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The Alumni Newsletter Post‐Convention Special Edition May 2010

2009 NEW YORK CONVENTION A HUGE SUCCESS BREAKS RECORD AGAIN!

Waldorf=Astoria July 2‐5, 2009 by: Ida Tiongco*

With the support of the North East Chapter officers, members and their friends, the three day affair, the 21st Annual Reunion and Convention in New York was a huge success. Alumni from all over the world, mainly from the USA and the Philippines attended this event held in the historically famous Waldorf Astoria. About 400 alumni and 350 spouses/friends attended all or part of the different activities.

The activities started Thursday with a Golf Tournament headed by Amie Malihan, previous chapter

president and co‐chairperson of the Convention. In the meantime, a lot of the attendees took advantage of the free time to tour NYC, to shop along its famous Fifth and Madison Aves and to eat at the different New York delis, its 3 star rated restaurants and even from its hot dog stands.

That night, the Empire Room at the Waldorf was transformed “Back to the ‘60’s”. Ber de la Merced

provided the music, Jun San Juan provided the props (Elvis etc) and almost everybody came dressed as in the ‘60’s…..mini skirts, boots, skinny ties, wigs and danced to the music of the ‘60’s. A group of gorgeous dancers from the chapter headed by Convention Co‐Chairperson Debbie Bobila, Bing Carin, the co‐emcee, Ping San Juan, Lyls Caguiat, Tess Padrones, Lily Sanchez and Sally de la Merced performed the Dancing Queen while the NEC boys headed by Ber de la Merced, Alex Bobila, Jun San Juan, and Jun Caguiat demonstrated their skills on dancing for the ‘60’s ala Jersey Boys.

This was followed by a talent show where one of the NEC members, Lorna Lumicao was a “dalagang

Filipina”. Ian Sanchez, son of VP Boni Sanchez sang his Broadway songs. Nelin Retizos, a Sapphire Jubilarian cowboy brought the house down with his jokes and funny commentaries. About 350 who attended this affair ate the gourmet food served in stations at the Waldorf. Everybody had a good time but this was just the beginning of the activities.

The Alumni Newsletter May 2010

Post‐Convention Special Edition

The next day, on Friday, July 3, was the first day of the CME whose theme was Quality of Life Issues: Disease Prevention and Health and Wellness Maintenance. Most of the speakers were UERM graduates who belong to the Silver and other Jubilarian classes. There were 117 attendees for two days; the second day, a continuation was held on Saturday, July 4. The moderators were for the first day, Ida Tiongco and on the second day Tom Lumicao.

At lunch time, the 21st Dr. Jose Cuyegkeng Memorial Lectures, “The Science and Art of

Medicine” were given by Dr. Angelina Tantengco, our pathology teacher and Dr. Eleazar Sarmiento, a ’64 Jubilarian who is a medical missionary and the composer of the UERM hymn. Ben Rigor moderated this memorial lecture. Dr. Tantengco presented the history of Pathology at UERM up to the present while Dr. Sarmiento presented his experience as a medical missionary among the minorities and with his booming voice, added more stanzas to our Oh UERM Medical Center hymn. Dr. Tantengco who is still trim and vibrant is now spending most of her time with her children in Connecticut.

Soon after, there was a General Meeting at the Empire room the President of the MAAA,

AFUSA Chairman, Dean Retta Tan and UERM vice Chair Wilson Young gave their presentations. There was a Dean’s wish list auction. Most of these topics were already written up in the Alumni Newsletter.

There was only a little free time since the attendees will have to prepare again for the

Jubilarian night Class’84, ’64 ’69’ 74’ 79’ 89, ’94, ’99 and 2004. The Rock and Roll theme was chosen by the silver jubilarians who entertained us and came en masse in their ‘50’s costumes. As usual the dancing group of the NEC presented their expertise again to Rock and Roll. “Elvis” AKA Ber dela Merced emceed this affair again. The Silver Jubilarians presented a program but the most significant presentation was from the Sapphire Jubilarian Class’64 headed by Elsie Castrence who sang and danced “Kaming Mga Seniors”, spoofed from the song, “Bikining Itim”. The Silver Jubilarians will have their time 15 years from now. As usual, the food was great since remember, this is the Waldorf.

On July 4, the birthday of America, the day started with the second day of the CME. It was also

the day to see democracy in action. Ten amendments to the CBL were presented for ratification. As soon as the polling place opened at 8 a.m., there were already people lining to vote yes or no for these amendments. A total of 211 alumni voted and except for article 3, all the votes were for yes. The voting was smooth and trouble free since the AdHoc Referendum Committee (all 8 ladies) did a very good job. This was the first time that most of the alumni were involved in the voting process.

There was some free time again and it was just bad that a lot of places were closed since it was

July 4. In New York, you can still do a lot of things around since Waldorf =Astoria is centrally located in the city.

Most prepared for the Gala Night, a black tie affair highlighting the famous Lettermen headed

by Tony Butala. For those probably even the Silver Jubilarians who do not know this singing group, the Lettermen were very famous in the late ‘60’s up to the 90’s with their beautiful love



songs. They have a lot of Filipino fans so that they still come to the Philippines at least once a year in 3‐4 cities including Manila and sing Filipino love songs.

How the NEC got them is another topic in this newsletter. The most important thing is that everybody enjoyed the show, the venue, the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf, the food and of course, the camaraderie of the alumni. There were about 650 attendees, one of the biggest numbers of Gala Nights; the other is 2003 New York Convention at The Regent Wall Street.

People were still singing “Hindi Kita Malimot”, and “Cherish” by the Lettermen when we all

went back to our rooms. Before doing it though, some hang around with the Lettermen at the suite of our President, Irene, who served some Filipino snacks at 2 a.m.

Before everybody left to go back home, some just blocks away from the Waldorf and some

5,000‐10,000 miles away, there was a religious service where the NEC perennial secretary Amy Aban Antonio (we missed her very much) was memorialized.

The NEC thanks all the attendees, our graduates, their spouses, family and friends for coming

to the Big Apple. Benching Tan a NEC member and the Executive Director of the AA provided a lot of work especially in communication and e‐mailing important info to our alumni. The Ibanez sisters and other volunteers (family and staff of our members) helped especially in registration. We also thank our own members who worked hard to provide a most unforgettable experience to our guests.

Post Script: During the preparation for this 21st Reunion and Convention, even at the start, the

NEC had to hurdle a lot of problems: 1) Hotel venue, since there was a conflict with the original hotel where another medical alumni

group was meeting and we would like our guests to experience the Waldorf experience. 2) The economy, we were able to get the best prices for a stay in a 5 star hotel in NY compared

to those around Waldorf. 3) Apathy, we encouraged our classmates and friends to come and see us here in NYC and to

experience the New York experience at the Waldorf. In the end, we all had a good time. *Ida is a member of the NEC and was a former visiting professor in dermatology at UERM. She currently lives

and works as a dermatologist in New York City. She is with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.



SOMETHING MAGICAL HAPPENED ON OUR WAY TO THE WALDORF=ASTORIA

Considering the cynical environment then, it would have been disastrous to challenge the Alumni with another teaser. The idea of having “The Lettermen” during the Gala Night Ball in the NY Alumni convention seemed intriguing and daring but whimsical at best. There were concerns of daunting prohibitive costs and logistical nightmares. There was also that fear of inflaming further the disharmony over the hotel venue for the convention. Besides, who would ever have thought that these hardened and worldly Lettermen would take on these “amateurish” NEC, particularly when their offer of compensation was so little? But the NEC being the NEC, eternally optimistic, confident of their abilities and beliefs pressed on and in the end was successful in offering The Lettermen at the Waldorf=Astoria Gala Ball during the 2009 NY Convention. They had chosen “A Night to Cherish at the Waldorf" as their theme for the Gala Ball.

The Lettermen project was years in the making, first conceived by the late Amy Antonio, Thelma Calo Villanueva and Debbie Bobila many years before the Convention. By the spring of 2009, contract negotiations started and relentlessly pursued by Thelma and Debbie. But it took the sheer determination of all, the NY bred toughness and street savvy of Amie Malihan, the versatility of Ber Dela Merced and the approval of MAAA President Irene Manlapaz to pull it off. It was a cliff hanger all the way, the contract just signed 4-5 weeks before their performance, late snags as late as 3 days prior to the start of the convention, conflicts and heated arguments and last minute demands developing on the eve of their performance, anyone of which would have torpedoed the whole plan. Their demands range from firm company policy to comical, including prohibiting dancing, eating, talking and getting up during their performance. In the end, the NEC and the Lettermen were magnanimous and respectful of each other.

The Lettermen were appreciative and honored to have performed at the storied Waldorf=Astoria Grand Ballroom attended by 600 plus elegantly dressed UERM Alumni and their spouses. And all in the name of worthy charitable causes of the MAAA Inc and the NEC. As an ultimate gesture of their appreciation, Tony Butala, their leader, hanged out with the Alumni in the President’s suite till the wee hours. The Lettermen offering for the Gala Ball was a brilliant marketing move, worthy of a case study in an Ivy League MBA course, a Win-Win for all, and far and away our most cost-effective draw, thanks to the “Premium Table” arrangements, a brainchild of the NEC.

The Lettermen was formed as a vocal group in 1961 with their first hit single, “The Way You Look Tonight” followed by “When I Fall in Love”, "Come back Silly Girl”. Their songs depict the Halcyon days, true and unrequited love and innocent times. Who can forget “Put Your Head on my Shoulder”, “Theme from the Summer Place”, “Shangri-la”? They have been the most endearing and enduring vocal group, having performed over 30,000 concerts and to this day still giving 100 concerts/year to far off China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Mexico in addition to the US. They had performed 35 concerts in the Philippines, and also recorded 3 Albums there. Nowadays, they give 3-6 performances a year in the Philippines alone. Their music is timeless and transcends generational and cultural barriers. They recorded 35 Albums and hit singles and were inducted to the Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

The group had changed its members many times but the one constant was Tony Butala who held the group to this day. Presently, the members are: Tony Butala, Donovan Scott Tea and Mark Preston.



The Lettermen Concert was held during the Gala Ball in the world renowned Waldorf=Astoria Grand Ballroom whose majestic splendor was a fitting match for their prestige and stature. It soars 4 stories high, has a world-class stage, clean distort-free sound system and can even hold an orchestral concert. Five days before their performance, Debbie Bobila and Amie Malihan got a tongue-lashing lecture from Tony Butala who reminded them that they are big stars and each one of their concerts is “Magical”. Indeed, they did not disappoint! They sang 2 hours of glorious, melodious and memorable songs, most of which had become fixtures in the Philippine music scene. Included in their repertoire were Filipino songs “Hindi Kita Malimot” and “Dahil Sa Iyo” in perfect diction and endless favorites like “Seventh Dawn”, “Cherish”, "Portrait of My love” and “Shangri-La”. Their booming voices filled the ballroom and delighted the crowd who in their excitement rushed to the front of the stage and remained standing during their entire performance. They had initially requested 30 ladies to parade on stage for photo-op while singing their medley but graciously accommodated hoards of alumni and guest surprisingly including some detractors who patiently lined up to be serenaded to by the Lettermen on stage.

The rest of the Ball attendees were content dancing to the romantic songs of the famed group or simply savoring the sounds. In the own words of Tony Butala “we’ve never sang in a ballroom before where the audience dance to our music”. And they were clearly pleased to have performed in a UERM Alumni Gala Ball. There were more photo-ops after the concert in the adjoining room. Their CDs were sold out. It was truly a magical night, one for the ages, to be cherished forever and a dream come true!

Most will say that the Lettermen concert was the NEC’s pride and crowning glory of the NY Convention but to each one of them; it was the culmination of their hard work on a well done, successful and memorable Convention. To see them hug each other, high fiving and being moved to tears during the convention is their ultimate triumph and joy!

Debbie Bobila, Jun San Juan and Amie Malihan

At the Registration Lobby….. everybody’s all smiles to see friends and classmates



Executive Director Corner

Dr. Benching Tan

the Waldorf Experience . . . . .

it was a time of joy, it was a time of love, and it was a time of unforgettable memories!

Awesome! What Nostalgia! Magical! Tantalizing! Mesmerizing! Unforgettable! Memorable!

Fun! Camaraderie! Relevant CME! Excellent Speakers! Elegant Venue! Good Food! Good Friends! Good Times! Good Value! Wonderful! One of a Kind! The Best!

Oh! What a Night!......Featuring THE LETTERMEN These are just a few words written by participants to describe the recently concluded MAAA

INC. Convention and Reunion in Waldorf=Astoria, New York City, New York. The New York Convention Committee led by Amie Malihan, with the guidance from Irene

Manlapaz, is ecstatic to have accomplished what they had set out to do: Have a gathering of schoolmates, classmates and friends mix it with lots of laughter,

camaraderie, pure FUN, add Excellent Speakers, relevant CME topics, sprinkle to it colorful entertainment in a setting of wonderfully elegant but inexpensive venue, Quintessential New York Standard, TheWaldorf=Astoria, flavor it with advertising and marketing genius...some '72 inspiration...and unwavering MAAAI support...

Blink...blink away some minor nuisances and add to the mix the ultimate icing to the cake...

"The Lettermen" and you got yourself the Convention and "Gala for all seasons" to cherish for years to come. No matter how imperfect it may be to some...and ALL to benefit the Alma Mater!

As Felix will narrate in his article, the road to the convention was rough and bumpy...with

heartbreaking experiences and infirmities ~ the passing of some well-loved NEC members...but GOD gave us the strength to go on...and held us all together to produce the Ultimate TEAMWORK! different minds bound to one desire and unity in spirit to succeed! against all odds..

I am truly blessed and proud to be part of this team! To all the Jubilarians especially the Silver

Jubilarians Class ’84 and the Sapphire Jubilarians Class ’64 and all attendees, We Thank You All to have taken part in our UERM Family Celebration!

Debbie Bobila

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx All's well that ends well! I came to the NY convention and reunion expecting nothing

extraordinary. I thought that at best, it would be the same predictable programs I've seen every night in past conventions and reunions. I was even expecting for the worst considering the unbelievably nasty rumors that the organizing committee was in shambles and the convention was going to bomb financially. To my surprise, it turned out to be well attended



and memorable. The entertainment and the music were terrific, the food delicious. The whole package was in a class by itself. I realize it is going to be a tough act to follow. I wouldn't be surprised if the 21st UERM Convention and Reunion in NYC will go down in UERM convention history as the gold standard for future conventions in terms of venue, entertainment, food and value. Thanks to you all in the Northeast Chapter. You have done a superb job against all odds. You made it one of the best if not the best ever! Regards, Chuck Gotardo '72

Dear All, In behalf of the UERMMMCI delegates headed by Vice Chairman Wilson Young, I

express my heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for inviting the three of us including Dr. Andy Borromeo to grace your 21st Annual UERMMMC-MAAA, Inc. Convention and Reunion and share updates going on in the College of Medicine and in the Medical Center as well. We appreciated the hospitality given to us and we enjoyed the various events, including the dinner show. I congratulate all the members of the organizing committee for the successful affair and in devoting their unqualified support to the association. Maraming, maraming salamat. Sincerely, Alfaretta Luisa T. Reyes, M.D. Dean, College of Medicine UERMMMCI

We could not thank you enough! You sure made everything interesting and worthwhile during

our preparation for this cherish event. Thank you for the reminders, songs, poetry that made the prep for our reunion very exciting!!! Edna Lopez-Maslak '84

Dear Debbie, I hope you are now "de=stressed" and less pressured after that very successful

convention. You all have worked hard for this and God always knows how to reward those who help themselves... as He does the rest...lifting you to bounds which you may never have imagined. I, for one enjoyed the events and I could sense and hear the same from the people I've meet, especially those who attended the evening fellowships, I'd like to congratulate you and your team again for doing a marvelous, excellent job. Your leadership brought the convention to new heights, it will really be a big challenge for the succeeding affairs to equal or surpass it! I thank you too for enticing me to join all the affairs; I enjoyed every bit of it including the 60's costume. I never ever dreamed of wearing one like that, but that was fun and a great experience. Again, I thank you for your friendship and may God reward you with your wishes as always in a similar way that you generously share yours with other! God bless and warm regards. Ging Paredes '73

Dear Debbie, Allow me to congratulate and commend the strong leadership of the

UERMMMCMAAA, INC and Northeast Chapter alumni for a very successful Reunion and Convention. Thank you all for your efforts! Rene D. Querubin, Chair, AFUSA

Dear Debbie, Amy, Irene, On behalf of the officers and members of the Alliance and Friends,

allow me to express our sincerest appreciation for your help in setting-up our Silent Auction table, and for the Conrad Suite Salon which you have booked for our meeting on July 3, 2009. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Congratulations to the 3 of you, to the officers and members of the Northeast Chapter, for your hard work and for a job well done. The meetings were well organized, the food delicious, and the entertainment was superb. I don't know if future conventions can top what you have accomplished. To stay in Waldorf=Astoria, the hotel of the rich and famous, is one in a lifetime experience. Thank you very, very much. May God bless and help you in your future endeavors! Sincerely, Esther N. Querubin

Dr. Tan, Dr. Manlapaz, Northeast Chapter, Thank you for a great UE reunion convention ~the

best so far. Dr. de la Merced as Master of ceremonies was a one~of~a~kind act. Where does

he get his energy? Thank you Dr. de la Merced. Dr. Eli Sarmiento Cuyegkeng's lecture on Art

of Medicine was both inspirational and challenging. His additional verse for the UE hymn

gives meaning to the soul. Thank you Eli. We have talented UE kids - Ian Sanchez (son of Dr.

Bonnie & Lily Sanchez) and Golda de la Merced (daughter of Dr. Bern and sally de la Merced).



Thank you Ian and Golda for your high notes. By the way Lily and Sally are both UE BSN

graduates. My husband's class of '64 lunch reunion on Saturday, which was made possible by

the efforts of Dr. Elsie Castrence and which drew 33 classmates plus their spouses, was an

added bonus. Thank you Elsie. The Lettermen on Gala night was super. Thank you Dr. Tan for

your E-mails, it keeps us informed of UE, keep up the good work, GOD BLESS THE

UERMMMC. Elsa Gines Aragones UE BSN class 64, wife of Peter C. Aragones class 64.

I say AMEN to everything you said. It was really a wonderful affair. Class 64 really had a fun

time. Kudos's to all the officers of the NEC especially Debbie, Alex, Amy Malihan and Amy Antonio who worked very hard when she was still with us, to You, Bernie, Jun, Jun/Lilia Caguiat, Bonnie, Dr. Lucas, Ida, Irene and her sisters, Felix and Anavel and everyone who worked for the success of the affair and programs. I may have missed others but they know who they are. I am very proud of the NEC. God Bless you all!! Nely Recano '64

To Debbie & NEC ~ My classmates and our guests had a great time. It was a great success, as is

a NY affair tradition. Thanks to you and the organizers for your confidence, sacrifice and hard work. Thanks for your services to the Alma Mater. An affair of this magnitude without some glitzes is not worth an affair at all. Let me know if you have any question. Be in touch. Mon Alcala '63

I indeed cherish the nights at the Waldorf!! AWESOME! Thanks to all of you. Zen Eclarinal-

Arrambide '73 NY was a blast and although the stay was short and there was not enough time to really chit-

chat I had a wonderful time and was thrilled. And it just seemed like it was just "yesterday" that we were all in UE. What a good feeling indeed! With much fondness, Ding Yoro '68

Just viewed Benching's "night to cherish at the Waldorf's" pictures and could see and feel the

great fun that you guys shared that particular evening with The Lettermen. Kudos to the Northeast Chapter for a successful reunion in NYC! Warm regards, Fil Riego '72

It was indeed a memorable reunion. Thank you Irene, Debbie, Amy M. and the rest of the NEC

membership. You always deliver every time. Absolutely great entertainment and fun! Elegant, classy but inexpensive! Kudos to you all. Many thanks to the WBA 72 for showing up every time our leadership call, being there for each other and the alumni organization. We will see you again in February 2010 in the Philippines. Thank you Bien Rosales, Manny Llado and your gracious better halves for the sumptuous Chinatown lunch. Thank you Linda Conejos-Villanueva for the delicious lunch and snacks at the Central Park. To dear Benching, we love you. You are the reason for the united WBA 72... What will we do without you? Thanks and thanks again for the music, the goodwill and for keeping us one. To our Dean, Mr. Young, and Andy Borromeo, we appreciate your enthusiasm and the great job you are doing for UERM. I speak for Class 72... We will always be around to help. Sincerely, Nimfa Raagas-Aguila '72

Mga Kakosas, Irene and Bobits, Many thanks to the United WBA for another wonderful

reunion. Sangkays, you out did yourselves in having fun and the rendition of the classic WBA

laughter. One thing is for sure - there is a blast when the WBAs get together. We are still

waiting for the CHRONICLES of the great literary WBA artist from Agoo. I am still tired and

overwhelmed at the office after a long absence but it was well worth it. I could still picture

your faces and hear your voices with the HALAKHAK!!! One thing is for sure...the WBA

camaraderie is extraordinary and incomparable. Thanks for the memories. Thanks to Irene,



Bobits and cohorts...the best food, entertainment and accommodation at a very reasonable

price in my humble opinion...Viva, Arriba...Mabuhay and Class 72 WBA and UERM El

Ten/Lani Wiltz '72

WOW! THAT WAS TRULY A GREAT WEEKEND TO REMEMBER.NOT JUST FOR THE

LETTERMEN BUT FOR THE WHOLE AMBIENCE, THE PARTICIPATION AND THE SPIRIT OF

THE OCCASION THAT PERVADED THE WHOLE GROUP. I AM GLAD I DID NOT MISS THE

REUNION IN NYC. IT WAS ALSO AN OCCASION TO RETURN TO NYC AFTER MANY MANY

YEARS. ANOTHER WOW! SO CLEAN, SO NICE, I WILL NOT MIND LIVING IN NYC AGAIN.

THANKS TO THE NEC FOR A JOB WELL DONE. HATS OFF TO YOU GUYS.TO BIEN AND

MANNY, THE LUNCH AT CHINATOWN WAS JUST DELECTABLE.AND TO LINDA THANKS

FOR THAT DELICIOUS LUNCH AND GUIDED TOUR OF THE CENTRAL PARK. TO THE REST

OF THE WBA, THANKS FOR THE COMPANY AND LAUGHTERS OF A FEW DAYS. I WILL

SMILE EVERYTIME I REMINISCE THOSE FEW DAYS WE HAD TOGETHER IN NYC. TILL THE

NEXT TIME, WHENEVER AND WHEREVER THAT BE. LOVE YOU ALL! AFRIC/ROLLY Torio

'72 dear All, Oh, what a weekend it was indeed! fabulously lovely wonderfully

hypnotizing and mesmerizing - in the words of the song... Oh, What a Night! to which i would add: tantalizing! an electrifying time at "The Big Apple" - the city that never sleeps! in the same breath... it was a mind-expanding, consciousness-raising, very inspiring weekend of giving and taking and sharing... of reminiscing, re-bonding/renewing friendships, making new friends, memory-making, etc., etc! it was everything i thought it would be and MORE!!! thank you, all of you who worked your butts off to make it happen! thank you Irene, Debbie, Amy, Ate Ida and all of you very hardworking Northeast Chapter members... the guys: Benching, Alex, Jun, Ber, etc... the wonderfully extremely helpful and very accommodating Support Staff in the "The War Room" etc., etc... very impressive indeed! kudos to all of you!! you outdid yourselves!!! to Dr Lucas et al, and all of you involved with the CME program... great job by the director, moderators, speakers/presenters, etc., etc... great topics too! very informative... a wonderful learning experience in a very inspiring, stately, grand and elegant setting. :) my hat's off to all of you!!! to my very dear classmates - US-based, Philippine contingent, European and International delegates and representatives... the hardcore, ever-faithful, staunchly loyal members of the WBA... the ever-dependable regulars of the reunions East and West/Pinas and the US of A - thank you lots! man... what a great time i had! Nimfs and the Blue Ladies/ Poksy, Mandy and the Bar Brigade... great job of keeping a very well stocked pantry and BAR at the Hospitality Suite! to Bien and Manny [Llado] and their very lovely and gracious "better halves" for hosting a great bash and most fun luncheon in Chinatown! that was an absolute riot! to all of you my dear classmate... thank you for your enthusiasm, for showing-up everytime, for being there, for sharing... for all the great ideas for fun, laughter and good-times! just when i thought it couldn't get any better than this... you somehow manage to outdo yourselves everytime! you have definitely honed all your talents and duties to perfection to make our reunions



a most enjoyable experience and always better than the last! i salute all of you! to Oca P... thank you Pal for the "rejuvenation"!! i am very pleased, to say the least! i may have to come every month to keep 'rejuvenated' - ya think? several months ago when you told me to come before the reunion for a session with your "Flawless Machine" i was somewhat skeptical... but, you delivered man! thanks a bunch! :-}) i don't know about you guys... but... all day Sunday and today, i have 'The Lettermen' songs playing continuously in my head... for a fix, i indulged myself listening to their songs all night. i believe it has inspired me to write this tome... :) "The Lettermen" - it was a night to cherish at the Waldorf! indeed...actually, i like all their songs - they don't really have any bad song as far as i am concerned, but, the two songs which i like, for sentimental reasons, are "Warm"and "No Other Love" ... so, there you go... :) again... THANK YOU[!] all of you [there are so many of you to mention, but, ya know who you are... ]! it was a great time and i had a blast!! and very wonderful memories to cherish forever!!! all the very best... always....Moonyeen Posa-Kane'72

Dear Chuck, Ging, Moonyeen, Andy, Bee, Nimfa, Afric, Benching, and all Wild bunch members: We just got back for a much needed R &R in the tiny Victorian village of Cape May, NJ. Thanks so much for the kind words of appreciation! The Northeast Chapter have been ecstatic that their

hard work and excitement to host the 21st New York Convention as everyone envisioned it should be, turned out to be the convention of all conventions and the Gala night turning out to be "A Gala Night for all Seasons"(which by the way I personally favored to call it but was overruled by the majority who chose "A Night to cherish....", against all odds."Oh! What a Night indeed!"

While we were conscious of the fact that certain quarters were determined to have us fail, they overlooked

the fact that this group though with different personalities were very much united in mind and spirit and very much determined to set aside all the heartaches, all the adversities, all the infirmities that have befallen us, and concentrate on how to make this convention memorable and magical for everyone. All the smiling faces, the words of appreciation by the alumni that went out of their way to approach each one of us NEC members during and after the convention was Satisfaction enough for us! Some even went as so far as asked us when the next NY Convention will be!

Our detractors forgot that we have the so-called TEAMWORK. As the saying goes enables one to achieve

the extraordinary!! We have so much talent amongst us, so much determination, that I have nothing but admiration for this group. Bing Carin, Ber de la Merced, Jun and Ping San Juan, Alex Bobila, Jun and Lyls Caguiat, Tess Corpuz, Lorna Lumicao, Ida Tiongco and Alex S., Felix and Melinda Evangelista, Boni and Lily Sanchez, Andy A., Ely and Emil Q, Nely R, Dulce Samonte, Sally, Grace R, Ric Arayata, Roger Lucas, and of course our Lettermen Society member Thelma Villanueva and Desi, Benching and all his Ads and words of encouragement, Amie for her leadership and negotiating skills when we lost one for a while, to Irene and her MBA skills at work, and the executive committee for all the support, to Jeannie So and to Amvel and Irene's other sisters for all the help and sacrifices. I feel privileged indeed to have worked with this group never complaining about late working nights and lost weekends with family members.

To Class '72 for being our "Rock" and inspiration. Thank you for being there for us whenever and

wherever you are needed! Our profound gratitude! Debbie B., Amie M., and The NEC



“NEC’s Mama Mia ladies (Lyls C, Lorna L, Debbie B, Ping SJ, Tess C, Sally DLM, Thelma V., Dulce S, & Bing C.

NEC's Elvis Presley (AKA Ber de la Merced) entertained the alumni & guests during the Rock & Roll Jubilarian Night

NEC New Jersey Boys (Ber de la Merced, Jun Caguiat, Jun San Juan & Alex Bobila)



OUR RESPONSE TO THE OPEN LETTER

Dear Friends and Fellow Alumni,

We are grateful to be given at last the opportunity to be rid of the specter of impropriety that had haunted us throughout the course of hosting the recently concluded NYC convention. It had been the object of our unfair and defenseless indictment in the public and officially by the then 2006‐2008 Executive Officers of the UERMMMC Medical Alumni Association of America, Inc. (MAAAI). In its wake, we have been unceremoniously anointed epithets in the likes of: “The Rogue NEC, Overindulgent NEC, The Elitist and Glory seeking NEC, The Amateurish NEC, The Corruptible NEC Cohorts” and all the other unpleasantness. It had punished us dearly nearly dragging us to the brink of disaster and to this day, the stigma had endured, still being referenced to as recently as the origin of the current Alumni disharmony.

There are 2 recurring themes feeding this frenzy. First is the notion that the North East Chapter (NEC) had somehow hijacked the convention negotiations from the then National Convention Commissioner (NCC) Susan Suntay, blinded by their obsession for glorification. Second is the NEC’s wanton irresponsibility to risk financial ruin in its negotiations with the Waldorf, impelled by that now infamous “$ 418,000” guarantee.

There are 3 letters of rebuttal from Drs. Amie Malihan, Debbie Bobila and Roger Lucas, which were written just after the “Open Letter” by Dr. Manny Blas in May 2008. Those letters were a model of professionalism, civility, respect, and almost pleading for fairness and understanding. To summarize and reflect:

1. From the outset, the interactions between the NEC and the then NC Commissioner, Susan Suntay, had been highly charged. The NEC envisioned a Commissioner who is flexible and respectable of their wish, who will treat them as equals, helpful and supportive. What they got was anything but and was treated to a high handed, condescending, bullying and intransigent style. Their differences on the hotel venue would have been dealt with amiably if she was, the NEC perceived, sincere and forthright in her actions. As it was, it grew into an environment of distrust.



2. Nonetheless, the NEC continued their negotiations at the Waldorf with Susan’s blessings with the hopes that all will eventually be well. It took time and painstaking effort to convince the Waldorf that they are serious and a credible group but it needed a show of good faith and commitment. Thus, a preliminary understanding in the form of a written contract was offered. It was a crucial stage into their negotiations, a test of their commitment and trustworthiness. This was a point of no return!

3. The bomb, however fell when Susan informed Amie Malihan that she would not be a signatory to this contract. This is so devastating since the NEC was still in the thick of negotiations and under pressure to show their good faith and legitimacy. Susan clearly misread the real meaning of this contract, which is to show commitment. It was a contract wherein the final numbers are tentative and still dependent on the latter negotiations for the food and beverages.

4. At this point, the NEC was left biting the dust and whistling Dixie. They clearly had not usurped the National Association’s mandate but were abandoned! The subsequent actions of the 2006‐2008 Executive Committee also had not belied their true intentions of leaving us for dead.

5. That imposing “$418,000” minimum guarantee which had been repeatedly alluded to as if to lend and enforce legitimacy is erroneous and even malicious.

The contracted numbers were not etched in stone and very much dependent on the other items for negotiations. The final proof was what the NEC paid the Waldorf; it was a fraction of that!

We have long been silent but we have now chosen to come out, compelled by the injustice of it all. And we thank everyone for giving us a chance to prove ourselves worthy of his or her confidence and trust. We believe that we have made the right choices all along and we were vindicated by the success of the NYC convention.

The NEC



UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

Medical Alumni Association of America - Northeast Chapter Office of the President: 9 Quaker Ridge Court, Monroe Township, NJ 08831

Tel (732) 910‐9966, E‐mail: [email protected]

April 10, 2010 Andres De La Llana, M.D. ([email protected]), Southern California Chapter Ana Maria Guanlao‐Pasatiempo, M.D. ([email protected]), MARVaDC Chapter Jacquelyn Fabello‐Gamiao, M.D. ([email protected]), Michigan Chapter Carmen Agcaoili, M.D. ([email protected]), Northern California Chapter Zosimo R Herrera ([email protected]), Midwest Chapter Dear Chapter Presidents and Fellow Alumni: We are alarmed by the recent decision of the MAAA‐ Southern California Chapter (SOCAL) who is hosting this year's Convention, to ban the Executive Council from having any role in the upcoming UERM Convention in Newport Beach. This decision tramples on the common aspiration and mutual cooperation between the National and MAAA chapters. It dishonors the binding tradition of co‐hosting the annual Alumni convention and denies the Executive Council of its right to conduct their business during the annual convention. It will lead to resumption of the hostilities, alienate numbers of Alumni and loss of support in an already dwindling US based Alumni. This is ironic at a time when the Alumni are ripe for reconciliation and the SOCAL needing all the help that they could get. It is unprecedented for its blatant provocation and arrogant disregard of the CBL and the good of the UERM Alumni. It is a bad precedent, a disgrace and forever will cast doubts on the Alumni organization's integrity. We do not think that there is a real purpose and redeeming value for this action other than fan the flames of hatred and vindictiveness. It was a decision impelled by the "No confidence" resolution and supported by the 5 MAAA chapters that (No confidence resolution) carries no legal standing and power to remove the current Executive Council. If you look back, we also feel that this resolution of "No confidence" was born out of spite rather than by its own merit. We cannot understand how this Executive Council could be treated so harshly. We need only to be reminded that the Executive Council are volunteers who are willing to serve in a thankless, fractious organization full of a crowd that are cynical and unruly. Instead, this Executive Council was even demonized and blamed for everything. It is no wonder that we have difficulty in recruiting prospective members. They are already accomplished physicians who are not in pursuit of glory to validate their abilities and success. All they really want is just to serve the Alumni to the best of their abilities.



To dishonor this Executive Council is to destroy the whole Alumni organization and by not supporting them, we are choosing vindictiveness over reason and fairness. We should thank them for their dedication, courage and patience and for being a staunch defender of our CBL. We owe them our gratitude for their steadfast support in our time of great need. There is no other UERM Alumni group who has been as aggrieved and maligned as the Northeast Chapter (NEC) with a litany of injustices done to our group ever since the beginning. Yet, we have avoided retribution. If there is anything that we have learned and wish to share with you in hosting the NYC Convention, it is this: you will be more successful if you ignore the negativity and to just focus on your own talents and goals. We have welcomed all and had not discriminated against any alumnus. We even had arranged for the AFUSA's annual meeting to be held at the Waldorf but were turned down. Like us, we think that Dr. Irene Manlapaz and the Executive Council have been subjected to unrelenting vicious attacks from day one of her administration. They had been unfairly singled out as the source of all the Alumni's woes but the reality is that the blame and culpability are everywhere. To dwell on it, however, is to invite endless charges and counter charges leading to nowhere. We suggest that we forgive and forget and to move on. It is one thing to manage your own convention but another thing to prevent the function of the recognized current Executive Council during the convention. And no matter how you look at it, it is still an outright violation of the Constitution and the By‐laws of this organization. To defy its mandate is to undermine the hard work, which both Alumni organizations had put into transforming the Alumni from being dependent on the capriciousness of personalities to that run by order and decorum through its CBL and written policies. The end of this Executive Council’s term is but a few months away and decency calls that they be allowed to finish them in peace. The NEC Bonito Sanchez, M.D. Acting President, Northeast Chapter

Cc: Executive Council, UERMMMC‐MAAA, Inc.



LETTER OF SUPPORT OF NORTHEAST CHAPTER (NEC) From: [email protected] Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:12:54 -0500 Subject: Re: FW: LETTER To: [email protected] CC: [email protected]; [email protected] History is already being written, long before her stint at the helm of the UERM Alumni Association becomes history, to validate the soundness of, and vindicate the much maligned decision by, President I. Ibanez-Manlapaz and her EC and NEC to hold the 2009 Reunion at Waldorf. State Laws have likewise existed a prior-i to guide her accommodation of the use of the MD designation by unlicensed alumni with qualifications to avoid running afoul of State Laws' definition of its use, which obviously was the right decision. The question that needs to be begged is why then is she hated by many of the Chapter's leadership for making the right decisions? Is this really happening - making the right decisions, but be hated for it? Being hated like Abraham Lincoln was for the foresight to preserve the Union and, by 1862, the emancipation of the slaves? Or being initially maligned, like Winston Churchill was almost universally loathed as a washed-up crank and a warmonger, because of his unwavering opposition to Nazism? Menachem Begin became one of the most reviled leaders on earth when, on June 7, 1981 he gave the order to destroy Saddam Hussein's nuclear reactor at Osirak. Even the pro-Israel Reagan administration joined the United Nations' chorus of condemnation. 'Armed attack in such circumstances cannot be justified; it represents a grave breach of international law,' scolded Britain's Margaret Thatcher. How fitting that Begin lived long enough to witness his historic decision vindicated by the first Gulf War in 1991. HISTORY IS replete with stories of great men who were prepared to be hated for fighting for what was right And so in the case of I. Ibanez-Manlapaz/EC, it is only fitting to look back and say theirs were decisions that turned out to be right, but alas for which they are being hated. Acknowledging the correctness of her actions would be the civilized and logical responses. But why be civilized and logical, when hating is so much more gratifying - the seeming modus operandi of the Chapter Leaderships and their memoranda for Ibanez-Manlapaz' resignation before her voluntary service to the organization ends. This Alumni Association's civil war will continue, I am afraid, until after I. Ibanez-Manlapaz' successor is no longer at the helm. Hopefully mid-2012 will be our Gettysburg, and the beginning of a stronger, more civil, and civilized organization, steeped in respect for the rule of our CBL. Dcr Reference S. Boteach



President’s Report

By:

Irene Ibanez-Manlapaz, M.D., MBA, EJD As my term as your president comes to an end I want to thank all of you for your sincere support. I have been part of major changes in our Alumni Association since 2000. For this last two years I deeply appreciate your trust in my management and leadership. The 2009 New York Convention and Reunion at Waldorf=Astoria Hotel was a tremendous challenge and despite the global economic turndown and hiccups from few alumni who are afraid to “move the cheese”, the team work of the Northeast Chapter and your 2008-2010 Executive Officers brought you the best reunion ever in the history of our Alumni Association. The 2009 New York Committees handled more than half a million dollars in hotel room reservations and 3-day events filled with excellent CME lectures and exciting night events. How can you beat superior rooms at the Waldorf at $209/night and gourmet dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner at cost? Nobody would believe that The Lettermen would be our main entertainer during the Gala Night at The Grand Ballroom of Waldorf=Astoria. Let me disprove any lingering apprehension that the Alumni Association lost mega bucks. When times are “hard”, we have to be innovative. The NEC and with the approval of the Executive Officers made all the events very affordable and with team effort we focused on encouraging our alumni and friends to be generous with their donations. Thanks to all of you fellow alumni our account with Waldorf=Astoria was fully paid 3 days prior to the start of our reunion and we met our goal of raising the much needed donations towards academic scholarships, faculty development and medical/surgical mission. Please see the Treasurer’s Report. The ff. activities and projects have been completed by this current administration:

1. CBL strengthened by amendments, including lifetime members’ ability to vote by mail. 2. Policies and Procedures in accordance to U.S. laws. 3. Documented that the Lifetime Membership Fees of $110,000 are in the

MassMutual Odyssey fixed-deferred annuity Certificate Number ODY15341009, Issue Date: 04/07/2009 Annuity Date: 12/26/2047, Annuitant: Zosimo R. Herrera (as selected by Ed Banez and Susan Suntay), Participant: UERMMMC-MAAA, Inc.

4. Documented that $140,000 of the Association’s money $50,000 DAP/Indigent Fund from 2006 Las Vegas Convention $90,000 General Fund from 2007 Washington, DC and 2008 San Francisco Conventions are

deposited in the MassMutual Odyssey fixed-deferred annuity with Certificate #ODY15341009.

5. Documented that more than $200,000 of DAP/Indigent Fund from 2003 NYC Convention, 2004 Chicago Convention, and 2005 Houston Convention has been transferred to UERMMMC Alumni Foundation USA, Inc. (AFUSA). The Board of Trustees of AFUSA has been notified to start disbursing the fund.

6. The financial documents and contracts of the current administration are complete and kept in safe temperature controlled and secured storage.



7. We have secured the website www.uermalumni.org. 8. The new lifetime members’ fees of $4,000.00 for 2009 are in Certificate of Deposit. 9. Formed the newest Chapter, UERMMMC-MAAA Nevada Chapter, which is very active in

continuing medical education and fostering camaraderie among alumni and fellow physicians in Las Vegas/Henderson area.

Thank you to my mentors and advisers for their help and wisdom: a. Dr. Roly Mendoza, Class ’67, Executive Director during the time that I was the Executive

Secretary of MAAAI, 2000-2002 b. Dr. Rene Querubin, Class ’67, President, 2000-2002 c. Dr. Joseph Rastrollo, Class ’73, President, 2002-2004 d. Dr. Rogelio Sion, Class ‘65 e. Dr. David Roble, Class ‘65 f. Dr. Tom Lumicao, Class ‘75

My special appreciation to the ff. for their full and unwavering support:

a. My management team: Dr. Benching Tan Dr. Perla Castor Dr. Flor de Jesus Dr. Jeannie Pobre-So Dr. Tess Lu Melocoton

b. My dear friends: NEC alumni especially

Debbie/Alex, Amie, Jun/Ping, Boni/Lily, Jun/Lyls, Lorna, Andy/Amy (+), Ida/Alex, Bing, Tess, Ber/Sally, Nely/Fred (+), Felix/Melinda, Fely/Emil, Roger, etc.

c. My angels – Amvel, Julie, Paz d. My dearest husband for his patience and love.

Thank you to all of you dear alumni and friends who made these journeys with me for the last ten (10) years. Lastly, I thank God for using me as His instrument and May God bless us and our Alumni Association. Paalam!



The Arrogance of Power and The Power of Arrogance By: Dave C. Roble, M.D. In the making of the physician, there is a dangerous element that develops hand-in-hand with the creation of the Doctor: it is called Arrogance. From the wide-eyed altruism of the freshman medical student, to the graduate with his/her developing awareness that in his hands life or death of another person depends, creeps in an awareness of power that can easily breed Arrogance. As that power grows and gets reinforced almost daily in his professional life, so grows Arrogance. Power and Arrogance then become intertwined, intoxicating, addicting and blinding; dictating his almost daily behavior to the exclusion of usual standards that govern the ordinary interaction of men and women. It is this Arrogance that makes him think that the rule of law, in whatever form or promulgations, and in whatever different organizational settings, does not apply to him. It is this Arrogance that makes a physician think he is above common rules of civility, reinforced in his workplace by the subservience and submission of paramedical personnel to his demands. It is this Arrogance that makes a physician think that the off-limit handicap and similar parking spots do not apply to him; or that promptly addressing a debt to his organization is below his stature. It is this Arrogance that makes a physician think that he is above saying good morning, please, excuse me, or I'm sorry, to the hospital cleaning crew. It is this Arrogance that makes a physician think he can, by the strength of his science, dictate that a jury in his malpractice trial exonerate him, without even paying just lip service to ordinary politeness. It is this Arrogance that makes a physician think he can break a commitment to a colleague in an election lineup and still be entitled to an unsullied name. It is this Arrogance that completely trumps any trace of Humility. And as this Arrogance grows and reach that point of no return, the greatest danger that it engenders happens. Arrogance takes on a persona of its own that now controls his daily activities, and dictates all facets of his life. He becomes helpless to say no to its demands. Arrogance finally wields the power; and the Arrogance of Power succumbs to the uncontrollable Power of Arrogance!



It takes a special breed of physician, one with great insight, to stop at that stage of his evolution beyond which the Power of Arrogance takes over his life. Our Alma Mater released us from her fold with high hopes that not only did we master the Art and Science of Medicine, but that Arrogance would not overtake us and control our lives. This current Alumni Association leadership's polite bent towards the rule of law is a great beginning; but the most vocal of our membership lends to the view that time for maturing towards our Alma Mater's ultimate goal has yet to happen.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Dean Alfaretta Reyes and Vice-Chair Wilson Young delivered their reports at the General meeting



Treasurer’s Report Dr. Josephine Pobre-So

UERMMMC MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. Income Statement December 31, 2008

Income: Convention/Fundraising $ 205,348.17

Memberships 15,400.00 Total Income 220,748.17 Other Income

Interest Income 5,373.93

Total Other Income 5,373.93 Total Income 226,122.10

Expenses: Accounting Fees 250.00 Bank Fees 1,133.13 CME Airfare 1,500.00

Printing/Postage 483.71 Total CME 1,983.71 Computer Expenses

Website 300.00 Total Computer Expenses 300.00 Contributions ‐ Other 1,000.00 Convention Expenses 110,996.15 Council Meeting Expenses 583.90 Depreciation Expense 698.74 Donation Expenses 1,400.00 Grant 13,146.00 Legal Fees 2,767.36 Mailing Fees 1,249.31 Medical Mission Expenses 6,464.25 Printing/Souvenir Program 3,906.73 Scholarship Paid‐out 22,775.00 Supplies 1,232.28 Telephone Expense 2,208.52 Travel and Meetings

Conference, Convention, Meeting 2,475.84

Total Travel and Meetings 2,475.84 Total Expenses 174,570.92

Net Income $ 51,551.18



Waldorf=Astoria, July 2 ‐ 4, 2009 Income: $ 501,837.35 Membership Fees $ 15,425.00 Registration 252,888.00 2.1 Package $ 76,038.00 2.2 Individual 165,980.00 2.3 Golf plus donation 9,770.00

2.4 Letterman Show only (on site) 1,100.00 Ads, Sponsors, Donations 119,571.00 3.1 Ads, Sponsors, Exhibitors $ 33,196.35

3.2 Donations 88,471.00 Alliance Luncheon 1,000.00 Prudential Receivable 2,096.35 Waldorf=Astoria Hotel Reservations 110,857.00 Expenses: $ 384,083.39 Audio Visual (3days) 6,605.80 CME Accreditation $ 110.00 DJ & Band Fees 6,000.00 Exhibit Hall (Electrical) 3,670.00 Flowers & Decorations 2,632.65 Gala Night Midnight Snacks 1,816.00 Golf Fees (Tees/trophies) 6,022.76 Miscellaneous 2,571.23 Printing (invitation)/supplies 6,795.74 Refunds 1,816.00 Returned Checks 430.00 Souvenir Journal 1,845.00 The Lettermen Talent Agency 10,000.00 UERMAFUSA (BEC/Lindenman Donation) 500.00 Waldorf=Astoria Food & Beverages 226,204.25

Waldorf=Astoria Hotel Rooms 107,063.96 NET INCOME $ 117,753.96

Notes: Disbursed and Acknowledged Received by:

Academic Scholarships $ 17,000.00

1. Lydia Jacinto Cohan ('79) 5,000.00 Dean Reyes

2. Dr. Ames Memorial Fund (c/o Debbie Ames Bobila '73) 2,000.00 Dean Reyes

3. Agripino/Pacita Ibanez Memorial Fund (c/o Irene Ibanez‐Manlapaz '75) 10,000.00 Dr. Borromeo

Wish List Donations $ 5,920.00

1. Eden Suguitan ('67) 3,000.00 Dean Reyes

2. Monina Kane ('72) 1,000.00 Dr. Borromeo

3. Irene Ibanez‐Manlapaz ('75) 1,170.00 Dr. Borromeo

4. Susan Suntay ('77) 750.00 Dr. Borromeo

Medical/Surgical Mission $ 2,000.00

1. Association of Phil. Pysician of Louisiana (c/o Dr. Irene Manlapaz) 2,000.00 NEC

Community Development $ 13,250.00

1. Class '63 Community/Antipolo Project (c/o Drs. Tamayo‐Prado/P. Castor) 13,250.00 Dr. Borromeo

ECT Machine $ 11,050.00 Delivered to

1. Dr. Robert Dilgoff* ($2,000.00 paid directly to ECT Machine Corp) UERMMMCI

2. Class 1964 ($1,000.00 Donation via AFUSA/disbursed to April‐2010

NYC Fundraising Donations Disbursed $ 49,220.00

Other Donations Disbursed by MAAAI: $ 20,000.00

Typhoon Ondoy $ 10,000.00 Dr. Borromeo

Surgical Mission, 2004‐2006 $ 10,000.00 Dr. Borromeo

Total Donations Disbursed $ 69,220.00



THE ROAD TO THE 21st ANNUAL UERM NYC CONVENTION AND MORE, THE NEC’s PLIGHT

“Bato Bato sa langit, ang tamaan ay wag magagalit”…RSC

As compelling a story of the NEC’s plight in hosting the recently concluded 2009 Alumni Convention

in New York, we should not be swept away solely by the exuberance of its triumph over adversity. We could also learn from its legacy by honestly reflecting on our thoughts and concerns. It is also not the intent of this article to lay blame and find faults; we have had enough of that finger pointing to have pulled us down for so long. Herewith is an attempt to present an unbiased chronicling of the events leading to this year’s Convention. My sincere apologies if my memories have not served me well.

THE BEGINNING: Sooner than its inception in February 2008, the conflict of Hotel venue between

then National Convention Commissioner, Susan Suntay and the NEC’s officers who were hosting the event surfaced through an “Open Letter” in the Alumni Association Newsletter May 2008 issue by Manny Blas. Its stinging rebuke of the NEC’s action to choose Waldorf=Astoria over the Marriott and enter into a contract billed as guaranteeing an unprecedented Hotel income of 4X the average Convention laid ground to thoughts of a rouge group who are hell bent glory seekers, insensitive to the plight of the hardships and ridiculed by their seeming arrogance to ignore the admonition of the National Association. By July 2008, in the SF Convention, their infamy well secured, they have almost become a Pariah. They countered with emails and letters of explanation but it ended with a devastating blow when the Executive body of the MAAA, fearing financial ruin, decided to disown financial liability in the NYC convention. There was a last gasp to salvage harmony in a closed meeting in San Francisco between the National and the NEC chapter but this only inflamed the dissent. The NEC had no choice but to press on with the backing of the then President elect, Irene Manlapaz.

THE BARRAGE: In the months that followed, the sustaining barrage of negativity fanned out even

more the “BONGANESS” of the coming Convention. Next came a major jolt on the AFUSA’s decision to hold their meeting at the Philippine Consul and an offer to the Alumni of an alternate cheaper priced Hotel over its concern of economic hardships among the Alumni. Then came, the debacle over that “MD” affix issue and calls for President Irene Manlapaz to resign. There was a strong urge to boycott the Convention. Some celebrant classes even decided to skip the Conventions activities altogether. The atmosphere of disharmony in the Alumni organization grew more toxic and spelled doom for the NEC. Their fund raising ventures were not doing well either. Drug Companies sponsorships were all but shut down by the new Pharma Codes, which took effect for the first time in February 2009. The Lettermen project was viewed by many as being ostentatious and self-serving. And even at the end, the NEC’s ace card, The Lettermen Concert was nearly dumped over their technical demands.

STATE OF SIEGE: It seems like the NEC was being cooked to perfection, and even the gods had

conspired to write them off with the looming threat of the Swine flu epidemic in NY, the dire economic times, the many competing social events including the APPA convention in Philadelphia. As this state of siege took hold, they became concerned over their survival. They fought harder and responded with more weekends of 7-8 hrs. marathon group work of data gathering, sorting out mails and writing personal letters. There were countless lost weekends to many meetings, never ending



errands, work, just more work and more! Some women members even carried it to an obsession that their husbands started feeling abandoned and complained of their wives lack of “sleep” and consortium. As the end neared, most have been consumed by it all!

SIGNS OF HOPE: Spring came with hope in Amie Malihan’s announcement that we have met 50% of the Hotel’s room quota, the Waldorf cutting Rm. rates to $209 and a possibility of reducing their contractual guarantee. Big contributors also lined up including a $10,000 from Irene Manlapaz and several $5,000 and $3,500 donations. A most welcome morale booster was one from Dave Roble’s email praising the NEC’s efforts. It was good to know that some were pulling for them. Invigorated, they pursued their work with an activist’s zeal (KAPAL MUKS) as they pestered their friends, classmates to attend the Convention. They ignored and swatted negative comments and just focused on their work. But, you could just do so much with work and hustle and in the end it is up to the Alumni to respond. And third week into the Convention, Debbie Bobila’s updates were grim. They have meet 100% Hotel room quota but all the activities quotas including the Gala were poorly filled in, some even for just a third. The strain in Debbie’s voice was palpable as she recited disappointments after another including stiff resistance from the Alumni and news that some class celebrants were even backing out from attending the convention. For the first time reality sunk in that they might just not make it! But never did they lose their zeal. They flooded the Alumni with emails of savvy marketing, including perpetual extension of deadlines, Newsletters write-ups, frequent reminders, promises of a memorable experience and offers of The Lettermen Concert as part of the Gala package. They made it known that they were going all out! Thanks to Benching Tan, Executive Director and his expanded emails. Tensions peaked as we neared the Convention and we were pushed to exhaustion!

THE CONVENTION: Crunch time came and the numbers stood disappointingly bad in the first morning of registration. But by the evening, an avalanche of attendees signed up to the Welcome night. We were swamped!!. Everything was just right….the layout of the place, the gourmet food, Ber de la Merced lively emceeing, the music and acoustics, Jun San Juan’s choreography. Incited also by the New York aura and the elegance of Waldorf=Astoria, the crowd went for it and had “gone wild” I have never seen such liveliness in an Alumni Convention. That set the tone for the rest to come and suddenly they were filling in and surpassing all their quotas. More than 300 attendees partied at the Jubilarian night. It was a dramatic turn around. And you could see it in the high fiving, hugging jubilant teary-eyed NEC members. The Jubilarian night was another smashing party honoring the Jubilarians ~ class of ’64,’69,’74,’79,’89,’94,’99,2004, and of course, the roaring Silver Jubilarians, Class ’84. They were basked in the limelight and enjoyed it all. It was a scene taken right up from a swanky New York night club. They were mostly standing and dancing the whole night through. Some even hanged around longed after the party ended.

THE MEETING: This is the first time that a high-ranking representative from the Administration, Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Wilson Young and his wife had attended the Convention. He presented a comprehensive “Shared Visions” planning for the School. This was followed by Dean Retta Reyes’ updated School’s accomplishments, future plans and aspirations. Andy Borromeo treated us to a video presentation on the structural improvements in the School. After a lively and profitable “Wish Lists” auctioning by Dr. Benjie Rigor, the crowd braced themselves for the much-awaited fireworks. President Irene Manlapaz, moderating the proceedings announced the 10 referendums previously legislated by the CBL on the last meeting of the Executive body in the fall 2008. It is up for a vote by the general membership. Tess Melocoton, parliamentarian for the National Alumni Association then claimed the podium and informed the crowd that there will be no discussions on the merits of the referendum as per the Robert’s Rules. To see a rather youngish and



innocent looking Alumna (NENE) telling like it is must have so infuriated many that the hall erupted into shouts of protests and passionate discourses. It became a debate on allowing to debate the referendum. The issue was seen by many as the inalienable rights of everybody to be fully informed before casting their votes as trumping any Parliamentary rules governing referendums. Time had mercifully put an end to the growing hostilities. It was voted on the following day and all the referendum passed except #3 (Disallowing non-US licensed physicians to hold the vice and the presidency of the Association). Out of the 410 Alumni registrants, only 211 voted, with the nay outvoting the yeah on the #3 by 2 to 1. As succinctly put by Ida Tiongco: “This is democracy in action and no one can ever have it discredited.”

THE GALA: There was a 1 hr. cocktail for the premium table holders to “meet the Dean” before the Gala. The Ballroom is an art deco, grand and elegant, soaring 4 stories high with a mezzanine and a balcony. It glitters with luxury, exudes with opulence and unsurpassed style. It is a ballroom, dance floor and a theater all in one and can even hold an orchestral concert with its modern stage and sound system. It has been the site of many important social and cultural events. It is a class on its own. To see so many beautiful and impeccably dressed Filipinos grazing its halls is a sight to behold and for me a sense of pride. As in the previous nights, the NEC once again unleashed their talents with a program lead off … a stirring duet of “The Prayer” by Ian Sanchez (Boni‘s son) and Golda dela Merced (Ber‘s daughter). This was quickly followed by the rest of them. In a fitting tribute to Irene Manlapaz’s hard work and dedication and unflinching support for the NEC, she was afforded the honor of addressing the crowd. The Jubilarian were again feted in a solemn ceremony. The Lettermen Concert started at 9:30 PM, long after the crowd have settled down, savored the dance floor, feasted on the gourmet dinner, and all the programs and presentations concluded including that of a special Grease dance number by the NEC. The night turned more magical as the Lettermen struck their songs with the old familiar tunes. The crowd suddenly abandoned their seats and rushed to the front of the stage transforming it into a ROCK Concert. As the halls filled up with those glorious voices belting up the old familiar songs one after the other, something less magical but much more heartwarming caught my eye…it was those NEC ladies being moved to tears of joy. But the one who was crying out the most was Debbie Bobila, the NEC’s inspiring leader. As I motioned to join the rest to console her, Melinda pulled me back and said with a smile: “let her cry, she deserves it the most”. It turned out that it was also from the memories of her best friend, the late Amy Antonio whose favorite song, “Hindi kita malimot” was being sung by the Lettermen. But it did capture that moment in time when they were overwhelmed by their emotions, finally realizing that they had prevailed over adversity and celebrated it with climactic outburst of emotional relief and ecstasy. It was truly a night to cherish for all eternity!

IN GRATITUDE: First the Alumni for giving them a chance to serve them and share their aspirations; to Irene and her executive officers for their dedication, courage under fire and faith in the NEC; to Debbie whose obsession to have this Convention succeed is so inspiring, and to her husband Alex who suffered for that. To Amie who exemplified toughness and resoluteness; to Ida Tiongco and Fely Quines who have been the NEC’s stalwart and who I personally thank for dragging my wife and me along to experience a most memorable time. To Ber de la Merced for his brilliant emceeing and to his wife Sally ; to Jun San Juan for his choreography and artistry and to his wife Ping; to Jun and Lilia Caguiat for their dedication and allowing their gorgeous office to be transformed into an activists' war room each weekend by those shameless NECs; to Bing Carin for her patience and gentle demeanor; to Thelma Calo~Villanueva for bringing in the Lettermen; to our acting President Boni Sanchez and his wife Lily; to Dulce Samonte; to Andy Antonio who despite grieving from his recent loss of his wife ( Amy Antonio) still found time to contribute; to President Roger Lucas; to Jennie Pobre-So and the 3 Marias (Amvel Tabalon, Paz and Julie) for their sentinel



and accounting work; to Nely Recano, our inspirational adviser; to Lorna Lumicao and Tess Padrones-Corpus, our gifted and all around workers; to Ric Arayata for his valuable help; special thanks to Benching and his wife for creating and sending those special CD’s to encourage the Alumni to attend and of course Benching’s communication talents and for his expansive email networks. Lastly, to my wife Melinda for giving it her all with her artistic and energetic contributions.

REFLECTIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED

1. Depending on your perspective, some will see this Convention as wasteful and excessive. But it is a fact that Annual Conventions are expensive and there is always that desire to put your best forward. The NEC saw it as “Shooting for the stars and landing on the moon” aspirations. Why not get the best if you can get it on the CHEAP!!

2. I’m astounded at the enormous turn out. No doubt, it was largely due to the captivating charms of those 3 executors of this Convention . But I also think that the Alumni finally realized that this is a once in a lifetime experience to savor Waldorf Astoria and what a bargain for $209.00, tax free, a hard to ignore Gala with the Lettermen package for $185 (unheard of in NY), the allure and aura of NY and lastly that “underdog” side which everybody likes to root for. Credit Benching also for his conscientious marketing, emails of encouragement and constant reminders. He holds a golden key to a powerful communication!

3. We should not be intimidated by new, even off based ideas. I opposed initially the Lettermen project, fearing that “elitist” and glory seeking labels but quickly saw the potential of generating more income. It also trumpeted our intentions that we were going all out. It turned out to be a brilliant move, far and away a very cost effective (Thanks to the “Premium tables at $350/PP) venture.

4. We all have the capacity to do good and more if we just focus on the positives, on what our individual talents can offer (Fely David), less on the “bling bling”(Elsie Castrence) and ignore all the negatives. The NEC followed this formula and was enormously rewarded.

5. No matter how well your plans are always be prepared for any changes. We were deluged by last minute Gala registrations and were overwhelmed by the constant and unanticipated changes in the seating arrangements. We sincerely apologize for the confusion.

6. To elevate contentious arguments in any form of public forum only serve to deepen our divide. The dynamics dramatically changes to one of defensive posturing with hurtful rhetoric and grandstanding proclamations. It is best to resolve issues privately treating everybody with respect and fairness.

7. Lastly, with all things said, Melinda and I had found this group far from its elitist and arrogant reputation. They are most friendly and welcoming and as ordinary as you and me. They are probably more ambitious than most, but a talented, hard working and a very loyal and a trustworthy group.

Felix Evangelista (Class 1968)



Cherish . . . .



VOTE BY MAIL Starting this 2010 biennial election of officers, the ff. alumni may choose to vote by mail.

1. Lifetime members

2. Part- lifetime members who have paid their outstanding balance no later than June 3, 2010.

3. Members who want to become lifetime members and who have paid the $500 lifetime member fee no later than June 3, 2010.

4. Members in good standing who have paid their annual dues in the last 5 years. The above alumni may mail the attached form or complete and fax to 318-445-5224 and the request will be forwarded to the Election Committee. At the last meeting of the Executive Council on October 10, 2009 the CBL Committee presented 9 amendments to our Constitution & Bylaws and after thorough discussion the Executive Council approved the amendments. These amendments will also be included in your ballot. The ff. links contain the information.

• Current CBL, please go to: http://www.uermalum ni.org/CBLandPol icies.html

• Ballot request form, please click http://www.uermalum ni.org/files/ Ballot_request. pdf

• List of proposed amendments for ratification on July 3, 2010, please accesshttp://www.uermalum ni.org/files/ Amendments_ for_ratification _during_Election _2010.pdf.

____________________________________________________________________________________

2009 Amendments Ratification Ad Hoc Committee



UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC.

A non‐profit 501 (C)(3) corporation with Taxpayer I.D. Number: 52‐1745846

Irene Ibanez-Manlapaz, M.D., EJD, MBA Lamberto Tan, M.D. Josephine Pobre-So, M.D. President, 2008-2010 Executive Director, 2008-2010 Treasurer, 2008-2010 P.O. Box 13073 8 Buttonwood Drive 105 Davis Drive Alexandria, LA 71315-3073 Marlboro, NJ 07746 North Wales, PA 19454 Tel/Fax: (318) 445-5224 Tel: (908) 770-2922 Tel: (267) 218-3468 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: doctor [email protected]

To: Election Committee UERM Alumni Assn. 19106 South Normandie Ave., Suite 130 Torrance, CA 90502 Please send ballot for the Election of Officers and Ratification of the Proposed Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws of UERMMMC Medical Alumni Association of America, Inc. to be held on July 3, 2010 in Newport Beach, California during the Annual Convention and Reunion. __________________________________________________ SIGNATURE NAME: _______________________________________________ Please write in block letters Date: _______________________ Class __________________ Postal Address: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Email address (to confirm that request is received): ________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________________________________

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