The Rock Volume 1 Issue No. 1

ROCK DECEMBER 2010

the

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ROCKWELL CLUB

INSIDE

EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA & THE KARITON DREAM

MORE NEW SOCIALS, CLASSES, FACILITIES & CULTURAL TOURS EXCLUSIVE TO ROCKWELL CLUB MEMBERS

Explore & Discover

OLD MANILA WITH KIRJA PARCELL AND THE WALKAPEDIA TOURS

BIG LEAGUE HERE.

When even small starts big, you can expect the gains to be bigger than big league.

Contrary to the common belief that condo units depreciate in value in ten years’ time, Rockwell is exactly the opposite.

Let’s put it in black and white. A prime Rockwell property priced at P70,000/sqm in the year 2000 is now valued for as much as P140,000/sqm. On top of that, leasing a Rockwell unit brings in a consistent rental yield of 8-10%. Edades is one prime property that’s definitely very Rockwell in terms of big time returns. Now, that spells the big difference between getting the small one secured and getting him made.

As always, big news never ends at Rockwell.

ROCKWELL A member of the Lopez Group of Companies

CONT ENT S

December 2010

35

30

18 MEMBERS ONLY

32

3 GM’S MESSAGE 4 ADVISORIES

COMING SOON

7 THE LOFT BY DAY, JAZZ BY NIGHT 8 OUT-OF-THE-BOX EVENTS 10 PERKS OF STYLE and LIFE

NEWS

13 RXWELL’S GOT YOU COVERED 15 CLUB SPECIALTIES

THE SCENE

32 GOLF TOURS 34 HOGWARTS HALLOWEEN 35 MY RW CLUB: A ROCKWELL CHRISTMAS

Cover story TheWalkapedia Tours

22

17

LETTER FROM THE FRONT Happy new year, pretty new Rock

How much did we love 2010? Let us count the ways: Walkapedia Tours, Vacation Perks, Golf and Camera Club Outings, Ovation Concerts, preferred Cinema reservations, airport shuttles, a wellness corner, a boxing gym, doctors and ambulance on call, uplifted facilities, refreshed menus, wine and cheese, plus Alice, Madascar and Potters to boot! If all that’s a mouthful, wait till 2011 rolls around.

The Rockwell Club

Additionally, this issue’s new look should give you a feel of how the club will continue to evolve in the coming year. Introducing Kirja Parcell, a proud Rockwell Club member and a welcome cover to end a good year. So from the management and staff of your club, we wish each of you “A Blessed Ho-ho-holiday and a Joyful New Year!”

Directory

BANQUETS The Loft @ Manansala 756-1561/ 450-2989 Palm Grove & Meeting Rooms 450-2998 FOOD & BEVERAGE Chef Jessie 450-2993 / 450-2995 Rocky’s Café & Bar 756-1534 Juice Bar by Fruit Magic 8978310 loc. 7432

JP Masakayan VP - General Manager

ROCK

the

GM’s Office 756-1516 Membership Services 756-1533 / 897-8310 loc. 7446 Membership Administration 450-2984 Billing & Collection 450-2991 Sports & Recreation 897-8310 loc. 7431 or 7434 Spa 450-2994

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Raymond Ang MANAGING EDITORS Jay Abastillas JC Alelis CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Tricia Gosingtian LAYOUT ARTIST Amanda Cruz CONTRIUBORS Rico Cruz Joseph Ralph Hilario

ADVISORIES Calling All Inactive Rockwell Club Members and Shareholders!

We have all been missing you!

Please let us know what we can do to make you come and enjoy your membership privileges.

Send us an e-mail at club@rockwell.com.ph and share your wishes and insights on things that we need to improve on.

Meanwhile, if you simply do not have the time to enjoy the privileges that come with your Rockwell Club membership, you may want to consider having your share leased.

Call the Membership Services Office at 8978310, extension 7445/7446, for inquiries on the lease process.

“No Card, No Service” Policy In order to safeguard the integrity of the Club’s exclusivity, be reminded that presentation of a valid membership card is required prior to availing the Club’s services and facilities.

If you have inadvertently lost or misplaced your membership card, visit the Club’s Membership Services Office for the issuance of a replacement or a temporary card.

great news!

Your Rockwell Club share is now selling at P350,000.00 in the secondary market. This is a big leap from P280,000.00 in the year 2009!

This is good indication of the public’s confidence in the Rockwell Club!

Use of Manansala gym parking space To better manage the use of limited parking at the Manansala Gym, the Manansala Building Management, which owns the parking slots, has come up with guidelines to bring order and efficient use of the limited parking slots in front of the Manansala Gym. An advisory was provided by the Manansala Building Management and this has been posted at the Manansala Gym for our members’ information.

We are compelled to abide by these guidelines since we do not own the parking slots and we, likewise, deem it beneficial to the interest of the general membership.

• Use of the parking space is strictly for Rockwell Club members with valid car stickers only.

• The space is free for a maximum of two (2) hours for gym patrons.

• A one (1) hour limit shall be given to Rockwell Club members, with valid car stickers, who will go to the following establishments: Power Plant Mall, R5 Tennis/Basketball Courts, Joya Gym or Boxing facilities.

• Php 100 will be charged for every hour, or a fraction thereof, in excess of the time limit.

• Overnight parking by a member from 10PM – 6AM shall be charged Php 500 over and above any fees accumulated prior to 10PM. • Cars which parked overnight and are without any valid/current Rockwell Club or Manansala car sticker shall be booted. Only upon payment of the fees may the boot be taken off.

Rockwell Club Car stickers are available at the Club’s Membership Relations Desk. Call 8978310, ext. 7444 for information about Car Sticker issuance policies. Parking privileges are under the direct supervision of The Manansala Building Management. For the benefit of all Club members, your considerate cooperation with the Manansala building security guards will be most appreciated. The above policy has been in place since September 2010.

6

The byLoft day

Jazz

COMING SOON

S C E N E S P O T T I N G

by night

Did you know that The Loft is perfect for venue for your seminars and private functions? Rockwell Club takes you back to the rollicking 1920s, to the days of flapper girls, endless champagne, and Great Gatsby. In the first quarter of 2011, prepare for an event that will transform The Loft into a wine and music bar by night.

Featuring a full wine bar, a rustic yet cozy set-up, and some of the best jazz artists out there, all that’s missing is you. It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing so get join us as we party like it’s 1929.

7

COMING SOON

Out of the Box Events

It seems everyone’s a photographer nowadays. With everyone running around, toting DSLRs like there’re little Mark Nicdaos, it’s tough to see which photographers are worth their salt. Rockwell Club helps you pass muster by offering more workshops and exposure trips for 2010.

The first quarter will focus on portrait and studio photography for beginners, while the summer season will include a trip to Batanes for some unique landscape photography. Keep your eyes out for updates.

GOLF OUTINGS. With the success of our past golf tours the past year (see Page 32 to see who got their share of green fun), we’re putting together another round of golf outings for all you enthusiasts and experts alike! So keep practicing your drive and watch out for updates on our next course destination.

8

GET EXCLUSIVE PACKAGES AT THE EXPO

COMING SOON

Have Perks, Will Travel A new year calls for new beginnings and who doesn’t feel refreshed after a good vacation? Slated to happen before the summer season, Rockwell Club’s Travel Fair will mainly feature our lifestyle perks partners Discovery Group, Asya Premier de Boracay, Dos Palmas and more. Watch out for the exclusive discounts and special package offerings which can only be availed of during the expo.

9

NEWS

Perks of Style Jay Abastillas of the Rockwell Club ventures to Asya de Premier Boracay and experiences an escape like no other.

During this time of hustle and bustle, vacation getaways have become few and far between. And sometimes, vacations themselves become more of a hassle rather than an escape of relaxation. I guess that is why we now have the saying, “taking a vacation from this vacation.” Irony aside, there are still a few places out there where the concept of “escape” is still widely evident. One such place is Asya de Premiere Boracay.

Tucked in the corner of Boracay’s coastline, tranquility and serenity are assured, while not being too far away from the lights, sounds and activities that Boracay has to offer. There is a certain sense of grandeur with a touch of class once you enter the Asya.

Its modern Filipino architectural design screams “vacation” while simultaneously whispering “home.” It’s a place where you

10

can stay to get away from the drudgeries of city life but still manage to keep a sense of familiarity. Courteous and friendly, I was quite surprised when all the staff, from the driver that picked me up from my resort, to the front desk receptionist, already knew my name and greeted me in a very amicable way. That’s personalized service.

Asya is a two-hectare paradise with 10 more hectares under development. Its lush greens and verdant foliage adds more to its already well-established theme. Currently, it has 20 suite rooms, four of which are presidential suites and the rest, premier suites. Each suite is extremely roomy and is patterned more to a villa rather than a hotel room. Presidential suites come with their own verandas, some of which have a spectacular view of the entire Boracay coastline.

If one would like to have a more active vacation, Asya offers a multitude of activities to ensure a fun-filled vacation. One can book with the resort to tour the entire Boracay island via boat. Activities include snorkeling, diving, boating, and an assortment of other water sports. If one wants to go to Station 1 or 2 and go shopping, dining, or take part in other activities the island has to offer, Asya offers a shuttle service that will bring one to where one wishes and bring one back to the resort at any given time. Inhouse, Asya has a swimming pool, as well as spa services as a perfect end to an upbeat day in Boracay.

Dining in Asya is a different experience altogether. Its restaurant, Palay, boasts a menu of fusion cuisine at its finest. Its menu includes Asian dishes, Western dishes, and concoctions that fuse both sides into a symphony of amazing flavor. While I was not fortunate enough to sample all the items on the menu, the Striploin steak was simply exquisite. It was presented in its usual Western way but had a tinge of Asian flavor in it, with its spices and sauces. It was absolutely impeccable. During one’s stay in Asya, a dinner in Palay is a definite must.

There is a wide array of resorts in Boracay.

It has grown difficult to find one that really separates itself from the rest, from theme to facilities, to service, to accommodation, to food, and to the finest details. Without doubt, Asya Premier de Boracay has successfully distinguished itself as one of the finest getaway spots on the entire Boracay island. Your long awaited vacation awaits!

For inquiries and bookings, please contact our Membership Services Desk at 897-8310 loc. 7445

NEWS

Perks of Life A little extra of life’s not-so-little pleasures

Rockwell Club Members’ perks go way beyond the Club, and this coming year, we’ve got luxury resorts opening their doors with special discounts and exclusive packages for you. Arrange your reservations through us to the following resorts: Discovery Suites, Discovery Shores Boracay Island, Country Suites Discovery Tagaytay, Asya Premier Suites, Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort Palawan and Eagle Ridge Golf and Residential Estates.

12

NEWS

Rxwell’s got you Covered

Living in Rockwell offers you life’s great pleasures--from the best food to the best travel. But your Rockwell family isn’t only with you for the good times. Here in Rockwell, we look out for our own.

Enter Lifeline, Rockwell Club’s in-house clinic. With a complete battalion of doctors, nurses, and even an ambulance on standby, we’ve got you covered. This is your one-stop shop wellness center.

Service is also personalized, as is the Rockwell experience. Lifeline provides customized PT packages and diet plans for members.

Lifeline is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a doctor on duty from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

13

NEWS

Good-to-Go The G2 Specialist Rockwell Club is known for its many friendly faces and none friendlier than Erika Ocampo herself. The club’s go-to (G2) specialist handles the concierge service dedicated to attend to members’ needs. This fair-skinned chinita, her of the generous smile and accommodating eyes, is just the right woman to ask, if ever you find yourself in a bind. The various services offered are:

o Vacation Planning We have lined-up a list of packages for our Perks partners plus chartered private plane and chopper. If you’d rather a trip that fulfills your preferences, our G2 Specialist will be your primary contact for planning your vacation. o Airport Shuttle Service Contact our G2 hotline for an airport taxi to pick you up from your residence and drive you straight to the airport. o Reservation Assistance From cinema tickets to dinner reservations, our G2 specialist and Membership Relations Associate will gladly assist you with your needs. o Plane and Chopper Rental Whether it’s for a business trip, vacation or picnic out of town, our G2 specialist is dedicated to arrange this for you. Enjoy breathtaking trips with INAEC’s Eurocopter and Super King Air 3. o Rental Car Arrangement Provided By (Nissan Rent-a-Car ) Let us know if you prefer an SUV or a Limousine and we will reserve this for you.

Get the G2’s assistance through the Membership Desk at 756-1516 or 450-2988.

14

Rocky’s and Chef Jessie’s menus evolving with your taste

NEWS

Club Specials Rocky’s Upcoming Selection January – Mexican Specials Steak and Queso Fries Chicken Quesadilla with Creamy Cilantro Dressing February – Chinese Specials Sweet and Sour Pork Steamed Kangkong with Bagoong Kung Pao Chicken Breast March & April – Mongolian Barbecue

Named after the beautiful daughter of former matinee idol Armanda Goyena, the Cita Revilla Salad is quite a steal for the seemingly pricey tag of P695. Lusch Mesclun greens are tendered with fresh fruits and considerably-sized grilled prawns. Mushrooms are an unexpected addition to the dish, with raspberry vinaigrette dressing giving it even more flavor. It’s a refreshing salad with just the right tinge of flavor to go with your holiday cheer.

15

NEWS

Mean Machines New TechnoGym and Kinesis equipment for more effective training sessions

The main gym is now equipped with the latest body wellness machines that will maximize your workout sessions.

Keiser M3 spinning bicycle. The unique M3 features an innovative magnetic resistance system. Designed, engineered and manufactured in the U.S. You can also connect the M3 with the intuitive M Series computer.

18

TECHNOGYM ELEMENT STRENGTH EQUIPMENT and KINESIS ONE. Kinesis brings you an innovative training method.

The uniqueness of the total body movement and the ability to offer a personal experience ensures everyone achieves results, stays engaged and motivated. Perfect for free use & with a personal trainer.

Mat-based Pilates group exercise

The Pilates Method is an exercise form based on developing functional strength by performing specific moves. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the method, created a number of machines with which to execute these moves as well as a repertoire of exercises to be performed without machines.

Add a fitness ball to your Pilates mat work to increase the level of difficulty. Mat work can range from relatively easy moves for beginners to extremely difficult moves for more advanced, experienced practitio-

NEWS

Class of 2010 ners. Pilates mat work utilizes the “core” or abdominal muscles, and it features moves lying on the back, sides, stomach as well as standing. As you progress, you can integrate small apparatus, such as a fitness ball, fitness circle, weights, resistance bands or foam rollers, to increase the difficulty of the work. You can also find Pilates mat work materials for working on such specific issues as Pilates for pregnancy, osteoporosis, back pain, cardiovascular fitness and weight loss.

SCHEDULE Tuesday & Saturday 10:30am to 11:30am Wednesday – 7:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday – 8:30am to 9:30am For further inquiries please call the Sports & Recreation department, 450-2994; 897-8310 local 7434 and 0917521ROCK

19

Sampaguita Ice Cream Sinagtala Ballroom

Main Dining Room

Kuatro Kantos Bar & Cafe

Discovery with the Family

22

The Walkapedias These past few months, Rockwell Club has been bringing you outside its grounds and into the heart of Manila. From the crash course through Philippine history that is the Carlos Celdran tour, to the dimsum-andthen-some Ivan Man Dy, the tours bring you the Manila you never knew, its glorious golden era and secret cultural heritage.

If you’ve taken the tours, turn the page to relive the experience. If you haven’t, here’s what you’ve been missing.

23

Quirky yet informative tour guide of tour de force proportions Carlos Celdran has certainly made locals and foreigners alike obtain a different perspective of Manila. His motto, “Changing the way you look at Manila,” is an understatement. After a tour with Carlos, one will definitely gain a much deeper appreciation for Manila. Its history and its culture are all presented to you in such an interesting way, “Wow, I didn’t know that” moments proliferate. With sometimes eccentric costumes coupled with his bubbly and feisty demeanor, the tour isn’t so much a tour as it is a journey. The stories of the past breathe life and Carlos effectively paints a picture of how it all really happened, with a twist.

On the tour, you’ll get to see historic landmarks such as Fort Santiago, where Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, was detained right before his execution. You’ll be brought to Manila Cathedral, one of the Philippines’ most iconic Churches, as well as San Agustin Church, one of the Philippines’ oldest and most story-filled. One of the best things about Carlos’ tours is the fact that his entire tour is covered simply by walking. One will observe not through a vehicle and glass windows, but actually be able to live, experience, and walk through history.

It’s an aspect of tourism that goes far beyond what is usually expected and is something that should be made known to all the visitors of Metro Manila.

Foreign or local, it is something one must definitely try and recommend.

-Jay Abastillas

San Agustin Church

Intramuros

25

National Museum

Art. Facts. Artifacts. This simple play on words cannot do justice to what The Philippine National Museum promises. It absolutely captures Filipino heritage and paints a profound image of what it means to be a Filipino. It houses some of the most prized and meaningful pieces in Filipino culture. A homegrown Filipino walking through its colorful hallways might obtain a sense of belonging, while a visitor might feel a sense of amazement and admiration for the country’s legacies.

The National Museum is split into two buildings. The first is called the “Museum of the Filipino People.” The building is dedicated to the history of Filipinos. There, one will find pieces like a sunken galleon, precious vases, figurines and other objects of trade, and even ancient, elaborate attire worn by Filipino ancestors.

The second building is the “Museum of Art.” In this building you will find a multitude of priceless works by Filipino artists with different kinds of media and style--from abstract to Impressionism. An artist at heart will spend hours appreciating the different pieces found in this museum. The most notable of which, is the “Spoliarium” by Juan Luna. Upon gazing at this work of art, one will come to notice that its majesty is only equaled by its tragic beauty. One could literally spend minutes upon minutes just absorbing every little detail that the painting has to offer.

-Jay Abastillas

26

Binondo Food Wok Ivan Man Dy isn’t out to change the world. With the aptly named Big Binondo Food Wok, Ivan and his fellow tour guide Anson have a simple goal in mind: to fill your stomach with Chinese street cuisine, and fill your brain with insights on Chinoy culture.

What starts as a brief open air lecture in the middle of Plaza Calderon de la Barca quickly becomes an epicurean expedition into the hidden heart of Chinatown. First, a side note: for all the various words of warning about how grimy and off-the-beaten-path the tour could be, the sights and sounds would be familiar to anyone who calls Metro Manila home. Jeepneys and cars jostle over every inch of road, just as religious icons and lewd advertisements create a visual cacophony on every available surface. You taste the local flavor even before you take the first bite.

So what’s on the menu? How about a sampling of authentic southern-Chinese dimsum served in a restaurant that’s about as hole-in-a-wall as an actual hole in the wall? Or perhaps you fancy something more filling: sticky rice with peanuts, fresh lumpia (yeah, none of that fried “shanghai” stuff), and the most unique siopao you’ve ever tried? Top those off with an extra helping of history and sociology and what you’ve got is a recipe for enlightenment—or at least, a really good time.

Want to spice up your trip to Binondo? Take the Pasig river ferry all the way to Escolta and see the metropolis from a new perspective. Believe it or not, it’s a pleasant ride and gets you in the right mood for Wok-ing.

-JC Alelis

27

You Old M

From Mia Farro Parcell has a way of Shooting the beautiful magazine’s team. Even the beautiful city of In us a be

2

You grew up here, right? Were you born here too?

I grew up in Australia and the Philippines. I was born in Sydney, Australia and I’ve basically been living back and forth between Australia and the Philippines.

What have you been up to? We know you help out with the family business and you’ve been doing some modeling.

I’ve been helping out with our family business Chocolate Fire and I’ve also been doing some modeling here and there! In my spare time I like to hang out with my boyfriend and friends. I love hanging out at the Rockwell Club by the pool and upstairs at Rocky’s Cafe, I’m basically there everyday with my boyfriend working on our upcoming business before going to the gym!.

Do you like modeling? You seem to be a natural at it.

Yes, I do like modeling but I do it as a side thing, as the market for a Caucasian model in the Philippines is scarce. But when I do get the opportunity to model, I always enjoy it.

What do you like about living in Rockwell?

Living in Rockwell has so many advantages. Its easy living! You have the Power Plant Mall as your back yard which is so handy because everything is so accessible. It’s also really nice to have access to all the pools and gyms as I like to keep fit and healthy!

Rockwell, for me, creates a small haven where I can just relax!

Why did you choose to join the Walkapedia Tour?

You joined the Intramuros one, right?

Yes, I joined the Walkapedia Intramuros tour. My mum and I love art, design, and history, therefore, we thought this tour would be perfect for us. And we also got to see some of Intramuros!

And how did you like it? What kind of things did you learn?

The tour was very enjoyable and educational. On the tour, we went to the National Museum where we were able to see amazing relics from ancient shipwrecks. One part of the exhibit that really intrigued

Upcoming Walkapedias

ung Kirja Manila

ow to Nicole Kidman, to Taylor Swift, Kirja making you recall a gamut of beautiful women. l and business-minded Kirja was a treat for this though it was essentially a guerilla shoot around ntramuros, Kirja stepped up to the plate and gave evy of faces we won’t soon forget.

28

me was viewing preserved animals and insects from past centuries. There was also a skull that still had beautifully engraved pure gold teeth.

Really fascinating! We also learned that there are 200 different ethnic groups in the Philippines, each with its own language. We learned so much about Filipino culture. When we transferred to the National Art Gallery, we viewed magnificent paintings by Filipino master painters such as Amersolo, Hidalgo, Luna and Joya. To finish the tour off, we had a delicious gourmet lunch at Ilustrado which is situated in a historical Spanish building.

What’s next for you? When are you leaving for school?

I’m moving to Melbourne late December to start University in Melbourne, Australia. I’ll be studying Bachelor of Communication Design at RMIT. So that’s what’s next for me. I’ll keep coming back to the Philippines though, for visits, as my family is based here.

After the Manila tours, Rockwell Club expands its horizons by going out of the city and taking treks to nearby Pampanga and Pinatubo. If the prospect of a butt-numbing hours-long ride isn’t particularly exciting, the culture and wonders at both sites make the trip worth it.

PINATUBO The word “pinatubo” means either “grown,” in Filpino, or a fertile place where crops can be made to grow. The former suggests the aftermath of the volcanoe’s epic eruptions, while the latter falls in line with its frequently fertile lands. Either way, it says a lot about Pinatubo. While sometimes treacherous, it is also often fertile, nourishing, and gorgeous. In the years after the 1991 eruption, Pinatubo has become a sort of mecca for mountain treks, hot springs, and volcanic mad baths.

There’s also a lot to do here, by way of history. The Capas National Shrine is a memorial to the Filipino and American soldiers who died in Camp O’ Donnell at the end of the Bataan Death March. While that doesn’t sound like a particularly life-affirming activity, the shrine’s monument, museum, and parkland make the trip worth it.

PAMPANGA You don’t get tagged the culinary capital of the Philippines for nothing. Kapampangan cuisine is widely thought to be among the most refined of local culinary traditions. While the longganisas and tocinos of Pampanga’s Best and Mekeni Food might be the capital’s most recognizable export, speciality dishes like lechon (roasted pig), kamaru (mole crickets), and bulanglang (pork cooked in guava juice) are the real draw, not to mention delicacies like pastillas and turonnes.

But if you don’t want to put on too many pounds, Pampanga is also a burgeoning tourism hotspot. St. Peter Shrine in Apalit, Mt. Arayat National Park in San Juan Bano, and the Paradise Rach and Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark are some of the spots you need to visit in the area.

29

Pay It Forward

A friend in need is a friend indeed CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Penaflorida, has been a frequent guest at our Club as a guest of fellow-member, Susan Dimacali. We took the opportunity to chat with this iconic ambassador of charity over brunch at Chef Jessie.

To donate or volunteer, please visit Dynamic Teen Company’s website at http://dynamicteencompany.org

We’ve all heard our fair share of underdog stories.

About how the regular Joe rises up against all odds, with no distinguishable characteristics, no famed and glorious past. Peter Parker. Frodo. Luke Skywalker.

Why are we so fascinated with such tales of serendipitous valor? Because like the heroes we look up to, we too search for the same kind of success. We relate to these figures and draw copious amounts of inspiration from them.

Through them, our lives have more flavor, meaning, and ultimately, more purpose because we, too, want to somehow change the world ourselves.

Efren Penaflorida is no different. Except, unlike Spiderman and the Order of the Jedi, He actually exists. From humble beginnings, He grew up in an urban slum area in Cavite. He would often play along the dirty, garbage-filled side streets of the slums and was subject to grave bullying as a child. Downtrodden and miserable, he almost lost is way, becoming part of the growing population of troubled youth. But through persistence and perseverance, he was able to graduate high school and later on, two university degrees.

During high school, Efren started the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) with some of his peers, striving to make sure other young people wouldn’t have to go through what he had to. He started off with around 20 members which, through the course of time, grew exponentially.

Eventually, the organization Club 8586, another community service organization joined DTC’s cause. This group was led by Efren’s mentor, Pastor KB Manalaysay. It was he that aided Efren to rise up from his stature and make a difference. And since that time, Efren has vowed to devote his life to make the same difference in the lives of others.

“I was influenced by Pastor KB,” says Efren. “He’s always showed me just how important what we’re doing really is. He helped me when I was young and our deal was that whatever I learned, I would pass on to others.”

In a joint effort, DTC and Club 8586 pioneered the idea of the “Kariton Classroom” or “Pushcart Classroom.” The Filipino pushcart, which is usually a mobile means to vend goods (such as fruits) on the streets, took a whole new meaning when Efren and KB decided to fill these pushcarts with books and school supplies and push it around the urban slum areas of Cavite, providing free education to street children who have no access to it otherwise. Pastor KB explains, “The main problem is that these kids are hungry, not just for food, but for love, affection, attention, everything. Their families subject them to child labor so they are not allowed to exercise their childhood. Most of these kids end up being young parents, while some are being molested by their own parents. This is not just a prob-

lem of the government, but of everyone. We’re all affected.”

What was once a small and unnoticed effort suddenly took a drastic change when Club 8586 nominated Efren Penaflorida as CNN’s Hero Of The Year for 2009. “Just to be nominated, you’ve already won. But to actually win it?

None of us ever expected it.”

Efren says that there were over 9000 entries from over 100 countries. These entries were cut by the producers to the top 100, which was then trimmed to the top 28, and finally shortlisted to the Top 10. And after the rigorous selection process, Efren’s cause was finally reaffirmed by the world by winning Hero of The Year. “Our aim was merely

“Our aim was merely to be understood.

Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine people having their pictures taken with our ‘Kariton’ when we would pass by.” to be understood. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine people having their pictures taken with our ‘Kariton’ when we would pass by. It was a really big change.

Before, less people believed in our cause and we had a lot of skeptics. We were laughed at. And at some point, we started doubting ourselves and the cause we were trying so hard to spread. But everything changed after CNN Hero of The Year. It helped a great deal. Now, we have a lot more supporters and we’re no longer ashamed at all to push our pushcarts.”

As of today, Efren and Pastor KB’s cause is helping over 800 underprivileged children and the number is still growing. “We’ll only stop when there are no more children to help. And if there are no more children to help here in the Philippines, we’ll transfer to somewhere with more children to help. So I guess we’ll only stop on our last breath.”

Efren and Pastor KB recently had an event at the Power Plant Mall promoting their cause and providing different ways to help. Efren also frequented dining at Rocky’s with avid supporter, Rockwell Club member Ms. Susan Dimacali. “Anyone who would like to help can donate books or even volunteer at our Community Center,” says Efren.

Is Efren a superhero? Is his the kind of underdog story we just love to admire and relate with? At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what a hero has done to become a hero, what matters is whom he’s helped and what he means to the people that admire him. In which case, it isn’t a surprise to put Efren Penaflorida along the likes of the protagonists and characters we all look up to.

31

Golf Tours Our golf enthusiasts gathered for friendly rounds first at the Faldo Course Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club last April 14 and again in September 10, at Splendido Golf in Tagaytay

32

Wine Nights

Every so often we have a wine appreciation night with our wine distributor partners-- it’s a great way for members to get together and interact over a classy glass of wine. For the whole year of 2010, our exclusive wine partner was Forth & Tay. An art exhibit featuring the masterpieces of Carlos Rocha were also highlighted during one of the wine tastings.

33

THE WIZARDING ACADEMY The kids of Rockwell Club had their Halloween fun last October 30 at Palm Grove.

Activities included a slime-making workshop, vampire tooth cast making and glitter tattooing.

Wizards from Mad Science Philippines also came to join and show the kids a fun and interactive science show.

34

A Hogwarts Halloween

MY RW CLUB

My Rockwell Christmas

This holiday season, we meet three of Rockwell’s brightest young denizens and talk to them about Christmas and the Rockwell life.

Kyle Russel, 10

Samantha Johnson, 12

Chloe Hanford, 5

This Christmas… we’re having an open house because we just moved here. We’re having that for our Christmas party.

I love Rockwell because… my whole family’s more comfortable here.

This Christmas… I’m looking forward to giving presents, getting presents, and waiting for Santa.

I love Rockwell because… everybody is so nice and I can walk to the mall.

This Christmas… I’m looking forward to presents from Santa and family.

I love Rockwell because… I like going to the park and the swimming pool, because it’s so big.

35