EDSA 1986

The People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of nonviolent and prayerful, mass street demonstrations in the Philippines that occurred in 1986. It is sometimes referred to as the Yellow Revolution due to the presence of yellow ribbons during the arrival of Ninoy Aquino. (remember the song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon") These protests were the culmination of a long resistance by the people against the 20 year running authoritarian regime of then current president Ferdinand Marcos and made news headlines as "the revolution that surprised the world". The majority of the demonstrations took place at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue between Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame up to Green Hills area, known more commonly by its acronym EDSA, in Quezon City. Other parts of Metropolitan Manila was also involved and an actively revolving mass of people were going from place to place, this includes areas around Channel 4, Channel 7 areas, the vicinity of Malacañang to include Mendiola bridge, and involved millions of Filipino civilians as well as several political, military, and religious figures, such as Jaime Cardinal Sin.
The protests, fueled by a resistance and opposition of years of corrupt governance by Marcos, occurred from February 22 to 25 in 1986, when Marcos fled Malacañang Palace to the United States and conceded to Corazon Aquino as president of the Philippines. Our EDSA revolution gave a blueprint for the modern non violent revolution and was now sweeping across the Middle East. A revolution by the people wanting freedom from oppression and repression by a government that only catered to a few.
MEDICUS was a part of this revolution and fight for freedom, and our story was never told.
February 22, 1986 Saturday: Medicus members went to a Medical Mission near the Nescaffe factory at Muntinlupa, it was a very fruitful day treating patients. I am a 2nd year medical student then and we did the minor surgical part including circumcisions. Max was our team leader being a 3rd year. There were other several seniors that were guiding us, lunch time was vegetarian. As I remember at 4 pm we have seen the last patient and started to pack our things. It is almost 5 pm when we reached the highway along Paranaque. We saw several military tanks parked on the side of the highway going into Makati. We did not see any problem then and we continued on our way to Caloocan via EDSA. When we reached EDSA in front of Camp Crame, we saw several hundred demonstrators with their placards, we were able to pass through without any problem and continued to Caloocan. Joel Mendoza who lives at Kamias decides to get off at Kamias and went back to stay around Crame and see what's going on. The rest of the group went to MCU, embarked, and went home.
Unknown to us at about 6:30pm, February 22, Enrile and Ramos held a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, where they announced that they have resigned their positions on Marcos's cabinet and are withdrawing support from his government. Apparently a supposed "coup de etat"by RAM spearheaded by DND personel was foiled early that day by the Marcos government around the Malacanang area. Cardinal Sin went on the radio and called for the people to protect these soldiers from harm that night. He asked the people to surround the areas of Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame and serve as buffer so that government forces could not attack. That night people who were holding rallies around Malacañang and other areas trickled down to EDSA in front of the two camps. In the morning people from all over Metro Manila from all walks of life rich and poor, the religious and the not so religious, the "inteligencia" and laborers came and lend a hand. "Kapit Bisig" in front of the camps.

February 23, 1986 Sunday: It is now known that we have a "coup de etat" going on. Joel called several MEDICUS members early that day and updated us on what was going on around Crame. We also heard from the radio that night, that Cardinal Sin was calling for people to support Enrile and Ramos (they were the leaders of a coup de etat). We called other Vincula and asked each other if we will participate in this protest. Me(Alex,) Edwin, Alon, Vic, Joel, Mario, Gilbert, Cris, and the rest of Vincula decides that we will. I remember Alon saying " what will you tell your children or grandchildren when they asked you "nasaan kayo noong EDSA revolution"? We decide to go.

Me and Edwin rode a jeep to Cubao with out water canteens, flashlights, sandwich and jackets (we're ready to spend the night) and from there walked to Santolan. We got there before 9 am and met with Joel, Alon, Vic and some other MEDICUS members. Ramos and Enrile decides to consolidate their position. Enrile with the RAM boys decides to go to Crame which is easier to defend than Aguinaldo. We saw them walking and crossing EDSA.
At lunch time we saw other MCU students from different MCU organization and was informed that MCU doctors were also on their way to provide medical help if necessary and to be a part of the protest under the DOCTORS for CORY banner. Someone with a Volkswagen Combi was there with a tarpaulin and we started building a tent on the corner of EDSA and Santolan. The place used to be a motor shop but was close at that time. The people living in the house above the "talyer" allowed us and welcomed us to stay in front of the house and they gave us water. When the tent was finished, we contribute with what money we have and start buying supplies and calling other brods and sis to bring supplies and equipment that we used mostly for our medical missions. An MCU ambulance came with MCU MD's and this tent becomes the headquarters for the MCU contingent at EDSA. Some doctors from MCU brought medications, sutures, IV's and surgical equipment with them and added to the pool. We made makeshift red cross arm bands out of Marios's (Mario Lopez) lab gown. Armed with first aid equipments we start to do foot patrol around the area ready to give first aid. At 2 pm a lot of "ralyista" coming from different directions of Metro Manila gathered where we were. The road was closed and no cars can pass, we also have our first case. A lady collapsed near Cubao and nobody can reach her, since the roads were now closed.
We were young and full of energy, we grab a gurney and tried to run near Cubao to help the lady in need. Halfway to Cubao that gurney feels like a refrigerator, it was so heavy that we are having a hard time holding on to it. We got to the lady, after what seems to be hours. We put her on the gurney and tried to run back, but we were so tired it ended in a walk back to the camp near Santolan. She was dehydrated, an IV was started and after a few minutes she was up.
The MCU medical unit treated everyone that needs help. We met an old man coming from the Visayas region with a big wound on his foot, he got it from stepping on a broken glass in one of the protest marches. He was in Manila participating on the protest for several days and did not have the money for the wound to be taken care off. He was taken care off at that time and no one asked for any payment or for anything in return. Everything was freely given if it is needed, sometimes even when it is not needed. People who do not know each other gave each other food and water no questions asked. You can see people who do not know each other splitting a little sandwich and sharing drinking from a single cup. We slept that night on that makeshift camp, with newspapers as our beds and cockroaches as our alarm. Side by side people were ready to give and make the ultimate sacrifice for a belief that we are fighting for our freedom, for our children's freedom and that tomorrow will be a better day.

February 24, Monday: I woke up at 2 am after 2 hrs of sleep, only to be told that we are needed at the Santolan going to Libis as the Marines were trying to breach that area. When we got there tear gas was everywhere. People were pulling back, then pushed back as the Marines pulled back after a brief scuffle. First aid was rendered to those who need it. With watering eyes, coughing and in need of help ourselves. We helped those that we can reach and pulled them out of the area.
We want back to the camp and rest. At 5 am I saw an elderly couple driving their van. They stopped across our camp and started to make a fire, with firewood that they brought and boiled water on a big kettle. They made coffee in the middle of EDSA and anyone who want a cup can have one until the whole drum of coffee was gone. They said that it is their small contribution to the cause, they cannot shed blood and life but they can give coffee. A coffee that was very welcome after a sleepless cold night.
Later, during that morning we saw helicopters coming to EDSA. Everyone was tense, thinking that this is it, blood will be spilled all over the place. As it was thought that General Ver ordered an attack that day. Then shouts rung as the helicopters landed inside the camp and unloaded military supplies to the rebels. It turned out to be the 15th Air Force Strike Wing, led by Major General Antonio Sotelo who went to side with the rebel forces.

By lunch time there was a festive spirit. Some MCU students came and then disappear but we were still there. People were donating to our camp, giving food and money to buy medicines. Someone donates 3 crates of fresh egg and up to now I do not know what happen to those eggs (we have no way of cooking those eggs).
February 25, Tuesday: We woke up from our naps that morning thinking that another attack is imminent. I found the old couple again, giving away coffee. The team stays and tried to give help who ever needs help. Cory was inducted as the President and Marcos did the same in Malacanang. I went home to get new clothes and bathe. At 9 pm that day Marcos left Malacang. I was at home taking a bath and getting ready to go back to EDSA, but then decide not to since Marcos left.
agp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGtSV7UafI&feature=youtu.be

On Valentine's Day 1987

It was 06:45 on a cold February morning and I was late (it was not easy coming from Sampaloc). Most of the brods were already working at their corresponding assignments. It was February 14, 1987 birthday of Angel and Val (that's why his name is valentino), it was Valentine's day. Members of Medici Omnes Duciens fraternity was very busy and were very early at MCU, some were there before 7 in the morning which was the usual time for most of the morning class. Me and Edwin were always 5 - 10 minutes late on our class but on this day we were at MCU by 06:45 (again late, we need to be there before 06:30). Our sorority sisters were already there, they were also early and very busy. They were giving instructions regarding the placement and arrangement of tables in front of Anatomy Building, at the Caloocan Campus. Red Roses were already arranged neatly on the tables (the flowers were there around 06:30 1/2 jeep-full). It was the Rose Sale of the Medici Omnes Duciens Sorority. Our sorority sisters were in charge of selling these roses, and it was the fraternity's job to distribute roses that were sold to their recipients. Me and Edwin had one delivery each to do before going to class. Distribution of the roses includes the whole MCU Caloocan Campus, and sometimes even out of campus to the sorrounding dorms (even solar is included, preferably during happy hour, darn ricky).

The Rose Sale was a project of the Sorority, the fraternity was only in support of this project. Every year since 1987 it was the project of Medicus Sorority to provide and sell roses in conjuction with the celebration of Valentines day at MCU Caloocan. Several weeks before Valentine's, orders were already being reserved and every year all the flowers were always sold out (if not brods need to buy them and give it to whom ever they wanted to or else you got one nipple pinch from monette, and that hurts).

I do not know if this event still goes on, but it was the Medicus Sorority Members who started it at MCU. The beggining of this Rose sale started during our probation period. Our seniors, will always asked us to buy roses to be given to several Medicus advisers, to their girlfriends or to anyone that they like for one reason or another. Even after we were already full Medicus members, we were always asked to buy roses. This was probably due to our proximity at Dangwa which was the drop off point for flowers and our friendship with Manila Flower Shop. So when Dum Spero Spera became the OC of sorority it was decided to make this event a project of the Sorority. Thus, the Medicus Rose Sale begins.

agp 107

(i could not find my pictures of this event but i know i have some, sorry. the picture included was taken by me.)

At Fort Bonifacio Circa 90's

I could not remember the year but it was back in the early 90's when this picture was taken. I was 80 pounds lighter then. The air was cool and there were festivities everywhere, and so are we. It was the induction of incoming officers of MEDICUS (i think, if my Alzheimer's brain is not misleading me). As usual due to budgetary constraints it becomes a problem where to hold the induction. Good for MEDICUS our brod Dino offers his place, it was in Fort Bonifacio.

Air soft was just gaining grounds in the Philippines then, and Dino had a Beretta 93R pistol that was always with him (shooting his batchmates when ever someone gets off from the car in rapid fire). Curious in what we can find at Dino's house at Fort Bonifacio we decide to ransack the place, like kids on an Easter egg hunt. These kids ended with these arms in our arms and decided to pose for the camera.

This was the good times that I was with ANIMO AB INITIO (273.Arsenio D. ALCANTARA 274.Arman D. ARQUILLANO 275.Johnel M. CANDAVA 276.Dennil P. DELA PAZ 277.Victorino T. DE LOS REYES 278.Orrick Vicente D. FELIX 279.Dino Anthony P. FLORES 280.Alberto D.J. GABRIEL 281.Aldrin B. INDANAN 282.Jesson Q. MEGINO 283.Omar S. NASRALLA 284.Robert Neil V. RANGEL 285.Allan P. TUPONG), with laughter and friendship given to someone who just crashed in to a party. Accepting an older brother and sister (archipips, holding an M16, looking mean) that they never met.

I remember Johnel then, he was young like his batch mates and me. He was quiet and ready with a smirk or a smile on his face. He seldom make noise but ready to give a hand when needed. Now, he needs our help. Being brods and sis that we are, it is our duty to do so. Johnel did not asked us for help, but we know he needs it. I think we do not have to think if it should be given. Cesar wrote in his email that "It is an obligation on my part to help a brod or a sis who is in need of my help". Like Cesar I also believe that it is my obligation as a brod to do so. I hope that all of us feels the same, and will do our best to help a brod in need. Johnel might not have a blood relation to me or to us, but he is part of my family and our family.

April 14 is fast approaching and Johnel's situation cannot wait. Easter is fast approaching and this is our cross to bear. Our prayers (to what ever or to who ever you pray) during this season can help Johnel, but more so if we can help financially.

To those who could and would, In behalf of Johnel, from the bottom of my fatty liver.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

(GOD, Jehovah, Allah, Yahweh, Buddha, Osiris, RA, The Force, etc will remember what you did)

agp107

Why MEDICUS exist

Manila Central University had a very humble beginning. In 1903, on the request of several students from the University of Sto. Tomas and other individuals, Dr. Alejandro Albert organized a private review class.

This review class developed into the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila in 1904, with Dr. Alejandro Albert, Alfredo L. Guerrero, Antonio C. Llamas, Feliciano Paterno and Filemon Tanchoco, and all faculty members of the institution, as incorporators. This was the first educational institution of its kind established and managed by Filipinos. Its success demonstrated the capacity and ability of the Filipinos to manage their own affairs in the educational field, especially at that time of its initial organization it was barely 4 years after the establishment of the Philippine Educational System.

The Manila College of Pharmacy (MCP) became one of the leading institutions of higher learning of its kind. It produced many prominent pharmacists. Stable and secure in its position, the college expanded in number in 1929. Its Board of Trustees, answering a long felt need for the training of the youth for dental services, opened the College of Dentistry. Manila College of Pharmacy became then the Manila College of Pharmacy and Dentistry (MCPD) of pre-war time. Opened and dedicated to gave the best education for our youth, the College maintained its leading position in the educational field. Unfortunately, the war closed its portals in 1941.

During the Japanese occupation, the enemy systematically looted its extensive facilities, laboratory, equipment, museum, etc. and during the liberation period, it was further looted of everything but the shell of its two buildings. After the liberation of the Philippines, the Board of Trustees reorganized the College into Manila Central College (MCC).

In addition to Pharmacy and Dentistry, the reorganized institution offered courses in Liberal Arts, Education, Commerce and Business Administration and Post Graduate courses in Pharmacy. And finally in 1947, the College of Medicine was added. In 1948, it became the Manila Central University after having opened the College of Nursing and Graduate School and more than sufficiently meeting the requirements for a university.

In 1949, MCU inaugurated its 10-hectare campus in Caloocan City. Since then, additional school buildings and service facilities have been constructed yearly in the 1960s. The College of Optometry, Midwifery, High School and Kindergarten classes were also opened. Expansion projects and development program for the whole university and individual colleges were continuously drawn to meet the educational demands and the objectives of the University.

The students of Manila Central University excel in all endeavours, that includes academically and other curricular activities. The Caloocan Campus gives the necessary space and field to practice. In time the facilities become dilapidated and poorly maintained. You can see the track and field at the Caloocan Campus full of grass as tall as 4 feet in 1984 (when I was there), the Olympic size pool is boarded up and the grandstand is falling apart. The buildings at Caloocan was slowly decaying and you do not see any maintenance going on. What use to be one of the best school and the 1st Filipino founded school appears to be falling behind.

The MCU College of Medicine (Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation) is located in the Caloocan Campus. In 1982, the medical students go on their own ways. If the students have any concerns, there was no avenue to vent that concern. AS a student, you are on your own if you see a problem you do what you must. No semblance of any organization represent the students at all. The Medical Student Council do not exist.

In August of that year, as the rest of the Medical schools were getting busy preparing for the Medicine Week celebrations, you will not find the same at MCU. No preparation was being done in Caloocan. The students go on their own routine, unmindful that there should be a Medicine Week the following month. Some 3rd year students tired of the monotonous routine in the campus, have aired their concerns and wanted to be a part of the celebrations. But there is no one to organized or officiate the celebrations. It is then that 15 3rd year students during one of their drinking sessions, decides to do something. During their brainstorming cum drinking session an idea came up. The concept of a Fraternity in the campus to represent the medical students to the faculty, management and board (remember there is no Medical Student Council at this time) was born. Of the 15 students 13 started and founded Medici Omnes Duciens (medicine channels for all) and the other 2 came in as the 1st special batch. On that year there is a Medicine Week celebrated at MCU a first after so many years and the MEDICUS founders were the one who organized and officiate the celebrations. During the basketball game students were wondering who are and where the officiating persons came from, all of them MEDICUS.

When I walk into MCU Caloocan campus in 1984 as a 1st year medical student, what I saw was not a promising site to see. For an outsider, what I saw were dilapidated buildings and rafters that were falling. But the provincial atmosphere is actually very conducive for learning. Campus and facility wise compared to UST, FEU, UP and UE, MCU is at the bottom, far different from what it used to be in the old days passed.

As I came out of the classrooms on our 1st day after our orientation, I saw a welcome banner of an organization called MEDICUS (Medici Omnes Duciens). Then I noticed MEDICUS members welcoming the new students to the campus. As I gave myself a tour of the campus, I saw medici omnes duciens labels on things that appears to be new along the background of old. These I learned later to be small projects by MEDICUS members.

From its founding, MEDICUS is the organization that mediate or channels what the students needs and wants to almost everyone, always the leader. It makes the life of a medical student less boring and made improvements in the campus atmosphere and its facilities to the best that they can do. After the founding of MEDICUS the College and Board established the Medical Student Council, and several other student organization came up (some from students who tried to be a MEDICUS but did not made it for one reason or another, there is also an organization where another MEDICUS is a founder). From this humble beginnings MEDICUS is still here trying to do what it was made for. MEDICUS members even though a lot have graduated from MCU, were still leading in their respective communities and trying to be a focal point of change for a better tomorrow.

agp107

5th Foundation Anniversary

In August 29 1987 the 5th Foundation Anniversary was held at the Fadango Hall of the Manila Hotel. The main speaker, as I remember at that time was Dr Walfrido Sumpaico, Department Head of MCU Obstetrics, he also held a high position with POGS.

The Fifth Foundation Anniversary was also the Final Acceptance celebration for Batch UNITAS INTRA FRATERNITAS for the Fraternity and Batch UNITAS INTRA SORORITAS for the Sorority.

UNITAS INTRA FRATERNITAS 174. Julius N. BALUTAY 175. Herminio Cirilo R. BOGNOT 176. Richard G. CASIPIT(+) 177. Romeo B. FRANCISCO 178. Elmo D. ISIP 179. Jeffrey C. LEE 180. Delmimar S. MENDEZ JR. 181. Arsenio B. REYES 182. Nazareno S. SALAZAR 183. Samuel C. SALES 184. Norlito D. SAGUITAN 185. Ernesto R. TAGORDA JR. 186. Jesus G. VENERACION JR. 187. Ronald T. VICTORIO

UNITAS INTRA SORORITAS 188. Mylene G. CALALANG 189. Melody A. CASTRO 190. Josennie F. DIGA 191. Maria Lourdes R. LUMIBAO 192. Vasana MALITHONG 193. Sharon R. MOPERA 194. Maripie G. MUNOZ 195. Glenda T. OGSIMER 196. Maria Gemma L. RANCES 197. Mary Chiles V. TALAMAYAN 198. Holly A. UY

Vasana Malithong was the first sorority member from a foreign country (other than Philippines). She came from Thailand.

There was a video taken during this anniversary but I do not know who hold that video or if it was destroyed. I remember Grace Salamanca telling me that the video was great, wish we can find it and upload it to our youtube. That would be nice if not asking too much. The rest of the pictures would be seen on our FLICKR account (here is the link to a slide presentation, you can also see it at the youtube player at the bottom of the BLOG).

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The 4th Foundation Night

The following was a taken from MEDICUS NEWSLETTER published in 1986. It described the 4th Foundation Night Activities, written by our Sis Ma. Carmen Edaugal.

Dressed in their best formale and nicest smiles, everyone came anticipating a truly unforgettable night. The brods were all dashing as the sis were all gorgeous. As if it was a Golden Globe Awards Affair, rather, a FAMAS Night (let's patronize our own !)

The whole affair was video-taped and Cris and Bobby tried their very best to be seen in video most of the time but I think, Monette instructed the cameraman to focus only the "focusable". The successful one was Ronald "McDo" de Ramos, who snatched the view for sometime as he recited the Medicus Creed after Rochi Marcelo lead the singing of the National Anthem. The opening remarks was given by the OC of the Sorority, Jennifer Sy and the introduction of the guest, Dean Quito was done by the OC of the Fraternity, Art Onglao. The affair was excellently emceed by Au Fabian and Rhoderick Poblete who made a great pair as their attires complemented very well.

The Sampaguita Hall of the Hyatt was full of cigarette smoke before Dean Quito spoke. But when the Dean, during her very inspiring talk, mentioned how obvious it was that she failed in her anti -smoking campaign, everybody put off their lighted cigarettes except for one whom I've seen. (don't worry, Manny, I won't tell her).

The message of the founding members given by Brod Angel C. Araneta was very touching and reminiscent of the past Medicus Nights and this was followed by the award giving (ala Grammy). Plaques were given to the recipients of the Best Neophyte Award: (Soro) Ma. Cecilia Cuevas and (Frat) Diosdado Limjoco and the Most Outstanding Dominus Award: (Soro) Ma Carmen Edaugal and (Frat) Hassan Irshaid. Certificate of Merit were also given to those who haven't had any abscences during the meetings last year. And since Cris Gonzales was one of the awardees, he had the chance to show his (once in a blue moon) dashing form over the cameras. The Best Dressed Award, the most exciting of the awards and which included cash rewards was given to Araceli Loyola and Bethuel Curameng.

The Unang Hirit Raffle Draw was also held during the night and it was Dean Quito who drew the winning tickets. The said raffle was a very successful fund-raising project organized by Monette Soriano and Manny Sunga.

An indeed delightful part of the affair was the slide projection and of the pictures of the past Medicus Activities. It was exciting to have seen those captures happy moments and candid poses of our brods and sis. Another winsome part was the intermission number rendered by the MEDICUS Band composed by: Gilbert Quimosing, Elvis Verso, Ronald Fetalvero, Archie Lumibao, and singers Ricky Dela Cruz and Roderick Poblete. They sounded like professionals (passion readers? of course not). And the sorority had their own share of talents and breath taking at that. By exhibiting their graceful dancing forms, they caught everybody in awe. The dancers were; Jen Sy, Grace Salamanca, Au Fabian, Mary Ann Chua, Tina Fernandez and Maureen Flores.

The intermission number of the new batch: Ne Plus Ultra and Esprit De Corps was a special treat, truly exciting. And if the others would permit, I should say incomparable (take note Vincula). What with a Babette Villaruel as guest whom nobody recognized and imagined to be the genius looking and serious type - Noel Perez. Everybody almost died laughing at the antics of Marissa Ruffy and Alex Santos who played Elvira Manahan and Kuya Ceasar, respectively. They did not forget to thank their bar host, Gold Mountain and the waiter, Simon as played by Celso Demaala. The Village People: Manny de Lara, Alvin Santos, Jojo San Gabriel, Jun Solis, and Roderick Poblete would have left a Macho image if not for a deviation to very feminine steps when the refrain of the YMCA was played. When Rhuena Cablayan with a very big cross pendant and with very dark shades came out on the stage, no one doubted that she was playing Madonna. But when Dado Limjoco suddenly entered with raised brows, exposed navel and wild dancing, it took some time before tha audience guessed that he was playing Boy George. He looked more like a member of the Kiss Band. On the other hand when Joli Frias came out on a tight fitting, strikingly colored, satin pants, everybody's guess was correct - Imelda Papin. Arnel Bondoc amusingly commented, "madudulas and langaw sa pants niya". Two very healthy sisters, Tess Chan and Doree Villamar played scintillating roles as Dona Delaila and Dona Buding, respectively. Finally, the skit ended with a song from a pregnant Pops played by Aracely Loyola and Martin, played by Norman de Leon. Other members not included in the skit presented a dance number. moreover Rochi marcelo and Zuphia Alcaide rendered a duet.

The highlight of the event was of course the Final Acceptance of the Ne Plus Ultra and Esprit De Corps. It was a very solemn and touching event where each of the new members were symbolically accepted by the pinning to them of their Medicus Pins.

At around 12 midnight, the dancing started and that's another story. . . I don't wish to squeal secrets revealed during the dancing specially during the romantic, sweet, slow dance. MEDICUS people are truly love-susceptive creatures, Oh well . . .

Written By:

Maria Carmen Edaugal 1986

NEWSLetter

A newsletter is a regularly distributed publication generally about one main topic that is of interest to its subscibers. Newspapers and leaflets are types of newsletters. Additionally, newsletters delivered electronically via email (e-Newsletters) have gained rapid acceptance for the same reasons email in general is gaining popularity over printed correspondence.
Many newsletters are published by clubs, churches, societies, associations, and businesses, especially companies to provide information of interest to their members, customers or employees. Some newsletters are created as money-making ventures and sold directly to subscribers. Sending newsletters to customers and prospects is a common marketing strategy, which can have benefits and drawbacks. General attributes of newsletters include news and upcoming events of the related organization, as well as contact information for general inquiries.

Medicus have a newsletter of its own published and circulated in MCU during our time (84-89). I do not know if it continues to this day. As I went home, and look for old pictures. I found old invitations, old pictures and then come up with old newsletters of MEDICUS.

I will try to post excerpts from our old newsletters so that others may remember and new ones will see what it was like then.

agp

(sorry brods and sis, if i do not have any post. i have changed my cpu to a newer one not knowing that most of my equipment would not run on vista. i could not scan and could not edit raw files for now, this is just temporary and hopefully could post new/old stuff soon.)

Final Acceptance of Ne Plus Ultra

On the same night that Esprit de Corps batch of the Sorority was taking their oath Ne Plus Ultra of the fraternity did the same. McDo was the Chair of the internal affairs at that time and he was the one that leads the oath taking. From left to right Mcdo, Norman, Dante, Eric, ____, Oknoy, Manny, Celso, ____, ___, ___, and Jorge unfortunately Alvin and Alex were missing in this picture, they were there, my lens was just not wide enough to accomodate them (noticed the cut off figure on the extreme right).

NE PLUS ULTRA 145.Alvaro P. AVANZADO III 146.Dante P. BORNALES 147.Eric O. L. CRUZ 148.Ernesto F. CURIOSO 149.Manuel B. DE LARA 150.Norman Raymond S. DE LEON 151.Celso D. DEMAALA JR. 152.Eric C. FONTALERA 153.Diosdado C. LIMJOCO 154.Dante Noel P. PEREZ 155.Rhoderick E. POBLETE 156.Jorge S.D. SAN GABRIEL 157.Alexander M. SANTOS 158.Alvin V. SANTOS 159.Florencio L. SOLIS JR.

( sorry but I could not remember the names of some faces due to an early attack of alzheimer's, i hope someone can enlighten me on this. i am back from vacation and i will start posting again, but give me time. i still got some jet lag and needs to be back to work too. i was able to bring back only 2 cannibalized album because it is heavy. so not much on the old pictures but i got some. sana will last until next vacation.)

agp 107

A little bit of History

This history was taken on our forumer, established by our brother Gerard. I have noticed that since its publication very few have been there to checked. So I lifted the history, and put it here. So that those whose history is clouded with age and hazy may update their convoluted bits of MEDICUS HISTORY. This history is incomplete as this is based on our brods copy of history that ends in 1992. Since most of us were alumni, we as alumni found out that once you leave MCU your stuck with whatever MEDICUS history you have, and usually nothing follows on your notes regarding our MEDICUS history. I think the best position to update this would be one of the younger or newest batch for they should have a complete update.

HISTORY OF THE MEDICUS FRATERNITY AND SORORITY

JULY 10, 1982 - Formalization of the concept by the Founding Members.

JULY 18, 1982 - First meeting of the organization.

JULY 30, 1982 - Committee on Constitution was formed.

AUGUST 6, 1982 - Election of the first set of officers.

AUGUST 30, 1982 - Ratification of the Constitution and duly approved by the MCU Administration

NOVEMBER 22, 1982 - First Medical Mission held in Lubao, Pampanga

DECEMBER 17, 1982 - Formal Acceptance of Prima Duciens Batch

MARCH 22, 1983 - Formal Acceptance of Cold Fire Batch & Prima Vera Internos Batch

AUGUST 27, 1983 - First Sportsfest held at MCU campus ground.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1983
- First Foundation Anniversary Celebration at Samar Ballroom, Silahis International Hotel
- Formal Acceptance of E Pluribus Unum Batch & Ab Uno Disce Omnes Batch.
- First Caduceus Awards presented to J. Alex L. Castillo, Jr. and Raul Crizaldo F. Morena.
- First Medicus Award presented to Dr. Leandro J. Mendiola
- Induction of Officers for SY 83' - 84'
headed by Magister Totus Charlie B. Alcaide & Annie D. Chiong

APRIL 9, 1984
- First Recognition Night at Camelot Hotel - Formal Acceptance of Vis Vitae Batch
- Induction of Officers for SY 84' - 85'
headed by Magister Totus Ricardo Rey T. Daclison and Marlene V. Chua

SEPTEMBER 1, 1984
- Second Foundation Anniversary Celebration at Manila Garden Hotel
- Formal Acceptance of Dum Spiro Spero and Vincula Concordia Batch

APRIL 2, 1985
- Second Recognition Night held at Powder Keg Room, Bonanza Restaurant
- Induction of Officers for SY 85' - 86'
headed by Magister Totus Max Mindro D. Gucilatar and Edaliza B. Ganipan

AUGUST 31, 1985
- Third Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at the Samar-Leyte Hall,
Philippine Plaza Hotel
- Formal Acceptance of Bel Sprit Batch and Vitem Impedere Vero Batch

JUNE 21, 1986
- Induction of Officers for SY 85' - 86'
headed by Magister Totus Arturo T. Onglao and Jennifer T. Sy
held at Simoneta S. Soriano's place in Torres Village, Novaliches, Quezon City
- Third Recognition Night

AUGUST 30, 1986
- Fourth Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at the Sampaguita Ballroom,
Hyatt Regency of Manila
- Formal Acceptance of Ne Plus Ultra Batch & Esprit de Corps Batch

APRIL 4, 1987
- Fourth Recognition Night at the Manila Manor Hotel
- Induction of Officers for SY 87' - 88'
headed by Magister Totus Hassan A. Irshaid and Josephine H. Olvis
- Second Caduceus Awards presented to Manuel D. Sunga and Simoneta S. Soriano
- Second Medicus Award presented to Dean Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito

AUGUST 29, 1987
- Fifth Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at the Pandango Hall, Manila Hotel
- Formal Acceptance of Unitas Intras Fraternitas and Unitas Intras Sororitas Batch

JULY 2, 1988
- Induction of Officers for SY 88' - 89'
headed by Magister Totus Dante P. Bornales and Maria Theresa I. Chan held at the
Manila Manor Hotel.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1988
- Sixth Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at the Coconut Palace, CCP Complex
- Formal Acceptance of Uno Sanguini and Uno Vox Batch

MARCH 3, 1989
- Induction of Officers for SY 89' - 90'
headed by Magister Totus Ernesto T. Tagorda and Maria Gemma L. Rances held at the Manila Manor Hotel

SEPTEMBER 2, 1989
- Formal Acceptance of In Hoc Signo Vinces & Excellens in Omnes Actum held at
Manila Peninsula, Garcia -Villa

MARCH 17, 1990
- Induction of Officers for SY 89' - 90'
headed by Magister Totus Jose M. Feliciano and Ma. Carmela A. Villacorta held at Aberdeen Court March 23, 1991
- Induction of Officers for SY 91' - 92'
headed by Magister Totus Baseem Alsaafeen and Valerie Ellen F. Braganza held at the Manila Manor Hotel

SEPTEMBER 7, 1991
- 8th Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at the Philippine Plaza Hotel, Samar-Leyte Ballroom
- Formal Acceptance of Lavor Omnia Vincit Batch & Carpi Diem Batch

SEPTEMBER 6, 1991
- 9TH Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at Silahis Hotel, Playboy Club
- Formal Acceptance of Animo Ab Initio Batch & Persona Grata Sui Generis Batch

JUNE 26, 1992
- Induction of Officers for SY 92' - 93' headed by
Magister Totus Yuri C. Mateo and Lea S. Pudoc held at Makati City.


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(to those brods and sis who have a more current MEDICUS history can you email me a copy at alexgpce@yahoo.com This copy of history ends in 1992, it is now 2008. So I am missing a lot.)

Baguio 1986

This is a slide presentation of pictures taken during sem break of 1986. The Bangles released one of their number one hit on this year (walk like an egyptian) and some Medicus members decides to go to Baguio and spent severals days together before the next sem. For the 3rd years this was the last time they can go before clerkship. I found myself waiting at the Philippine Rabbit terminal along Quezon Avenue at 5am waiting for who ever was going to show up. Before the bus left the terminal, there were at least 14 of us(art, cris, arnel, bobby, vic, archie, val, gilbert, manny, monette, jen, 2 guest and me). We've reached our destination after lunch and clean up the place were we will be staying. This was followed by shopping for food at the public market, cooking the food and then drinking conference until sleeping time (we've tried to get drunk every night, me and bobby). Upon waking up in the morning we ate breakfast and then try to see the sceneneries until before night fall, shop for food, cook dinner and get drunk again. Water was scarce in Baguio on those days and very limited. On the 2nd day we run out of water and we have to travel like 100 meters to a 6 inch tall fountain beside a mountain to get water and take a bath. We also have to bring water back for our sis to use or else were not getting any dinner (kamatis at itlog na maalat, we were on a limited budget). It was exciting (nature tripping at its best), it was cold (specially taking a bath on your undies and a blowing breeze) and before you got back to the house were dirty again (we need to traverse a narrow slippery gravel path and one time I almost fell on a ravine). But we enjoy every minute of it. To some people who were on this event, here are the long awaited pictures. Perhaps for some, for the first time after almost 22 years.

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Bel Esprit and Vitem Empendere Vero

This is the only picture I have of Bel Esprit and Vitem Empendere Vero Batch. This picture was taken in front of then newly constructed groto at Manila Central University Callocan campus.

Brods from left to right: dado, leo, Hassan, bethuel, Gil, dollar, Frank, Willy, Brian, bernard. Richard was missing in the picture.

Sis from left to right: nina, cecil (pacheco), cecil (villa), marissa, eliosa, mary ann, peewee (muriel), tina, aurora, anna marie, jo, lourdes, jenny (del campo). missing in the pciture is carmen.

BEL ESPRIT 116.Leo Paul T. BALMEO 117.Bethuel G. CURAMENG 118.Ronald F. FETALVERO 119.Hassan A. IRSHAID 120.Diosdado C. JAVELLANA 121.Virgilio G. JUAT 122.Javier Frank J. NARAG 123.Wilfredo M. RAMOS JR. 124.Brian A. REYES 125.Arnel B. ROMEO 126.Bernard B. SAN JOSE 127.Richard A. TOLENTINO

VITEM IMPENDERE VERO 128.Catherine B. BALAJADIA 129.Maria Eloisa L. BELTRAN 130.Jenny C. CHAN 131.Mary Ann M. CHUA 132.Jennifer Freida M. DEL CAMPO 133.Maria Carmen C. EDAUGAL 134.Gavina Aurora M. FABIAN 135.Ma. Cristina F. FERNANDEZ 136.Ma. Maureen P. FLORES 137.Nina Angelita M. GONZALES 138.Muriel C. Manuel-Pascual 139.Anna Marie J. OBIAS 140.Josephine H. OLVIS 141.Cecilia A. PACHECO 142.Lourdes V. QUINTO 143.Marissa B. ULIT 144.Cecilia L. VILLA

(to all my brods and sis I would not be able to post a lot this month for I am not in the US. I am on my vacation and somehow going internet cafe took a long time to post and load in a blog. I feel it to be to slow, and this is supposed to be DSL. I also do not have my sources for pictures but hopefully I could put new ones when I came back.)

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Final Acceptance Lavor Omnia Vincit & Carpi Diem

Final Acceptance of Lavor Omnia Vincit and Carpi Diem Batch back in the early 90's. As usual the boys were at their best and the ladies were stunning.

Sitting: Hammo;

2nd Row from left to right: Ayheen, Myles, basel, jayson, len, ging, and Lea;

Top row from left to right: Yuri, Eloy and Monel.

(then the MEDICUS Seal inside a very big ice cube with background lighting)

Unfortunately Candhee was the one taking the picture thus she is not included. They look so young then, I wonder how they look now.

I remember going to Zambales with them on a Medical Mission sponsored by a known politician then (but that is another story).

LABOUR OMNIA VINCIT 258.Hamourabi E. AMMOURI 259.Basel L. EL-SAWALHY 260.Florante SD. MANAHAN 261.Yuri C. MATEO 262.Francis Vicente S. RAS 263.Jayson S. SAGUM

CARPI DIEM 264.Emely G. ANUPOL 265.Leonor C. DE ASIS 266.Arleen COMIA DECENA 267.Mona Liza P. GOLINGAN-DAVID 268.Margarita Antoinette GUZMAN 269.Maria Consuelo P. HERNANDEZ 270.Maria Eloisa N. LORENZA 271.Maria Estrella S. PUDDOC 272.Maria Corazon T. YAMBAO

(I was not there during their final acceptance. The picture included was sent by Candee Hernandez-Sumayao. Info on the names were also provided by her)

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ESPRIT DE CORPS Batch

In 1986 Esprit De Corps Batch did their final acceptance. I forgot the place where it was held (i do not have my medicus history records with me, but you can see the history part at the MEDICUS FORUM). This picture was taken during our beautiful sisters oath taking, although some members were missing in the picture (my lens is not wide enough). I think, I took this picture and it was dark (flash not strong enough, battery almost dead, using a camera built in 1978). Even with a flash and using an ASA 400 film I was not able to take a decent picture. I scanned it at 600 dpi and edit using layers in Photoshop, but I still could not bring the picture up in good color. So here it is in black and white.

From left to right: Marissa R., Carolyn, L.C., Zuphia A., the sisters Lynette C., and Ma. Theresa (tess) C. then, Ma. Cecilia (maricel) C., Niela J., Joli F., Ma. Carminda (carrie) Magsino (she's with the angels now looking after us)., Araceli L., Cindy S., and Teodora V. missing in the picture was Rhuena and Rochi (sorry). There is another one at the extreme right end of the picture but just cant remember who.


ESPRIT DE CORPS BATCH; 160.Zuphia M. ALCAIDE 161.Rhuena Anne Marie I.CABLAYAN 162.Lenntte L. CHAN 163.Maria Theresa L. CHAN 164. Maria Cecilia I. CUEVAS 165.Joli S. FRIAS 166.Niela D. JORVINA 167.Carolyn C. LAYACAN-CURIOSO 168.Araceli O. LOYOLA 169.Maria Carminda D. MAGSINO(+) 170.Rosalie V. MARCELO 171.Marissa M. RUFFY 172.Cindy C. SANTOS 173.Teodora C. VILLAMAR


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After Swimming in 1985

My beautiful sisters after our swimming in Cavite (except for one bwiset na parang t___, singit ng singit sabi na kasing sisters lang siya rin daw). This picture were taken just after sunrise and it was raining. From left to right Dina Eisma, Elvis Verso, Arcely Fabian, in the middle (tallest) was Vicky Valdez, then Nen Ganipan, and Marlene Chua, kneeling Mila Libiran. I miss my sisters, I have seen Dina and Arcely several times because we came from the same City (Olongapo) and even in the same high school but the rest I have not seen for a long time. I hope they see this.

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Medicus Band

Medicus Band01, originally uploaded by Medicus1982.

This picture was taken in a performance of Medicus Band at the Medicine Auditorium, Manila Central University, Caloocan City. Chi at her best, Archie on drums, Gilbert on lead, Elvis on rhythm, not seen were Ronald and Ricky.

(picture courtesy of Archie L.)

25th Anniversary Celebration

Today is the day that a lot were waiting for; the celebration for the 25th Year of the founding of Medici Omnes Duciens. I have been trying to think of something for the celebration but nothing comes out of my curdled idle brain for 2 weeks now. Butch asked me to post or send him videos of brods and sis here in the US to show during the party. I tried, but our brods and sis were mostly camera shy, thus nothing comes out of this. I hope that during the party someone could think of taking pictures as the celebration unfolds. So that for the rest of us who dream of being there but could not make it, will see and feel the celebration.

Dr Dayrit once said that Medicus will die the natural way just like the old organizations that were once founded at MCU (eg. INVICTUS), but I think our 25th celebration proves that MEDICUS will not be another case. We will not die a natural death, we will linger, survive and multiply. This is so because, each member strive to bring Medicus to life, that is something that they (other organizations) do not have.

When I joined Medicus a few years ago (like 22 years ago) I said to myself this is just another school organization. I would be on the background and a member in name only and as much as I could, I will be inactive. It did not happened that way, because Medicus is you or me. It is not just an organization it becomes our way of life. Medicus gives me a family outside of my family. It gives me the joy of living as a medical student. It gives me all the best friends that I could ever asked. I could not imagine being in MCU medicine without Medicus, without the practical jokes that we always had to watch out for, lest you be the subject of the joke.

If I am not a Medicus , there would not be Mabuhay happening, imburnal incident, EDSA 1, Near drowning at Anilao, the isla sombrero storm, endless bottles of beer, sleeping at West Ave (dahil walang pamasahe), island hopping in 100 islands, near accident at Olongapo and a lot more to mention. Do you know how boring life would be for me? Almost 90% of the fun that I have in life, MEDICUS is there in one way or another. I will continue to have fun in life and will always have my brods and sis. And for all of these thank you MEDICUS, HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSARY too.

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Medicus Band Part 2

Medicus Band suddenly appears in the College of Medicine at Manila Central University in the middle of the 1980's. Students specially those in the Bachelor of Science Colleges become a fan (and mostly girls). If MEDICUS Band suddenly appears from nowhere, they slowly fade away. During the time that some of the members of Medicus band went to their clerkship. It becomes harder to see each other more so to set up a practice date. Medicus band performs less, despite invitations to do so in school functions. For the members who were on their clerkship it was a very busy period. They were scattered all over Metro Manila within their respective hospital assignments. The third years were now busy with more loads in their studies. There was no new member that joined the band. There was also not enough members left, who knew how to play instruments except for Archie, Gilbert and Ronald (dollar). Since then, the band seldom performs. Still, invitations to perform were abundant and in this regard members who can say no to them, decides to perform by themselves or whoever member they can scrounge. In one occasion Archie decides to perform and go solo on the guitar. It just doesn't sound right with only an instrument, so Manny decides to do the vocals. In this video of their performance in one of the many parties where Medicus band performs ( I do not know if this is a Medicus party or not), Manny did the vocals that adds spice to the performance and Archie on the guitar (which he loves doing anyway, guess how many guitars he have?) looking like a Spandau Ballet. This is a little bit of Spandau admixed with a little bit of a tribal appearance (that's how flexible medicus members were).

(video courtesy of Archie L.)

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Final Acceptance 2003

This picture were taken in 2003 on the event of the final acceptance of Credo Magnus Perficio. There were 3 founding members that was present in this event. It is usually seldom to see 2 founding members in one event, seldom that it happens, but there were 3 during this event. Another first was May Eudela of Primavera Internos was also there, she was also a hard one to find. The last time I saw May Eudela was when she was giving me demerits in 1984 on the 3rd floor of the MCU hospital. There were also other alumni who I'm sure travelled far to reach this event (Mc do and dollar to name a few). There were only few pictures of this event and Archie gave me a copy (bless his black heart). I made a slide show of the pictures and uploaded it to YouTube, just click the active link to watch it.

Slide show 1, the first one that was made but due to very limited number of pictures it is short. Slide show 2, same number of pictures but emphasis was given on members by differentiating them in color, making it a longer slide show.

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Medicus Band

Medicus members have a lot of talents aside from being studious, resourceful, leaders, etc. Some members were also musically inclined. Thus, in the periods 0f 1985-87 a band was formed comprising of Medicus members. The first time I saw them performing was with Miss Medicine done at the Medical auditorium. During this performance Spike Ignacio was the vocalist and Dean Quito was so impressed with the performance, that she cannot help but talk to the band members afterward, specifically to Spike Ignacio. I remember her saying "Spike pag ginawa mo pa ulit ito ibabagsak kita". This was followed by a performance at the Miss MCU done at the MCU Caloocan Gym. The members varied from one performance to another. It includes Jorge 'Spike' Ignacio (vocals), Rhoderick 'Oknoy' Problete (vocals), Gilbert Quimosing (lead, rhythm), Elvis Verso (rhythm, backup vocals), Ricky Dela Cruz (keyboards, rhythm, vocals), Ronald 'Dollar' Fetalvero(bass), Archi Lumibao (drums, lead, rhythm), and Chi Juico (vocals) the only thorn among the roses. At the top of the page after the announcement is a video of one of their performance, wherein the vocalist was Oknoy. The quality of the video is not that good (there is no digital video then). The video came from the vault of Archie Lumibao. (Archie if there were mistakes on this post, send me an email so I can correct it).
i love Medicus, AGP 107