It is an unforgettable weekend with friends. The UERM AFUSA Board of Trustees traveled to beautiful Michigan, greeted by the corridors of autumn color.
In attendance:
Chairman:RommelAquino(85)
Pres:Renato Flores(79)
Sec:Ruby Reyes(78)
Treas:Leandro Maranan(76)
Jaqueline Gamiao (87)
Edna Solitario (79)
Myrna Ortega (79)
Renato Raymundo (67)
Nardo Buena (75)
Pauline Aquino (90)
Lydia Cohan (79)
Roy Torcuator (93)
Luven Tejero (93)
Marisha Agana(88)
Adviser:
Isabelita Casibang(71)
Don’t get me wrong, it was a mixture of business and pleasure . We had a mission as trustees and we accomplished it well. I am so proud of the group, everyone cooperated, and on time (not Filipino time).
We were welcomed with open arms by the UERM Alumni Michigan Chapter led by Chairman Rommel Aquino. Pauline Aquino welcomed us in their lovely home with a beautiful smile, and as usual Mel got lost going to his OWN HOME . Only Mel can do that! 😂😂😂
The fun began , but first the Filipino food dinner.
Pauline and Mel knew how to feed hungry travelers and Mel knew how to entertain, he had trivia questions prepared. Thank you Pauline and Mel for the warm hospitality. It was an unforgettable delicious and fun dinner ! 😋 😋😋
Day 2: Practical STRATEGIC PLANNING at Marriott Detroit Livonia
The meeting was opened by Chairman Rommel Aquino
The Board of Trustees of UERMMMC AFUSA, The New Chapter reviewed the accomplishments of 2025. This year is a challenging year for UERM AFUSA with the lost of long term President, Elmer Gilo . But like true troopers , the trustees overcame any bumpy ride. We are thankful for the diligence of 3 people that love the organization so much. Kudos to the Chairman Rommel Aquino, Secretary Ruby Reyes and Treasurer Leandro Maranan. Everyone had their contributions but the 3 officers burnt that midnight oil. We are also grateful for the guidance of our beloved former Chairwoman Isabelita (Vicky) Casibang and former Chairman El Castro.
This is the first of many Strategic Planning workshops of the New Chapter. I’m bragging a little bit because Jaqueline Gamiao and I put it together with the input of the Chairman Rommel Aquino. The goal is to empower each trustee the knowledge and competency to properly run a non-profit charitable organization .
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees opening the floor
President Renato Flores reporting for Memorandum of Agreement and types of Donor Funds
Nards Buena discussing the Constitution and By-Laws
Treasurer Leandro Maranan educating the group on Quickbooks
Secretary Ruby Reyes discussing on proper recording of meeting minutes
Luven Tejero discussing the CHAR500 State Tax Returns for 501(C)3
Roy Torcuator’s turn to educate the group on the 990 Federal Tax returns
Myrna Ortega and Lydia Jacinto discussed their Fundraising Plans.
I, Edna Solitario reported about the Unused Fund and explained the Scholarship, Awards Programs that UERM AFUSA supports for the UERMMMC College of Medicine.
Leaving Strategic Planning to BOTs RETREAT! Let the fun continue…..
Corridors of color along I-75 going north towards Canada
The Adventurers! In reality, we got lost….😁😁😁
Our lovable, crazy, comedic, songstress, beautiful driver, Marisha Agana, “The Golden Hammer”. 🥹😂😂😂
Just admiring what God gave us 🙏
Jackie’s carpool Team
The famous Mackinac Bridge, opened in 1957, 5 miles separating the Lake Michigan and the Lake Huron, joining Mackinaw city and St. Ignace.
We stayed at St. Ignace close to the border with Canada
St Ignace is in Upper Peninsula and Mackinaw City is in Lower Peninsula.
Holiday Inn Express Lakefront.
Home away from Home for 2 days
Day 3: MACKINAC ISLAND Adventure!
Jewel of Michigan,
THE GRAND HOTEL where the movie “Somewhere In Time” was filmed
Breakfast at the Holiday Inn hotel.
Look at these Seniogers (55+, seniors acting like teenagers), excited, in line for the ferry going to Mackinac Island.
It was raining, so we are all in the inside deck of the ferry.
Mackinac Island Main Street. No motorized vehicles allowed
The Carriage Tour Ride with Sheila and Squid !
Finally reached The Grand Hotel.
The Lunch Buffet
Happy and contented Board of Trustees. Did I see sleepy heads?
Our answer to Winston Churchill !
The Class’79 UERM AFUSA BOTs!
What a nice view, not the human, the leaves in the trees and on the ground.
Halloween decorations
Happy Travelers!
Upper Deck, windy and cold!
Back to the hotel, the Filipinos were wearing jackets, look at these brave souls.
For dinner, we went to Mackinaw City, that’s across the Mackinac Bridge.
Just happy !
My friends must be hungry!
Day 4: FRANKENMUTH visit
It was a rainy day but UERM AFUSA BOTs were brave souls.
In spite of the rain, still a beautiful sight to see !
Our singing of “Rain, rain go away” did not work. It is a lovely town with scary Halloween decorations.
German lunch at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant
After lunch, we drove back to Livonia Marriott where 6 of us had to stay overnight.
Day 5: EPILOGUE
Like any story, it has an ending, it is bitter sweet for us. We came with missions, and we accomplished the missions. We came as acquaintances, we came home as good friends. The goal was to get to know each other, we ended up liking each other. It was difficult saying goodbye, so I say, “Till next time friends!”
Edna Solitario, MD
10/20/2025
THANK YOU BOTs of UERMMMC AFUSA for paying 99% of the cost of the Michigan Retreat and the Strategic Planning!
Rommel Aquino, MD HMDC DABFM
Chairman, UERMMMC AFUSA, Inc.
