by John Laetner Macavinta Enriquez Ф2017B
Eighty-five years. Already a lifetime. Perhaps even more. Few have been fortunate enough to witness such a stretch of time pass by, but even fewer were blessed to choose the destiny of kinship in the most venerable fold. Timeless traditions held steadfast throughout the fraternity’s existence. Timely transitions safeguarding its growth and driving its strides towards progress. In a gathering of brothers, each owning a piece of these 85 glorious years of brotherhood, the loyal sons of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity celebrated 85 years of unparalleled Excellence, Leadership, Service and Brotherhood.
On the 25th of August 2018, the Anniversary Mass was held at the PGH Chapel in the spirit of immense gratefulness towards the most divine. Prayers of gratitude for the blessings the fraternity and its members have received echoed in silence in the halls of this holy place. In His presence, we remain humbled in what we have attained and deeply grateful that the fire of brotherhood has burned brighter in this milestone of endurance.
The festivities have only just begun as the night continued with the annual Foundation Stag at Ocean Tower Roof Deck. Unfazed by the looming storm, brothers coming from all parts of the world assembled to celebrate this momentous occasion. That night, designations did not matter, as it never did in the Phi, with the mutual respect of brothers echoing through the night, filling the skies with raucous music and lively chatter. Reunited with their contemporaries and meeting new additions, countless and timeless stories of the golden memories of the past to the promising plans for the future were shared over dinner and an ice-cold malty beer. Some iconic moments of the fraternity were revisited in the fellowship activities that ensued. The younger generation reveled at the stories of the older brothers which they retold with intricately vivid detail. There were no signs of ceasing the merriments any time soon as the Phi band rocked the stage with smooth performances which also enjoined alumni into showcasing their musical prowess.
Celebration of the founding of this most venerable fold encompasses every brother in our roster. We remembered those who have passed and raised a toast for those who missed the celebrations, and especially to our brothers who will soon enter the noblest of professions as they take the Physician Licensure Examination. Exemplary of brotherhood that transcends physical bounds.
Eighty-five years. Already a lifetime. Perhaps even more. Yet still short of the eternity that is our brotherhood. A journey treaded by each and every loyal son. Though unsure our arrival to eternity may be, we’ll surely be always on our way.
