UP ANG GALING MO

CHICAGO Get-Together, May 25-27, 2007

Chicagoans TITA MESIONA MANLAPAZ and KENNETH ILIO hosted this year’s batch get-together in Crest Hill, Chicago and Skokie, Illinois last May 25-27.

Day 1. The "batch party" in Chicago began at TITA and husband CALOY’S beautiful home in Crest Hill near Chicago. The bright red welcome banner that adorned Tita’s porch says it all. Arriving from the Midway airport (thanks to CALOY for picking us up), we were welcomed by Tita’s sweet smile and warm hospitality. In attendance were DOLLY RODULFO DALUSONG and her husband POL who flew in from California, JUN MICU from Virginia, NOEL CALINGASAN from New York, and guests ELIZABETH RUBIO LAZARO from Maryland and Jun’s former student at CLSU, RICARDO EUGENIO. At the well-manicured garden in the back of Tita’s house, we feasted on delicious food that TITA prepared for lunch. It was a lovely day with lots of great food, reconnection, and a lot of laughs. The afternoon was also spent watching TITA and DOLLY’s favorite teleserye on TFC, “Maging Sino Ka Man.” Also part of the itinerary was outlet mall shopping, followed by dinner at TITA’s house, karaoke (of course) and some dancing.

Day 2. The group met up with KENNETH in downtown Chicago at one of the most popular destinations in the city, the Millennium Park. Completed only three years ago, the 24.5 acre park boasts unique and sophisticated architecture, monumental sculpture and landscape design. Ken, also an avid photographer was our tour guide who introduced us to the interactive Crown Fountain which consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens. The images change constantly and at some point, there are images with open mouths with water flowing out, a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, where faces of mythological beings were sculpted with open mouths to allow water, a symbol of life, to flow out. There were many sculptures, but the most prominent and mesmerizing was Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza, a bean-shaped 110-ton elliptical structure forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates reflecting the city's famous skyline and the clouds above. Inspired by liquid mercury, the 66-feet long by 33-feet high sculpture has a mirror-like surface, inviting visitors to touch its surface and see their image reflected back from a variety of perspectives. Another feature of the park is the contemporary Lurie Garden designed by the team of Kathryn Gustafson. We also visited the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a very sophisticated outdoor concert venue. It has a state-of-the-art sound system, the first of its kind in the country, was designed to mimic the acoustics of an indoor concert hall by distributing enhanced sound equally over both the fixed seats and the lawn. The concert venue has a billowing headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons that frame the stage opening, a very prominent sight at the park. We then proceeded to the hugely popular Buckingham fountain. Ken invited us to his high-rise condo in Chicago for a delicious lunch. We also met RON DORFFMAN and his photographer friend who also joined us. We had a great view of Lake Michigan from Ken’s terrace, and after lunch we actually went to the lakeshore and took photos (with the banner of course). Rain did not dampen our enthusiasm to pose with the banner and with Lake Michigan as backdrop. We then took the Red Line train to downtown Chicago for more sightseeing. We strolled down the city streets admiring the architecture and the history of the city. At night, we went up to the Hancock Observatory where we experiences the spectacular views of the city, which during the daytime spans up to 80 miles, four states and 360 degrees. We then returned to Ken’s condo by bus. After dinner at Ken’s place, we headed back to Crest Hill.

Day 3. Tita made arrangements for a joint get-together with more senior UPCVM alumni who live in the Chicago area. The big party was held at the residence of VKV founder and Batch ’64 graduate DR. TOTO ALMAZAN in Skokie, a Chicago suburb. There we also met another VKV founder, DR. ROBERT GERONIMO (Batch ’65), Dr. CESAR AGUSTIN (Batch ’61), DR. MELITON NOVILLA (former Chairman of the UPCVM Department of Microbiology and Public Health), DR. PILAR PASCUAL CENIR (Batch ’63), DR. JOSUE CASTILLO, and DR. RACHEL (BUBUT) MORDENO who is now a nurse in Chicago. Dr. Novilla spoke to the group about the proposed Veterinary Pathology Facility to be erected at the UPCVM in Los Banos. Jun in turn talked about our batch fundraising for Project Tiles. It was wonderful to share that afternoon with other UPCVM alumni, especially with lots of Filipino food including the lechon that Tita donated. That night, Kenneth took us back to the park in Chicago for a great view of the city’s skyline. We then returned to Grant Park to view the Buckingham Fountain, which was beautifully animated with a computerized choreography of color spotlights. It was truly a visual feast to see the fountain at night, together with the fireworks display.

Overall, it was another wonderful experience to reconnect with former classmates and friends, and at the same time be dazzled with the marvelous sights in the city where our hosts now reside.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? In Her Own Words, Jocelyn Munoz Miranda

Josie at the Gregorio Araneta University Foundation in 1980, and at the Peninsula Manila in Makati, December, 2006; with her husband Rey at the Avilon Zoo in Rodriguez, Rizal and at the PVMA convention in Subic in 1999; their beautiful children, Abigail and Jericho; some photos from Josie's family trip to the beautiful and historic island of Corregidor in celebration of Josie's and Jericho's birthdays last April 15 and 16, respectively.

I graduated in the summer of 1979 because I neglected Statistics in favor of Clinics. But six days after my final exams, I was invited to teach at the Gregorio Araneta University Foundation, Institute of Veterinary Medicine. Jun Micu came over extending the invitation of the dean, Dr. Francisca A. Ching. Five classmates were already members of the faculty there: Jun, Alice Cambay, Flor Gonzales, Mildred Araniador and Cynthia Bernabe. I handled Microbiology and Virology laboratory classes. In 1981, due to some unpleasant turn of events in the Institute, Jun and Flor left for CLSU. Cynthia left earlier before this and Alice left later leaving behind Mildred and me.

In 1983, I got married to Rey C. Miranda, a Pre-Med student from UE who pursued Vet. Medicine and was my student in Microbiology in 1980. It was in same year that I stood my ground together with only 26 faculty members in the University against a move by the administration to convert all faculty members to contractual basis and disregard security of tenure. This principle almost cost me my job were it not for the favorable ruling of the Labor Relations. In 1984, I was appointed Chairman of the Dept. of Microbiology and Public Health.

In 1985, Mildred left for the Fatima Medical Sciences Foundation and the following year, I was invited by a friend, Dr. Zoilo Lapuz, who was then the dean of the CVM in the same school. At Fatima, I was appointed chairman of the Dept. of Parasitology and Pathology, then later, as chairman of Medicine and Surgery. In 1989, I was appointed chairman of Microbiology and Public Health. I handled subjects in Parasitology, Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Microbiology and Virology. In October 1989, I resigned from work, hoping to rest and get pregnant for until that time we haven’t got children.

I was then conducting board reviews in Microbiology and Pathology at a university belt review center and vet schools such as GAUF, Fatima Medical Science Foundation and Dr. Francisco Yanga College from 1987 up to 1994, then I quit out of delicadeza because I was then a dean of a vet school. In May 1990, I was invited to Araneta to conduct review classes in Microbiology and was convinced to go back to teaching. I rejoined the faculty in June 1990 under the deanship of the late Dr. Jose Valenzuela. Again, I was appointed chairman of Dept. of Microbiology and Public Health. It was during this return to Araneta that I got pregnant with my first child. I gave birth in November 1991.

In June 1993, I enrolled in UP Los Banos to pursue my Masters degree in Microbiology. However, the following school year, I had to take my leave of absence from Los Banos because I was appointed dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at GAUF. While I was dean, I gave birth to my 2^nd child in 1995. I held the position for three years and would have had another term have it not been for dirty politics and intrigues. For me, relationships are more valuable than titles and positions so that in June 1997, I took a leave of absence from the University for a year, then eventually resigned and left the academe after 18 years. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from what happened then, it is that: if you do good things to people, don’t expect them to do you good things in return. And much more, don’t expect them not to do you harm.

For three years after I left the job I love so much, I became a full time wife to my husband and full time mother to my kids: Abigail, now 15 and in 3^rd year high school, and Jericho Rey, now 11 and in the 5^th grade. In 1997, my husband who is an equine practitioner, put up a business partnership with a client. Miranda, Sotto and Associates, as it was called, sold horse medicines and paraphernalia, did diagnostic work and rendered veterinary services. The following year, it became a corporation and I became one of the stockholders and company treasurer. It was renamed Stud and Stable, Inc. In 2001, our medical technologist resigned and I took over the laboratory. During the surra outbreak in 2001, our laboratory was the first to identify the protozoan agent. I then performed serological tests to detect positive reactors and identified the parasite by direct microscopic exam. Basically, our laboratory runs hematology and blood chemistry with our automated IDEXX machines, the first of the kind in the Philippines in 1997. (There is one now at the Ocean Adventure in Subic and at Herma Farms in Batangas). I also perform CELISA test for the detection of EIA antibodies.

In 2001, I was nominated to the Board of Veterinary Examiners by the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association. The PVMA president then was a classmate, Enrico Flores. I was not taken in but another classmate made it to the board, Angel Mateo.

I consider myself semi-retired now, working for our own company. I have reached a point in my life when I no longer think I have to prove myself to anybody anymore. Being your own boss, you know and having attained what you aspire for. I am a simple person with simple joys and aspirations. I now enjoy watching my kids grow and discovering the things God wants to do with my life.

"NANO REUNION" IN NEW YORK

PORTIA CORTES visited New York City for a day (March 25th) and got together with CARMEN and NOEL for a little reunion ("nano reunion" a term coined by Ramon for a gathering of a small number of batchmates that does not meet the required number to be called "mini reunion,".....gee, we must be really bored with our jobs!). Above are some snapshots of her whirlwind tour including a 360 degree viewing of Manhattan's skyline at the new observation deck of the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center), Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Central Park, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Plaza, attending mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and seeing an Oprah-produced Broadway show called "The Color Purple."

GET-TOGETHER AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IN CALIFORNIA

Last Sunday, March 25th, DOLLY DALUSONG hosted a party at her home in Chino Hills, California to celebrate her and her daughter's birthdays. Among her guests were batchmates VIC VELASCO, RICO FLORES and wife NIDA, TESS CALALANG and husband ED, and ALICE CAMBAY-BUNGAY who recently completed her research fellowship at Washington State University. Also present were former UPCVM faculty and staff members GERRY ESGUERRA and wife SUSAN, DEL HAPIL and MILA MENDOZA-FREEMAN. Also in one of the photos is Dolly's husband POL. (Photo credit: Vic Velasco)

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Alice Alma Cambay-Bungay

ALICE THEN & NOW. College days at the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in Diliman; graduation at UP Diliman in 1979; at Washington State University where she is a Fulbright senior scholar; with her loving husband Everest at a batch '79 gathering in Manila; facade of the College of Public Health, UP Manila where Alice is based.

ALICE ALMA CAMBAY-BUNGAY lives in Biñan, Laguna with her husband Everest Bungay, a Senior Assistant Vice President of Federal Phoenix Assurance Co, and daughters, Resalice Anne, 24 a Marketing graduate and Business Administration student, and Raisa Dana Marie, 19, a Computer Science student. Alice is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines at Manila. Currently, Alice is in the United States as a Fulbright senior scholar and visiting lecturer/researcher at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Her lecture and research work at the veterinary school of Washington State University focus on “Current Trends and Updates in the Study and Diagnoses of Emerging Foodborne Diseases and Zoonoses of Public Health Importance.” Later this year, she will be heading to Heidelberg as an invited researcher sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Program.

After graduation from the UPCVM, Alice took a faculty position in the veterinary school of the Gregorio Araneta University Foundation, then at the Philippine College of Technological Resources, while working as a part time veterinarian. For several years, Alice worked as a senior science research specialist at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology. In 1997, she earned a Master of Veterinary Studies (Public Health) from Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She has also completed postgraduate courses in Occupational Health and Safety from the College of Public Health, UP Manila, and in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Metro Manila. In addition, she has earned a teacher’s license and a Diplomate in Veterinary Public Health (DVPH) from the Philippine College of Veterinary Public Health. In 1997, Alice joined the faculty of the UP College of Public Health where she is a lecturer of medical microbiology and public health courses, thesis adviser and technical reviewer of research proposals. She also lectures part-time in various institutions including De La Salle Araneta University, University of Perpetual Help System, Emilio Aguinaldo College, San Beda College and the Angeles University Foundation. She has served as principal investigator in several research grants, and has authored or co-authored scientific papers. She serves in numerous academic committees related to research and development, biosafety, laboratory animal care and use, and assessment of food handling. She is also a reviewer for medical, veterinary and pharmacy board exams. During the course of her career, Alice received extensive public health-related training from prestigious institutions in the Philippines, the Unites States, Germany, Japan and Thailand. Diverse areas of training include cancer research, aflatoxigenic fungi, microbial monitoring in laboratory animals, environmental monitoring, detection of foodborne and waterborne pathogens, hemorrhagic E. coli isolation and identification from farm animals, electron microscopy of Yersinia enterocolitica, hazard analysis and critical control point, and laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. Alice has attended or participated as a lecturer in international scientific meetings held in France, Italy, Thailand and Japan.

Alice received numerous awards and recognition for her work in laboratory animal science, veterinary research, and as an outstanding mentor in microbiology. She provides free veterinary consultation and services to homeowners in her neighborhood. Alice has been involved in community and extension services that benefit various sectors through lectures and the mass media. As a resource person on timely topics such as anthrax in biological warfare, zoonoses, emerging and re-emerging diseases, food and water safety, Alice has appeared on or participated in news and public affairs programs for major television networks GMA 7 and ABS-CBN as well as leading radio stations DZMM and DZRB. Recently, her expertise in Microbiology earned her the APEC consultancy job in the "Capacity Building Seminar on Good Agricultural Practices for Developing APEC Economies” last September 2006 in the Philippines.

Alice’s enthusiasm for gaining and sharing knowledge is driven by the Sanskrit verse: "Knowledge is the best type of wealth. It cannot be taken away from you by the thief, by the government in the form of taxes or by relatives as their fair share. As it has neither shape nor weight, it is not a burden to carry but most of all, it increases everyday by distribution".

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Fernando M. Garces

Fred at the Fuente Towers, Club Ultima in Cebu City. He is passionate about sharing his Christian faith and spiritually guiding other people especially children. Now involved in aquaculture, Fred also deeply cares about the environment and ecological balance. Pristine beaches on Mactan Island in Cebu and Panglao Island in Bohol.

FERNANDO (FRED) DEL MAR GARCES divides his time between Lapu-Lapu City (Mactan Island, Cebu) and Bohol where he hails from. Lapu-Lapu City occupies most of Mactan Island, just one kilometer southeast from Cebu City. After obtaining his D.V.M. from the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine, Fred worked in veterinary pharmaceutical marketing (both active and technical sales) for Eli Lilly and Company, Motivated Marketing Co. (MOMARCO), and Life Resources for several years. Fred is now involved in aquaculture business. He is engaged in prawn and milkfish (bangus) farming, and exports prawns to Japan. Fred also helps local farmers by selling veterinary pharmaceuticals directly to them. An avid supporter of environmental and ecological causes, Fred plants mahogany seedlings in his land in the lush and verdant island of Bohol. This effort is in keeping with the reforestation program in the region, evidenced by the thousands of mahogany trees that make up the “man-made forest” along the road that leads to Chocolate Hills. Although Fred had been enthusiastic about things of God since his college days, it was years later when he found his true calling in Christian evangelism and church planting through the Christ is Coming Ministry, a fast-growing Christian group in the Philippines. In 1986, he became an ordained pastor in Bohol. He finds joy in building a church which he calls “Prayer House” in his home province. His ministry includes spiritually teaching and nurturing about 40 children, 3-12 years of age every Saturday at his church. He has attended believers’ conventions including the one involving the Kenneth Copeland Ministries that was held in Brisbane, Australia. Fred considers being a pastor a fulltime ministry and has dedicated his life to serving God, helping others and sharing his faith.

IN MEMORIAM Teresita Hernandez-Sollano

Tess with classmates at the UPCVM in their freshman year in 1975, commencement in 1979, a small reunion in Manila in 2002, and the 25th anniversary reunion in Los Banos in 2004. One of the angel figurines that Tess gave away as gifts to her classmates during the 2004 reunion. Her children Katherine, Salvatore, Jr. and Michael together with some of the batchmates who went to the wake and celebrate Tess' life .

TERESITA (TESS) MARQUES HERNANDEZ-SOLLANO passed away on January 9, 2007 following her brave battle with breast cancer. She was 52. A single parent for many years after the demise of her husband Salvatore Sollano in 1995, Tess contributed to the financial resources for students of the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine. The Dr. Teresita Marques Hernandez-Sollano Veterinary Student Loan Grant provides funding for the educational needs of deserving veterinary students at her alma mater. She successfully led and managed the Aqua Technologies Inc., a company that provides water treatment equipment, service and supplies including filter housing, UV water sterilizer, chlorinators, water softeners, iron removals, ozonators, sulphur/nitrate removal, water filters, and reverse osmosis. Her faith, courage, generosity, positive outlook and profound attraction to concerns of the soul inspired many of her peers. Known to have a penchant for angels that she believed have always watched over her, Tess is finally brought home by her angels. Tess is survived by her beautiful children Katherine, 19, Salvatore, Jr., 17, and Michael, 15, and her brothers Vic, Jesus, Gabriel, Dominador, Baldomero and Rudy.

--oOo--

In addition to text messages that many of us received from Tess, she posted email messages in our yahoogroup sometime in June 2006. Below are segments from a couple of email messages that reflect her passion, commitment and her faith:

“Next year I plan to help a mayor in one of the islands in Aklan to set up a water system and a retirement village. Please help promote our country to gain revenues by promoting our country's tourist spots for our old kababayans to spend the rest of their precious time here. Help us in this project. Thanks a lot.”

“Thank you and thank you and thank you. God heard all your powerful prayers. I'm just for HIM alone for the rest of my life.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Flor Gonzales Fabiosa

Flor Gonzales Fabiosa, then and now. Photos taken at the UP commencement in April 1979, and recent snapshots with her husband, Jacinto (Jay) and their children, Maria Ruth and Joseph Jonathan taken in the US, as well as in some foreign countries they visited. A gorgeous photo of bales of hay, a common sight near Ames, Iowa where Flor and her family now reside.

FLOR GONZALES FABIOSA and her family call Ames, Iowa (USA) their home for the past 17 years. Flor is married to Jacinto (Jay) Fabiosa who is originally from Bohol. Flor and Jay have two children, Maria Ruth, 19, and Joseph Jonathan, 17. Ames is home to the Cyclones and the Iowa State Univeristy (ISU), where Flor currently works as a research associate at the Department of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine. She is presently conducting research on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and the ecology of West Nile virus. Interestingly, the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine is the oldest veterinary school in the US. The college celebrated its 125th year in 2004. Flor’s husband, Jay finished his PhD in Economics at the ISU and is now the technical director and international livestock and poultry analyst of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the ISU Dept of Economics. Flor’s daughter, Maria is a freshman at the ISU, major in Chemical Engineering, minor in Statistics while her son, Joseph Jonathan (Jojo) is a high school senior.

After graduation from the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, Flor began to take her path to a career in academia when she joined the faculty of Araneta University College of Veterinary Medicine. She subsequently assumed a teaching position in the veterinary school of Central Luzon State University, and then Fatima University. Flor moved to Iowa to pursue her masteral studies at the ISU Department of Microbiology while working as a teaching assistant at the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2001, she earned her MS in Immunobiology. Her masteral thesis was titled “Expression of ICAM-1, MHC-1 and B7 molecules in Canine Primary Appendicular Osteosarcoma”.

Flor and her family’s love for travel and Jay’s conferences and research have taken them to many alluring destinations including Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Canada, France, Egypt, and almost all states of the US. The Fabiosas love the charm and beauty of the Midwest and the great outdoors. They enjoy outdoor activities like camping. They also treasure the rewarding and gratifying opportunity to share and minister to international students and their families at the ISU. They have been hosting Bible study and fellowship meetings at their home for graduate and undergraduate students from different countries for many years now.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Molly L. Naigan

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Molly Naigan, THEN and NOW - At the UP general commencement in April 1979, and during the UPCVM baccalaureate service receiving the Proceso Oyzon Award in Large Animal Practice from Dean Salvador H. Escudero III as Dr. Eduardo Celo looks on (photo credit: Chito Pablo, courtesy of Ramon Molina). Fast forward to 2006: Molly, now a faculty member of the Aklan State University School of Veterinary Medicine (campus photos from the ASU website: http://www.asu.edu.ph/).

MOLLY L. NAIGAN lives in the beautiful town of Banga in Aklan, Philippines. He and his wife, a school teacher, have three children. In 2003, Molly joined the faculty of Aklan State University (ASU) School of Veterinary Medicine. The veterinary school is located at the university’s main campus in Banga, nestled into the verdant and historic Manduyog Hill, approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) away from Kalibo, the provincial capital. Molly serves as Department Chair of the Paraclinical Sciences, as well as a coordinator for the Extension and Community Services, the flagship arm of ASU in its effort to reach out and help people who are not accommodated in the formal education system. Molly is currently spearheading ASU’s efforts to establish the Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory at the veterinary school. His responsibilities also include teaching Veterinary Medicine, Entomology and Protozoology, Principles of Breeding and Veterinary Herbal Medicine. The ASU School of Veterinary Medicine is the first institution to offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in the Western Visayas region. It formally operated as a separate degree granting unit in 2003. One of Molly’s children is currently enrolled at the ASU veterinary school, while his other son is studying architecture.

After achieving his D.V.M. from the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, Molly worked for the Bureau of Animal Industry for almost a year. He also became a small animal practitioner at the Ruiz De Leon Dog and Cat Clinic. Molly then broke into pharmaceutical marketing for Upjohn and Agrovet. For many years, Molly engaged in private practice in Bulacan before moving back to his hometown of Banga. This town of Aklan is known for Buling-bulingan, a festival held every 30th of April celebrating the ascension of Datu Manduyog as leader of the Confederation of Madya-as and the establishment of his seat of government in the 13th century in Banga.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Boyce M. Jubilan

Photos of Boyce at his Pennsylvania home; attending scientific conferences with his colleagues; vacationing in Boracay; relaxing at his condo in Manila; and cover design of one of the books he authored (photo credit: www.amazon.com ).

BOYCE M. JUBILAN lives in northeastern Pennsylvania (USA) in the city of Bethlehem. He is a tenured Professor of Psychology in the Department of Social Science at DeSales University (DSU). DSU is a private Catholic university administered by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley. At DSU, Boyce teaches courses in psychology, endocrinology, research methods and analysis, psychopharmacology and psychobiology. He has at one time served as department chair of the Social Sciences. Boyce has also been a Consortial Professor at Lehigh University and Muhlenberg College, which are universities located in the Lehigh Valley. He has also taught biology of behavior as part of a summer study program in Austria. Boyce has served as the author/editor of “Biopsychology: Annual Edition” for several years. In addition, he has published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. He participates in scientific conferences where he presents his research work.

After graduation from the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine (UPCVM) in 1979, Boyce joined the faculty of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology of UPCVM. In 1984, he earned a Master of Philosophy from the Royal School of Veterinary Medicine, Edinburgh University in Scotland where he specialized in reproductive physiology and behavior. In 1992, Boyce obtained his Ph.D. from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Behavioral Neuroscience was his field of specialization that included psychopharmacology and reproductive physiology. For his doctoral dissertation, Boyce investigated the intrauterine position phenomenon in mice and the role of hormones in the development of reproductive behavior.

Boyce is currently busy teaching, working with various university committees such as the Rank & Tenure Committee and Cultural Affairs Committee, developing globalization initiatives for the university; and conducting research in psychology and neuroscience.

To access Boyce's faculty web page, click on the following link: http://www.desales.edu, then follow "Academics > Departments and Majors > Faculty."

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Adelo P. Daroy

TOP PHOTO: Adelo’s daughter Adea Mari, wife Estela, and Adelo
MIDDLE: Daughters Adea Mari and Adea Estela
BOTTOM: Masskara festival in Bacolod City, the City of Smiles, and the cleanest and greenest highly urbanized city in the Philippines (photo credit: Bacolod City official website). FOR A LARGER IMAGE, CLICK ON PHOTO.

ADELO P. DAROY and his wife, Estela live in Bacolod City, the capital and largest city of Negros Occidental, Philippines. After graduation from the UPCVM, Adelo joined the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Dr. Salvador Escudero III, then BAI director and concurrent UPCVM dean assigned Adelo to a position in the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in Negros Occidental. In 1980, Adelo assumed the post of City Veterinarian of Bacolod City. Estela is a registered public health nurse in the Department of Education of Bacolod City, also known as the “City of Smiles”. Adelo and Estela are blessed with two reasons to smile about, their daughters who now reside and work in the United States. Adea Estela, who they fondly call “Langga,” is an OR nurse at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), while her younger sister Adea Mari (“Ging-ging”) who placed second in the Philippine occupational therapist licensure examination in 2003, works in New York. Both of them live in New Jersey.

Q and A with Dr. Daroy

Q: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of your job?
A: As city vet, I take direct supervision and control of the City Veterinary Office. I make plans and implement programs on veterinary public health, animal health, livestock production and slaughterhouse operation. I have 66 personnel under my direct supervision and control. Remember Dr. Primitivo Baluyut? After graduation, upon knowing that I am joining government service, he tapped me on the shoulder and said: “Bata, if you cannot defeat them, join them.” Of course I knew what he meant, aware of the glaring culture of corruption in government. Humbly, I replied, “Sir, if I cannot defeat them, I will retreat.” The most challenging aspect of my job is not to get things done but to live up to the expectation that public office is a public trust and that it must be performed with utmost honesty and integrity. By the grace of God, here I am still standing with head held up. However, I am now seriously thinking of “retreating” after 26 years of government service.

Q: And the most gratifying experience in your job?
A: My most rewarding experience is when people tell me that I am a blessing to our government. To them I humbly reply, “to God be the glory.” In 2002, I received the “Outstanding City Government Department Head” award from the Rotary Club of Bacolod and the City Government.

Q: What are the most common animal diseases in your city?
A: The usual diseases we encounter in the field are hemorrhagic septicemia and fascioliasis in cattle and carabao, hog cholera, scouring PRDC, enzootic pneumonia and parasitism in swine, and NCD, fowl cholera, ILT, CRD and fowl pox in poultry.

Q: When you’re not working, what do you do in your leisure time?
A: There are only 3 places where I spend my time at: home, office or church. If I’m not at the office or church, I am most likely at home doing household chores, reading, or watching TV or video.

Q: If you were given an opportunity to have dinner and visit with one former classmate or mentor from the UPCVM, who would you pick and why?
A: Former classmate? Rico Flores...because he has been a friend and a brother to me. As for a former mentor, I’d pick Dr. Escudero, so I can thank him personally for the BAI fellowship grant. Without it, I wouldn’t have been your batchmate.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Carmen (Lavilla) Cortez

PHOTOS 1. Carmen at the UPCVM Batch '79 California reunion in April 2006; 2-5. Carmen and her husband Mike Cortez on their wedding; 6. Carmen at Central Park's Bethesda Fountain; 7. Carmen with Filipino movie and Broadway star Lea Salonga; 8. Carmen with Hollywood and Broadway actor Antonio Banderas; 9. a section of the New York City College of Technology-CUNY campus

Carmencita (Lavilla) Cortez and her husband Mike Cortez live in New York City while her children, Alexander and Athens reside in the Philippines. Carmen recently joined the faculty of the New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn, one of the four colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical and Biological Sciences. She has also been teaching Anatomy and Physiology to nursing students at the Borough of Manhattan Community College-CUNY, while holding a part-time position in a neurology clinic in Queens. Although her career veered off from veterinary practice and research, she maintains a link to the veterinary field by serving as the Secretary of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, Inc., USA.

After veterinary school, Carmen achieved a master’s degree in reproductive physiology at UP Los Banos in 1986. She earned her Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology and Therapeutics at Hokkaido University in Japan in 1992. Her work experience in the Philippines included a teaching post at the Araneta University Foundation and a position in pre-clinical research and livestock management projects. She was a coordinator, senior research specialist, training director and lecturer for the GTZ Philippines-German technical cooperation project geared towards development in livestock economics. She garnered awards and citations for her research and her work as a veterinarian. Carmen published several research papers and presented her research work at scientific meetings. Prior to settling in New York, Carmen also lived in Canada and Chicago.

A physical fitness enthusiast, Carmen loves mountain-climbing and ballroom dancing. Now a bona fide New Yorker, Carmen also enjoys Broadway musicals, museums, Yankee baseball games, and strolling at Central Park. When asked by her friends to go stargazing for fun outside stage doors in the theatre district of Manhattan, she’ll be there in a New York minute!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Cynthia (Bernabe) Nejal

CYNCH at their Sydney home, Januray 7, 2006; with her husband Orlando; with her family, L-R, Cynch's husband ORLANDO, their children ANGELICA, JAY and JARAMIE, and CYNCH on the occasion of Cynch and Orlando's 25th wedding anniversary at their Sydney home last January 7, 2006; Cynch at the silver jubilee reunion on December 11, 2004.

CYNTHIA (BERNABE) NEJAL, The Lady Vet From OZ

Cynthia (Bernabe) Nejal now lives in Sydney, Australia with her loving husband Orlando and their gorgeous children Jay, 24, Angelica, 23 and Jaramie, 20. After getting her DVM, Cynch worked part time as a private practitioner in her hometown, and also became a full-time mom. In 1989, Cynch migrated to Sydney, where she got a position in a pathology laboratory. After eight and a half years, she made a career change and worked in real estate marketing for thirteen months. Cynch then landed a job in the public sector. She is currently one of the dedicated staff members of the New South Wales (NSW) Guardianship Tribunal, a legal tribunal committed to promoting the right of people with disabilities to make their own decisions wherever possible. The tribunal conducts hearings to appoint substitute decision makers for people who are unable to make decisions for themselves. It is not surprising that Cynch took on a position that focuses on guardianship and financial management orders for people who need help, such as those with decision-making disabilities. Her favorite quote reads:
"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." -- Anonymous
In her leisure time, Cynch keeps herself physically fit by walking, hip hop dancing and aerobics. She also enjoys nature trips. But what she treasures most is spending time with her wonderful family and entertaining friends. Cynch and Lando recently celebrated a milestone in their union, their silver wedding anniversary last January 10, 2006.

UP College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1979 California Reunion

Ayres Suites
21951 Springs Drive
Diamond Bar, California 91765 USA

April 21-23, 2006

TOP PHOTO Standing L-R: Noel, Jun, Vic, Ramon. Seated L-R: Caloy, Tita, Carmen, Tess, Mila, Dolly, at the Getty Center

BOTTOM PHOTO Standing L-R: Mila, Dolly, Vic, Tess, Jun, Caloy, Noel, Tita, Ramon. Front row L-R: Portia, Carmen, Armi at Ayres Suites

Beautiful California served as a backdrop to another memorable UP College of Veterinary Medicine Batch 1979 reunion, one year and four months after the 25th year reunion in Los Banos, Laguna in the Philippines. The main activities were held in Ayres Suites in Diamond Bar near Los Angeles on April 21-23, 2006. It was a gorgeous spring weekend filled with fun and reconnection with former classmates as well as spouses and friends of the good class of 1979. This get-together was organized and hosted by our wonderful California-based batchmates DOLLY RODULFO-DALUSONG and husband POL, VIC VELASCO and wife CHARISSE, and TESS PALLASIGUE-CALALANG and husband ED. JUN MICU of Woodbridge, Virginia as always helped organize the event and is now a contender for the title of “reunion classmate” (he prefers this title over “reunion king”) having helped organize and attended both reunions. We are very grateful to all of them for all their hard work to make this reunion possible, very successful and enjoyable. Also in attendance were TITA MESIONA-MANLAPAZ and her husband CALOY MANLAPAZ from Chicago, RAMON MOLINA from Boston, CARMEN LAVILLA and NOEL CALINGASAN from New York City, ARMI LUBRIN DIZON (who was with our batch during our freshman year), PORTIA CORTES and MILES FREEMAN, the ADDL staff member formerly known as MILA MENDOZA who are all based in California .

April 19

TITA and husband CALOY were the first to arrive at the Ontario International Airport where they were met by DOLLY’s daughter, GEM. They were brought to one of DOLLY’s houses in Chino Hills. They were later joined by VIC and DOLLY for dinner at a Filipino restaurant called Salusalo to kick off the reunion activities.

April 20

ARMI and Prada-sporting JUN arrived separately at the Ontario International Airport and were met by DOLLY in her Lexus with TITA and CALOY in tow. They proceeded to Ayres Suites and later shared a wonderful evening at the Salusalo restaurant where they feasted on grilled meat, fish, squid and shrimps following TITA’s recommendation. Incidentally, there’s a new movie coming out later this year called “The Devil Wears Prada.” Not that this has anything to do with the reunion...we're in DOLLYWOOD. I mean, HOLLYWOOD so movies come to mind. Speaking of DOLLY, the new Lexus is a 50th birthday present from her loving husband POL. It is hard to decide which is more depressing - the fact that most of us will turn 50 this year, or that not all of us will get a Lexus for our 50th birthday. Oh well, let's just choose to be happy and count our blessings as we reach another milestone! And this is one major reason why this California reunion was thought of when we had our planning in Los Banos - to get together and celebrate our golden year.

April 21

What made this reunion truly enjoyable was the opportunity to go sightseeing while reuniting with former classmates and rebuilding friendships. After breakfast at Ayres Suites, DOLLY, TESS, CALOY, TITA, JUN and ARMI headed to Griffith Park. Situated in the Santa Monica Mountains in LA, the Griffith Park is one of the largest urban park in North America. The park has a very good view of the city of LA and of the famous HOLLYWOOD sign. Later that morning, CARMEN arrived with VIC and ChARISSE to join the group. The next stop was Hollywood Boulevard to see the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the most famous theatre in the world. Filled with exotic art from China, the theatre's jade-green bronze roof rises 90 feet into the air. The group also visited the permanent home of the Academy Awards, Kodak Theatre which is located in the heart of historic Hollywood. The 3,400 seat theatre opened in November 2001. The tour won’t be complete without going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While walking down memory lane recollecting our college days, batchmates also had fun looking down at their feet and seeing "stars" on the bronze plaques, embedded in pink and charcoal terrazzo squares on the world's most famous sidewalk: the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group was later re-joined by VIC and CHARISSE who picked up RAMON and NOEL from Los Angeles International Airport , and MILES from the train station. After a brief but exciting time of hugs, handshakes and re-acquaintance, the group proceeded to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive is one of the most celebrated and exclusive shopping streets in the US. Not even Winona Ryder can afford to shop here (remeber the shoplifting scandal?), so the group did not bother to get off, missing an otherwise glamorous photo opportunity.

Our next destination was a place to experience and enjoy art in a unique setting that boasts great architecture, serene gardens and spectacular views: the Getty Center. Batch mates filled one of the automated three-car tram that took passengers to and from the museum, which is located on a hill in Brentwood, LA. The obligatory group picture-taking started in front of the museum with the dramatic architecture in the background. And of course, all posed group photos included the Welcome Batch ’79 banner kindly donated by VIC. The group enjoyed the view of the Westwood skyline and downtown LA in the horizon, and the Cactus Garden perched on the edge of the Getty Center. Some members of the group visited an exhibition of the work of French artist Edgar Degas. In the middle of this art experience, the most commonly heard word by our batchmates was WOWOWEE which was given a naughty meaning by CALOY. From then on, almost all jokes included the use of the new term. After all these years, some things just don’t change.

Just before sundown, the group drove back to Ayres Suites. Newly arrived batch mates checked in at the hotel, and the whole group gathered at one of the function rooms for drinks and buffet style dinner. PORTIA first joined the group that evening, and it was a delight to see her. REY DOMIGUEZ (UP CVM Class ’80) and his wife ROSA also dropped by to say hello. As one of the hosts, VIC graciously welcomed everyone and buffet style dinner followed. NOEL shared his experiences from the 25th anniversary reunion in the Philippines. The most enjoyable portion of the night was RAMON’s animated picture presentation featuring nostalgic photos taken during our college days, field trips, parties, headshots of UPCVM faculty and staff (’75-’79, courtesy of LYNN), our college baccalaureate service and university graduation ceremonies, the Los Banos reunion, and all the mini reunions held in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, California and Canada. Photos from the unveiling of the stained glass project which was donated by our batch to the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in Los Banos were also shown. The presentation was complete with background music that was popular during our college days including songs by the BeeGees, Basil Valdez and ABBA, among others. RAMON handed out DVD copies of the presentation to everyone. JUN then presented plans for the 30th anniversary reunion in the Philippines and our next donation to the College of Veterinary Medicine in Los Banos. After DOLLY’s discussion of financial matters concerning the California reunion, it was sharing time for some batchmates regarding professional and personal matters since graduation in 1979. Without going into details about who-admitted-to-being-what and how everyone spilled their guts, this portion of the program proved to be very jaw-droppingly revealing, inspiring and Oprahesquely emotional at times. But listening to our batchmates share their experiences in their careers, their private lives, as well as valuable lessons they learned in life helped us rediscover and get to know each other better and renew our friendships. It was midnight when we ended that night’s activities.

April 22

After breakfast, we took more group photos (of course) outside the hotel with the ubiquitous Welcome Batch ’79 banner. CARMEN had to fly back to Las Vegas that morning so she and PORTIA who took her to the airport, were not able to join us for the rest of the activities. Batch mates and friends then drove south in 2 separate vans to TESS and ED’s home in Oceanside, San Diego. We ate snacks of empanada and cassava cakes at TESS and ED’s beautiful home and celebrated ED’s belated birthday with a chocolate cake.

The group proceeded to Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine Corps base in the world. Located in southern California between the towns of Oceanside and San Clemente, the camp was established in 1942 to train U.S. Marines for service in World War II. Today, it is the home of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and various training commands. TESS and ED lived inside the camp for 7 years. TESS gave us a tour of the housing area, the stable, and other amenities of the camp, as well as the recreation park and picnic area by Lake O’Neal. We then stopped at Camp Del Mar Recreational Beach, where we had lunch . It was a little too windy and cool for frisbee and swimming. Sorry, no swimsuit pictures of your batchmates (sigh of relief!)

From the beach, the group drove to Point Loma in San Diego. On our way to Point Loma, it was such a treat to see the famous “Flower Fields” at the Carlsbad Spring Flower Festival. In San Diego, where the weather's always perfect, people always look to the hills of Carlsbad for a sign that it’s springtime. It was awesome to see layers of multicolored Ranunculus blooms that painted a Carlsbad hillside. These Ranunculus bulbs vibrantly bloom for about two months each year, so it was exciting to be a part of these glorious rites of spring.

The journey to Point Loma, the highest point in San Diego was long, but it was well worth it. It was at its southern extremity where the Portuguese navigator Joao Rodrigues Cabrillo and crew became the first Europeans to land in California. We visited the Cabrillo Monument and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which stood watch over the entrance to San Diego Bay for 36 years. At dusk on November 15, 1855 the light keeper climbed the winding stairs and lit the light for the first time. What seemed to be a good location 422 feet above sea level, however, had a serious flaw. Fog and low clouds often obscured the light. On March 23, 1891 the light was extinguished and the keeper moved to a new lighthouse location. We took several group and individual photos near the old lighthouse. Serving as background was a spectacular view of the US navy port, and the downtown San Diego skyline right along the coast to Mexico. VIC, who was too exhausted from all the driving, had to stay in his car to take a rest and was not able to join us tour the lighthouse.

Continuing our tour of San Diego, we went to Hotel del Coronado, a national historic landmark. Built in 1888, it is the oldest wooden Victorian hotel in the US. Rising from water's edge on the quaint island of Coronado in San Diego, the Hotel del Coronado is considered one of America 's most beautiful beach resorts. Needless to say, everyone wasted no time to pose for a group photo in front of this classic historic hotel.

For dinner that night, we feasted on delicious Filipino food at the Manila Tokyo Restaurant. Some batchmates wanted to sing karaoke and dance the night away but there was a big 80th birthday party for another Pinoy at the restaurant at that time. The karaoke and the dance floor were of course dominated by the birthday party guests. But we had a lot of fun socializing with the birthday celebrant, although his wife was a little confused to see unfamiliar faces having pictures and video taken with her lei-wearing birthday-boy husband. And the birthday celebrant was just so amazed that some of his guests came all the way from as far as Virginia, New York, Massachussets and Illinois. Although MILA was unable to belt out her favorite tunes (wonder what American Idol judge Simon Cowell would have said) and DOLLY didn't get to use her dancing shoes, it was still a fun night!

April 23

We had breakfast at the hotel with the wife and daughter of RICO FLORES, who unfortunately was unable to attend. After hotel checkout, we headed to Palm Springs which is about two hours drive east of Los Angeles, two and a half hours northeast of San Diego. The group took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating enclosed tramcars which ascended two and a half miles to pristine wilderness, 8,000 feet above the desert floor. As we ascended, we craned our necks to enjoy a 360-degree view of the desert through the windows of the rotating tramcar. The 15-minute ride took us to the Mountain Station dock. The station was a 3-story facility, housing a cocktail lounge, dining facilities, gift shops and observation areas, as well as a theater showing a 22-minute movie on the history and construction of the Tramway. We took pictures outside the station dock where it was freezing. Snow was still on the ground. Immediately behind the Mountain Station, we had a good view of the Mt. San Jacinto State park and wilderness area. TITA and CALOY treated us to lunch inside the station dock where we continued our sharing time.

After descent, we drove to the beautiful and ritzy resort town of Palm Springs, breathing the desert air fragrant with wildflowers. It was a pleasant drive and it was fascinating to experience an eco-adventure tour of the world famous Palm Springs power-generating windmills.

We couldn’t resist stopping by an off-beat tourist attraction: two giant dinosaur sculptures on an arid plain surrounded by mountains in Cabazon. These are known as Claude Bell’s Dinosaurs which were media darlings in the 1980’s appearing in commercials, rock videos, and Tim Burton’s movie called Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. One of the dinosaurs is a T-Rex. And yes, T-Rex has a bathroom in him (upon insistence of Pee Wee Herman during filming). We opted to use the bathroom in a nearby Burger King instead of T-Rex. Although shopping was listed in our plan of activities, we all decided to skip the shopping mall outlets.

We then drove to the Pala Casino Resort and Spa to meet up with TESS and ED. We had buffet-style dinner there (thanks to TESS and ED) and enjoyed VIC and ED’s funny jokes as entertainment. After dinner, some of us played slot machines. Nobody won anything, except a unique experience to spend time with former classmates. We left TESS and ED at the casino and drove to DOLLY and POL’s home in Chino Hills. TITA, CALOY and JUN stayed at DOLLY’s house for the night while VIC took RAMON and NOEL to a hotel near the airport. DOLLY handed giveaways and souvenirs (including I LOVE NEW YORK T-SHIRTS donated by CARMEN), as well as food to take home, reminiscent of the Filipino family tradition. Indeed, after such a reunion, batchmates feel closer to each other and leave with a sense of belonging to one big happy (sometimes dysfunctional) family!

May we have more get-togethers and hopefully reunite with other batch mates who were unable to attend the last two reunions. Til next time folks!

Let's stay connected!

NOTE: RAMON posted some of the reunion photos which can be viewed at the UPVetmed '79 yahoogroup, or by clicking on the following URL (2 separate albums):

http://www.photoworks.com/share/shareLanding.jsp?shareCode=A9FCD82C0E7&cb=PW&cp=ems_shr_dpr_25pr_ps2

http://www.photoworks.com/share/shareLanding.jsp?shareCode=AA06462C0E7&cb=PW&cp=ems_shr_dpr_25pr_ps2