pulse dec2012-apr2013.pmd

Vol. 8 No. 1 The Official Publication of MCU and MCU-FDTMF December 2012 - April 2013

MCU Med student is Top 8

continued p.2

Dr. LJ Macaraig visits Drs. Quito and Abreu.

The MCU College of Medicinegarnered a 100% passing rate duringthe February 2013 Physician Licen-sure Examination surpassing the na-tional passing average of 46.6%. Allfirst time takers successfully clearedthe examination with one of them,Dr. Lito Jay (LJ) Macaraig landing8th place with the average of 84.17%.

LJ shares his experience withThe Pulse on his way to the top 10.

Sleepless nights started afterthe last day of the board exam, andas sleepy as he was he took a timeoff from waiting to attend to his sickdaughter.

“Karga ko yung baby ko nungbiglang tumawag yung nanay ko,‘Congrats’ daw kasi pasado ako.Nong una ayaw kong maniwala kasinung huling check ko eh wala pa,”LJ recalls.

Uncertain, he asked his motherto verify her news, “Inulit niya,pasado nga daw and Top 8 pa!” LJ

said. “Yong baby ko nagulatkasi bigla akong napasigawsa tuwa!”

He ran out the house andshouted “Thank you, Lord!”several times. “Sobra-sobrang blessings kasi pasadokaming dalawa ni wifey.”

Prayers and action, thesewere his weapons that madehim not only pass the boardexam but also be 8th out of the420 who passed the board. Inthe course of his review, therewere times when he felt sleepybut still needed to read moretopics.

“Lord, wala po akongmaintindihan, kinikilala ko po angpresenya Ninyo habang nag-aaralpo ako na samahan Ninyo po ako.”He said. “At dahil po sa Inyo, alamkong may maiintindihan na po ako.”

LJ partnered his reviews withprayers. During the day of the board

exam, his parents went to theirboarding house in Fairview to prayfor him and his wife before they leftfor the exam. Prayers without ac-tion is just as the same with actionwithout prayers.

After graduating in HighSchool, LJ already knew that hewants to be a doctor someday. His

auntie is nurse in a health center intheir barangay.

“Nakikita ko yong tita ko sana nag-i-injection sa center taposbumabalik sila sa kanya after ilangaraw para mag-thank you,” he said.“Sabi ko sa sarili ko mag-dudoktor

Dr. Malabanan receives his Distinguished Bedan Award.

Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanan,President of Manila Central Univer-

sity received the DistinguishedBedan Award in the field of Educa-

tion during the Red and White Balllast February 12, 2013 at the NBC

Tent, BonifacioGlobal City inTaguig.

In selectingDr. Malabanan forthe award, theBoard of Trusteesof the San BedaCollege AlumniA s s o c i a t i o n(SBCAA) recog-nized his signifi-cant contributionsto the growth anddevelopment ofManila CentralUniversity as oneof the country’spremiere educa-

tional institutions and outstandingperformance in the field of educa-tion.

The award recognizes Dr.Malabanan’s exceptional profes-sional ability and leadership quali-ties and unwavering commitment anddedicated service to the educationsector. It also cited his embodimentof the Benedictine ideals of faith,knowledge and virtue.

The Distinguished BedanAward is a special recognition givenby the SBCAA to Bedans who haveexhibited the greatness of the Bedanspirit through their lifetime works,service, and dedication to the BedanCommunity and Filipino people.

Dr. ATM cited for education endeavors

continued p.17

2 December 2012 – April 2013

MCU Med student is Top 8 ......................... continued from p.1

ako para ma-experience ko dinyung ganung feeling.”

He had two options whichcourse to take up as his pre-medin college, B.S. Nursing or B.S.Biology. Unlike some parents, hisfather discouraged him from tak-ing up nursing.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, ‘Mag-BSBio ka para sigurado na itutuloymo ng medisina.’ Kasi daw kapagnag-nursing ako eh baka tamarinako at maisipan ko na lang mag-abroad.” He took his father’s rec-ommendation and after four years,he earned his B.S. Biology degreeat the Bulacan State University.

His auntie suggested for himto inquire in MCU because theyare offering medical scholarships.He went to MCU and took theentrance test. LJ also applied inother schools but was put on thewaiting list because they priori-tized its alumni.

“Tanggap naman na ako saMCU kaya okay na.” LJ receiveda partial scholarship from theMCU Medical Alumni Associa-tion in America (MCUMAAA) inhis 1st year in medicine, was ableto maintain his grades and eventu-ally became a full scholar up to hislast year in the college.

During the review days, heand his wife rented an apartmentin Fairview to concentrate fullyon their review. His wife, who is aclassmate became his studybuddy.

“Nakatulong din po yungmay partner sa pag-aaral,” LJ re-vealed. “Kami po ng wife konagtatanungan ng mga sample re-view questions from the reviewcenter.”

Being the top of h isgraduating batch, the pressurein becoming a board topnotcher became real. His class-mates added more to the pres-sure when they sa id , “Saharap ng dyaryo ko aabanganang pangalan mo ah, kas ialam ko mag-to-top ka!”

True enough, his name didnot only get published in the col-umn of passers, it also in the listof top notchers. When he came

home to Bulacan he found that hismother bought three newspapers.

This physiology enthusiastplans to specialize either in Surgeryor Internal Medicine in MCU. Dr.Gedeonino V. Padilla of the Depart-ment of Internal Medicine serves asan inspiration in pursuing his spe-cialization in Internal Medicine.

His father played an importantrole as his adviser since the he de-cided to be in medical school, “Angturo po sa akin ng tatay ko, lahat

ng pasyente mo dapat isipin mokamaganak mo.”

Acting upon his father’s advice,he always gives his utmost care tohis patients and still continues do-ing it especially now that he is al-ready a physician.

LJ does not forget to thank thepeople who supported him reach thetop 10, “Thankful ako sa parentsko and sa parents na din ng wife kodahil sa unending support nabinibigay nila. Kahit nagkaroon na

The MCU-FDTMF Col-lege of Medicine board passers,administration officials, facultymembers and guests celebratedthe success of the passers duringthe February 2013 PhysicianLicensure Examination in a simpleTestimonial Luncheon held at theRalph Hunter Hall last March 18,2013.

The College first time tak-ers nailed the board exam with a100% passing rate with Dr. LitoJay P. Macaraig topping 8th placeoverall with an average of84.17%.

Dr. Elvira Abreu welcomedthe new doctors to the brood ofcompetent MCU physicians. Dr.Lutgarda Quito gave them fourthings to ponder through her al-phabet of success, “PQRST: First

is Prayer, your Quiet time, your Re-sponsibility to yourself, continue toStudy, and last is Time. Time is short,time is gold. Make use of the timethat is given to you.”

“You are as good, if not betterthan the graduates of other universi-ties,” Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanan said.The president also told that the otherMCU colleges are doing well in boardexams.

The department heads con-gratulated the passers for a job welldone. They encouraged them to ap-ply and have their residency train-ing at the MCU Hospital. Dr. LitaBritanico posed a challenge to thenext batch that if they also get 100%in their board exam she will givethem a bigger incentive.

After the congratulatory mes-sages, the new doctors took their

Med passers lauded

agad kami ng baby, tuloy pa dinyung suporta nila sa studies nam-ing dalawa.”

Dr. Macaraig expresses hisappreciation to the College ofMedicine especially to Dr. ElviraAbreu, Dr. Lutgarda Quito and theMCUAAA.

Above all, he expresses hisgratitude to God, “Prayers langpo talaga, and sobrang thankfulpo ako kay God na kaming dalawang wife ko ay pumasa.”

chance to share their before,during and after board exam ex-periences. They advised thejuniors to study very well be-cause the board exam was reallydifficult.

“Dapat ngayon palanginaaral nyo na yung mga casesna nakikita nyo sa duty kasi masmadaling mag-aral kapag actualmong nakikita yung nangyayarisa pasyente,” Dr. Lito JayMacaraig said.

The new physicians gotthe chance to thank the peoplebehind the new milestone intheir lives. They gave thanksto the FDTMF administration,MCU Alumni Association inAmerica, and their college whosupported them since the be-ginning.

December 2012 – April 2013 3

There are many from MCU who haveachieved a level of success that has con-tributed significantly to the development

of the field of Medicine and the country as awhole. One of them is Dr. Isagani Leal.

An alumnus of MCU-FDTMF College ofMedicine, Dr. Leal has influenced a lot of aspir-ing doctors and colleagues and has contributed inpromoting the advancement of the medical pro-fession being the only physician who specializesin the field of Musculoskeletal Medicine in thecountry. He is regarded as a pioneer in the saiddiscipline.

Dr. Leal is the director of the Center forMusculoskeletal Science – Asia (CMS–Asia) lo-cated at West Avenue, Quezon City. CMS–Asiacaters patients suffering from musculoskeletalproblems such as arthritis, back pain and sportsinjuries. Clinical procedures for various treat-ments utilize minimally invasive medical man-agement thereby reducing risks of undergoing sur-gery through the use of state-of-the-art equip-ment such as Fluoroscopic X-ray and Knee Ul-trasound. Being the only facility offering this kindof intervention, CMS–Asia is flocked by thecountry’s prominent athletes and personalitiesin need of this kind of medical attention.

His success did not just fall on his hands.He has traveled a long, rough road before he gotto where he is right now. Dr. Leal came from ahumble family in the province of Cotobato Citywhere he finished his elementary and High School.He spent some three years of college inside aseminary.

His grades in natural science were higher thanthose in Psychology that is why he decided totake his chances outside the seminary. He wentto Manila and continued his education at Far East-ern University. After graduating in B.S. Psychol-ogy, he took the National Medical AchievementTest (NMAT) and the result became the basis onwhether he would pursue his studies in medicineor go back to the seminary where he will eventu-ally become a priest.

“Nag-take ako ng NMAT. Top score 99,”Dr. Leal said. “Para talagang may humihila akinna ‘dito ang vocation mo.’ Kaya lang angproblema ay yung sa financial side.”

Born to a jeepney driver and to a publicelementary teacher, his dream to enter medicalschool seemed impossible due to cost. As manywould say, everything is possible especially to awilling heart. His father financed his tuition feeas he worked as a service crew in a Tropical Hutoutlet in Caloocan for his allowance. It was onlyafter a year that he was able to pursue his postgraduate study.

“Naghanap ako ng school na hindi ganoonkatas ang tution fee,” he said. “Which is sa MCUnga.”

One shining diamondA student by day and service crew

by night, this seemed to be common forworking students in college but not in apost graduate course more so in Medicalschool. He also worked as a room boy ina hotel in Manila.

“In-offer-an ako nung kasama kosa trabaho, bakit hindi ko daw isabay samisis nya yung konting ipon ko kasimayroon syang puwesto ng tsinelas samay Baclaran kaysa naman daw natutuloglang yung pera ko,” he remembers.

He accepted the offer but when theday of enrollment came the wife of hisworkmate came to him crying and saidshe was robbed. After an investigation, itturned out that the wife spent the moneysomewhere else.

“Tinanong nung pulis kung gusto kodaw bang ipakulong pero sabi ko huwagna. Kung ikukulong lang siya ay lalonghindi makakabayad yung tao. Doon sasweldo na lang ng mister niya ko kukuninyung pambabayad sa akin,” he said.

The duty rotation was already start-ing but his problem was still unsolved.He talked to the college’s registrar and wassent to the dean’s office. There he told Dr.Jesus E. Fojas, Assistant Dean of the col-lege at that time on what had happened tohis tuition money and everything that hashappened for him to pursue medicalschool.

Dr. Fojas allowed him to enroll andhe started his clerkship. His tuition feewas also sponsored by the MCU-FDTMF Alumni Association ScholarshipFoundation Inc. of Greater St. Louis through thehelp of Dr. Fojas and Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito.

Being in medical school is tough but for Dr.Leal it was tougher. But there was no problem heencountered that he did not find a solution. Helived a simple life to save money. He went throughall kinds of hardships to attain his dream of be-coming a doctor.

When graduation day came, he was surprisedby the news that his father was chosen amongthe other parents to be the speaker during theceremony. It was the first time in years that alow-key person was given the privilege to delivera speech during the College of Medicine’s com-mencement exercises.

Mr. Leal came up the stage, dressed in simplebarong and jeans. Tears fell from the audience’seyes as he recounted his son’s story of hard workand struggles to finish medical school. His fatherthanked all the people who helped him to facechallenges for him to be able to pursue and finishhis course. And because of all the struggles, heremained sturdy and eventually became a proud

product of MCU College of Medicine Class of1994.

Dr. Leal took up his internship at the Chi-nese General Hospital in Blumentritt, Manila andtook Chinese language proficiency sessions tomeet with a requirement. He has no other choiceas this hospital is the only institution who offersfree board and lodging with allowance everymonth. He finished his internship duties in just11 months because he always volunteered to fill-in his co-interns’ slot on occasions where theycannot attend to duty schedules.

Before the board exam, he and his friendsgathered for a prayer and asked guidance fromGod. At that moment, everything he has beenthrough flashed back in his mind.

“Lord, ilang years kami naghirap, ako,kami ng parents ko. Siguro at least ibigay mo napo yung mga pinaghirapan namin. Lord, sigurotama na po ito,” he prayed.

All his sacrifices paid-off when the result of

Dr. Leal demonstrates one of his equipment.

continued p. 4

One shining diamond......................... continued from p.3


the board exam came. He may not have thehighest remark but passing the exam is morethan rewarding. God really knows the peoplewho are worthy of his blessings and Dr. Leal isdefinitely one of them.

Dr. Leal worked in the Department ofHealth for 9 years. “Doctors to the Barrios”was his first assignment. He became the coor-dinator of the Community-Based Rehabilita-tion Program where he designed books andmanuals for the Barangay Health Workers onhow to use alternative rehab programs usingtwigs and bamboo sticks for acupuncture andacupressure without the need of hi-tech appa-ratus.

Because of his exceptional achievements,the DOH sent him to Israel at the Tel AvivUniversity – International Post-Graduate Train-ing Program in Sheba Medical Center to spe-cialize in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Medi-cine. It was supposed to be a specialization ina community-based setting but because every-thing was already accessible in Israel, he optedto learn Modern Rehabilitation instead. Hespent four years abroad and went back home tothe Philippines with the modern techniques helearned in Israel. Ultrasound (UTZ) of the knee,UTZ of the joint, and Platelet Riched PlasmaTherapy (PRP) are some of the interventionshe learned during his four-year specializationin Israel.

To some, he is considered to be the coun-terpart of celebrity Drs. Belo and Calayan in

the field of sports medicine. He is the physicianconsultant of the Talk ‘n Text basketball team inthe PBA, the national soccer team PhilippineAskalz, and other prominent Filipino athletes.

Dr. Leal once treated Filipino athletes freeof charge as he believes this is his way of givingback his blessings and helping the country as well.He instituted the CMS-Asia Foundation so hecould provide medical assistance to more Fili-pino athletes in the future. The funds generatedfrom the foundation will be used for upgradingmodern equipment to train national Athletes. Partof his long term plan is to help Filipino athletes.He sponsored a TESDA scholarship to severalFilipino boxers so they can be provided alterna-tive livelihood after their boxing career.

With all these, Dr. Isagani Leal remained ahumble and sincere person. Philosopher, Physi-cian, Registered Nurse, Master in Public Health– with all these titles, he managed to remaingrounded always thankful to all the people whobecame instrumental for him to reach his dreams.He made special mention to Dr. Fojas and Dr.Quito, who contributed a lot to make him qualifyhim for the scholarship grant, and to Dr. ElviraAbreu who he fondly remembers as scolding himto drive him harder in class.

“Gusto ko maalala ako ng mga pasyente kona ako yung nag-liberate sa kanilang matagal napagkakakulong sa sakit. At sana magkaroon ngseeds at magbunga yung mga nasimulan ko. Sanadumami yung mga tao in the future na hindi langpuro pera yung tinitignan,” Dr. Leal said.

A simple rock has to undergo a long pro-cess and experience lot of pressure from theground before it turns into a bright and shinningdiamond. Dr. Leal is indeed one shinning dia-mond. He is molded by his life experiences.

Dr. Leal (1st row, right) with MedicalSchool classmates.

Dr. Mary Ann Yasay-Luiswas chosen as one of the Top 12Ilocanos for the year 2012. Thiswas published at the IlocosTimes in its December 31, 2012issue.

A proud alumna of MCUCollege of Medicine Batch 1992,Dr. Luis was chosen because ofher sterling professional recordin the service of her fellowIlocanos including the indigentsand for shunning temptations ofgreener pasture abroad.

Prior to this, Dr. Mary AnnYasay–Luis, a successful Oph-thalmologist, was recognized asone of The Outstanding FilipinoPhysicians (TOFP) for 2012, a search organizedby the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Sen-ate Philippines. The recognition ceremony washeld at the Manila Hotel last December 5, 2012.TOFP honors exemplary medical professionalswith their theme “Serving and caring for our

Alumna honored as a top Ilocano

countrymen are the best works of life”.Dr. Luis took her 3-year residency training

in Ophthalmology at the MCU Hospital. Sheexpressed her gratitude towards her professorsduring her medical school days in an e-mail mes-sage sent to Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito.

“Thanks to you my men-tors for helping me to attainwhat I am now,” Dr. Yasay-Luis said. “I am proud to bean MCU graduate, thanks forthe support and take care al-ways”.

The others in Top 12Ilocano list of the Ilocos Timeswere The Samiweng Sing-ers with conductors RobertCaluya and SherberkCabrales, Gov. Imee Marcos,Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, Sec.Arsenio Balisacan, SanNicolas Mayor AlfredoValdez Jr., Batac City MayorJeffrey Jubal Nalupta and

Vice Mayor Ronald Allan Nalupta, PablitoTabucol, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., MaryAnn Cua Macaraeg, Ianree Raquel and JuneArvin Gudoy, and The Mariano Marcos StateUniversity Cultural Group with directorArsenio Gallego, chief Ma. Victoria Domingo.

Dr. Luis (2nd Right) with her family.


Over 50 representatives fromthe Indonesian Embassy and Indo-nesian Educational Administrationvisited MCU to promote mutualcooperation in higher education,training, and research on the basis ofreciprocity last April 04, 2013.

They were gathered at theFDT-LRC Vertical Auditorium for ashort program spearheaded by DeanLina Salarda, Dean College of Nurs-ing, Mr. Melvin Miranda, AssistantDean, and Mrs. Elena Diansen, Prin-cipal School of Midwifery.

Indonesians visit MCU

Dr. Gerard Perlas, head of the Digestive and Endoscopy Center won3rd place in the World Kidney Day celebration photo contest lastMarch 14, 2013.

With this year’s theme “Kidneys for life. Stop Kidney Attack!” Dr.Perlas’ winning photo was entitled “Feeling of Uncertainty”depicting a patient’s state of unease during dialysis. The saidpatient in the photo, Mrs. Crenz Heron, will receive the prize moneyDr. Perlas won in the competition as the doctor’s gift to her.

Dr. Perlas is an active member of the MCU Hospital PhotographyClub.

Dr. Artistotle T.Malabanan, president,welcomed the guests, “Itis with sincerity that wewelcome you to MCUwith the hope of sharingthis excitement and paththat we will take. The in-tention of today’s pro-gram is informative thanus making an impres-sion.”

The visit was a fol-low-up of the initial tour

made by Dr. Ir. ParistyaniNurwardani, MP, Education Attachéof the Indonesian Embassy to thePhilippines. A new Midwifery pro-gram regulation by the IndonesianEducational Administration led uni-versities in Indonesia to the Philip-pines to seek universities that offerBachelor’s Degree in Midwifery andMaster of Arts in Nursing program.Dr. Paristyani expressed her desireof bilateral university to universitycollaboration between educationalinstitutions from Indonesia withMCU.

“We would like to collaboratewith your institution. We would liketo learn from your side because yourcountry has many midwives andnurses in the world,” Dr. Paristyanisaid.

The Indonesian delegateswere given a tour of MCU facili-ties and treated with a specialprogram.


This year marks my 11th yearof being the Head of the ResearchDevelopment Office (RDO). WhenI assumed the office from Dr. RaquelSo-Sayo, in June 1, 2002, there were345 research papers in the data bankof the RDO. As of this writing, thereare almost 700 researches compiledin the office. Half of my life in theRDO was also spent in collaborat-ing with different research organiza-tions like the Metro Manila HealthResearch and Development Consor-tium (MMRHDC), the PhilippineNational Health Research System(PNHRS), the Philippine Councilfor Health Research and Develop-ment (PCHRD) and the like. It isalso during this decade when I as-sumed two equally important posi-tions in research outside MCU-FDTMF: Chair of the Philippine Pediatric Soci-ety Committee on Research and Councilor forthe Philippines for the Asian Society for Pediat-ric Research, both of which I am still holding atthe present time.

The 6th PNHRS week was recently held withthe theme: “Sustaining Research Partnershipfor Better Health”. Among the topics discussedincluded ethics and a functioning human protec-tion system, culture of publishing and researchutilizations. In Ethics, one of the hindering forcesidentified was that a lot of research institutionsdo not have yet a formal Ethics Review Commit-tee. Our institution is fortunate to have one - theInstitutional Review Board (IRB), headed by Dr.Ma. Lilybeth R. Tanchoco. To date, there arealready more than 80 research protocols whichunderwent ethical review by the IRB. One of theaims of the IRB under her chairmanship is to beaccredited by the Philippine Health ResearchEthics Board (PHREB) and the Forum for Ethi-cal Review Committees in the Asian and WesternPacific Region (FERCAP). Although our IRB isalready registered by the PHREB as a function-ing research ethics board, the ultimate aim is for itto be accredited.

Since 2009, our institution has been chosenby pharmaceutical companies to be one of thesites for the conduct of different clinical trials,with the Research Development Office (RDO)directly overseeing its conduct. Because of thepotentials seen in our institution as a clinical trialsite, the number of clinical trials being conductedis increasing, specifically those handled by Dr.Lalaine Mortera of the Department of Medicine,thus also increasing the number of patients ben-efiting from these trials. With the influx of thesepatients, there is a need for a clinical trial sitewhich will house the increasing number of pa-

Milestones in the Research Development Officeby Dr. Felizardo N. Gatcheco, , MSc. Clin. Epi. Head, RDO

tients as well as of the different trials. This is thereason why the RDO and the IRB requested fora concrete clinical trial site in our institution as itmay be used also for future accreditation of ourinstitution as a clinical trial site which is nowlocated at the 2nd Floor of the FDT Building in-side the Research Development Office (RDO).

Publishing and research utilization were alsothe other aspects given priority during thePNHRS celebration. In our institution, the visionof the Philippine Scientific Journal (the officialpublication of MCU-FDTMF) Editorial Boardunder the tutelage of Dr. Natividad A. Almazan isto be a member of the Western Pacific RegionIndex Medicus (WPRIM). The objective is forthe PSJ to be indexed at the Global Index Medicuswhere searches can be conducted at the GlobalHealth Library. Last December 2012, the boardsent our application to the Commission on HigherEducation (CHED) for possible accreditation ofour journal. Currently, all articles for publicationto the PSJ undergo internal and external peer re-viewing. In her editorial article in the PSJ (Janu-ary – June 2011 issue), Dr. Almazan mentionedthat the PSJ joined the Philippine Journals Online(PhilJOL) in 2010. This is a database of journalspublished in the Philippines covering the full rangeof academic disciplines. Its objective is to pro-vide greater visibility to the participating jour-nals and to the researches they print. In April2011, the PSJ joined the Philippine E-Journals(PEJ) for a 2-month trial period. PEJ is an aggre-gation of Philippine academic journals in a single,web-based platform. Again the purpose is to im-prove the online visibility and readership of thePhilippine’s academic journals in the worldwideresearch community. Dr. Almazan also mentionedthat it is definitely the aim of the Editorial Boardto continuously improve the quality of articles

published and to widen the readership of the jour-nal, locally and internationally. As proof of ourjournal’s online visibility, there are already re-quests received from other countries regardingthe possible publication of their articles to ourjournal.

At present, we are working on a collabora-tive research with the MMHRDC on nutritionresearch. As member institution of the consor-tium and of the Committee on Research Manage-ment, the functions include: identifying researchprograms and projects which are in accordancewith the National Unified Health Research Agenda(NUHRA) as well as research institutions whichcan implement the same; provide technical assis-tance in the development and actual implementa-tion of health research projects; review and moni-tor implementation of approved health R&Dprojects in MMHRDC; and participate in thetechnical review/evaluation of proposals by theUPM-NIH Technical review Committee, particu-larly on proposed projects of MMHRDC.

Nowadays, research has become a cultureof compliance in our institution. Researchers justsubmit a research protocol for evaluation and aresearch paper for completion of their require-ments. But this should not be the essence ofresearch making. As research is crucial to plan-ning, operations and evaluations, we need to pro-duce research outputs that can be used to maxi-mize knowledge and potential health benefits.As much as possible, all of the topics should bealigned with the Universal Health Care and theresearches completed need to be published. Itwould be more beneficial if there will be a directtranslation of the researches in the next threeyears and outputs to become useful for the en-hancement of the health status and needs of theFilipinos.


MCU 108th Foundation AnniversaryOpening CeremoniesCentennial GymDecember 3, 2013

Isang siglo at walong taon, hindi matatawaranang pambihirang pag-iral ng Manila Central Uni-versity. Anong mga salik kaya ang nagbunsod saganitong tagumpay? Ito kaya ay dahil sa angkopna mga kurso at programa? Sa mga taong maymalasakit at kasamang nagsisikap ng mgapinuno? Sa makabuluhan at maagap na kakayananupang bumagay sa hamon ng panahon? Sa mgapinuno ngayon at noon na naglaan ng malakingbahagdan kundi man ng kanilang buong buhaypara itaguyod and ating unibersidad? Sa akingpaniwala, lahat ng sangkap na ito ay nakatulongkung ano at nasaan ang MCU ngayon. Sakaramihan ng mga kadahilanan na maaari natingmaisip, isang ganap na katiyakan ay ang mgakaugaliang Pilipino na likas sa ating mgatagapagtatag na sina Atty. Filemon DionisioTanchoco at Gng. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco.

Si Atty. Tanchoco, ay maagang naulila saama, dahilan upang sa murang edad ay mamulatsa hanap-buhay, naging kaagapay ng kanyang inaat masipag na nakapagpatuloy sa pag-aaral. Sataglay niyang sipag at tiyaga, sinikap niyangmakapagtapos ng Parmasiya at sa patuloy niyangpagsisikhay, siya ay naging ganap na abugado.Sinasabing siya ay hindi gaanong masalita, ngunitkapag siya ay nag-umpisang magpahayag, ito aypuno ng karunungan at kaalaman. Ito marahil ayisa sa mga dahilan kung bakit mismo ang kaniyangmga biyenan ay tinawag siyang Mang Filemon,tanda ng lubos na paghanga at paggalang sa kanya.Gayundin, ang kanyang pamilya ay kinilala sa

Pagpaparangal sa mga Tagapagtatagni Dr. Christine S. Rodriguez

tawag na “Lahi ng Marunong”.Si Gng. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco

naman, ay dating estudyante ni Atty. Filemon saParmasiya. Sa kabila ng katotohanan na siya aygaling sa pamilya na nakakaalwa sa buhay, siyaay mapag-alaga sa asawa at mga anak at likas nakonserbatibo. Inihandog niya ang buong suportasa kanyang asawa, sinasabing siya ay may likasna talas ng isip at galing sa pagnenegosyo atpangagasiwa, siya ang nagsulong sa pagbubukasng Kolehiyo ng Medisina sa MCU. Sinikap nilangmagkabiyak na palaganapin ang sinimulang gawainsa larangan ng edukasyon, habang sila ay bumubuong kanilang sariling pamilya.

Biniyayaan sila ng apat na supling, sinaFilemon Jr., Lualhati, Renato at Luningning.Pinalaki nila ang mga supling na may paggalang atrespeto hindi lamang sa miyembro ng kanilangpamilya kundi sa lahat ng taong kanilangnakasalamuha, mula sa iba’t ibang panlipunangkatayuan. Sa murang pag-iisip ng mga anak,naitanim, naipamuhay at patuloy na iminumulatsa mga sumunod na henerasyon na kailangangikonsidera ang iba sa pagbuo ng desisyon, huwagmaliitin ang katayuan at kakayanan ng mga tao atlaging maging maunawain.

Ang laging pangaral ni Atty. FilemonTanchocosa kanyangmga anakay angkasabihang,“Habangmaikli angk u m o t ,matutongmamaluktot.”

Ito ang naging prinsipyo kung bakit nanatilingsimple at masinop ang mga anak nila hindi lamangsa personal nilang buhay kundi maging sapamamalakad ng unibersidad.

Ang pakikinig ng may pang-unawa, ay isadin sa mga pamantayan na hanggang ngayon aypinagkakaugalian ng mga sumunod na henerasyon.Tamang antas ng komunikasyon at tapat namithiing maging parte ng solusyon at hindi ngproblema, ito sa aking palagay ay matibay natestamento ng pagiging mapanuri.

Si Gng. Purificacion, matyagang binalanseang kanyang mga gawain sa unibersidad at tahanan.Napagtagumpayan ang hamon na ipagpatuloy angresponsibilidad sa pangangasiwa ng MCU, nangpumanaw si Atty. Filemon. Mapagmahal na inaat lola, ngunit laging may kaakibat na disiplina.

Walang duda, magaling makisama ang mag-asawa. Hindi namimili ng taong makakasalamuhaat laging may laang oras upang makipag-usap atmakinig sa mga tao. Nakaugalian ng mag-asawana magkaloob ng scholarship sa mga kasambahayna nagnanais na mag-aral. Bunsod ito ngpaniniwala na ang edukasyon ang paraan upangmakaalpas sa kahirapan. Hanggang sa mgapanahong ito, ang pamanang scholarship ng mag-asawa ay patuloy na tinatanggap ng mgakarapatdapat na mag-aaral.

Sa aspeto ng pagiging maparaan at malikhain,hindi din maikakaila na kung hindi marahil sa mgaestratehiya na isinulong nilang mag-asawa nanagbigay ng matibay na pundasyon sa MCU,malamang ay wala tayo sa mga oras na ito saMCU Centennial Gym. Naniniwala ako na angmagaganda nilang halimbawa sa pagsulong atpangangasiwa ng unibersidad ay nag-ukit ngmalalim na huwaran sa kanilang mga anak at apoupang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang wagas napananaw. Lubos na binibigyang halaga ang tamangpakikisama, at nararapat na kilalanin angkontribusyon ng mga tao tungo sa mas maayosna sistema. Walang iisang tao na nagmamay-aring lahat ng matalinong ideya o lahat ng uri ngpagkamalikhain. Ang tunay na malikhain ay angtao na may kapasidad na tulungan ang iba lalo naang mga ordinaryong empleyado at estudyantena ilabas o ipakita ang angkin nilang sarilingpagkamalikhain. Dapat maging instrumento atinspirasyon ang bawat isa upang maging maparaanat malikhain sa kanilang sariling kakayahan.

Ang pamilya Tanchoco ay hindi pinalaki salayaw at hindi hinahayaang gumasta ng labis-labis,bibihira ang mga pagkakataon na si GngPurificacion Tanchoco, bilang lola, na ibigay angbawat hiling ng mga apo. Maraming tangka atpagsisikap ang ginawa ng mga apong lalaki,kabilang ang ating president ng ating unibersidad,Dr. Aristotle Tanchoco Malabanan, na magpabili

continued p. 8


ng kotseng de baterya na noongaraw ay usong-uso. Sa kabila ngkanilang pagkakapit-bisig lumabassilang luhaan at bigo sapagkumbinsi na ibili sila ngpangarap na kotseng de baterya.

Maraming taon ang nagdaan,nahilig si Dr. Malabanan sa ten-nis. Nung panahon na yun, walapa siyang sariling raketa, atnakakapag-tennis lamang kapagdumating na ang pinsan namaraming raketa. Pinagplanuhannyang humiling kay Gng.Tanchoco. Mainam na enensayoang mga linyang sasabihin sa lolahanggang sa sumapit na angdapit-hapon saka pa lamangnagka-lakas ng loob para ihain anghiling. Sa madaling sabi,inumpisahan ni Dr. Malabananang pagsasabi na siya ay maybagong kinahihiligang sport natennis, pero wala siyang sarilingraketa, at gusto sana niyang bumiling sarili niyang magagamit.Tinanong siya ni Gng. Tanchocokung magkano ang kailangan paramabili ang raketa, sinabi niya na300 pesos. Laking gulat ni Dr.Malabanan nung sinabi sa kanyani Gng. Tanchoco na bumalik siyabukas at ibibigay ang pambili.Bakit kinabukasan pa? Angkasagutan ay “dahil madilim na,”

at may pamahiin siya na hindinaglalabas ng pera kapag kagat naang dilim.

Nakakatuwang eksena kungmaituturing sa pagitan ng mag-lola.Sa tagpong ito, ang maparaan ba aysi Dr. Malabanan, dahil nakamit nyaang matamis na oo at nabili angminimithing raketa? O ang maparaanay si Gng. Tanchoco, na naituro saapo na nararapat matutong ihayagang pangangailangan sa tamang tao,sa tamang lugar, sa tamang oras atmaging matyaga sa paghihintay ngkasagutan sa kahilingan? Kung atingtatanungin si Dr. Malabanan, maynaituro bang aral ang karanasang ito?Ang sagot ay “Opo,” natuto siya ngparaan upang isaad at ilahad ang mgaisyu tungkol sa unibersidad sa mganakatataas, at naging pangunahingkonsiderasyon na niyang ipaliwanago ilahad o ipagtanggol ang isangsitwasyon, desisyon o proyekto lalona kung ang epekto ng desisyon aynakakasakop sa nakararami.

Naging estudyante niAtty.Tanchoco ang kanyang tatlonganak sa Parmasya, sina G. Renato,Dr. Lualhati at Gng. Luningning.Tulad ng ibang mag-aaral, sila ayhindi lumiligtas sa pagtawag ni Atty.Tanchoco sa recitation. Isang besesay tinawag ang isa sa mga anak, nahindi tumindig at sumagot dahil sa

siya ay nahihiya, at dahil angabogado ay patas sa lahat ngkanyang mag-aaral, kanyangtahasang sinabi sa klase na angestudyante na di sumagot aytatanggap ng zero. Ganun angkanyang disiplina, walang espesyalna pagturing sa kanyang mga anakbilang estudyante.

Lihim na ginagawa ni Atty.Tanchoco ang mga pagsusulit, atisinasara ang aklat kapagnaramdamang may taong padatingsa gitna ng kanyang pagsusulat ngpagsusulit. Wala kahit isangmakakakita ng mga tanong sapagkatang papel ay maingat na itinutupi atinilalagay sa bulsa ng kamisa tsino.Integridad at disiplina angipinamuhay niya at ipinamana samga anak na nagpatuloy nanagpamana sa mga sumunod nahenerasyon.

Ipinamulat niya na kahitmaituturing na may kaya sabuhay ang kanilang pamilya,kailangang pagsumikapan angposisyon at responsibildad bilangmga kasunod na administrador.Ang mga karanasang katulad nitoay buhay na patotoo na inililipatmula sa isang henerasyonhanggang sa mga susunod. Mgapaalala na pinananati l ingmabisang sanggunian at salikan sa

oras na kailangan gumawa ngdesisyon at kung paanoipagpapatuloy ang misyon ngnga tagapagtatag.

Isang hamon na maituturing napanatilihing buo ang kaugalian nanakita sa mga tagapagtatag. Ito aybunsod ng lumalaking pamilya,impluwensya ng kapaligiran atsariling paniniwala ng mga bagonghenerasyon. Isa pang hamon nainilahad ay pagpapatunay nakarapatdapat ang bawat isa namaglingkod sa MCU at ipagpatuloyat higit pang pag-igihin angnasimulan ng mga ninuno.

“Walang hindi kaya!”Gamitin natin ang likas natingangking mga katangian, katulad ngpagiging mapanuri, masipag atmatiyaga, magaling makisama,maparaan at malikhain.

Gawin nating inspirasyon angbuhay ng ating founders na sinaAtty Filemon Tanchoco, Sr. atGng. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco. Hindi man tayodesyendente sa dugo ng mga taongnabanggit, tayo naman aymaituturing din na desendyente nilasa edukasyon para sa mga Pilipinona ipinaglaban nila sa simula’tsapul. Huwag nating sayangin angkarapatan na tinatamasa natinngayon.

Pagpaparangal sa ......................... continued from p.7

The MCU-FDTMF Departmentof Biochemistry headedby its chairperson Dr.Ma. Lita LindaBritanico held its an-nual update dubbed as“Biochemistry: Basicsand Beyond” lastMarch 9, 2013 at theRoom 201 of theAnatomy Building.

The speakers forthis year ’s updatewere Dr. AmadoTandoc III who dis-cussed the topic“Breaking into the Molecular Ge-netics Lingo applications in the Di-agnosis of Common Infectious Dis-eases, and Dr. Anthony C.

Biochemistry update: Basics and Beyond

Leachon, a known cardiologist andcatalyst for social change who dis-cussed “Calorie Counting: YourGuide to Calorie-watching while

Maintaining a Nutritionally-bal-anced Diet.”

During the discussion, the 10worst foods declared by the World

Health Organization(WHO) were men-tioned. Among theseare French fries, icecream, cakes, dough-nuts, burger, junkfoods, instantnoodles, processedfood, iced tea and softdrinks.

Tobacco smok-ing, unhealthy diet, andlack of exercise are riskfactors that may leadto obesity, diabetes,hypertension, andheart failure.

An open forum was handled bythe host Dr. Arthur Dessi Roman.Some students shared their own ideason having a healthy lifestyle.


It was an evening on 10th dayof November, when the medicinestudents of MCU-FDT MedicalFoundation gathered at the MCUCentennial Gym to wrap up theMedicine week celebration with anight of lights and sounds.

Medicine Student Council, itsorganizer, envisions the event to bean avenue for the students to be ac-quainted with their future colleaguesand take a rest from the stressbrought about by studying.

Dr. Elvira Abreu, College Dean,formally opened the event. Dr.Lutgarda Quito, Executive VicePresident, gave her inspirationalwords and encouraged the studentsto study harder and be wellequipped to become tomorrow’sfive-star physicians. Also presentwas Dr. Julieta Dizon, College Sec-retary and Dr. Rosalie Ramirez,MSC Adviser.

A party will not be complete

Party Medisina 2012 concludes Medicine Weekby Glenn Nathaniel Valloso, Medicine Student Council

without afeast. Every-one chattedand laughedover the din-ner table. Itwas indeed apleasure forthe fivesenses. Alsopart of theprogram wasthe show-case of tal-ents of them e d i c i n estudents inwhich everyclass fromthe 1st to 3rd

year levelsprepared a presentation. Everygroup garnered applause and cheersfrom the audience and praises fromthe judges. At the end, the Class of

2014, or the 3rd year class, tookhome the prize. Group games andraffle prizes were also enjoyed bythe attendees. The winners of the

A testimonial luncheon tohonor the MCU-FDTMF retireesfor the year 2012 was held last De-cember 5, 2012 at the Ralph HunterHall. The honorees are the follow-ing:

Dr. Nenita Collantes, Chair-person of the Department of Medi-cine and Head of the CurriculumCommittee

Dr. Evangeline Fabian, Foun-dation Physician

Dr. Lyra Ruth Chua, Chair ofthe Department of Ob-Gyn

Dr. Alejandro San Pedro, Fac-ulty of the Department of Ob-Gyn

Dr. Pedro Lagamayo, Chief ofthe Radiology Department

Mrs. Natividad Caballero,Head Medical Librarian

Mrs. Rebecca Honrobia,Housekeeper

Mrs. Shirley Marquiller, HeadNurse

Mrs. Juanita Rocabo, OPDCashier

The retirees all had numerousgood years service with the longest

at 33 years. The occasion washosted by Dr. Regta Pichay, Chiefof Professional Services. The Col-lege Secretary, Dr. Julieta Dizon ledthe group with a meaningful prayer.The welcome remarks was given byEVP, Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito whoshared a poem that she took notefrom a lecture she attended. Thiswas given as a souvenir card to theretirees.

President Dr. Aristotle T.Malabanan in his message said thathe has attended several testimonials

No material thingbut cannot seem to understand whypeople are sad when retirementcomes. He said retirement is notsomething to be sad about and ex-pressed gratitude for all the supportand contributions that the retireeshad given to the institution.

The retirees’ former heads in-troduced them before they gave theirrespective messages. Everyoneshared of memorable experienceswhile at work and words of appre-ciation.

“No material thing can evermatch the service you have ren-dered,” Mr. Ramon Malabanan, Ad-ministrative Manager said in his clos-ing remarks. “Your work is highlyappreciated.”

Mrs. Luningning Estanislao, Dr.Quito and Dr. Elvira Abreu awardedthe retirees with plaques of appre-ciation for their invaluable contribu-tions to the institution. Among theofficials who graced the occasionswere Drs. Lita Britanico, EsmarlizaTacud-Luzon, Emerita Perez, RuthSaguil-Sy, Mary Ann Leh, and unitheads. There were also some rela-tives of the retirees.

Sports Festival 2012 and the musecompetition were also recognizedand awarded with their medals andtrophies.


Batch ‘62 Golden Jubilarians

Mrs. Luningning T. Estanislao

The festivities culmi-nated on December 15Post Graduate Courseand Fellowship Night atthe Crowne Plaza Hotelin Quezon City.

The MCU Medi-cal Alumni Association(MCUMAA) was or-ganized in 1962; some15 years after the Col-lege of Medicine andHospital were estab-lished. The first andcharter president wasDr. Manuel S. Dijamcowho belongs to batch1952. Through theyears, 15 presidentscarried the torch of ex-cellence and service ofthe association. Lastyear’s celebration coin-cided with the 65th foun-dation anniversary ofthe MCU-FDT Medi-cal Foundation.

Under the leadership ofMCUMAA president Dr. HenryG. Falcotelo, the association ac-complished several activities in2012.

MCUMAA @ 50 It started in February when

the successful board passers of theFebruary 2012 Physician LicensureExam were given a token of recogni-tion during a Testimonial Luncheonlast February 2012.

In July, Dr. Lucita Pascual-Aguila was awarded as the MostOutstanding Alumna for 2012 dur-ing the 65th MCU-FDTMF Foun-dation Celebration. That month,Class ’87 held Balik-Eskwela withtheme “Memoriam FaciensMirabilia” (Making WonderfulMemories).

The successful board passersin the Physician Licensure Exam lastAugust 2012 were given a token ofrecognition during their TestimonialLuncheon on the same month.

A layman’s forum entitled“Healthy si Mommy, Healthy siBaby” was held at the TanchocoAuditorium during the celebrationof Medicine Week last September.This was conducted in cooperationwith the Caloocan City MedicalSociety.

The Silver Jubilarians Class of1987 held a special block screeningof the “The Twilight Saga: BreakingDawn - Part 2” last November at

the Trinoma Cinemas in QuezonCity.

Balik Eskwela Class ’62 and’87 was held at the Ralph HunterHall last December 14. On Decem-ber 15, the Golden Jubilarians ledby Dr. Primitivo D. Chua and Dr.Lucita Pascual-Aguilar offered a flo-ral wreath at the Rizal Monumentin Luneta Park.

The 50th Alumni Homecomingand Post Graduate Course and the46th Atty. Filemon D. TanchocoMemorial Lecture were held lastDecember 16 at the Crowne PlazaHotel in Ortigas. The programstarted with a Holy Mass sponsoredby the Golden Jubilarians andcelebrated by Rev. Teodoro C.Bacani. Jr.

Atty. Alexander L. Lacson,guest speaker for the 46th AttyFilemon D. Tanchoco Memorial lec-ture, shared his latest book entitled“12 Little Things Every Filipino CanDo To Help Our Country”.

The theme for 50th Post Gradu-ate Course is “Mens Sana In Cor-pore Sano” or a Sound Mind in aHealthy Body. Several importantand timely topics were discussed byexperts in their respective fields.

It was a celebration for theMCU medical alumni last 2012 fortheir Golden Anniversary withBatch 1962 as the Golden Jubilariansand Batch 1987 as Silver Jubilarians.


Batch ‘87 Silver Jubilarians

Dr. Lucita P. Aguilar, MostOutstanding Alumni for 2012

The Golden Jubilarians atthe Rizal Monument


108th Foundation Celebration


December2012


A unit was established in theUniversity to process and pursuethe administrative, communicationand recruitment requirements of vari-ous Colleges, departments and theinstitution.

Account Services Group(ASG) seeks to establish and main-tain an operating system to fulfilladministrative requirements, estab-lish and maintain an effective sys-tem by which external opportuni-ties are addressed and maximized,and maximize the potentials of em-ployees.

“We provide solutions,” thegroup said. “We are guided by thismotto.”

The ASG staff has taken itupon themselves to be of help tothe University in terms of adminis-trative support, information andcommunication, and recruitment.

ASG started operations on

Account Services Group set-up

December 17, 2012. Their office atthe Ground Floor of the Adminis-tration Building was blessed last

January 16, 2013 by Fr. AlbertoCaballero. A spiritual devotion fa-cilitated by Dr. Renato G. Tanchoco,

Jr. was also conducted and modestmeal for guests was shared and en-joyed during the occasion.

Jerard DominicJacinto, a Grade 5MCU studentbagged 5 gold med-als during theP a l a r o n gPansangay 2012swimming competi-tions at thePhilsports Swim-ming Complex inPasig City last De-cember 11and 12,2012.

Jerard receivedthe most number ofmedals after finish-ing first in the 100meter back stroke,50 meter backstroke, 400 meterback stroke, 400meter free style, 50meter butterfly, 50meter free style. He also bested his personal records from previouscompetitions.

Palarong Pansangay is an Annual Division Athletic meet amongschools in Caloocan City. The sporting event aims to select the bestathletes to represent the city to 2013 National Capital Region PalarongPambansa.

Grade School studentis swimming champ

HGS teachers in a return demonstration.

The Health Services Depart-ment and the Philippine NationalRed Cross (PNRC) Safety Serviceconducted a seminar on Basic FirstAid Training to the High and GradeSchool faculty members at the PGT-AVR last February 15 . The seminaraims to teach and train HGS teach-ers on how to attend and assist vic-tims in first aid treatment in the eventof any untoward incident and acci-dent in their respective areas.

Among the topics and demon-

HGS faculty attendfirst aid training

strated by PNRC volunteers werebandaging techniques, first aid andproper emergency transfer. A re-turn-demonstration was performedby the teachers to measure their un-derstanding on the techniques.

Over 40 HGS faculty membersattended the event.

After the seminar Dr. CathrinaD. Aspra, Head of the Health Ser-vices Department and Ms. RenelizaC. Sta. Ana, HGS Principal handedover certificates of participation.


“I am not as good as some students butthrough my perseverance, determination and dedi-cation to my studies I was able to achieve one ofmy greatest dreams that is to become a full scholarof MCU,” Katrina P. Cunanan, a 2nd year Medi-cal Technology student said in her response dur-ing the Scholars’ Recognition last February 15held at the Tanchoco Hall.

Katrina was among several scholars givenrecognition during the simple gathering. MCUhas seven full scholars, 143 partial scholars andtwo Grant-In-Aid (P.D. 451) full scholars.

“This opportunity to be a scholar made merealize that it takes more than just intelligence,”Katrina said. “As a scholar, it takes discipline,hard work and responsibility to accomplish it. Itrequires personal sacrifice and a strong determi-nation to be focused on your goal of being ascholar.”

“There are times that I miss the fun andpleasures in life but I don’t mind because I’m setfor my study goals. However being a scholar hasadvantages. Fellow students look up to you as a

It takes more than just intelligencerole model thereby giving you a chance to helpothers who have difficulty in their studies. De-spite the high expectations on you, it gives youconfidence by being trusted with greater respon-sibilities in class. Being in this position, gives mea sense of fulfillment,” Katrina said.

Katrina is proud to be a “certified product”of MCU having studied here since Grade 1. Shesaid that the University has served as her secondhome as this is where she developed her knowl-edge and skills.

“There is still a long journey ahead for mebefore I will be able to accomplish all my goals,yet little by little, I’ve proven to myself that,‘Yes, I can do it!’ despite the challenges and hard-ships I have encountered in my studies. I believethat I can achieve more and be successful if Istrive harder in my endeavors because in life,‘Walang hindi kaya!” Katrina adds.

A full scholar must have a general weighedaverage of at least 1.25 with no grade lower than

1.75 while a partial scholar must have a generalweighed average of 1.75 with no grade lower than2.00.

“With great power comes great responsibil-ity,” Prof. Petrona Benitez, Vice President forAcademic Affairs said as she encouraged the schol-ars to share their study techniques and help theirfellow students. Together with the deans and fac-ulty mem-bers theylauded theparents ofthe schol-ars andsaid thesuccess oftheir chil-dren is alsotheir suc-cess.

CAS scholars at the recognition event and KatrinaCunanan of Medtech (inset) giving her address.

The MCU College of Medicine held HimigIndak Contest at the Ralph Hunter Hall lastDecember 19, 2012.

The contest was divided in three differentcategories namely, Solo Singing, Group Dance,and the much-anticipated Chorale Singing Com-petition. The event was hosted by Annabelle F.Gane and Ed Jico Conde, 1st year students.

Veronica Sawen from 1st year level wonthe top prize in the Solo Singing category with

Unli talents @ Himig Indakher rendition of “One Child” while Paola Velascofrom 2nd year placed second.

For the Group Dance category, the 2nd yearstudents bagged the championship for their cre-ative interpretation of the “12 Days of Christ-mas” while the 3rd year placed second.

The 2nd year students, with their angelic ren-dition of this year’s contest piece “Hark the Her-ald” won the 1st place in the Chorale Singing Cat-egory.

This year’s Himig Indak was organized byPax Romana president Jeanette Tecson. It wasamazing for the medical students from 1st to 4th

year to showcase their talents in singing anddancing in a creative production competition.

Among those present were administrationofficials and faculty members led by Dr.Lutgarda C. Quito, Dr. Elvira Abreu, Dr. JulietaDizon, Dr. Esmarliza Luzon and Dr. ArthurMagboo.


I believe that the two valuesgratitude and humility go hand-in-hand. No matter what you achievein your life, it is important to stayhumble and recognize that it is Godwho guided and willed you to bewhere you are now. Do not forgetthe people that had a hand in yoursuccess from your loving parentsand family, professors who trainedand inspired you, and even the jani-

It is not enough to just be good

tors that kept your school clean.Value everyone’s contribution andtreat everyone you meet with re-spect. Life is a long lesson on hu-mility.

Next is passion. Be passion-ate in whatever you do and neverbe satisfied. Never be satisfiedwith the knowledge that you have.Always find ways to improveyourself in your career and per-

sonal life. Have apassion for excel-lence. Be a lifelonglearner. Dentistryis a dynamic field.There is alwayssomething new tolearn.

The fourth isleadership. Itbrings aboutchange. As you goon with your ca-reer, you will begiven various op-portunities to lead.I encourage you tobring about changeand improve the

world one step at a time. Let’s talk about service. Look

at what you have accomplished andthink about how you can give backto your community and your coun-try. Now you are good but it is notenough to just be good. You mustbe good for something. You mustcontribute good to the world. Theworld must become a better placebecause of your presence. Service

is about sharing your time and tal-ent. To some it means going back toschool to teach or joining dental or-ganizations and being active in out-reach programs.

You can serve your countryby being excellent dentists and den-tal technologists to be globally com-petitive. What’s important is thatyou use your talent and skills tomake a difference. Service to peopleshould always serve as a challengeof opportunities that lies in ourdoors.

Fellow dentists, let us remem-ber that we as a Doctor of OralMedicine, our territory includesteeth, gums, alv process, floor ofmouth, palate, post tonsilar area,lips, and buccal cheeks. Don’t eversay “Dentista lang ako.”

I know you have strong val-ues because you were able to faceand overcome the challengesthroughout your academic life hereat MCU. Life will only get morechallenging and exciting from thispoint onward as you face the realworld. Let these values stay in yourheart and guide you.

Dr. Tajonera at the Dentistry foundation celebration.

Job Fair 2013a success

by Flormande M. Gonzales, Guidance andPlacement Office

The Guidance and Placement Office conducteda job fair last February 15 at the FDT Courtyardwith the objective assisting our students to find jobsand livelihood opportunities.

Over 25 companies entertained inquiries andoffered possibilities to students while 5 governmentagencies gave advice on pre-employment require-ments. The 5 agencies were the Social Security Sys-tem (SSS), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Na-tional Statistics Office (NSO), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG.

A big number of students eagerly inquired aboutpossible jobs that will suit their academic and fields of interest and applied for the necessary requirements. On hand during the event wererepresentatives from the University Human Resources Department and MCU Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation.

The participation of Jobs180 (http://jobs180.com) introduced to students the new generation of job hunting techniques through online applica-tion. It served as a bridge and opened new possibilities for students to have a wider pool of job opportunities that will fit their credentials. Jobs180is a job site focused on providing a simple but powerful tool to job seekers, employers, and schools.

Excerpts from Dr. Roberto M. Tajonera’s inspirational message during the testimonial luncheon for the new MCU Dentists last February 20, 2013at the Centennial Gym Function Room.

Dr. Tajonera is an alumnus of MCU College of Dentistry. He graduated cum laude and was a Best Clinician Awardee. Dr. Tajonera is a memberof CHED’s Technical Panel on Dentistry from 2011 up to 2014. He was the former president of the Philippine Dental Association in 2011.


Rev. Fr. Rafaelito Alaras, OSB,SBC Prior-Administrator congratu-lated Dr. Malabanan and otherawardees in the different profes-sional fields “for making the Bedandifference and living the Benedictineideals of pax, ora et labora (peace,prayer and work).”

For his part, Very Rev. Fr.Aloysius A. Maranan, OSB, SBCRector-President said the awardsceremony acknowledges individualswho have contributed significantlyto society.

“It is a celebration of theachievements of a number of fellowBedans who, by their accomplish-ments, have brought honor and famenot only to San Beda College but

Dr. ATM cited for education .................................. continued from p.1

Dr. Malabanan (2nd row, left) with other honorees.

The MCU president and Mrs. Flor de Lis Malabanan with Dr.Malabanan’s batchmates.

Dr. Malabanan, NBI Director Rojas with their High Schoolteacher Fr. Ed Africa.

Dr. and Mrs. Malabanan with SBCAA Moderator Rev. Fr. BasilApostol,

also to themselves and the country,”Fr. Maranan said.

To add joy to the occasion, Dr.Malabanan’s High School buddyAtty. Nonnatus Caesar R. Rojas re-ceived The 2013 Raul S. Roco Awardfor Public Service. Atty. Rojas iscurrently the National Bureau ofInvestigation (NBI) Director.

Dr. Malabanan finished GradeSchool and High School at San Bedain 1971 and 1975 respectively. Hegraduated as a Doctor of Optom-etry in MCU in 1979 and completeda Master in Management degree atthe Asian Institute of Managementin 1990.

In the 153rd CommencementExercises of the De La Salle Univer-

sity last October 4, 2008, Dr. Malabananreceived a gold medal and was recog-nized for graduating with high distinc-tion upon his completion of a PhD inEducation, major in Educational Lead-ership and Management program. Hewas acknowledged for his excellent aca-demic performance throughout the doc-toral program.

Dr. Malabanan also took an Insti-tute for Educational Management courseat the Harvard Institutes for HigherEducation at Harvard University inBoston, Massachusetts in 2009 and anExaminer Preparation Course –Malcolm Baldrige National QualityAward at the National Institute of Stan-dards and Technology, US Departmentof Commerce in Gaithersburg, Mary-land in 2011.

Dr. Ferdinand Mortel, Officer-in-Charge of the College of Medical Tech-nology and Research Adviser and Manuelde Leon, CMT Class 2009 won 2nd Placein Research Poster Presentation categoryin the 5th Annual Medical TechnologyStudent Congress last January 19, 2013held at the Far Eastern University.

Their research on Methalnolic FruitExtract of Basella Rubra: Organic Stainfor Hematologic Blood Smear was cho-sen as part of the research poster exhibitduring the entire congress that was byparticipated in by the different schoolsof Medical Technology in the Philippines.

The theme for this year’s conven-tion was MT SYRINGE: Medtech Stu-dent Youth Reformist Initiating GreenerEnvironment. The event was organizedthe Philippine Association of Schools ofMedical Technology and Public Health,Inc. and the Philippine Society of Medi-cal Technology Students (PHISMETS).

Medtech research 2nd in poster presentation

Dr. Mortel and Manuel de Leon (3rd, Left) receives their recognition from Dr. Malabanan asProf. Benitez and Prof. Venus Solar look on.

A seminar-workshop on thePresentation and Critiquing of Re-search Proposals was held at theMCU Centennial Gym FunctionRooms last January 18, 2013. Rep-resentatives from various institu-tions attended the event that wasunder the auspices of the PhilippineAssociation of Private Schools, Col-leges, and Universities ExcellentAcademic Research Link (PEARL)

Research colloquium heldin collaboration with Fund for As-sistance to Private Education(FAPE).

The inter-institutional gather-ing aims to assist member-schoolparticipants to meet accreditationstandards for research and provideopportunities among members todevelop linkages for future researchcollaborations.

Among the schools represented

were Baliuag University, CentralLuzon College of Science and Tech-nology, Emilio Aguinaldo College,IETI College of Science and Tech-nology, Jose Rizal University, Ly-ceum of the Philippines University- Batangas, Martinez Memorial Col-lege, Saint Michael’s College of La-guna, Southern Luzon Institute,Technological Institute of the Phil-ippines, Tomas Claudio Memorial

College, University of PerpetualHelp System –Laguna, and ManilaCentral University.

Participants were divided intwo batches according to the natureof their research proposals. Presen-tation and critiquing happened si-multaneously in two different func-tion rooms. This seminar is part ofPEARL Series No. 4.

After the research presenta-tions Dr. SocorroRodriguez, Chair-person ofPEARL awardedthe representa-tives certificatesof participation.

Prof. VenusA. Solar, MCUResearch Direc-tor, facilitated thewhole day re-search activity.PEARL SeriesNo.5 seminar-workshop isscheduled onJuly 25, 2013 atthe Universityof PerpetualHelp System –Laguna.



Manila Central University’s 108th yearhad its highs and lows. Critical eventsled to a low morale among some em-

ployeesTo address the situation, the president Dr.

Aristotle T. Malabanan in a memorandum datedOctober 12, 2012 gave the direction on the 108th

Foundation celebration and launched an internalcampaign.

“Recent turn of events has affected the mo-rale of employees and other stakeholders. In keep-ing with the times the celebration must be soberyet sincere. With these, the theme for the 108th

foundation is Walang hindi kaya.” Dr. Malabanansaid.

The key objective of the campaign was toraise the morale of MCU stakeholders while thespecific objectives were to lift the spirits of theemployees and make them productive and sendmessages to all stakeholders that the situationcan be turned around for the better with increasedeffort and with everyone working together.

In a fitting celebration consistent with Dr.Malabanan’s direction, a year-end event was heldlast December 11 at the Centennial Gym. Thecelebration was unlike the Christmas parties ofrecent past. There were no song and dance num-bers, guest performers and merienda. There wasa modest raffle of special prizes and an exchangegift where every employee participates in a shar-ing activity.

What made the celebration unique andmemorable was that two unlikely speakers talkedabout their personal experiences related to thetheme Walang hindi kaya.

The following are excerpts from thespeeches.

Antonio (Mang May) D. May, Jr.Mimeographer

October 15, 1996(date of permanency)

Marahil nagtataka kayo kung bakit akonandito sa harap ninyo. Wala po akong pinapaikotna memo at lalong hindi ko pa hawak ang pay slipninyo. Kinausap ako ng mga nag-organize ng eventna ito at kung puwede daw ba akong magsalita saharap ninyo upang magsalaysay ng aking mgakaranasan sa loob at labas ng MCU.

Noong una hindi ko alam kung ano atpapaano ko gagawin ‘yon. Hindi naman kasi akosanay magsalita sa harap ng maraming tao. Pero‘di ba nga, “Walang hindi kaya?”

May pagkakataon na akala natin ay hindinatin kayang gawin ang isang bagay pero kungdeterminado, sisiw lang ‘yon! Kahit pare-parehotayong empleyado dito, mataas man o mababaang katayuan, sigurado akong may mapupulot

Pagkakaisa ang daan ng tagumpay

tayong aral sa kwento ng bawa’t isa.Naalala ko tuloy nong bagong pasok pa ako

dito sa MCU, mahaba-habang panahon din bagoako naging Mimeographer. Noong pagka-gradu-ate ko ng High School, naisipan ko ng maghanapng pagkakakitaan para makatulong sa tatay ko.Nataon din kasing noong 3rd year High Schoolako eh nagsara yung kompanyang pinapasukannya. Namasukan ako bilang factory worker saUnilever na dating Philippine Refining Company.Halos limang buwan at tatlong linggo lang angbinigay sa akin para makapagtrabaho doon.

Noong nabakante ako, inalok ako ngkapitbahay namin kung gusto ko daw maging den-tal patient sa MCU, Mayhaligue. Habangnaghihintay ako, may nakilala akong isang staffdoon, Janitorial Supervisor daw siya. Inalok nyaakong mag-janitor, hindi na ako nagdawalang isipat tinanggap ko na agad ang alok.

Ginawan nya ko ng referral tapos pinapuntanya ko sa opisina ng CBM sa Taguig. Nag-semi-nar kami ng ilang araw tapos kala ko okay na, kalako trabaho na, yun pala may training pa ulit ngilang araw pero wala pang sweldo. Isa sa mgaproject nila sa ay ang main office ng Solid Bank.Pagkatapos ng training, kinausap nila ako kungpwede raw ba akong maging reliever muna. Okaylang, pumayag ako kasi malapit sa amin sa Tondo.Ang layo naman kasi ng opisina ng CBM.

Tatlong branch ng Solid Bank ako na-assign.Pag kailangan ng tao sa isang branch, dun ako i-a-assign, kapag sa kabila naman nawalan, dunnaman ako tatakbo. Lagari ako noon, kailangangkumayod kaya bale wala ang pagod at hirap.

Ilang buwan din akong reliever noon hanggangsa nagkataon na may bakanteng janitorial posi-tion sa MCU, Caloocan.

Simula 1986 hanggang 1996 nagsilbi akobilang janitor sa MCU. Sampung mahabang

taon ang lumipashanggang sa mayn a b a k a n t e n gposisyon saMCU, bilangMimeographer .Sinubukan ko, nag-apply at swertengnatanggap kahithindi ko alam i-op-erate yung ma-chine. Wala namanmagtuturo at waladin naman akongmapagtatanungankaya no choice,pinagtyagaan atpinag-aralan kongmag-isa kungpaano gamitinyung machine.

Noong una,mga forms at syllabus lang ang nira-run ko. Nangnalipat na dito sa Caloocan yung mga colleges saManila, nadagdagan na. Mula sa exam papers ngHigh and Grade School, hanggang sa mga exampapers ng college. Yung ibang forms na nira-runsa imprenta, dinala nadin sa akin sa Mimeograph.Sa umpisa syempre mahirap, pero sa inaraw-arawng trabaho eh sino ba naman ang hindi matututoat mahahasa?

Sa 16 years ko bilang mimeographer atpagiging messenger, kabisado ko na yung kulturaat ugali ng mga tao dito sa MCU. Iba-iba silasyempre, nandyan yung mababait, tahimik,madaldal, masungit, at kung ano-ano pa. Walaakong magagawa kundi pakisamahan silang lahat.Dapat marunong tayong makisama kasi sa trabahonatin dito sa university, hindi lang naman ang isa’t-isa ang kailangan natin harapin araw-araw,nandyan ang mga estudyante. Kung wala silamalamang wala din tayong lahat dito.

Sa trabaho naman, bukod sa folder at mgamemo na dala ko araw-araw, ang isa sapinakaimportante ay ang pakisamahan ko anglahat. Pag may humihingi ng assistance, tanggaplang ng tanggap, oo lang ng oo. Habang tumatagal,hindi na naging problema sa akin ang ganoon.Mahalaga kasi sa akin ay magampanan natin angtrabaho natin ng tama at bukal sa puso.

Masaya ako sa naging karanasan ko samahabang panahong paninilbihan sa MCU.Syempre hindi naman maiiwasan minsan yungnagkakaroon ng problema sa pamilya, sa trabahoo kung ano pa man. Totoo yung sinasabi ng maramina “Ang problema sa bahay o sa pamilya ay hindidapat dinadala sa trabaho.”

continued p.20

Mr. Antonio May


Ako ang paniniwala ko naman,walang problemang hindi naso-solusyunan kaya nga “Walang hindikaya.”

Santos (Tatay Mon)S. Almorin

High School Teacher andHGS Prefect of Discipline

June 15, 1994

Sa gulang na pitong taon,naalala ko pa ang araw-araw na pag-gising sa akin ng aking ina upangmaglako ng mga kakanin bago patumilaok ang mga tandang. Ito angpagkaraniwan kong ginagawa bagopumasok sa paaralan.

Sa araw naman ng Sabado atLinggo ay tumutulong ako sapaglalaba ng aking ina. Pagsapitnaman ng bakasyon ay pumupuntaako ng Boracay upang magtrabahobilang houseboy at pagsilbihan angmga turista. Nag-iigib ng tubig,naglilinis ng mga cottages, at minsantaga-salubong ng mga turista sabaybayin para alukin na sa aminna sila tumuloy o umupa ngcottage.

Ginagawa ko ito para pagdatingng pasukan ay mayroon akongpambili ng mga gamit sa eskwela.Masuwerte at masaya akongnakapagtapos ng elementarya nahindi nahirapan ang aking mgamagulang sa pagtustos ng aking pag-aaral.

Dahil po sa anim kamingmagkakapatid, nagpasya po akongmamasukan at makituloy sa ibangbahay para lang makalibre ngpagkain sa araw-araw kapalit ngaking paninilibihan. Ang bawat baonna binibigay sa akin ng aking amoay aking iniipon para makatipid.Madalas ay nilalakad ko lang angpagpasok sa paaralan. Ang akingnaiipon na maliit na halaga ayibinibigay ko sa aking mga magulangupang makatulong sa pagaaral ngaking mga nakababatang kapatid.

Dumating ang araw ng akingpagtatapos sa sekondarya, ito aynagsilbing pinakamasayang araw saaking buhay. Nagkamit ako ngkarangalan at napili bilang iskolar sa

kolehiyo na lubos na nagpasaya sa akin.Nang matapos ang isang semes-

ter, nagkaroon ng pagkaantala sapagbabayad ng aking matrikula anginstitusyon na nagpapaaral sa akin.Nagpasya akong lumuwas na langng Maynila upang makipagsaparalanat ipagpatuloy ang akingmaunsyaming pangarap.

Nagsikap akong maghanap ngtrabaho para makatulong samagulang at mga kapatid na nasaprobinsya. Naging mailap din sa akinang ibang trabaho dahil hindi akobiniyayaan ng tangkad. Wala akongmagawa kundi manilbihan o magingisang kasambahay muli sa isangkakilala ng aking mga kamaganak.

Sa aking walong-taongpaninilbihan sa kanilang pamilya, akoay naging tapat, masipag, at higit salahat ay minahal ko ng lubos angaking trabaho. Isang araw, tinanongako ng aking amo kung gusto ko dawbang ipagpatuloy ang aking pagaaral.Bigla akong natahimik pero ang akingdamdaming ay sumisigaw ng “Yes!”

Ito na ang pagkakataon namatupad ko ang aking pangarap namakagtapos ng pag-aaral atmakatulong sa aking mga magulang.Ang sabi ng aking amo, inalok nilaakong mag-aral upang bigyang halagaang aking kasipagan at katapatan sapaglilingkod sa kanila.

Ang bilis ng panahon,

pagkaraan ng apat na taon ay muliakong umakyat sa entablado upangtanggapin ang diploma sa kolehiyo.Doon ay tumulo ang aking mga luhasapagkat sa loob ng labindalawangtaon ay sa wakas, natupad ko na angisang matagal ko ng pinapangarap,ang makapagtapos bilang isang guro.Ito ang kursong aking napili dahilhindi na kailangan ang height o taas.

Ang MCU ang nagbukas saakin ng pinto upang simulan ang isangpanibagong landas ng aking buhay.

Pagkakaisa ang daan ............................. continued from p.19

Mr. Santos Almorin with his family

Junior Medical Interns fromthe College of Medicine presentedtheir research paper entitled An Ex-perimental Study on the Antimicro-bial Activity of Different Concen-trations of Betel (Piper Betel) Ex-tract against Shigelladysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, andEscherichia coli in vitro during the6th Philippine National Health Re-search System (PNHRS) annualconference’s Student ResearchCompetition in Health Science andTechnology held at the HotelSofitel Philippine Plaza Manila lastAugust 8 to 10, 2012.

According to their study, thecompounds of betel nut leaf, lo-cally known as the leaf that wraps

Junior Medical Interns present study

Dito sa institusyong ito ko inialayang aking buong buhay at panahonupang pagsilbihan ang mgaestudyante at higit sa lahat, angbuong komunidad ng MCU.Ibinabahagi ko dito ang mgakatangian ng pagiging matapat,maparaan, marunong makisama salahat, at ang pagiging matiyaga sapaglilingkod sa kapwa. Ang mga itoang magiging susi natin sapagkakaisa, at ang pagkakaisa angmagiging daan ng tagumpay.

the nganga, may prove to be analternative treatment to diarrhea.Betel nut leaf contains compoundsthat have antimicrobial propertiesagainst the bacteria that are thecommon cause of diarrhea.

The research team was com-posed of Robert Jeric Ong, JicaGrace Pagdilao, Laura AngelaChiong Palisoc-Saberola, Rey An-thony Chiong Palisoc, Art RooSaberola, Yoopie Setiawan, ReyChristopher Torres, and StephanieMelinda Yonathan.

The convention was orga-nized by the Philippine Council forHealth Research and Developmentof the Department of Science andTechnology.


MCU College of PhysicalTherapy garnered 100%passing rate in the February2013 Physical TherapistLicensure Examination. MCUhas consistently surpassedthe national passing averagein the PT board exams.In a related development, thePhilippine Physical TherapyAssociation in the last boardexams have said that there isa need for more PTs. MCUwith its student-centeredapproach by highly qualifiedphysiotherapists and medicaldoctors, state-of-the-artequipment and facilities, andtrack record is in a position tocontribute quality PTs in thecountry and abroad.

PT 100% in board exam

Cerebral Clash 2012with the theme, “TimeoutMedisina: Medical StudentsOutside the Line,” was heldlast November 21 at theMCU Centennial Gym.This was organized by theMedicine Student Council(MSC).

The Clash was partici-pated in by the different col-leges of MCU with the Col-lege of Physical Therapybagging first place. CPT wasrepresented by TristanLaurent Gozum, Ric JasonJavier, Jerone Javier, and IanMichael Tugade with theircoach, Mr. Cesar Castillo, Jr.

The College of Phar-macy represented by VienoCruz, Inah Sungcang, NicoleAbania and JamieleeTamondong placed second while theCollege of Optometry representedby Anthony Koh, Sigerod Acas,Erlyn Kaye Ado and Mario EmanuelAblang with their coaches Dr. ElmoAdo and Dr. Donnee Saludes plac-ing third.

Physical Therapy bags Cerebral Clashby Francis Ed Gahuman, Medical Student Council

The other participants werethe College of Nursing, College ofMedical Technology, College of Busi-ness Administration, and College ofArts and Sciences.

Dr. Elvira M. Abreu, Dean ofthe College of Medicine, opened the

event with a welcome remark. Thequiz masters were Drs. EsmarlizaTacud-Luzon and Claire P. Ong. TheGuidance Counselor of the Collegeof Medicine, Mr. Carlo Antonio andDr. Arthur Magboo were the judgesof the quiz contest. Among the fac-

ulty members of the College of Medi-cine who were present were Dr.Rosalie Ramirez, MSC Adviser andDr. Janice de Leon.The event seeksto promote the College of Medicineand foster camaraderie in theCentralino community.


The 108th foundation celebration had bothcustomary and nontraditional events. In the 46th

Tanchoco Memorial Lecture guest speaker DeanEstelita C. Aguirre transformed the traditional oc-casion to a jolly story-telling forum as she sharedher life story through poetry at the LRC VerticalAuditorium last December 5, 2012.

Dean Aguirre earned her Bachelor of Sciencein Business Administration degree and Mastersin Management at the University of the Philip-pines and landed 10th place in the CPA LicensureExamination. The former member of the Board ofAccountancy is one of the few Certified PublicAccountants who practiced accountancy in thefour sectors of the accounting profession, theseare in government, commerce and industry, edu-cation and public practice in the area of TaxConsultancy.

A proud Bulakeña by birth, orchid grower,butterfly breeder and owner of the Pulilan But-terfly Haven and Resort, she entered into a jointventure with ABS-CBN Foundation in settingup a Butterfly Garden at La Mesa Eco Park.

The former Bureau of Internal RevenueDeputy Commissioner considers herself as apoetess by vocation. She discovered her poetryskills at the age of 58 in the midst of her tryingtimes at the BIR. She has written two books inpoetry, Abutin Mo ang Bituin, and Kay SarapMabuhay.

I decided to deliver my presentation in Fili-pino poetry, and nakita ko yung nakalagay saprogram, it reads “Walang hindi kaya.”Dadagdagan ko po, Walang hindi kaya, makikitanila!”

Mumunting PangarapGawing-gawi ko noon kung gabi’ymadilim,Ang tumanaw sa langit at magbilang ng

bituinAng nasa isip, paano sila aabutin?Maaari kayang sila’y aking sungkitin?Mga kalaro ko’y iba-iba ang gustoMay nais maging pulis, may gustong mag-

sundaloMayroon naman guro, ang iba ayabugadoAng deklarasyon ko, Magiging duktor ako!

Batang May IbubugaDalawang taon pa lang, nakita na nila,Na ang batang si ako ay may ibubuga,Mahilig magbasa, naka-de-kuatro ang

paa,Subalit tingnan ninyo’t dyaryo’y baligtad

pala.

“Walang hindi kaya… Makikita nila!Huwad Na Honor

Grade one opisyal na, sa gulang konglima,

Lagi akong kasali sa mga programa,Tandang tanda ko pa manyika ay dala-

dala,Nag-Rock-a-bye-Baby suot ay sayang pula.Subalit nasaan, batang may ibubuga,Ang inaasam ay hindi nakitaUmabot sa Grade 4, porma lang nang

porma,Walang binatbat at mabababa ang

marka.Dumating ang Grade 5, may isang

pangayayari,Na biglang gumising sa aking sariliTinawag ng titser, sa akin ay sinabi,Magbihis ng maganda, sa awarding ay

kasali.Printed na imbitasyon nang aking makita,Dalawang Third Honor duon ay nakalistaPrinted ang pangalan ng kay Lourdes

Peña,Habol lang ang akin, at sulat kamay pa.Parang kinurot-kurot ang munti kong puso,Nang tuku-tuksuhin ng mga kalaroHuwad lamang daw honor na natamo,Pinagbigyan lamang, dahil si Ama ay guro.Aking nabasang si Abraham Lincoln pala,Ang naging sekreto, tatag ng pagpapasiyaAno mang mithiin kapag determinado ka,The job is half-way done, yaon ang sabi

nya.

Makikita NilaSimula nuon, si Lincoln ang naging gabay,Ginawang modelo at huwarang tunayAt nadiskubre kong dito sa ating buhay,Sa determinasyon, abot-kamay ang

tagumpay.Bakasyon pa lamang, inumpisahan ko na,Mga libro ng Grade 6 akin ng binasa.Paulit-ulit yaon, pasasaan baga,Sa loob-loob ko, makikita nila!Araw ay nalagas, natapos ang taon,Mga honor graduates sa entablado ay

tinipon,Upang parangalan at handugan ng

medalyonSa harap ng magulang at mga kanayon.At sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon,Printed na Salutatorian, ngalan ay Estelita

Caleon,Si Ama at si Ina, kay ligaya nuon,Salamat sa Diyos at kay Abraham

Lincoln.


Dasal Para sa KaribalAting balikan mga batang kaiskwela,Dahil gusto ko sa inyong ipakilalaAng pikamarunong, ngalan niya ay CeliaAt siyang mahigpit kong kakompetensya.Sa mga recitation siya ay napakagaling,Pag-nakaperfect ako, siya ay perfect rin,Lagi siyang nagunguna sa mga eksamin,Pangalawa lang ako, kahit ano ang gawin.Kinausap-kausap ko litrato ni Lincoln,Mukhang masisira ang determinsayon,Mas magaling sa akin, talagang mayroonKahit magdasal pa sa Mahal na Poon.Aking napagtanto, talagang di uubra,Mukhang suko ako sa galing ni Celia,Kaya ang ginawa ko, magdasal na lang

tuwina,Lumipat po sana siya ng eskwela.Ano ba at kay bait sa akin ng Diyos,Aking panalangin ay dagling sinagotKalaban ay lumipat ng taong sumunod,Kaya ako ay nabuyahan ng loob.Tatlong taong singkad mabilis na

nagdaan,Pagiging first honor di ko na pinakawalanHigh School ay natapos, graduation na

namanHandog sa magulang, printed na

Valedictorian.

Ang Probinsyana sa UPDumating na ang araw, kami ay

paluwas na,Sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas ay duonAko ay umiiyak habang akay ni Ama,Dahil sa College of Business Administra

tion ako ipinalista.Laban sa loob ko na sa BA mag-enrol,Ipinipilit kong gusto kong maging doktorAng sabi ni Ama, huwag na akong

magmaktol,Kulang daw ang pera sa lima ko pang

utol.Pagkamahiyain ko’y aking dala-dala,Nalimutan si Lincoln nang

pansamantala.Naumid ang dila ko sa mga kaeskwela,Lalo nang marinig na English-speaking

sila.Sinabi sa sarili, Ikaw ay magpakatatag,Determinasyon mo ay ibalik kaagadPositive thinking dito ay idagdag,Pag-ibayuhin mo ang pag-mamasipag.At napansin kong naging makulay na,Buhay sa pamantasan ay biglang

sumiglaNapiling PRO ng mga kaeskwela,Sa mga Students Org ay pa-English-

english na.Isinabit ang aking UP Diploma ng aking

ama,

Sa gitna ng sala para lahat makakitaBawat bisitang pumanhik, doon niya

hinihila,At ipinagmamalaki ang anak sa balana.Matapos ang saya panibagong kayod,Upang paghandaan exam sa CPA BoardRepasong walang humpay, di alintana

ang pagod,Debit Credit sa worksheet, isa-isang

sinusuyod.Kay hirap maghintay kung ano ang

resulta,Araw-araw sa St. Jude, ako ay

nagpupuntaNang may tumawag sa akin ako daw ay

nakapasa,Sa St. Jude biglang takbo ang aking

mga paa.Sa loob ng simbahan sabay dasal at

iyak akoNang biglang naisip, baka ako ay

nilolokoYaong tayo kong yaon, Malacañang

Press Office ay tinakboUpang duon ay alamin kung ano ang

totoo.Nang makitang pangalan ko ay kasama

sa nakalista,Sa St. Jude, ako ay muling nagpunta,Umiyak nang umiyak, puso ay sayang-

sayaPagmamahal ng Diyos ay aking damang-

damaKinabukasan kay laki ng aking

pagkabigla,Sa mga diyaryo’y pangalan ko ay

nakalathalaIsang tunay na napakagandang balita,10th placer daw ako at hindi pasang-

awa.

Buhay ng IsangPropesyunal

Sa BIR ako unang napasok,Apatnapung taong singkad kay tagal ng

pagsubok,Isa-isang nalampasan patungo sa

tuktok,Deputy Commissioner ang aking inabot.Bukod sa right brainer, left brainer daw

ako.Nang biglang maglabasan mga tula sa

utak ko,Ang nasabi nalang, Totoo ba ‘to, Diyos

ko?Maraming salamat sa iyong regalo.

Huling Yugto ng BuhayBawat sulok ng daigdig halos narating

ko na,Mga pangarap na bituin nakuha ko ng

isa-isa,At ngayon ako’y isang senior citizen na,Buhay sa mundo ano pa ba ang

natitira?Isang dahilang yan kaya ako ay narito,Upang ipamahagi mga aral sa buhay ko,At nang aking makanti ang mga puso

ninyo,May mga alaalang maiiwan kahit na

papaano.Tiktak ng orasan masusi kong

pinakikinggan,Araw ay dadating di ko alam kung

kalian,Di ko na maririnig lahat ay may

hangganan,Kaya’t ang Maykapal hindi ko

kinakalimutan.

As part of the MCU employees’wellness program, the HR Departmentlaunched a project that promotes goodhousekeeping in every unit of the Uni-versity. At the start of the year last Janu-ary 4, Clean-up Drive 2013 began.

Clean-up Drive 2013 seeks to improveand maintain the overall physical appear-ance of the workplace and the employee’swork habits, and set-up and maintain arecords management system which con-sists of hard and digital files.

Part of the launch was a contestwherein offices were inspected by evalu-ators after announcements on a clean-up

University launches Clean-upDrive 2013

was made with the above related criteria.Ratings ranged from 5 being the highestwith the office having conducted a clean-up and 1 as the lowest or with no indica-tion if at all that a clean-up was initiated.

The top 3 offices with the highestrating received a special award. The Highand Grade School Department got thehighest rating, Health Services was sec-ond while the College of Business Ad-ministration was third.

With the gains generated by the year-starting project, Clean-up Drive 2013 isset to become a regular year-longprogram.


MCU High SchoolClass of 1963visited their HighSchool alma materas part of their 50th

Anniversary reunionactivities lastFebruary 1, 2013.Over 20 alumni,most of them withfamily memberswalked throughmemory lane asthey toured theirformer classroomsstill standing strongafter 50 goldenyears. Photo showsthe Class ’63 in alight moment at aHigh School Buildingcorridor.

MCU HS ’63 homecoming

Volume No. 8 Issue No. 1 December 2012 to April 2013

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Angel T. BaloyASSOCIATE EDITOR: Fatima Grace C. ChuaMANAGING EDITOR: Chynna Roxanne R. GonzalezPRODUCTION MANAGER: Jayjay V. AdolfoEDITORIAL ADVISER: Ira Maniquis

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUEDr. Lutgarda Quito / Dr. Elvira Abreu / Dr. Renato Tanchoco, Jr. / Dr. Julieta DizonDr. Felizardo Gatcheco / Francis Ed Gahuman / Glenn Nathaniel Valloso / Ellen EscamillaMa. Vera Reyes / Dr. Cathrina Aspra / Dr. Alicia Camacho / Dr. Ferdinand MortelDr. Eduardo Peregrino / Dr. Christine Rodriguez / Delia Bernabe / Flormande GonzalesEfrain Noel Morota / Ellen Nicodemus / Mark Rubio / Pamela Silao / Venus SolarReneliza Sta. Ana

EDITORIAL BOARDMrs. Luningning T. Estanislao / Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanan / Dr. Lutgarda C. QuitoProf. Petrona A. Benitez / Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, Jr.

Please send your write-ups, comments andsuggestions to the Communication Services

.

The PULSE is published for the employees, faculty,students, alumni and friends of Manila Central

University and the MCU-FDT Medical Foundationby the Communication Services.

Manila Central University EDSA Caloocan CityTelephone Number 364-10-71 up to 78

e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]: mcu.edu.ph

A two-day career seminarentitled Career Journey: ARoadmap to Success was con-ducted by the Guidance andPlacement Office for graduatingstudents from different collegeslast February 12 and 13 at theFDT AVRoom.

A roadmap to successby Flormande M. Gonzales, Guidance and Placement Office

Topics that will help thegraduating students in prepa-ration for the “world of work”were discussed by the facilita-tors. Among these were “Cop-ing with Post-graduationStress” and “Developing One’s

Potential with the 4Cs – Char-acter, Competence, Concern,and Communication”.

Ms. Mary Ann dela Cruz,a representative fromJobs180.com presented howstudents can util ize the

website when placing their jobapplications.

Participants were givencertificates, activity evalua-tion forms and additionalCareer Seminar pamphlets bythe end of the program.

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