by Karl Gerard Reyes Crisostomo Φ2019B and Jaan Gabriel Cosico Lacson Φ2019B
In the olden days of war before artillery and mechanized infantry were the norm, one of the most potent forces sent to battle was known as the Cavalry. Individuals anchored on horseback who were able to inflict untold damage on their own, but together were considered an unstoppable force. Conquerors of even the most stalwart defenses and unassailable armies known to man, they were most praised in how they supported the company as a whole – increasing morale and rallying forces beside a wall of mounted troops. In essence, the Kabalyeros invoke the same dedication to unity in the face of adversity, as men bound by the battles of the Phi Kappa Mu. Rising from the frontline, these twelve virtuous individuals are defined not only by who they are individually, but by who they have become as brothers of the Most Venerable Fold.
The first Kabalyero is a Muslim Maranao born and raised in the Islamic City of Marawi – Mohammad Sarifola Dimalotang Alonto Jr (Jayr). Exposed to the problems of his hometown, he aims to use his knowledge on Public Health in order to help primarily in the health sector. He plans to further equip himself by being a medical doctor specialized in the field that is based on the needs of his people. Jayr is the Kabalyero of Faith who believes in the need for God to be in the center of everything he does. Aside from learning, he likes watching his favorite shows, playing mobile games, surfing the net, and reading on the latest happenings around him. Inside and outside the school, Jayr is a ball of sunshine who is fond of painting smiles on people’s faces. He loves making people laugh and cares for people deeply especially his loved ones. This affection fuels the burning passion in him to serve the people and drives the optimistic dreamer in him to continue conquering mountains with his fellow Kabalyeros.
Height may be might, but for the six-foot-one Batch Leader of the Kabalyeros, Jose Carlos Cruz Bognot (Carl) believes that having heart matters much more. A Kabalyero whose favored virtue is Perseverance, Carl has always persevered for excellence in the challenges he undertakes, and this determination has led him far – but Carl knows he has many ways to go in life. He graduated with a degree in BS Psychology and puts a premium on the well-being of people, especially those that he cares for most. When he’s not studying medicine, he’s studying his next greatest love: music. Carl has performed numerous times in the past and is always willing to sling his guitar and sing his heart out. He is also the ultimate geek when it comes to his favorite artists. Perseverance has led Carl and his batchmates through the fire, and he’s now more determined than ever to leave a mark and overcome the challenges that are to come against the worthy Kabalyeros.
Hope and courage carry men through the toughest of times. Kabalyero Michael Paolo Reyna Capistrano (Mico) has both in spades. He never backs down from a challenge and does not waver in the face of adversity. A BS Health Sciences graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, he champions advocacies he’s held since his time in Katipunan. He believes that the healthcare system must be better equipped to care for pediatric patients and that money should not dictate matters of life and death. This Kabalyero never stops fighting for the things he believes in but he knows that life is not all about the battles we face. When he’s not hitting the books, Mico is often watching anime or keeping himself updated with all kinds of sports. He also has a deep appreciation for the arts, ranging from paintings to theater. As a scuba diver, Mico finds his escape in the ocean and is always looking forward to his next trip to the beach. Despite all of the ways he finds to unwind, this Kabalyero is always focused on his goals and works tirelessly in pursuit of them.
Karl Gerard Reyes Crisostomo (Gerard) is a man of many words – whose hyper and talkative personality makes him a person always willing to make a new friend in just about any situation. Outside of medicine, he takes an interest in the latest in technology, sports such as Basketball, Tennis, and Formula One, Star Wars, and a wide array of TV shows. His hobbies include cooking, building models, playing Badminton, collecting watches, and joining eSports tournaments. Gerard believes first and foremost that no challenge is insurmountable. To him, the most important virtue that one can have is Loyalty, as it is through this that the bonds that define us throughout the rest of our lives are formed. To this end, he works together with his fellow Kabalyeros towards a common goal: Excellence, Service, Leadership, and Brotherhood. He will give all that he can to make sure that his brothers are where they need to be no matter what.
Show no signs of weakness. Life as we know it is full of impediments that obstruct one’s way to glory and success. However, Kabalyero Justine Karl Patrick Calachan Dantes (Justine) believes that it is the virtue of Strength that propels each and every one of us into overcoming such hurdles. Among many things, Justine has particularly tempered his skill in public speaking. He believes that a strengthened voice is an invaluable tool in effectively building rapport with people, may it be with his brothers, colleagues, or the masses. In particular, he takes pride in hosting, broadcasting, and presenting scientific discoveries. Strength can also be showcased even with the tips of one’s fingers. He does this by gliding through the classical scores of Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin with youthful exuberance. Justine also displays prowess in the virtual arena, particularly in Defense Of The Ancients – playing casually with friends while stomping foes in the competitive scene. He also takes an interest in the roaring engines and sleek interiors of automobiles. Justine takes pride in constantly bolstering his skills and talents in order for him to offer more of his strengths for his brothers and the fraternity.
Jared Troy Riotoc Del Rosario (Jared) is a Kabalyero who is constantly on a quest to become the best person he can be. He makes it a point to constantly be open to trying new things. Jared believes in the Latin phrase, “mens sana in corpore sano” or “a sound mind in a sound body”. He likes learning about different topics not merely limited to the field of medicine. He also finds joy in playing sports such as tennis, football, swimming, and weight training. Additionally, his other passions include photography, watching movies and Formula 1, and playing video games. He is determined to become the best doctor he can be to serve others better. He takes pride in being able to adapt to any challenge thrown in his path. With that being said, Jared makes it a point to never forget the virtue of Humility despite all his achievements and when it comes to serving others.
A Kabalyero of many interests, Jaan Gabriel Cosico Lacson (Jaan) is always ready to try new things and plunge into the unknown. This has led to interests in many fields, be it enjoying theatre, watching a good basketball game, writing on the side, analyzing the latest movie, and many more, enjoying these especially when in the company of good friends. As an INTARMED student, however, Jaan also knows the importance of balancing work and play, and can be counted on with the responsibilities of med school and upholding the name of Phi. An avid believer in saying yes to whatever life throws at him and delving into it with much vigor and energy, nevertheless this Kabalyero’s virtue is Discretion, knowing that it is just as important to know how to control and focus the energies within to light the brightest flame. Always ready for the next challenge, he is ready to rise to the occasion alongside his fellow Kabalyeros in proving themselves worthy of their names.
A Kabalyero who values Compassion, Audric Charles Gacutan Liwag (Aud) is a BS Nursing graduate from WVSU seeking to keep empathy in the practice of medicine. A lover of various forms of creative expression, he dabbles in the art of sketching and drawing along with other mixed media. His adoration for animals draws him to aquariums and zoos on free days while his passion for sashimi draws him to Japanese restaurants on others. He entertains himself with tv-shows, music and playing guitar during study breaks. A believer in fitness, discipline, and self-control, he enjoys training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and is always happy to teach a throw or two to his fellow Kabalyeros.
A man who is frank and is not afraid of speaking for what he believes is right, Rae Mark Lumactod Mercado (RM) values Truth the most. He frequently gets into arguments due to this but he is ready to fight for what is right. Hailing from UPLB, he sure loves drinking. If you ever need him, just give him a call and he’ll come running. Aside from drinking, his interests include playing billiards, playing chess, music, basketball and watching TV series in his free time. He is a man who is a welcome presence if fun is what you are looking for. He may come off as a laid-back person but he always put his work first before anything else.
Another Muslim Kabalyero from the southern part of the Philippines, Jolo, Sulu, is no other than Allen Rafie Tan Najar (Allen). With a desire to be an astute individual, Allen values the virtue of Prudence. As an avid overthinker of life, being pragmatic and rational of things are instilled in his principles. His ambitious personality made him leave home, but it is there he will always belong. He is a BS Medical Technology graduate from UST. During his spare time, Allen enjoys watching movies and TV series, playing video games, and surfing the internet. What’s more, he considers himself enthusiastic in photography. As described by his loved ones, Allen knows how to empathize, show genuine love, and care for people dear to his heart. His desire to go home is driven by his burning passion to serve his fellow Tausug.
Tomas Lorenzo Banson Tensuan (Tobi) is the most reserved of the Kabalyeros, but do not let that fool you into thinking that he is idle. He believes in being two steps ahead, and he uses foresight and judgment to assess a situation. He lives by the virtue of gratitude for he knows that no man prevails alone. He never fails to show appreciation to his colleagues. He sees the value of a person and believes in their capabilities and potential. Never will you feel alone when working side by side with him. He is an INTARMED student, but he strives to be more than what is expected. He still makes time to pursue different sports and developing new passions. His life motto is, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
As a Kabalyero coming from Chinese descent, Vince Justin Uy Tiu has eyes that are most singkit among the brothers. Despite the difference in physical features, he shares the same love and loyalty for the fraternity. Vince values the virtue of Determination as he believes that every person has the opportunity to rise and improve from their respective downfalls and failures. He listens to the rants of his colleagues and helps them in facing their problems. On more benign moments he never fails to share laughs with them as well. He graduated from BS Public Health and believes that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone. In his free time, he likes to play basketball and lift weights. He takes an interest in technology. You could show him your phone and he could identify the make and model of your device. He enjoys playing games through his PC and consoles. His favorite quote is “Nosce te ipsum”. Knowing thyself is important, thus he reflects on what he has done at the end of the day to know what he has to work on. He dreams to serve the people alongside his brothers one day and he cannot wait until that time comes.
The Kabalyeros have risen to where they are today not as one but together. A collective forged by the cardinal virtues ready to charge forever strong into whatever situation the world has to offer. Much like the cavalry of the olden days, the brotherhood that these individuals share will guide them towards a brighter future as Loyal Sons of the Phi Kappa Mu.
