By Franced Haggai Gamboa Nidar Φ2022 and Masayuki Torrecampo Niwata Φ2022
Alluding to the longstanding architecture of ancient Rome, and owing to its dignified virtues and fervent desire, the new brothers of the most venerable fold emerged from Phi Batch 2019B: Kabalyeros, Phi Batch 2021: Fortunatos, and Phi Batch 2022: Ocean’s 16. Held in Diamond Hotel on December 17, 2022, thirty two individuals were inducted into the most venerable fold after three years. Just like this iconic architectural marvel, the three inductee batches proudly stand as the newest members of the Phi Kappa Mu. With numerous skills and talents, they vow to serve as formidable pillars that will forever uphold the Fraternity stronghold.
Timeless, classic, and elegant, much like the Greeks, the exhibit boasted of the fraternity’s endeavors in the past fraternal year. The celebration focuses on the three inductee batches, the Golden Jubilarian batch – PHI 1972, and the Silver Jubilarian batch – PHI 1997. Greek columns, labeled frieze, and a domed rotunda, the Pantheon showcased each batches’ Greek and ancient Rome styled logos atop of columns reminiscent of the classic statues. Etched within the exhibit is the narrative of each batch, which represents their journey as inducted brothers of the Phi Kappa Mu.
The night started with a warm welcome from the hosts, Raul Vicente Orosa Recto Jr. Φ2021 and Franco Guillermo Se Rondain Φ2022. The atmosphere was then filled with solemn prayers, as the ceremonies began with invocations led by Jaan Gabriel Cosico Lacson Φ2019B and Allen Rafie Tan Najar Φ2019B. Following this was a video to remember our brothers who have passed away in the past year, recognizing their contributions and utmost embodiment of the PHI legacy.
To introduce our dear fraternity, the Phi Kappa Mu, a video was presented showing how the fraternity continues to embody the four pillars, Excellence, Leadership, Service and Brotherhood, amidst the uncertainties we faced in the past few years.
Superior Exemplar, Denzel Cruz Umerez Φ2019A SE 2022-2023, welcomed all attendees and formally opened the ceremonies. With his speech, the flame of brotherhood was reignited, and its warmth was felt throughout the evening.
As the guests’ appetites were filled with sumptuous food worthy to be served at the Pantheon, the video introducing the inductees was shown. One by one, the three Phi Kappa Mu batches were presented in front, along with their Brother Priors, who gave heartfelt speeches for the inductees – Phi Batch 2019B: Kabalyeros, and their Brother Prior, Allen Khriztofer Pineda Lichauco Φ2017B SE 2021-2022; Phi Batch 2021: Fortunatos, and their Brother Prior, Alfonso Rafael Goseco Abaya Φ2017A; and Phi Batch 2022: Ocean’s 16, and their Brother Prior and the current Vice Superior Exemplar, Vince Justin Uy Tiu Φ2019B. This was followed by the long-kept tradition of the formal induction rites where thirty two individuals from the three youngest batches were officially inducted as Loyal Sons of the Phi Kappa Mu.
As the second half of the program began, Paulerni Gulinao Coloyan Φ2022 and Masayuki Torrecampo Niwata Φ2022 took over as the hosts for the rest of the evening. A special performance by FourScore Events Musicians was offered by the newly inducted brods to the guests. Selected songs, picked by each inductee batch, serenaded the audience .
The night would not be completed without recognizing the Golden and Silver Jubilarians of the Phi Kappa Mu for their outstanding zeal and loyalty to the fraternity and their contributions that brought great changes in the field of medicine. The batches who also celebrated their 50th year in the fraternity for the past three years were also acknowledged namely: PHI Batches 1969A and 1969B who celebrated their 50th year in 2020, PHI Batch 1970 Golden Boy Brod Venancio Ilao Gloria Φ1970, and our brods from PHI Batch 1971 – Dirty Dozen Plus Three who all celebrated their 50th year in 2021. The Golden Jubilarians for the year 2022, PHI Batch 1972, were acknowledged, with Brod Perfecto Obtinario Palafox Φ1972 giving a brief speech, reminiscing his time in the fraternity, and receiving the plaque on behalf of the Golden Jubilarians.
The previous batches who celebrated their 25th year in the Most Venerable Fold in the previous years were also acknowledged, namely PHI Batch 1994 – SOLID FOUR who celebrated their 25th year back in 2020, PHI Batch 1995A – Six Pack, PHI Batch 1995B – Sixth Sense, PHI Batch 1996A – Gomburza, and PHI Batch 1996B – Olap who all celebrated their 25th year last 2021. This year’s Silver Jubilarians, Phi Batch 1997 Nineballs was represented by Brod Harold Louis Esguerra Trinidad Φ1995B who gave a few words to commemorate the celebrating batch.
Finally, the 88th Executive Council was recognized for their utmost dedication to the fraternity in the past year. This was followed by the ceremonious passing of the mantles and the induction of the 89th Executive Council: Superior Exemplar Denzel Cruz Umerez Φ2019A SE 2022-2023, Vice Superior Exemplar Vince Justin Uy Tiu Φ2019B, Brother Prior Audric Charles Gacutan Liwag Ф2019B, Standard Bearer Vincenz Constantine Tankiang Ferrer Φ2021, Venerable Preceptor Justin Daniel Davis Serfino Φ2021, Brother Custodian Jerico Mari Causing Manlapid Φ2021, Brother Scribe Mitchell Jared Cruz De Silva Φ2021, Senior Guardian of the Temple Raphael Alfonso Javier Dy Santos Φ2021, Brother Recorder Joshua Ismael Laiz Lapus Φ2022, and Junior Guardian of the Temple Pierre Angelo Lachica Aliño Φ2022.
As the night was coming to a close, Venerable Preceptor, Justin Daniel Davis Serfino Ф2021 recognized the alumni brods present while Vice Superior Exemplar, Vince Justin Uy Tiu Ф2019B delivered the closing remarks, expressing his utmost gratitude to those who joined in the celebration. Afterwards, the program ended in a typical Phi fashion – with a toast led by Superior Exemplar Denzel Cruz Umerez Φ2019A SE 2022-2023, who joyously raised a glass with the brods of unquestionable passion and loyalty to the Phi Kappa Mu.
