“Propelling Rotaractors in Noble Causes, Empowering Society through Service,”
Despite the inclement weather that swept across Metro Manila, the Rotaract Club of Makati gathered on
August 29, 2026, at the PHCC Building of the Makati Rotary Club Foundation, Inc., Guadalupe Viejo,
Makati City, for its 20th Induction and Handover Ceremonies. With the theme “Propelling Rotaractors in Noble Causes, Empowering Society through Service,” the evening marked not only the beginning of a
new Rotary Year, but also the continuation of a legacy built on friendship, leadership, and service.
The ceremony began with the solemn processional of the Club’s Past Presidents, followed by the
entrance of incoming President Princess Pol, accompanied by her parents—a meaningful moment
symbolizing her formal acceptance of the responsibility of leading the Rotaract Club of Makati for Rotary
Year 2026–2027. The gathering proceeded with the invocation led by Director Reggie Bontia, followed by
the recitation of the Four-Way Test, led by Director Ron Saquing. Secretary and President-Elect Darlah
Leonardo then warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and dignitaries who graced the occasion.
The celebration became a testament to the strong fellowship within the Rotaract movement, welcoming
82 attendees, including distinguished Past District Rotaract Representatives, District Rotaract
Representatives, and District Rotaract Representative-Elects. Notably, nine of the ten Rotaract districts
across the Philippines were represented, making the occasion a truly nationwide celebration of Rotaract
leadership and service.
One of the evening’s meaningful highlights was the recognition of the Club’s volunteers—individuals
whose time, energy, and willingness to serve have continuously strengthened the Club’s projects and
advocacies. The Red, Green, and Violet volunteers, comprising seven new and continuing volunteers,
were honored for their invaluable contributions. Their recognition reflected a simple truth at the heart of
Rotaract: service is not carried by officers alone. It is made possible by people who willingly show up,
lend a hand, share their talents, and choose to make a difference.
The ceremony also welcomed seven new members who completed the Club’s Membership
Cycle and were formally inducted into the Rotaract Club of Makati. The new members—Ron Saquing,
Jaydee Tulaña, Jamaica Valeros, Kenneth Villamor, Jick Gumba, Lance Balungcas, and Justine Castillo—are
all serving as officers during the current Rotary Year, bringing with them not only new energy but also a
commitment to contribute to the Club’s continued growth. The charging of the new members was led by
Mark Gil Cato, while the induction was officiated by Secretary/Director Nikko Dayrit.
Following the induction of new members was the charging of the Club’s officers and Board of Directors.
A total of 33 officers were entrusted with various club positions and directorships overseeing the Club’s
different community initiatives. The charging was led by Past President Mennen Gonzales, while District Rotaract Representative Vincent Lorenzo Naval served as Induction Officer. The moment served as a reminder that
Leadership in Rotaract is not simply about holding a position; it is about accepting the responsibility to serve, collaborate, and create opportunities for others.
At the heart of the evening was the much-anticipated Handover Ceremony. Outgoing President Jover
Acebuche formally handed over the Club’s bell, gavel, and banner to President Princess Pol, symbolizing
the passing of leadership and the continuation of the Club’s journey.
In his valedictory address, IPP Jover looked back on his own transformation throughout his Rotaract
journey. From once being shy when it came to participating in club activities, he spoke of how
he eventually developed an “Ako Na” mindset, the willingness to step forward, take responsibility, and
say yes when the opportunity to serve comes. His story reflected what Rotaract leadership is ultimately
about: growth. Sometimes, leadership begins not with confidence, but with the courage to take the first
step.
The ceremony was further graced by Rotary Club of Makati President Christopher “Chris” Ferareza, who
shared his vision and flagship initiatives for Rotary Year 2026–2027. His leadership vision centers on
service above self, sustainable community development, ethical leadership, and creating opportunities
that empower communities for generations to come. His presence reinforced the strong partnership
between the Rotary Club of Makati and its sponsored Rotaract Club, reminding everyone that
meaningful community impact is strengthened when generations of leaders work together toward a
common purpose.
Before President Princess Pol delivered her inaugural address, Past President AJ Sembrano introduced
her to the gathering, sharing the story of her journey—from her younger years and her first experiences
in volunteering to the leadership role she now carries. Her journey began unexpectedly: volunteering with the Red Cross in school, partly because of a crush. From there, her desire to serve continued to grow as she became involved as a Parish Youth member, established a community theater in Fairview called Teatro Dayaw, and eventually found her way to the Rotaract Club of Makati. Years later, the journey that began with a simple act of volunteering brought her to the presidency of the Club. And as she stood before the members, volunteers, guests, and fellow Rotaractors, President Princess made one thing clear: this will not simply be her year. This will be the year of the members and volunteers—the people she considers not merely colleagues in service, but friends. For her presidency, President Princess chose Taylor Swift’s Lover as the inspiration behind the year’s theme and identity.
More than an album, Lover represents the values she hopes to cultivate within the Rotaract Club of Makati: connection, love, friendship, and belonging.
These values mirror the heart of the Rotaract experience. Beyond projects, meetings, awards, and
leadership positions are relationships built through shared experiences: late-night preparations,
community visits, unexpected challenges, laughter after long days, and the simple joy of knowing that
one is never serving alone. For President Princess, Rotaract is a community where people find one
another, grow together, and choose to make a difference together. Her inaugural address therefore
became more than a declaration of plans for the year ahead. It became an invitation—to participate, to
connect, to serve, and to make this chapter one that belongs to everyone.
As part of this vision, the Club also officially launched two major Public Image projects during the
ceremony: the official Rotaract Club of Makati website and Ragasa, the Club’s official newsletter. Both
platforms were conceptualized and developed by the Public Image – Website and Newsletter Team,
serving as new avenues for the Club to tell its stories, showcase its service, celebrate its members and
volunteers, and connect with the wider Rotaract and Rotary community. The launch of these platforms
marks another step forward in strengthening the Club’s public image and ensuring that the work of its
members and volunteers reaches beyond the communities they serve.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt message from DRR Vincent Lorenzo Naval, who reflected on his
own Rotaract journey and acknowledged the significant support he received from Past Presidents Mark
Gil Cato, Prame Cato, and Kash Gana, as well as from the Rotaract Club of Makati itself. His message
underscored another important truth about Rotaract leadership: no leader stands alone. Every
presidency is built upon the guidance of those who came before, the support of those who serve
alongside them, and the trust of those who believe in what the Club can accomplish.
As the formal ceremonies came to a close, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to celebration. The
night ended with a fellowship filled with Taylor Swift songs, bringing together Rotaractors, Rotarians,
guests, volunteers, and friends in celebration of a new chapter.
The rain may have poured outside, but inside the PHCC Building, a new season had already begun. And
with President Princess Pol at the helm, the Rotaract Club of Makati begins another year—not simply
moving forward, but propelling Rotaractors toward noble causes and empowering society through
service.
A new chapter has begun. And this time, it is a chapter written together.
