom- CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan for the planting of 47,800 trees on 76.5 hectares with funds from a TRF the youth made concrete by the creation of Angels Its aim: to advance the cause of the Boom-and-Doom analyst Marc Faber. matching grant of US$75,400 Clubs in public elementary and high schools in environment through programs, In June 2001, Roland Young’s efforts in all the Ann Caling Young (rightmost) with Rotary Exchange Makati City. Angels, an acronym for Agents of projects and activities that improve avenues of service were crowned with the Most team from RC Kuala Lumpur the New Generation of Environment Lovers and and safeguard the quality of air, Outstanding Club President – Overall award at the district yearend awards. 120 121 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2001-2002 President: Juan “Jonny” J. Carlos, Jr.

res. Juan “Jonny” Carlos Jr. rang in his term His concern for the health of barangay workers and hosted a Christmas party with the revival of a project that had engaged children moved Pres. Jonny to for the wards under the care of the Makati Social the Club more than a decade and a half spearhead a massive immunization Welfare Department; the Parol sa Makati lantern- Pearlier. He brought back to life the Anti TB Project, drive against Hepatitis B that saw making contest among barangays in Makati, which funding it with a matching grant from TRF, with 1,700 public school children given enjoyed another run; and the Last Angel Project, contributions from three sister clubs — RC Itako, the costly hepa-B shots for free. The which delivered Christmas presents to children in RC Peninsula-Hong Kong, and RC Kuala Lumpur campaign was made possible by a the Tejeros Tenement and the wards of the Bahay Diraja. With its focus on patients suffering from World Community Service grant Maria Orphanage in Bel-Air Village. juvenile tuberculosis, a disease whose gravity is supported by District 2700 in Japan, The year saw RC Makati front and center of masked by the euphemism, “primary complex,” our District 3830, and our MRCFI. district affairs on two occasions, as host of two major the project had multiple launch pads — six farm The Club was able to lend district events, both of which enjoyed excellent schools, three communities, and the Mother funding assistance of P950,000 to 20 turnout — the District Assembly that gathered Teresa Orphanage in Antipolo. The prevalence Rotary Clubs under the Partnership incoming club officers at the Intercon Hotel in May of TB among children in low-income groups has in Service Program. 2004 and the District Awards at the RCBC Plaza Project Angels, the school-based CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Signing of MOA on Stop TB Now prompted the continuation of the project to this day. It also initiated sister club in June 2005, during which District Gov. Ernie youth environment advocacy The significance of the project was underscored relations with the Rotary Club of Salas handed out awards in recognition of club Program with the World Health organization birthed by PP Organization and the Department by two facts: one, the Club’s partnership with two Singapore and brother club ties achievements during the year. Roland Young the year before. of Health. In photo, L-R: PP Tony major health institutions — the World Health with three clubs — the Rotary The Club also contributed to the district’s Quila, WHO Chief Jean Marc Olive, Pres. Jonny was the first club Robert Kuan, Gov. Romy Cruz and Organization (WHO) headed by Dr. Jean Marc Clubs of Central Pampanga and in membership growth goals by organizing a new club, president to receive the twin Pres. Jonny Olive (who subsequently became a member of Palawan, the Rotary Clubs of Puerto RC Fort Bonifacio Global City, with Pres. Jonny as awards with RC Makati as a Pres. Jonny hands gift to child at the Club) and the Department of Health under Princesa and Narra. The Club’s district governor’s special representative. member of District 3830, one of Last Angel program Sec. Manuel Dayrit; and two, the adoption the standing with TRF was reinforced For the fifth time, the Club received the top the first to win a RI Presidential Turnover of bikes for soldiers’ use in their community rounds following year of the project by District 3830 and with the enlistment of 37 new Paul honors at the district awards — Most Outstanding Citation, and the first sitting

subsequently by all ten districts in the country. Harris Fellows. Club-Overall and Most Outstanding Club president to become a TRF major Continuity in service was evident President-Overall. It was also recognized as the donor. in the reinforcement of activities most outstanding club in all avenues of service and in established projects — Bantay for the highest contribution to TRF, per capita and Bata, which held seminars on child in absolute amount. The Club was also conferred abuse and child protection for the R. I. Significant Achievement Award for

122 123 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2002-2003 President: Robert “Robert” F. Kuan

nternational Service took center stage during unbreakable, 250. The $250,000 Another water project was seen through during Pres. Robert “Robert” Kuan’s watch. gift automatically qualified Angelo the year with the laying of pipes to bring clean Through his personal efforts, the Club King for membership in the elite water to the Adiwang Elementary School, adopted Iexpanded its circle of fellowship on the national Arch Klumph Society of TRF major school of Brother Club RC Baguio North. The level with the addition of nine brother clubs — RC donors. water project was funded by a donation by Pres. Intramuros in Manila, RC Metro San Fernando The PSP gained headway with Robert, which also covered the repair of the school and RC Baguio North in Northern Luzon, RC Bay, its annual outlay surging to P2.63 building. As beneficiaries of the Last Angel Project, RC Lucena South, and RC Gumaca in Southern million owing to an increase in its the pupils of Adiwang, most of whom had never Luzon, RC Brooke’s Point in Palawan, and RC budget allocation and pumped up been to Baguio, were treated to a trip to the city Tagbilaran and RC Boracay in the Visayas. by a personal donation of P500,000 where they picnicked at Burnham Park, enjoyed He also established a connection to China by from the president and $3,000 from boat rides in the lagoon, and were toured around forging a pact with RC Shanghai. A significant Sister Club RC Peninsula-Hong the city. They were also given gifts of toys. The Last move Pres. Robert took was the revival of long- Kong. This allowed the Club to Angel Christmas gift giving that year was expanded lost ties with the Rotary Club of Taoyuan-Taiwan. approve grants of up to P50,000 to include children in public schools in Brother That year, the Club once again CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: brought home the choicest bacon Started in 1981-1982, 21 years earlier, the alliance each to finance the projects of 54 Club locations in Northern Luzon. To complete Turnover of BATS books with somehow lost fire along the way, causing the two clubs both within and outside the assistance package to Adiwang, the Club filled from the district yearend awards: Brother’s Brother Foundation 14 trophies and plaques crowned President Luke Hingson clubs to lose contact for many years. After the District 3830. its library with hundreds of books from Books (4th from right) and Pres, reunion, which took place at the zone institute held The year saw the completion Across the Seas. by the prized twin awards of Most Robert Kuan (5th from left) to in Manila that year, relations between the two clubs of the water system project in San The Club also made time to express its Outstanding Club-Overall and Ususan Elementary School in Taguig have steadily grown closer, made stronger by an Fernando, Pampanga that broke appreciation of the Brother’s Brother Foundation Most Outstanding Club President- Overall. Aside from awards for Pres. Robert dispenses polio annual exchange of visits on important occasions ground in 1999-2000 during the (BBF), primary source of the books that BATS vaccine to child in Bauang, La and deep personal friendships among members. term of PP Tito Panlilio. Funded by had been giving away since 1988, by inviting exemplary performance in the Union The Club also organized a new club — the Rotary a 3-H grant of $189,000 (the Club’s its president, Luke Hingson, to travel from the avenues of service, the Club was Pres. Robert and Peter Manzano Club of Makati-Poblacion, its 6th daughter club. only 3H grant and its biggest TRF BBF headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania conferred two Gold Awards for hand out books to school children in Bauang, La Union On Pres. Robert’s invitation, philanthropist grant yet), the project brought to Manila. Mr. Hingson spent his stay in Manila achievement in TRF: Highest Angelo King made a substantial contribution piped potable water to some 1,000 observing BATS operations, interacting with Contribution in Absolute Amount to The Rotary Foundation that boosted the households in the barangays of Rotarians and BATS staff, and sampling Filipino and Highest Contribution to the Club’s total giving and swelled its Paul Harris Panipuan, Molino and Balite. It was cuisine and culture. Polio Fund. Fellows roster by an unprecedented, and likely inaugurated in March 2003.

124 125 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2003-2004 President: Rene “Rene” B. Benitez Wellington “Willie” Soong

he dynamic Programs Committee chaired mission, the Club built five houses district-wide TB eradication campaign funded by by Ramon Gonzalez injected a fresh twist and a multipurpose community a donation from District 2700-Japan. In December to the regular meeting by organizing center where the community held it delivered Christmas presents to 1,200 children Tthree off-site meetings and six joint meetings with meetings and socials. The Center under the Last Angel gift-giving program, other Clubs. The Club also used its resources for a also became the venue for two including 400 pupils at the Adiwang Elementary brand-building campaign aimed at promoting the medical missions and a six-month School in Baguio. name and polishing the image of RC Makati. feeding program for 30 pre-school Sometime in March 2004, Pres. Rene resigned In the lead-up to the centenary of Rotary children. The feeding program on account of his family’s relocation to Australia, International in 2004-2005, clubs the world over was one of a few visited by RI Pres. and Vice-President Wellington “Willie” Soong were enjoined to adopt a project, a substantial Jonathan Majiyagbe during his took over the helm of the Club until the end of the one, in celebration of the historic occasion. To RC Philippine trip in January 2004. Rotary year on 30th June. Makati, nothing could be more of substance than The Club’s vocational training Pres. Willie presided over the formalization an integrated development project incorporating arm, the Heather Kinross of relations with the Rotary Club of Fukui Ajisai- as many community needs as can be lumped in Center, was reinforced with the Japan under the Club’s first-ever Twin Club CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: one project — housing, education, health and opening of the Handyman Skills agreement. The year ended with the turnover by Inking of an agreement for a joint environment project between the Club, nutrition, youth development, skills training, Training Program which offered the Club to ABS-CBN Foundation of a check for represented by Pres. Willie Soong (2nd from community organizing, and values formation. short courses on such trades as P1.44 million representing half of the cost of the left), and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan, represented by Gina Lopez. Others in the For its centennial project, the Club adopted plumbing and repair of home Club’s participation in the La Mesa Reforestation picture, L-R: IPP Robert Kuan (leftmost) and a Gawad Kalinga community — the Scarha- appliances and gadgets; graduated Project. PP Roland Young (rightmost) Kaingin neighborhood in Sto. Niño, Parañaque 72 public school teachers from Planting of ornamental plants in Gawad City, just outside the perimeter fence of NAIA. seven schools in Makati under the Kalinga, L-R: PP Joe Alejandro, PRID Paing Hechanova, Freddie Borromeo, and PP Tony On this first year, Rotarians led by Pres. Rene Teacher Training Program with the Quila “Rene” Benitez paid frequent visits to the site Ateneo; and distributed 206,000 Visit by R.I. President Jonathan Majiyagbe (in to meet with the people, to find out their most books to 815 schools and libraries white shirt, left) to a feeding center run by pressing needs, and discuss how the Club can under the Books Across the Seas the Club in Gawad Kalinga village in Scarha, Paranaque. Also in the picture: Ann Angela help meet them. In keeping with the primary GK Project. Quila, Pres. Rene Benitez and PRID Paing In acknowledgment of its Hechanova track record in TB eradication, RC Makati was named lead club in the

126 127 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2004-2005 President: Federico “Freddie” S. Borromeo

he year marked the 100th anniversary of Autonomous Region of Muslim In late November, moved by the plight the founding of Rotary International and Mindanao. Undertaken by the of families affected by massive flooding in the Club’s 40th. For RC Makati, it was Books Across the Seas (BATS) Quezon province, the Club joined hands with Tspecial in that the district governor was from its Project, the book delivery ran for the Ateneo Grade School to personally deliver ranks — J. Antonio “Tony” Quila. three years and cost $400,000. badly needed goods to people in Infanta, who To commemorate the occasion, the Club It will be recalled that BATS were forced by Typhoon Winnie to flee their published a coffee table book titled “Our was bequeathed to the Club by homes for the relative safety of government Children, Our Future.” Conceptualized by Pres. the USIS and AmCham in 1988. buildings used as temporary shelters. It also sent Federico “Freddie” Borromeo and PRID Paing The assignment not only offered monetary assistance to disaster-hit communities Hechanova, with JJ Calero as project chair, it was the project a financial boost but in Pangasinan, through RC Dagupan, and in edited by Palanca Hall of Famer Krip Yuson. gave the Club occasion to prove Palawan, through RC Puerto Princesa, brother Two projects placed the Club on a more solid its operational expertise. It is clubs both. footing than before in the areas of education and worthy of note that in this ARMM The Club’s efforts at service were rewarded health. assignment, it was USAID that with a shower of 24 awards at the district In acknowledgment of its track record in TB sought RC Makati assistance. yearend awards, including the Most Outstanding treatment for communities, it was designated lead Education in public schools Performance in International Service-Overall, club in a country-wide project dubbed “Stop TB received a push with the training Centennial Service Award-Gold, and Centennial 2005.” Falling under the umbrella of the Rotary of a fresh batch of 142 teachers Medal of Honor, topped by the award for Most CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Declaration Against TB that bound the district in teaching English, Math and Outstanding Club-Overall. Pres. Freddie initiated a new round of supplemental governors of the Philippines’ ten Rotary districts, Science at the Ateneo under the Pres. Freddie became a level 1 major donor to feeding modules for undernourished children in schools and communities. The program, done in partnership “Stop TB Now” charged all Rotary Clubs in the Teacher Training Program. The The Rotary Foundation during his term in RY with Kabisig ng Kalahi, LGUs and parishes, has logged a country to undertake programs and activities for Club also manifested the much 2004-2005 and moved to level 2 in RY 2014-2015 He 95% success rate and continues to the present. the prevention and/or treatment of the disease in vaunted Filipino hospitality by was twice named Rotarian of the Year by the Club, The Club intensified its anti-TB campaign with more their service areas. hosting a visiting Rotary Exchange while his Ann Jojo was once named Rotary Ann tuberculin testing activities for children The Club renewed its relations with the team from Kota Kinabalu and of the Year. In 2015, he received the Service Above Groundbreaking and laying of a time capsule for a new Gawad Kalinga project site in Villa Paraiso, Sun Valley, U.S. Embassy with a partnership agreement boosted its The Rotary Foundation Self Award, the highest award conferred by Rotary Paranaque. with the United States Agency for International numbers by enlisting 26 new Paul International on an individual Rotarian for his Gift-giving under the Last Angel Project for beneficiaries Development (USAID) that called for the delivery Harris Fellows. body of work in Rotary, notably in the field of of the feeding program of 60 container loads of books to schools in the nutrition for young children.

128 129 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

YEARS 1966 ~ 2016 50 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Pres. Sonny Tambunting with RCM staffers to whom the Club conferred certificates of recognition for their loyal and dedicated service. 2005-2006 Photo op at a special joint meeting with RC Pasay, RC Makati’s “mother” President: club Exchange of gifts at installation banquet of RC Kota Kinabalu Jesus “Sonny” F. Tambunting attended by Pres. Sonny Tambunting (left)

t was a lively run for the Club on the to bring them presents under the This year, the Club launched the coffee International Service road starting with Last Angel Project. And because table book, Our Children, Our Future, attained the forging of matched clubs relations with GK is primarily a housing project, ISO certification for office operations, set Itwo foreign clubs — RC Bukit Bintang in Kuala more housing units were built to up a club website, and shifted from offset Lumpur, Malaysia and RC Sydney in Australia, replace the hovels in which the to digital process in the printing of the club and with three local ones — RC San Pablo South people once lived. bulletin, Kaunlaran. in Laguna and RC Binmaley Century and RC A critical issue that plagued The Club’s fortieth-year run affirmed Pres. Lingayen in Pangasinan. Villa Paraiso was the lack of water. Sonny’s philosophical measure of Rotary as an The sister clubs highway also got busy with To address this concern, the Club instrument in doing God’s work on earth. two-way traffic for Club visits to/from RC Kuala applied for a TRF grant of $20,000 Lumpur Diraja, RC Bukit Bintang, and RC Kota for a water system that would Kinabalu in Malaysia and RC Itako in Japan. bring in Maynilad service and The promise of paradise inched closer to water straight to the people’s taps. fulfillment for the Gawad Kalinga community By happy coincidence, the in Villa Paraiso with the delivery of a package Club was assigned the lead role of services. The Club built a three-storey in the planning and staging The Club’s fortieth- multipurpose center that became the venue of the first Summit on Water for community meetings, socials and medical Concerns that assembled various year run affirmed Pres. missions and housed a reading corner for stakeholders for a discussion of Sonny’s philosophical children and a health clinic manned by a water issues in Metro Manila. part-time nurse employed by the Club. On In November the Club once measure of Rotary two occasions the Club brought doctors to again took center stage as host of as an instrument in the place for medical missions that offered the Testimonial TRF Dinner at consultations, checkups, and medicine, all for the Manila Peninsula Hotel. This doing God’s work free. And the children had smiles on their faces annual recognition program gives on earth. at Christmastime when the Rotary Anns came due honor to the contributors to The Rotary Foundation in the past year.

130 131 Rotary Club Makati The First Forty Years

The Last Ten Years

132 133 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: YEARS Post-awards ceremony for 1966 ~ 2016 President’s Cup Golf Tournament 50 hosted by Pres. Conrad and supported by corporate sponsors Children cheer after receiving gifts from the Club’s Christmas Package Drive 2006-2007 Pres. Conrad, Fred Menzel and Mundy Gonzalez on a visit to the Club’s adopted Gawad Kalinga President: village, Villa Paraiso, in Sun Valley Donation of bikes under the Bikes Conrado “Conrad” G. Marty to School Project

nder President Conrad Marty, RCM The Club also secured 2,040 children served in the Last Angel Gift- gained the distinctions of being Most approval for two Matching Giving Project. Outstanding Club in Club Service, Grants from TRF: $16,000 for the Sister Club relations were established with UCommunity Service, Vocational Service, Water System Project at GK Villa the Rotary Club of Tarlac and Rotary Club of International Service, Youth Service and Paraiso and $50,000 for a new Calamba, while relations were renewed with Overall. round of TB Elimination Projects. seven Sister Clubs and 19 Brother Clubs. Two It also claimed Outstanding Special Project A total of P1,159,970 in GSE Teams were hosted, from D-3740 Korea honors for Literacy and its Anti-TB Project, financial assistance was given and D-5320 USA. Under BATS, 437,660 books recognition for the Most Number of Registered to 26 Rotary Clubs under the were distributed to 1,724 schools, bringing Delegates to the Salt Lake City RI Convention, Partnership in Service to 11,336,500 the number of books distributed the Award for Highest Contribution in absolute Program (PSP), bringing to since 1988. amount to the Annual Program Fund of The over P9,100,000 the total A total of P355,000 in financial assistance Rotary Club Foundation, a Zone Literacy amount bestowed since the was granted to six institutions and two Rotary Award Certificate and a Presidential Citation project’s inception in 1999. Clubs under Special Projects, while 11 free in- Certificate. Other commendable hospital surgical missions with 197 beneficiaries For Gawad Kalinga-Villa Paraiso, it built activities included running 11 were conducted in partnership with the and turned over 38 new houses to as many Supplemental Feeding modules Philippine General Hospital. Phase 2 of the families, completed a water system serving 72 involving 330 children, holding La Mesa Project involving the construction households, conducted four Medical-Dental Career Guidance sessions for of nine drinking water stations and overhead Missions, initiated the Bahay Karunungan the graduating high school class water tank was completed at the La Mesa Eco reading program in partnership with Bagong of two schools, training 108 Park at a cost of P1.2 million, as covered by a Kulturang Pinoy and Lufthansa, conducted public school teachers under memorandum of agreement with ABS-CBN three modules of supplemental feeding and a the PP Ever Macatulad Teaching Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan. de-worming session for young kids as well as Training Program at the Ateneo The new MRCFI Building on Camia Street, tuberculin testing and free x-ray for residents, de Manila University, enlisting Guadalupe Viejo that houses the RC Makati Last Angel gift-giving, L-R: and delivered Christmas presents to 420 21 new Paul Harris Fellows, Clubhouse was inaugurated in September 2007 Ann Chit Marty, Pres. Conrad children under the Rotary Anns’ Last Angel raising P590,000 in net revenues when Conrad was chairman of the Foundation. Marty, Ann Jojo Borromeo, Gift-Giving Project. with the 19th Christmas Bazaar, Ferdie Ordoveza and PP Freddie Borromeo and setting a new record of

134 135 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Awarding ceremony for the National Awards for Community Service, this year with focus on YEARS education. Awardees were: Dr. 1966 ~ 2016 Josefina Biyo, Fr. James B. Reuter, 50 S. J. and Fr. Pierre Tritz, S. J. (3rd from right). Others in photo, L-R: Toffy Concepcion, PP Conrad Marty, PP Roland Young, Pres. Pepito Bengzon, PP Joe Alejandro 2007-2008 and Francis Macatulad. On a visit to the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, a school President: supported by the Club Pres. Pepito with kids at library of Jose “Pepito” A.R. Bengzon multipurpose building built by the club at GK Villa Paraiso

resident Bengzon inaugurated the RCM- Daily meals and milk were MRCFI Building, which houses the RC provided for six months to 270 Financial assistance totaling P556,000 Makati clubhouse, on September 14, 2007. malnourished children under the was given to 13 Rotary Clubs under the PHe presided over a total of 48 meetings and Family Health & Nutrition Program. 13 fellowship Mini Socials, as well as a visit Medication was provided for Partnership in Service Program (PSP), bringing by Luke Hingson, president of the US-based six months to 802 TB patients in 32 Brother’s Brother Foundation, RCM’s long-time project sites. to P9,656,000 the aggregate amount granted. project partner in the Books Across the Seas (BATS) Free surgical intervention was book distribution project. provided for 212 patients in 11 in- He also welcomed and organized a visit by IMF hospital surgical missions at the RC Taoyuan, Installation Banquet and Managing Director Rodrigo del Rato to the Gawad Philippine General Hospital. Charter Anniversary; and RC Kota Kinabalu, Kalinga Village in Villa Paraiso on July 31, 2007. At Through 12 Rotary Clubs, 257 Installation Banquet. the same village, 36 new houses were built and six bicycles were donated to five schools Welcomed and hosted were visits by the health missions conducted that benefited 1,480 and four communities. following Sister Clubs: RC Kuala Lumpur Diraja, patients. Also started was the construction of a The Concentrated Language RC Kota Kinabalu and RC Bukit Bintang of water system funded by a TRF matching grant of Encounter Project was launched, Malaysia; RC Taoyuan of Taiwan; RC Itako and US$ 32,000. while a Technical Skills Training RC Fukui Ajisai of Japan; RC Singapore; and Pres. Pepito revived the National Awards for Program in Basic Metal Welding RC Sydney of Australia. Community Service (NACS) and conferred awards was initiated for unemployed men Contributions totaling US$30,000 were raised on three distinguished achievers in the field in GK Villa Paraiso, in partnership for The Rotary Foundation from 30 Paul Harris of Education in the country: Fr. James B. Reuter, with Tuloy sa Don Bosco Center. Fellows. S.J. and Fr. Pierre Tritz, S.J., both of the Ateneo Established was new Brother Financial assistance totaling P556,000 was given de Manila University, and Josette Biyo, Ph.D., Club relations with the Rotary Club to 13 Rotary Clubs under the Partnership in Service Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas. of Balintawak, District 3780 and the Program (PSP), bringing to P9,656,000 the aggregate This was held on June 6, 2008, during the Yearend Rotary Club of San Pablo Central, amount granted since the start of the project in 1999. Awards Night at the Blue Leaf Pavilion, Bonifacio District 3820. Net revenues totalling P849,138 were raised at the Global City, Taguig. Foreign trips were conducted 20th Christmas Bazaar, while Christmas presents Pres. Pepito addressing parents were delivered to 1,626 children in 16 sites for the and children at the launch of a Other accomplishments during his term to visit Sister Clubs: RC Bukit feeding module. included the following: Bintang, Charter Anniversary; Last Angel Project.

136 137 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: President Luke Hingson of YEARS Brother’s Brother Foundation, 1966 ~ 2016 source of BATS books, with Muslim 50 students and their teachers in a school in Cotabato during a 2007 visit to the Philippines Start of the Concentrated Language Encounter Program in Makati elementary schools aimed at improving the students’ communication skills Pres. Pepito (right) and GK chair Fred Menzel oversee preparations for a medical mission in Villa Paraiso

Pres. Bengzon’s term was also marked by Village in Villa Paraiso, and for numerous awards and commendations, among a new round of Supplemental these the following: Feeding Modules; and 1. Received a total of ten District Awards, including setting up a functional the “Five Star Mark of Excellence,” at the District website www.makatirotary. 3830 Awards Night in Makati on May 31, 2008. org that effectively serves as an The 5-Star Mark of Excellence was for achieving electronic bulletin board for the hallmarks of a total quality Rotary Club. the club’s project and activities. 2. Governor’s Award of Distinction: For exceptionally sharing its resources to Also received were the RI enable other Rotary Clubs to serve their President’s Citation for the respective communities through its Partnership Rotary Club of Makati and the in Service Program (PSP), Books Across the Seas RI President’s Citation for the Project (BATS), and Bike for Life Project. Rotaract Club of Makati. 3. Governor’s Distinguished Service Award: In recognition of the Club’s significant service projects, namely: Anti-TB Program, Nutrition & Feeding Program, Surgical Missions, Medical- Dental-Eye Missions, and Gawad Kalinga. 4. Zone Literacy Award: For its commitment to share, lead and promote literacy. 5. Governor’s Award for Outstanding Interact Club for the Interact Club of the Gen. Pio Del Pilar National High School. 6. Governor’s Special Citations for: Significant achievement in generating TRF Contribution of US $30,000; Significant achievement in obtaining Mavi Bengzon, daughter of Pres. approval for two Matching Grants — for a second Pepito, hands a Christmas present to a little girl at a Last Angel gift-giving water system project at the Gawad Kalinga activity

138 139 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

YEARS 1966 ~ 2016 50 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Ann Elenita Binay cuts ceremonial ribbon to open 2008 Christmas Bazaar assisted by, from left, Pres. Larry Boyer, Ann Tere Boyer and Makati 2008-2009 Mayor Jojo Binay Pres. Larry (at back) with teacher- participants in the core group President: training for the Concentrated Language Encounter Larry “Larry” A. Boyer Francis Macatulad assists a dentist in a dental mission

mong the highlights during President The Last Angel Gift-Giving Larry Boyer’s term was RC Makati being Project brought Christmas conferred the Governor’s Diamond presents to nearly 1,000 children AExcellence Award as Rotary Club of the Year in 25 sites, while the 21st during the District Awards Night at Manila Polo Christmas Bazaar held at the Club. Intercon Hotel generated a net Matched Club ties were established with two revenue of P762,000. sister Clubs: Rotary Club of Historic Filipino PRID Paing Hechanova made Town, CA, USA and Rotary Club of Metro a substantial contribution to The Kuantan Diraja, Malaysia. The Rotary Club Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus of Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig was also Program, elevating him to the organized. elite Arch Klumph Society of TRF The Rotary Foundation approved three Major Donors of at least $250,000. Matching Grants totaling US$101,550 for three President Larry Boyer’s term projects: similar amounts of $40,150 for the TB also saw the completion of Phase 2 Eradication Program and the Concentrated of the Water Supply Project in the Among the highlights of Language Encounter Project, and $21,250 for the Club’s Gawad Kalinga community President Larry Boyer’s Nutrition Program. in Villa Paraiso, Parañaque. term was RC Makati being conferred the Governor’s Diamond Excellence Award as Rotary Club of the Year during the

Rotarians led by Pres. Larry District Awards Night at and PP Roland Young at opening of drinking water Manila Polo Club. station constructed by the club at La Mesa Eco-Park

140 141 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2009-2010 President: Felix “Felix” B. Amparo

FROM TOP: resident Felix B. Amparo, formerly To strengthen Rotary, Pres. Felix leads in the distribution of goods for President and General Manager of President Felix suggests that families displaced by habagat-caused floods GE Philippines, Inc. but now retired, “we go back to basics in terms Rotarians load a truck with relief goods meant for victims of floods spawned by the habagat or southwest Pjoined RC Makati in 2000, with PRID Paing of strengthening membership, monsoon Hechanova and Joe Alejandro as his sponsors. improving attendance at A career guidance session for the graduating class of a To him, Rotary opened up a great meetings, encouraging stronger high school in Mabalacat, Pampanga opportunity to serve the community, meet new membership participation Inauguration of water system in Tarlac, a “child” of friends and be enriched by new experiences. in activities, and working on the 3H grant-funded water project in San Fernando, Pampanga He found the Club “baby-Rotarian-friendly.” membership retention and It had some very good ongoing projects and Rotary information.” community service activities run by dedicated Based on MRCFI rules, members, albeit occasionally these provided a President Felix automatically He found the Club “cover” for “not-so-active” members. Otherwise, became an ex-officio MRCFI “baby-Rotarian-friendly.” everyone always seemed ready to share director before becoming ex- resources to fund relief and humanitarian officio Chairman of MRCFI It had some very good efforts. The Club also maintained excellent during RY 2010-2011. He believes ongoing projects and relationships with brother and sister clubs. that unless there is good reason President Felix served as Club Treasurer to maintain the Club and the community service and later as Vice-President before assuming Foundation separately, serious activities run by the presidency during Rotary Year 2009-2010. consideration should be given to He recalls that RC Makati was the lead club combine their functions under dedicated members. in the district in responding to the immediate just one organization. Everyone always needs of Typhoon Ondoy victims. RCM offices became a central distribution center, where seemed ready to share goods donated by the Club and other clubs resources to fund relief and organizations were packed by Rotarians, Rotary Anns, Rotaractors and Interactors for and humanitarian distribution. efforts.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Photo op on the Club’s 45th Charter YEARS Anniversary Ball 501966 ~ 2016 Pres. Jun Rojas smiles with approval as Ann Pina hands a Christmas present to a child during a run of the Last Angel project Career guidance talk to seniors of the Club’s adopted school, Heneral 2010-2011 Pio de Pilar National High School in Makati President: Pres. Jun Rojas (4th from right) presides over turnover of medicine for children with primary complex Filadelfo “Jun” S. Rojas Jr. † under the “Stop TB Now” campaign

un Rojas — that’s with a “j,” he would their skills in listening, reading, attention through six surgical missions at the PGH remind, lest his surname be misspelled writing, and speaking. with 80 patients operated on for various ailments with the expected “x” — should be The Club also helped the under the Medical Missions Project, 234 children with Jremembered with a deep sense of gratitude by Stepping Stone Learning Center by primary complex in 13 communities treated under the over 1,000 small entrepreneurs in Pasay City. raising P1.6 million for a scholarship Anti-TB Project, and 11 eleven modules of the feeding The reason: it was during his term as Club fund to enable needy students to program providing daily meals to 330 undernourished president that these small business people stay in school, then applied for a children in ten communities. benefited from a microcredit program that matching grant of $50,000 from International Service was served with the renewal allowed them to avail themselves of small The Rotary Foundation for further of matched club agreements with eight sister clubs loans for small businesses such as sari-sari assistance. and 13 brother clubs, and the Club’s standing in terms stores, operation of two-unit internet cafés, Support was also provided of giving to the TRF program fund was boosted with and sale of phone cards and “loads” for mobile financially challenged families by a $100,000 gift by then district governor nominee- phones. This was in partnership with the Tulay way of half-scholarships for eight designate Robert Kuan, raising him to the Trustees sa Pag-unlad, Inc. (TSPI), a non-government students of the Philippine Institute Circle of the Arch Klumph Society. organization committed to uplifting the socio- for the Deaf, a school for hearing- The Club fattened its coffers by P1.55 million economic status of families through small and impaired children. And over 750 in net revenue from the 22nd Christmas Bazaar micro-enterprise development. schools all over the country became chaired by Ann Pina Rojas, who also led the Rotary The Club’s concern for the well-being of the recipients of nearly 450,000 Anns in delivering Christmas presents to over 1,000 communities and for helping meet their needs books from the Books Across the Seas children under the Last Angel gift-giving project. The prompted the construction of a water project in a Project, then on its 22nd-year run. newsletter, Kaunlaran, was reformatted to tabloid new community in Sitio Gabihan, Tanay, Rizal. The Some 700 pupils with poor size, partly funded by revenue from adverts and sitio was the relocation site for some 200 families eyesight in four public elementary sponsorships. And four names were added to the displaced by Typhoon Ondoy, which inundated schools in Parañaque received free membership roster. Metro Manila and surrounding areas in 2009. eyeglasses under the Vision for Pres. Jun succeeded in reorganizing MRCFI, the In advancement of its educational agenda, Education Project initiated by Francis Club’s funding partner, to draw a clearer picture of the Club completed Phase 2 of the Concentrated Macatulad the previous year. The and strengthen the lines of synergy between the Club Language Encounter under which 14,690 first- and eyeglasses were donated by optical and the Foundation. He also secured donee institution second-grade pupils in 27 public schools in Makati shops as sponsors. accreditation for the Club from the Philippine Council were given lessons meant to develop or sharpen The area of health also received for NGO Certification.

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YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Photo op with beneficiaries of the Vision for Education project in a 2011-2012 public school in Parañaque Induction of the RY 2011-2012 officers and directors led by Pres. President: Rene Limjoco Pres. Rene, with PDG Tony Quila to his right, hands a bag of goods to Renato “Rene” M. Limjoco a flood victim in Bulacan

enato M. Limjoco or “Rene” is a Banking- In preparation for the The Club secured two matching grants from Multilateral Assistance- International alarming consequences of global The Rotary Foundation totaling US$120,931: Consultant who was sponsored by PDG warming and climate change, $20,931 to fund 15 supplemental feeding modules RJ. Antonio M. Quila and joined in RY 2002. the Club conducted two disaster for 450 malnourished children, and $100,000 for He recalls that his expectations of Service and preparedness seminar-workshops a special course in Baking and Laundry for adult Fellowship were met — in so many ways through in Pasay and Makati and designed students of Stepping Stone. It also raised $93,000 donations and contributions, involvement in a disaster preparedness template in new TRF contributions, including $50,000 for club projects and programs, and social activities. that can be used as a model, the Annual Program Fund. For Rene, the Club provides a sense of and indeed was adopted, by Health took centerstage with 13 in-hospital belonging. Standing tall among its peers, it is other communities. Prepared missions that saw 388 patients undergoing united in the face of adversity, and most willing by PP Pepito Bengzon, the plan surgery for various ailments at the Philippine to help as and when needed. was conferred a Significant General Hospital under the Medical Missions Before he became Club President, he chaired Achievement Award by District Project. The Supplemental Feeding Committee Vocational Service B that included Stepping 3830 at yearend. provided daily meals and milk to 360 pre-school Stone, Teaching the Deaf to Speak, Heather- With some P600,000 raised children in four sites and gave away bikes and Kinross, and Microfinance. He also chaired Club for disaster relief operations, books to six communities and computers to Administration that included Programs, Club Pres. Rene organized assistance two schools. It also applied for and received a Bulletin, Attendance and Fellowships. He served activities for communities badly matching grant of $20,931 for 15 supplemental as Vice-President for RY 2010-2011 before he affected by typhoons and floods. feeding modules, while the Anti-TB team became President for RY2011-2012. Notable among these was a trip conducted medical treatment modules for 60 For Rene, the Club provides During his term as club president, Rene through flooded roads north children with primary complex in Quezon City a sense of belonging. Limjoco initiated a review of accounting policies of the metropolis to personally and Bacolod City. and procedures to further improve reporting deliver relief goods, cash, and In the area of Education, the Club awarded Standing tall among its peers, policies and undertook post-project evaluation sleeping mats to some 800 half-scholarships worth P288,000 to six students it is united in the face of for guidance of future leaders on project families in Hagonoy in Bulacan, of the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, while screening and selection. He also modified the Macabebe in Pampanga, and La one student received a full scholarship from adversity, and most willing to Club Bulletin. Paz in Tarlac in the aftermath of the Rotary Club of Toronto. It also received a help as and when needed. Typhoon Pedring that inundated matching grant of $100,000 to fund a baking Central Luzon in September 2011. and laundry training facility for the Stepping

146 147 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

YEARS 1966 ~ 2016 50 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Turnover of bikes to students under Bikes to School project Charter members and past presidents with Pres. Rene at the Club’s 46th charter anniversary Children drown in a sea of Christmas presents during a run of the Last Angel Project Pres. Rene assists children in a supplemental feeding activity

Stone Learning Center, which took measures Project, delivering presents to over 400 children towards making the school a center of excellence in select communities, institutions and schools. The Club also distributed in special education by fielding a Peace Corps Assuming the MRCFI chairmanship in RY Response Volunteer with extensive experience Under the Vision for 2012-2013, Rene reviewed and strengthened the 330,000 books to some 830 for a six-month tour of duty in the school. Education Project, students investment portfolio by redefining investment schools, on requests from Would-be waiters and welders also underwent in three public schools in policies and targets, with the end in view of vocational training under the umbrella of the Parañaque were given eye tests by ensuring higher yields for the good of both the various organizations Pres. Rene fits new eyeglasses Heather Kinross Center. Foundation and the Club, whose humanitarian on a student, one of thousands optometrists to check their visual of recipients of the Vision for To help high school seniors arrive at informed acuity. Some 820 of them were programs it is committed to support. Education project under which decisions on a post-graduation career path, the He expressed a preference for projects that students with poor eyesight given free prescription glasses receive free eyeglasses Club conducted career guidance seminars for that led to improved academic not only have the greatest impact on the lives of the graduating classes of three schools: Mary performance. beneficiaries but also have a high sustainability Immaculate Parish Special School in Las Piñas, The Club also distributed quotient. Don Teodoro Santos Institute in Mabalacat, 330,000 books to some 830 Pampanga and its adopted school, Hen. Pio Del schools, on requests from Pilar National High School in Makati. various organizations, including The Bantay Bata Committee, in partnership 86 Rotary Clubs, and signed a with the Makati Social Welfare Department memorandum of agreement with (MSWD), conducted 10 seminars, workshops District 3830 and District 3780 to and other activities for barangay workers, make available 100,000 books to parents and child leaders on various aspects their member clubs. of child protection and care, including laws on A net revenue of P1 million children’s rights, and a weekend outing for the from the Christmas Bazaar — wards under the care of MSWD. raised from sponsorships, ticket sales, the White Elephants table, and donations from the vendors — shored up the Club’s finances and enabled the Anns to carry on with the Last Angel Gift-Giving

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YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2012-2013 President: Reuben “Ruben” M. Valerio

uben Valerio is an old-timer in the — a stunning show of the best of With funds secured, the Club carried on with Club, having joined in 1974, a good 42 Philippine dances performed by projects in the different areas of service. years ago. He has many fond memories the renowned Bayanihan Dance In Education, the year saw the completion of the Rof those good old days, especially of basketball Company that wowed the foreigners Concentrated Language Encounter (CLE) under games played against other clubs, the fun they among the guests and culminated in which pupils in 28 public schools in Makati took had at practice, and the competitive spirit that a fashion show of Philippine dress, classes aimed at sharpening their communication pushed them to win. They had every right to from the kimono to the Maria Clara, skills. Long-running projects were carried on: feel confident. After all, they had an ace no by the ladies of the Club. career guidance talks for the graduating class of other team had: a certified Olympian in the That fashion show, it turned the Hen. Pio del Pilar National High School; half person of Paing Hechanova. out, was simply a foretaste of things scholarships to six needy students of the Philippine In the 1980s and 1990s, he lay low from Rotary to come. In September 2012, the Institute for the Deaf; and over 200,000 books to devote full time to growing his business and Club staged another such show distributed to 475 schools under the then 24-year- setting it on solid footing. In 2011, though, he was at the ballroom of the Mandarin old Books Across the Seas Project. tapped to lead the Club as president, a job that had Hotel. Billed as “One Big Family Health was another priority, with eight not figured in his life plans. He knew the kind of Cultural Show,” it featured a supplemental feeding modules conducted for 240 undernourished children in Manila, Pasig, Tanay OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE commitment it would require of him, and he was parade of the national dresses of FROM TOP: not ready to take it on. He would have said No, various nations modeled by male and Calatagan, Batangas, while 54 patients suffering At the 47th induction ball, RC period, except that the request came from someone and female Rotarians from many from gall stones, goiter and breast cancer benefited Makati ladies in a fashion show he couldn’t say No to: his basketball buddy of the clubs and friends of Rotary from from free surgical missions at the Philippine of the various forms of the General Hospital. Bikes to School, an adjunct of the Filipino dress 1970s who had so grown in stature in the Rotary various organizations. The event, a Feeding Program, also gave bikes to students who “One Big Family” — a fund- world that it was simply unthinkable to turn him fundraiser, was a huge success that raising fashion show performed down. So the No melted into a Yes. added the tidy sum of P1M-plus often lacked money for transportation to and from by Rotary members and In July 2012, Ruben Valerio took his oath as in net income to the club coffers. school. spouses, with friends of Rotary, at the Mandarin Hotel president of RC Makati on its 47th year. And Paing, To this was added a cool P1.25M The Makati Social Welfare Department, the Club’s partner in the Bantay Bata Project, conducted Ann Mimi Valerio (3rd from left) by then a past director of Rotary International, was generated by the 24th run of the with Rotarians and other Anns pleased. Christmas Bazaar at the Intercon seminars and lectures for parents, social workers, at Last Angel gift-giving activity The induction ball that year was grand as all Hotel in November 2012. and volunteer barangay workers on such topics as Pres. Reuben and Ann Mimi such club events are, but it was different in that children’s rights, responsible parenting and the care at the handover of bikes to students it had the distinctive touch of Ann Mimi Valerio of children, and workshops on developing life skills.

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A spiritual recollection was held for children with The Club also went on visits to three behavioral problems rooted in family issues and/or sister clubs — RC Hou Kuong in It also donated P500,000 to a brother emotional trauma from physical, mental or sexual Macau, RC Taoyuan in Taiwan, and abuse. RC Tongkah in Phuket, Thailand. club, RC Davao, to bolster a disaster relief The Club also made a donation to Rotary The local side of international campaign for thousands who had been Homes for two housing units in the resettlement service was served with the renewal site in Parañaque, new home to families that used of brother club relations with RC rendered homeless and hungry by Super to live along the banks of the Parañaque River, and Vigan, RC Dagupan, RC Baguio Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) in early December. Posing with feeding program pushed the environment protection goal by taking North, RC Bay, RC Midtown Tarlac, beneficiaries at Maria Agoncillo Elem. School in Binondo part in a tree-planting activity along C-5 Road. RC Balintawak, and RC Boracay. The Youth program was advanced by the two RC The Club boosted its roster OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP: Pres. Reuben and Ann Mimi Makati-sponsored youth organizations — Interact of Paul Harris Fellows with 18 When the southwest monsoon dumped rains open the 24th Christmas Bazaar Club at Hen. Pio del Pilar National High School for pledges by as many members, and on the Metro Manila and neighboring provinces in at the Intercon Hotel whose seniors the Club conducted career guidance solidified its stock as a staunch TRF August 2012, the Club played the lead in mobilizing IPP Rene Limjoco, standing in several Rotary Clubs for massive relief operations for Pres. Reuben, breaks ground sessions and whose members participated in the supporter by co-hosting the TRF for a club-funded unit at Rotary Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), District Testimonial Dinner that recognizes that brought much-needed aid — in the form of Homes site in Parañaque; Rotaract-Interact Assembly (DRIA) and the District the year’s contributors to The food, bottled water, medicine, clothes, and personal looking on are, from left, Jun Jun Dayrit, Rotary Homes head Youth Olympics; and the Rotaract Club of Makati Rotary Foundation. Among those hygiene items — to some 2,500 families in seven PDG Sid Garcia, PN Reggie (RAC Makati) which participated in the RYLA, honored were PRID Paing & Mely communities. It also donated P500,000 to a brother Nolido and DGND Pepito club, RC Davao, to bolster a disaster relief campaign Bengzon DRIA and the Pilipinas Rotaract Convention. RAC Hechanova and PDG Robert & Makati was adjudged Most Outstanding Rotaract Yvonne Kuan, who are members of for thousands who had been rendered homeless Pres. Reuben (left) and PDG Sid Garcia (right) oversee Club in the district awards program at yearend. the Arch Klumph Society of major and hungry by Super Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) in preparations for relief The Club reinforced its international service donors with cumulative gifts of at early December. operations for flood victims at the RCM clubhouse agenda with the forging of new sister club relations least $250,000. That year ended on a happy note for over 500 with two clubs, RC Greater Kuala Lumpur in children in select communities and institutional District 3300-Malaysia and RC Il Bong in District homes to whom the Anns delivered Christmas 3620-Korea, and the renewal of ties with four, RC presents under the Last Angel gift-giving program. Kota Kinabalu-Malaysia, RC Fukui Ajisai-Japan, RC Bukit Bintang-Malaysia, and RC Sydney-Australia.

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YEARS FROM LEFT: 1966 ~ 2016 Rotarians having fun with the 50 kids after a feeding session in Binondo, Manila Last Angel gift-giving for kids in Guadalupe Viejo 2013-2014 Visit to Stepping Stone Vocational Training Center Pres. Carlo distributes books President: during the Read Along Festival to celebrate 15 million books distributed under the BATS Carlos Miguel “Carlo” D. Rufino project

arlo Rufino grew up with Rotary always disasters. The Rotary Anns were increasing in scale. being a part of his life. From an early age very helpful, especially First Ann “There were fundamental problems, like he was competing in the Rotary Mini- Cat who handled much of the getting all the bottled water. When disaster strikes, Colympics pushed on by Wash Lou and his “uncles” purchasing for the groceries,” all the relief agencies begin to pack relief goods, were PP Tito Panlilio and PP Gigi Zulueta. He was President Carlo recalls. so that supplies often run out in groceries and sponsored by his father Charlie Rufino and joined “Even the Rotarian families supermarkets. the club in 2008. They are the only father-and-son turned out to help in the packing. “Then there’s the matter of redeploying the presidents in the club’s history. It was a great bonding experience funds and getting the goods where they were He was also the youngest president to be for everyone to pack and distribute needed. I think the biggest problem with Yolanda elected. He remembers being daunted by the task the relief goods from children was getting the logistics to work out effectively. when first asked by Gov. Robert Kuan to lead such all the way to the parents and Our relief goods took a week to get there, while a prestigious club with many members much grandparents, in some cases late people were starving on the ground, but planes older than him. The realization dawned on him into the night and for several days could only carry so much and the trucks were however that if the Club wanted to recruit the next straight.” backed up for miles. generation of members, then a young president “We also tapped into our “So it really affected our logistics in getting our would set the right example. network. We were able to tie up with relief goods to those locations. But the result is the In hindsight it turned out well as President Air 21 through Melissa Romualdez, progressive learning picked up from each term. Carlo’s term became known as the “disaster and my tenant in Times Plaza “Gov. Pepito has been saying that we should now season,” owing to an unfortunate series of national 2Go delivered the goods for free. consider starting an initiative to preposition relief calamities and crises: the Bohol Earthquake, The Army also picked up goods to goods. You get to see how the worldwide agencies Typhoon Yolanda, and the Zamboanga siege, apart deliver by C5 through army reservist do it. They do it professionally, they prepare or from the usual habagat and flooding in the city. His Rtn. Shalimar Tamano. relocate all the relief centers ahead of time, so that youth proved to be an advantage as he was able to “We had the whole logistics they are ready to deploy quickly. This eventually led handle the rigors of traveling to Bohol to deliver network, which was exactly what PP to an MOA signed between PureGold and District relief goods and later on to Guiuan to distribute Rene Limjoco kept stressing during 3830 to allow goods to be packed and sent ahead. boats in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. his term: disaster preparedness and “We donated the first batch of 10 large pump “During my term, we packed over 20,000 relief relief. It became more and more boats with 12 HP engines to Guiuan, albeit it was goods — the largest relief packing operation important that we organize ahead only funded with direct donations from Sister clubs that the club had ever done, because of all the to handle disasters that seem to be of RC Singapore which donated 5,000 Singapore

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dollars and RC KL Diraja with P444,724. We started called Mentoring the Mentors various areas in the South. In Bohol, President Carlo the global grant for the Gift of Boats project during Program. It focused on changing and First Ann Cat Rufino personally distributed my term and PP Reggie Nolido was able to continue the public school teachers’ view relief goods for the earthquake victims. The Club the gift of boats since then. to not only educating children distributed P96,338.80 worth of relief goods in “You have to think long-term. How to prolong but forming their values toward Tagbilaran and turned over a P75,000 donation to RC the assistance after the initial relief operation becoming nation builders. The Tubigon. is done, so that basically, infrastructure has to Club launched four modules that The Club also donated P50,000 to the District come in, training, and rebuilding of lives. That’s benefitted 215 public school teachers Relief fund for victims in Cebu. For Habagat victims,

ABOVE: Rotarians packing a very long process. Donating boats will let the in Parañaque, Muntinlupa and 7,303 relief goods were distributed, while P100,000 goods for flood-affected fishermen go back to their livelihood so they are Pasay City. worth of blankets was donated to dislocated families in communities not dependent on aid.” The Club supported the Zamboanga. OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP: President Carlo Rufino’s accomplishment Stepping Stone Learning Center For Relief Operation: Yolanda, over 13,000 bags Turnover of bicycles in Calatagan, Batangas report on service projects for RY 2013-2014 certainly with a P1M grant for a scholarship of relief goods all funded from members of the club Unveiling of the marker manifested commendable leadership. program for special children and alone which totalled P372,500 were distributed to commemorating the dispensing For Vocational Service Projects, Books Across effected a matching grant for survivors in Iloilo, Roxas, Tacloban and Cebu. Pres. of the oral polio vaccine to a the Seas led the list. A total of 130,531 books were the Laundry & Baking Training Carlo & First Ann Cat personally visited Cebu to work Filipino child by RI Pres. James Bomar in 1979 that kicked distributed to 244 recipient schools and libraries. Program. It also donated P301,000 with the clubs there for relief distribution. off Rotary’s global PolioPlus The 15M books achievement was celebrated with a for the scholarship needs of six Fundraising Activities included the following: Program. The marker hangs at the entrance to the RC Makati Read Along Festival in coordination with Philippine hearing-impaired students of the The Club organized a Service through Fellowship Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo, Daily Inquirer. There was a special assignment of Philippine Institute for the Deaf. Charity Concert at the Hard Rock Café through on the very site of the polio books for typhoon-affected areas that would bring Regarding the environment, Governor Pepito Bengzon who secured the performers immunization mission attended by Pres. Bomar. nine container-loads of books to areas affected by the Club through PP Roland’s for the cause of the rehabilitation of areas affected by Pres. Carlo & Cat Rufino Typhoon Yolanda. efforts was featured in a 30-second Typhoon Yolanda. pose with Bantay Bata kids For Livelihood, the Club signed a MOA with cinema infomercial on the three The last Christmas Bazaar of the club netted an during a Children’s Assembly Bistro Academy and turned over a P360,000 Environment R’s — Reduce, Reuse, income of P995,000 to fund club functions and events. Photo op with relief goods scholarship grant for 20 trainees as part of the Food Recycle. President Carlo and family Lastly, it was during this year that the Club bound for Tacloban and Beverage Training program. together with then Gov. Robert and sponsored three new clubs added to the district: RC For Educational Service Projects, a new flagship family were featured. Makati Gems, RC Makati Magilas and RC Makati project for President Carlo’s term was launched, Relief Operations involved Business District.

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YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2014-2015

With new boats and Leyte President: fishermen at extreme sides, L-R: DGE Pepito Bengzon, Dick Upton, Pres. Reggie Nolido and IPP Carlo Reginald Alberto “Reggie” B. Nolido Rufino

eginald Alberto B. Nolido or “Reggie,” a But in time he realized 5. The Second Round of donations for the Gift of lawyer and partner of Corporate Counsels that the members were very Boats Project in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Philippines Law Offices, was sponsored by accommodating and welcomed him 6. Three Club-sponsored and two co-sponsored RPP Jonny Carlos and joined in 2001. A brother of with open arms, readily sharing medical missions in Guadalupe Viejo, his is PP Abet Nolido of the Rotary Club of Makati their thoughts and ideas once they Parañaque, Tagaytay, Pampanga and Pateros, of Dasmariñas. got to know him. In the end, they which the last four were done in coordination He expected to be introduced to a whole new were all just people who wanted to with Rotary International District 3620; network of like-minded persons dedicated to the make some difference in the 7. The strengthening of the relationship with the idea of service. Honestly, he says, he too needed communities we serve. Rotaract Club of Makati; to expand his network for professional services. Before he became President for 8. Founding of the Monthly Fellowship, “Friday His expectations were met, as he has been actively Rotary Year 2014-2015, Reggie Nolido Night Lights”; participating in service programs of the Club headed the now defunct Partnership 9. Continued implementation of existing Club even before his presidency. He has also had the in Service Program, and served as projects such as the Stop TB Now Campaign privilege of providing legal services to several fellow Legal Counsel to the Board, Trustee and the Nutrition Program and Rotary Homes; members. of the Foundation and head of and At first, he recalls, it was difficult for him as a the Golf Committee. 10. The Chartering of the Rotary Club of Century young professional to be part of the Club because As President, he initiated the City. of the differences in ages. He felt intimidated following: and out of place. Even now, he says, he feels 1. The establishment of the He became MRCFI President on July 1, 2015,

humbled by the fact that he is still building his Happy Barangay Project with before which he was a Trustee of the Foundation FROM TOP: practice while other members are all highly Guadalupe Viejo; for three years. His view of the MRCFI is that its Rotarians interact with students distinguished gentlemen in their respective 2. The establishment of a new responsibility is to protect the assets and funds and during a visit to the Phil. Institute industries. Rotary Community Corps to provide support for the Club, which should still for the Deaf with Bukluran in Camia Street, handle all projects. It should not veer away from La Filipina fashion show participants photo op Guadalupe Viejo; this primary objective. Pres. Reggie with Korean partners 3. A Backyard Piggery Bio-Gas at a medical mission in Tagaytay Project in Roxas City; 4. A Global Grant Application for the Gift of Boats Project in Leyte;

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Pres. Reggie plays Santa in a gift-giving exercise in Calatagan, Batangas Pres. Reggie addresses participants of Mentoring the Mentors project Turnover of bicycles in Bay, Laguna A light moment during the 2014 Induction Ball

“The relationship between the RCM and the “We should not delude ourselves MRCFI is as it is supposed to be,” he avers. “MRCFI into thinking that giving money is just there to provide the financial support to is enough. We have to know why RCM, while RCM is supposed to implement we do what we do. We have to meet the projects and report its accomplishments the people we serve. We must get accordingly to the MRCFI. That should not our hands dirty and actually do change.” the job necessary to help uplift the Pres. Reggie Nolido adds: lives of others. We have to lead from “The Rotary Club of Makati is in a unique amongst and not just instruct from position as it has the financial capability to behind.

Pres. Reggie in action at a undertake projects actively. Because of this, we “My term can be defined as feeding center have so many projects under our belt every single one which provided our members year. The year alone of my presidency, we listed the opportunity to serve. We had down 32 different activities in the 34 weeks of my several projects and trips where term, for an average of almost one project a week. we actually engaged with the “But with great resources also come great poor, the needy, the children and responsibilities. The Club has a responsibility unrepresented. It is really up to the to actually and physically undertake sustainable members to grab the opportunity. and meaningful projects for the communities Many did, while others did not. it serves. The Club cannot sit back and just be a I pray for the day when everyone check-giving club, meaning supporting projects by would eagerly volunteer to be just giving money. present at the sites of the projects. I “The members must still be immersed in the know it will happen.” community work that we support. There is a need for the members to continually feed our souls by actually meeting our brothers and sisters in need. There would be little meaning to our being Rotarians if we just stay within the comforts of our office and the Manila Peninsula.

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YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 2015-2016 President: Eduardo “Eddie” H. Yap

here are a number of milestone years hewed to the cherished traditions Strategy 1: Eddie reformatted the budget in the Club’s history but none bigger of the Club, sought counsel from Support and Strengthen the Club by matching revenue against and more anticipated than the 50th the elders and support from fellow expenditures in major categories Tanniversary of its birth. By an uncanny turn, the members, and drew everyone to the Boosting Member Engagement and of service — administration, man chosen to lead the Club on this “golden” table to partake of and contribute to Participation unfunded programs, year — Eddie Yap — has direct connections to the menu of projects and activities Serious about getting every member of the Club humanitarian, and self-funded its illustrious past: he had been president of RC on the year’s agenda. to the contributors’ table, he devised a clustering projects for easier appreciation Pasay, Makati’s mother club, in the mid80s; he was His term gets high marks in scheme that covered everybody on the roster. and fiscal planning, always with an also a one-time member of RC Makati West, the terms of compliance with the The clusters were each assigned a month to eye on the bottom line. first of the Club’s eight “daughter” clubs. three-pronged RI Strategic Plan take charge of the weekly programs, to drum up Pres. Eddie came to the presidency with a mind for 2013-2016, goals that clubs are attendance and recruit new members, with the Generating Funds for 50th brimming with ideas and a heart eager to get things tasked to hew closely to. month’s comparative results published in the Anniversary Gala moving, done, and done well. He did so even as he newsletter, Kaunlaran. Aside from encouraging The grand anniversary fete at member engagement and participation, the the new Shangri-La at the Fort FROM TOP LEFT: clustering scheme made it easy to check on on March 12, 2016 was a certified The ladies and gentlemen of RC Makati, led by Pres. Eddie and individual and group performance, as the cluster social coup, thanks to two events Ann Dellie (center) stand regal heads made sure that their members showed up that generated the funds needed to in the Ascot Gavotte number to be counted at every turn. pull it off — first, a dance concert from “My Fair Lady” at the induction ball show, “Broadway, The 2015-2016 officers and The cluster scheme bore fruit with the record billed as “Spirit of ’67, Spirit of 50” Our Broadway.” directors, L-R, front row: PP Carlo attendance of members and Anns at the induction that packed an animated crowd Rufino, adviser; PP Felix Amparo, PP Carlo Rufino, star of “Singing adviser; Louie Aseoche, director; ball, reversing the usual turnout where guests at the Alphaland Tent in Makati in the Rain” PN Jun Jun Dayrit, director; PRID outnumbered members and Anns, and in the and a staging of The Nutcracker ’We Go Together’ reprise from Paing Hechanova, adviser; Pres. ballet at the Cultural Center of ‘Grease’ the musical Eddie Yap; DG Pepito Bengzon; induction of eleven new members, resulting in a PE David Ackerman, officer; net gain of six after the loss of five, including two the Philippines. The two events, ’Lumiere’ from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Julian Lim, officer; Chris Ferareza, deceased. captained respectively by PP Tito officer; Shah Tamano, director; Pres. Eddie (center, left) and Panlilio and the Valerios — PP Eddie Galvez, director; back row: outgoing Pres. Reggie Nolido, PP Roland Young, adviser; PDG Reformatting the Budget Reuben, Ann Mimi and son Miko, flanked by their respective Anns Robert Kuan, adviser; PDG Tony To achieve balance without unnecessarily putting and a cash donation by Pres. Eddie Dellie and Sue Anne, at the gavel Quila, adviser; IPP Reggie Nolido, turnover ceremony during the director; Dick Upton, director; a strain on the members’ pocketbooks, Pres. himslef — raised enough funds to induction and Philip Soliven, director 162 163 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

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cover the expenses for the March 12 gala dinner Setting TRF Record with 100 while the total TRF giving was boosted by a Connecting with Other for some 500 members and guests and a Vienna Paul Harris Fellows $50,000 gift by PDG Robert Kuan. Clubs Spring Concert performed by the Philippine One of the goals for the 50th Connections with other clubs Philharmonic Orchestra and the country’s top year was to enlist 50 Paul Harris Securing the Club’s Future with 5-Year were upheld through six joint classical singers. Fellows, one for every year of Succession Plan meetings and a number of joint Aside from raising funds, both the dance- the Club’s existence. When PDG The Board of Directors has institutionalized a projects in health and education, concert and the ballet packed a large crowd of Tony Quila, chairman of the 5-year succession plan to choose and prepare while international links were Rotarians and Anns. The dance concert was front- TRF Committee, began tapping future leaders for the job ahead. To this end, a kept strong with the renewal of FROM TOP LEFT: FROM TOP RIGHT: acted by a band of RC Makati members, while the members, the response was special committee composed of the presidents of matched club relations with five Exchange of club banners between Pres. Eddie Yap and The Emperor’s Waltz, finale of year’s crop of Baby Rotarians gamely served as overwhelming, his efforts resulting the immediate past five years has been formed to brother clubs and six sister clubs. Pres. Phakorn after renewal 50th anniversary gala event on in the enlistment of 100 PHFs, The Club traveled overseas of sisterhood ties with RC March 12, 2016 at Shangri-La at ushers. draft selection rules and procedures for approval double the target set in July 2015, a to visit sister clubs in Bangkok, Tongkah, Phuket, Thailand -D the Fort Another source of funds was a 120-page by the Board. The move was taken to secure the 3330 during a club visit to Phuket Andrew Prieto attends to souvenir magazine for the 50th anniversary that feat that has shattered all records future of the Club and ensure that it passes from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, in December 2015. patient at medical mission raised a tidy sum as well. The positive response to and is likely not to be matched, let year to year to capable and caring leaders who Taoyuan, Macau, and Tongkah RC Makati Rotarians and 168 in Malabon as Community President Eddie’s phoned-in requests to members alone surpassed, in the foreseeable will lift it to new heights of service while keeping in Thailand, hosted brother and Gift of Boats Project recipients Service Director Eddie Galvez after ceremonial turnover of looks on for ad placements were solid proof of the future. Remarkably, the list it grounded on the cherished traditions that give sister club delegations at the boats in Ormoc City on March Merienda for the Anns hosted strength of the Club and how ready and willing included three babies, all under the Club character and safeguard its status as the welcome dinner in their honor 16, 2016 by Ann Dellie Yap at the Yap its members are to answer calls for support, one year of age. premier club in the district. prior to the induction ball in residence especially from the president. July, and entertained guests from Topping TRF Giving in Developing Youth Leaders Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala District 3830 The Rotaract Club and Interact Club participated Lumpur, Singapore, Sydney, and At the district conference at Sofitel in district events, notably the Rotary Youth Taoyuan, who came for the Club’s Plaza in mid-April, RC Makati Leadership Awards (RYLA) and District Rotaract- induction in July 2015 and the 50th was recognized as No. 1 in total Interact Assembly (DRIA), while the Interactors anniversary in March 2016. TRF giving, with contributions undertook a “wildings” preservation project surpassing those of all other listed on the slopes of a mountain in Batangas and Supportive Rotary Anns clubs combined. The Club also represented the Club in the District Youth The Anns, ever playing a added three to its list of major Olympics. supporting role to their spouses, gift donors and became an EREY had their own program of (Every Rotarian Every Year) Club, activities — meriendas hosted by

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Ann Dellie Yap at the Yap residence, a spiritual locations to oversee projects, meet Initiatives in Health grant in the amount of $85,000 recollection and visita iglesia in preparation for with project partners, and connect The Medical Missions Committee offered free to be used to fund a new round Holy Week, and most significantly, the Last Angel with the beneficiaries. surgery at the Philippine General Hospital to over of anti-TB treatment modules for gift-giving project under which they delivered 50 patients suffering from breast cancer, goiter over 700 young TB patients in Christmas presents to 662 children in select Milestone Projects on 50th and gall stones. places as far north as Pangasinan charitable institutions, communities and schools. Year Over 900 children afflicted with primary and as far south as Palawan. Two milestone projects took center complex in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Malabon, FROM TOP RIGHT: Service Through Fellowship, Fellowship stage — one, a fresh run of the Navotas and five other sites were given the Initiatives in Education FROM TOP LEFT: At AQMS monitoring station on for Service long-running National Awards prescribed 6-month medical treatment under the Giving Education the attention it RCM Rotarians (front row) in a photo op at Career guidance Ayala Avenue, L-R: Dir. Eddie Keenly appreciative of the value of fellowship and for Community Service (NACS), “End TB Now” program. deserves, the Books Across the Seas Galvez, ABS-CBN reporter Tina seminar for Pio del Pilar High Marasigan, and Pres. Eddie Yap the fun and fulfillment human connections bring, which this year recognized the Five modules of the supplemental feeding project, better known as BATS, School seniors the Club made it a point to intersperse the service outstanding community projects Surgeons at work in PGH under program nursed some 150 undernourished stuffed school libraries with books Eleven-month-old Gianna Medical Missions Project program with socials — small-group dinners of ten Rotary Clubs, one from each children back to health in Calatagan, Batangas, as it has done for 28 years, keeping Franchesca Tambunting, one of three babies in the record- in intimate settings and get-togethers for bigger of the ten Rotary districts in the Bay Laguna and three other places. alive the links that connect it to the setting 100-strong roster of Paul groups organized for an array of occasions and country; and two, a brand-new A medical mission in Malabon City offered Brother’s Brother Foundation in Harris Fellows enlisted on 50th year with, L-R: Grandpa PP reasons — to mark a birthday, to welcome friends, Air Quality Monitoring System medical attention and free medicines to 260 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, primary Sonny Tambunting, Pres. Eddie to say thank you, to celebrate success. made up of an initial three stations elderly patients. source of the books it gives away. Yap, and Dad Sonny Jr. & Mom All these demonstrate the healthy relationship equipped with state-of-the-art A $65,000 global grant has been disbursed So far, 15,442,217 books and other Cherry. the Club enjoys with its own members and machines that read and evaluate air for the 2014-2016 round of TB medical treatment reading materials have been Anns, its sister and brother clubs, and other quality data, in real time, 24/7, for modules for 900+ kids in 14 sites, from Navotas to distributed to some 65,000 schools Rotary clubs in the district and elsewhere, which transmission to the public through Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. since the project’s inception in 1988. reinforces the ties that hold the Club together and a website and apps for both A global grant of $94,560, applied for during As in years past, the Club held its links with other clubs, and adds to the strength Android and Apple devices. The IPP Reggie Nolido’s term in partnership with career guidance talks for the seniors it has shored up in all of its 50 years. 50thcharter anniversary gala dinner RC Shanghai, RC Beijing, RC Migeum of Korea, in its adopted school, the Heneral was the stage where trophies and District 52 of China and District 3600 of Korea Pio del Pilar National High School Strategy 2: cash prizes were handed out to the made possible the delivery on March 16, 2016 of in Makati, which is also home to Focus on and Increase winners of NACS, and when Pres. fiberglass boats to 168 Leyte fishermen who had the Club-sponsored Interact Club. Humanitarian Projects Eddie Yap unveiled the Air Quality lost their livelihoods to the ferocious wave surges It also carried on with its Throughout his term, Pres. Eddie and his team Monitoring System project in a of Yolanda in 2013. assistance to the Philippine of officers, directors and advisers were in multi- video presentation. In April 2016, the Club received a new global Institute for the Deaf, including 166 167 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

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LEFT & ABOVE: Dancing audience and band have fun at “Spirit of ‘67, Spirit of 50,” dance- concert orchestrated by PP Tito Panlilio

donations of P385,000 to the scholarship fund, two two drinking water stations at the retention while enhancing the Club’s drawing Locsin Underpass that traverses Ayala Avenue on hybrid air conditioning units, and LED lightbulbs Virgen de los Remedios Elementary power for guest speakers. Legaspi Street. that cut the power bill by half. School in Bamban, Tarlac, and The Club kept up its support of the Stepping support for RCC Bukluran, the Exposure in Major Dailies Philippine Rotary Magazine Stone School for children with special needs with Club’s Rotary Community Corps in The 50th anniversary dinner and concert at the The Club was featured twice in the Philippine donations towards the TRF global grant that funded Guadalupe Viejo. spanking new Shangri-La at the Fort on March 12 Rotary Magazine, the first time on the occasion an arts-and-culture therapy program. The Club was enjoyed pre-and post-event publicity. The event of its 50th anniversary in March, the second in there on special occasions such as the Christmas Strategy 3: was given prominent space in major dailies with April — both with several pages of stories and FROM ABOVE, RIGHT: program and at the inauguration of a training Enhance Public Image full-length feature stories accompanied by full- photographs on the history, projects and leaders At CCP main theatre, curtain facility for hotel room service. and Awareness color photographs that boosted the Club’s stature of the Club. call of The Nutcracker Suite, second 50th year fundraiser Its desire to help up-step the quality of as the premier Club in the district — the first Guadalupe Viejo children flash education in public schools led the Club to Exclusive PR Arrangement among equals — and polishing the public image of smiles after receiving Christmas with Philippine Daily partner with the Ronald McDonald House Rotary to a radiant shine. There has been much celebration in the RC presents from Santa Claus, a.k.a. Charities for a 16-month-long ‘Read to Learn’ Inquirer IPP Reggie Nolido, in Last Angel Makati clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo and at Exposure on ABS-CBN Morning Show sortie in December 2015. Adults program for Gr. 1 and 2 pupils in four schools This year saw the Club’s stock rise The Peninsula on Ayala Avenue where the Club in photo, at back: Last Angel in Bay, Laguna. The program was prompted by to new heights with an exclusive The Air Quality Monitoring System project was also chair Sue Ann Nolido, Dicky de holds its weekly meetings because there have Leon, DG Pepito Bengzon and a study whose results revealed that four of 10 arrangement with the Philippine written about by top columnists in the major dailies been many reasons to celebrate. Ann Nellie Bengzon. pupils finish the level without learning to read. Daily Inquirer for weekly press prior to and after its formal launch, thus increasing Fifty glorious years of humanitarian service releases on significant projects public awareness both of the project and of the air measured in dreams fulfilled, lives made better Initiatives in Bettering Communities and activities, brokered by Public quality in the metro, and of how they can use the and decent communities carved out of slums, and Lives Relations Dir. Shah Tamano and system to their advantage. President Eddie Yap was and joyful fellowship affirmed by strangers The Bantay Bata team worked with the Makati Andrew Prieto. The year-long also interviewed on ABS-CBN’s morning show, turned into acquaintances, acquaintances into Social Welfare Department for seminars on publicity on the top national Umagang Kay Ganda, soon after the installation of friends, friends into family. capacity building and bullying, and organized a broadsheet brought RC Makati to the monitoring unit along Ayala Avenue. And the 50th year was crowned with impactful whole-day outing to Manila Ocean Park for special- national prominence and further projects and celebrated in the Club’s own District Billboard Project needs children under the care of social workers. raised awareness of Rotary as distinct fashion — a fusion of remembrance and The community development goal was the world’s top humanitarian The Club joined other clubs for District 3830’s recognition made joyful by the sweet notes of advanced with a donation of P300,000 to Rotary organization. It also served to aid public image campaign where we posted a large music that touch the heart and linger in the soul. Homes for two housing units, the construction of in membership recruitment and poster of our feeding project on a wall of MaCEA’s

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Six members of the Club have carried on the spirit of service after their stints as Club President and have found fulfilment in serving beyond the club level.

Rafael “Paing” G. Hechanova Filipino children against polio. Pres. Bomar for Research, Extension and Membership Roberto “Bert” J. Montinola † RI Director, 1996-1998 came to Manila that year, signed the MOU and Development, as two-time instructor and group District Governor, 1982-1983 District Governor, 1979-1980 participated in a polio immunization project training leader in the International Assembly, ert Montinola served as district governor in t was in RY 1979-1980 when Rafael “Paing” in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati, at the very spot and as two-time assistant general coordinator B1982-1983 when Hiroji Mukasa of Japan was RI IHechanova crossed the leadership line from where the RC Makati Clubhouse now stands. of the PolioPlus Task Force. He was also a president and the Club president was Nick Katigbak. past president of RC Makati to district governor Pres. Bomar’s act — of dispensing the oral polio member of the Munich International Convention The theme was “Mankind is One, Build Bridges of of District 382. Efren Sales was president of RC vaccine to a Filipino child — set off Rotary’s Committee, and in 1991-1992 chaired the Friendship Throughout the World.” Makati, who was guided by RI President James L. ambitious PolioPlus initiative to banish polio committees on Asia Regional Functional Literacy Bert’s term as district governor was highlighted by Bomar’s theme, Let Service Light the Way. from the face of the earth. That landmark event and World Community Service. the visit to the country of RI President Hiroji, whom Service was indeed lit up when DG Paing is memorialized in a marker that now hangs at As RI director, he served as coordinator he accompanied on visits to select community project convinced President Marcos and Imelda to the entrance to the RCM Clubhouse. for Youth Exchange at the Singapore sites in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. sign an agreement with RI for the first Health, As governor, DG Paing made his mark on the International Convention and subsequently One of the places DG Bert took Pres. Mukasa to Hunger and Humanity project to immunize international front by serving on RI committees as general coordinator of the Task Force on was RC Makati’s clubhouse and the Club-run school Community Service, and later, on Poverty for children with special needs in Guadalupe Viejo, Alleviation. He served as adviser to the Makati. That occasion has been made indelible by a Provisional Clubs in Beijing and Shanghai for commemorative marker that President Hiroji himself two years, was a member of the committee on unveiled. Zone Restructuring, RI District Conference PDG Bert, a founding member of the Club, fell Review Committee and Youth Exchange at the ill many years ago and was thus unable to serve his Convention Review Committee, and chair of the business and Rotary interests in any capacity. He Asia & South Pacific Literacy Resource Group. passed on in December 2015, just three months before As RID, he had a hand in choosing the the Club’s 50th anniversary. RI president as a member of the nominating committees for president in 2005-2007 and 2009- PDG Bert Montinola: 2011. PRID Paing has traveled to various parts District of the globe as RI President’s representative in Governor Bert district conferences. Montinola (4th RI Director from left) at Paing PRID Paing and Ann Mely are members of the awarding Hechanova (2nd the Arch Klumph Society of TRF major donors. ceremony from left, middle for the Parol row) with the sa Makati at rest of the 1996- the Glorietta 1998 RI board. Activity Center. 170 171 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

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J. Antonio “Tony” M. Quila As Centennial Governor, DG Tony motivated Isidro “Sid” G. Garcia partnering with the city government of District Governor, 2004-2005 the clubs in District 3830 to step up their District Governor, 2009-2010 Parañaque to ensure the project’s sustainability. DG Tony Quila was District 3830’s governor performance to a level that qualified all 75 of them id Garcia served as district governor in He got the Parañaque government to donate land Pin 2004-2005 when Glenn E. Estess was RI for the RI Presidential Citation, the only district S2009-2010. Felix Amparo was RC Makati for the relocation project and knocked on every president and Freddie Borromeo was at the helm in the Philippines and in Zone 7 to score this president while John Kenny held the top Rotary corporate and Rotary Club door for assistance. of RC Makati as it moved to heed the RI theme, achievement, one that has not been replicated. International post. The RI theme was “The The help he sought soon came in and has not “Celebrate Rotary.” PDG Tony served as chairman of the Future of Rotary is in Your Hands.” stopped. Indeed, there was much to celebrate on the Philippine College of Governors in 2009-2010 and He promoted Vocational Service by Today, Rotary Homes is a community of 100th anniversary of Rotary’s birth. And much to do was founding chairman of the Philippine Rotary organizing vocational forums to encourage the 150 families, each with a home they can call as well. Foundation. He presently heads the management adoption of high ethical standards and plant their own. PDG Sid, a TRF major donor, level With RC Makati and District 3830 as board of the Philippine Rotary Magazine (RY 2015- visits to promote appreciation of the professions. 1, is putting on the final touches to the first 20 spearhead, DG Tony organized a nationwide 2016). It was also during his term that the ACE of another 100 homes targeted for completion Stop TB Now initiative among all the ten Many Rotarians remember the Rotary Club (Award for Community Excellence) Awards, by end of RY 2016-2017. The 20 are due for a Rotary districts in the country, with the World of Makati for its signature Partnership in Service which recognizes outstanding Rotary turnover in July 2016. Health Organization, Department of Health, Program, a facility funded with an annual outlay Community Corps projects, was launched. PDG Sid’s latest mark was his chairmanship and Coalition Against TB, among others, as of at least P1 million that provided grants of up It was DG Sid who initiated the move to of the Presidential Conference on WaSH project partners. to P50,000. Specifically targeting small Rotary change the process of electing the district at Marriott Hotel in March 2016, with RI Clubs were clustered and encouraged to Clubs with big ideas but little means, PSP enabled governor nominee (DGN), from election through President Ravi Ravindran and TRF Chair Ray team up for joint projects in education, not hundreds of such clubs throughout the country a District Nominating Committee to voting Klinginsmith as guests of honor and keynote only to uplift disadvantaged sectors but also to undertake humanitarian projects in their by direct mail — a procedure that is deemed speakers. The two-day conference drew some to raise awareness of Rotary and promote its communities. Credit for that program, which more participative because clubs are known to 900 participants from all over Asia to discuss public image. was considered the local version of The Rotary discuss their choice before mailing their votes matters concerning water, sanitation and hygiene Foundation, belonged to Gov. Tony. to the office of the district governor. The new in schools. He logged a major achievement for RC Makati procedure is now enshrined in the district policy as chairman of the Paul Harris Fellows Committee manual. on the Club’s 50th anniversary by enlisting 100 Paul As it has turned out, Sid’s legacy began Harris Fellows, a feat that is without precedent and after his watch as governor. He took the district PDG Tony Quila flanked by RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe is likely never to be equaled, let alone surpassed. flagship project — to save the dying Parañaque PDG Sid Garcia (extreme right) at the WaSH (left) and PRID Paing Hechanova PDG Tony is a major TRF donor, level 1. river — and embraced it with such passion Presidential Conference in March 2016, with (L-R) RI Director Guiller Tumangan,

that it has become his mission. He established RI President Ravi Ravidran and TRF the D3830 Rotary Homes Foundation, Inc., Chairman Ray Klinginsmith

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Gov. Pepito (right) and PDG Ed Alvarez cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the District 3830 Public Image Project at MaCEA underpass in Makati.

Robert F. Kuan themselves and their plans to the district in a forum. Jose “Pepito” A. R. Bengzon to open a MyRotary account and do their District Governor, 2013-2014 This was a major shift from the old practice that District Governor, 2015-2016 reporting through the Rotary Club Central, clubs obert Kuan served in 2013-2014 when Ron strongly discouraged, and effectively prohibited, epito Bengzon was governor of District 3830 encouraged their members to sign up for the RBurton was RI president and Carlo Rufino, son candidates from openly campaigning for votes. Pin RY 2015-2016, the 50th anniversary year of online tool, with over 70% of Rotarians in the of PP Charlie, was Club president — an uncanny Clubs linked up for joint projects and activities his home club, RC Makati. Eddie Yap was Club district already enlisted as of end April. coincidence, as it was PP Charlie who invited to foster teamwork and cut costs, and Rotarians president and RI was led by President K.R. Three firsts were achieved in Public Image: Robert to join the Club in 1985. His governorship joined him on fellowship trips that often led to the “Ravi​” Ravindran bannering the theme, “Be a Areas of Focus (AoF) projects carried on 34 was guided by the theme: “Engage Rotary, Change forging of sister club ties. Gift to the World.” billboards at the Ayala-Legazpi Underpass; Lives.” The district also engaged in extension work with It was a banner year for District 3830. 210 UV Express vehicles plying routes from He made his mark as the champion of the the organization of four new clubs. On the international level, the district scored Parañaque to Antipolo bearing “End Polio concept of “One Rotary Philippines” — a united Convinced of the merits of The Rotary a feat as host of the Presidential Conference Now” stickers; and 20 taxicabs lugging the same country of Rotarians — concretized in the 2013 Foundation’s mission “to do good in the world,” on WaSH in Schools, one of only five such message on their toppers. Multi-District PETS (Presidents-Elect Training he has been tirelessly inviting persons of means conferences in the world. With RI President Ravi To resolve logistics issues and improve Seminar) in Cebu that brought together the to make substantial gifts to the Foundation, Ravindran and TRF Chair Ray Klinginsmith as response time in disaster relief operations, presidents-elect of clubs in all ten Philippine Rotary succeeding in getting three of them — guests of honor, it drew some 900 participants D-3830 entered into an agreement with Puregold districts. This same concept was fleshed out in the philanthropist Angelo King, DGE Edna Sutter, from all over Asia. Supermarket, enlisting its services to pack and joint district conference of D-3830 and D-3850 in and banker Frederick Dy — to each contribute On the zone level, it recorded a membership deliver relief goods directly to disaster areas so March 2014. $250,000, automatically qualifying them for count of 3,173 as of end April, the highest among Rotarians can concentrate on distribution. It was during Gov. Robert’s term that a new membership in the Arch Klumph Society (AKS). As 37 districts in 17 countries in Zones 7 and 8, which The district also scored firsts in AoF matters: electoral practice was instituted. It allowed Assistant Endowment & Major Gift Adviser of Zone include Australia, New Zealand. Indonesia, and a seminar on the Philippine Stock Exchange, a candidates for district governor nominee-designate 7A, it was all in a day’s work for him. the Philippines. Livelihood Summit Conference, and a Mega Job (to serve as governor in RY 2016-2017) to present His efforts have made RC Makati the only On the country level, the district logged and Business Fair. Club in the country credited with having four contributions of $384,111 to the TRF Annual AKS members, including the Kuan couple. Per Program Fund and $136.02 per capita, the highest the Discon 2016 magazine, “No other Filipino among the 10 Philippine districts. It also enlisted has successfully recruited more donors in the 48 new Paul Harris Society (PHS) members Philippines to become AKS members than Robert pledging to contribute at least US$1,000 PDG Robert Kuan (2nd from left) shakes hands with RI President Kuan.” annually, exceeding the 32 PHS last Rotary year. Ron Burton at GETS 2013 in San In 2015, PDG Robert served as RI President’s DG Pepito is a PHS member and major donor, Diego, California. Also in the Gov. Pepito at TRF picture are spouses Yvonne Kuan representative to the district conference of District level 1. Testimonial Dinner in (left) and Jetta Burton. 6890 in Tampa, Florida. Heeding RI President Ravi’s call for Rotarians November 2015

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C Makati Rotarians still call their wives “Rotary through food. bazaar’s astounding success throughout its 25- an orphan girl for whom a kind lady had bought a RAnns” — Rotary-speak for the wife of a male If at the onset of a Rotarian’s membership in RC year run was the fact that concessionaires flocked Christmas gift — an angel doll — while doing last- Rotarian — long after Rotary International dropped Makati, the Ann would show up at a club event on to it without any invitation, making inquiries minute shopping on Christmas eve. As it happened, the term in favor of the generic “spouse.” the invitation, or at the insistence, of her husband, about applications as early as July. Unlike other then First Ann Angela Quila loved the story, and loved The name change came in 1989 as a result of RI’s it would not be long before she built her own circle bazaars that actively solicit vendor participation, even more the idea of the Last Angel as a companion acceptance of women into its fold. But the generic of Ann friends whose company she would seek on concessionaires would come to the RC Makati piece to the bazaar and its heartwarming purpose: to term just did not seem to appeal to the members of a her own. bazaar without bidding, and come out of it satisfied give children a reason to smile at Christmastime. club steeped in tradition. So, for RC Makati, “Rotary Because their husbands are into projects and at having turned in a good profit. Last Angel was originally a scheme under which Ann” it is still. Or just Ann. activities for the Club, it is only natural for the This was concrete proof of the Anns’ masterly bazaar shoppers were invited to pick a tag or two In RC Makati, the Anns are the women behind wives to take part in them or create projects and management of the bazaar and the passion they from a tree bedecked with angel tags, each bearing the successful men of the Club — owners or top activities of their own. poured into every aspect of the work. The bazaar’s the name, gender and age of a child from a needy honchos of corporations and practitioners at the top Their deepest footprints were from a project final run in November 2013 was spearheaded by family or institution, for whom the shopper would of the game in law, banking and finance, medicine, they are most associated with, a project that was Ann Cat Rufino. buy a gender- and age-appropriate gift. The Anns architecture, public relations, and other professions. theirs for all of its 25 years, from its birth in 1988 to In 2010, Ann Mimi Valerio put together a fashion would wrap the gifts, tack on the angel tags to them, It is safe to say that the Club would not be where it its final run in 2013: the Christmas Bazaar. show that she dubbed “One Rotary Family.” Held and personally deliver them to the children before is today or what it has become had the Anns just sat in The first bazaar took place at the main lounge at the ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Christmas. the sidelines, legs crossed and arms folded, kibitzing as of the Manila Polo Club in November 1988 when the show featured ladies and gentlemen from a Chaired by the Ann of the immediate past the men went about their business. Gigi Zulueta was president. It was conceived by his number of Rotary Clubs and other organizations president, the Last Angel set the RC Makati Christmas Fortunately for the Rotarians and the Club, RC Ann J’net who ran it and organized other Anns into who sportingly played ramp models to raise money Bazaar apart from all the other bazaars in Metro Makati Anns are an active, and proactive, set. committees to do the work. Envisioned as a one- for RC Makati. Manila, making it stand out as “the bazaar with a They started helping out in Club affairs early on. time fundraiser, it raised nearly P60,000, a fortune Two years later, with the Christmas Bazaar heart for children.” After the bazaar folded in 2013, They would troop to the basketball games where at the time but loose change compared to revenues shelved, Ann Sue Ann Nolido staged another Last Angel has stood on its own, carrying on with its their husbands played, and raised in recent years. But it fashion show — La Filipina — at the main lounge mission to bring a merry Christmas to children, an cheer them on, win or lose. was considered successful of the Manila Polo Club that shined the spotlight on exercise it has been doing for thousands of kids for 17 And always, they would bring enough for a repeat the the creations of designer Jun-Jun Cambas modeled happy years. food to share in post-game following year, and the year by RC Makati Anns. The influence of the Anns in club affairs and their fellowship meriendas. after, and so on. The biggest Both shows were warmly received and contribution to its success are beyond measure. There’s They were not aware of it windfall was P1.65 million. contributed hefty sums to the Club’s coffers. no denying that they are there, seen and felt in many then, but they were starting Quite apart from the In RY 1998-1999, Ann Brin Panlilio injected heart wonderful ways and appreciated beyond words. a tradition that would last amounts it added to the into the bazaar by introducing the Last Angel Gift- forever, a tradition of food Club’s coffers, perhaps the Giving Project. The idea was inspired by a touching for fellowship and fellowship most concrete proof of the article that she had read in the Reader’s Digest, about

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he Club and its funding partner, the The structure was demolished in 2005 during TMakati Rotary Club Foundation Inc., have which time the secretariat transferred to the always lived under one roof. Their first was the Mile Long Building in Legaspi Village, Makati Makati Rotary Foundation Arcade Building in a large room offered rent-free by PP Charlie at the Makati Commercial Center (now Ayala Rufino. Center), on the spot where SM Makati now Harnessing the Club’s pool of talent and stands. the team spirit and generosity of its members, At the time, both organizations shared one the Foundation pressed to service Ruben secretariat, which held office at the third floor Payumo, eminent architect, to draw the blueprint of the building. When the lease contract for and see it through to its concrete form; PP the land expired, the building was torn down Charlie Rufino donated the glass windows and and the office moved to Guadalupe Viejo, in doors; and in the latter stage of construction, a building that stood on land leased to the Ben Hughes came in to put his stamp as interior Foundation by Ayala Corporation. designer. The building underwent major repairs in The P25 million that had been allocated 1989, prompting another move for the offices, this for the construction of the building ballooned time to the Ayala Life Building on Ayala Avenue. to P30M on account of the installation of an room, and a board room. On the third level is The Makati Rotary Club Foundation Arcade at the The Secretariat moved back to Guadalupe Viejo elevator, an amenity added in thoughtful a multipurpose hall used for socials, seminars Makati Commercial Center, circa 1975 (below) and once the repairs were done. consideration of the Club’s senior members. the present MRCFI Building on Camia Street, and, during natural disasters, as a command post In 2004, through the efforts of PP Fidel The new MRCFI building, a.k.a. RC Makati Guadalupe Viejo, Makati, home of RC Makati and for relief operations. It also has a function room its Foundation Alfonso, Long Ortigas and Nonoy Alindogan, Clubhouse, was inaugurated on September that has been used as a district office by District Ayala Corporation converted to a downright 14, 2007 during the terms of Conrad Marty Governors Sid Garcia, Robert Kuan and Pepito donation the Foundation’s long-term lease on as MRCFI chair and Pepito Bengzon as club Bengzon. The property has a parking lot that the 1,500 sqm Guadalupe Viejo property. president. can accommodate 25 cars at a time. Seeing the effects of wear and tear on the Located on Camia St. in Guadalupe Viejo, The MRCFI Building is the shared home of ageing structure, a Building Committee headed Makati, right next to the barangay hall, it is the Club and the Foundation, a structure that by PP Fidel Alfonso and PP Tito Panlilio the tallest structure on the block, distinctive stands on the foundations of clear vision, strong recommended that it be torn down to make way for its three levels and high fence. The entire connections, and teamwork. for a new one. ground floor is occupied by a full-service Club secretariat. The second floor holds a lounge, the MRCFI secretariat office, MRCFI chairman’s

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ellowship is the lifeblood of every Rotary CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: FClub. Every Rotarian joins a Rotary Club on Charter members and past the invitation of a friend. Service gives meaning presidents in customary toast on 41st charter anniversary in March and fulfilment to membership in Rotary, but it 2007 is fellowship that gives it color. Giving it their all in “Broadway, It is a hallmark of the Rotary Club of Makati. Our Broadway” show at 50th The Club’s annual calendar of events is induction ball dotted with fellowship activities, formal and RCM members old and new in a bond-reinforcing social casual, from July of one year to June of the next. Charter members and past It starts with the induction ball in July and ends presidents in customary photo with the yearend awards in June. In between is a op on 43rd charter anniversary in long line of dinners, lunches, and afternoon teas, March 2009. and activities on the shooting range, bowling lane and golf course. Still the foremost fellowship platform for the Club are the Tuesday noon meetings at The Peninsula, occasions that require no rigid dress code and offer a decent meal, where members can sit at their favorite table, let their hair down, and be one’s self — among friends.

FROM TOP: Letting hair down and having fun with games, games, games . . .

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EDUCATION form the Development Center for the Handicapped in Special Education in a span of 38 years has Other Rotary Clubs serve as distribution CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: he Club’s two most enduring projects have Foundation Inc. (DCHFI), to take over the school’s been the Club’s longest-running undertaking channels. The Club also asks requesters who been in the area of education. management and operations. and its most lasting contribution to the field of can afford it to make a small donation for every The new T Stepping The Club‘s immersion in this field goes back The following year, the organizational process education. book they receive — P10 for hardbound books Stone campus to Year 1 of its existence, when it outfitted a for the DCHFI was fast-tracked, leading to the and P5 for smaller ones — to cover expenses for in Sucat, Parañaque City 10-wheeler truck with stacked bookshelves and creation of the Stepping Stone Learning Center Books Across the Seas freight, customs duties, broker’s fees, warehouse At BATS (SSLC). ooks Across the Seas or BATS is the Club’s sent it to nearby provinces, as a mobile library maintenance, and staff salaries. This places the warehouse in that made stops in schools with hardly any In 2005, the Club tore down its old building to Bbook distribution project that has run Club in a position to give books to requesting Novaliches: books. The library-on-wheels was supported by a make room for a new one, prompting the school for 27 years. As of April 2016, the project had organizations that are unable to make donations, Brother’s Brother corporate sponsor, S.C. Johnson & Sons. to move to Bernardino Street, also in Guadalupe distributed over 15 million books to some 65,000 thus ensuring the sustainability of the project. Foundation Education has since become a staple in the Viejo. In 2010, the DCHFI board of trustees schools throughout the country. (BBF) President Philippine Institute for the Deaf Luke Hingson Club’s service agenda. developed a five-year plan envisioned to transform Originally a joint project of the United States leafs through the school into a Center of Excellence in Special Information Service (USIS) and the American he Club’s assistance efforts for PID began a book in the MRDC to Stepping Stone Education. Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), BATS was in 1994 with annual donations to its company of T BATS staff. n 1975-1976, the Club put up the Makati In 2011-2012, the Club received a $100,000 turned over to RC Makati in 1988. The Club still scholarship fund. RC Makati IResearch and Development Center (MRDC), grant from TRF for a vocational training course in sources books and other educational materials PID teaches the deaf to communicate through Rotarians on a multi-purpose facility that took in children baking and laundry for the elder students. In 2013 from the Brother’s Brother Foundation, a oral language, not through the conventional a visit to the the foundation changed its name to Center for humanitarian foundation based in Pittsburgh, hand signs that keep them confined in silence. Philippine with physical and mental inadequacies and Institute for taught them the basic skills they need to be self- Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Pennsylvania. Although it entails much effort and time and the Deaf, one reliant. Foundation, Inc. In 2015 it received two global The project was initially funded with a seed requires the use of costly specialized tools, the of the schools it supports. Subsequently, MRDC dropped its community grants — one, for the renovation and fit-out for fund of P100,000 from USIS and AmCham and oral method is considered superior since it engagements in health and nutrition, training a hotel and training room for housekeeping and a P1M donation from Allied Bank in 1995. Allied gives the hearing-impaired a sense of normalcy, and employment, eventually evolving into a hotel accommodations; the other, for a Rotary Hall Bank has also since allowed the Club rent-free empowers them to “hear” and thus communicate school for children with mental and physical for the Performing Arts centered on Mulawin Dula, use of a warehouse in Novaliches, where books with a hitherto undiscovered and unused sense challenges. It was given a professional edge a culture-and-arts program that offers therapy are stored, sorted out, and stamped prior to (of speech), and opens new doors of opportunity when the Center initiated a Teacher for the through Musika (Music), Larawan (Visual Arts), release. for them. Handicapped Project that provided training in Indak, (Dance) and Dula (Drama). The project was beefed up in 2004-2005 with Through the years the Club has provided special education to its teachers. The school has since moved to a new campus a collaboration with USAID that brought 60 assistance to PID in various forms, notably two In 1985-1986, the Club invited seven Rotary in Sucat, Parañaque, on a one-hectare property container loads of books over a three-year period audio-visual rooms outfitted with specialized Clubs in Makati to join it to save the school from acquired in 2014. The facility that transitioned from to schools in the Autonomous Region of Muslim audio equipment, two hybrid air-conditioning closure. The eight clubs pooled their resources to MRDC to Stepping Stone to Center of Excellence Mindanao. units that run on solar power and LED lights

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FROM TOP that have cut the school’s monthly electricity bill The project was adopted by other DECS brought the benefits of the method to over that would provide training to public school FROM TOP LEFT: LEFT: by 50%. districts in Metro Manila to include teachers 31,600 students from Gr. 1 to Gr. 4 in all 28 public teachers in effective methods of instruction, as Unveiling of re- The Club also supports the annual in Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Quezon City, elementary schools in Makati. well as in character development and values Pres. Reggie installed marker Nolido San Juan, Malabon, Caloocan and Parañaque. commemorating culminating activity at yearend, where the The Department of Education adopted it as formation. The Club conducted four modules addresses participation children perform in a musical program that In 2003-2004 the project was renamed “PP Ever a method of developing communication skills that benefited 215 teachers in Parañaque, teachers in of RI President Mentoring showcases lessons learned and skills acquired Macatulad Teacher Training Program” in honor and has committed to institutionalizing it in the Muntinlupa and Pasay City. It was carried on James Bomar the Mentors in a polio during the year. of its founder who had passed on. public educational system. Since it has been the following year with a three-day seminar in workshop immunization Its last donation, of P350,000, was in July The program, which led to the organization of embedded as a teaching method in the basic Muntinlupa for 53 teachers. Teacher- mission at the Ateneo Center for Educational Development scholars under RC Makati 2015 at the beginning of RC Makati’s golden curriculum of DepEd, CLE will thus continue to HEALTH the Teacher compound in anniversary year. (ACED), was later expanded to include be implemented in all public schools throughout Training 1979 that set high school principals and administrators the country. he Club has a long history of service in Program work off Rotary’s Up-Leveling Public Education under the Principal Empowerment Program. the area of health. Its adherence to the on a Science global PolioPlus T project program. he Teacher Training Program, Developed by ACED, the course sharpened the John Robert Powers philosophy of health as wealth has led to a Close-up of conceptualized in RY 1995-1996, had the principals’ skills at managing scarce resources n 2009-2010, the Club partnered with John procession of projects that promote wellness as refurbished T and upgraded their core competencies in Robert Powers, a school that specializes in well as prevent and cure disease. marker that Club involved in improving the quality of I hangs at instruction in the public school system by administration, decision making, and general personality development and the performing entrance to sharpening the teaching skills and upgrading management. arts. The partnership involved the enrolment RC Makati Clubhouse: Ground RC Makati clubhouse in the teaching methods of teachers. of select sophomores and juniors of Heneral Zero for Rotary’s PolioPlusProgram Guadalupe Viejo, The program kicked off in April 1996 with a Concentrated Language Pio del Pilar National High School in the n September 29, 1979, RI President James Makati six-week study program for selected teachers of Encounter school’s English Proficiency Program. The OBomar took part in a polio immunization three subject areas — Science, Math and English he Club started the Concentrated course trained students to communicate activity in Guadalupe Viejo in Makati that was — in two pilot schools, the Pamantasan ng TLanguage Encounter (CLE) program in effectively and with confidence. Scholars were organized by the Club. On that occasion, Pres. Makati Technical High School and Makati High April 2008. The CLE is a method of instruction trained in such macro communication skills as Bomar administered an oral polio vaccine to School. that aims to develop and sharpen the writing, speaking, reading, and conversation. a Filipino child, effectively sowing the seed of communication skills — listening, speaking, Three batches of scholars were trained under what would become known as PolioPlus, Rotary reading, and writing — of students at the basic the program, all of them members of the RC International’s most ambitious global program education stage. Makati-sponsored Interact Club. aimed at totally eradicating the debilitating By the time the project wrapped up at childhood disease. the close of school in 2013, although initally Mentoring the Mentors Project That spot in Guadalupe Viejo is where the intended to cover only Gr. 1 and Gr. 2 pupils, it entoring the Mentors” began in RC Makati clubhouse now stands. It is in effect had involved 343 principals and teachers and “M2013-2014 as an educational program ground zero for the PolioPlus campaign that, 184 185 Rotary Club Makati The Last Ten Years

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PP Freddie owing to the success it has scored after 36 years, Feeding Program for Body and Forty Years of TB Eradication PDG Tony Borromeo with Bagong Kulturang Pinoy for story-telling has evolved, finally, into “End Polio Now.” Mind Quila attends hands out sessions that introduced children to books. he Club’s involvement in the fight against to child with glasses of milk That historic moment was commemorated in roviding good nutrition to young children, In RY 2007-2008, it was further expanded TB started in 1975 when it linked up primary to children in a marker installed at the Guadalupe site in 1979 especially those belonging to financially T complex at feeding center P beyond its original mission, with the choice of with the Philippine Tuberculosis Society to and reinstalled at the entrance to the RC Makati challenged families, has been a concern for launch of “End young children in the pre-school age group as train a group of nutritionists and volunteers Polio Now” clubhouse on July 1, 2013. It reads: RC Makati since RY 1972-1973 when feeding the program’s primary beneficiaries. Learning in administering the anti-TB vaccine, BCG. project “On this Saturday, 29 September 1979, was centers were set up in the “barrios” (now called that medication alone, without proper nutrition, The volunteers were eventually fielded for an launched in the Philippines the Health, Hunger & “barangays”) of Makati. Severely malnourished cannot arrest the disease, the Club has made immunization drive that benefited 822 children. Humanity Programme of Rotary International to children were provided free meals on a daily supplemental feeding a companion project to TB The effort intensified when the Club entered immunize 6 million children between the ages of 3 basis and weighed periodically to measure their treatment. into an exclusive partnership with Direct Relief and 36 months against poliomyelitis.” progress. To date, the project has fed thousands of International, a US-based humanitarian agency, The program was carried on through RY children all over Binondo in Manila, Pasig, for the distribution of TB medicine in the First Health Project and TRF 1978-1979, when it was christened “Mothercraft Tanay, Bay in Laguna, Calatagan in Batangas, country. Grant Project” since it was expanded to include the Baguio City, and Tagudin in Ilocos Sur. It With its DRI connection, the Club was he Club’s health advocacy began in RY education of mothers on nutrition, hygiene and provides each child with one hot meal and a encouraged to start a massive anti-TB project 1969-1970 with the establishment of a T sanitation, health, family planning, and related glass of milk every day for 156 days. The meal in two towns in Cavite — Dasmariñas and health clinic on Polilio Island in Quezon issues. supplies about 30 percent of the recommended Carmona, resettlement communities for former Province. Funded by a World Community In 1986, the responsibility for the feeding energy and nutrient intake for young children. informal settlers, majority of whom had tested Service grant, the very first in a long list of centers was transferred from the Club to the For easier management, each module is limited positive for TB. The project was funded by a TRF grants received by the Club from The Rotary Makati City government and to various parishes. to 30 children. The mothers plan the menus in matching grant of $162,000 and implemented in Foundation (TRF), the clinic catered to the The project was revived in 2004 with a advance and take turns in buying ingredients partnership with the Dept. of Social Welfare and health needs of the community of fisher folk, feeding program for 30 children in the Club’s and preparing the food, making sure that the Development and AKAPKA Foundation. The with provisions of basic medicine, medical adopted Gawad Kalinga community in Kaingin meal is nutritious. project was discontinued in 1990 when the two checkups by and consultations with volunteer in Parañaque. The Club’s response to RI Credit for the project’s success rate of 97% communities were declared TB-free. doctors, and informal lessons on personal President Jonathan Majiyagbe’s challenge to is shared with project partners — the Dept. of Revived in RY 2001-2002 with the focus hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and disease Rotary Clubs to do their share in the global effort Social Welfare and Development, Kabisig ng shifting to children with primary complex, the prevention. at poverty reduction, the project was among Kalahi, Rotary Clubs, private foundations, and new round provided treatment to over 2,800 those visited by the RI president during his stop corporate sponsor Mead Johnson. patients, using funds from three TRF grants in Manila in January 2004. totaling $130,000. In RY 2006-2007, the project took a step farther to include mental feeding, partnering

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PGH surgeons School children During the centennial of Rotary International An Array of Health Initiatives at work under hydrocephalus. The operations are performed by intervention measures for parents; a Targeted in Parañaque the Boy Hilvano in 2004-2005, the Club renewed its commitment a team of volunteer surgeons, anesthesiologists, project that had a deep impact on students Maternal & Child Care Program under which sport smiles and Medical to the anti-TB cause by leading the “Rotary and nurses from UP-PGH. in Parañaque from 2010 to 2012 was Vision mothers and their children were given free new eyeglasses Missions A received from Project Declaration Against TB” and spearheading The PGH project was preceded by the Cleft for Education, which gave visually impaired consultation and medicine; and a Hepa B Vision for “Stop TB 2005, ”a program that involved all Palate & Lip Project, a one-man operation that students reading glasses. The Club linked up immunization drive during which some 1,700 Education Project Rotary Clubs in the 10 Rotary districts in the started in 1980-1981 with deformity-correction with optical shops and optometrists, who gave school children received the life-saving shots, Philippines, together with the World Health surgeries performed by Dr. Jorge Neri, pro bono, the students eye tests and made customized free of charge. The Club also gave donations Organization, Department of Health, and the at the Makati Medical Center. He handled the reading glasses for them. The impact was of prosthetic limbs to needy amputees under Philippine Coalition Against TB. project for most of the decade, ushering many as instantaneous as it was dramatic — the the Jaipur Foot project and of pacemakers to In 2008, concern about the increase of multi- young boys and girls, marked from birth, from children’s eyes lit up the moment they tried on indigent heart patients. drug resistant (MDR) cases prompted the Club shyness to confidence. their new eyewear. It was, indeed, an eye opener to make a donation of P500,000 to the Philippine Through the decades, the Club conducted in more ways than the literal. By the time the International Center for TB to help fund its work medical and dental missions in many project folded in 2012, over 1,650 students in Many other advocacies have been pursued by of finding a cure for the MDR strain. communities within and outside Metro Manila. eight public schools had received a pair of those Rotary Club Makati, among these Vocational The Club carries on with the project, nursing Standouts in memory were a polio immunization eye-opening blessings and from then on, done Service, Youth Development, Career Guidance, sick children back to health, 30 at a time. Its anti- mission in Bauang, La Union, several dental well in school. Frank Chavez Bantay Bata (Child Watch), Potable TB scheme is likely to go on as long as there are missions in Parañaque performed by volunteer The Club’s concern for eye health was Water, The Environment, Relief Operations and Filipinos, young and old, who face risk with the dentists from sister club RC Itako, a number concretized in a number of other projects — a Disaster Preparedness. disease. of missions in Brgys. La Paz and Cabanelas in campaign against nutritional blindness due It has also networked for synergy with project Makati, and periodic medical-dental missions at to deficiency in Vitamin A; a mobile eye clinic partners. Rarely has the Rotary Club of Makati Medical Missions the Club’s adopted Gawad Kalinga communities outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment where gone it alone in projects designed to benefit a hen the late Serafin “Boy” Hilvano, a in Kaingin and Villa Paraiso in Parañaque. ophthalmologist Dr. Vic Caparas performed large number and run a long time. That has been Wnoted surgeon at the Philippine General cataract and glaucoma operations; cataract its service strategy since its birth in March 1966 Hospital (PGH), joined the Club in 1989, he operations in the mobile eye clinic in Brgy. — to join hands with organizations, public and birthed a project that would outlive him. Cabanelas in Makati; and Save an Eye, a project private, that can best push a project forward, so After 27 years, the PGH surgical missions that offered free eye check-ups and surgery to that it can do the most good for more people for continue after Dr. Hilvano’s death, as no cataract patients. the longest possible while. doubt he would have wanted. They offer free There were other health schemes that the surgery to poor patients suffering from gall Club undertook in the past: a Portage Project for stones, hemorrhoids, hernia, goiter, breast the early detection of mental deficiency among cancer, meningocoele, and once in a while, infants and toddlers and the prescription of

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Baby Elora C Makati has been the consistent top- As big a giver as it is, RC Makati is a big s the Rotary Club of Makati celebrated its Rufino (left) and notcher in TRF giving in the district. receiver of TRF grants too. 50th anniversary, it marked a significant Baby Emilia R A Ackerman, On its 50th anniversary year in 2015-2016, The first TRF grant it received was for a turning point in the Club’s history, highlighting youngest of it set a new record in Paul Harris Fellows, World Community Service project on Polilio as well all the pioneering and subsequent 100 Paul Harris Fellows enlisted enlisting 100, double the original target for Island during the term of Pres. Fred Nassr in energetic efforts of several generations of on the Club’s the year, a figure that is without precedent in 1969-1970, a good three years before the Club’s members. 50th year, with, District 3830. first recorded contribution of $1,000 to the For any organization to survive, it requires L-R: PP Charlie Rufino, PP Its all-time giving as of 30 April 2016 stood at Foundation. continuous planning for succession. The torch Carlo & Cat $1,938,231.54, for a per capita giving of $13,746.32 The Club has since been the receiving end of is passed every so often. The course engages a Rufino, Pres. Eddie Yap, PE against a member count of 141, another TRF beneficence. continuum of generations. Dave & Mache record. It’s a long, long way from the $1,000 In the past 10 years alone, it has received It has helped as well that not a few Club Ackerman, contribution in January 1972 made by then IPP $553,991 in grants for 13 projects — including members can trace their Rotarian roots to and DG Pepito Bengzon. Ford Tussing towards a Paul Harris Fellow, the a global grant for a health project to treat bloodlines and family relations. very first for RC Makati. over 900 TB-afflicted children and another, a As has already been mentioned earlier in this RC Makati is the only Club in the country donation of fishing boats to 168 fishermen in book, the Rotarian spirit runs strong in a number Of late, a new generation of leaders has come “The Young Turks” at a Leyte. of families, among those the ones of PRID Paing to the fore, known as “The Young Turks.” They credited with four members of the Arch mini-social in Klumph Society (AKS), the elite club of major The biggest grant it has received so far was Hechanova, the De Leons Carding and Dicky have started to take on increasingly important their honor gift donors whose cumulative giving has a $189,000 3H grant for a water project in San and PDG Tony Quila, the Ngs Peter and Joseph, roles and will certainly lead the Club into the hosted by PP Gigi Zulueta reached at least $250,000: Past RI Director Fernando, Pampanga in 1999-2000. Its second PP Freddie Borromeo whose maternal uncle next chapter of its history. at Barcino, Rafael Hechanova and PDG Robert Kuan and biggest was a $162,000 matching grant in 1986- Amancio Sun was a charter member, the Rufinos To name a few, there are: Dir. Louie Aseoche, Rockwell Center in who headed the Induction Ball committee and two non-Rotarians: philanthropist Angelo King 1987 for a TB control project for informal settler PP Charlie and PP Carlo and his cousin Andrew Makati. and banker Frederick Dy. families relocated from Metro Manila to two Prieto , as well as other father-and-son tandems, directed the 50th anniversary event; PE David The Club has 14 other major donors — PP resettlement sites in Cavite. namely PP Reuben Valerio and Miko, PP Roland Ackerman who will soon be the youngest Freddie Borromeo in Level 2, the rest in Level RC Makati stands as concrete proof of Young and Sam, and the late Irving Ackerman president after PP Carlo Rufino who had been 1: PDG Pepito Bengzon, PP Jonny Carlos, Mon the validity and effectiveness of The Rotary and David, who is set to serve as president in the youngest at 35; Miko Valerio who handled Diokno, Mike Escaler, PDG Sid Garcia, PP Ric Foundation’s program of give and take. 2016-2017. the Nutcracker fundraiser that raised a very tidy Librea,PDG Tony Quila, PP Carlos del Rosario, These filial relations have all enriched the sum; and Shalimar Tamano who chairs Bantay PP Charlie Rufino, PP Sonny Tambunting, world of Rotary, imbuing it as well with the Bata and spearheads the PR campaign with Johnson Tan, Frank Yih and PP Roland Young. strength of a continuity of succession in terms of Philippine Daily Inquirer to get the Club featured Four of them reached major donor status on the hearty leadership. more prominently, together with Andrew Prieto Club’s 50th anniversary year. who also conducts medical missions.

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RC Alabang, was also in one of the dance groups Of late, a new during the Christmas party), Sam Young who has been invocator a number of times, Don Lino generation of leaders who joined a recent trip to Calapan to launch has come to the an anti-TB project, and Lloyd Chon who heads career guidance. fore, known as “The There, too, are Jose Gonzales, who mobilized Young Turks.” They the Baby Rotarians as ushers for the ‘Spirit of ’67 Dance Concert,’ Carlo Santos, guitarist for the have started to take in-house band that played in the dance-concert, on increasingly Dan Lim, also an usher at the dance-concert, who was in the welcome team for sister clubs important roles and during the March 12 gala and is a member of the will certainly lead the golf team, and Rommel Bernardo who has taken on assignments in the weekly program. Dan Club into the next and Rommel have also signed up as Paul Harris chapter of its history. Fellows, as have Porsche Pena and S. K. Kim, while Manny Padiernos has been tapped for participation in the weekly program and for the Then too, there are members who serve Christmas Party dance contest. behind the scenes, such as Julian Lim who The key for the Rotary club of Makati for makes sure about budgets as treasurer of the the next 50 years is to continue to nurture its Club, Jun Lumagui who serves as legal council next generation of leaders who have learned and assistant treasurer, Chris Fereraza who helps from all the past presidents’ experiences and keep accounting ledgers in check, and Bobby Lee take inspiration from the rich half-century of who coordinates golf activities. heritage, yet at the same time make Rotary Then there are Bom Villatuya who was relevant to the fast-paced internet generation, among the ushers at the dance-concert at so that it may not only endure but thrive in the Alphaland (Bom, the son of PP Nick Villatuya of coming years, well into a bright future. They will be the ones setting sail for new horizons for the Rotary Club of Makati.

192 Club of Makati

Club of Makati YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 Club of Makati

YEARS Setting Sail for501966 ~ 2016

YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 YEARS 1966 ~ 2016

50 Setting Sail for New Horizons New Horizons

Setting Sail for New Horizons

The Rotarian spirit was once again in full display at the old seaport in Ormoc City during the 2016 turnover ceremony for the Gift of Boats project. YEARS YEARS 501966 ~ 2016 YEARS 1966 ~ 2016 501966 ~ 2016 50