Winds are an uncontrollable force of nature—a phenomenon that unites even the most distant lands. It is a symbol of movement, unity, harmony, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. In the same spirit, Zephyr, meaning a gentle west wind, personifies the belief that, “there is a destiny that makes us brothers.” Hailing from different year levels, with unique backgrounds, opinions, and interests, it is truly a coincidence that these men gathered together—one that can only be described as fate. And yet, it was through this unlikely coalition that they found brotherhood, one that has and will continue to overcome any obstacle in its way.
Just as the wind diffuses in space, Kevin Lloyd Bedico Aboy (Kevin), boasts freedom as his greatest asset. It is not to say that he is directionless, rather, he is a free-spirited character that takes everything life throws at him as he’s experienced numerous sports such as basketball, swimming, badminton, touch rugby, tennis, and ultimate frisbee, played countless of competitive video games such as Mobile Legends, DOTA 2, LOL, and Valorant, and even delved in video editing on the side. Spending his adolescent years in Pateros City and is now a graduate of BS Public Health in UP Manila, he believes to someday be the wind in uplifting society’s perils, using his passion for continuous learning and excellence to push himself to always see the greater picture in health problems. Rising to the challenge of being the batch leader, he doesn’t just see this as an opportunity to hone his leadership, but also a lifetime role to become a structure that connects converging winds – a hub for his diverse yet like-minded batchmates. The wind can evolve to become a hurricane, but with the right mind and composure, his stoicism and calmness quickly defuses any situation so that his batchmates enjoy a gentle and cool breeze. He is most ready to partake in whatever guiding winds the Most Venerable Fold offers him.
The winds of Zephyr gush from the most unexpected lands, such as in the case of John Christopher Cabrera Agbayani (Chris), who is entering the Fraternity as the sole clinical clerk of his batch. Chris hails from Quezon City and is a graduate of BS Psychology in UP Diliman. Although he is in his late years in medical school, he believes that it is never too late, as destiny has led him at the perfect time to the Most Venerable Fold. He serves as the elder of the batch, exhibiting calmness, a composed demeanor, and equipped with a plethora of experience. However at the same time, his youthful and gusty energy allows him to forge bonds with any brother that knows no boundaries of time. Chris is a principled man, as he stands for compassion, Brotherhood, and service. He believes that Zephyr is greater than the sum of its individual winds, with each one bearing crucial qualities that make this whirlwind invincible. Thirteen is one, less is none.
The wind never stops blowing no matter what obstacles are in its path. In the same way, Joel Francis Maniego Atienza (Joel) tackles challenges head-on with grit and perseverance. Already midway through his medical school journey, he joins the Most Venerable Fold as an LU5 student ready to brave the hardship of the medical profession alongside his newfound brothers. Growing up as a competitive tennis player has molded him into a firm believer of learning through trial and tribulation before triumph. This is a spirit that he has worked to carry over into his academics time and time again. He believes that this dedication must be balanced alongside loyalty to family and friends, as these support systems are what can power one to overcome any trial. Just as the wind calms down at times, Joel loves to sleep and enjoy good food and drinks, resting but never veering from the direction he always intends to move toward in his life and career.
The persistent rush of the daylight breeze amid periods of squalls tells stories of tenacity and resolve, which Anwell Joaquin Mella Aznar (Aki) represents. Despite life’s adversities, he is beyond ready to share his knowledge, skills, and experiences with an enduring passion to serve those in need, most especially children. His innate warmth disperses over his batchmates, whom he deeply cares about, as he is used to being the eldest among his siblings. Being a graduate of BS Biology from UP Manila, he realizes that the things we can learn are limitless. He enters medicine with an open mind, and eagerness to seize any opportunity for advancement. In his spare time, you might catch him listening to TWICE, playing Mobile Legends, or scrolling through his phone looking for new restaurants to try. He also enjoys watching his favorite TV shows and Sci-Fi movies. As one of the newest members of the Fraternity, he is determined to embark on a life-long journey with his brothers in the Phi Kappa Mu.
Gentle and comforting as the morning Zephyr is how one might perceive Mark Isaiah Nicolasora Baligod (Mark). Like an encouraging tailwind, he boosts his batchmates’ morale and makes sure each one is raised to the same level. This, ‘no man left behind,’ mentality stems from his being a graduate of the UP Manila BS Public Health program. It has been inculcated in him that true progress is only achieved when everyone is elevated. With his love for sports, such as ultimate frisbee and badminton, as well as other hobbies like watching anime, playing LoL, and shoe collecting, Mark is ready to share and partake in the passions of his brothers in the Phi Kappa Mu. Now seeking a place in the Most Venerable Fold, he aims not only to become a tailwind for others, but also a resolute draft that leads others to indubitable victory.
“Your focus determines your reality,” a wise Jedi named Qui-Gon Jinn once said. Despite being the only LU4 sign-up this year, Matthew Alywn Dorotan Co (Matthew) does not let the harsh winds stagger his passion to tread into the Fold. After encountering patients for the first time in his undergraduate degree of BS Physical Therapy in UP Manila, Matthew saw with his own eyes what good an altruistic heart could do for others. Hence, this fueled him to join the Phi brotherhood as it would fulfill his eagerness to be an asset to something bigger than him—by organizing and participating in numerous Phi events and service projects. This self-effacing heart, however, does not completely encapsulate the dynamism of Matthew. He also enjoys a variety of hobbies that allows him to fully express himself, such as playing basketball, going to the gym, playing the guitar and piano, and playing DOTA. He also has a profound fascination for sci-fi and fantasy material—mostly Star Wars. Lastly, Matthew believes that becoming a PHI means embodying the four pillars of the fraternity, but to him, Brotherhood is paramount, so you can always count on him to stand by his brothers.
Often described as a, “breath of fresh air,” Garret Royce Kho Dychiao (Garret) is known for his sympathetic and caring nature beyond his tenacity and vigor. With a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Garret’s passion for learning is definitely not in question. Just as the wind flows in any direction, Garret finds himself delving into many different interests at a time— from gym and sports, to watches and cars, to sci-fi and comic books. However, his lifelong goal has always been to travel and explore the world with his family and friends. Until then, Garret is eager to take part and contribute to all that the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity has to offer— not just its various projects, but more so the brotherhood shared among its members.
No matter how strong the wild wind blows, Sheridan Cartagena Guico (Sheridan) is always ready to adjust his sails. Sheridan was born in San Pedro, Laguna, but spent most of his life in Muntinlupa City. As a graduate of BS Biology from UP Manila, he has found pleasure in fishkeeping and in the marine sciences. Sheridan is also a fan of different music genres. From hip-hop to K-pop, EDM to metal, and lo-fi to post-hardcore, he is sure to have a playlist at hand. When Sheridan enjoys a song too much, he would always try to make a cover using his guitar or piano. In his free time, Sheridan enjoys riding his mountain bike, playing video games, and reading web novels or webtoons. As someone who was once unsure about medicine, Sheridan is now ready to not only pursue the path of a six-star physician, but also to embody the Fraternity’s four pillars of Excellence, Service, Leadership, and Brotherhood.
Although he might seem like a, “breeze through life,” kind of guy, Justin Matthew Rapanut Lapastora (Justin) makes sure that his best is given in every task he gets. The windmills of the Ilocos region cannot contain the blast of energy and quirkiness this Zephyr from the INTARMED program has to offer. Aside from being passionate in learning more about medicine, geography or economics, Justin just can’t say no to volleyball or Mobile Legends invites, as well as invites to adventures and food trips with friends and peers. With his experience in outreach work, coupled with his firm beliefs and advocacies, Justin is all set and ready to show his gusting dedication for community service alongside his newfound brothers of the Phi Kappa Mu. Bearing these remarkable assets, Justin surely has what it takes to conquer the gale of uncertainties and bring forth a bright whiff of hope and confidence.
“Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out.” In the valley of Marikina, where bamboo leaves rustle in the wind, resides Arvin John Sumalabe Malapo (AJ). As Zephyr’s youngest member, he may seem marred with naïveté and inexperience, but he has proven time and again that his wise counsel and warm personality render him an approachable and reliable peer. Akin to a tailwind, he is determined to always improve himself and is enthused to gain new skills and meet numerous people. This go-with-the-flow outlook belies his unyielding adherence to his principles, ideals, and beliefs, much like a stubborn headwind. Being a student of the INTARMED program urged him to seek comfort and perform well in the arts of song, dance, and theater. AJ is passionate about medical outreach programs, drawing him to Phi Kappa Mu’s dedication to service. He who once believed he can get by and breeze through life as an individual now realizes the value and responsibility of being one with others in an everlasting brotherhood.
From the Land of the Howling Winds (Catanduanes) in the eastern coasts rose a strong, resilient warrior, Rommel Lumbao Quintal (Rommel). Rommel has always had a warm and compassionate heart for everyone, and anyone who would come across him shall never be cold. Through the howling winds, he has developed his love for nature and everything in it, and so he took BS Biology in UP Manila as his undergraduate course. Rommel always commune with nature via hiking and swimming – as the plants , trees, the creeping reptiles, the water flowing through, and the sunlight kissing the earth excite him. He is also fond of music and loves creating it. He dedicated his earlier years to learning how to play the flute and saxophone. When stress is pressing or when silence is brutal, he also delves into singing. When called to dance, he is very much willing to learn, and he has the groove to match it. Undoubtedly, Rommel is a dependable team player – a true asset to his circle.
”It’s not about what happens, but what you choose to do.” Just as the winds are an invisible and unstoppable force of nature, Raphael Tobias Ramiso (Paeng) from Pagadian City, pushes forward no matter what stands in his way. Though strong and silent as he often is, he’s a real softie when it comes to his friends. Even as a student of the INTARMED program, he always makes room for playing sports such as tennis, frisbee, and basketball, firmly believing in the holistic principle of well-being. He used to believe he was ready as a solitary gale, but he learns to unite with his brothers into a hurricane as he enters the Most Venerable Fold.
From the windswept island of Leyte, where the strongest typhoons rage, Fred Lawrence Delantar Samante (Fred) stands ready to brave any adversity together with his newfound brothers. Carried by the winds of fate, Fred is a medical technologist and a graduate of St. Scholastica’s College Tacloban. His passion for medicine and a desire to make a difference in the lives of his fellow Filipinos, through research, pushed him to pursue an MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine program at UP Manila. In his free time, he can be found gazing at the stars and capturing the beauty of nature through his camera lens. Like the convergence of winds to form a powerful storm, Fred believes he can create change in the medical field with his brothers by his side.
Cyclone after cyclone, the Zephyrs have vanquished them all and have been long waiting for this moment. The winds of fate have led them to the doors of the Most Venerable Fold. Enlightened by the Cardinal Virtues, the Zephyrs are looking forward to embarking on a new journey together guided by the lifelong comradeship of their brothers with the Phi Kappa Mu.
