On December 12, 2008, the Rotary Club of Makati McKinley (RCMMc), led by Pres. Bing Icamina, held its annual tradition of Christmas gift-giving to the katutubong Aetas resettled at Sitios Target and Monikayo in Angeles City.  The much awaited event was held at the Clark Picnic Grounds in Mabalacat, Pampanga.  It was drizzling and wet when the project team left Manila early in that morning, but the warm sunshine and cool breeze at the venue made the activity truly festive.

RCMMc has been involved in the Annual Aeta Christmas Outreach Project since it was chartered in 2004.  It is jointly sponsored by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Manila Chapter and the Barkada Kontra Krimen (Barkada 2K) of Angeles City.  Thanks to the efforts of the PRC Manila Chapter, led by District 5 Pres. Rose Lay, and RCMMc President-Elect Mike Macatangay, more support groups participated in the project this year, to include Hiyas ng Maynila, Mata ng Maynila, RD Bikers Philippines, Office of Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Rotary Club of Makati Legaspi and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees (GRLA) Professional Group.

A total of 350 Aeta families were each given bags of foodstuffs and old clothes.  The activity was well organized and orderly through the efforts of Barkada 2K. And, for the first time, Ms. Fely Rondolo, PR Officer of Clark Development Corporation, the outreach project venue’s owner, who is also a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Clark, was present to lend a hand.

It was a heartwarming experience to see our Aeta brothers eagerly receiving their gifts.  Maybe not much on the faint smiles on their faces for some, but one can feel genuine happiness in their hearts and in their eyes.  For the RCMMc members present, it was a joyous Christmas celebration, indeed.  The club definitely looks forward to doing the project again next year.