Reunited again…
“Every time a Catholic Cebuano goes abroad, the Santo Niño goes with him”…
This has been the words quoted by an officiating priest on a homily during the MHAM Alumni Association U.S.A. and Bisaya Medical gathering which was held at the Country Club Village, Banilad, Cebu City last January 16, 2017.
Started with a nourishment of the soul…
Initiated by the MHAM Alumni of America, the Post-Sinulog Alumni gathering mostly from Class ’68 started with a Holy Mass in the morning officiated by Fr. Joselito Gutierrez. He reminded them to always bear a child-like attitude towards God, an implication of being a genuine devotee of the Holy Child-the Señor Santo Niño.
Rekindling of memories and comradeship into songs…
It was followed with a get-together meal and quality time through music and come-back conversations. MHAM Alumni in America Board of Director Dr. Thelma Jimenez-Fuentes, who was the main host of the get-together event, sang with all her heart from one of her favorite Elvis Presley songs, the Blue Christmas. Specializing Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics who is based in the United States for forty years now, she happened to do a duet with her favorite singer-entertainer of all time who has been dead for 30 years. For her, it really appeared that her all-time favorite singer was joining her and she was so thrilled about it. Needless to say, this MHAM CM alumna used to go home every Sinulog celebration as her way of showing love and gratitude to the ultimate ‘Giver of Gifts’.
With batch ’68 and event host, Dr. Thelma Jimenez-Fuentes…
“I felt so blessed in life that I have to share it to others in return. Right after I graduated Medicine, I went to the States in 1969 and this cape cod house which has been the fruit of my labor speaks most of my personality, goals and hard work with sentimental values. I always carried out the Filipino values along with my spiritual life. In America, I work with the underprivileged and do Medical Missions as my way of giving back to God”, said Dr. Fuentes who belongs to Batch ’68.
Aside from reklindling of friendship among other MHAM graduates from different batches, the group is also initiating a Medical Mission on January 30, 31 to February 1 and a Dental Mission on February 4, 2017 in Cebu City.
Keeping the MHAM spirit alive yesterday, today and forever…
With Immediate Past President of the MHAM Aumni of America, Dr. Emilia Dacalos…
According to Immediate Past President of the MHAM Aumni of America, Dr. Emilia Dacalos, they took the initiative to contact other MHAM Alumni both America and Bisaya Medical to rekindle and reconnect fellow members. Majority of them were from abroad who enthusiastically participated the Sinulog festivities. “With this gathering, we are planning to make it as MHAM Alumni International”, said Dr. Dacalos who is based from Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, some non-medicine alumni members were also present during their fellowship, reminiscing of old memories and among them was Dr. Thelma Rodriquez-Flores. “Actually I came here as I am sincerely invited by these close friends of mine. I felt so happy to see old friends whom I haven’t met for the last eighteen years”, said Dr. Flores whose spirit never goes old.
With Dr. Thelma Rodriquez-Flores…
MHAM CM’s very own, Dr. Carlito Astillero and Dr. Ma. Yvonne Lanuza were also present during the event.
With some of the alumni members….
The warm fellowship ended up with memories to behold among the alumni members both here and abroad. In spirit and life, their identities as MHAM products will live forever, wherever they may be in their mission fields. For them, there is no place like home and such togetherness was indeed a heart warming homecoming with fellow members. (Ana Liza Abao)