Text by Dr. Evelyn O. Salido and Dr. Janella Marice B. Acebu
Photo by Dr. Beatrice April A. Layog

In celebration of the 33rd year of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Lupus Club, a gathering was held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the PGH Nurses’ Home attended by 59 of its members.

To jumpstart the festivities, Emilie Custodio, one of the club members, rendered a song. The participants also danced their way to a Zumba beat led by Dr. Eladio Anino, a fellow of the division. The fun continued with games and the giving away of raffle prizes facilitated by Dr. Yvonne Bernabe. 

In her opening remarks, Dr. Evelyn Salido, division chief of rheumatology, shared the history and the vision of the PGH Lupus Club. It has three important goals: to educate, support, and advocate for patients living with lupus.

Laarni Yu, guest of honor of the event, talked about her personal journey and what it means to live with lupus. Dr. Geraldine Zamora, the division’s head of advocacies and linkages, gave an informative lecture on facts about lupus and shared helpful tips on how to prevent disease flares and complications. 

PGH Lupus Club President Annie Bernardo closed the program, thanking the members and the division for their support through the years. Thereafter, the day continued with snacks, freebies, unlimited group photos, and engaging conversations shared by the members. It was truly a day of celebrating camaraderie and cultivating a community of collaboration and support for patients in their journey with lupus. 

This event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the organizing team led by Dr. Evelyn Salido, Dr. Geraldine Zamora, Dr. Jon Antigua, and the Division of Rheumatology, namely, Dr. Janella Marice Acebu, Dr. Eladio Anino, Dr. Yvonne Bernabe, Dr. Nicollete Castillo, Dr. Beatrice Layog, Dr. Anna Francesca Mulles, Dr. Carmela Pragados-Tandog, and Jonalyn Pacle. 

The club thanked the consultants of the division, Chancellor Michael Tee, Vice Chancellor Bernadette Heizel Reyes, Dr. Ester Penserga, Dr. Angeline-Therese Santiago, Dr. Juan Rafael Gonzales, Dr. Eric Amante, Dr. Paulo Lorenzo, and Dr. James Barte for their support.

This celebration highlights the Division’s dedication to promoting health and well-being in support of  the World Health Organization (WHO) Sustainable Development Goals.#