HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR UERM SUPERMOMS!!!
“Being a mother is like being a gardener of souls. You tend your children, make sure the light always touches them.”
from Sea Change, Karen White
Happy Mother’s Day to all! God Bless our families!!!Rene/Susan Suntay & family===============Reminder: UERM LAS VEGAS Convention & ReunionJune 12-15, 2025 Planet Hollywood(Many thanks to Dr. Larry Gayao for this flyer)
All Alumni attendees must register individually using this website! UERM Group Rate $129Deadline for registration: 5/20/2025!After this date, all registration will be on-site with a $150 penalty (due to hotel imposed increase in price of food & beverages)==============from Dr. Mike Hizon ’80Co Chair National Convention/President UERM MIdwest chapter
GOLF event available (June 13) during our National Convention in Las Vegas.Those who are interested in golf kindly get in touch with Dr Fajardo ’70, fromUERM Midwest ChapterThis is a fundraising event for the UERM Midwest chapter.Desert Pines Golf Club3415 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV 891015 minutes from the Strip; Time: 7:58 AM – 8:30 AM; Estimated Players: 20Charge: $100 Includes green fees, cart fees, practice balls, cart placardsPlayer Count and Payment due May 15, 2025Check payable to: Lito Fajardo16311 Emerson DriveOrland Park, IL 60467Pay using Zelle (708) 491-8751E-mail: litofajardo@sbcglobal.net Thanks,Dr. Lito Fajardo=================For more information please contact:
Dr. Susan P. Suntay – National Convention Commissioner (312) 523-6824 / spsuntaymd@gmail.com
Dr. Mike Hizon, 2025 Convention Chairman (815) 592-7427 / mhizonmd@gmail.com
Dr. Pauline Jose, Asst. NCC, 2025 UERM Convention (323) 833-9999 / PJJMD1@aol.com
Dr. Rommel Aquino, Chairman-AFUSA (810) 348-2674 / intstan5@gmail.com==============from Dr. Mary Lyn Lu
======================From: Bernadette M. RocoPresident of Alliance and Friends
Date: Sat, May 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
We want to do pre selling…
1 tshirt~ $25; 1 hat ~ $15; 1hat+1tshirt ~ $35; 2 t shirts ~ $45
They can send to the treasurer. Dr Audrey Coo
c/o Dr. Audrey Coo
PO Box 2153
Bedford, IL 60499-2153
Dr. Audrey Coo, MAAAI Treasurer (901) 483-2009 / audcoo@bellsouth.netSizes: Small, Medium, Large, X Large, XX Large,
Thank You so much!
Bernadette Roco
(510)499~3601
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from Dr. Joan Tagorda
================from Dr. Mel Aquino ’85, Chairman of UERMMMC~AFUSA2025-2027 UERM AFUSA Board of Trustees
Website…Another honor for UERM AFUSA.Fiscal Year 2023 = Charity Navigator Research Tool using data from IRS documents, rates charitable foundations according to their compliance with state and federal laws. AFUSA got the highest rating at 100%, 4 star~rating in Accountability and Financial Management. This means people can donate to AFUSA% confidence. All of us here inAFUSA are overloaded with happiness.===============UERMMMC AFUSA, 2025 = The New Chapter!
By Edna Solitario, MD Class ’79
AFUSA has been quiet for a while. The Fall of 2024, AFUSA had a big meeting and election for 2025. New officers were voted on and several Board of Trustees were added.The new chairman is Rommel Aquino, Class ’85. What can I say about him? Yes, he is diligent, hard worker, easy to deal with, open, funny?, delightful sometimes and has an odd sense of humor. Our adviser, Vicky Casibang can’t get the jokes sometimes so I had to explain. He is leading the organization into a clear path forward. We have a new WEBSITE and FACEBOOK. Visit and look at the hard work of Nikki and Mel.Our Secretary, Ruby Reyes Class ’78, we begged her to stay and luckily, she accepted the position. Very likable lady, hard worker, and nice. She has the difficult job of making the minutes of the general meetings. We are adjusting to our new roles, so there’s a lot of laughter and corrections. We have Vicky Casibang, our Adviser and Parliamentarian who is guiding us with procedures.We have been meeting more often because we have a lot to tackle. The mission is always the same, helping UERM to have excellent Medical Education and Medical Research for the future of the Filipinos.Our Treasurer, Leandro Maranan, Class ’76. There was a lot of convincing and negotiation for him to stay. We are glad that he remained as the Treasurer. He has the hard job of learning, researching, interpreting financial statements. He is doing a good job. He is the right person for the position.There are so many things that we have to know. Unfortunately, Dr. Elmer Gilo passed away in the Fall of 2024. There was no smooth transition, but we are getting there. Dr. Gilo was an excellent records keeper, all the records including the early 2000 were in boxes. We were able to put the pieces together during those years. Rest in peace Dr. Gilo, we are doing fine.Everyone of the Trustees is contributing as much but these special 4 people are doing more than expected, our Chairman Mel Aquino, Secretary Ruby Reyes, Treasurer Andring Maranan. Kudos to our Internet Developer, our digital age Guro, Nikki Gavino-Collins Class’01, without her AFUSA will not have the Website that we have now.So much hard work is going on right now. We are preparing for the 37th Alumni Convention, we are excited to show you, FELLOW ALUMNI what we have accomplished as the new Officers and Board of Trustees of UERM AFUSA!See you in Las Vegas, June 12-16, 2025!===============from President Lingling Uy
It’s refreshing to see someone reminding their rights to suffrage. Thank you President Lingling Uy, M.D.Jay Seldera—————-From: Ida TiongcoDate: Sat, May 10, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Midterm Philippine electionDear all,
Contrary to the pronouncement of President Marcos Jr. that a Filipino overseas can vote easily since it is online, that is good only for OFW, seamen, and most Filipinos who are temporarily outside of the Philippines this time. As per instructions from the Consulate, I pre enrolled online. For identity purposes, you have to click on the following, Philippine Passport, Seaman’s ID, National ID, IBP and driver’s license. I tried at least half a dozen times to take a picture of my NY State Drivers license to no avail. So, I called up the Consulate and was told that the driver’s license must be from the Philippines. In order to vote, you have to go personally to your Consulate, bring proof of your re-acquisition of your Filipino citizenship and start from there.
To start with, the instructions should have said Filipino license. PBBM may not be aware that most Fil-Ams in the USA don’t have Filipino passports and all those identity papers since we are not OFW’s but permanent residents/citizens of our adopted country. Most of us, including Kitty Duterte, use our American Passport for traveling so that there is no need for a Philippine passport. It takes some time to personally go to the nearest Consulate that the vague instructions will prevent people from voting. The silver lining though is the professionalism and friendliness of the clerks who worked part time there for the election. I trust also that with their professionalism, the process will be honest. I wished though that we were allowed to vote for our local candidates, depending if we have a residence in the Philippines.Prior to the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, in 1935, the Philippine Legislature allowed only two senators from the 12 senatorial districts with a total of 24 senators. We should think about this since how can you remember 12 people to vote so that the one who is more recognized can be one of the 12 or even top the election. This is done in the USA, 2 senators per state irregardless of the population. We should remember that Congress, i,e., House of Representatives and the Senate make the laws and I would prefer that those we vote have a lot of brains between their ears .
If you are a dual citizen, you still have time tomorrow and vote unless you don’t care anymore about the country where you were born. Regarding the Philippines, and maybe even here, I blame the BOBOTANTES (stupid voters) for what is going and will happen to the country.
Your cousin, friend, associate,
Ida
============from Dr. Mario Panaligan
===================from Ida Tabuzo~Amboy…
On May 17, 2025 Saturday 6:00 pm, the UERM~CMAA is inviting you to a movie block screening of “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” at Cinema 7 of Robinsons Movieworld Magnolia. Your mission, should you choose to accept itis to get your tickets to see #Mission Impossible, Ticket at @1,000 pesos, inclusive of snacks. Proceeds from this fundraising will help the various projects of the association. Don’t miss out on this thrilling adventure and the chance to support a great cause! For tickets, please contact the UERM Alumni Office ~ 87150861 loc 477/ 0920~6748830.NOTE: i forwarded this to my classmates of ’72 thru our group messenger esp those in Pinas and happened to put $1000 per ticket. Jsy Seldera questioned it and Della Pelaez quipped “Really?” and i corrected it to pesos. i then texted Ida about it and she made a humorous response: “Pag $1000 each, guest na namin si Tom niyan!”….Love Mission Impossible…no Ana de Armas is not w Tom in the movie….
here’s the movie trailer ~==================Happy Easter, Goodbye, “Paalam”!!!From: Ida Tiongco
ate: April 23, 2025 at 2:16:04 AM EDTDear relatives, friends and associates.Happy Easter…Christ had died, Christ had risen, Christ will come again.This is the final and last Ida’s report and Trivia. At the height of the Covid Pandemic in 2020, with NYC as the epicenter, I self~quarantined myself, I had decided to send emails on a regular basis to my friends. I sent future emails to those who had contacted me but during the holidays, I emailed all my contacts, friends and foes/enemies alike. Two years ago, I thought of ending it but there was a “clamor” for me to continue it. This time though, there is no need for it. I apologize for the length and number of pictures, but this is my final edition.
This is my Tiongco family. In the background, you will see me; I was the emcee, the financier and the event planner with strict RSVP rules. My goal was for a 100% attendance but was frustrated when a companion of a guest did not come, making it only 98% of 65 guests. For Philippine standards, that was excellent. Unlike most social activities in the Philippines, there was no video, no karaoke, no speeches , no dancing, but just trivia with prizes from Ida’s junk.
This is my Manuel (mother’s) family. I had decided to celebrate my birthday on March 2 , in Manila just like last year. My choices were to celebrate it at home, at a Filipino fast food restaurant Mang Inasal where for less than $3.00, you could get a full meal with unlimited rice, and free soup, or at the Manila Hotel, the premier and historic hotel in Manila , very similar to the old Waldorf Astoria in NYC. Since my brother Rene celebrated his birthday there two years ago, I decided to do it there and to help the Filipino economy. The food is excellent but the service needs improvement. I apologize that I could not feature the rest of the party. I thank everybody for their gifts…food, clothes, pajamas , flowers, teas that will last me a lifetime but most important, your PRESENCE.
When I am in Manila, on Tuesday afternoons, I do my teaching of Dermatologic surgery at the Ospital ng Maynila where I am a visiting consultant. Dr. Sheryl Clark, a good friend, had retired and she donated a lot of stuff. I brought with me some surgical instruments and supplies. The rest will be shipped as cargo. The Derm department just moved to a better and bigger location. Thank you Sheryl.
The next day, I was invited to visit the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center College of Medicine to meet the new dean, Dr. Dave Ampil, the president, Dr. Norbert Uy, members of the Scholarship committee and the two full scholars of the Tiongco-Sarmiento Scholarship, Alliana and Ainjelou who will graduate next year. You will notice the usual hospitality of the Filipinos…food on the table.
The OM Derm decided to have a “photo shoot” for its publications , complete with professional photographer, make up artist and hair stylist. First time I looked good in years.
Staff of Ospital ng Maynila Dermatology headed by Drs. Benedict Carpio and Eileen Morales on the helipad of the new hospital. On the background is the skyline of Manila.
I try to visit the FMM nuns who were part of my life. ll of these nuns reside in a nursing home run by their order, outside of Manila. I treated them to a Filipino lunch nearby. In front is Sr. Noni, who worked for years in the Vatican, L-R Sr. Anita who collaborated with me years ago in helping lepers in the Tala leprosarium, Sr. Marge, RN, a high school classmate who was a nurse in the nursing home and Sr. Ame, a psychologist. On few occasions, I would bring some residents with me and treat the sisters there.On week ends, I prepare brunch and this is my version of the Filipino “longsilog”, Jimmy Dean’s sausage, rice, 4 minute egg in an egg cup, hot choc and juice. My plates are Villeroy and Boch. I learned how to eat properly a soft boiled egg from an egg cup from a German cousin-in Law.
After a two hour Easter Vigil, I invited a select group of friends for a late dinner after 10 pm. This had been a tradition of Alex and me for more than 25 years. Just a walking distance from the Church is a 24 hour French Bistro called L’Express. In front of me is my favorite dish which I had mentioned in the past.Sorry for the length of this email but this is my finale So bear with me..My plans for the near future…As a graduation gift to my 5 Cornell Derm residents, we will have a dinner first at the Grand Tier Restaurant at the Met Opera followed by Swan Lake on June 14.Enjoy the free activities for the Summer here in NY especially those in Lincoln CenterPrepare and send by cargo most of the donation of Dr. Clark and the Dermatopathology books of the late Dr. N.Scott McNutt given by his wife, Dr. Edith McNutt. These books will be placed at the Ospital ng Maynila Derm Library.By November, prepare for the 23rd Banaue Mission in January 2026.Complete the Dermatology book being prepared by the graduating residents of OMThink of retiring and what to do.Below are 3 articles published recently by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, one of the top newspapers in Manila…“Salamat”, Thank you.“Paalam”, “Adios”, “Sayonara”, “Auf Wiedersehen”, Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye!!!Ida(NOTE: We will surely miss Ate Ida’s reports & Trivias!)==========from Dr Rita Paraiso~Guiamelon ’75
=========Mom…=============Remember this?…wHeN GoD cReAtEd MoThErS…by Erma BombeckWhen the good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said, You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.
And the Lord said, Have you read the specs on this order? —
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic;
Have 180 moveable parts . . . all replaceable;
Run on black coffee and leftovers;
Have a lap that disappears when she stands up;
A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair;
And six pairs of hands…
The angel shook her head slowly and said,
Six pairs of hands . . . no way.
It’s not the hands that are causing me problems, said the Lord. It’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.
That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.
The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say, ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.
Lord, said the angel, touching His sleeve gently, Come to bed. Tomorrow . . .
I can’t, said the Lord, I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick . . . can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger . . . and can get a nine year-old to stand under a shower.
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly.
It’s too soft, she sighed.
But tough! said The Lord excitedly. You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure.
The angel asked, Can it think?
Not only think, but it can reason and compromise, said The Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek.
There’s a leak, she pronounced. I told You, You were trying to put too much into this model.
It’s not a leak, said the Lord, It’s a tear.
What’s it for? asked the angel.
It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride, The Lord replied.
You are a genius, said the angel.
The Lord looked somber.
I didn’t put it there, He said
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see attachment “Inay Ko Po!” from Dr. Ric Flores ’79…
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sTay sAfe, bE healthy, sMile, SiNg, dAnCe & bE hApPy aLwAyS!!!
Have a wonderful exciting joyful aweeesome Blessed Happy Mother’s Day to all our Beautiful Super~SuperMoms!!!
./—.|
