EVENTS

A Reunion Weekend That Sparked a Celebration of Friendship
Marjorie A. Ramos, MD, President, Batch 2000

Twenty-five years have flown by since we added two letters to the end of our names and walked across that familiar stage. It feels like yesterday, yet it’s half a lifetime ago. So much has changed—us, our careers, the world around us, and, of course, the beloved alma mater we still root for. Yet the pull to come back, to reconnect with old friends, mentors, and the family that shaped who we are, was stronger than ever. Even more than a month out, the buzz in the air was electric.

Kickoff: The Golf Day That Started It All

We opened the Grand Alumni Homecoming with a sunny roar: an invitational golf tournament on January 13, 2026, at Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan. The fairways woke up with us as the sun rose, and the course quickly filled with familiar faces—alumni from different batches, mentors, and lifelong friends.  Early risers arrived with hugs, old nicknames resurfaced, and the tee boxes turned into a rolling reunion stage.  The weather cooperated: blue skies, a gentle breeze, and a course that welcomed players of all levels.  The day blended friendly competition with plenty of laughter and stories that only time with great friends can write.  We wrapped up after lunch, but the real prize was the fellowship that lingered in the air and the renewed sense of belonging.

Scientific Convention: Brainpower, Heart, and Shared Vision

The scientific convention—one of the weekend’s highlight moments—took place January 15–16, 2026, on the fourth floor of the Josephine R. Reyes Building. The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass, setting a grateful, forward-looking tone for what followed.  The FEU-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation School of Medicine hosted the 48th Dean Lauro Panganiban Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr. Cesar M. Ong, a respected professor and pediatric pulmonologist from Batch 1984. His talk, Building a Resilient Medical Curriculum: Preparing Future Physicians for a Changing World, landed with timely insight and practical takeaways.

The convention itself was a labor of love, with topics thoughtfully curated to reflect the best of our alumni’s experiences across batches and specialties.  The Scientific Committee, led by Dr. Joseph Olivar, crafted a program that wasn’t just informative but also energizing—sparking conversations that continued long after the sessions ended.  The field was rich with voices from our own rosters: diverse paths, shared challenges, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in medicine.

Grand Gala Night: An Evening Under the Stars

January 17, 2026 capped the weekend with a grand finale at Solaire North Vertis, in a setting that truly felt like a celebration of journeys and friendships.  The ballroom glowed with a magical atmosphere as lights danced and the room hummed with anticipation.  We hung up our stethoscopes and hospital gowns—figuratively, of course—and slipped into dancing shoes ready for a night of celebration.  The collaborative dances from the different batches wove a tapestry of joy, pride, and a touch of playful competition that left everyone smiling.  Being in one big ballroom with all the celebrating batches, alumni, mentors, and administrators was a powerful reminder that, after all these years, we remain part of one family—bound by shared beginnings and a future we’re still building.

Why This Weekend Truly Matters

This isn’t just nostalgia with confetti. It’s a living reminder that our alma mater didn’t just teach us skills; it created a community that travels with us—through careers, cities, and decades. We aren’t merely looking back fondly; we’re stepping forward with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and a stronger commitment to mentor, support, and inspire the next generation.

The alumni network is a living thing, and this weekend proved how powerful it can be when we come together.  The memories flourish not just in photos and stories but in everyday moments—mentoring a student, reconnecting with an old classmate, or simply keeping the flame of curiosity burning bright.  Let us stay connected: watch for next year’s calendar, share your memories, and contribute ideas for future gatherings.