UPMASA'S Enduring Heritage - Making a Difference in the World

The

Commemorative Book Committee Mariquita Tolentino-Belen, MD ‘04 Jona Marie Golbin-Banzon, MD ‘09 Renato Samala, MD ‘00 Gamaliel Batalla, MD ‘93 Jobert Abiva Lillian Tocyap-Aquino, MD ‘96 Joselito Aquino Cheryle Taruc-Libed, MD ‘96 Victoria Altavas-Arcega, MD ‘70 Geraldine Gomez-Pinder, MD ‘71 Vicente Velasco III, MD ‘71

Good energy is contagious

This book is dedicated with gratitude to...

Our brave and faithful frontliners who selflessly put their lives on the line; to serve and care for everyone around them.

Our Ohio Chapter family, along with their children and spouses, who with grit, determination, personal sacrifice, and innovation; pooled their talent and resources to make the 36th UPMASA AGC an overwhelming success.

The UPCM alumni who have given back and who continue to give back to our Alma Mater generously, often anonymously, in many countless ways.

The UPMASA for their endless service and fellowship, for bridging cherished connections among our alumni, our communities, and our beloved Alma Mater.

The creative talents who contributed and shared their extraordinary AGC experiences and memories captured in the amazing pages of this book.

The friends who became family and families who became friends, whose relationships were formed amidst the challenges of service.

Our generous donors and sponsors who made everything possible.

Our readers, may you be inspired to be your best. Share your talents and make a difference in the world!

Our Almighty Creator, thank you for allowing all of us to become instruments of your love and healing power.

Table of Contents

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II.

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Through the Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

III. Golden Jubilee — Class of 1971 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 IV. Silver Jubilee — Class of 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 V.

Special Golden Jubilee — Class of 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

VI. Special Silver Jubilee — Class of 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 VII. UPMASA Chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 VIII. Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 IX. Various Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 X.

In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

XI. AGC Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 XII. Greetings & Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414

Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success.

— HENRY FORD The extraordinary time in the history of UPMASA made the fully in-person AGC impossible. The OHIO Chapter had to innovate.

Our souvenir program was re-imagined and re-invented into a commemorative book that showcases how we have been making a difference in the world - in the field of medicine and beyond. Across generations, we had our share of challenges, joys, struggles and success. The values of excellence, resilience, dedication, tenacity, and selflessness that our Alma Mater inculcated in us saw us through. True to Jose Rizal’s Scientia, also known as “The Triumph of Science Over Death,” we tasted the sweet victory of conquering the pandemic. The hybrid celebration was made possible with the help of global advancements in science and technology.

We envision this as a unity project to promote camaraderie, strengthen our bonds and inspire future generations. Within each page is a snapshot of the colorful life that we share.

The Commemorative Book Committee

Cleveland Script at Edgewater Photo by Cody York for ThisIsCleveland.com

Messages

CHA PTER I

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Coming from the heels of an unprecedented pandemic, the 36th Annual Grand Convention is finally here! The UPMASA National, Ohio Chapter and our Jubilarians persevered, reinvented and overcame the challenge to bring you an AGC that will be one for the books.

In 2020, after the lockdowns and travel restrictions, we were asking ourselves: Will there be an AGC in Ohio ever again? The last time the AGC was in Ohio was in 1996 (see right image), exactly 25 years ago; and how fortuitous that our current Golden Jubilarians Class of 1971 were celebrating then, their silver jubilee. And 1996, our current Silver Jubilarians graduated from our beloved University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM).

Determined to make it happen, our chapter and national officers knew that planning the AGC would call for us to be fluid and adaptable.

We had to get a virtual platform for our meetings and we invested in our Zoom account. We converted the CME “Staying Informed and Globally Connected Through the Pandemic and Beyond” into a virtual live offering that will allow not only our speakers from the Philippines to participate, but also allow for thousands to partake online during the event. Instead of the traditional Pabidahan the Welcome Reception will showcase the chapters and classes through their specially crafted video presentations. Another first, is publishing our commemorative book (UPMASA’s Enduring Heritage: Making a Difference in the World) which will immortalize not only the 36th AGC but more than 40 years of the UPMASA legacy.

Our venue: located in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, the RitzCarlton, Cleveland, is a 5-star hotel with stunning views of sunsets in Lake Erie. It is within a 10-minute walk of JACK Cleveland Casino and Rocket Mortgage Field House home of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Catch the Cleveland Indians at the Progressive Field as they battle the Detroit Tigers and then Houston Astros while you are here. Take time to soak-in the sights of Cleveland such as the completely free and world renowned Cleveland Museum of Art, located at the Wade Oval where the Botanical Garden and Museum of Natural History are right across. Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a walking 2

distance destination for music fans of all ages, the museum recognizes artists and musicians who have shaped music history since Cleveland DJ Alan Freed first coined the term “rock ‘n’ roll” in the early 1950s.

The culmination of our AGC: The Gala and Awards Night on July 3 will celebrate not only Class ‘71 and ‘96 but Class ‘70 as well, warmly hosted by their classmate and Ohio Chapter member Romy Miclat.

Our newly elected UPMASA National Officers will be installed as well. We also salute and congratulate this year’s well deserving awardees – Mabuhay po kayo!

The AGC 2021 is a result of the dedication and hard work of many: we are thankful for the guidance and support of Susan and Henry Echiverri, Joel Lucena, Gerry Gomez-Pinder, Lilian Tocyap, Henry Ty and Pearl Ontalan. We had amazing committee chairpersons, led by our Chapter President Rachel Espiritu, our CME Chairpersons Tricia Bravo and Renato “Nats” Samala, our Registration Chairwomen Carol and Cynthia Brawner, our Commemorative Book Chairperson Mariquita “Kit” Belen and our Finance and Sponsorship husband and wife duos: Mark and Mitzi Regala and Benj and Henedine Aldana.

To our chapter members, too many to mention here, who did their heavy lifting to make what seemed like an impossible AGC possible, we are grateful.

Finally, from the bottom of our hearts, have a fabulous and memorable 36th Annual Grand Convention here in Cleveland!

All the best,

Jennifer Solivas-Maluyao, MD Jonathan Troadio Castro, MD Chairs

Annual Grand Convention

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Maalab na pagbati sa inyong lahat!

Maligayang pagdiriwang sa ating mga kasama sa University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA) sa okasyon ng ika-36 na Annual Grand Convention ng inyong samahan sa Ritz Carlton Hotel sa Cleveland, Ohio.

Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa inyong organisasyon sa inyong walangsawang paglilingkod sa ating bayan ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Sa kabila ng matinding peligro at paghihirap, nagawa pa rin ninyong tumulong sa ating mga kababayan taglay ang inyong dangal, talino at malasakit.

This year’s UPMASA Grand Convention is different from the others in important ways. Because of COVID-19, the typical number of on-site attendees is far less this year than in previous years. The joy that we feel when meeting friends from around the United States is tempered with the realization of the opportunities that we lost in our struggle with this global crisis. And while we gather in celebration of the past year’s significant accomplishments, we commemorate the sacrifices of those who gave so much so that others may live in good health—our medical frontliners, our heroes whose courage, compassion and dedication to the healing profession became our beacon during the darkest hours.

Our medical and health frontliners both in the US and at home, are the highest expressions of the principles our Alma Mater stands for: honor and excellence in service to humanity.

We also thank and honor our classmates, friends and fellow UP alumni who succumbed to this virus. One of them was Dr. Eduardo P. Vidal, UP Medicine Class of 1961, whose 25-year practice as a surgeon touched many lives with his compassion and generosity. Another was Dr. Victor C. Rivera, UP Medicine Class of 1966, a pediatrician whose legacy lives on in the thousands of children he cared for. His colleagues and patients will always remember his kindness and love of singing. While I cannot name them all, their names, and the lives they lived, will never be forgotten.

I am proud, therefore, to join you all in what remains to be UPMASA’s most awaited event of the year. This convention is a testament to the 4

resilience, the commitment, and the determination of your members to rise above society’s challenges and become the light of compassion to others. This is best exemplified by our Gold (1971) and Silver (1996) Jubilarians, whose long and outstanding body of work inspires us to reach similar heights of selfless service.

I commend the national members of UPMASA led by UPMASA Ohio chapter president, Dr. Rachel P. Espiritu and UPMASA AGC 2021 co-chairs, Dr. Jennifer Solivas-Maluyao and Dr. Jonathan Castro for organizing this year’s event. Your hard work has allowed us to celebrate the best among us, as well as to inspire us to hope and have courage to face the inevitable challenges ahead. My heartfelt thanks and congratulations to you all.

Lubos akong umaasa sa patuloy na suporta ng UPMASA sa ating pamantasan upang pagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan. Sama-sama nating harapin ang mga hamon na dala ng COVID-19 at paunlarin ang kalagayang pangkalusugan sa ating bansa. Magtulungan tayo at magkaisa upang maiahon ang ating mga mamamayan sa matinding pagsubok na dala ng pandemyang ito.

Mabuhay kayo, UPMASA! Mabuhay ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas!

Danilo L. Concepcion President

University of the Philippines

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I send warm greetings to my fellow medical alumni on the occasion of the 36th Grand Convention and annual reunion of the UP Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA) being hosted by the Ohio Chapter.

Congratulations to the organizing committee for mounting a relevant and interesting scientific convention that tackles particularly the Philippine response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reconnecting with the university amid these current health challenges imbues all of us with a deep sense of solidarity. Discussing how the alumni have contributed to the pandemic response, sharing best experiences and lessons with new learnings and realizations, enhancing the new linkages and networks formed, and infusing the proceedings with camaraderie and nostalgia have always been hallmarks of an UPMASA reunion and convention!

I look forward to your visit to our campus in the near future to witness a more dynamic and revitalized haven for academic, research, and public service engagements through a renewed landscape equipped with modern and state-of-the-art buildings to rise soon. Your unwavering support is enabling us to take this campus development program to the highest level.

UP Manila is grateful to UPMASA for being our enduring partner. Your varied forms of assistance have contributed greatly to the fulfillment of our shared vision for the university as the national leader in health science education, research, and public service.

Mabuhay and cheers to UPMASA!

Carmencita D. Padilla, MD, MAHPS Chancellor

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At no other time in the history of the U.P. College of Medicine has there been a challenge of this magnitude where we had to shift 100 percent of our courses to remote learning. As a national lockdown was announced our students packed their stuff and went home to the provinces. Saddled with the added responsibilities of battling this pandemic in every family home, infections of other members or students themselves and the typhoons in Luzon and even Zamboanga, dwindling financial resources and inadequacy of financial aid we turned to alumni, friends and faculty for help. UPMASA proved to be a source of the much-needed inspiration and support in so many undertakings of UPCM in the past year.

As I presented to the UPMASA AGC Dallas in 2019 we started the Digital Transformation of the UPCM looking at harnessing technology to modernize pedagogy in medicine. This proved fortuitous as a few months after the pandemic struck. We had been able to use the virtual human anatomy tables, partnered with Harvard Medical School for HMX Fundamentals online and looking forward to establishing the country’s largest Center for Clinical Simulation within the next three years. This will complement the pioneering educational initiatives in higher medical education such as the PhD by Research and the PhD

by Publication, the expansion of the MD-PhD program and emerging dual degree offerings of MD-MCE (Masters in Clinical Epidemiology), MD-MPH and Masters in Clinical Medicine offering for residents and fellows.

I am most grateful to UPMASA and on behalf of the community of scholars of UPCM we wish you all the success in the annual general congress in Cleveland, Ohio. Our gratitude goes to the organizers for all the hard work in making this a reality despite all the continuing challenges. All your contributions to making our communities safer and healthier have become even more appreciated but the work is never ending. Never forget that your alma mater is proud of all of you as you blaze a path worthy of emulation wherever you go. In God’s almighty power we humbly ask for guidance as we work to alleviate all human suffering in our communities. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!

Charlotte M. Chiong, MD, PhD Professor & Dean 7

To our dear alumni in America, Mabuhay!

The UP College of Medicine Class of 1996 Silver Jubilarians, and the Golden Jubilarians Class of 1971 are celebrating in unusual times. This pandemic has made us appreciate, and long for, personal interaction no matter how small. It has made us realize the little things that we have taken for granted. Yet because of this pandemic, we are able to stay connected in ways we never imagined years ago. Thanks to technology, we will be able to virtually be together and celebrate with you your 36th Annual Grand Convention despite not being able to hug, kiss, and shake hands. We have been accustomed to the new normal, and we are embracing it, and we will make the most out of it.

With so much uncertainty in the world, we must strive to be a glimmer of hope to each other and to everyone else around us. May your celebration be one filled with optimism, gratitude, and fun, because as Filipinos, we will always find the silver lining.

May God bless us all.

Lara Theresa Alentajan-Aleta, MD President

UP Medical Alumni Society, Inc.

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Greetings!

It brings me such humble honor and joy to be a part of this thriving organization and for serving as President of the Ohio Chapter the past 2 years.

I would like to express my congratulations to the organizers for their perseverance and hard work in making this 36th Annual Grand Convention in Cleveland, Ohio a huge success despite the difficult challenges of the times. This is a testament to the love, dedication, and commitment to the ideals of UPMASA. This year’s AGC will be completely unique, reinvented and extraordinary.

We will be honoring the celebrating classes of 1996 and 1971 as well as those from 1995 and 1970. We will also provide widespread access to the CME and other activities via virtual platform. We hope this commemorative book will be a reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears that have been poured into the realization of UPMASA’s vision and goals.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, and resources to UPMASA and the AGC. The legacy of providing healthcare assistance, upholding excellent medical education, and promoting the well-being of our Filipino citizens will continue as long as UPMASA exists.

All for the glory!

Rachel Espiritu-Asilo, MD President

UPMASA Ohio Chapter

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Dear Friends, On behalf of the citizens of the City of Cleveland, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 36th Annual Grand Convention of the University of Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America.

Cleveland, on the shores of Lake Erie, has taken many precautions to keep visitors safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is home to many attractions for you to enjoy. While in town, head over to University Circle where you will find more arts and culture within a square mile than anywhere else in the country. Make sure to discover Playhouse Square, our elegantly-restored performing arts center, which offers everything from quaint concerts to blockbuster Broadway shows— until July 11th, you can see the Choir of Man at Mimi Theatre. Spend some time outdoors with a visit to Edgewater Beach, the East 9th Street Pier or the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Stop at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium or Great Lakes Science Center to learn something new. You are sure to find something to love.

Cleveland offers nationally-recognized culinary experiences and unique nightlife options Downtown at East Fourth Street, the Historic Warehouse District and the Flats, as well as neighborhood hotspots in Tremont, Little Italy and Ohio City. Whether you want to rock with your idols at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum or root for your favorite sports teams at Progressive Field, “The Q” Arena or FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland’s got it all.

I would like to thank the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America for choosing Cleveland as the host city for its 36th Annual Grand Convention. Cleveland is a vibrant city filled with a wide range of opportunities and friendly people ready to welcome you. I hope you enjoy all that our City has to offer and I wish you a successful convention.

Sincerely,

Frank G. Jackson Mayor 10

Through the Years

CHA PTER II

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To my colleagues: As my presidential term ends on July 3, 2021, I thank God, first and foremost for His enduring faithfulness in giving me wisdom, knowledge, understanding and patience to lead our organization during this tumultuous global pandemic season. When I took over the leadership helm in 2019 in Dallas, Texas, I laid out my whole plan for continued growth in our organizations financial assets, expansion of membership, innovation of our social media presence, and improvement of our communication process. With the help of the Executive team and the expertise of the entire Board of Governors, it is my privilege to present our accomplishments.

JULY 2019 – DECEMBER 31, 2020

From the President’s Desk Susan Concepcion-Echiverri, MD National President, 2019-2021

• UPMASA continued its support of the Visiting Teachers Program by sponsoring the following physicians with their onsite UPCM/PGH mentoring programs to the students, the residents and the attending physicians at the UP-PGH system.

Vic Malabonga, MD – Patient Safety Mutya San Agustin, MD – Ambulatory Pediatrics Alex Sy, MD – Pulmonology/Intensive Care Francisca Velcek, MD – Pediatric Surgery Ian Soriano, MD - Bariatric Surgery • I attended the Homecoming Festivities of the UPMAS on Dec. 19, 2019 and represented UPMASA. • I attended a meeting with Dean Charlotte Chiong, her Management Team and the UPMASA scholars.

• Dr. Henry Echiverri and I had a meeting with Drs. Agnes Mejia and Rody Sy for discussion of a private donor’s funding of the Medical Science Building.

• UPMASA provided financial assistance to the Davao del Sur Earthquake victims. On December 22, 2019, a request for monetary donation from Dr. Hilarion Diaz, Dept. of Orthopedics Chairman from Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City after the region was hit by another 6.9 magnitude earthquake.

• I attended the UPMASA Medical Mission to Bukidnon, Malaybalay on Feb. 2-7, 2020.

It was the largest volunteer contingent with 115 volunteers, 2005 total number of patients treated which included cataracts surgery, dental restorations and other minor surgeries. We 17

also sponsored a one- day CME for the medical doctors and local healthcare workers in cooperation with the Bukidnon Medical Society.

• UPMASA supported the application of Justin Serfino to the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. He was accepted as a legacy student.

• March 16, 2020, UPMASA immediately established the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Covid-19 Assistance Fund to help control the pandemic and purchase necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the hospital frontliners. To date, more than $145,000 was raised from one national fundraising.

• UPMASA supported the Adult OstreaVent II project under Dr. Enrique Ostrea, Jr. We provided the seed money to get it started. Many UPMASA members financially supported the project.

• The Pandemic disruption affected the education of our future UPCM students and the PGH residents. Conventional classroom teaching transitioned into either full-time online e-learning or blended learning. Access to information by the students became challenging.

The administration of assessment examinations to offsite students with different kinds of computers needed to be organized and standardized. Our Finance Committee headed by Dr. Geraldine Gomez-Pinder was able to equitably work out the following: 1. Distribute identical laptops to our UPMASA Scholars 2. Increase their allowances 3. Support continuous medical education. UPMASA helped the College make these transitions less of a burden to all so the focus on teaching and learning would be unencumbered.

• The Pantawid Scholarship Program was established in November, 2020. The Philippines was also hit by many natural disasters. The UPCM scholars who were offsite at the time encountered devastating economic hardships. This triggered the call for the “Pantawid Scholarship” by Dean Chiong. UPMASAns responded with a release of Disaster Funds and we immediately set-up a fundraiser. Generous financial help arrived as there were many clicks to our UPMASA website Donation button, and checks came in the mail as well.

• Dr. Manuel Sarroca was appointed as the UPMASA Election Committee chair, and he graciously accepted.

• UPMASA’s Mars Custodio HIV Foundation project continues. Though partially eclipsed by the attention to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Mars Custodio HIV project continues to 18

raise funds to provide medical assistance to HIV infected people in the Philippines.

• UPMASA stayed committed to the Medical Science Building (MSB) completion. Private donations continued to come. Our PhP32M pledge has been fulfilled and we even have increased the pledge to PhP50M. • UPMASA lived through the Pandemic and flourished in many ways. Despite the cancellation of the spring BOG meeting in Chicago and the July 2020 Annual Grand Convention in Las Vegas, UPMASA found creative ways to get together, virtually. There were a lot of virtual meetings held by the Board of Governors and the Executive team, with the UPCM Dean and her team, the PGH Director and the UP-Manila Chancellor in attendance. Chapters within UPMASA also had numerous Zoom meetings.

• For the first time we adapted digital technology to our celebration to our virtual UPMASA 2020 Awards Ceremony on December 5, 2020 with 175 virtual attendees. The theme was “We Shall Rise Again!” with our 9 Outstanding Awardees and 6 Presidential awardees. Produced and directed by Pearl G. Ontalan. It was a very successful event.

JANUARY 1, 2021-JULY 3, 2021 •

The Necita Roa Legacy was legally endorsed over to UPMASA in February, 2021. The Finance Chair, Dr. Geraldine Gomez-Pinder and the Permanent Endowment Fund Chair Dr. Mariano Yogore, III received official notification from Wells Fargo that UPMASA is a principal beneficiary of the Trust of the late Dr. Necita Llorin Roa, class 1968, Anesthesiologist from Missouri.

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UPMASA officially employed Ms. Pearl Ontalan as its Executive Director, effective January 1, 2021.

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The Election of UPMASA officers for the fiscal year 2021-2023 was conducted from April 1-May 31, 2021. There was a single slate of candidates. Voting was done online as default. Paper ballots were an option.

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UPMASA changes its membership guidelines. During this year’s external Audit, it was brought to our attention that LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP was no longer acceptable with our status as a non-profit organization, based on the updated Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of the IRS.

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A website edition of the UPMASA journal was published courtesy of guest editor Dr. Angelina de la Cruz-Castro, class 67.

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Acta Medica Philippina – The scientific Journal of the UP-PGH System received a substantial philanthropic gift from University of the Philippines College of Medicine alumni Drs. Teodoro and Alectis Santiago, both of class 67.

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The Suicide Prevention Tool Kit was launched on April 26, 2021 and available on our website. It is a comprehensive collaboration of work by our Strategic Planning Task Force (group of Psychiatrists), namely: Dr. Cecile Pasion-Bregman, Dr. Norma Calderon-Panahon, Dr. Marilou Patalinjug-Tyner, Dr. Fe Diolazo-Festin, Dr. Moses Ramos, Dr. Jesus Salvador-Ligot, Dr. Katharine Napalinga.

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The 2021 Annual Grand Convention in Cleveland, Ohio is proceeding beautifully as planned for June 30 to July 4, 2021 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

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An UPMASA 2021 Commemorative Book for the 36th Annual Grand Convention in Cleveland, Ohio will be published after July 2021 to include the highlights of the AGC.

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The Medical Mission for 2021 was cancelled because of the uncertainty with the COVID Pandemic.

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The 2022 Boston 37th Annual Grand Convention is scheduled for July 3-7, 2022 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

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UPMASA set up a fundraising campaign to extend help to the 2 Community pantries supported by the University of the Philippines in Diliman and University of the Philippines Manila in cooperation with Ugnayan ng Pahinungod.

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2021 UPMASA Strategic Survey was disseminated to the general membership on June 1, 2021.

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Left over funds from the PGH Covid Assistance Fund were sent to student frontliners who became ill with Covid and needed financial assistance.

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The fire at the Philippine General Hospital on May 16, 2021 destroyed the Sterilization Room of Surgery. The autoclaving machines and surgical instruments were burned and destroyed. UPMASA quickly started the PGH-Fire Aid on its website.

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A Rural Surgery Initiative: Co-Operasyon Project was formed. This program will collaborate with Mabini Community Hospital (MCH) in Mabini, Batangas and the UP PGH Department of Surgery (DOW-PGH) and will be supported by the DOH Center for Health Development.

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AD Hoc committee on the Necita Roa Scholarship Legacy was created and Dr. Henry Echiverri, volunteered to be the chairman. An initial drawdown on this endowment will be awarded this year to 40 Nursing students enrolled at the UP-Manila School of Health Sciences (SHS) based in Palo, Leyte.

I want to thank all the current Board of Governors for their precious and valuable support during this entire term. And I would like to express my deep appreciation for all the hard work of my friend, Pearl Ontalan, our Executive Director.

A special thanks to my better half, Dr. Henry Echiverri for his valuable insights and being my steady support throughout this challenging but very fulfilling journey.

It is truly heartwarming to know that so many UPMASA members have given with a cheerful heart and a generous spirit to help alleviate the suffering of our fellowmen. However painful they are, setbacks, failures, and tragedies are a part of life. Through it all, we managed to find joy in giving of our time, talent, skills and money. To achieve success is largely dependent on our ability to persevere through even the toughest adversity without giving up. We have become stronger, more resilient and jubilant.

Be the light that shines brighter. The Light of UPMASA can never, ever be dimmed.

Mabuhay ang UPMASA! Your humble servant,

Susan Concepcion-Echiverri, MD ‘79 UPMASA National President, 2019-2021 21

UPMASA Medical Missions 1995 – 2020 26 years of continuous volunteering Glenn Batiller, MD Medical Missions Chair, 2019 – 2021

“If the purpose of our missions is giving back to our ‘kababayan’ (countrymen), then it is the most visible and heartwarming of our projects.”

Last February 2, 2020, a contingent of 110 volunteers from UPMASA and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod (UNP) stepped down from 3 buses after traveling for 3 hours from Cagayan de Oro airport and assembled for a brief orientation in the auditorium of the Malaybalay Capitol Grounds. This was the start of the 2020 5-day UPMASA medical mission coordinated by Drs. Eileen Morales-Pelaez and Glenn Batiller. COVID-19 seemed like a distant threat as the missioners mingled among the hundreds of local volunteers and patients in the openair auditorium and the hospital and went about their mission work. But weeks later, the pandemic disrupted everyone’s lives and broke a 26-year record of annual UPMASA medical missions. Since the COVID-19 virus has continued to run rampant in the Philippines, the committee cancelled this year’s mission.

Since the first mission in 1995, this endeavor has truly embodied one of the primary goals of UPMASA, which is to give back to the mother country. By joining the medical missions, the UPMASAns have had the opportunity to venture beyond the walls of PGH to share their knowledge and expertise gained from their training and practice in the US with their countrymen. Over the years, the medical mission has expanded in number of volunteers, donations, and scope of services (medical, dental, and surgical) and has served thousands of indigent Filipinos.

The impetus for an UPMASA-sponsored medical mission was initiated on April 1994 by the members of the NY-NJ (CT joined later) chapter who had previously joined medical missions to the Philippines organized by other groups. At the spring chapter meeting in Long Island, NY, Drs. Emmanuel Lat and Zenda Garcia-Lat presented the idea of an UPMASA chapter-led medical mission. Prior to 1994, there were already ongoing medical missions to different localities in the Philippines sponsored by other Filipino medical organizations. It was just a matter of time that UPMASA would join the bandwagon of missions. Other prominent advocates who eventually served as coordinators in subsequent missions were Drs. Miriam Cosca-Cruz, Marilyn Aldeguer-Resurreccion, Paulino Cruz, Bienvenido Jongco, Anita Ortega-Jongco, Geraldine Gomez-Pinder, Lulu Ramirez-Plurad, Arthur Plurad, and Arachelle Baduel-Jose. Dr. Miriam Cosca-Cruz became the first medical mission chairperson, initially of the chapter and later the national, and in the following year, wrote the guidelines, procedures and protocols, which are observed to this day. She served as chairperson from 1995 to 2001. Others who followed were Dr. Lulu Ramirez-Plurad (20012003) and Dr. Marilyn Aldeguer-Resurreccion (2004-2005).

The first NY-NJ chapter mission was held in Trece Martires, Cavite on January 25-27, 1995.

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There were 9 volunteers from the chapter supplemented by 10 residents from Pahinungod.

Olongapo, Zambales served as the location for the second mission, which was coordinated

by Dr. Anita Ortega-Jongco in January 1996. The first official UPMASA National medical mission, which was the third for the chapter, occurred in 1997. In the following years from 1995 to 2001, back-to-back missions were conducted, except in 1995 and 1997 (Dagupan, Pangasinan). They were as follows: 1996 (Olongapo, Zambales and Batangas, Batangas), 1998 (Trece Martires, Cavite and Silay, Negros Oriental), 1999 (Las Piñas, Rizal and Baliwag, Bulacan), 2000 (Balanga, Bataan and Tagkawayan, Quezon) and 2001 (Calumpit, Bulacan and Ilagan, Isabela). Thereafter, only one mission was sponsored annually: 2002 (Lagawe, Ifugao), 2003 (Bangued, Abra) 2004 (Vigan, Ilocos Sur) and 2005 (Pototan, Iloilo).

The UPMASA Board later incorporated the medical mission as a national project during the tenure of Dr. Al Manahan, UPMASA National president and Dr. Emmanuel Lat, UPMASA president-elect in 1995. This motion was a recognition of the relevance of the medical mission in fulfilling the society’s commitment to the alma mater and the country. UPMASA budgetary support, mostly from individual donations, followed in 2002 and has continued to this day.

Later chairpersons of the medical mission committee were Drs. Frances Tolete-Velcek (2006-2009) and Valentin Dolorico (2009-2017), who was the longest serving chairman.

Drs. Emmanuel Lat and Zenda Garcia-Lat actively conducted the missions in 2006 (Gingoog, Misamis Oriental), 2008 (Baroy, Lanao del Norte) and 2009 (Hilongos, Leyte), while Dr. Elsie Antonio co-coordinated the Tuguegarao, Nueva Vizcaya mission in 2007. During Dr. Dolorico’s term, the missions were marked by increasing numbers of medical, nursing, and dental volunteers. The following were the missions he led: 2010 (Siaton, Negros Oriental), 2011 (Bani, Pangasinan co-coordinated by Dr. Edith Orlino-Oliva), 2012 (Cebu City, Cebu co-coordinated by Dr. Zenda Garcia-Lat), 2013 (Calapan, Oriental Mindoro co-coordinated

by Dr. Roberto Velasco), 2014 (Dipolog, Misamis Oriental), 2015 (Candon, Ilocos Sur cocoordinated by Dr. Candonino Gazmen), 2016 (Maasin, Southern Leyte) and 2017 (Vigan, Ilocos Sur co-coordinated by Dr. Frances Tolete-Velcek). Since 2018, Dr. Glenn Batiller became the chief of the medical mission committee and led the volunteers to Mati, Davao Oriental in 2018, Alaminos, Pangasinan (co-coordinated by Drs. Grace Duque and Edith Orlino-Oliva) in 2019, and Malaybalay, Bukidnon in 2020.

The partnerships with the local government and other organizations, either domestic or US-based, have been vital in the success of all missions. Foremost have been the governors and other local officials, which could commandeer the necessary resources, facilities, and staff in support of the team. Other collaborators in the past came mostly from charitable organizations, such as the Catholic Medical Missions Board (2005-2011), Oriental Mindoro 23

Association of California (Calapan 2013), University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical School Alumni (Dipolog 2014), Archdiocese of Southern Leyte (Maasin 2016), Divine Mercy Society of Texas (Vigan 2017), HALAD Foundation (Mati 2018) and Bukidnon Medical Society (Malaybalay 2018). Previous corporate donors were Bausch and Lomb for their lenses and the pharmaceutical companies of Mercury Drug and Unilab for medications.

However, the most enduring and beneficial partner in the history of the missions has been Ugnayan ng Pahinungod (UNP), the community service arm of UP Manila, established in 1994 by UP president, Emil Javier. Invited by Dr. Miriam Cosca-Cruz, UNP, led by Dr. Carmencita David-Padilla, participated in the first UPMASA mission in Trece Martires in 1995 and has since collaborated in subsequent endeavors, except in Pototan, Iloilo in 2005. Aside from the UPMASA annual mission, UNP conducts about 15-40 other solo or partnered missions. In UNP, UPMASA has found the perfect and willing partner in ensuring the success of its missions. UNP provides the support staff, such as residents, OR nurses, scrub techs, and other ancillary help; procures the necessary supplies for the mission locally; maintains equipment, such as anesthesia machines, surgical instruments and supplies, and cautery machines; secures the PRC licenses and permits for the mission from the Department of Health; visits the chosen locality to evaluate the feasibility of a mission; and assists in negotiating a memorandum of agreement with the local government. Most importantly, UNP follows up on the care of patients after the mission and arranges for any referral to PGH or a regional hospital for tertiary care. In return, UPMASA finances the expenses of the Pahinungod team and offers their volunteers, especially residents, the chance to learn new skills from the UPMASA volunteers and to explore the localities which they might never have given thought of discovering. Unsurprisingly, many friendships have flourished from these yearly interactions among all volunteers. The first director of UNP was Dr. Mario de Villa , while the current head is Dr Eric Talens, who has served the longest (20042006 and 2010-2021).

The personal benefits of volunteering have always redounded both ways. The experiences of the UPMASA volunteers have not been any different from other organizations’ enlisters. For the volunteers currently numbering close to a hundred, the missions have evolved not only as a way for UPMASANs and non-UPMASANs to work together serving our indigent countrymen, but as an opportunity to form long-lasting bonds of friendship. Aside from the UPMASA Annual Grand Convention in July each year, the annual medical mission in February has been the time for members to commune with 24

each other. As a result, a dedicated core of volunteers could be counted upon to support in cash and kind and to participate in the missions each year. Traveling to different regions in the Philippines has also afforded them the chance to discover the different regional practices and customs and sample the varied cuisine each region has to offer. Many have returned from the mission appreciating the beauty of the land and filled with greater love for the Philippines.

Preparations for a mission usually begin at least nine months before. Once a site is chosen, based on either the recommendation of a member or an invitation from a local official, UPMASA sends a team composed of the medical mission committee head and UNP coordinators to evaluate the site. During the two-to-three-day visit, they check the facilities and equipment of the hospital and proposed location for the medical and dental clinics to evaluate the suitability for a mission based on the criteria developed after several years of experience. They also meet with the governor, mayor, and other local officials to request backing from the government, such as permission to use the provincial hospital, mobilization of rural health officers for patient recruitment and screening, and logistical support, like transportation and security during the mission week. Without the full endorsement by the government, the likelihood of success is greatly diminished. Following the visit, a memorandum of agreement outlining each mission partner’s role and obligations is drafted and signed by all. The survey team also checks out the different hotels in the proposed location to determine where to house the volunteers.

Following approval of the location of the mission, UPMASA will issue a call for volunteers and donations and will initiate the procurement of supplies. To support the local economy, UPMASA has opted to purchase most of the medications and supplies locally. Experience has also taught UPMASA to avoid being used as a political tool by the incumbent local administration; thus, negotiations with the governor only start after the swearing in during an election year.

Thousands of indigent Pinoys have benefited from the care delivered during the missions, from the mother carrying an enlarging uterine mass for decades to the farmer rendered breathless by an encroaching goiter while toiling in the field. Their personal stories of care postponed by the lack of financial means or access to the proper facilities even following the expansion of PhilHealth have been consistent heard throughout the years. Some of the surgeries performed were pediatric and adult hernia repairs, gall bladder surgeries, breast and other mass excisions, cleft lip repairs, thyroid resections, and sometimes orthopedic procedures. Cataract surgeries were performed until 2012 when the Philippine Academy of Opthalmology discouraged the mission teams from conducting them. However, in Malaybalay in 2020,

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with the cooperation of the local eye surgeon and the Makati Medical Department of Ophthalmology, several patients underwent lens extraction. At the medical clinics, many residents have traveled from far-flung barrios seeking consultation and medications, with some eventually being referred for tertiary care. Fortuitously, the mortality and morbidity rates have been close to zero since the first mission in 1995. The inclusion of a dental team, who mostly extracted teeth, came later around 2009. In the last two years, a group of private dentists added restorative procedures, such as tooth bonding and prophylaxis. For the very first time in 2020 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, UPMASA co-sponsored with the local medical society a CME day seminar for the local health providers. This benefitted the attendees who were awarded the CME units required for the renewal of their licenses, thus saving them a trip to Cebu or Manila to attend a conference.

While the debate over the long-term impact of medical missions on the state of health care in the Philippines will never end, UPMASA is committed to continuing their sponsorship for as long as access to medical care remains unequal and fragmented. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of health care delivery, not only in the Philippines, but in many developed and underdeveloped countries. For the volunteers, the missions have not merely been gratifying to be able to contribute their knowledge and skills to aid their poorest countrymen, but also nurturing and cementing of a greater love of country. To quote the former medical mission chairman, Dr. Val Dolorico, “Why do we do this year after year? For the joy of seeing a child smile at his own image in the mirror after cleft lip repair!

For the happiness in a woman who wakes up post-hysterectomy and finds her abdominal mass gone! Seeing that their lives have been changed forever is priceless.”

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic suspended this year’s mission in Catanduanes. Uncertainty remains about the 2022 mission since the virus has continued to rage uncontrolled in the Philippines, while the pace of vaccination has been tragically slow. A looming question post-pandemic will be – what changes are needed to protect the health of the volunteers and local folk? Perhaps requiring that every volunteer show proof of vaccination before each mission may be one wise move. This is the challenge the medical mission committee will face when the virus has been controlled or subdued and the missions resume.

Addendum: in memory of Drs. Emelita Veloso and Victor Rivera, two dedicated volunteers, who both passed away since the last mission in Malaybalay.

In gratitude to Drs. Roberto Velasco, Valentin Dolorico, Anita Ortega-Jongco, Zenda Garcia-Lat and Emmanuel Lat for their contributions to the article.

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HISTORY When UPMASA started in 1980, the founding fathers struggled to get it up on its feet.

Initially, it was the call to membership to all graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine scattered all over the United States that went unheeded. Several attempts before 1980 were made by a few alumni that fizzled out but only one persisted and had the faith that the call would be answered. It was the vision of Dr. Cosme Cagas, from the class of 1960 and the noble aims and goals that he envisioned the organization would pursue that ignited the fire of enthusiasm and loyalty of a few alumni. Thus, on August 16, 1980, a handful of them, 44 to be exact, participated in the birth of the organization at the Omni International Hotel in Miami, Florida.

Membership started to trickle in, albeit ever so slowly. This was the lifeline of the organization.

But it needed the lifeblood to grow. Dues were assessed to fund the operational expenses, but voluntary donations towards its initial projects were sorely needed to fund them. Obtaining a non-profit status to enable tax-deductible donations turned out to be the key to entice members to join and donate generously. Six months later, on January 28, 1981, the Articles of Incorporation of UPMASA were registered and sealed by the Secretary of State in the State of Illinois declaring UPMASA a non-profit organization. Soon after that, we obtained our non-profit 501(c)3 certificate from the IRS.

State of our Finances The Amazing Saga of its Growth Geraldine V. Gomez-Pinder, MD Chair, Finance Committee

Initially, all income were lumped together in the National Treasury. In its first 2 &1/2 years of existence, Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, the first National Treasurer, reported a total Gross Income of $51,610.33. Not bad for a fledgling organization. But to the Board of Directors, it was considered a paltry sum. In the next few years, the officers fretted that the organization would not survive with meager donations and slow recruitment of members, until in 1986 the Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF) was conceived and proposed by Dr. Antonio Racela, class ‘63, to the Board of Governors and launched by the 3rd National President, Dr. Antonio Donesa, Class’59 during his term in September 1986. This major fundraiser was earmarked for projects in the UPCM, and so the policy and procedures were formulated to initially set aside a principal amount to be invested in the stock market and allow only the interest earned to be disbursed towards the projects. This would allow the invested money to grow.

Part of the money in the National Treasury at that time, $38,000 was then transferred as seed money to the PEF. Through the ensuing years, donors were advised to contribute the full amount towards the conceived project which would serve as its capital to be invested. Only the interest earned at the end of the fiscal year would then be disbursed towards the project.

This would enable the funds to grow perpetually without the funds being depleted. The initial goal of the PEF was to reach a million dollars in 3 years or so. It was not until 1997 that the PEF reached this goal. In 2005 during its Silver Jubilee and 18 years after the PEF was 27

established, the fund stood at $2,026,024.00. It was a slow, arduous climb, but nevertheless tremendously significant in being able to donate towards a lot of projects sorely needed by the alma mater.

UPMASA is, as everyone is aware of, from the very start manned by an all-volunteer group of dedicated members who serve as Board of Directors and Chapter officers. Professional accountants and auditors were consulted on a contractual basis to help in the submission of reports to the membership and to the IRS. It was during the presidential term of Dr. Bienvenido Jongco from 2005-2007, that I was appointed to become the Chair of the Finance committee. I urged the Board of Governors to purchase a professional accounting software to record our transactions which would keep track of the growing funds and complexity of our financial picture more efficiently. It was not until 2008 when Dr. Jose Peczon the newlyelected National Treasurer acquired QuickBooks as our professional accounting software. I became the National Treasurer in July of 2009 until 2013, then continued on as the appointed Finance Chair from 2013-2021.

CURRENT STATUS OF OUR FINANCES As of this writing, June 15, 2021, below are the unaudited figures of our financial picture.

These figures were culled from our QuickBooks Enterprise accounting software. The graphs and pie charts are company snapshots.

This year, it is the unrealized investment gains of our portfolio that is the biggest source of income so far, if it were to be sold.

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Above graph shows the Income and Expense trend this year.

Our biggest expense is the disbursement of our awards/grants to UP-PGH.

Income comparison for the past 5 years. Rebounding from year 2018.

Expense comparison for the past 5 years.

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As of June 15, 2021, below is our Balance Sheet showing our Total Assets, Liabilities and Equity in comparison to the same time a year ago.

ASSETS Current Assets Total Checking/Savings Investments Other-Prepaid Expenses TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES & EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES Equity 30200 · Dividends Paid 32000 · Retained Earnings -Unrestricted 32010 · Nat’l Treasury Restricted Funds 32015 · PEF RETAINED EARNINGS 32020 · PEF Unrestricted Funds 32030 · PEF Permanently Restric.

Funds Total 32015 · PEF RETAINED EARNINGS Net Income Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

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Jun 15, 21

Jun 15, 20

$ Change

% Change

772,170.72 778,616.24 12,075,139.43 9,610,315.14 2,000.00 15,000.00

-6,445.52 2,464,824.29 (13,000.00)

-0.83% 25.65% -86.67%

12,077,139.43 9,625,315.14

2,451,824.29

25.47%

3,401.39

11,950.38

(8,548.99)

-71.54%

(511.51) 1,952,823.18

0.00 800,515.99

(511.51) 1,152,307.19

-100% 143.95%

1,732,627.51

1,732,627.51

0.00

0.00

300,381.07

300,381.07

0.00

0.00

7,189,564.96

7,189,564.96

0.00

0.00

7,489,946.03

7,489,946.03

0.00

0.00

1,308,577.60 2,460,373.28 2,451,824.29

319.38% 25.59% 25.47%

898,852.83 (409,724.77) 12,073,738.04 9,613,364.76 12,077,139.43 9,625,315.14

Note that even though our Assets are now $12 million, the bulk of it, about $9 million, are in both the National Restricted Funds and PEF Restricted Funds. These are donor designated funds which can not be tapped for other expenses. They represent the number of funds/ projects, 235 in the National Treasury and 127 in the PEF that we have managed through the years. The $3 million balance of unrestricted funds are mostly from the unrealized gains of our investments and therefore do not represent actual cash in our coffers until they are sold and become realized gains. Only the total amount in our checking and savings accounts are actual cash in hand. In the last 16 years since I became the Chair of the Finance Committee, our assets have grown 300%, with minimal liabilities. The laurels rest not on me but on the overwhelming and heartwarming generosity of our donors, of whom mostly are our alumni and the volunteerism of our officers who choose not to be financially compensated. This effectively lowers our operating expenses. In the past 16 years, we also have had 3 legacies bequeathed to the organization amounting to more than $3 million. I am also indebted to my team of hard-working members in the Finance and PEF committees and the wise advice and guidance of my mentor, Dr. Jose Peczon, who was my immediate predecessor.

PROJECTS OF UPMASA Before UPMASA acquired QuickBooks software to track all the projects and the total funding of each project, I had to rely on the 25th Silver Jubilee book that was authored mainly by Dr. Cecilia Cortes-Levich, Class 72A. (Dr. Constancia Somera-Uy and I were coauthors). She was able to piece together all the records obtained from the past presidents.

The very first donation in 1980 was $600 for the physical improvement of the college. It has been painstaking, to say the least, to track the accuracy of the total number of projects and how much has been remitted toward each project. Fortunately, when we finally acquired Quickbooks to track each project from 2007, it has made our task easier and more accurate. I have listed those projects since 2007 that cost at least $5000 and above.

Otherwise, it would take pages to list all of them down. Some projects have been completed; others are still ongoing. Class funds, chapter funds, foundations, corporations, legacies and individuals (both members and non-members) have contributed towards the joint projects of UPMASA. A few of these donors have initiated their own projects. Those designated for the National Treasury had no restrictions in the total amount to be disbursed, while those in the Permanent Endowment fund had to be restricted to 5% of their total value at the end of the fiscal year as per our policies and procedures. Some donors to the PEF Restricted funds usually opt to transfer their yearly 5% drawdown value to their counterpart Restricted funds in the National Treasury to increase the value to be disbursed to their projects.

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PROJECTS IN THE NATIONAL TREASURY INFRASTRUCTURE Henry Sy Sr-Medical Science Building UPMASA Auditorium Elevators Classrooms and other rooms PGH Private Room Renovation (Operation Wildfire) Buenafe Auditorium and Elevator UPCM Dean’s Office Renovation Post-Grad Institute of Medicine/IT Class 72 Amphitheater Ortoll Birthing Center-PGH PGH Lockers for Clerks & Interns Class 70 Water Tank project Class 80 Clinical Skills Lab N. Roa PGH Anesthesia Lounge Renovation Teddy Rey Healing Place Science Hall Project Phi House Dorm Total FACULTY & STUDENT ASSISTANCE Professorial Chairs/Faculty Grants/Fellowships Student Scholarships Student Research/Travel Grants PGH Residents/Fellows Educational Grants Visiting Teachers Program Rabor Acta Medica Philippina Journal Publication Total COMPUTERIZATION/VIRTUALIZATION Luz Ajero Froelich Fund 32

AMOUNT DISBURSED $768,481.01 $50,322.00 $1,369,728.96 $1,044,484.71 $158,818.00 $10,000.00 $65,237.72 $11,000.00 $50,000.00 $11,500.00 $33,500.00 $22,700.00 $31,700.00 $25,150.00 $17,273.00 $167,373.00 $3,837,268.40 $108,955.00 $261,980.00 $13,907.42 $30,793.78 $13,341.00 $10,000.00 $438,977.20 $91,122.37

Computer Cable System Class 89 Integrated Computer Library project PKMI Virtual Anatomy Project PLDI Virtual Anatomy Project School of Health Sciences Palo, Leyte Total PATIENTS’ ASSISTANCE PGH ICU Enhancement Initiative PGH Indigents patients fund-Century Club/ MFI Fr. Barbero Foundation Cesium project Pediatric Neuro-Cranial Operating unit Operation Braveheart Mars Custodio Memorial-HIV project Pediatric Ventilators/Ostrea Vent/Incubators MSPF Immunity project Total CLINICS OUTSIDE OF PGH TB-DOTS project Chestcore/Pasay City Clinic Doctors to the Barrios/Telehealth Med UPV Miagao Clinic Total MEDICAL MISSIONS Mindoro medical mission UPMASA medical missions from 2008-2020 Total DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS Floods/earthquake assistance Covid-19 Assistance Community Pantries donation UP-PGH Fire Relief

$10,000.00 $51,929.00 $25,948.00 $32,000.00 $12,255.00 $223,254.37 $10,000.00 $162,203.08 $15,050.00 $76,539.35 $25,970.76 $45,200.00 $73,000.00 $136,970.00 $18,000.00 $562,933.19 $46,185.67 $19,500.00 $51,000.00 $5,161.00 $121,846.67 $34,901.00 $397,699.46 $432,600.46 $191,405.64 $155,208.40 $25,000.00 $10,045.00

Pantawid Assistance MSPF Relief Efforts Total OTHER CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Works of Mercy c/o J. Socrates White Cross Orphanage (Donna Peczon Mem. Fund) Total OTHERS UPCM Centennial Fund Financial Assistance to Iraya-Mangyan Tribe PGH-Dept of Orthopedics Ruby & Golden Anniversary PGH Pediatric Centennial Fund UP College of Forestry A-V System PGH-Dept of Otolaryngology UP Los Banos Library Server Total TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS FOR PROJECTS IN NT

$93,096.80 $12,803.60 $487,559.44 $82,516.69 $23,200.00 $105,716.69 $313,602.54 $19,000.00 $46,750.00 $12,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $6,007.00 $437,359.54 $6,647,515.96

PEF PROJECTS Scholarship Funds Professorial Chairs/Faculty Grants Best Teacher Funds Camara Fellowship Awards UPHS Class 64 Educ Grant PEF Library Funds Faculty Equipment Computer Funds/MIU PKMI Projects M. Dalope Projects PGH Depts Sturman project TOTAL PEF PROJECTS

AMOUNT DISBURSED $1,013,603.40 $576,489.06 $90,695.90 $11,000.00 $6,273.00 $86,307.33 $4,157.33 $10,610.42 $48,501.74 $68,884.87 $26,993.24 $10,000.00 $1,953,516.29

The total amount that we have been able to send to the Philippines over the past 16 years or so is $8.6 million or 71% of our total assets as it stands today. This is the amazing story of our financial growth. I am reminded of the parable of the talents that Jesus taught His disciples. The servant who made his money work and doubled it, was commended by his master who declared that the servant who buried his talent should give up his talent to the one who gained the most, “For everyone who has will be given more and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken from him.” (Matthew 26:29). God has blessed UPMASA indeed!

For though we are not financial experts, we have been guided by His hand to seek the right advisers and financial consultants. The wisest advice given to me by Joe Peczon was: “Do not panic when the stock market goes down.

Stay the course and remember our investments are for the long haul. It will right itself up.” He has been proven right.

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Above is the quarterly performance graph of our PEF portfolio with Schwab showing its meteoric growth since its inception in 2003. Although it dipped during the market crash of 2008-2009, it continued to rise after that.

This article is also my “swan song.” It is time for me to pass on the torch to the younger generation of leaders, who will lead UPMASA to greater heights of achievement. I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity and challenge to serve a most worthwhile cause and serve it faithfully.

Geraldine V. Gomez-Pinder, M.D., Class 1971 Chair, Finance Committee

Reference: UPMASA First Twenty-Five Years, Cecilia Cortes-Levich, M.D., Geraldine Gomez-Pinder, M.D., Constancia Somera-Uy, M.D.

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Golden Jubilee

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JUDITH CABOTAJE-SANSAET, M.D.

A few days after my husband’s interment, I was diagnosed with brain lymphoma. Although distraught, I promptly underwent chemotherapy sessions at PGH which was interrupted by a serious complication. The expertise of my doctors and the care and prayers of my family and friends helped me overcome these trials enabling me to go home with a new lease on life.

When I was a child, I had two big dreams, to become a doctor and to have a complete happy family. After becoming a doctor in 1971, public service for me started with residency training in Internal Medicine at UP-PGH. This was however cut short in 1973 when I married a province-based lawyer who would be my enduring life partner. Thus, began my journey towards making Happy and grateful in times of health and my second dream come true while living the beautiful rewarding doctor’s sickness. life filled with challenges, struggles, changes in priorities and unpredictable events.

The Brain MRI was negative after the fourth We were blessed with 3 wonderful children, who all became professionals. cycle of chemotherapy. Photo taken at the The eldest became a lawyer like his Dad, our first daughter became an MRI Center, Cardinal Santos Hospital, anesthesiologist and our youngest became a lawyer too. They all became December 2013. what they wanted to be and have proven to be my most precious jewels.

Public service continued in the province as a general practitioner, first as a resident physician, then as Rural Health Physician. In 1982, the DOH allowed me to earn a Master’s degree in Public Health at UP Institute of Public Health.

Now happily retired, I know that I have done something for my family, After more than a decade of public service, I shifted to private medical community and country while being able to do the things I love for my own practice to give my growing family more attention and care. I was able to and other people’s good. pursue my endeavors and advocacies being clinician, planner, implementor, evaluator, community organizer, and communicator, with public and civic My complete family in 2006 when organizations such as the Agusan del Sur Medical Society, Red Cross, my son got married.

Community Pediatric Society, Girl Scouts, REACT, Couples for Christ and the San Francisco Water District.

All together in love and support.

In 1992, I was diagnosed with cerebral hemorrhage. In 2004, I suffered patellar and hip fractures (with steel implant) 3 months apart. The steel implant had to be replaced by titanium in 2012. All these traumas required me to step back from active practice for several weeks at a time. As the saying goes, “it does not matter how many times one falls, but what matters is that one is able to rise every time he falls.”

In 2007, my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. In between days of hospitalization, chemotherapy sessions, surgeries, radiation and medical management of complications, the family was able to spend time together for family events, including travels together in various Asian countries and within the Philippines. In September 2013, my husband finally succumbed after 6 years of intermittent hospitalization.

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The UPMASA Southeast Chapter Story Metty Vargas-Pellicer ‘67 Founding Member

On the remains of the defunct Florida-Georgia Chapter, at a picnic in Metty’s backyard in Alpharetta, Georgia and with the proper trimmings of lechon, pancit and San Miguel beer, twenty-seven charter members witnessed the birth of the UPMASA-SE Chapter, on a crisp autumn afternoon on September 30, 2000. Anointed officially in 2001 at the Spring BOG Meeting, the 12th chapter of UPMASA kicked its way from this beginning as a most active chapter, and proudly wearing its nickname, the Energizer Bunnies, looks back at where it has been in the last 20 years.

Its membership has grown from 27 to 251 and its treasury managed funds from an initial deposit of $1350 to 177k in 2010. By challenging itself with ambitious fundraising enterprises, it has contributed $90k to National and PEF and funded these UPCM projects: $54,000 for Pasay City’s CHITS, $15,000 for Northern Cordillera’s CHESTCORE, $2,000 annually for 2 UPCM scholars and varying amounts to support the UPMASA medical mission, typhoon relief, and other charitable donations. In its 3rd year it launched a National Raffle which netted $37,168. In its 5th year it pulled off a spectacular hosting of the UPMASA Annual Grand Convention in conjunction with UPMASA’s Silver Jubilee and UPCM’s Centennial at the fabulous Loews Miami Beach Hotel on June 29 - July 3, 2005. At Orlando World Center Marriott in July 2015, it hosted its second equally fabulous AGC to mark its 15th anniversary.

Members enjoyed fellowship and bonded during its annual reunions and fundraising events.

On August 31 - September 1, 2002 it celebrated at the historic Don CeSar Beach Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. With the Philippine Medical Society of Florida, it held its CME and Health Fair and a Halloween-themed Dinner Dance at the Philippine Cultural Center in Tampa on October 28, 2006. It hosted the UPMASA Spring BOG meeting three times - in Atlanta, Georgia in 2003, in Oldsmar, Florida in 2004 and marked its 10th anniversary in conjunction with hosting its 3rd BOG meeting in March 2011 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel.

Alas, the last 5 years have been challenging for its leadership and it laid low, but with renewed vigor and enthusiasm the chapter will celebrate its Emerald Anniversary with fresh commitment to support a project that is unique, has the most impact and can be selfsufficient eventually: the creation and funding of an UPMASA-PEF Southeast Chapter UPCM Student Research Grant.

So here we are, some graying and many still with a full head of hair. Let us raise a glass and thank those who steered us to where we are now: our Emerald Anniversary. May we always be close in friendship and may we carry on as energizer bunnies as we move forward to our silver and golden years.

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The UPMASA SE Chapter Born in 2000, the brainchild of founding member Metty Pellicer (UPCM Class 1967), the UPMASA SE chapter started with a core group of 27 charter members. Membership has now grown to 251, covering several states - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina (in alphabetical order). Metty remains a valued member of our chapter even though she has moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Cape Charles, Virginia.

We would like to invite UPMASA members who do not have a home chapter to join us. WE WELCOME YOU! You do not even have to be a resident of the above 7 states to be a part of our chapter.

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Photo by Cody York

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Various Classes C H A P T E R IX

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Sugi did his residency training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, then started a thriving practice in Binghamton, NY. Over a round of tennis one summer, while visiting his UPCM classmate and best friend, George Viterbo in Capiz, they hatched a plan for him to do charity work. From the late 60’s to the early 80’s, long before medical missions to the Philippines were in vogue, George would round up cases of cleft lip and palate from the surrounding islands and Sugi would do the surgical repairs for free at the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.

Sugi had humble beginnings. As a little boy, he earned his first centavo shining shoes.

During the war, he was the gopher for his cousin, Flora Suguitan-Lacuna, UPCM’36 and her physician husband. He carried their black bags and supplies, held a flashlight for minor surgical procedures, and ran various errands. Later, during his first year in medical school, 6-footer Sugi also played basketball for UPAA, traveling from Padre Faura to Diliman for practice. He was offered a spot on the Philippine Olympic Basketball Team, provided he took a year off from school, but his father wouldn’t have it.

Rodolfo H. Suguitan, UPCM’55 A medical mission pioneer!

Benjie and Henedine Aldana UPCM’83 classmates

We will never forget that he stood as our wedding sponsor, encouraged us to come to the States and offered us a roof over our heads when we first arrived. Retired, Sugi now resides in a nursing home in Bradenton, FL. As he reminisces about his wonderful life helping people and travelling the world, he would shake his head and smile: “Not bad…for a shoeshine boy!”

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Class 1961

60 Years!!! The most distinguished 1993 UPMAS CLASS AWARDEE is now a closely - knit group of octogenarian retirees. To date we have lost 34 of our dearest friends and colleagues dating from 1967.

COVID 19 claimed the lives of two: ED VIDAL in 2020 and ADING DELA PAZ in 2021.

Eddie had been one of our classmates who planned reunions of the class especially by cruises.

Ading was still actively practicing in the Philippines. He was the physician of most our classmates as well as their families and held directorships at the Philippine Heart Center and received numerous awards for his outstanding work both in Cardiology and Nephrology.

We also lost several classmates between 2019 and 2021. NITA LACTOEN-SORIANO, AMOR COSIO-VILLAREAL, AND GENY YUSI. Nita had a practice in Pediatrics in Tarlac.

Amor practiced Pediatrics in Arizona and raised two daughters who are both physicians.

Geny was the eternal host of all the balikbayan classmates, opening his home for reunions as well as inviting them to his mangrove in Batangas. They will be sorely missed.

There were 73 of us who celebrated our golden jubilee. Sadly, our class valedictorian FREDDIE T. RAMIREZ who became the Dean of the College of Medicine did not make it. Freddie and QUINTIN KINTANAR were Ten Outstanding Young Men awardees for Medicine. Freddie, along with ERNIE DOMINGO served as CHANCELLORS of UP Manila.

Ernie also served in the Board of Regents. Back home ERNIE DOMINGO was recently instrumental in the enactment of the Universal Health Care law. Ernie was also conferred the title of National Scientist in 1993. ALRAN BENGZON held the position of Secretary of Health during President Corazon Aquino’s reign. He also was a Ramon Magsaysay awardee for Government Services.

JOE MANALIGOD from Chicago, GUGAYCHANCO-TURNER from Washington, D.C. and REY PAGTAKHAN from Canada received honors as Most Distinguished Overseas alumni. Rey was also a Canadian Parliamentarian and used to have a regular column in a Canadian newspaper.

CORA YABES-ALMIRANTE is the founding President of the Philippine Society of Ultrasound in Clinical Medicine. She created a training program for ultrasound technicians especially in remote areas of the nation. She was an active leader in Perinatology until she retired. For this, she was the 2011 Awardee of the International Women’s Network. She was also the 1999 UPMAS OUTSTANDING PROFESSOR IN MEDICINE. Cora was married to late JOHNNY ALMIRANTE who was the Class President from 1957 until he passed away.

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ARING SINGSON-ALDAY is the founding dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Perpetual Help.

The 2021 UPMAS OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS MARCELO, a pathologist.

is our classmate, TOTI

(FELIX)

We had 13 Phi Kappa Phi honorees: EVELINA ABUEL-BERNARDINO, ALFREDO BENGZON, DOMINADOR CALDERON, ERNESTO DOMINGO, JOSE FERNANDO, NORMA GAFFUD, FRANCISCO HONG TAI-ENG, QUINTIN KINTANAR, EDGARDO LEONIDAS, OLGA OCHOA, ALFREDO T. RAMIREZ, CESAR SAMSON, AND DEMOSTENES SISON. We brag of our two LAKAMBINIS: OLGA OCHOA-VISAYA (1956 for the College of Liberal Arts) and LOURDES CAPISTRANO-FELARCA (1961 for the College of Medicine).

JOSE PAMINTUAN is a past UPMASA president.

MELY GUEVARA-LLERENA and JOJO SISON served as Presidents of the Ohio chapter.

Some of our classmates also indulged in other professions. Notably, GUS FIGUEROA who not only practiced Neurosurgery but is a great artist. In fact he is the designer of the UPMASA logo. QUEENIE MERCADO-VILLANUEVA is also a children’s book author and book awardee.

Our class has remained united throughout the years, thanks to MINDA ANCHETA -DATOC who has helped us connect via her computer-savvy-ness.

Most of our classmates have held medical directorships, chairs of department and chief-ofstaff. Space prevents me from listing them all here. They appeared in our golden anniversary book.

Now that we are enjoying our golden years, our greatest joy and achievement is GRANDPARENTING or maybe even GREAT GRANDPARENTING. A bright future is ahead for them.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Mely Guevara-Llerena, MD ‘ 61 277

PhilippineBased UPCM Class of 1964

The last time we saw many of our classmates was at a reunion in December 2019 to celebrate our 55th year after graduation. We had a marvelous time visiting with one another, laughing at the same old misadventures, and wishing we could relive those moments when we were young and full of energy and good looks. But we have grown wiser in many ways and at that time of the reunion, savored the company and camaraderie that came with having known each other for almost a lifetime. And indeed, little did we know that a deadly COVID-19 pandemic was in our doorsteps poised to wreak havoc and claim lives. Looking back at those few happy days in December, I suddenly realized how lucky we were to be with old friends once again, maybe with some, for the last time.

Roberta Carreon-Romero

On the whole, the past year has been uneventful with no major illnesses or death. Most of our classmates here have had successful careers and are now basking in their accomplishments.

Mario Aquino, who lives with his wife, Lydia, is currently Emeritus Director and Head of the Glaucoma Section of St. Luke’s International Institute with a Professorial Lecture named after him. He is also a recipient of the Asia Pacific Association of Ophthalmology Distinguished Service Award. He has retired from active practice, as most of us are. Jane Brawner Caluag lives with her husband, Cesar, in Bulacan, and is enjoying just staying home except for daily walks outside and visits from her children who live nearby. Troadio Castro spends his time travelling, going on cruises and visiting his children and grandchildren who all live in the States and is accompanied by his wife, Azena. Aside from diabetes which he keeps under control with diet and exercise, he is in good health. Lillian Lee, our pioneer in Pediatric Neurology and Movement Disorders, still occupies herself mentoring her students and residents, and occasionally does telemedicine when her long-time patients need her in consultation. Otherwise, she spends her time quietly at home. Lou Nubla Sembrano lives with her eldest son, who is a physician. For a while, she had a really difficult bout of post-zoster neuralgia, but has improved since then and also stays home all the time. Suzette Remitio Elegado is a cancer survivor and is doing very well. She lives with Sonny in Bacolod and Remelee, her oldest daughter, who is also a physician, lives nearby and looks after her parents. Suzette has always been a happy person and it is always a treat to visit with her.

Marita Tolentino-Reyes continues to be the Mother Hen of Class 64, getting us all together, planning our activities, and worrying over us. She lives with her unmarried youngest son, Paolo. Her other children, who are all physicians married to fellow doctors, live nearby. She is still active in her advocacy of Ethics in Medical Research.

I carry on Thelma Tupasi Ramos’ legacy of addressing infectious diseases, which affect our countrymen and contribute significantly to their morbidity and mortality. It must be remembered that Thelma was the first to call the attention of the international community to the existence of multiple drug-resistant TB (MDRTB), and proceeded forthwith to document it. Our Foundation has several ongoing clinical trials of several drug combinations to shorten

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the time to cure the disease. The prolonged treatment (6 months to 2 years depending on drug sensitivity tests) to treat TB is the main cause of drug resistance. People stop taking medicines once they feel better. Had COVID not intervened, we should have started a Phase 2 clinical trial of a new anti-TB drug funded by the Bill Gates Research Foundation. Right now, we do PCR, not only to document TB, but on alternate days, do COVID testing as well. We have to help in our government’s fight to control the pandemic. Thelma is deeply missed but her legacy lives on in the Foundation. Thelma and I feel a debt of gratitude to our classmates who supported us with their generosity and concern, like Jimmy Hilao, Rom Solon, Tony Montalbo and all of you who have been there for us.

It would be nice to touch base once again with class members that have we not seen for some time: Letty de Asis Buenaluz, Hawthorne Banez, Benjie Guevarra, and Faustino Santos. It is our fervent prayer that they and their loved ones remain in fine spirits and good health and are keeping safe during this time of the pandemic.

Six years ago, the Florida group, under the leadership of Ben del Carmen, organized and decided to have a yearly reunion after the 15th of April. Fortuitously, we found out that hotel rates drop significantly after April 15, the deadline for income tax filings. Classmates from other states were invited to join the 2-night affair hosted by a designated class member, who reserves rooms at a nearby hotel, arranges the group activities and dinner. On the 2nd day before leaving, we plan the next reunion at a different classmate’s residence. Dinner was “KKB” and food contribution was potluck-style. Our group included Jaime and Leticia del Pilar, Jesse and Dorothy Espinola, Paul and Manolita “Inday” Latonero, Ben and Susan del Carmen, Johnny and Celes Dizon, Felipe and Lilia Ladia, Ben and Mely Albano, Lito and Carla Millan.

Florida Group – UPCM Class of 1964 Leticia del Pilar

Ping and Lilia hosted our first reunion in Okeechobee, Fl. That year, Freddy and Carol Lim from Temple, TX joined us. I was pleasantly surprised that soon after everybody had arrived, we quickly bonded together. There was much laughter and shared stories about escapades after retirement. We went on a fishing trip to Lake Okeechobee. I have never gone fishing before and I was astonished to learn that only fish 18 inches or more in length can be caught and brought home. However, Dorothy and I were allowed to take photos of smaller fish that were caught before releasing it back into the water. Lilia had the catch of the day prepared at a nearby Chinese restaurant, where we had a sumptuous dinner. The following year, Jesse and Dorothy were our hosts in Jupiter FL, a providential happening because we lost Jesse the following year. Jimmy and I hosted the next reunion in St. Augustine rather than in Palm Coast where we live, because there were no tourist sites worth visiting there. Lito Millan 279

and family joined the group that year. Ben Albano and Ben Del Carmen hosted the most recent reunion in Estero, FL. Freddy and Carol Lim once again were there.

These gatherings fostered closer interpersonal relationships. We learned about family matters that we never knew while in medical school. In that short a time each year, we had so much fun listening to the same old stories and sharing memories of past experiences. We learned to empathize and understand one another better. Unfortunately, COVID-19 soon set upon us, postponing indefinitely the next Spring Reunion.

New York City – UPCM Class of 1964 Rebecca Magbag

Lelita Ojeda and I arrived in NYC during the World’s Fair on July 1964!! We were both wide-eyed, innocent-looking young immigrants. I would say, compared to sophisticated Lelits, I was more anxious (and probably more ignorant-looking). I do remember that she did pressure me to make a phone call to our employer when we landed at the airport, as she claimed she did not know how. I did make the call, and was instructed to simply take a cab to an address in 2nd Ave and 18th St, our first apartment. I remember being in awe the whole time in the cab as we pass by the site of the World’s Fair in Queens, the long midtown tunnel entering Manhattan, and skyscrapers everywhere. I kept reminding myself that I am indeed in NYC! In our first couple of years, we had several classmates who came over to the World’s Fair, and slept over in our apartment that we shared with other doctors. One of them became upset at me (but not at Lelits) for allowing male and female classmates to sleep over. We were unaware of American’s dos and don’ts, and we were just too happy to bond with dear classmates. At that time, I really did not care.

Our training years were rigorous–both in the medical field and life itself in general. Yes, we also had to learn how to cook, budget, and all that. Oh, my God!!! It was really hard! Lelits learned to cook much sooner than me. I was at the mercy of friends who helped me to learn how to cook and/or took me out for dinner. Classmates came and went to NYC for training and established practice elsewhere. Porong and Annie trained here, then left for Ohio. Jesse Espinola trained in Brooklyn and then settled with his family in New Jersey. Freddie Lopez del Castillo arrived much later after doing residency at PGH, then settled in Staten Island with his family. Romeo Solon trained and later practiced in Lenox Hill Hospital and Park Avenue and then moved out to Long Island. Jun Aguila went to Poughkeepsie. Norberto “Do” Belleza left for Connecticut. Both Mar Madamba and Amado Dolorico trained in radiology here. For many years, Johnny Dizon had an internal medicine practice in Bronx before retiring in Florida. Paul and Inday Latonero were happily settled in Newburg, NY and now are snowbirds in Florida.

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Ping and Lilia left and established a practice in Florida. Alice trained at Downstate Medical Center where she met her husband, Madu, a pediatric pulmonologist. Alice supervised NYC clinics, then happily settled in Staten Island.

As we got older, we managed to get together whenever a classmate from out of town dropped by, but mini-reunions became less frequent. I remember having dinner a few years ago with Tax and Baby Yabut-Achacoso when they visited. Angie Magsanoc-Baluyot, before the pandemic, used to visit her sons who live in NY and we managed to eat at her favorite Congee Village near Chinatown and even watch an opera at the Met. In the last several years, I visited classmates in hospitals, attended funerals and wakes. I say it is indeed the cycle of life. We are now in the last chapter of our lives… “a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to seek and time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away (Ecclesiastes 3).

Marita V.T. Reyes is a distinguished member of Class of 1964, she has embodied the best in the profession of teaching and inspired students to be like herself, hard-working and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and knowledge, but also one who has lent her talents and energy to advocate for ethical standards in medical research. She has served UP for 32 years in various capacities, including Dean of UPCM (1988-1991) and Chancellor of UP Manila (2002-2005). The highlights of her accomplishments include the drafting of a community-oriented curriculum directed towards the underserved. She was instrumental in the development of the integrated undergraduate curriculum. She promoted creative teaching in biochemistry, helped develop learning modules of the Human Genome, and established the screening of inborn errors of metabolism in the Philippines. A major legacy of Marita is the development of ethical standards in the conduct of research in the Philippines. She influenced the development of the national ethics research system framework and guidelines, and trained hundreds of researchers on ethical practice, raising the standards of research ethics review. She continues to be active, traveling nationally in her commitment to promote standards of ethics in research. Marita was closely involved in drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations, not only of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012, but also the Magna Carta of Women, and later of the UP Health Workers. She promoted participative decision-making and transparency in governance through the Pamantasang Asamblea in UP Manila. Indeed, one can honestly say that Marita has lived a full life as a Woman for All Seasons–wife, mother, mentor, biologist, activist, an advocate for ethical standards in research.

Noteworthy

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Thelma Tupasi Ramos (1940 – 2019), Infectious Disease Specialist and founder of the Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. She trained at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at the University of Virginia. She was a Professor of Medicine at UPCM and Head of ID section at Manila Medical Center and Asian Hospital. Her pioneering work in Multidrug-resistant-TB resulted in internationally-accepted guidelines which were later mainstreamed to the National TB Program and scaled up nationwide. Under the NTP’s stewardship, almost all regions of the country can diagnose and treat MDR-TB. She was the first in the world to set up the programmatic management of MDR-TB by the WHO Green Light Committee. Early in her professional life, she formed a team in the farflung areas who taught mothers how to measure respiratory rate in infants with fever, cough and colds. This identified actual or potential pneumonia in these sick infants and allowed them to be brought to the hospital for treatment, saving the lives of many infants. She was a wellloved and respected mentor in ID and public health; inspired by her passion for work. She has several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Young Scientist, Presidential Award and Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service.

Roberta (Tax) Carreon Romero. Current CEO of the Tropical Disease Foundation, succeeding Dr. Tupasi-Ramos. Tax is one the top dermatologists in the Philippines. In addition to her executive functions, she finds the time to take care of patients, adults and children alike, work on clinical research, and mentor dermatology residents. She is a world class expert on Hansen’s Disease.

Lillian Lee, one of the first Filipino pediatric neurologists, trained at the University of North Carolina. Returning to the Philippines in 1968, she started a training program in pediatric neurology at PGH. She is recognized worldwide for her work in movement disorders and dystonia. Lillian discovered the sex-linked dystonia parkinsonism (“Lubag”), an adult-onset, progressive, debilitating movement disorder first described in patients from Panay Islands in 1975. The disease manifests predominantly as torsion dystonia, later combined with or sometimes replaced with Parkinsonism.

Zacarias (Bing) Asuncion, a highly skilled cardio-thoracic surgeon continues his noble humanitarian work with “Doctors without Borders,” which he has been doing for several years. After retirement, a higher calling directed him to join the MSF which provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to victims of armed conflict. Bing has served in several areas of the world including the Philippines. A graduate of De La Salle High School, Bing was the 2019 Commencement Speaker at DSLU and was honored with the Sinum Merit Medal.

Victor (Vic) Nanagas, Jr. A pediatric surgeon, Vic completed a Master of Science in 282

Surgery, post-graduate training in pediatric surgery at Tuft’s New England Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Medical Center, Boston. One of his proudest accomplishments is the training of over 300 pediatric surgical residents. Among his many awards is the Wallace B. Taggart Award for outstanding service in the healthcare of children in 2010. His portrait is on permanent display at the Boston Floating Hospital for Infants and Children. A gold plaque citing his accomplishments is at the Wall of Honor at the Dayton Children’s Hospital. His wife, Maria Teresita (Matet) Cruz, is an outstanding physician with beauty, brains, and personality to match.

Hilario (Hil) Esguerra, III practiced community pediatrics in the Philippines, moved to Stockton, CA to become Chief of Pediatric Education at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Dameron Hospital. Hil is making plenty of USD buying and selling stocks. He could be making millions more if he moves to NYC to play with the big boys at the New York Stock Exchange.

Vidal (Vids) Borromeo was a Chief Resident in Medicine, PGH from 1968-1969. After finishing a fellowship in Hematology sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation-China Medical Board, he moved on to William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak for a fellowship in Hematology-Oncology. He was mentored by Freeman M. Wilner, Arnold R. Axelrod (Dean of Detroit Hematology) and Carter R. Bishop. Vids is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and was listed in Detroit Hour Magazine as one of the “Top Docs in Hematology-Oncology.”

Death – inevitable but can be an awaited release. Dementia – can be an anesthetic relief or a blessing. Divorce – could be traumatic yet therapeutic. Lightening - pensions, taxes, social security, senior perks. Burdens- problem children, drugs, mental illness. Blessings – “special children/grandchildren” cemented and strengthened family ties.

At age 80, losing 2 to 3 classmates is not unexpected. Loss of family members can be devastating but has to be accepted. Octogenarians are already at the departure gate waiting for boarding, so we have to occupy oneself while waiting. In Texas, you wait for the next tornado. In Florida, there is golf in between hurricanes, for guys who like to play with their little balls.

In California, there is bowling or basketball if you prefer bigger balls. In Las Vegas, there is ballroom dancing, karaoke, bingo, video poker, and pai-gow in between gourmet dining or all you can eat buffet. Building a music library in your laptop is constructive, enriching and sharable. Finally, make time to repair fractured relationships and severe toxic-ness. Mazel tov! L’chaim!

Reflections of an Octogenerian Rizalino Vicente

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Most Romantic and Devoted Classmates in no particular order Vidal Borromeo

Pat and Merina Vierness – Pat met Merina in an elevator where he noticed she was blinking from an irritated cornea. He took the blinking as flirting. Pat proposed with these words, “pakasal na tayo”, to keep Merina from going back home to the Philippines. Pat’s love secrets are: himas and yakap-sul, kisspirin many times a day as desired when aroused.

Bong and Dorothy de Borja for their graceful and artistic ballroom dance moves and for Bong taking care of her during her medically induced coma, S/P evacuation of a subdural hematoma.

Cindy and Rabat Rabanera for continuing to gaze at each other’s eyes, reaffirming they were meant for each other from the very first time they looked at one another’s eyes.

Annie and Porong Marfori for sticking together all these years from their courtship during pre-med years, medical school, to the present.

Ben and Carmelita (Mely) Albano for their singular give-and-take devotion to each other.

Ann-Marie and Boy Solon for the strong continued love for each other, highlighted by Ann- Marie donating one of her kidneys to Boy so he could continue to live.

Mario and Perla Andres with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Ben del Carmen labeled him as “husband of the singer.” Beyond these, our class appreciates him for maintaining our internet site, setting up class music production, conducting our choir and running our class zoom meetings.

Angge and Oscar Baluyot – nagtanan sila in July 1964, were married fast by a priest procured by cousin Vic Poblete. Angge left for the US the next day. Oca followed 6 months later and made up fast for lost time in bed.

Carlina (Cayen) Jimenea met her husband while he was still a priest when he presented with a swollen tender big toe. Inside the big toe were monosodium urate crystals. He offered to teach her tennis lessons in his condo. Love blossomed and won out when he left priesthood to marry Cayen.

Ramon Silen plays a lot of golf with Gertude, his lovely wife. Christine, their daughter, is an outstanding college and amateur golfer.

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Carlos (Jun) Ongkiko, Jr. retired neurosurgeon, during a class stage play showed classic moves of Charlie Chaplin. Very well-remembered: at the left front stage in Science Hall, see Jun finishing a big cigarette. After the last satisfying puff, he threw (all in one motion) the imaginary cigarette butt at the audience, stomped his right foot on the floor in a circular motion and walk stiffly away.

Norberto (Porong) Marfori remains G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) basketball player from UPCM. Set up by Tony de Jesus (DJ), Porong lets fly and the basketball goes down the net all the time.

Pat (Lakay) Viernes, the subconscious poet of Class 64. As he was waking up from anesthesia after 7 hours of spinal fusion surgery, he began to recite the 7 stanzas of the Anglican hymn: “All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small. All things wise and wonderful, The Lord made them all. Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, etc.”.

Tidbits, News from the Island and Musings True and Remembered Vidal Borromeo & Mario Andres

Pol Latonero retired after practicing pediatrics for many years and moved to New Jersey.

In our show-and-tell in 2017, he confessed he had an intense crush for Thelma Tupasi in premed. However, Danny Aberin (handsome like George Chakiris in West Side Story) won out. Tribute to Danilo (Danny) Aberin – “Great Minds Think Alike.” At our 1st year Physiology Class, Danny showed a slide under a microscope with tiny tadpoles swimming around. 340 years earlier, Anthonie van Leewenhoek, Dutch scientist and the “Father of Microbiology”, found the same in an ejaculate. Danny was chastised by Dr. Corazon Paulino Gonzalez, our professor, for showing the slide around. Of course, many of us were amazed and enjoyed looking at the tadpoles.

Gonzalo (Gonz) Chua went through Hong Kong, US Army, Japan, and two years of internship and residency in Canada, finally ending up with a solid prestigious radiology practice in Indiana. Details are described in his book Gonz Chua Remembers available at Amazon. Gonz has delighted us with his paintings and sketches which he posts at the UPCM Class 64 Website, many of which remind me of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissaro.

Baby Yabut-Achacoso thrilled the class watching her exquisite and seductive moves as she danced the tango. She refined her tango moves in Argentina.

Lombardo (Ba) Santiago. Ba felt his US Navy career was exciting, with unique challenges and good memories. He was a Navy Captain, also trained as a Commanding Officer (CO) similar to M.A.S.H. units behind the frontline. Ba retired as a Navy Captain (Colonel for the 285

landlubbers). He found a perfect retirement town in San Diego with his wife Ana Victoria (Ana Vic) RN. Leopoldo (Pol) Jurado hit the jackpot marrying his beautiful wife, Felicidad (Fely) Salvatera. Any hot-blooded male who looks at her will hear a big voice from the burning bush, “Though shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife”.

Francisco P. Quismorio, Jr., Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of Southern California. He has a special interest in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. A past director of the USC Fellowship Program, he has trained over a hundred rheumatologists who are now in academia and/or in clinical practice all over the world. He is the first Filipino-American to be awarded Master of the American College of Rheumatology, one of the highest honors that the College bestows to members who have made outstanding contributions to rheumatology through scholarly achievement and/or service to patients and to the profession.

And finally...

After we hung up our worn out stethoscopes and took off the blood-stained scrub gowns for the last time, we were left with thoughts of what and how we had done. Did we honor the Hippocratic oath that we took before we left the UP-PGH grounds? Can we look back and say “We did our best and contributed to the world as we had promised. Did we measure up to the standards set by those who preceded us?”

WE DID...

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I wondered on several occasions how the university got its name—Diliman. The legend goes that once upon a time, the place was as dark as the jungle, but the glitter of the stars at night would create a contrast to the darkness, hence Diliman: a luminous spectacle against the dark sky when viewed from a distance. It resembled a cluster of tiny lights from fireflies grazing the horizon. It is quite appropriate. Since in the darkness, one searches for a light to feed our ignorance with knowledge and wisdom to guide our existence.

The first home of the University of the Philippines and its 67 students was located in Padre Faura, Manila. In 1939, in order to serve a growing student population, the Board of Regents decided to purchase a huge parcel of land (493 hectares), in the new district of Diliman (which at that time belonged to the province of Rizal).

The UP Diliman Campus Hilario S. Esguerra

The University founded the College of Liberal Arts in Diliman to handle the education of pre-med students destined for admission to the College of Medicine in Herran, Manila (now Pedro Gil Street). UP Diliman became an integral part of the lives of these aspiring doctors.

Soon, they were joined by other students in other universities outside Diliman.

My time in Diliman was partly in the decade of the 1950s, 1956-1959. I enjoyed my stay at the University, and I soon found out that one of the effective ways to enjoy your studies was to join some kind of a group, or find even a couple of friends, with whom you can share genuine camaraderie in good and bad days. That kind of bonding promises to be a lasting one for college students of varying interests.

The accompanying diagram of the UP Diliman campus is self-explanatory. During my time, we spent most of our days in pavilions 25, 26, 27, and 28 for natural sciences. We utilized building # 22 for our classes in English, Spanish, Latin, and other liberal arts. The College of Liberal Arts building which faces directly Sunken Garden # 3 to the north has been renamed the Palma Hall which now handles General Education. Please study the legend further to understand the arrangement of the old and new buildings. Note that the Pre- Med curriculum is loaded with so many science subjects ( Pav 1 --#25 chemistry / Pav 2 --#26 Pharmacy and Chem Lab / Pav 3---# 27 Physics / and Pav 4 # 28 Biology: Zoology on ground Floor; Botany on second floor ). The non-science subjects were bunched in the huge College of Liberal Arts.

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You may find the following amusing and interesting during my time: 1. Ramon Magsaysay-- President of the Philippines 1953-1957 Carlos P. Garcia-- President of the Philippines 1957-1961 2. Cesar Virata-- UP President 1956-1958 Vicente Sinco-- UP President 1958-1962 HERE IS MY ADVICE TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE STUDENTS IN UPD Be careful of the people you deal with who seem righteous, but truly are not. They can be deceptive without appearing outwardly combative. They can be jealous. They can destroy you in passive ways. They tend to fight through tangents. They are not the advocates of some of the revered teachings seen in “Desiderata“ and other similar disciplines. Follow your instincts, which can be a very precious asset in these times.

LEGEND

0. UP Oblation 1. Quezon Hall (formerly Administration Building) 2. Sunken Garden 3. Sunken Garden 4. Gonzales Hall (UP Library) 5. Sunken Garden (Parade Ground) 6. Conservatory of Music (now College of Music 7. UP Theater 8. UP Carillon 9. UP Tennis Court 10. Melchor Hall (College of Engineering) 11. National Engineering Center 12. Malcolm Hall (College of Law) 13. Romulo Hall 14. Molave Residence Hall 15. Yakal Residence Hall 16. Ipil Residence Hall 17. UP Gymnasium 18. Ilang-Ilang Residence Hall 19. Military Science Armory/Bowling Alley 20. Vinzons Hall (Student Hall) Bookstore in the basement 288

21. Faculty Center (was not there before ) 22. Palma Hall (Liberal Arts during my time; GenEd later) 23. Benton Hall (College of Business Admin before; now Admin Building) 24. Benitez Hall (College of Education) 25. Pavilion 1: Chemistry 26. Pavilion 2: Pharmacy and Chemistry Lab 27. Pavilion 3: Physics (Natural Science) 28. Pavilion 4: Biology (Zoology on the ground floor, Botany on the second floor) 29. Kamia Residence Hall 30. Sampaguita Residence Hall 31. Exit to Balara/Katipunan Avenue

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UPCM Class of 1964 ++ Deceased Abarcar-Feliciano, Christina Aberin, Danilo Adiarte, Edgardo Aguas, Ruben Aguila, Demetrio Jr Agustin, Bernardino ++ Albano, Benjamin Andres, Mario Jr. Aquino, Mario Arnecilla, Pablo Asuncion, Otilla Arroyo-Villanueva, Angela De Asis, Leticia Asuncion, Zacarias Jr Ballesteros, Ruben Banez, Hawthorne Barile, Luisa Belleza, Norberto++ De Borja, Jacinto Borromeo, Vidal Jr. Brawner-Caluag, Jane Brion, Pacelli ++ Buenaventura, Erlinda Buhain, Wilfrido Bunye-Rao, Alicia Bunales, Roy Calvelo, Manuel++ Carangal, Teodoro Del Carmen, Benjamin 290

Carreon-Romero, Roberta Castillo, Rogelio Castro,Troadio Chua, Gonzalo Concepcion, Eugenio Jr. Cordero, Jimmy Dizon, Juan Dolorico, Amado Dominguez-Cartagena, Josefina ++ Dumlao, Juliet ++ Elefano-Espiritu, Ceres++ Esguerra, Hilario III Espinola, Jesse++ Espiritu, Edgardo++ Esquivel, Leoncia Ferrer, Romeo++ De la Fuente, Domingo++ Garcia, Casimiro Jr.++ Gauzon, Aniceto ++ Guevarra, Benjamin D Guno, Nestor De Guzman, Ernani++ Hilao, Jaime Jose++ Ignacio, Jose Jacob, Desiderio De Jesus, Antonio ++ Jimenea-Lauinger, Carlina Joson, Jose++ Jurado, Leopoldo Labrador, Rowan++

Ladia, Felipe Lamorena-Padre, Thelma++ Latonero, Apolinario Lee, Lillian Lim, Freddy Lim, Rodelio++ Lim, Victoriano++ Lopez, Juanito Jr. Lopez, Ramon ++ Lopez Del Castillo, Alfredo++ Luague, Samuel Lumanlan-Marfori, Annie Luna, Ruben Madamba, Mariano++ Magalit, Isabelo++ Magbag, Rebecca Magsanoc, Angelita Mangona, Lourdes ++ Marfori, Norberto Medina, Roldan Mendoza, Rey ++ Millan, Joselito Miraflor Labrador, Rosario Montalbo, Antonio Nanagas, Victor Jr. Nubla-Sembrano, Lourdes Ocampo-Lagumbay, Olivia++ Odulio, Teofilo++ Ojeda, Lelita ++ Onate, Claro Ongkiko, Carlos Jr. Paguirigan, Alfredo Pamintuan, Rodolfo Del Pilar, Jaime Potenciao-Caviles, Flora Quetulio-Del Pilar, Leticia Quismorio, Francisco Jr. Rabanera, Rogelio Racho, Antonio ++ Remitio-Elegado, Suzette

Reyes, Antonio FC ++ Reyes, Marcelino Reyes, Thelma Rillo, Francisco ++ Rivera, Rostom Rivera, Tranquilino++ Saavedra, Atanacio Sagisi, Glocrito ++ Salcedo. Luzviminda ++ Santiago, Lombardo Santos, Faustino Sexon-Porte, Ellen Sievert, Rodrigo Silen, Ramon Jr. Silvestre-Gallardo, Annie Solon, Romeo Tanhueco, Adelaido++ Tolentino-Reyes, Marita Tombo, Jose++ Tupasi-Ramos, Thelma++ Velasquez, Rolando Vicente, Rizalino Vidanes-Alcalen, Erlinda Viernes, Patricio Villamil, Roman Wee, Robert Yabut-Achacoso, Simplicia Yatar, Pedro Jr.

Sa aking mga minamahal na kamag-aral sa UP Medical Class of 1964.

Kayong lahat ay buhay na buhay sa ala-ala sa Departamento ng Anatomy hanggang sa ating pagtatapos na ipinagdiwang sa PGH Auditorium nuong May 1964. Maligayang gunitain ang panahon ng ating pag-aaral na tibtib ng iba’t-ibang pangyayari mula sa mga sugalan sa Dissection Floor ng Anatomy hanggang sa mga pangyayaring hindi pangkaraniwan duon sa Emergency Admission Room ng PGH kagaya nuong isang gabing “duty” kami ni Hawthorne at may biglang pumasok at naglapag ng balisong sa admission table at ang sabi ay unahin namin siya at ang ginawan ni Hawthorne ay inilabas ang kaniyang rebolber na escualado at lumabas na lamang ang taong iyon dahil sa takot. Buhay din sa aking ala-ala ang ating “fireworks” sa harapan ng Quisumbing Hall at ang “panty raid” sa Nurse`s Home na naging dahilan na si Rodelio ay hindi nakasama sa ating PGH Graduation. Pagkatapos ay graduation sa “sunken gardens” sa UP Diliman at kasunod ay “Board Exams.”

Ating mga ginintuang ala-ala ang ating masasayang “Homecoming Reunions” na tigib ng ligaya at pagsasaya. Maraming taon at panahon na ang nakalipas mula ng tayo’y nagkahiwalay subalit parang kahapon lamang kapag tayo’y pamuling nagkakasama-sama at ito ay tanda ng ating ginintuang pagmamahal sa isa’t-isa. Aking taos-pusong dalangin sa ating Maykapal na tayong lahat ay kaniyang pagkaluoban ng mahabang-mahabang buhay upang paminsan-minsan ay tayoý magkita-kita sa “reunions” at “Zoom meetings.” Hanggang sa muli! Mabuhay na Mabuhay ang “Class 64”.

Taos-pusong sumasainyo, Danilo Ramos Aberin

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The Great Raid in Cabanatuan The Untold Story of How a UPCM Alumna and a Famous American Author Found Friendship in Tragedy Teodoro V. Santiago, Jr. UPCM Class 1967

Dr. Julita Layug with author November 2008 meeting

On January 30, 1945, more than 500 American prisoners of war were rescued from a Japanese camp in Pangatian, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. It was one of the brightest moments of the American-led effort to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. This operation involved Rangers from the elite US Army 6th Battalion, and Filipino guerillas allied with them, led by Juan Pajota and Eduardo Joson. Several books have been written about this event that has come to be known to history as the Great Raid (1-3).

My initial awareness of this momentous event occurred as I was growing up in Cabanatuan City.

My father brought me along for a visit with his friends, Dr. Carlos Layug and his wife, University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) Class 1937 alumna Dr. Julita Eugenio-Layug.

I recalled noticing as we were leaving the place that their clinic was named the James C. Fisher Memorial Clinic. When I asked my father about it, he explained that it was named after Dr. James Canfield Fisher, a casualty of the war with Japan and the only son of the well-known American author and literary critic Dorothy Canfield Fisher. He intimated that the Fisher family had helped the Layugs out of gratitude for taking care of their son.

My interest in this story was rekindled by the 2008 movie The Great Raid that was based on the American POW rescue in Cabanatuan. I saw Dr. Fisher portrayed in the movie and I remembered the clinic named after him. I decided to find out more about what transpired between Dorothy Canfield Fisher and the Layugs in the aftermath of Dr. Fisher’s death. My task was greatly aided by the Layug family being family friends and their younger daughter (Rosario) having been my classmate at Nueva Ecija High School, an institution that her mother had also attended. Since I was in the USA, I sought the assistance of my sister (Atty. Mercedita S. Nolledo) in arranging a visit with the Drs. Layug. This was accomplished with Rosario’s help who also informed my sister at that time that her father had passed away several years earlier.

In November 2008, I met with Dr. Julita Layug in her Metro Manila home. During my visit, I found her to be perfectly sharp, witty and with an impeccable memory for the wartime events that she called life altering, despite her advanced age of 96. What follows is a tale of the tragedies of war, friendship and gratitude as told to me by Dr. Julita Eugenio-Layug, who was then its only surviving participant. I supplemented her story with a few facts about the Ranger raid, taken from referenced sources.

Drs. Carlos and Julita Layug were young physicians when they got married in 1937. Carlos served in the Philippine Army Medical Corps and gained extensive medical and trauma experience from the armed Philippine resistance against the Japanese occupying forces. Julita did general medicine practice in Manila. However, Carlos was captured by the Japanese in Bataan, consigned to the Bataan Death March in April 1942 which he survived, and subsequently assigned while a prisoner of war to serve as factory physician at the Kanebo Cotton Company in Pampanga, a Japanese owned and operated firm. Julita transferred her medical practice to Pampanga to be near her husband. One day in November 1942, Carlos unexpectedly showed up at Julita’s doorstep. He told her that he had escaped from the cotton company and that they had to leave immediately. The couple now both wanted by 294

the Japanese, fled to the adjoining province of Nueva Ecija and soon after, settled in a modest house in Platero, a barrio that was located in the outskirts of Cabanatuan. Here, despite having two young children, they decided to join the Filipino guerilla unit led by Juan Pajota and served as its medical team. The Filipino guerillas were farmers by day and warriors at night. Not wanting to call attention to themselves, the Layugs practiced medicine surreptitiously. Their home functioned as a secret treatment clinic for the sick and injured guerillas and their families.

In January, 1945, credible reports of impending atrocities against American prisoners of war surfaced as Japan faced imminent defeat. In response, a special American Ranger Unit was assembled to mount a The Clinic of Drs. Carlos rescue of the POWs at Cabanatuan(4). The Ranger Unit had as its medical officer, Dr. James Canfield and Julita Layug in Fisher, a Harvard Medical School graduate. Despite his patrician upbringing, Dr. Fisher had a reputation Cabanatuan City of standing up for the oppressed. While doing his pre-medical studies at Swarthmore, he resigned from his fraternity after discovering that it had advocated against inclusion of Jews (4). At the onset of the mission, the Rangers traveled from Manila and joined the Filipino guerilla outfit (that included the Layugs), in barrio Platero. Meeting at the Layug house, they completed plans for the rescue operation. The plans called for the American Ranger Unit going into the POW Camp and liberating the American prisoners while the guerilla unit of Juan Pajota would prevent rescuing Japanese forces from crossing the Cabu River Bridge, and those commanded by Eduardo Joson would guard the main highway leading to the POW Camp (5). It was during this meeting that Dr. Fisher met the Layugs for the first time. Julita remembered being impressed at how Dr. Fisher cared for the well being of the Filipino guerillas, more so than any other American soldier that she had met before. She heard that soon after his arrival, Dr. Fisher delivered a baby girl whose Filipina mother wanted him to be the godfather but his Episcopalian faith disqualified him in the Catholic church. Together, the three doctors established a “First Aid” Center housed in the barrio school. Dr. Fisher then asked the Drs. Layug to man it as he planned to accompany the Rangers in carrying out their mission, despite being advised by the Ranger commander not to do so. Dr. Fisher was insistent because he wanted to ascertain that the sick POW’s who were rescued would be properly cared for. The raid succeeded beyond expectations! Over 500 POWs were freed and brought to safety. Local farmers were mobilized to transport the sick in carabao-drawn carts. However, towards the end of the raid, as Dr. Fisher was ensuring that no prisoner was left behind, he was hit by sniper fire and sustained severe abdominal injuries. Bleeding profusely, he was brought to the First Aid Center in Platero. With Dr. Julita Layug providing sedation, Dr. Carlos Layug and Dr. Merle Musselman, a doctor newly liberated from the camp, worked furiously to remove the shrapnel and repair Dr. Fisher’s wounds. Unfortunately, Dr. Fisher’s injuries proved too extensive and he died the following day.

After the war ended, Capt. Robert Prince, the commander of the Rangers visited Dorothy Canfield Fisher and her husband John in Arlington, Vermont and narrated the circumstances of their son’s death. Upon hearing these, Mrs. Fisher sought to contact the Layugs to thank them, inquiring their whereabouts from every military personnel who wrote her, including Dr. Musselman who assisted in her son’s surgery, but these were all in vain (6). She eventually succeeded only after she elicited the help of then Philippine ambassador to the USA and former United Nations President (and future UP President) Carlos P. Romulo who was able to get in touch with the Layugs. Julita then wrote Mrs. Fisher and narrated in detail the events that transpired during the last few days of her son’s life. After several more letters were exchanged, Mrs. Fisher made the generous

Dr. James C. Fisher Medical Officer of the Great Raid 295

offer to bring the Layugs to the USA for further medical training, at her expense. The surprised couple was hesitant at first because they now had three young children but after thinking it over, they eventually accepted.

It was 1946 and Harvard Medical School had just organized a Veterans Postgraduate Class lasting a year, for the purpose of retraining American doctors who had served in the war in order to facilitate their return to mainstream medical practice in the USA. Mrs. Fisher used her many connections at Harvard to have the Layugs considered for the class. An Army doctor friend of the Fishers, concerned at how the harsh New England winter might impact the Layugs who had lived all of their lives in a tropical climate, suggested Stanford University instead. However, when offered the choice, the couple unhesitatingly chose Harvard. Julita pointed out that her alma mater (UPCM), when established by the American Commonwealth Government in the Philippines, had the reputation of having been patterned after this medical school. Somewhat The Harvard Medical School Veterans Post surprisingly, only Carlos was accepted initially. This may have reflected the fact that Graduate Class 1946. Carlos and Julita are 2nd Harvard Medical School had only started accepting female medical students the year and 6th from the left in the front row before, in 1945. It spoke greatly of Mrs. Fisher’s influence at the venerable university that she was able to make Harvard relent and also accept Julita. Joining about 50 doctors with only one other woman, Julita remembered the first few months as being devoted to courses in general medicine involving both lectures and interactions with patients in the clinics and the wards, and subsequently, rotations in different specialties involving all of the Harvard-affiliated hospitals in the Boston area. Carlos eventually specialized in Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Julita, in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston Lying-In Hospital.

They were housed in Dr. James Fisher’s former flat in Wellesley Hills with Mrs. Fisher taking care of all of their needs. The residence was empty because Dr. Fisher’s widow (Eleanor Bodine) volunteered for the Red Cross soon after she learned of her husband’s death, and was assigned to Europe for the year (7). The Layugs were very impressed with Mrs. Fisher’s many contacts at Harvard and remember being treated in a most friendly manner at the great institution. During the year, they were invited numerous times to visit and stay with the Fishers in Arlington, Vermont. Here they also met the Fishers’ other child, their daughter Sally, as well as several distinguished authors, doctors and artists, including the innovative Harvard surgeon Dr. Oliver Cope who gained fame for his pioneering work in the field of parathyroid and thyroid surgery.

After completing the year, the Layugs returned to the Philippines and began their private practices in Cabanatuan City. Mrs. Fisher provided them with an X-Ray machine, a brand new Jeep and start up money for their clinic. Dorothy Canfield Fisher also offered to help support the three Layug children but the couple declined. Numerous letters were exchanged between Julita and Mrs. Fisher in subsequent years. They corresponded about events occurring in their respective families, how to bring up children, local politics, literary works, and any news concerning 296

Carlos and Julita Layug, separately with Dorothy Canfield Fisher

USA-Philippine relations. In one of her letters, Mrs. Fisher wrote that her husband John was Chairman of the State Board of Education of the state of Vermont, and that it was this Board that was responsible for the establishment of the public school system in the Philippines during the earlier years of the American occupation. She wrote that because of this, the Fishers had always felt a special affinity for the Philippines. It was clear that Mrs. Fisher grew to consider Julita as a second daughter. That the affection was mutual was quickly evident to me after Julita brought out a box filled with Mrs. Fisher’s letters, neatly stacked by date. I felt privileged reading them.

The Vermont Senator Ralph Flanders dropped in on the Layugs at Mrs. Fisher’s request, soon after their arrival in the Philippines to ascertain their well-being. The Layugs went on to have successful professional practices and their clinic in Cabanatuan that also doubled as a birthing center, became a regional institution, until they both retired. On November 10, 1958, the Layugs received their last letter from Vermont, this time from John Fisher who sadly told them that his wife Dorothy had died the day before after a short illness.

Looking back, Dr. Julita Eugenio-Layug expressed contentment at the life that she had led. She was proud of having helped break the female discrimination at Harvard Medical School, following in the footsteps of another UPCM alumna (Dr. Fe del Mundo ’33).

She remembered Dorothy Canfield Fisher as one of those rare individuals who spread goodness and kindness wherever she went and who seemed to leave golden blessings with everything that she touched. In reminiscing about Dr. James Canfield Fisher, she recalls that even on the evening before the POW rescue mission, his thoughts were about returning to the Philippines after the war to help with the medical needs of the poor.

Previous accounts told of how Dr. Fisher was so beloved by local folks in his previous assignment in New Guinea that a number of young boys were named Jimmy Canfield in his honor (8). Dr. Layug reflected on how history has recorded the POW rescue as one of the brightest spots of the Pacific War for the American fighting forces. But she bemoaned the tragedy that the life of an idealistic, brilliant young physician filled with promise and good was also prematurely snuffed out forever.

References: 1. Sides, Hampton: Ghost Soldiers, Doubleday, 2001.

2. Johnson, Forrest Bryant: Hour of Redemption: The Ranger Raid on Cabanatuan, Warner Books, 2002.

3. Breuer, William B.: The Great Raid on Cabanatuan: Rescuing the Doomed Ghosts of Bataan and Corregidor, Wiley, 1994.

The very first letter from Mrs. Fisher dated October 8, 1945 was especially poignant as she expressed her extreme happiness at finally being able to communicate with the couple who tried to save her son.

The black and white photographs in this article were provided

by Dr. Julita E. Layug to the author and are published with her permission He acknowledges the help of his wife Alectis (UPCM 1967) in proofreading this manuscript, and in reading Mrs. Fisher’s many letters to Dr. Julita E. Layug.

A version of this article was printed in the Manila Times, Vol 122, No. 220, (5/21/2021) p A-12 Dr. Teodoro V. Santiago, Jr. is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

He can be reached at santiated@gmail.com.

4. Sides, Hampton: ibid, pp 180-2.

5. Sides, Hampton: ibid, pp 247-51.

6. Fisher, Dorothy Canfield: Letter to the Layugs, 10/8/1945.

7. Fisher, Dorothy Canfield: Letter to the Layugs, 1/22/1946 8. Breuer, William B: ibid, p 157.

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Luz Sison Fonacier, UPCM ’78 A Trailblazer!

Luchi is the first Asian American President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and Chair of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (2021). She is also the first honorary fellow of the Philippine Society of Allergy and Immunology. She is carving a path for ALL young Filipino medical graduates who dare to dream big!

She is 6th of seven children, among whom are 5 physicians, with 3 UPCM grads, including Willy ’74, ophthalmologist (Manila) and Verge ’81, pediatric pulmonologist (Boston MA).

“We were raised in Dimasalang, where our pharmacist mother compounded medicines prescribed by our father. All our lives, he was a dedicated GP, on call 24/7. After graduating as a Math major, summa cum laude, Luchi was steeped in activism, marching in protest on the front lines of Mendiola, living with farmers in Bulacan, wanting only to right the inequities of the feudal system in the Philippines. One day, our wise parents told her that if she wanted to give away all the family land to the farmers, she only had the right to give away her share…”

Luchi married Richie Fonacier, UPCM ’76, an ophthalmologist (NY). Prior to coming to US, Luchi completed Dermatology in 1982 at PGH. She did fellowship in Dermal Immunology at NYU. She completed residency in Internal Medicine in Brooklyn, NY and fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at New York Weill Cornell. Luchi and Richie raised 2 successful kids—Frances, Pediatric Emergency Medicine resident in Texas, and Joey, an architect in LA. Congratulations, Luchi! Your yearning to make a difference never ends... Dr Fauci, watch out!

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Mabuhay ang UPMASA! UPCM CLASS 1984

Mario Diaz Abad Jr. - IM, PA Rodolfo Jose Vitug Abalos Jr. - TCVS, Cebu City Bernardino Flores Abaya - IM, Nephrology, TX Theodore Borromeo Achacoso - Anti-Aging, Health Optimization Medicine and Practice, Wash. DC, MNL. Cora Hermosisima Adlawan-Baeumer - Germany Carmelia Yu Alegre-Weng - IM, Pulmonology. St. Mary’s Hospital, Taiwan, IM Dept. Head, 1998-2001 & 2004-2007.

Maritoni Jane Torres Andres-Catan - OBG, MM Raul Winston Andutan - Urology, Cagayan De Oro City. Phil. Board of Urology Chair, 2020. Phil.

Urological Association National President, 2012. Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital Medical Director, 2006-present.

John DeCastro Añonuevo - IM, Cardiology, PGH IM Chair 2019-present.

Hilda Diana Suguitan Aquino-Alava - Pediatrics, Allergy, MM Norman Benedict Marquez Aquino - Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, MM Noel Constantino DeJesus Atienza - Ophthalmology/Clinical Epidemiology - SLMC-QC. San Beda Univ. College of Med. Vice Chair.

Joel Tamayo Ayson - Pediatrics, Pampanga Rita Garcia Baens-Bailon - Pediatrics, Endocrinology, GA Joaquin Francisco Bagtas - Anesthesia, NY Alexander Gerraban Bailon - IM, GA Raul Sta, Ana Balagtas - IM, Nephrology, KS Vincent Medina Balanag Jr. - IM, Pulmonology, Head of Lung Center.

Yolanda Aesquivel Balatbat - Family Medicine, Australia Maria Isabel Abella Ballesteros - Mangubat - Dermatology, MM Bernadette Umali Baltazar-Arcilla - Dermatology, MM Leonardo Kishi Basco - Malaria Research, Cameroon Peter Bautista Bernardo - Orthopedics, MM Fidel Pastrana Burgos + - ENT-HNS, MM Annamari Coronel Cabrera - Pediatrics, CA

Teresita Samaniego Cadiz-Brion - OBG/Medical Education. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila School of Public Health Dean, 2020-present.

Cesar Augusto Ruperto Calianga - IM, Infectious Disease, TX Marlen Canlas-Yamsuan - Pediatrics, Canada Stella Sacdalan Camilon-Raposas - Pediatrics, WA Sylvia Bagabaldo Capistrano-Estrada - Pediatrics, Endocrinology. PGH Division Head & Training Officer, Pediatric Endocrinology, 2020-present. NSRC-DOH National Coordinator, Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program, 2011-present.

Margaret Mary Imperial Carreon-Gavino - Dermatology, Med.Ed, MM Josephine Sagalongos Casanova-Gutierrez - Neurology. PGH Chief, Section of Adult Neurology, 20132015. EEG-Epilepsy Fellowship Program Director, 2015-present.

Armando Martinez Chiong Jr. - ENT-HNS, MM Winona Dy Chua - Pediatric, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, PA. Francis Samaniego Chuidian - IM, Pulmonology & Critical Care, MD Deborah Jane Libi Co-Acevedo - IM, Rheumatology, PA Margaret Ann Libi Co-Chu - Pediatrics, Allergy Immunology, NJ Henry Costa Costa - IM, Infectious Disease, TX Maria Rosario Mateo Cruz-Sevilla - IM, Cardiology, MM Ma.Teresa Cruz Danao-Camara+ - IM, Rheumatology, HI Veronica Uehara David - IM, Geriatrics, CA Andrew Angelo Dimacali - Pathology, UPCM Dept. Of Pathology Chair 2009-2015.

Ma. Rosario Conquilla Diocales-Kendrick - Nursing Home Admin., USA Allan Reyes Dionisio - Family Medicine, Toxicology. PGH Family Medicine Chair, 2019-present.

Coralie Dioquino-Dimacali - IM, Nephrology, UPCM Associate Dean for Academic Development, 2003-2006, 2012-present.

Emmanuel Nicolas Maldonado Dizon - IM, Pulmonology, MM Cynthia Tandoc Domingo - Ophthalmology, MM Nanette DeCastro Domingo-Reyes - Neurology, MM/Bulacan

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Mabuhay ang UPMASA! UPCM CLASS 1984

Rosario Hofilena Dureza-Lim - Psychiatry, Taiwan Cyrus Baje Estera - Radiology, Davao Edgar Vinluan Estrada - TCVS, Laguna Jose Noel Purisima Estrada - Pharmaceuticals, MM Agnes Bridget Ingalla Estrella - IM, Nephrology, Bulacan. Masters in Management, Major in Hosp.

Admin. Allied Care Experts Medical Center-Baliwag, Hospital Administrator 2015-present, Corporate Secretary, 2020-present.

Jose Emmanuel Gallido Flandes - Radiology, MM Richard Clores Gamuac - Pediatrics, Neurology, CO Joselito Lualhati Gapas - Occupational Medicine. Health Executive, First Philippine Holdings Corporation. Adjunct Prof., UP College of Public Health.

Ciriaco Bayaras Gato Jr. - ENT-HNS, MM Alma Bella Layson Gonzaga-Rivera - OBG, Masters in Management in Hospital Administration. Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hosp., Legazpi City, Chair, Dept. Of OBG. Albay Doctors Hospital, Legazpi City, Chief of Clinics & Head of Medical Services. Daraga Doctors Hospital, Albay, Chief of Clinics.

Christopher Estabillo Gonzaga - IM, Infectious Disease, NM Ma. Monica Bengzon Gonzales-McKeever - IM, Endocrinology, CA Maripaz Gala Gonzalez - Pediatrics, Cardiology, Research, NY Germana Emerita Victorio Gregorio - Pediatrics, Hepatology, Gastro. UPCM-PGH, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Chief.

Ma. Luz Reyes Guytingco-Aquino - Dermatology, MM Dennis Del Rosario Hernandez - TCVS, NP, TX Zarina Mariano Hernandez-Schipplick - Pathology, NY Aldo Arrastia Ilarde - IM, Nephrology, TN Elfina Isabel Bradbury Jaban-Marasigan - Family Medicine, MM Manuel Peter Paul Cabal Jorge II - IM, Pulmonology, UP-PGH Renato Trota Jose - Ophthalmology, MM Ma. Lucia Santos Jugo-Consing - North Dakota

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Franklin Paul Lin Kleiner - Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics. Rizal Medical Center Chair Dept. Of Ophthalmology, 1997-2014. PGH Oculoplastic Lacrimal Section Chief, 2006-2016. Asian Eye Institute Oculoplastics, 2006-present.

Ma. Lourdes Josefina Koh-Cabaluna - Anesthesia, MM Gloria Rasay Lahoz - IM, Cardiology, Ilocos Sur Felicitas Cruz Lardizabal-Lacbawan - Clinical Genetics, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Clinical and Anatomic Pathology; CA, MD and VA Stella Marie Abella Legaspi-Jose - OBG, Medical Education, UPCM Chair, Curriculum Committee, 2014-present. PGH Deputy Director for Health Operations, 2020-present.

Catherine Alcordo Lisondra-Krings - Family Medicine, Function, Wellness Aesthetics, NP 2010-present, AZ. UPCM-PGH, Family Hospice, Palliative Medicine, 1989-2005.

Abraham John Abad Lo Jr. - IM, Nephrology, CA Maribel Rodriguez Lu-Valenzuela - Anesthesia, Dagupan City Marie Jean Tamonan Macarubbo- Goering - OBG, IM, CA Emilio Lopez Macias III - Ophthalmology, MM Agnes Hinal Magno-Laus - Pediatrics, Developmental, OH Evelyn DeLaPena Magsino-Bacuta - IM, New Orleans, LA Carmel Anne Lansang Malig-Canlas - Medical Technology, CA Adrian Estanislao Manapat - TCVS. PGH TCVS Head, 2010-2018 Jacinto Blas Velez Mantaring III - Pediatrics, Neonatology, Clinical Epidemiology. Chair of DCE, 2019-present. UP MNL Ethics Board Chair, 2011-present.

Lemuel Caballes Marasigan - Family Medicine, NGO, MM Benjamin Ariel Gamboa Marte - Psychiatry, Medical Insurance, CA Ma. Dolores Bernardo Mendoza-Cruz - OBG, MM Catherine Jessica Mercado-Lazaro - Radiology, PGH Chair 2020-present.

Melvin Audrey Medina Mingoa - Pediatrics, Neonatology, Romblon Donna Almodovar Natividad-Duremdes - Family Medicine, TX Mario Perry Neis Noble - Neurology, MM Olivia Tanyag Ortiz - IM, Infectious Disease, NJ

Mabuhay ang UPMASA! UPCM CLASS 1984

Mercedes Oh Osunero - Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, MM Carlos Esquivel Paguio - Pediatrics, Dermatology, MM Mary Anne Agoo Pajel-Sio - Family Medicine, PA Claro Bertrand Tesoro Palma - IM, Rheumatology, GA Lynn Crisanta DelRosario Panganiban - Family Med, Toxicology, UPCM Chair, Dept. Of Toxicology & Pharmacology, 2010-2015. UP National Poison Management & Control Center, 2005-2010.

Benedicto Buenaventura Parker Jr. - Psychiatry, NJ Winston Ramos Pineda - Psychiatry, GA Susan Princesa-Mallonga - Family Medicine, Canada Maria Solita Perez Ramos - Family Medicine, MM Carlos Aldana Ranin - IM, Geriatrics, CA Maria Guia Bautista Razon-Palma - Physical Therapy, Class Kuliter, GA. Edwin Chiong Reyes - Ophthalmology, MM/Malolos, Bulacan George Martin Delfín Reyes - Radiology, CA Jami Juvenal DelaCruz Reyes - Pediatrics, MD Lilia De Mesa Reyes - Epidemiology, Masters in Public Health, Singapore Ma. Evelyn Calimbas Rodriguez-Zierer - Pediatrics, NJ Gregorio Giron Rogelio - IM, Cardiology, MM Achelle Cuyugan Ronquillo - Ophthalmology, MM Aurora Arlene Roque-Nakashima - Pediatrics, Neonatology, CA Maria Lilibeth Lacdao Rosales-Manguera - OBG, Lipa City Blesile Suzette Medalla Salvano-Mantaring - OBG, UP MNL Director of Office of Student Affairs, 2018-present.

Antonietta Corazon Jo Santos-Sison - IM, Endocrinology, Cagayan de Oro City Jose Antonio Marquez Santos - ENT-HNS, NP, CA Carlo Dizon Santos-Ocampo - IM, Cardiology, FL Franco Garcia San Vicente Jr. - IM, Cardiology Eduardo Uy Sembrano Jr. - Pediatrics, Pulmonology, NJ Edgardo Liiwag Sevilla - Orthopedics, MM

Pauline Bayani Sioson-Reyes + - Pediatrics, Neonatology, MD Jose Javier Juez Suntay + - Orthopedics, MM Vivien Lu Sy-Hsu - IM, Nephrology, Taiwan Beaver Reyes Tamesis - IM, Cardiology, Merck Sharpe & Dome Managing Director. PGH Central EKG & Central ICU Head, 1994-2001.

Fahra Alfad Tan-Omar - Pediatrics. Province of Sulu, Provincial Health Officer II, 2002-present.

Milagros Concepcion Chua Ting + CA Anselmo Toledo Tronco - Psychiatry, PGH Chair 2011-present.

Edison Tan Ty - Pediatrics, Cardiology. UPCM PGH Head of Pediatric Cardiology. Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center Chair, Dept. Of Pediatrics, 2011-present.

Marie Judith Saludares Valdez-Eusebio - Dermatology, Los Banos/Calamba City, Laguna. St. John the Baptist Medical Center Medical Director, 1999-2005. Calamba Medical Center Chief of Clinics, 20182019.

Roberto Tolentino Valenzuela - Surgery, Plastic Recons., Dagupan City Lorna Ngo Ventura-Ng - IM, Hongkong Jose Miguel Vargas Vergara - Integrative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, MM Theodor Santos Vesagas - Neurosurgery. Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Clinical Director, Philippine Gamma Knife Center, 2008-present.

Julia Maria Paguio Warren-Valdez - Ophthalmology, CA Maria Offineh Callanta Yap Jerome Chen Young - Anesthesia. Metropolitan Medical Center Chair Dept. Of Anesthesiology.

Mary Helen Young - Pediatrics, FL

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In Memoriam

CHAPTER x

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Dr. Benjamin R. Roa, MD † UPCM ’39 — A Loving Tribute to my Father

His classmates and friends called him Ben, born on December 1, 1913 in Oas, Albay to a humble family of 16 children, all of whom became professionals. In UP Diliman he was Commandant of the ROTC and a member of the UP Vanguard. He entered the UP College of Medicine and was Class President until graduation in 1939.

He served as Infantry Commander in World War II, was a prisoner of war and survived the Bataan Death March. He settled in San Fernando, Pampanga, raising 6 children with my mother Alicia Ner Garde. He built the Roa Clinic in 1953 which subsequently expanded to form the Virgen de los Remedios Hospital and School of Midwifery in 1955. The School has produced hundreds of midwives contributing to improved maternal and neonatal health in the rural areas. The hospital treated patients from all walks of life. His leadership did not go unnoticed nationally and he became President of the Philippine Medical Association in 19621963, UPMAS President in 1964, three-term President of the Philippine Hospital Association (1976-1977, 1980-1981 and 1981-1982). His life was dedicated to giving the Filipino people affordable medical services by helping draft and pass the Philippine Medical Care Act of 1969, the Philippine’s initial attempt at a comprehensive and coordinated (Government and private) medical care program, while preserving the insured’s freedom of choice of physician and hospital. He was appointed one of the Commissioners of the Philippine Medical Care Commission in 1969 - 1975.

He never dabbled in politics (in spite of persistence by many in the government) and was content with his medical practice, hospital 332

administration, the medical organizations, and his family. He was eventually given the Community Service Award by UPMAS in 1980, an award he cherished until his end. He loved UP so much, encouraging his children to enter UP Diliman. He passed away from natural causes on July 5, 1988, leaving behind my mother Alice (now also deceased) and siblings Mrs. Nancy Roa-Cuenco, Benjamin Jr. (now deceased), Roberto, Ronaldo Roa MD (UERM Class1972) , Raul (now deceased), and myself, Ruby Roa-Alboliras MD (UPCM Class1980).

His passing was bittersweet, for the hospital he founded had to eventually close, mainly because of the effect of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

Adelaida Dalmacio-Cruz, MD † UPCM ’53 — An Icon

Professionally, Dr. Dalmacio-Cruz represented the best the University of the Philippines College of Medicine could offer, graduating Cum Laude and Salutatorian of her class. She completed fellowships at Johns Hopkins (in diagnostic cytology) and Case Western Reserve (in liver pathology) and was often the only woman at the table. She was an integral member of the UPCM Department of Pathology from 19531991. She pioneered diagnostic cytology in the Philippines and was once dubbed the “Supreme Court of liver pathology.” She held the following lofty positions through the years: Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology; Chair of Admissions and Scholarships; President of the Philippine Society of Pathologists; Chair of the Philippine Board of Pathology. Certainly, Dr. Dalmacio-Cruz made a huge difference in the lives of countless young medical students, not only as an incomparable teacher, but also as a compassionate mentor. She went out of her way to help her gifted students obtain and maintain scholarships. Following retirement, she migrated to the United States and forged an entirely new life around family.

Personally, Ida was a beloved Mama to Chito, Raul (Chickie), Rene, and Gina (Joby) and a cherished Lola to Jed, Jason, Ryan, Ronald, & Celine.

Her stellar life came to a close when she succumbed to Covid-19 in Thousand Oaks, California; but surely, her eternal life can only outshine the beacon of light she was on Earth.

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Johnny A. Brawner, M.D., F.A.C.S., M.B.A., M.P.H. †

UPCM ’67

Back in the early 1990’s, Johnny was one of a small group of UPMASA graduates who determined the need for an Ohio Chapter to represent the medical community and its interests.

Most of the original members were overworked, busy practitioners and time was precious, so there was genuine concern for the long-term stability and growth of the Chapter.

During his term as President, Johnny hosted many Chapter meetings, both in his home and at restaurants. “Johnny had dreams of its growth, was very aggressive and voted to keep the Chapter alive. He knew that the future was with the younger graduates that were now working as Residents at the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and some of our other fine Northeast Ohio hospitals. Without his perseverance in inviting these young physicians, the Chapter would have folded.” (Dr. Norberto Marfori) “When I came to Cleveland, UPMASA was practically dead. I was the secretary for a while and gave it my best – but it was not enough. In the process of my frustration and with no one our age to bear the UPMASA burden, I poured my heart out to Johnny, and he responded in a kind and non-judgmental way.” (Dr. Henedine Aldana) Within a few years, this young chapter organized and hosted their very first Annual Grand Convention. With the support of its members and their families, the 1996 AGC became a successful and well attended showcase of our community.

“Johnny and I were among the founding members of the Ohio Chapter of UPMASA in the early 1990’s. When I became president of the Ohio chapter, we were asked to host the AGC. I solicited the help of Johnny to take charge of the CME program. I was sure I could depend on him.

He agreed and did a fantastic job.” (Dr. Celia So Yap) 334

The Ohio Chapter is still alive and well. Many of the residents that Johnny had recruited years ago are now busy practicing in several Cleveland area hospitals. It is this younger generation of U.P. graduates that has worked so hard to plan and orchestrate the 2021 Cleveland AGC. The following are some testimonials from Johnny’s longtime friends and colleagues.

“The gift Johnny gave me was his personal witness and his sincere friendship. In the process we talked about death and life (he was going through his medical challenges) and love, life, and God. I truly considered him my friend. And so, when he died, I wept.” (Dr. Henedine AquinoAldana) “I had a close relationship with Johnny. When I was a first-year surgical resident at the UP-PGH, as my mentor, I was impressed by the dexterity in his hands when he did surgery and I thought that he would be a great surgeon one day. He was a good friend and teacher when we were in the Philippines and until I left for the United States. The next time I saw Johnny was when I was practicing at St. John West Shore Hospital and to my relief Johnny was there to help me out with my surgical cases. He was very well-respected by the staff and I was privileged and honored to work with him. His patients loved him. With his very good outcomes of surgery, the staff was very confident to refer patients to him.” (Dr. Romeo Miclat) “I was fortunate enough to work with Johnny not only in UPMASA but at St. John Medical Center where he was Chief of Surgery. He was very well respected not only by his peers but by the Sisters of Charity organization. He mentored residents and students as a consultant and was a good teacher.

Johnny was also one of the first members elected to the St Luke’s Society, a prestigious organization honoring physicians who have served St John Medical Center well with their loyalty and achievements. Johnny was a good friend and peer. He was a very generous human being, with amazing honesty and integrity, a proud father and family man.” (Dr. Amelia Llerena) “In medical school, Johnny was a year ahead of me. During my last year in medical school, I rotated through the OB-Gyn department in Philippine General Hospital and worked under him as an intern. I found him to be a caring person, very intelligent, always ready and willing to help and to teach his interns. On the last day before graduation, the interns traditionally celebrated with a bonfire. As part of the celebration, we recognized three consultants or residents who were kind and understanding and who treated the interns with compassion, kindness and respect. Of course, Johnny was one of the three favored persons.”

(Dr. Celia So Yap) In preparing this tribute to my husband, I reviewed his large binder with so many pages of meeting notes, copies of emails, records of phone calls, membership directories and so many memories. Looking through all of these handwritten notes reminded me of how hard Johnny worked at any project he undertook. He was an excellent clinician and was well respected by his colleagues. He was truly a proud alumnus of the University of the Philippines with a sincere dedication to UPMASA. I believe Johnny is looking down upon all of us today with great joy as his beloved Ohio Chapter hosts the 2021 Cleveland AGC! — Carol S. Brawner 335

Jose Maria Co Avila, MD †

UPCM ’83 Covid Martyr

Joey did his residency in Pathology at PGH and completed his fellowship at the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He served two terms as Chairman of the UP PGH Department of Pathology and was a consultant at four major hospitals in Manila. Fine needle aspiration biopsy analysis was his specialty. Thanks to him that Acta Medica Philippina, of which he was editor for many years, achieved international recognition. He moved on to Makati Medical Center as Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory and in pandemic times, was in the center of all discussions about Covid testing and convalescent plasma treatment, working quietly and efficiently to meet requirements for MMC’s accreditation as a PCR testing laboratory. Joey passed away on April 20, 2021, a general in the fight against Covid-19.

Joey was happily married to Angela Pagkaliwangan. He had 5 stepchildren and 3 step grandchildren. He was an extremely private person, but he always reached out to classmates, individually. He loved the creative arts. He was a playwright, a poet, our class editor. He composed and dedicated this poem for us, on our coral anniversary: They were great and trying times The challenges, the sleepless nights Difficult, long exams. Longer lectures.

Passing exams. Barely. The tiring wards.

The embrace of a loved one. Tears of happiness.

Those rare vacations. The endless duty days.

Dreadful endorsement rounds.

Even more dreadful cafeteria food.

Terrible duty days. The heat. The mosquitoes.

Those cats.

Those rats.

Of bouncing back. The tears of joy.

The heartaches. The learning. The giving. And leaving.

The passage of time. The years. The decades.

Of marriage. Of children.

A success or failure. A great career.

Triumphs and disappointments.

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Life and death.

Wrinkles and bulges. Aches and pains.

An old acquaintance. A classmate.

Those familiar faces and those precious smiles.

The memories. Of times gone but remembered.

Of shared successes and disappointments.

A shared mind.

Of ties that bind.

How things change, but remain the same.

A paradox. A moment.

So alive.

At 35 The parties are over.

The jokes, the cokes, old blokes.

Laughter, banter.

Talking, sharing, remembering.

Changing faces Passing phases

Familiar but different.

Some, still indifferent Some we lose, but forget we refuse.

The pride of accomplishment told A shared mold Decisions bold.

A common identity; links to hold.

Remembrance, tolerance, importance A class, we rethink Never blink.

Once again we depart.

To be apart.

The hugs, tears Uncertainty and fears Of meeting again But when?

Must we be told? ’83 will never fold.

Onward to gold!

Romeo Gregorio N. Macasaet, MD, DPBA, FPASA † UPCM ’83 Covid Martyr

Greg was a dedicated husband and father, an avid photographer, a compassionate doctor, amazing classmate and genuine friend. Greg passed away on March 22, 2020, giving his life on the frontlines against the Covid-19 pandemic. He was survived by life and work partner, Evalyn Talens-Macasaet, UPCM’83, and their beloved son Raymond.

Both anesthesiologists, they spread joy at work and relaxed on their family farm during weekends. Here is a unique perspective of who Greg was: “Greg was my first Intern—a ‘MacGyver’ Intern—when I was a new clerk in PGH, who knew absolutely nothing. From the moment you endorsed me to him, I had to run, just to keep up with him—for a little guy, he sure moved fast! Bilib na bilib ako… kung saan saan pa dumadaang iskinita! He showed me the ropes, the short cuts, and whom to approach to get things done, faster. He had all the answers! He had connections everywhere. Did anyone need a camera? Any gadget? He could produce a cheap refurbished one (or a new one if one had the money—most of us did not) in 24 hours! He was tireless! He was there for everyone through the years. The OR at MDH will never be the same without him.

— Hilda Aquino Alava, UPCM’84, to her ate Henedine Aquino Aldana, UPCM’83

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Photo by Wil Lindsey

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Photo by Aerial Agents 340

CHAPTER XI

Cleveland AG C EV EN TS

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About O-HI-O The Hostess with the Mostest Dr. Floro with Dr. Marfori and Nanagas during the 1996 AGC in Cleveland OH.

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Dr. James Tan ‘65 received the Presidential Award during AGC 1996. He was instrumental in opening Summa Akron City Hospital to UPCM graduates as IM and FP residents, further strengthening Ohio Chapter with the influx of young blood.

The birth of the Ohio Chapter of UPMASA was credited to Francisco Floro, Class 1957.

Francis was an avid golfer and would get together with fellow UP graduates at golf outings.

He would often say that there were enough UP graduates in Ohio (mainly Northeast Ohio) to form an Ohio Chapter. Hence, in 1989, the Ohio Chapter came into fruition. The founding members included Francis Floro ’57; Norberto “Porong” Marfori ’64 and his wife Annie Lumanlan-Marfori ’64; Ireneo Cadsawan ’60; Tranquilino Rey Rivera ’64; Amelia GuevaraLlerena ’61; Johnny Brawner ’67; Ruben Escuro ’81; Romeo Miclat ’70 and his wife Aurora “Oying” Bartolome-Miclat ’70; Jojo Sison ’61; and Celia Yap ’68.

The first set of officers were Francis Floro (president), Ireneo Cadsawan (vice president), Celia Yap (secretary/ treasurer). Since UPMASA Ohio at that time only consisted of just a handful of members, their objective was to promote camaraderie among the UP alumni in the greater Cleveland area and eventually reach out to other alumni in other big cities, like Cincinnati, Columbus and Pittsburgh, PA. Once officially recognized as the Ohio Chapter by UPMASA in 1991, it was suggested by the National Chapter to consider merging with chapters close by to boost membership. That aim turned out to be incredibly challenging, even to this day.

Dr. Francisco Floro ’57 First UPMASA Ohio Chapter President

Ireneo Cadsawan succeeded Francis Floro as Ohio Chapter president (1991-1993), then by Celia Yap (1993-1995). Dr. Juanito Bartolome, who was then the president of UPMASA (1993-1995), visited Ohio and suggested that the Chapter consider hosting the Annual Grand Convention (AGC) in Cleveland. This eventually happened on July 11 to 14, 1996 at Marriott Society Center. At that time, Aurora “Oying” Miclat pioneered changing the nature of the AGC Gala from just a mere gathering into a formal event, setting the bar high for future AGCs. Celia Yap ended up serving as president for a second term (1995-1997), because the members told her that since she started the project, she should see it through. As president, Celia Yap nominated Francisco Floro for the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1996, and rightfully became its recipient at the AGC in Cleveland. Thanks to the officers, members and their spouses who unselfishly donated their time and effort, the Ohio Chapter was able to donate 175 microscopes to the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and gained a sizable amount of money for the Chapter. Before the AGC, the Chapter had little funds, mostly generated from membership dues.

Past Presidents 1991-1993 Ireneo Cadsawan

RIGHT Dr. Aurora “Oying” Miclat in white. The classy, elegant AGC Gala was her brainchild. Dr. Oying showing her plaque of admiration from Class’70 - for her generosity, resiliency, and tenacity in the presence of adversity. Photo taken 2012.

BELOW Class 1968 supporting Cleveland AGC 1996. Standing L-R: Rommel Lozada, Ethelwoldo Eliazo, Celia Yap, Benny Jongco. Sitting L-R: Cyndy Eliazo and Nanette Jongco

1989-1991 Francisco Floro 1997-1999 Amelia Llerena

BOTTOM LEFT Rock & Roll Theme in 1996. In the picture are Renato Bosita ’60; Andy Yap UST ’65; Ireneo Cadsawan ’60 and Celia Yap ’68 BOTTOM RIGHT Jukebox photobooth with Drs. Andy and Celia Yap. The hybrid UP and UST power duo.

1993-1995 1995-1997 Celia Yap 2001-2003 Norberto Marfori

1999-2001 Tranquilino Rey Rivera

2003-2005 Demostenes Sison

2005-2007 Ruben Escuro

2007-2009 Johnny Brawner 343

For a few years after 2009, the Ohio Chapter was at a standstill, with no new members coming through. Porong Marfori served as president, and during one of the meetings at Li Wah Chinese Restaurant in Cleveland, the members were left to decide whether to dissolve the Chapter or continue. A unanimous decision was reached to keep the Chapter alive.

Then came the next batch of UP graduates serving as residents, fellows and new attendings in the Akron and Cleveland areas. Ohio Chapter was REVITALIZED! In 2013, Renato “Nats” Samala ’00 became the president (2013-2015). His first project, a bowling bash at the Winking Lizard Tavern in Cleveland was a striking success.

Proceeds from the event went to UPMASA National’s typhoon Yolanda relief initiative.

Another “FUNraiser” was a bingo bonanza, which further strengthened the camaraderie amongst alumni members and their families. Behind every great man is a great woman!

Riah (wife of Nats) has always been very involved with UPMASA. Nats and Riah were the dynamic duo acting upon Ohio Chapter’s 3Rs: Revitalize.

Reinforce. Respond.

Jonathan Castro ’01 succeeded Nats Samala as president (2015-2017), and came the birth of the Annual Summer Meeting and Picnic. The well-attended summer gathering was usually held in one of the many Northeast Ohio parks.

TOP LEFT First set of officers of the REVITALIZED Ohio Chapter. L-R: Jonathan Castro ‘01 president-elect; Renato “Nats” Samala ‘00, president; Vicente “VJ” Velez ’02 , host and husband of Giselle; Lulette Tricia Bravo-Castro ‘01, secretary; Giselle Santos-Velez ‘00, treasurer.

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It was Jennifer Solivas-Maluyao ’99, then president-elect (president 2017-2019), who came up with the idea of starting a Christmas tradition. Since there was a summer picnic for elections, a Christmas get-together was conceived that served as both fundraising for the alma mater and a way to reach out to the Northeast Ohio community to make the group’s presence known. The Chapter was excited. After all, Christmas is the most special holiday for Filipinos. It was Mariquita “Kit” Belen ’04, the treasurer at that time, who pegged the event’s name, “Maligayang PaskOH” in 2015.

The first-ever “Maligayang PaskOH” was a fun-filled night adorned with good food, joyous cheer and a showcase of talents of the young ones and young once.

We honored the late Dr. Francisco Floro ’57 for establishing the UPMASA Ohio Chapter and served as its first Chapter President. The recognition was graciously received by his wife, Isabelita “Chin” Floro, and son, Dr. Norman Floro.

Recognition was also given to the late Dr. Johnny Brawner, one of the advocates for the Chapter. His wife, Carol Brawner, who is still currently incredibly involved with Chapter activities, received the award.

In 2016, the Chapter revived the 1980s with neon colors, leg warmers and shoulder pads as members danced to the music of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna at the 2nd Christmas celebration— “Maligayang PaskOH Na Naman.”

ABOVE LEFT Kit’04 and husband Allan during the first Maligayang PaskOH. Allan is a dedicated UPMASA auxiliary member. ABOVE RIGHT The official band of the Ohio Chapter, Anything Grooves, made its debut!

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For “Maligayang PaskOH Ikatlo” in 2017, the Great Gatsby-themed event brought out the frills and glitz with an abundance of flapper fashion, with beaded and sequined dresses for the ladies, while the gents showed off their suspenders and matching bowties.

In 2018, the chapter brought out the Wild West in everyone.

Jose “Jun” David ‘83, UPMASA National President, graced our 2017 and 2018 events, first in his not-too-shabby black suit and tie, then in his cowboy attire.

The Chapter geared up with leather pants, moto jackets and biker-style booties for the 2019 Christmas party to the tune of Rock ‘n Roll. This project eventually became the blueprint for the UPMASA AGC in Cleveland.

The beautiful Castro fambam Cheers to our forever youthful Jojo Sison ’61 with wife Josie, Andy Yap (honorary UPMASAn- UST ‘65), Celia Yap ’68 and Henedine Aldana ’83.

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Officers 2017-2019

Rachel Espiritu-Asilo ’02 and husband Ed. Ed is a full-time UPMASA auxiliary member.

Jen ‘99 with husband Joma, another full-time auxiliary

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and with the leadership of President Rachel EspirituAsilo ’02 (2019-2021), the Chapter held a holiday celebration in 2020 using Zoom technology with singing of Christmas carols by various families. This yearly Christmas tradition showcased the talents of the Chapter’s kids and adults, and raised money to benefit several causes: PGH Foundation, Dr. Marcelito Custodio HIV Memorial Fund, scholarship programs, UPCM Medical Sciences Building and PGH’s pandemic fund.

In 2020, the rejuvenated Ohio Chapter, led by co-chairs, Jennifer Solivas-Maluyao and Jonathan Castro, embarked on the huge endeavor of hosting UPMASA’s 36th AGC at the Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland on June 30 to July 4, 2021. It was a long and arduous process, planning for both virtual and in-person event.

The Chapter’s last meeting prior to the AGC was a picnic at Edgewater Park in Cleveland.

The weather was perfect and everyone’s tummy was filled with home-cooked Filipino food. After a year of Zoom meetings, this was the first in-person Chapter meeting in preparation for the big event.

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The hard work of the different committees paid off since it was a well-attended, well-appreciated and most unique AGC. One for the books!The guts, grit and the grind behind the successful AGC included the different committees, our spouses, our children, fellow UPMASAns from Ohio and various chapters, friends and sponsors.

Maraming Salamat pOH!

2021 AGC Organizing Committee Overall Chair Co-Chair Jennifer Solivas-Maluyao, MD ‘99 Jonathan Troadio Castro, MD ‘01

Gala team with Tita Celia as our historian. L-R: Cha, Celia, Rache, Suzie. Not in the picture: Co-chair Angela Galang-Lewis

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Solicitation-Commemorative Book-Registration Team L-R: Mark, Mitzi, Kit, Henedine, Benj, Carol

Ohio Chapter President CME Program Rachel Espiritu-Asilo, MD ‘02 Lulette Tricia Bravo, MD ‘01 Renato Samala, MD ‘00 Finance & Sponsorship Marvin Sih, MD ‘05 Mitzi Regala, MD ‘06 Mia Diego, MD ‘03 Mark Regala, MD ‘06 Cyndee Miranda, MD ‘01 Registration Henedine Aquino-Aldana, MD ‘83 Carol Brawner Benj Aldana, MD ‘83 Cynthia Brawner, MD ‘73 Giselle Santos-Velez, MD ‘00 Commemorative Book Vicente Jose Velez, MD ‘02 Mariquita Tolentino-Belen, MD ‘04 Jona Marie Golbin-Banzon, MD ‘09 Jubilarian Liaisons; Gala & Awards Renato Samala, MD ‘00 Rachel Espiritu-Asilo, MD ‘02 Gamaliel Batalla, MD ‘93 Angela Galang-Lewis, MD ‘08 Jobert Abiva Charina Gayomali, MD ‘02 Lillian Tocyap-Aquino, MD ‘96 Suzie Sabundayao-Tiu, MD ‘12, Joselito Aquino Celia Yap, MD ’68 Cheryle Taruc-Libed, MD ‘96 Victoria Altavas-Arcega, MD ‘70 Geraldine Gomez-Pinder, MD ‘71 Vicente Velasco III, MD ‘71

These are the early birds for the 4th of July picnic... Not in the photo are the late birds :) - Castro and Belen Family.

4th of July-post AGC picnic. We have a lot of energy!

The wind beneath photobooth balloons -Anj and Todd with their twins. Our Commemorative book editorsJM’09 and daughter Elise.

The Golden Hour with the UPMASAns and family from Indiana, Oregon and Ohio. Note: pets are included!

We work hard and play harder. Another party-partey at Dr. Miclat’s “Baguio-feel” home in Elyria OH on July 17, 2021.

Taken two weeks after the AGC and after lechon paksiw (leftover from the Class 1970 fiesta), lumpiang sariwa, palabok, barbeque, menudo, halo-halo, desserts, fruits and CHAMPAGNE! Our tummies are full… our hearts are FULLER.

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WELCOME RECEPTION To officially kick off the 36th Annual Grand Convention, UPMASA went rockin’ and rollin’ at the welcome reception.We wanted everyone to relax, let loose and enjoy a casual event that started with a mini-cocktail duo, hyper-lively and comical emcees– Pat Reyes ’71 and Pearl Ontalan; energetic Pres. Susan Echiverri ’79; and Anything Grooves Ohio chapter band plus the audience who are set to hit the floor!

Breaking boundaries. Emcees from Arizona and New Jersey, a short message from UPMASA President from Chicago, a cordial welcome by Ohio chapter with their very own band throughout the night. The traditional Pabidahan is also a Bayanihan!

The rest of the Ohio Chapter members. Not in the picture are the members who selflessly gave their “seats” to the guests & UPMASAns from other states. Truly a warm welcome representing six decades of UPCM alumni in Ohio.

Our Ohio members from Class 1964, Drs. Norberto and Annie Marfori with Dr. Jojo Sison ‘61 Diamond Jubilarian and wife Josie graced the welcome reception.

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Despite the limited inperson attendance we had “Pabidahan” video presentations from Arizona, Chicago, Northern California, Michigan, NJ/NY/ CT, and the newly formed Pacific Northwest Chapter which expanded everyone’s involvement including Classes of 1970, 1975, 1995, and 1996.

Mu Sigma Phi Foundation, Phi Kappa Mu, and Phi Lambda Delta also displayed their well-crafted videos.

It was truly a night to remember in Cleveland, Ohio.

Photo by Mark Regala

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WELCOME RECEPTION For the first time ever, Dancing with UPMASA Stars came to life that night with the dance showdown among these couples: Letty and Winston Umali, Baba and Lando Perez, and Gerry and Godfrey Pinder.

It proved to be tough for our judges Susan Echiverri, Joel Lucena and Norma Panahon to decide but ultimately Gerry and Godfrey took the trophy home.

A heartwarming story “Love Actually Sizzles in Cleveland” video presentation of Francis & Maileen Celis, shares this couple’s love story born during the 11th AGC in July 1996. Their Class ’71 parents Fred Celis and Linnie ArmadaAragones were then celebrating their Silver Jubilee.

Celis Family during the Gala, July 3, 2021.

LOVE GROWS HERE IN CLEVELAND!

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Indeed, it was a fun and festive night as we celebrated UPMASA, alive and strong amidst this COVID-19 pandemic.

We did not forget our beloved alma mater that night as we passed the hat to raise funds for the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod’s Community Pantry Project.

The night was not short of live entertainment as Ohio Chapter’s band “Anything Grooves” spiced up the Rock and Roll theme with tunes like “Johnny Be Good” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and of course, “Cleveland Rocks!”

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AGC 2021 ALUMNI BUSINESS LUNCHEON July 2, 2021

by Mary Lillian Tocyap Aquino ‘96 and Joel Lucena ‘82 The alumni luncheon was very well attended by 81 UPCM alumni! The officers gave various reports to the alumni members. Members were updated regarding UPMASA’s major projects, achievements and activities. The accounting of UPMASA’s finances, endowment funds and legacies were presented and discussed with the entire alumni for information and transparency. We remembered as well those who passed on and went ahead of us!

There was a robust discussion on the proposed Constitution and By Laws (CBL) change affecting the lifetime membership status. In the end, the camaraderie amongst alumni is palpable as everyone are optimistic of UPMASA’s continued enduring legacy.

Mabuhay ang UPCM! Mabuhay ang UPMASA!

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING REPORT

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by Rachel Espiritu ‘02 The Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting was held on July 1, 2021. Official canvassing of ballots was done the day before to announce the new set of officers for 2021-2023. More than 30 attendees were present despite the restrictions brought about by the pandemic. It proved to be a very productive and informative conference that included the dignitaries from the Philippines through zoom platform.

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• • • UPMASA Board of Governors 2020-2021 Cleveland Annual Grand Convention June 30-July 4, 2021 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio

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Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Dean of the College of Medicine, provided updates on the construction of the Calderon Hall; launching of the UPCM website and virtual campus; as well as the ramping up of the grant for Acta Medica Philippina.

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla highlighted the innovative projects: • GenAmplify Kit for COVID-19 PCR test and utilization of COVID labs in UPM • Application of the PGH call center as training ground for other departments • Community Pantry • Future exploration of UPM land as a green and biotechnology park, PGH transitional hospital and academic zone.

Status of PGH was given by PGH Director, Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, emphasizing the significant growth in research and technological advances despite decrease in surgical procedures during the pandemic.

Dr. Legaspi lauded the heroism and bravery of several people during the fire incident on the 3rd floor saving many lives and equipment. He also shared the continuing infrastructure development.

The UP President Atty. Danilo Concepcion provided information on the status of PGH Diliman and PGH Davao.

The UPMAS President Dr. Lara Aleta gave an update on UPMAS Homecoming 2021.

The UPMASA President Dr. Susan Echiverri and each of the various committee chairs delivered their reports. Impassioned discussions arose regarding handling of PEF funds and legacies.

Dr. Geraldine Pinder was praised for her unswerving commitment to UPMASA and was followed by a standing ovation from the members of the BOG.

Other important topics that were tackled included abolition of lifetime membership dues, proposal for use of electronic voting only, the need to improve communications regarding research, as well as the venues/hosts for the future AGC meetings. All in all, it certainly showcased the talents, passion, and dedication of the members of the BOG and their fidelity to the ideals of UPMASA. 355

PHI LAMBDA DELTA

Ilan sa mga kababaihan ng Phi Lambda Delta

Founding member Dr. Zenda Garcia-Lat paying tribute to the Golden Jubilarians of Phi Lambda Delta

Mitzi Mangaser-Regala (2001b/2006), Armyn Carbonell (1987/92), Irma May Fernandez-de Leon (1976/80), Lou Publico (1973/77), Zenda Garcia Lat(founding member, 1969/72), Anet VelascoPaves (founding member, 1969/72), Connie Carillo- Cipriaso( 1989A/93), Elizabeth Fong de Leon (1971/75), Ofelia Castro-Tablan (1969/71), Lulette Tricia Bravo (1996B/2001) Laging maaasahang tumugon sa tawag ng mga nangangailangang Sis, sa UPCM Dekana Sis Charlotte Chiong at sa PGH Direktor Brod Gap Legaspi.

“With advanced technology and hard work of our AGC Ohio organizers and sisses, Mitzi Regala and Tricia Bravo, we had a successful productive annual meeting. Such a hybrid meeting has never been done and it took a lot of work behind the scenes and coordination with many Phi sisses and brods. Congrats to the UPMASA Ohio AGC organizers for a job well done despite many obstacles and challenges throughout the year before. Thank you to the UPMASA Ohio chapter!”

Golden Jubilarian Dr. Ofelia Castro-Tablan presiding over the induction of new PLDI officers

UPMASA President Lou Publico addressing our brods and sisses

Phi Luncheon attendees

- Coramine Ochoa Strattan, MD President, Phi Lambda Delta International

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“We proudly sing of you,​Phi Lambda Delta dear…”

Inspired by the sunny skies of past AGCs and unfazed by the gloomy days of the current COVID-19 pandemic, brothers of UPCM’s most venerable fraternity, Phi Kappa Mu, jubilantly celebrated comradeship at the traditional luncheon on July 3, 2021. During UPMASA’s 36th annual gathering in Cleveland. Ohio-based brothers—Porong Marfori (Phi ‘60), Ruben Escuro (Phi ‘77), Chuck De Peralta (Phi ‘77), Benjie Aldana (Phi ‘79) and Nats Samala (Phi ‘96A)—organized the successful event, which was led

by Phi Kappa Mu International (PKMI) Immediate Past President, Joey Dimen (Phi ‘78). Following prayers and words of thanksgiving from Jess Socrates (Phi ‘69B), entertainment was provided by Solomon Apostol (Phi ‘66) and Winston Umali (Phi ‘89B) on saxophone and keyboards, respectively, as lunch was served. The fraternity honored jubilarians from Class 1971 and Class 1996, Phi ’71 (Dirty Dozen Plus Three), UPMASA awardees, Nonie Leonidas (Phi ‘65) and Vic Rivera (Phi ’62), and recently departed brothers. By harnessing technology and the talents of Jun Nibungco (Phi ’71), Henry Ty (Phi ‘86), Nats Samala (Phi ‘96A), and George Pujalte (Phi ‘96B), brothers across the country and in the Philippines took part in the afternoon’s festivities. After the induction of new officers of PKMI by Iman Lat (Phi ‘68), PGH director- Gap Legaspi (Phi ‘83), and PKMI President- Bobby Cabugao (Phi ‘76) offered updates and messages of gratitude and hope while at remote locations. The event concluded the very same way gatherings of Phi Kappa Mu’s loyal sons do: brothers standing tall, arms around each other’s proud shoulders, voices raised as one, singing each verse with open hearts and cheering loudly…PHI KAPPA MU!

PHI KAPPA MU

Phi brods and sisses celebrating the gift of friendship and togetherness at the PHI LUNCHEON

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The gala From July 2020 to June 2021, the OH Chapter committee chairs and members, along with the guidance of Dr. Geraldine Gomez-Pinder, Dr. Joel Lucena, Dr. Lillian Tocyap-Aquino, and Ms. Pearl Ontalan conscientiously attended our zoom meetings in preparation for the 2021 AGC. Truthfully, we thought it was not possible; but their guidance gave us confidence to go for it.

RIGHT The Registration Team headed by Carol Brawner and Dr. Cynthia Brawner, with our bookkeepers Caroline Pinder and Coty Santos, Pearlie Palma, and multiple volunteers from the OH Chapter and other chapters including family members ensured an organized and efficient check-in process. BOTTOM LEFT AGC Chairs Dr. Jennifer Maluyao and Dr. Jon Castro along with Ohio Chapter President Dr. Rachel Espiritu - all excited and eager to kickoff Day 1 of AGC. BOTTOM RIGHT In addition to the registration, that area also housed the appreciation box.

“Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone… don’t keep it a secret” – Mary Kay Ash.

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Registration

BEHIND THE SCENES with the OH Chapter members in action to provide an unforgettable AGC experience for everyone.

Shout-out to the Lewis, Asilo, Maluyao, Regala, Belen families, and the Pacific Northwest Chapter members who offered unsolicited assistance!

UPMASA Ohio Kids (no more!) selling raffle tickets. The winner of the elegant purse was Dr. Edith Orlino-Oliva ’70.

The infamous Cleveland AGC 2021 logo was designed by UPMASA Ohioan Dr. Algene Agustin ‘12.

And the man behind the photo printing station, Edemiel Asilo.

Special thanks to our unofficial but talented photographers Joma Maluyao-UPMASA Ohio auxiliary, Dr. Joel Lucena, and Dr. Jun David.

Happy birthday, Dr. David!

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Two-lane entourage from Class 1970 and Class 1971

Class of 1970

Class of 1971

The Silver and Golden Jubilarians for both years 2020 and 2021 gallantly paraded into the ballroom. For the first time in AGC history—we had quadruple celebrants!

Class of 1996

Class of 1995

Celebrants from Classes 1996 and 1971 as well as those from Classes 1995 and 1970 gaily donned their medallions, awarded by UPMASA President Dr. Susan Echiverri.

Our skillful masters of ceremonies came from our celebrating classes Dr. Victoria Samonte’96 and Dr. Patricio Reyes ‘71. They kept the audience engaged and entertained.

Dr. Celia Yap’s virtual presence moved us by her invocation where she gave praise and thanks to God for the opportunity to serve as doctors. The chance to gather and connect with one another as well as the impact we have on the communities we love are God’s gift. She described this year as a year of heroes and humility; and urged us to find strength in each other as we celebrate together.

The Philippine National anthem and UP Naming Mahal were sung by the UP Med Choir—virtual version—and the “Awit ng UPMASA” was performed live by the UPMASA Choir led by Dr. Winston Umali as the conductor with accompaniment by Dr. Enrique Ostrea as pianist.

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Dr. Rachel Espiritu, President of Ohio Chapter, gave a welcoming speech, praising the OH chapter for a successful and safe event, applauded the celebrants and awardees, and cheered the audience to enjoy the night.

Dr. Susan Concepcion-Echiverri, UPMASA President, whose competence and versatility allowed her to serve UPCM, PGH, and the Filipino community through UPMASA’s projects during the most uncertain times delivered the opening remarks.

The OH Chapter members with Julius Laban ‘09 from Oregon surprised the audience with a musical medley featuring top hits from 1971 and 1996, led by pianist Dr. Mark Regala. The crowd joined together in singing, ending with the song “Imagine” by John Lennon.

Class 1971 delivered a delightful original musical composition “Awit ng Golden Jubilarians UPMED 1971” that flaunted their talents, creativity and camaraderie.

The Silver Jubilarians from Class 1996 entertained us with their high-power dance number alongside a pre-recorded video of those who were unable to attend physically.

Class 1995 and 1970 also showcased their history through a video presentation. A truly hybrid celebration!

A very heartfelt musical performance came from Dr. Sol Apostol (saxophone) and Dr. Velasco (piano), both Golden Jubilarians.

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Recognition of our exemplary UPCM Alumni for their outstanding contribution in research, education and service is also one of the highlights of our Annual Grand Convention. They serve as an inspiration and legacy for our continued commitment to humankind.

2021 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEES

2020 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEES Lillian Tocyap-Aquino, MD

Roberto Velasco, MD Through his regular attendance to the UPMASA medical missions, he provides services that meet the medical needs of the inhabitants and at times, the physical needs of the local hospitals and the community.

Vicky Altavas, MD She took the initiative of putting together the 1970 class Golden Yearbook. She collated the members’ requested writeups and pictures and formatted them for publication.

She worked tirelessly for the UPMASA Arizona Chapter as treasurer and supported the organization with her duties and ideas through its plans for the 2020 Annual Grand Convention.

She regularly attended the numerous Zoom meetings.

Francis Sy, MD He managed to secure the convention site for the 2020 AGC in Las Vegas and convinced the same site management to cancel the event without any penalty. As Professor of Public Health and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he has provided us expert opinion and updates with his numerous lectures on the Covid 19 pandemic.

Anita Jongco, MD

Jose Ventura , MD

With her advocacy for the Marcelito C. Custodio Memorial HIV Fund Project, she continues to care for the underinsured afflicted Filipinos in the Philippines.

Mariano Yogore, MD

Marie Cleto , MD

He has led the society in the continued development, growth and provided fiduciary oversight for the Permanent Endowment Fund.

She headed the Chicago/Northwest Indiana/Milwaukee UPMASA chapter and worked devotedly with the team as it planned a Spring 2021 face-to-face meeting of the Board of Governors. She good naturedly and ably led the team through the steps of canceling the event because of the Covid pandemic.

Jess Socrates, MD He has led the society’s Project Coordination Committee. The Committee makes sure the giftgiving projects of the society follow the guidelines set by UPMASA as a humanitarian not-for-profit organization.

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He planned the activities of the 2020 Annual Grand Convention and when it was canceled, helped in the production of the grand virtual homecoming festivities that were based in the Philippines.

Pauline Almeda, MD She was the treasurer of the UPMASA Chicago/Northwest Indiana/Milwaukee Chapter. She was very diligent in learning and and effective in managing the accounts of the Pediatric Neurosurgical and Craniofacial Operating Unit charity project of the chapter.

2020 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD & DR. SOLITA F. CAMARA-BESA ACADEMIC DISTINCTION AWARD Enrique Ostrea, Jr., MD L-R: Dr. Emmanuel Besa ’67, Dr. Enrique Ostrea, Jr. ’65, Dr. Susan Concepcion-Echiverri, ’79, Dr. Jennifer Solivas-Maluyao ’99

• Accepted the request of the UP College of Medicine to make an adult ventilator for use of the patients of the Philippine General Hospital. Dr Ostrea took up the challenge and assembled a team that started this production.

• Pioneering work to study the fetal exposure to drugs and toxins leading to the development of the meconium drug test.

• Initiative in developing a low-cost infant ventilator (OstreaVent) and adult ventilator (OstreaVent II).

• Excellent mentorship of young physicians inspiring them to blaze their own trail in the field of neonatology.

• Visionary leadership and outstanding accomplishments in medical education, research and community service.

• Unquestioned integrity and adherence to academic excellence.

2021 UPMASA Outstanding Medical Researcher Award Luz M. Sison-Fonacier, MD Class 1978

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Professor of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, 2019-present First female Professor, NYU Winthrop Hospital 2009-present Head, Allergy Section, NYU Winthrop Hospital, June 1, 1992 – Present Fellowship Training Program Director, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 2008-present President, American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, 2020 Chair, American Board of Allergy and Immunology, 2021 Author of 119 scientific articles and 19 book chapters Fellow, American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, 1994-Present Fellow, American College of Allergy and Immunology, 1993-Present 4 active research projects; completed more than 50 completed clinical trials

2021 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARDS 2021 UPMASA Lifetime Achievement Award Geraldine V. Q. Gomez-Pinder, MD Class 1997

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Chair, UPMASA Finance Committee, 2005-2009, 2013-2021 UPMASA National Treasurer, 2009-2013 Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors, 2005-2007 UPMASA National Auditor,1999-2001 Chair, Membership & Biographical Data,1994-1997, 1999-2001 President, UPMASA NJ/NY/CT Chapter,1997-1999 Organizer, UPMASA Medical Mission to Silay, Negros Occidental 1998; Joined medical missions in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2008 • Co-Founder, 2004 and Second President, Mu Sigma Phi Foundation • (MSPF), 2006-2008; Chair, MSPF Finance Committee, 2014-2021 • Retired anesthesiologist; Life Group Leader at the Life Christian Church, in West Orange, NJ, leading bible studies and serving meals to the homeless in the community.

2021 UPMASA Outstanding Medical Educator Award Catherine Tayag-Kier, MD Class 1990

• Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University • Chief, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital since 2001 • Director, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center, SBU Hospital since 2001 • Director, Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center, SBU Hospital since 2002 • Attending Pediatric Pulmonologist, SBU Hospital since 2000 • Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics • Diplomate, American Academy of Sleep Medicine • Chair, American Lung Association, Asthma Coalition of Long Island since 2019 • 2019 Excellence in Clinical Service, Renaissance School of Medicine, SBU • Author of 28 scientific articles and 2 book chapters • 8 active grants; 28 competed grants and contracts 367

2021 UPMASA Outstanding Community Service Award Joy Lin C. de Luna, MD Class 1996

• Associate Staff and Volunteer Physician, Agape Rural Program, Palawan, 2002-2004; was involved in medical missions, basic health education and completing toilet project in a community of Badjaos. She continues to provide financial support to this program since 2004.

• Serves as a Board Member & a financial supporter of Nehemiah Ministries Foundation in Iligan City since 2001. The foundation provides training for pastors and church workers in underserved areas. It started a housing project called “Nehemiah Village” for 50 families who lost their homes after Typhoon Sendong in 2011 with plans to start a livelihood project after receiving donations of clothing materials & sewing machines.

• Hospitalist at the Lung Transplant Service of the Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center since 2011.

2021 Meritorious Service to UPMASA Award Rosario Nennette Santos-Chua, MD Class 1981

• UPMASA National Corresponding Secretary, 2010-2014.

• President of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio/Tennessee (IKOT) Chapter from 2015-2018. PRO of the IKOT Chapter from 2008-2010.

• Medical Director of 3 sites in Indiana - two Level III NICU in hospitals in Lafayette and Valparaiso, and one Level I-II Nursery in Laporte Hospital.

• Provided a 2-month preceptorship in Neonatology in Indiana for a thirdyear student from UPCM in June-July 2019. The student rotated through her NICUs. She did not only provide this UPCM student a short-term training in Neonatology but also provided for the student’s housing and transportation for 2 months.

• Numerous awards including the 2004 March of Dimes Honoree of the Year; 2006 Outstanding NICU (St Elizabeth/Home Hospital, Lafayette, IN) awarded by the Indiana General Assembly; and the 2019 UPMASA Above and Beyond Presidential Award.

• Dr. Santos-Chua is the President-Elect of the Mu Sigma Phi Foundation (MSPF). She has provided financial support to the MSPF ImMUnity Program since 2016.

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2021 UPMASA Outstanding Community Service Award Leonardo Leonidas, MD Class 1968

• Shares his pediatrics knowledge on social media and other channels even after he has retired from his practice as a pediatrician in Bangor, Maine in 2008 • Gives talks to elementary and high school students in Lezo and Kalibo, Aklan on Brain Anatomy, Neuroscience and How to do easy Math.

• Performs on-the-spot magic in places like gas stations, palengke, groceries for bag carriers, parties, airports, schools, government offices, beauty parlors, followed by talks on various topics including “Effect of Stress During Pregnancy; Why NO TV under three; Talk with baby at 35 words a minute, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).” If it is a birthday, wedding or fiesta, he adds “No Lechon, More Vege” in his script to reduce stroke and heart disease.

• Helped 114 families in Lezo repair their roofs after Typhoon Yolanda through funds he raised from Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and other private US organizations • Actively participates in his fraternity listserv and Western Visayas State University College of Medicine Facebook forum on “Diagnostic Errors” and “Early Brain Development.” Writes several Op-Eds in Inquirer or other newspapers about “How to Improve Teaching and Learning and Promote Creativity.”

• As Lezo “social innovator,” lends money to promote jobs like small piggery business 2021 Meritorious Service to UPMASA Award Victor C. Rivera, MD Class 1966 (Posthumous Award)

• Founding member of Delaware Valley Chapter in 1985 • Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of the Chapter. Chairman of several fundraising events. Emcee in many Delaware Valley Chapter programs • Strong supporter of Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) project of the chapter since 2007. Contributed not only his time and talent in fundraising but also personal funds in his chapter’s annual commitment of giving laptops to young UPCM graduates assigned to barrios all over the Philippines.

• Participated in his church’s annual medical missions to Guatemala since 2008.

• In February 2020, joined the UPMASA medical mission in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

It would be his last mission as he succumbed to COVID-19 in March 2020.

• Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at St. Mary’s Hospital in Langhorne, PA, 1974-1980. Instrumental in establishing the Pediatric and NICU Department.

Pediatrician for 43 years.

• Member of Brothers in Harmony, an international barbershop a capella chorus.

2020 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARDS

2020 UPMASA Outstanding Medical Educator Award

2020 UPMASA Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. George Pujalte, MD

Norma Calderon-Panahon, MD

Class 1967

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President, UPMASA Western New York Chapter which she formed in 1995 Chair, UPMASA Board of Governors, 2005-2007 Chair, 2000 UPMASA Annual Grand Convention in Buffalo, NY As Chair of UPMASA Class and Chapter Development Committee, led the efforts in formation of 3 chapters: Nevada in 2007, Arizona in 2017 & Pacific Northwest in 2019 • Adovcated for International Medical Graduates in the American Psychiatry Association • Initiated Cesium Project at UP-PGH Cancer Institute, over 20,000 patients served • Consulting Psychiatrist in the Clearview Treatment Services Substance Abuse Unit at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Lewiston, New York

2020 UPMASA Outstanding Medical Researcher Award MacArthur A. Elayda, MD, MSc, PhD

Class 1972-A

• Retired medical executive, academic, clinical & research professional at the Texas Heart Institute at CHI-Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, TX • Interim CEO, Senior Vice-President, Chief of Cardiovascular Services • Professor of Medicine & Cardiology at the Texas Medical Center • Research investigator at the Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Research Laboratories • Authored 210 peer-reviewed publications related to cardiovascular medicine • Earned PhD in Epidemiology in 1999 & MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in 1995 from the University of Texas School of Public Health; M.Sc. In Biomedical Information, Rice University, 2017; MSC in Mathematics from De La Salle University in 1975

2020 Meritorious Service to UPMASA Award Edgar N. Oteyza, MD Class 1975 • Chair, 3 UPMASA AGCs: 2018 in SFO, 2010 in Seattle & 2008 in SFO • Chair, UPMASA Programs Committee, 2009-2011 • Co-Editor, UPMASA Journal, 2019 • President, UPMASA Northern California Chapter, 2009-2011; Secretary, 2005-2007 • Led Northern California Chapter’s annual Masquerade Ball fundraisers, 2005-2019 • Retired Pediatrician since 2017 2020 Meritorious Service to UPMASA Award William H. E. Romero, MD, MS, CNS Class 1981 • UPMASA President, 2015-2017l; President-Elect, 2013-2015 • Chair, UPMASA Board of Governors, 2011-2013; Vice-Chair, 2009-2011 • UPMASA Secretary, 2006 • Specialties are Bariatric Medicine, Medical Nutrition and Cosmetic Medicine

Class 2001

• Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science in Jacksonville, Florida, 2015 – present • Vice Chairman for Research, & Associate Program Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship in the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic, 2017 - present.

• Primary Care Sports Medicine Team Physician of USA Taekwondo, Colorado Springs, CO • Strong commitment to academic excellence through teaching, mentoring & course development; has numerous scientific publications on sports medicine.

• Co-creator of an online course on Sports Medicine for the Primary Care Provider

2020 UPMASA Outstanding Medical Educator Award Dr. Ian S. Soriano, MD

Class 1997

• Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, 2019 – present • Chief, Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia • Highly skilled in laparoscopic and robotic procedures, with focus on gastrointestinal, bariatric and hernia surgery • Strong track record in leadership in medical education and clinical research • Visiting Associate Professor of Surgery at UP-PGH; Proctor of the Robotic Bariatric Surgery Course at PGH in 2/2020

2020 UPMASA Outstanding Community Service Award Glenn M. Batiller, MD

Class 1980

• Chair, UPMASA Medical Mission Committee, 2018 - 2020 • Increase in the number of medical volunteers and the number of indigent patients treated & provided with medical, pediatric, dental and surgical services • UPMASA medical mission team treated 2161 patients in Mati, Davao Oriental Feb. 2018; 3081 in Alaminos, Pangasinan Feb. 2019; 3859 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon Feb. 2020 • Iocums Anesthesiologist

2020 Meritorious Service to UPMASA Award Arelyne B. Pacho-Ramos, MD • • • • • • •

Class 1976

Chair, UPMASA Awards Committee, 2017-2019 UPMASA Secretary, 2001-2005 Member, UPMASA Board of Governors, 2001-2019 President, Delaware Valley Chapter for 3 terms, 2011-2017 Led Doctors to The Barrios (DTTB) Laptop project, benefitted 100+ rural PH doctors Secretary-Treasurer, UPMASA Delaware Valley Chapter, 1994-1998 Retired Physiatrist since 2019 369

Induction of UPMASA National Officers & Recognition of the Newly Elected Chapter Presidents President Lourdes Publico ‘77 President Elect Henry Echiverri ‘81 Chairman, BOG Cecile Pasion-Bregman ’78 Vice-Chairman, BOG Winston Umali ‘94 Recording Secretary Mary Lillian Tocyap-Aquino ‘96 Corresponding Secretary Corazon Carillo-Cipriaso’93 Treasurer Glenn Batiller ‘80 Auditor Annette David-Rubio ‘86

The Hill We Climb Inaugural Speech of UPMASA National President Lourdes Publico, MD, MPH July 3,2021 Silver Grille, The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland OH Thank you, Rachel, Jen and Jon and the whole Ohio Chapter for making this convention possible, safe, grand, and truly memorable.

With apologies to Amanda Gorman The last time we gathered in Dallas we said See you in Vegas But no, it wasn’t meant to be Instead, we were made to isolate, wash our hands, wear a PPE, keep a safe distance As we had to deal with Covid 19 that crept up all over and all at once.

But UP-PGH nurtured us to be creative and resilient, to work hard and work smart So your Board of Governors chaired by Henry Echiverri toiled away As President Susan and the Executive Committee connected by phone, By zoom, to give the College students and faculty and the PGH clinicians and patients the support from our generous alumni Who gave donations big and small.

When the calendar flipped to 2021, we collectively sighed a sense of relief That a new day has come, and vaccines were available so soon beyond belief.

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The pandemic highlighted the need for self-care and close physical contact The B in the BOLD agenda refers to belonging, a need that led to the formation of bubbles that are now starting to burst.

The strategic planning committee set to task In the form of a survey we did ask What can UPMASA do for you? We do want to know We’ll surely let you know what we can tackle right away The impossible may take some time, as someone is wont to say.

I am proud of the Mental Health Task Force we assembled That tackled an issue that has befallen our members and thrown families off balance Now a suicide prevention tool kit is available at our website A website which I hope will get more traffic, may have a WELLNESS corner, news about you, your ups and downs, too.

We have come a long way from the days of dear Dr. Cosme Cagas Whose vision and hard work inspired all those who followed To the silver jubilarians and all alumni who have just recently crossed the Pacific Ocean

I want you to know we welcome you, we will listen to you, know that you belong, that you have a home in UPMASA And that not too long from tonight one of you will be standing where I am.

But as we climb this hill, we may stumble and fall along the way But hey, we did survive the pandemic, I did survive Covid 19 Now, we are imbued with what someone calls “the endorphins of possibility” I can still dream, we can still dream, the “dream of a more perfect UPMASA” A NYTimes columnist wrote last April, and I quote: Those of us who have endured an era of vulnerability emerge with great strength. I am convinced that this second half of the year is going to be more fantastic than we can imagine right now. We are going to be hyper-appreciators, savoring every small pleasure, living in a thousand delicious moments, getting together with friends and strangers and seeing them with the joy of new and grateful eyes. End of quote Well, my fellow alumni, now is the thousand delicious moments. And we are in this together. Our mission to support the College, PGH and the Motherland depends on our robust membership that buoys a committed leadership. Let us strive to make sure that UPMASA not only endures but grows and grows.

Thank you!

The gala night would not be complete without the lively ballroom and line dancing as well as entertaining music from our DJ Robert. Song dedications from each table and the silver and gold balloon arch-decorated photo station with AGC and UPMASA photo props became instant hits.

AGC 1996 and 2021 in Cleveland… both spectacular and extraordinary events… both revealed the resilience, resourcefulness, and dedication of the Ohio Chapter.

The gorgeous Gala Committee

As aptly summarized by Dr. Ishwar Gopichand ’90 from North Carolina…

O verwhelming Energy and Exuberance H umble and Hardworking Hosts I mpossible Dreams.. Not anymore O ut of the Box Thinking and Ideas A ttention to Details and Quick Response G aling talaga ng Buckeye Maroons C ovid or not, Tuloy pa rin ang programs!!!

The UPMASA Ohio Chapter

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THANKSGIVING MASS AND BRUNCH It was a beautiful 4th of July morning as UPMASA celebrated the culmination of the AGC 2021 in thanksgiving.

The solemnity of the mass was officiated by Fr. Arnel Lagman with our impromptu altar servers Jacob and Julia Maluyao. Filipino church hymns orchestrated by impromptu choir director cum pianist Winston Umali ‘94 filled the Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom. Brunch was served before everyone bid, “See you again….” It was befitting that one of the messages to bring home from Cleveland was to see that “the God in me is the same God in you.” Namaste!

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Class 1971 AGC Memories: What A Celebration!

It is the year 2021, fifty years since 1971 when we graduated from the UPCM. Over the years it did not enter my mind that we will be able to celebrate this moment. We were all so busy trying to finish something, whether it is a qualifying examination, applications, licensing, training programs, specializations, starting a family, buying a home, relocating, raising kids, sending them off to school, starting a practice, volunteering, and retirement preparations.

Suddenly in 2020, we were slapped with COVID, closing mostly our way of life that we all envisioned and gotten used to. Scared to travel, to go out, meet people, let alone a reunion. Our hard working, never-give-up attitudes of our Ohio classmates and the UPMASA Ohio Chapter made it happen. We were able to hug and laugh and chat and reminisce and touch our old friends. Every moment was precious as we recall and made up for many years apart. It gave me a chance to say how much I appreciate and love them, face-to-face. I also realized that sometimes the chance to know someone better eluded us.

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Sol’s performance despite difficulties and health scares made me fight back tears and Enteng’s rendition of Amazing Grace is so apt for the moment. I miss those who were not present and those who went ahead to meet our Maker. Many in our class became our families in a faraway land.

We spent 5 years together, through many uncertain days and nights, many highs and lows, some setbacks and some victories but we graduated together. There is that bond, Class 1971, that we all belong wherever we are.

I hope there will be reunions in the future, though it will not be called our Golden Jubilee, it will be bonuses and flickers of joy in our golden years.

– Angelina Espiritu-Alvarez Photo taken at Edgewater Park with Dr Demostenes Sison, Class 1961 and wife, Josephine; Ed and Angie

Class 1971 AGC Memories: Resilience, Roses, Rosuvastatin

Despite these technology-aided interactions with my classmates, I boarded the flight to Cleveland for our 50th Golden Jubilee celebration with the asinine trepidation of a 75-year-old retiree.

I was honored and humbled when Luz asked me to join the editorial team of our 50th Golden Jubilee Souvenir Journal, The Odyssey. Honored because some of my medical school classmates still have the tenuous impression that I could write, and humbled because after an absence of 49 years (given I only attended the 25th Silver Jubilee’s formal events, and joined Class zoom meetings for the past 8 months), my class was still gracious enough to welcome me.

The close encounter of the first kind-meaning exchanging “HELLOs” happened when my wife and I met Enteng, Pong and Elmer as we were about to go into the elevator on our way to our assigned room. At breakfast the following morning, Angie, who thought I looked different (how? that is beside the point), kindly invited me to her table, and re-introduced me to Ed, Mandy, Merle, Clem, Rolly, all of whom I remembered and recognized.

And they knew me. And I felt welcomed.

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Stories filled up the following days. Stories echoing the personal narratives in the Odyssey–about being incapacitated for several months after surgery; about taking care of a spouse while in active private practice; about health challenges in family members; about CVAs, cancers, immune diseases; about metformin, lisinopril, rosuvastatin and ibuprofen. Instead of telling these stories with resignation and regret, they were told with a sense of pride and victory. Amidst all these stories, Baby’s presence and Vicky’s upbeat spirit kept reminding us that, despite life’s ever-surprising shifting shadows, “life is still beautiful.” Maybe that is why most of us view these challenges as blessings, life-altering events that altered life’s perspective.

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Maybe it is the reality of facing one’s mortality, or finally having the luxury of waking up to six “Saturdays” every week, or both. That one’s priorities are nudged into the universal virtues of faith, service, legacy, purpose and meaning on retirement. The members of UPCM Class 1971 are no different, including the few who are still in full-time practice.

More stories, not about practice or business or positions, but about the joy of taking care of grandchildren; about the life lessons we teach them, and the lessons we re-learn from them; and about the blessing of glimpsing immortality in their smiles, their silliness and their simplicity. In-between passing ketchup, or deciding which dessert to hit first, stories about

raising goats, tending rice fields, growing herbs and kalamansi; and stories about roses, hydrangea, bromeliads, and some more roses; and about the surprising warm feeling of satisfaction and complete contentment when communing with the earth.

Maryland crabs brought by very thoughtful Gil ‘71 despite his health issues. L-R: Gil, Vicky, Pat, and Ging feasting

There were also stories of advocacies that continue in retirement: Wally feeding the homeless; Pong ringing the Christmas bell for the Salvation Army; Dante maintaining refuge for sea turtles in his Maryland property; Enteng going on mission trips to Haiti and other countries in need; and Mandy holding his Plastic Surgery charity clinic in Binghamton, NY. Of course, everyone was aware of Ge’s continuing immersion in the UPMASA. These virtues were evident during the ordinary, everyday interactions in Cleveland, in what Angie termed as “acts that touch the heart.” Domes and Fel transported classmates with health issues instead of having them walk to Mallorca for the class dinner; someone reminded classmates to bring umbrellas for possible rain, causing a rush back to respective rooms; and the world-renowned Pat recruited alternates to push Gil’s wheelchair and attend to his needs. Ging worried about Lyds and her baluts’ shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and also patiently called classmates who missed the crabfest in her suite to come and pick-up their share of Maryland crab boxes brought by Gil; Ce’ painstakingly discovered a shortcut to the gala ballroom for ambulatory-challenged classmates; and the Ohio big four (Ely C., Emolyn, Enteng and Pong) indulged Class 1971 lovingly taking us with a sumptuous Spanish cuisine, care of classmate Gil (in complemented with a freshly mixed his wheelchair) Sangria to gingerly chase our paella.

And- although this is not ordinary or everyday- Emolyn stunned us with seashells, which she and her husband patiently collected and exquisitely handcrafted in boxes for the past 2 and ½ years and given as a 50th Jubilee memento.

Handcrafted box as Class ’71 memento: Art is Love 377

Balut! Balut kayo diyan!

No, the fire hydrant is not our classmate.

Class reunion dinner at Mallorca Restaurant. Looks like just water and bread on the table but we feasted on calamari, chorizo, Spanish tortilla, seafood paella, chicken in garlic sauce, veal marsala, and chocolate and rum cake.

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It was “yesteryear once more,” unabashedly interacting with, and relating to each other sans the accoutrements of awards and appointments, publications and pocketbooks, titles and tenures.

YES. We had FUN! Like Ge’ rocking and rolling ala Olivia Newton-John

in her pink poodle skirt and headband; Merle sinuously entering and exiting during performances; Ed (with my assistance) giving unsolicited assessment of Pat’s Master of Ceremonies skills; the group offering conflicting and futile suggestions on how to improve our Class Chorus performance during practice; and Linnie or Joyce (or both?) attempting to learn the fundamentals of cha-cha from Elmer. Endless moments of laughter, the mostly dubious etiologies of which are better left unsaid. True, we are in our mid 70’s, but we showed that we can still do, with bridled abandon, the things we missed (or were deprived of?) when we were in our twenties. Fully aware of the unchartered remaining years that the Almighty will bless us with, we strive to, like Thoreau, “live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.”

At the welcome reception, pair of septuagenarians having the time of their lives! First prize for their effort!

During the gala, the Class performed “Awit Ng Golden Jubilarians UPMED 1971,” composed by Enteng with lyrics by Elmer. With an Opera conductor’s fibrillating intensity, Enteng guided the Class as it sang ‘good night’ through various Filipino dialects, and invited everyone to be joyous with singing, laughter, story-telling, dancing, and to passionately palpate every slice of life. Afterwards, with piano accompaniment by Enteng, the hauntingly, plaintive “Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak” performed by Sol on his tenor sax, elicited lachrymose smiles on everyone. It was a fitting celebratory remembrance of our departed Classmates.

Practicing choreography for Awit ng Golden Jubilarians UPMED 1971- an original composition of Class 1971 talented classmates.

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All of these, along with Sol’s spunk and Gil’s grit in the face of significant health challenges, imbued in each of us a renewed spirit of belongingness, and strengthened our Class ‘71 bond. The spirit was pervasive such that Mody and others floated the idea of meeting and embarking on other activities periodically, exclusively and independently, as Class 1971. It is not surprising that post-Cleveland revealed a freshly found awareness of a possible new identity, “Lakhanbakor,” the First Filipinos’ term for physician-priest, and the namesake of our Class yearbook in 1971. This became more significant when the Class became aware that some subsequent UPCM classes adopted Lakhanbakor as the name of their yearbook or golden jubilee souvenir book.

Flying back to Texas from what Rhods might say was a “perfect past” few days for me, and what Choy might consider as the first “Balik Lakhanbakor,” these paraphrased words from The Prophet resonated with me: “Seek your friends always with hours to live….not with hours to kill…. In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”

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Jesse L. Jurado, MD, FACP, FASN UPCM Class 1971

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AGC 2021 MEMORIES: CLASS 1996 UPMASAISMS

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Celebrating our silver jubilee year, the opportunity we had during AGC to be together as UPCM alumni has rekindled our gratitude toward our beloved alma mater. With our core value of service, we as a class were reminded to give back to the community that continues to strengthen the bond we have created with one another. Our attendance may historically be low but it was inspiring to watch our UCPM class of ‘96 continuously succeed in all aspects of life through video presentations created by all of us and those who were unable to make it to the celebration. Our 36th UPMASA AGC in Cleveland, Ohio will be one for the books with this reunion being the first hybrid celebration in UPMASA history. This recent convention has made us the innovators who set the tone for future events, creating a pace for the upcoming classes to follow. Our unwavering determination to hold this event truly defines the way our UPCM has helped us become the outstanding physicians we are today. Let our core values never falter and must we always be reminded that with the grace of God we shall return the favor to our country and beloved alma mater. Galing UP, balik UP!

CME Attendees

Photo courtesy of Destination Cleveland

Class Reunion Dinner at Mallorca Gracias a Ustedes!

Breakfast chismis session

More lakwatsa!

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Happy to be dancing!

Dance Presentation practice

Let us Uptown Funk it now!

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After Dance Presentation, the Dynamite Class UP College of Medicine ‘96 with Hand Sign

Gala Night

Photo courtesy of Aerial Agents 385

The Tower City at night

Joylin, our songbird 386

Gala Night

Say what?

Say cheese, ladies!

Medallion Ceremony

Love and hugs!

Sweet crying moment

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Cleveland Lakwatsa

Background photo by Larry E. Highbaugh, Jr for ThisisCleveland.com

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Close to saying goodnight

Our goodbyes at the airport

After Gala Night

Good night and see you again!

Cheers to Class 1996!

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Photo by Joma Maluyao

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AGC 2021

Victor Arcega, MD ’13 and Victor Nanagas, MD ‘64

UPMASAisms & Celebrations

The TWO Victors who represented the most senior and the youngest class in attendance during the MASK-ERADE Gala, July 3, 2021.

Dr. Victor Nanagas of UPCM Class of 1964 shared the cheers during AGC 2021. He held the record for representing the most senior class during the gala. It was indeed a trip back to the memory lane.

Annie Marfori, Norberto Marfori and Victor Nanagas at the Ritz-Carlton’s Turn Bar, July 1, 2021

ABOVE LEFT 1st year at UPCM. Thank you to Dr. Francisco Quismorio for sharing the photo. ABOVE RIGHT Norberto Marfori and Victor Nanagas both from Class 1964 at Dr. Romy Miclat’s party house in Elyria OH, July 2021.

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Tribute to My Classmate Solomon My classmate Solomon’s serious health challenges did not deter him from attending UPMASA AGC Cleveland. He traveled by airplane on portable oxygen from Florida to Cleveland and arranged for an oxygen concentrator in his hotel room. On the gala night, he performed on his tenor sax “Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak” dedicated to our departed classmates. Certainly, one of the highlights of the night for the golden jubilarians!

Attending the AGC and my Golden Jubilee was a sort of therapy for me.

Baby Bleza ‘71 with husband Roy Guinto ‘72A

To you, Solomon, my dear classmate and friend, I salute you for your courage, determination, and shared love of music!

Dr. Vicente Velasco, ‘71 Fellow Golden Jubilarian I am still overwhelmed with an Adrenaline Rush over the success of the Cleveland AGC hosted by the Ohio (my first US hometown) Chapter. Congratulations to OHIO Chapter and your hardworking team, spouses and children!!!

Golden jubilarians, Dr. Solomon Apostol on the tenor saxophone and Dr. Vicente Velasco on the Steinway grand piano

Maraming Salamat po!!! See y’all in Boston in July 2022.

Dr. Ishwar Gopichand ‘90 President of Mu Sigma Phi Foundation Singing “Imagine” with Fellow Alumni.

Foreground is Solomon Apostol ’71 and wife Victoria, Kit Belen ‘04 , Roy Guinto ‘72A and Julius Laban ‘09

Ish ‘90 raising the roof with fellow UPMASAns on July 1st Rock & Roll welcome reception then raising the service for our Alma Mater on July 3rd MSPF Luncheon Meeting.

Congratulations and thanks for the memories amidst the stresses of hosting AGC. Imagine the world where there is no UPMASA - a platform for alumni reconnecting, rejuvenating, having their moments and giving back to dear Alma Mater.

Dr. Roy Guinto ‘72A 403

We all fully-enjoyed the Hybrid AGC. What a wonderful break to meet everyone and enjoy the OHIO hospitality. It was a great prodrome to jumpstart our Golden Jubilee in Boston ‘22 coming soon.

Class 1972 B

Class ’72B Gala Night 2021. L-R: Anacleto Mangaser, Jr., second time Chapter President Western NY; Anita Velasco-Paves, Charter & spouse of Immediate Past President Pacific Northwest; Evelyn Ann Taberrah-Lacuesta, Past Chapter President & Research Committee Chair, S. Chicago & N Indiana ; Felicitas SantiagoMubayi, Immediate Past Chapter President & incoming Chapter & Class Development Committee Chair; Zenda Garcia-Lat & Emmanuel Lat. Last 3 from New Jersey New York Connecticut.

The Lats were both Ex-Officio National Pres & Lifetime National Awardees.

It was so nice catching up with Johnny’s classmates and their wives after having met them at several former AGC events.

We had a few good laughs, some great conversations and shared some wonderful memories. I am grateful to have been part of this wonderful Ohio Chapter and all we managed to accomplish in this challenging pandemic.

Carol Brawner, wife of the late Johnny A. Brawner, Class ‘67

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The Dashing Class 1981 Ruby Jubilarians. L-R Roy Gadioma, Henry Echiverri, Ronette Santos-Chua, William Romero, Maria Ruiza Ang-Yee, Ruben Escuro, Claudio de Peralta. Not in photo are Febin Baricar and Moses Ramos

Class 1977 May I reiterate my deepfelt gratitude to the OHIO Chapter for a truly memorable AGC. We all know the blood, sweat and tears that go to such a spectacular event. Congratulations to all the awardees. This and last year’s Golden and Silver jubilarians. Our class is looking forward to see you all in Boston in July 2022 for our 45th Sapphire Jubilee.

Dr. Lou Publico ’77 UPMASA National President 2021-2023

Class 1977 Reunion held at the Mapangakit residence of Sally and Ed Gatchalian, January 5, 2020 From top to bottom, left to right: Row 1.Rene de Grano, Buching Paterno, class 76, husband of Bebol Regalado 2.Ed Gatchalian, Tess Ludovice 3.Boy Reyes, Didit Sumpaico 4.Leslie Reyes, Lydia Tecson 5.Bebol Regalado, Cynthia dela Paz, Dodette Aldea, Fatima Regala, Allen Barcelon, Rosemarie Cabio, Tess Cantos 6.Lou Publico, Helen Landicho, Agnes Dominguez Mejia and Sally Rodriguez Gatchalian

UPMASA AGC in Albany, NY July 2017 as 40th Jubilarians Seated in front: Evangeline Luna-McGee, Socorro Juan-Vargas, Helen Reyes-Landicho, Tessa Quilop, Dulce Ramos-de Castro, Tess Cantos-David 2nd row seated: Madeline Sumpaico, Elizabeth Regalado-Paterno (partially hidden), Dean Agnes Dominguez-Mejia Standing: Lourdes Publico, Solita de Jesus-O’Brien, Sally RodriguezGatchalian, Rosario Tan-Lim, Eric Flores, Leilani Besa-Loria, Constantino Gulmatico, Jr., Cyrilda Navarro-Tagle, Gregory Tiu

We are the Magaling Magpagaling Class of 1977, also magaling magmagaling of being extremely caring, protective and supportive of each other, who laugh together and cry together. Proud of having deans of colleges of medicine, chairs of hospital departments, presidents/ leaders of professional, religious and Fil-Am organizations, parents and grandparents of several dozen gorgeous children, UPMASA donors and chapter presidents and always aware of being Iskolar ng Bayan.

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Class 1983 UPMASAism Thoughts and Reflections after AGC 2021

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It is not just the Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits... the official announcements, the pride and satisfaction of knowing that our charitable donations are being put to good use... the fun dress-up parties and programs... the uplifting and inspiring awards ceremonies for physicians who go above and beyond... the luxurious hotels... the chance to go sight-seeing at a different city of the US every year...

Most importantly, it is the once-a-year opportunity to meet with classmates and old friends... to reminisce over our good ol’ days of cadaver dissections and sleepless study nights and exams and ward duties and sleeping in one twin bed with others (male or female, we didn’t care!), while being bitten by fierce mosquitoes... to discuss what has happened to each of us since the last time we met... to share our many successes and challenges... to break bread together... to hug and embrace... to sing, dance, LAUGH, and experience love and joy together. Physicians, blessed to go to medical school and pass all kinds of exams... to get further educated and trained... to practice our profession with excellence and compassion... physicians letting our hair down and fellowshipping with each other for 5 days!

And so, after another 5-day UPMASA Convention, we bid adieu to our beloved classmates, friends and mentors from way back when... as we hope and pray that God will keep us healthy and well and happy, so we can again see each other and share this love and caring like we do every year, for one brief moment in time.

In our hearts, we have the memories, and on our phones (and on Facebook), we have the photos, to keep us smiling and looking forward to next year.

See you all in Boston... same time next year... and may God bless us everyone! #upmasaannualconvention2021 Dr. Martz Angeles Coleman ‘83

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POST-AGC UPMASAisms from NJNYCT Chapter

The Hybrid AGC delivered beyond all expectations, with super attention to details. Party-ready revelers from visiting PNW Chapter and OH family-auxiliaries directed pre-gala movement at intervals.

They ushered and queued Ritz Carlton guests to the adjoining Higbee Building’s 10th floor Silver Grille.

Cheers!

NJNYCT Chapter President Felicitas Santiago with spouse Dr. Vinod Mubayi

NJNYCT 08/10/19 Picnic

Kudos to the Ohio chapter!

It was indeed so heartwarming to see the many young UPMASAns step up to the plate and host a most successful and enjoyable AGC in the midst of this pandemic. It gives us a strong sense of hope that UPMASA will endure and continue its legacy for many years to come.

UPMASA ON!!!

Zenda Garcia-Lat, M. D. National President 2011-2013 Emmanuel A. Lat, M.D., F.A.C.S. National President 1997-1999 408

The NJNYCT Chapter sponsored Felix Starro, the first PhilAm Off-Broadway musical, in Clurman Theater, on August 25, 2019. Net proceeds supported its Mars Custodio HIV Memorial Fund. Pictured are represented officers and members.

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UPMASA AGC 2021 Reflections

As the Cleveland AGC approached, I felt somewhat disinterested. To be honest, I really did not feel that excited about going. I was thinking: what was really there to see in Cleveland?

from the Southeast Chapter

With the pandemic, there were only 4 of us from our batch (UPCM 1980) going and at the last minute, only three. Then, because of flight issues, only two of us made it to Cleveland.

Joining the ones before me. 4th of July brunch after Thanksgiving Mass by Filipino priest Father Arnel Lagman.

We are rocking & rolling!

The last AGC I attended was the 33rd AGC in 2018 at the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco. That was a lot of fun, especially since I had several classmates who attended the get together. Plus, San Francisco is full of interesting places to visit.

This time I was attending not just as a 1980 graduate of the UP College of Medicine and UPMASA member but also as the incoming president of the UPMASA SE Chapter. I quickly dismissed my disinterest and finished packing. I could not let my chapter down.

Reaching the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cleveland, I met several UPMASA members and fellow UPCM alumni in the lobby. I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed meeting them and getting reacquainted with them after so many years of not having any contact. I had forgotten the pleasure of meeting colleagues whom I knew from way back when I was still a medical school student. My mood lifted!

As a member of the Board of Governors (BOG), I got to meet the leaders of different chapters as well as newly elected UPMASA officers. During the BOG meeting, I heard about how UPMASA had grown from a mom-and-pop operation into a multi-milliondollar enterprise, how the different officers generously volunteered their time and skills to keep UPMASA going, how members have so readily stepped up to the plate to help whenever the need arose. Recently, two members have included substantial donations to UPMASA in their will, providing much needed financial assistance/scholarships for medical students in the Philippines. The pandemic and the resulting inability of fellow Filipinos to meet basic needs tugged at the heartstrings of UPMASA members, with generous donations pouring in to support the Community Pantry. Not long ago, when a fire caused substantial damage to PGH, UPMASA members came to the rescue.

It was heartening to see the young leaders of the Ohio chapter work so hard to make this AGC happen despite the pandemic and all the restrictions and uncertainty that came with it. Kudos to them for pulling this off and for doing a really good job! I am certain UPMASA is in good hands with this dependable, talented and hardworking younger generation poised to eventually take over.

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While in Cleveland we received sad news that three UPCM colleagues passed away – Dr. Nap Apolinario, Dr. Tony Montalban, Dr. Joe Pamintuan. All were leaders in their respective fields. Drs. Apolinario and Montalban, respected orthopedic surgeons, were past PGH directors. Dr. Pamintuan was a visionary, a very energetic president of his chapter as well as an effective past UPMASA National President. It was sad to say goodbye to these pillars of the medical community. Their passing was a somber reminder that our lives are ephemeral - that the light we are able to shine now will, at some point, flicker and die. While we have the health, energy and financial capability, we should contribute as much as we are able to NOW – contribute not just money but also our time, energy and skills.

Cleveland Skyline. L-R: Tino Estella, Danny Kaw, Glen Batiller, Mike de Leon, Liz Fong-de Leon, Irma May Fernandez de Leon, Beth Nibungco, Jun Nibungco

I watched with admiration as Dr. Sol Apostol performed on his saxophone, despite the fact that he has a metastatic malignancy and required oxygen delivered by nasal cannula.

Such courage! He did not miss a note. His performance was incredibly inspiring and moving. I know the entire audience was touched.

I met experts in their respective fields, movers and shakers, inventors of medical devices, leaders in medical education and medical research, civic minded physicians engaging in significant community service – all graduates of the UP College of Medicine, all members of UPMASA. It was an honor to be amongst them.

I left the convention enormously proud of my colleagues and fellow UPMASA members.

I am determined to do more for the organization. I came out of the convention renewed – with a little more fire in my belly.

If you need inspiration, if you want to see how active and proactive UPMASA has been and continues to be, if you want to be motivated to do more for UPMASA, the UP College of Medicine, PGH – come join the Annual Grand Convention (AGC). It is good for the mind and spirit. It is uplifting, inspiring, stimulating, enlightening. It might just lift you out of your complacency and motivate you to become one of the UPMASA leaders.

Mabuhay ang UPMASA!

Irma May Fernandez de Leon ‘80 President

UPMASA Southeast

The Energizer Bunnies from UPMASA SE Chapter.

L-R: Jun Nibungco, Doms Tablan, Fel Castro-Tablan, Irma May Fernandez de Leon, Cecile Bregman, Sam Torres, Martz Coleman, Eric Flores, Metty Pellicer UPMASA Movers and Shakers.

L-R: Buddy Ostrea, Norma Panahon, Irma May Fernandez de Leon 411

Class 1970 Pabidahan

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Class 1970 UPMASA Virtual

Class 1971 Gala

Class 1971 Departed Classmates

Welcome Reception: UPMASA Ohio Band “Anything Grooves”

Sax & Piano by Golden Jubilarians Dr. Solomon Apostol and Dr. Vicente Velasco III

Photo by Larry E. Highbaugh

Class 1971 Graduates and Sablay

Class 1995

1996 Dynamite Class

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Greetings & Sponsors C H A P TE R X II

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Dear Fellow UPMASANs, In behalf of our PGH INDIGENT PATIENTS, I would like to invite you to join us in the PGHMFI CENTURY CLUB which was created on July 2, 2015 by the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGH MFI) after due consultation with UPMASA to insure the availability of funds for the financial assistance of our indigent PGH patients. To accomplish this, all donations will be allocated as follows: (1) 45 % will be earmarked for the immediate use of our indigent PGH patients and will be deposited in the Charity Patients Medical Fund, the flagship project of the PGH MFI ; (2) 50% will be deposited in the Permanent Endowment Fund of the PGH MFI Century Club and only the investment income from this PEF will be used strictly for financial assistance of our indigent PGH patients, and not for administrative expenses, infrastructure, equipments and other projects of the PGH MFI; (3) 5% will accrue to the PGH MFI as operating expenses only in the administration and management of the Permanent Endowment Fund for the PGH MFI Century Club and its fiduciary functions.

PGH-MFI Century Club Gregorio T. Mariano, Jr., MD Lifetime UPMASA Member, UPCM ‘62 Spokesperson for the PGH-MFI Century Club

There are three categories of membership in the MGH MFI Century Club: (1) Core member - will make an initial donation of $100 or more and pledge to do the same annually, (2) Donor member - will make a one time donation of $100 or more.

(3) Lifetime member - will make a donation of at least $500.

Donor and Lifetime members are not required to make further donation but they will still be encouraged to donate again whenever they can.

gmarianojrupcm62@gmail.com

For full tax deductibility, please make your check payable to UPMASA and write in the Memo line: PGH MFI Century Club (and your choice of the category of membership: Core or Donor or Lifetime Member) and mail to UPMASA NATIONAL TREASURER, 2304 Kossuth St., Lafayette, IN 47904. For those who wish to donate using a credit card, you may do so by going to this sublink in our UPMASA website - https://www.upmasanational.org/ product/pgh-mfi-century-club/.

For those who are 70 1/2 years old, UPMASA, as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, Fed. Tax ID # 37-1099415, is eligible to receive contributions directly from your IRA as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Just direct your IRA custodian to send a check in your behalf made payable to UPMASA and write on the Memo line or in their cover letter: PGH Indigent Patient Fund for the PGH MFI Century Club and send to UPMASA NATIONAL TREASURER. Although this is a form of distribution, it is not counted as an income to you but it qualifies toward meeting your RMD; as such, it may provide better tax benefit than if it was taken as an itemized charitable deduction. For further info, please refer to this link - https://www. forbes.com/sites/davidmarotta/2016/04/28/qualifiedcharitable-distributions-qcds-from-iras/#2f47c6ed41f1%60.

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Mu Sigma Phi Foundation of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine: Answering the Call of the Oblation

Joanne Nunez-Perez, MD ‘04

Inarguably, the most recognizable icon of the University of the Philippines is the statue of The Oblation, erected in its multiple campuses all over the country. It is a stunning sculpture of a man, naked, with outstretched arms, his face tilted upward to the heavens, in a posture of strong and yet, vulnerable, self-sacrifice. This is the call of every Iskolar ng Bayan: To be of service to the Filipino people, in the capacity that the University has preciously endowed him. This is precisely the call heeded by the Mu Sigma Phi Foundation. The image of the oblation statue effortlessly came to mind in recalling the heart of service of this alumni organization of the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM). Both organizations have been recognized among the Top Ten Most Outstanding Student Organizations of the Year in UP Manila for multiple years and brought forth this foundation as an offspring of service, which it established in Newport Beach, California in 2004. From its conception, the Mu Sigma Phi Foundation has been of service to the Filipino people, providing financial and medical services to the UP College of Medicine, its training institution, the Philippine General Hospital, and communities in need all over the country. The parent organizations Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority are the first medical fraternity and sorority in the Philippines and in Asia, founded in 1933 and 1934, respectively. The foundation continues to serve as a first-line responder to the needs that arise from disasters and provides invaluable support to poverty-stricken communities in both urban and rural settings of the Philippines.

Fostering outstanding education of the medical students under the UP College of Medicine is the heart of the foundation. The foundation understands the necessity of providing excellent medical education which brings forth physician graduates who provide outstanding medical care to the Filipino people. This advocacy is made manifest in the foundation’s contributions to the renovation of the UP-Anatomy Dissection Laboratory, provision of television units for instruction in the Department of Anatomy, donation of 80 computers to the UP Manila Library and sponsoring vaccination clinics (“ImMUNity” program) twice a year to provide much needed vaccinations to medical students and faculty. The foundation recently raised and donated P18 million toward the new UP College of Medicine Medical Science Building HSS Simulation Floor. It also awards much needed scholarships to medical students and just last year, one of its very own scholars, Jomel Lapides of Class 2020, topped the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination (Top One)!

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If medical education is the heart, then service toward the training institution of the College of Medicine is the soul of the foundation. The Philippine General Hospital has remained a stronghold of medical excellence in the country since its establishment in 1907. “Iron sharpens iron”, and indeed the hospital has been a rich and tough training environment for honing the skills of its medical graduates. The Mu Sigma Phi Foundation has donated medical supplies and instruments to the hospital, held vaccination clinics for its staff, and

contributed toward the construction of the stage of the UP-PGH Science Hall auditorium. It has also supported blood donation drives (“Lukso ng Dugo”) to benefit the PGH Blood Bank.

Animated by the beating heart of medical education and the soul of service to PGH, community service became the hands and feet of the foundation’s oblation. It has provided wheelchair and prosthetic devices to amputees (“MUbility” program). It has contributed manpower, supplies, and funds to typhoon-stricken communities (typhoons Haiyan and Yolanda), to communities devastated by earthquake (Bohol), and those that needed evacuation (Marawi City) for political safety. The foundation has also contributed to Gawad Kalinga (contributed to building 24 homes for families in need in Sta. Rita, Las Pinas, “Mu Village”) and Project H2O (assisted in setting up water filtration systems for communities in need of clean water). It has delved into community education as well, deploying the Mu Caravan (physicians traveling to areas in need to teach preventive health), the Mu Webinar (online lectures on relevant medical issues), among several other endeavors. More recently, it answered the urgent call of the COVID-19 pandemic through Mu Relief Services and raised P4 million for PPE’s that were utilized by frontliners all over the country, including remote areas in Negros Occidental, Bohol and Abra, to name a few.

The foundation is physician-led and served, and at the helm is President Ishwar Gopichand, MD ’90.

The rest of the officers are as follows: President-Elect Ronette Santos-Chua, MD ‘81, Secretary Rene Mandanas, MD ‘79, Treasurer Godofredo Garcia, MD ‘83, Auditor Michael Medina MD ‘95, and Public Relations Officer Guia Razon-Palma, MD ‘84. These officers have followed a line of dedicated servant leaders of the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, starting with the very first President of the foundation, Hermilito Villar, MD ‘79.

The spirit of service hovers above all of us and waits for us to heed its call. The Mu Sigma Phi Foundation endeavors to continue to flourish and lift high the oblation that we are all called to follow.

Today, there continues to exist a war on illness, preventable disease, and poverty of basic needs and education in the country. The Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Mu Sigma Phi Sorority share a cherished battle cry, used both in celebration and during the fog of war: “All for the Glory!”, which serves as a constant reminder that true glory is conceived only in an oblation, in answering the spirit of service.

“Ang Oblasyon”, by Philippine National Artist, Guillermo Tolentino; Photo courtesy of Connie Ruth J. Tomada, MD of Class 2004

One may wonder why the Oblation statue elicits awe in the hearts of its viewers. We have seen countless sculptures of disrobed bodies, but this one is mysteriously different. The willingness to assume the position is unmistakable and is conveyed by every masterfully sculpted muscle. Paradoxically, in his most vulnerable posture, he showed magnificent strength because he offered to be in it. It makes visible the difficult and heart wrenching call of self-sacrifice and the glory of a man who accepted it.

If you are interested in learning more about or donating to the Mu Sigma Phi Foundation, please visit: themufoundation.org or scan QR code.

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Cynthia Ramirez Independent Insurance Agent Curamirez@gmail.com 425 286 3178 Rowena Sese Independent Insurance Agent rmrs61@yahoo.com 557 358 4272 435

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Photographs in this book are credited to Joma Maluyao, Romy Miclat, MD ’70; Jun David, MD ’83, Joel Lucena, MD ’85, Mark Regala, MD ‘06 and our contributors from UPMASA members, family, friends, and Destination Cleveland.

Book Design & Layout Nina Martinez Jovan de Ocampo