A Welcome Treat for the Society’s Guests from the ISD, Filipino Style!

Stephen Lacson, MD, DPDS and Tessa Hamada, MD, FPDS

The PDS Socials Committee headed by Dr. Claude Javier took the responsibility of entertaining the guest speakers of the Society during the 31st PDS Annual Convention. The group, representing the International Society of Dermatology (ISD), was invited by the ever-jubilant Dr. Vangee Handog.

The PDS prime movers hosted a Welcome Dinner held at Sofitel’s Spiral, where the foreign guest speakers remarked at the extensive and delicious buffet spread and
frequented the dessert table for the delicious
“halo-halo”.

During the Fellowship Night, themed “KULTURA – A Merry Mix of Filipino Songs, Dances and Couture,” scholars from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – the Hiyas ng Maynilad Dance Troupe and Rondalla – performed cultural dances from the different regions of the country in colorful costumes. The guests were then awed by a Filipino love song rendered by the PDS’s very own, Dr. Glenise Javelosa. She was later joined by the equally-gifted Dr. Lorna Frez. The night was capped off by a surprise dance number prepared by some PDS members, with foreign guest speaker Dr. Deedee Murell in the limelight. How they loved to dance, and how well they did! This led to a night of camaraderie, fun and more dancing.

On the last day of the convention, the Socials Committee took the speakers on a tour of Intramuros to give them a glimpse of Filipino history. Manning the excursion was the so-called Pied Piper of Manila, Mr. Carlos Celdran, who made the experience fun and enjoyable for everyone. That night, the foreign guest speakers were treated to a sumptuous dinner at La Cocina de Tita Moning by Dr. Filomena Montinola. The speakers were impressed by the well-conserved house and its history.

Finally, the guests were brought to one of the most beautiful sites in the Philippines, the world-famous Boracay. They were accommodated at Discovery Shores, reputably the best establishment on the island. After the string of formal lectures during the convention, they welcomed the respite and went snorkeling, island-hopping, scuba diving, hiking and just relaxed on the beach.

All in all, the Socials Committee – composed of (from L to R) Drs. Tessa Hamada, Gel Lazaro, Tricia Tinio, Claude Javier and Stephen Lacson – was successful in welcoming and entertaining the foreign guests. Every one of them, even the avid and seasoned world travelers, remarked that Filipino hospitality is truly one-of-a-kind and the best that they’ve experienced. It was the greatest compliment that the Committee could receive.