The “Magilas” group building pillars of  noble and honorable relationships now and in the years to come…

 Ours was no ordinary batch…but neither was it that much different from the other classes who have celebrated and will be celebrating their silver jubilee some time. We all went through similar experiences as medical students and clerks, but while we were within the portals of the University of Santo Tomas and a part of the faculty of medicine and surgery, we were all carrying ourselves with pride loaded with the thought that we were among the “chosen” ones for having the opportunity to be trained and educated as physicians in a most respectable institution that is the royal pontifical university.  And sure enough, as soon as we started to spread our wings elsewhere, we, as graduates of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, were noticed  as different from the other physicians, not because we stood out and excelled in our endeavors and respective specialties or did something extraordinary; rather, the subtle distinction for which we have gained recognition not only from our patients but from our colleagues as well was in the way we conducted ourselves with a sense of propriety from our bedside manners to the board room meetings with our professors, mentors, seniors, and fellow members.  For those who are reading this and have experienced otherwise from any member of our class, we apologize for stumbling and slipping, but, in general, we have tried our best through all these twenty-five years to remember that which we have learned from each and every professor and instructor we encountered throughout medical school from learning the basics in medicine to the application and the manner through which it should be applied—with respect, with compassion , and with dignity.  And we must remember to thank all those who have been instrumental in inculcating this into our being throughout the four years that we were learning the ropes. Indeed, the UST Faculty of  Medicine and Surgery has empowered each and every one of us not only to cure the sick and be the physicians that we are, but in the process, it has also disciplined us to be righteous citizens of the world inspite of the hardships, failures, and success in surviving the past twenty-five years.

 It was in the same manner and spirit that we began to unite ourselves once again last December 30, 2004  not only to prepare for the Silver Jubilee, but also to renew friendships that were once formed by affinity and proximity.  Now that we are scattered all over the globe, we discover how different some of us have become and yet the yearning to be young once again and look back at  those relatively carefree days remains in our hearts. To establish our group and give it a certain formality and legal identity, we decided to incorporate with each and every section of the whole batch properly and equally represented, including those who are in the United States and abroad. Decisions, actions, and transactions are presented to the members so that everything we do that will affect the class as a whole is transparent.  In the process of incorporating, our main objectives were that of an altruistic nature from sharing uncommon knowledge and expertise to classmates and colleagues across the globe ( that is why we have requested our very own classmates to be our speakers for the CME, the Dr. Mariano Alimurung Memorial Lecture and the Dr.Luis Guerrero Memorial Lecture)  to that of extending our blessings to the less fortunate in the form of Medical Missions, scholarships, etc. In the short span of time since we formalized our group we have remained true to these objectives and at the same time we were having fun just locating each other and opening up our hearts and homes  to everyone who was a part of our class—it is especially heartwarming when special friendships are formed through mini-reunions both here and abroad, the monthly board meetings, the short pocket meetings, and the small gatherings here and there.  We may not have been able to locate everyone and we may have failed to convince some to merely join us and take part in the celebration of our silver jubilee year , but for those who have worked hard sharing their time, talent, and money in opening up their homes and resources or  volunteered to spearhead a certain project in the name of our class, we especially thank you for you make us all look good and for providing  an anchor from which all of us can hold on to in times of distress or comfort.  Although your names may not be mentioned in this article you shall always maintain the recognition and appreciation that you so rightly deserve. More importantly, we are genuinely happy for you and  your joy in  sharing your resources so generously (this includes those who have contributed their monetary share for the jubilee).  By doing so, you have strengthened the life around you that is in all of us. For those we cannot locate for now, we hope to see you all somewhere sometime and hopefully you will be able to join us in the celebrations to come for at this age, every year that we are alive, strong, and healthy is a cause for celebration.  For those who do not see the need to join us now, our arms are open to embrace you whenever you are ready.  The Board of Thomasian Medicine Class of 1981, Inc. exists  to provide support and stability for the whole group and anybody willing to serve is certainly welcome to be a member or officer.  As a group, we have managed to acknowledge the differences of opinions and acted on them accordingly for the good of all.

We are open to further suggestions and thoughts to be shared by those who have remained quiet all this time… We hope that as we grow old, we shall remain to be happy for each other’s authentic success that can only be defined individually ( hence, the difficulty in nominating someone from our batch for the Thomas Awards).  Join us in maturing  gracefully as we try to enjoy life that is enlightened, enlivened, and enriched by old acquaintances that have become true friends…