In January 16, 2019, the silver jubilarian Class of 1994 spearheaded the launch of the UP Medical Alumni Society (UPMAS) 2019 Homecoming at the UP Manila Museum of A History of Ideas.
The homecoming theme is “Puso at Galing, Dito Galing, MaDe in UP” – an emphasis on two qualities of a good physician which should always come together and on the Alma Mater that instilled these traits in the good physician. It is a time for Class 1994 to give back to the college. The silver jubilarians came up with this theme recognizing its timelessness and universality.
The occasion was graced by UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla ’81, UP College of Medicine Dean Charlotte Chiong ’85, and Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi ’87. They thanked the class for the key roles it has played and will continue to play in UP Manila, the college, and the hospital. The three discussed their respective plans and targets all aimed at making the institution continue to be the country’s center of excellence in the health sciences.
UPMAS President Jean Anne Toral assured the support of the alumni society to its members, the Alma Mater, and the Filipino community. The event also saw the launch of the UPMAS seal following what is indicated in its By-Laws Article XIV – its establishment in 1946 and the all maroon background.
Also present were representatives from the various classes who are this year’s jubilarians – from classes ending in 4 and 9. Former UP Manila Chancellor and UPCM Dean Marita TolentinoReyes ’64 and National Institutes of Health Executive Director Eva Cutiongco-dela Paz ’89 represented their classes. The most senior alumna present was Dr. Leonor Barcelona-Empedrad of Class 1959. The golden jubilarians of Class 1969 was represented by their president Dr. Federico Cruz who shared some reminiscences of their years in the UP College of Medicine.
Representative members of Classes 1974, 1979, 1984, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 were also in attendance. The youngest class of 2019, led by their president Kyle Eugenio, received 162 homecoming lanyards from the silver jubilarians as a good luck send-off when they graduate at the latter part of this year. Members of the 2019 UPMAS Board were also present, four of whom had their oath taking – Chancellor Reyes, Dr. Cruz, past UPMAS president Jacinto Blas Mantaring III ‘84, and Ryan Capitulo ’99.
Dr. Toral presented the activities for the year starting with the launch followed by continuing medical education activities in Cebu (March 6), Dumaguete (April 27), Koronadal (August), and Manila (December 16); UP Medical Alumni Society in America Annual Grand Convention in Dallas, Texas from July 2 to 6; and the homecoming week starting off with the UPMAS Golf Open (December 13, Ayala Greenfield Estates Calamba, Laguna), homecoming parade and Pabidahan (December 18, UPCM and PGH grounds), and homecoming ball (December 19, Marriott Grand Ballroom).
Dr. Cecilia Jimeno, UPCM Department of Pharmacology Chair and head of the 2019 UP MED Webinars, presented the new platform for this regular online seminars on relevant medical topics using the UP Manila Livestream which can also be viewed at Facebook Live through the UP MED Webinars page. Dr. Alexander Tan, Class 1994 Treasurer and UPMAS Board Member, launched the UPMAS Photo Contest on the homecoming theme. It is open to UPCM alumni life members with the finalists and winner to be presented during the homecoming ball.
Dr. Tammy dela Rosa, UPMAS Vice President and Awards Committee head, presented the various award categories recognizing the alumni achievers: Distinguished Alumnus, Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Researcher, Outstanding In Medical Service, Outstanding in Community Service and Public Health, and the two group awards – Most Distinguished Class and Family of the Year.
As the program ended, the audience was serenaded by upcoming classical singer and stage actress Criselda Go and by silver jubilarian Dr. Melfred Hernandez, Director of the UP Manila Office of Alumni Relations.
JEAN ANNE B. TORAL | Published in UP Manila Healthscape No. 372 (January – February 2019)
