Last January 31, 2015, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity of the College of Medicine gathered to celebrate and honor the recipients of the Outstanding Phi Awards, at the Luxent Hotel, Timog Ave. Quezon City. This event was envisioned to recognize the achievements of brods who embodied the virtues of the Fraternity and demonstrated in their lives the pillars of Excellence, Leadership, Service and Brotherhood.
After a scrumptious meal, A few words from the Superior Exemplar, Brod Mark Terrence Pua Mujer Φ2010 and Brod Gil Martinez Vicente Φ1976, the president of the Phi Kappa Mu Alumni Association, started the awarding. The 6 Recipients of the 2nd Outstanding Phi Awards are:
Brod Jose Santiago Eustaquio Φ1937
Brod Jose “Peping”Eustaqio, is soon to celebrate his hundredth birthday and 77th year as a Loyal Son of the Most Venerable Fraternity of the UP College of Medicine the Phi Kappa Mu. He serves as a testament to the long and lasting tradition of brotherhood that the Phi Kappa Mu upholds. Endearingly called Lolo Peping, he has seen generation after generation of brothers be molded by – and mold – our fraternity. He remains active in many of the fraternity’s pursuits and shares his positive experiences to younger brods that they may continue the legacy of the Phi that the early generations envisioned it to be. Brod Peping was introduced by Brod Manuel Sabalo Vidal Jr Φ 2014.
Leonardo Leonor Leonidas, MD, Φ 1965
Brod Leonard “Nonie” Leonidas has always been at the forefront of being an example of unfaltering service. He has been able to incorporate teaching despite the demands of private practice in primary care pediatrics at Bangor, Maine. He has received numerous awards, among them; Distinguished Carrer in Teaching in 2010, Tufts, University School of Medicine, Boston, Outstanding Alumnus, UPMAS 2010 as well as Overseas Teacher of the Year, UPMAS 2006. An avid writer he has made contributions to the Philippine Daily Inquirer with titles such as Rethinking Blood Transfusion and Evidence Based Practice. His main interests are innovations in teaching young children and Physicians to reduce diagnostic errors. His passion and desire in molding the youth as well as to improve on current medical practices has formed a legacy of service that is to be admired. Brod Nonie was introduced by his classmate, Brod Valentin Dolorico Φ1964. In his acceptance speech, Brod Nonie shared his secrets to a successful career, emphasizing the importance of communication in becoming a great physician and mentioned his sentiments about the lack of autopsy in the Philippine General Hospital.
Brod Romeo Pilotin Ariniego,MD Φ1967
Brod Romy, or Doc RA as he is affectionately called by his students and peers is one of the most well-respected and outstanding doctors in the De La Sallle Health Sciences Institute. He has served as the Dean of the DLS-HSI College of Medicine as well as other top positions in DLS-HSI and the DLS-HSI University Medical center. The newly constructed medical library in DLS-HSI is named after him, the Romeo P. Ariniego MD Library. He has garnered multiple awards such as; Outstanding Citizen in Health Education and Delivery, Vigan City, 2005, Distinguished teacher Award, Philippine Heart Association, 2013. He has shown time and time again how to display excellence as a medical practitioner and educator. Brod Romy was introduced by his classmate, Brod Manuel Tan Chua Chiaco Jr. Φ 1967. Upon his acceptance Brod Romy invited his brods to a life of excellence saying “There’s always room at the top”.
Abundio Asis Balgos, MD, Φ1976
Brod Abundio “Bunds” Balgos joined the faculty of the Department of Physiology of the UP College of Medicine as a clinical assistant professor of the pulmonary section and attending physician at PGH. He previously was an Associate Dean for Planning and Research and became Vice Chancellor for Research of UP Manila. An outstanding graduate of UPCM where he was the first Clemente Gatmaitan awardee, Brod Bunds has done laudable work as a physician, professor, researcher, writer, and community worker. He has received numerous prestigious awards, among them the National Academy of Science and Technology Ten Outstanding Scientists in 1995; Most Distinguished Teacher and Most Distinguished Fellow in Research in 1998, and Most Outstanding Fellow in 2005, awarded by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians. Brod Bunds has twenty-two publications promoting public health. He is currently the vice president of the PCCP while remaining active in community work serving the medical needs of indigent patients in Metro Manila and in his home in Capiz. Brod Bunds was introduced by his classmate, Brod David Mequi Cabatan Jr. Φ 1976. Brod Bunds graciously accepted his award saying that “Actions speak louder than words.”
Eric Sta. Maria Talens, MD, Φ 1981
Brod Eric Talens currently serves as the Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod-Manila and is a Fellow of the Philippine College of Surgeons (1995), Philippine Society of General Surgery (1999), and the American College of Surgeons (2006). He is an active Consultant of the Departments of Surgery of PGH, East Avenue Medical Center, and the Manila Doctors’ Hospital. Brod Eric previously served as the Czar of the UP Manila Disaster Response Team designated by former Chancellor Manuel Agulto to formulate a Disaster Response Plan for the University. Brod Eric is renowned as the first Trauma Fellow and the First Male Diplomate in Medical Care of Catastrophes in the Philippines. He served as the Founding Director of two medical societies: Philippine Society for the Surgery of Trauma (PSST) and the Philippine Society of Ultrasound for Surgery (PSUCMI). Remarkably, Brod Eric also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Philippine Journal of Trauma from 1997-2012, Co-Editor of the Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties (2009-2013), and an Editorial Consultant of the Journal of Medical Ultrasound, a journal of the Asian Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology (AFSUMB) (2006). Despite his tight schedule and astounding achievements, Brod Eric never forgets to give back to his alma mater, he currently teaches surgery at the UP College of Medicine as an Associate Professor. Brod Alberto Mañibo Ong Jr. Φ 2008B introduced Brod Eric and as he accepted his award, he attributed his achievements to the contributions and work to the volunteers of the Disaster Response Team.
Major Virgilio Reginald Mala Acain, MD, Φ2000
Brod Virgilio “Verge” Acain currently serves as the Commanding Medical Officer of one of the United Nations’ Hospitals, and is part of the military unit that was involved in the standoff at the Golan Heights in Syria. He had his humble beginnings as an Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical School Scholar and served in the Philippine Army after graduating fom the UP College of Medicine. Brod Verge is a well-decorated soldier; under his belt are countless merits and commendations bestowed by the Armed Forces. He is a recipient of the Military Civic Action Medal and was recently awarded with the Presidential Citation Badge by no less than President Benigno Aquino. His service is a brand that goes beyond tending to the underserved – he does so with his own life on the line. The award of Brod Verge was accepted by Brod John Leeds Reyes Φ 1969A as he was not able to make it to the event.
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The event was hosted by Brod Manuel Sabalo Vidal Jr. Φ 2014 and Brod Orville Cortez Ocampo Φ 1987, whose witty banter made for a truly merry gathering full of laughter. All the Brods cheered and applauded as each awardee went up onstage to receive their plaques of recognition. The newest Brods, Phi batch 2014 Noche Buena, were then introduced by Brother Prior, Brod Angelo Maria Mendoza Salonga Φ 2012, with each new brod showing their eagerness to serve the fraternity. All the brods were ecstatic to have the presence of Brod Peping and took haste to take their picture with him. This event not only celebrated the achievements of the awardees but also served as a reminder of what it means to live a life guided by the four pillars of Excellence, Leadership, Service and Brotherhood.
All for PHI!
