RCMD Unites for Good in Joint FAST “Eat, Pray and Love” Project
Makati City, October 3, 2025 — The Rotary Club of Makati Dasmariñas (RCMD) once again demonstrated the power of service and fellowship through its Joint Focus Service Area Team Collaboration for the Maternal & Child FAST “Eat, Pray and Love” Project. The activity led by Focus Area Service Team (FAST) Chair Dr. Joji Tan was held on Friday, October 3, 2025, in partnership with the Economic FAST led by Chair Diane Zoleta, who joined in full force to support the cause.
A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Service
The day began at 12:15 PM with a solemn Holy Mass at the Divine Mercy Chapel, Estancia Mall, where Rotarians gathered to unite in prayer for the mission of uplifting mothers and children in RCMD’s adopted community.
At 1:00 PM, the fellowship continued over a hearty lunch at The Perfect Pint, where Maternal & Child FAST and Economic FAST members bonded in true Rotary spirit. Among those present were President Tet de Guzman, PE Lulu Jorge, Chairs Joji Tan and Diane Zoleta, PP Conrad Banal, Charter Member Evelyn Panuncio, Rtn. Pawan Gangwar, Rtn. Francis Ng with spouse Rita and children Navi and Nova, and PP Juor Buted with spouse Polly and their grandson Paddy. The camaraderie made the Angus beef all the more delicious, proving that service tastes best when shared in fellowship.
Reaching Out to Mothers and Children
From 3:00–4:00 PM, Rotarians held a Meet & Greet with 20 mothers, pregnant women, babies, and social workers from the Pinagbuhatan Children’s First 1,000 Days Feeding Program.
Highlights included:
Donations: Chair Diane provided baskets of canned goods, sandals, and toys, which complemented the hygiene packs from Smile Pilipinas.
Public Image Efforts: Chair Diane also facilitated meaningful interviews with mothers, social workers, and Rotarians to highlight the impact of Rotary service.
Learning Session: Dr. Joji Tan, President & CEO of Smile Pilipinas, led an engaging session on oral health in early childhood—teaching practical techniques and best practices to empower mothers in protecting their children’s smiles and overall well-being.
The mothers expressed joy and gratitude, sharing that they felt special, empowered, and deeply valued by the presence of the Rotarians.
Partnerships that Made a Difference
The event’s success was made possible through the generosity and dedication of partners and volunteers:
Kagawad Rose Umali for transporting mothers, babies, and Barangay Nutrition Workers.
Pinagbuhatan Nutrition Team led by BNS Alvin Limbauan and passionate volunteers Connie Valenzuela and Aleth Padilla
RC Pasig partners, Past Presidents Bernard Dy and John Javier.
Ilugin Health Center doctors led by Dr. Margarita Luisa Alfonso and Dr. Concepcion Alfiler
The many kind volunteers who gave their time and effort.
Rotarians were delighted to see healthy, thriving babies—just four months old—already benefitting from the extra nutritious daily meals
Provided during the First 1,000 Days Program. They are definitely not stunted as is the case when nutrition of pregnant moms is deficient.
Extending Love Through Food, Care, and Knowledge
Aside from distributing food packs, healthy shakes, hygiene kits, and toys, Rotarians shared compassion and encouragement, especially with breastfeeding mothers. Smile Pilipinas’ sponsorship of the meals was a meaningful gesture, underscoring its mission of promoting oral health as a cornerstone of overall wellness.
Truly, We Unite for Good
The “Eat, Pray and Love” Project embodied Rotary’s spirit of service—strengthening families through health, nutrition, and oral care, while nurturing hope in the crucial first 1,000 days of life.
As RCMD reflected on the day’s events, one truth stood out: when we Eat, Pray, and Love together, we truly Unite for Good. 💙💛❤️
Big Thank You to our RY 2024-25 Program fund sponsors @Au Melvin new @Joann Cañete and Smile Pilipinas!
Onwards to RY 2025-2026!
