By Raphael Tobias Ramiso Φ2023
90 years of brotherhood that transcends through the years and across the seas. The Loyal Sons of the Phi Kappa Mu celebrated this historic milestone last December 15, 2023. Under the shade of the night sky at the Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque, the strength of the bonds between the thousands of brothers of the Fraternity radiates perpetually, for nine decades and forevermore.
As the doors open, past the solemn air and dark veil of facade, a place called home reveals itself. Brothers of the Phi Kappa Mu, long separated by time and circumstance, are reunited once again. Upon entering the halls, a familiar joy fills the room. Amidst the classic surroundings, they stood, acknowledging the enduring bond among a brotherhood that is forever strong. The air carried the subtle melody of shared memories, and the lines on their faces softened, revealing the unyielding nature of a connection unbroken. In their fellowship, the echoes of laughter from years of past merged seamlessly with the present, creating a history that spoke volumes without the need for words.
Adorned with a golden luster, the venue reverberated with an adventurous motif that depicts the journey of the Fraternity through time and across boundaries. Displayed within were the various memorabilia and medical equipment of generations long past, with the legacy of Phi remaining strong. As these pieces of history show, the evolution of Philippine medicine has always been intertwined with the endeavors of the Fraternity’s brothers in their continued pursuit of excellence. As each of the younger members of the Most Venerable Fold peruse in awe, one can only speculate what lies waiting in their own medical journey with the wisdom they obtain in the years to come. With dusk drawing towards the evening, and the palace continues to fill, everyone sits in anticipation for the merriment that is to come.
Before the night truly began, dinner was served, and only the finest of dishes were brought forth that evening. This feast was accompanied by the exemplary performances of the Phi band: Manuel Sabalo Vidal, Jr. Φ2014, Edroico Mari Beltran Brillante Φ2015, Jose Carlos Cruz Bognot Φ2019B, Franced Haggai Gamboa Nidar Φ2022, Arvin John Sumalabe Malapo Φ2023, and Rommel Lumbao Quintal Φ2023. To formally start, Matthew Alywn Dorotan Co Φ2023 and Mohammad Sarifola Dimalotang Alonto, Jr. Φ2019B opened with prayers to show gratitude for the 90 years of brotherhood and for what lies in the future of the Fraternity and beyond. A moment of silence was shared in remembrance of the brothers that passed away the previous year. After paying respects, brods Jose Jonas Diño Del Rosario Φ1986 and Jose Anthony Querubin Jocson Φ1986 shared anecdotes that truly touched the hearts and filled the room with laughter through their quips as they acknowledged all the brods present. The program then began as brods Jose Jonas Diño Del Rosario Φ1986 and Franco Guillermo Se Rondain Φ2022, started to get the night going with their laidback, outgoing energy as the first hosts of the evening. The grand Fraternity video was played, followed by the opening remarks by none other than the Superior Exemplar, Vince Justin Uy Tiu Φ2019B, SE 2023-2024.
The celebration continued with the dynamic hosting of brods Orville Cortez Ocampo Φ1987, Manuel Sabalo Vidal, Jr. Φ2014, and John Christopher Cabrera Agbayani Φ2023. Testimonials from brods across each decade allowed them to reminisce of their personal experiences of navigating the currents of medicine and life together, with their connection only growing deeper with the passage of time. The night would not have been complete without the musings of fellow brods Jose Castillo Gonzales Φ1969A and Darfrente Tuason Nibungco, Jr. Φ1971. Brods Jesus Urbi Socrates Φ1969Β, Victorio Laurente Naranjo Cajita Φ1977, and Orville Cortez Ocampo Φ1987 also shared stories of their time as student brods, and how their lives were shaped by the pillars of the Most Venerable Fold.
As the event was near to a close, the best was yet to come. Under the shroud of the night, brothers of the Fold gathered around hand-in-hand to celebrate an eternity of brotherhood through a bonfire, basking in each other’s company. The dancing flames reflected the warmth of their camaraderie, symbolizing the unbreakable chain of fellowship in the dark night. Amidst the crackling embers, each member became a vital chapter in the tapestry of brotherhood. The air carried the sweet scent of shared memories, forging a bond that transcended the flickering shadows. In the simplicity of the bonfire’s glow, the Fraternity celebrated the enduring beauty of their connection, as brothers of the Phi Kappa Mu.
