Thanksgiving for Life for a Cause

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

They began with a Thanksgiving mass officiated by the Reverend Father Cesar Pajarillo at the ballroom of the Marriott Hotel in Oak Brook. Guests, member physicians of the Philippine Medical Association of Chicago (PMAC), and the PMAC Auxiliary, officers, and friends were all decked out in their fashionable Sunday best as they participated in the holy sacrament. Soon after, the registration desk manned by the volunteers of the PMAC Auxiliary became busy fielding questions and directing attendees, mostly wearing their European inspired outfits to match their fascinators, to their assigned tables.

The program was emceed by the vibrant Dr. Nida Blankas-Hernaez and the central theme was honoring physician volunteers and wives, past and present members of the PMAC and PMAC Auxiliary, and raising funds to support their outreach and medical missions to the Philippines. There was the usual round of welcome remarks, several dance performances, and the highlight of the event was a mini- fashion show choreographed by Fr. Sunny Castillo and Lalaine Bernardo, featuring the stylish and hardworking President of the PMAC Auxiliary Ms. Salvy Marino, and the other lovely models Lalaine Bernardo, Margaret Ereneta, Evelyn Fajardo, Dr. Maurina Galvez, Irene Gonzaga, Benny Hizon, Marilyn Lopez, Dr. Melinda Tolentino, Nora Tsai, and Alma Viudez.

Past PMAC President Dr. Zosimo Herrera, along with Salvy, presented the well- deserved Service Awards, introduced by Secretary and Past PMAC Auxiliary President Dely Villalon. These special recognition plaques went to Mrs. Felicitas Lumicao and Mrs. Dionisia Battung, along with other notable members. All in all, it was another feather in her fascinator, another well-attended successful event for Madame President Salvy, and her dedicated Social Committee members headed by the lady Chair Dr. Rose Climaco-Gadrinab, Marilyn Lopez, Dr Melinda Tolentino, Dr Ledy Jasminez, Nancy Castro, Dr. Phoebe Tan, Evelyn Fajardo, Dely Villalon, Dr Cyren Estrada, and Foundation Honorary Member Nora Tsai. Salvy credits the success of their events to all her supportive and dynamic members who work hard with her to make their goals come to fruition. Congratulations to the PMAC Auxilliary Group, the Foundation and the PMAC for another event well done!

Some guests and PMAC Auxiliary officers.

Presentation of Service Awards in absentia to Dionisia Battung and Fe Lumicao by, from left, Dr. Zosimo Herrera, Salvy Marino, Dr. Maria Herrera, Dr. Greg Tolentino and Dely Villalon.

Dr. Rose Climaco-Gadrinab and Dr. Nida Hernaez, Emcee.

Fr Mario Quejadas is Salvy’s special guest w (L-R) Margaret Ereneta, Lilia Pendon, Father Mario & mom Aurora Quejadas, Salvy, Iren e Gonzaga, Lalaine Bernardo & Girlie Pascual

Singing of the National Anthems by the PMAC Aucilisty.

Raffle Committee: L-R Nora Tsai, Evelyn Fajardo, Lita Liboon, Dr Myrlie Casio, Dr Rosemarie Paragas, Violeta Montoya

The stylish PMAC Auxilliary ladies model their own outfits.

Professional singers Olibia and Grace of the Musik Engine.

The PMAC Auxilliary dancers in a lively number.

L-R Nora Tsai, Marylyn Lopez, Dr Maurina Galvez, Evelyn Fajardo, Irene Gonzaga, Benilda Hizon, Dr Melinda Tolentino, Alma Viudez, Margaret Ereneta, Salvy Marino, Lalaine Bernardo.