Write-up by: Paolo Eleazar Φ2026, Rench Consumido Φ2026, and Karl Atega Φ2026 | Edited by: Al Christian Navarro Mabute Φ2025
Every year, the shores of Lingayen, Pangasinan welcome PHI for a weekend filled with laughter, stories, and memories worth carrying home. This year was no exception, since PHI Dagupan remains strangely predictable in the best possible way. Good food, sandy beaches, blue skies, and the warmth of fellowship have long been the hallmarks of PHI Dagupan, an annual tradition shared by the brods and sisses of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and Phi Lambda Delta Sorority.
Last July 2-3, 2026, the resident brods and sisses once again eagerly journeyed to Dagupan City and Lingayen, Pangasinan. It was a well-deserved break from the demands of medical school life, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to reconnect with our alumni and keep a cherished tradition alive.
Our arrival in Dagupan City was met with bright smiles and generous hospitality by Brods Generoso Deloso Torres Φ1972, Zenaides Tactay Wi Φ1972 SE 1975-1976, Juan Antonio Maximiano Regalado Escano Φ1992, and Pocholo Iñigo Bleza Morales Φ2009, at the renowned Dagupeña restaurant. We enjoyed a hearty spread of local delicacies, including Dagupan’s famous bangus and fresh seafood. Beyond the satisfying meal, our alumni brods also nourished us with meaningful lessons on life and fraternity. The morning festivities ended with a photoshoot, along with a solemn yet powerful rendition of our Frat Song.
Brod Maxie graciously gave a tour of the Medical City Pangasinan. His witty jokes, and anecdotes kept everyone entertained while he gave insight into what it’s like within one of the premier hospitals of the province. Afterwards, we eagerly made our way to the beaches of Dagupan, the much-anticipated highlight of the trip. Having arrived at dusk, we made the most out of each other’s company, enjoying the change of scenery until the sun went down. Everyone continued on with games by the beach’s fine black sand, while others waded along the waters. We cemented the memory, no doubt, with good vibes and a lot of photos to look back on.
The fellowship was far from over, as we headed to Naro Cafe for the evening’s dinner together with brods Maxie, Poch, and Jayson Rosario Paragas Φ2008B. Once again, we were served with another set of Pangasinense delicacies as the banter continued. Just as we thought the festivities were winding down, brods Jon Bryan Santiago Tiosin Φ2013 and Manuel Sabalo Vidal Jr. Φ2014 arrived as a welcome surprise after driving for hours from Manila. Their presence filled the room with jokes, and interesting stories over one too many drinks. And so what we thought was the night’s peak turned out to only be the beginning. The brods and sisses kept the momentum alive, elevating the rest of the night at El Puerto Marina into an unforgettable celebration. Brods and sisses shared stories over the warm campfire, stubbornly refusing to call it a night. With the drinks never seeming to end, inhibitions faded, as old stories resurfaced, and embarrassing moments were made. For once the resident body was sleep-deprived, only this time it was voluntary. Laughter echoed throughout the night, as the warmth of brotherhood kindled and lit the evening ablaze.
The following day, carrying the memories of a great night and a dangerously small amount of sleep, we made our way back. Before heading home, however, we shared one final lunch at Ciudad Elmina with Brods Maxie, Jayson, and Jeffrey Michael Viloria Wong Φ2006. Clingy as it may be and though they likely would never admit it, but one farewell isn’t enough sometimes for the brods. Besides, nobody was gonna complain about another round of drinks.
The identity and relevance of PHI Dagupan is found not only in its traditions, but in the people who keep them alive. This could not have been possible without the support and thoughtfulness of all the alumni present, especially our Pangasinan-based alumni.
Without a doubt, this event captures the spirit of brotherhood in a setting that feels both strange yet familiar. While it offers a welcome escape from the usual routine of transes and hospital rotations, it continues to be an enduring tradition that the brods and sisses look forward to year after year. It is a place where the alumni and the resident body come together, stories from the past are shared, and new memories are made to be carried into the years ahead. Through moments like these, PHI Dagupan continues to strengthen the ties between alumni and the resident body. It’s difficult to argue something which beats bonding by the beach. More than the sand, sea, and scenery, however, it is the people we share those moments with that make the experience truly unforgettable. There is simply no better place to create lasting memories with our brods and sisses.
To more PHI Dagupans in the years to come!
