By: Jose Alfonso Cosico Madroño Φ2022 and Alexis Urmatan San Diego Φ2022
Myths and fantasies were borne from the waves; tales of their tenacity and volume echo across centuries. The ocean, with its endless vastness, holds rich mysteries and stories of its strength and dominance. Ocean’s 16 embodies this water: brimming with talents, skills, passion, and overwhelming in number. Brotherhood is the water that flows in all of them—the single entity that ties them all together—one that proved them worthy of entry into the Most Venerable Fold.
Just like the seven seas, the breadth and depth of desire of Ocean’s 16’s Pierre Angelo Lachica Aliño (Pierre), reaches beyond the horizon. He can be described as a jack-of-all-trades given the many activities he participates in. From playing video games and board games, to exercising and taking part in sports like Football and Ultimate, to singing, dancing, and acting, he is equipped to handle a variety of challenges. Aside from the skills and talents he already possesses, he is determined to keep growing and learning new skills such as cooking, video editing, and photo editing. As a graduate of BS Psychology from UP Diliman, he is adept at interacting with individuals of different personalities, a trait that can come in handy in the medical setting especially with the diverse backgrounds of patients around the Philippines. As a future medical practitioner, his goal is to bring a ray of hope to the bleak reality we face everyday. He wants to spread a sense of joy to all those who are important to him, especially to his brothers in the Phi Kappa Mu
Not afraid of the new challenges that lurk in the tortuous waters of Medicine, Elijah Vincent Reyes Bugaoisan (Jaja) is ready to take on whatever adversity that may surface. A graduate of BS Biology from UP Manila, he loves sports, such as basketball and tennis, has interests in playing video games, and values the time spent with his friends. As an only child growing up, this son has filled a void upon joining the Most Venerable Fraternity of the UP College of Medicine, brothers. Once a lone wolf whose mindset is “Me against the world,” he is now a member of a pack that tackles both individual and group troubles together. As his medical journey continues and more challenges await him on his path to become a six-star physician, the lessons he will learn with his comrades will make this possible.
In the same way that the open seas represent freedom, Paulerni Gulinao Coloyan (Paul) seeks to go beyond what a medical professional is expected to be in his future career. He aims to push himself beyond his limits with the support of his newfound brothers. A graduate of both BS and MS Chemistry from Ateneo de Manila University, he believes the future presents new and more complex problems a traditional doctor cannot completely address. Therefore, he strives to refine his interest and training in art and science of medicine, so that he may be a part of the solution for the problems that plague our healthcare system. In his downtime, this Loyal Son plays racket sports, enjoys Korean medical dramas, and reads about Philippine Mythology. To be a compassionate physician, an excellent scientist, and an effective educator are his destination, and in this voyage he is never alone, as his brothers in the Phi Kappa Mu are with him every step of the way, may the waves be violent or the seas be calm.
Just like the rise and fall of the tides, the ebb and flow of life builds character. For the Batch Leader of the Ocean’s 16, Pocholo Miguel Villaruel Ilao (Poch) believes that despite the waves of adversities that push us down in life, what matters the most is how we get up and bounce back. Given his constant jesting and light-hearted nature, he may not seem the leader-type at first glance. Despite this, he has proven that the capacity to lead is something one grows into, given the right mindset and passion. He is a BS Public Health graduate from UP Manila and is adamant in his goal to serve the underserved, dreaming of someday reforming the Philippine healthcare system and addressing its disparities towards the less fortunate. He is always down for an adventure as he loves to swim, run, and in his free time, scuba dive. In his downtime, he enjoys watching movies, television series, cartoons, and the occasional anime. His desire to become a part of something bigger than himself resonates within his newfound brotherhood and the limitless possibilities of what they can achieve moving forward.
A graduate of BS Chemical Engineering from UP Diliman, Jan Patrick Sanchez Lacerna (Rick) decided to brave the colossally commanding waves of Medicine despite feeling somewhat at a disadvantage for not taking up a traditional pre-medical degree. But that just speaks to his persevering character— Rick is one to put his heart and mind into achieving his goals no matter the adversity he is faced with. Outside of work and academics, he loves to spend his downtime playing badminton and volleyball, while also finding enjoyment in hosting events and singing as well. Having been a part of multiple service projects and initiatives in the past, he is determined to weave through the vicissitudes of life to further his passion to be of service to the community with his newfound brothers in the Phi Kappa Mu.
While you cannot stop the waves, you can always learn how to surf. Joshua Ismael Laiz Lapus (Josh), a graduate of the UP Manila, BS Biology, remains steadfast despite life’s many challenges. His willingness to adapt to the circumstances around him has allowed him to remain a peak performer in everything that he does. When he isn’t too busy studying for his exams, he enjoys recreational games with his friends—both physically and virtually. Online, he is an ardent player in many games such as Valorant and League of Legends. In the real world, he is also an avid fan of sports— with a particular affinity for basketball, ultimate frisbee, and badminton. They say that “even the softest water wears down the hardest rock” and despite injuries during his career as a student athlete, Josh persevered— garnering numerous accolades along the way. In every endeavor, Josh strives for Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Brotherhood— as is the age-old adage of his fraternity, the Phi Kappa Mu.
“This too shall pass.” Unwavering against any incoming waves, Jendrietch Adrian Tabamo Lopez (Jiggy) is driven and passionate with everything he undertakes. Beyond studying medicine, he is an enthusiast of geek culture and arts. On one hand, he spends his time playing different video or tabletop games. While, other times are spent on jamming with the guitar and pursuing digital art and illustration. As a graduate of BS Psychology from UP Diliman, he considers his ability to listen empathically to be his best skill. Arm in arm with his newfound brotherhood, he is galvanized to contend with the challenges that confront the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and Philippine medical sector.
The ocean, having calm waters one day and rough storms the other, presents the uncertainties of the sea of life. Jose Martin Quintana Macapanpan (Jammy) is ready to adapt to any situation to take on any challenge in spite of any hardship. As a student of the INTARMED program, he is driven by the desire to provide adequate, accessible, and affordable healthcare to improve the quality of life of Filipinos. Outside of studying medicine, he is likely to be seen actively playing and sometimes even leading his team in Ultimate Frisbee. Other ways he keeps himself active is by training in track and field and playing video games. His other passions include playing his saxophone solo if not otherwise jamming with fellow musicians and fanboying over the KPop girl group TWICE. With the vision of serving the Filipino people through the field of medicine, he has found it most fitting to take part in a Brotherhood that exemplifies Excellence, Leadership, as well as Service in all regards.
Towering like a tsunami, Jose Alfonso Cosico Madroño (Alfonso) is ready to oversee and acclimate to any situation he is faced with. As a graduate from UP Manila with a degree in BS Biology, he discovered a newfound interest in doing research for the betterment of healthcare and society. He believes that basic healthcare for all must be achieved, and utilizing our resources in developing a more inclusive health system is paramount. When he is not studying medicine, Alfonso can be found relaxing his mind by watching movies or series. He stays active by jogging every other morning and lifting weights. His curiosity always brings him to try something different. It is how he found his true love in football after growing up playing basketball. Alfonso values the relationships he builds through the years, and he has especially found a lifelong brotherhood with his batch. With their collective advocacies they aim to make a positive impact to the community, through the Phi Kappa Mu.
Like the waves of the ocean, Karl Ian Hernandez Maliwat (Karl) might fall down, but he will never fail to rise again. A registered pharmacist and a graduate of BS Pharmacy from UP Manila, he has been exposed to the rigors and challenges of the community in health and advocates to be of service to the underserved for the betterment of the country. Outside of medicine, he shows interest in the arts, sports, and in the environment. Being an effervescent and zealous person, he wholeheartedly surges through any matter with a lively personality. He believes that smooth seas would never make a great sailor – adversities are necessary for self-growth. Despite the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Karl is grateful to meet new brothers and be a part of the long and lasting brotherhood of the Phi Kappa Mu.
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. Ray Angelo Barbiran Monje (Ray) is ready to face anything alongside his newfound brothers. As a graduate of BS Public Health from UP Manila, he has been exposed to the existing inequities in our healthcare system. Armed with his experiences, he strives to champion the welfare of the Filipinos. He is a believer of God and is always trying to do everything in love. In between studying, he likes to play fast-paced video games to destress and, in his free time, he enjoys watching TV shows, running, scuba diving, and hiking. The most important value that he believes in is empathy – to be able to connect and understand the feelings of others is essential to manifest the brotherhood of the Phi Kappa Mu.
Hailing from the wild plains of Pampanga, Franced Haggai Gamboa Nidar (Haggai) is a brother that stood tall against the crashing waves of adversity. He is a graduate of BS Chemistry from UP Diliman who believes that self-growth is the highest attainable pursuit and believes in Frederick Douglass’ words “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” More importantly, he believes that individual growth is inadequate without the growth of his newfound brothers in the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity. His hobbies span a wide array of interests, from playing various musical instruments, watching anime, dancing, to playing games like DOTA 2 and LoL and sports such as basketball and Ultimate frisbee.The son of a teacher, he yearns to be a future educator and an empathetic health practitioner to pay it forward, especially to the underserved.
Dauntless, much like the ‘Great Wave Off Kanagawa’, Masayuki Torrecampo Niwata (Suki) is ready to confront any challenge that is coming his way. Although born and raised in the Philippines, he grew up fully embracing his Filipino-Japanese identity. He may seem calm and collected to some, but he can be loud and talkative once you get to know him. Currently in Learning Unit 5, this INTARMED student believes in the importance of balancing school work and rest. In his free time, he enjoys baking, cooking, watching Netflix shows, and as a fan of theater, you may just hear him sing an entire musical from start to finish! As the 13th of the Ocean’s 16, he is ready to venture into wider seas alongside his brothers in the Most Venerable Fold.
The ocean is often deeper than it seems. Jose Julian Dionisio Pascual (Julian) is a graduate of BS Psychology from UP Diliman. While most people know Julian as shy and introverted, to his family and friends, Julian is humorous, friendly, and thoughtful. In his free time, Julian likes to spend quality time with his loved ones. Aside from that, he is also fond of watching various sports such as basketball, American football, and mixed martial arts. With a strong belief in the importance of mental health in the community, Julian knows that the Phi Kappa Mu can help him share this advocacy.
Much like how water crashes yet flows as described by Bruce Lee, Franco Guillermo Se Rondain (Franco) is up for any challenge and is more than willing to adapt to various situations to conquer them. With his vigor and enthusiasm, he is known to be highly adept at a wide and diverse set of skills, ranging from electronics to music. He graduated from BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from UP Diliman and was part of the institute’s Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Virology laboratory, so it is no surprise that he also specializes in horticulture, especially for Nepenthes spp. In his free time, when he isn’t taking care of his plants and engaging in other hobbies around the house such as cooking and baking bread, he loves meeting new people to exchange ideas and engage in plant trades with. An advocate of growth and collaboration, Franco looks forward to volunteering his talents and teaming up with everyone to work on the different projects of the Phi Kappa Mu.
The youngest among the Ocean’s 16, Alexis Urmatan San Diego (Axel) of the INTARMED program is always seeking opportunities and avenues to get out of his comfort zone and experience new things. Born and raised in the farmlands of Nueva Ecija, he has always found solace in spending time alone with nature, already satisfied by the rustling of the grass, the joyful singing of birds, and the quiet rush of the wind. Unsurprisingly, he reads books in his free time, happily inhabiting the lives of other people, fictional or real, and learning a thing or two from whatever wisdom they may share. He finds joy in solitude, yes, but being with friends brings him a lot of happiness too. He is always eager to listen to your stories, share his insight, throw in a quip, and just enjoy your company. Entering a new phase of his life, he is enthused to grow and give back to the community with his brothers from the Most Venerable Fold.
Entering as individual tributaries, Ocean’s 16 now emerges as a boundless sea that has weathered storms, hardships, and adversities. With their learnings in heart, and the warmth of a unity everlasting, they begin their journey as the newest brothers of the Phi Kappa Mu.
