PASS’ Humanitarian Golden Heart | VIA Times – May 2014 Issue
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PASS’ Humanitarian Golden Heart

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Quoting Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s message in the souvenir program of PASS’ Humanitarian Golden Heart gala event, the Mayor writes: “Chicago is proud of a hard-working and vibrant Filipino American community. Chicago’s Filipino Americans have made a significant impact on our city, as evident by the community’s artistic, civic, entrepreneurial and culinary endeavors. I commend PASS for its ongoing and steadfast commitment to the Filipino community and to the city at large.”
Great observation, Mr. Mayor. I wished you were at the PASS awards dinner last May 2, held at the Mirage Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, when eight physicians and three civic-minded members of our Filipino American community were presented a “Humanitarian Golden Heart Award” in recognition of their unselfish dedication to mankind making Chicago and America the best place to raise a Family.
In the interest of space, let us take a quick walk on the long road sprinkled by humanitarian services and achievements of these eleven PASS awardees:
ARSENIO AGNGARAYNGAY, MD: In our Biblical faith, we say that “doctors only treat, but God heals.” Dr. Arsenio Agngarayngay seems to qualify in both. He willingly gives himself to the Lord so he can best serve God’s sick children. A heavenly-guided life this medic has! Dr. Agngarayngay graduated from the Far Eastern Institute of Medicine; took his internship at the US Air Force Hospital in Clark Air Base, Philippines, came to the US in ’69, took his residency and fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Illinois Hospitals, and passed the Board of Internal Medicine in 1975. The rest is a fruitful medical profession in service to the Lord and to God’s children — for the past 38 years.
WILFREDO DACUYCUY, MD: Quiet and unassuming, many of this medic’s friends did not have a clue that Dr. Fred Dacuycuy had served the US Dept. of Defense as Medical Officer for over 20 years! He’s been assigned to war zones like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan — where many of us “fear to tread.” A graduate from the Manila Central University, he started his medical practice in 1973. He retired from the military last April this year, but continues to work part-time as medical director in some affiliated hospitals.
MRS. CARLOTA GRUSPE-DOMANTAY: This Lady is a Mom, Tita, Ate, or Madam to everyone who knows her Humanitarian Golden Heart. Coming from a very politically-imbibed family in Tarlac, she was groomed to run for an office, cut-short by her marriage to the late Dr. Antonio Domantay, who took her to the USA where they raised their family. Having her share of the Beauty Crowns as a young Lady, she is a very popular “talent scout” for Beauty Queens in the Filipino American Community. Madam Carlota never says “no,” when asked to help.
MR. RAY ELLIOT: A true Christian with a humanitarian heart, God paired him with his wife, Grace, to share their mission work in the Philippines. They both founded the Bago Chiquito Christian Mission in Capiz, sending food, clothing and Christian love. To-date, twenty-four young people have finished college. Their humanitarian heart sees no boundaries. In Chicago, they pick up bread and other food items from bakeries and food pantries and deliver the goodies to non-profit agencies to feed the homeless.
JEAN F. FARNE, MD: Dr. Farne finished her medicine from the University of the East College of Medicine. After practicing in the Philippines for a few years she migrated to the United States in 1974, where, like many others, built her medical practice, while also serving humanity. She is a recipient of several Physician awards, to name a few – from the American Medical Association; Medical Excellence from the Swedish Hospital, etc. Among her humanitarian services include as a member of the medical missions to some provinces in the Philippines. She is listed in Marquis “Who’s Who Among American Women.”

PORTIA JOY SARMIENTO-GUERIN: Since she came to Chicago, Portia has always been involved in nurturing the Filipino American youth to get involved in the community, to learn and keep their Philippine heritage. She co-founded the Society of American Young Professionals, now known as Filipino American Network (FAN), involved in cultural mainstream participation like at the Navy Pier; professional development, public service and the Filipino American seniors. Her profession is in line with corporate investments and legal department. She is married to Thomas Guerin; they have a son, Alex.

GERARDO C. GUZMAN, MD: Dr. Guzman, whose mission is to “deliver the highest quality of medical care to his patients,” is an alumnus of the Far Eastern University in Manila. He had served various hospitals in the United States since he obtained his licensure in 1971. In recognition of his excellent medical practice and humanitarian heart, he is a recipient of various awards as a medic, to name a few: Humanitarian award from the Philippine Medical Association of Chicago; FEUMAANI Leadership Award, etc. He retired in 2011, but continues to work as Medical director at the Sheriff Dept. in DuPage County Jail. He and his wife, Virginia, have been happily married for 50 years, blessed with five children.

LIGAYA V. MARASIGAN, MD, FACOG: Dr. Ligaya’s life journey, “is focused on her love of learning and giving back.” She is a graduate from Far Eastern University College of Medicine. In Chicago, she served at the John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County until she retired in 2010. She is a recipient of several outstanding awards, one of which is “Outstanding Teacher Awards” from the Association of Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics, at the JHStroger Hospital; and Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University. In her travels, she incorporates her mission for Christ and medicine. She is a Lay Servant and active member of the Elston Avenue United Methodist Church and an active advocate for the United Methodist Women. Known for their philanthropic work, Dr. Ligaya is happily married to Dr. Israel Labao; they have three children.

ELENITA IGNACIO RUBIO, MD: It’s always been my pleasure to write about people I know like Dr. Nunilo Rubio and his lovely wife, Dr. Elenita Ignacio Rubio, a PASS’ recipient of the “Humanitarian Golden Heart Award.” Dr. Nits was the “Mrs. Philippines PIWC” 2010. I’ve known this multi-awarded couple for over three decades, not only as our Family Doctors but more so for their charitable hearts. As a mainstay in the Medical mission to the Philippines, Dr. Nits internalizes the pains and sufferings of their recipients, even long after their mission is over. The Dr. Rubios are blessed with three wonderful sons who followed their trails in the medical field, the Rubio family were recipients of the Model Family award given by the Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame of VIA Times/CPRTV and the couple were also recipients of Outstanding Award in Medicine by VT/CPRTV’s Hall of Fame event. The Rubios’ greatest Joy today is their first grandson, Ethan Nunilo Rubio III.

REMEDIOS M. SALES, MD: Her profile begins: “Dr. Remedios Sales enjoys living life to the fullest and believes that life is all about the journey and not about the destination.” Well-said quotation that best describes this spunky lady Medic who always sports a smiling face. A medical practitioner for 31 years, Dr. Remy is known for her kindness to the downtrodden through her holistic medicine inspired by spiritual teachings and faith in God. She and her surgeon husband, Dr. Pascual “Jun” Sales, finance their own medical missions to their hometowns in Ilocos Norte; almost every year they are a part of their alumni-sponsored FEUMAANI medical mission serving thousands of patients from all over the region. They are both recipients of several awards for their humanitarian work.

SIMEON A SEVANDAL, JR., MD: This humble medic is an alumnus of the University of the Philippines, College of Medicine, in 1972 where he graduated as one of the TOP TEN! After a few years of practice in the Philippines, he went to the United States and practiced in various hospitals. He was the first president of the Surigaonon Club which did several medical missions back home. We can write a book about Dr. Sevandal’s awards from professional groups like the PMAC, the Rotary, etc. He is happily married to a dentist, Dr. Lourdes Balquiedra; they are blessed with two children.
And so … Congratulations to all the PASS HUMANITARIAN GOLDEN HEART AWARDEES 2014! Thank you for your support to the Pilipino American Social Services and Human Resources Center. As what Dr. Virgilo Jonson, president and chairman of the Board, said: “we are honoring individuals who have distinguished themselves in our community, devoting their time, talent and financial help to the underprivileged…” (ESN)

PASS CENTER is located at 1511 West Irving Park Road in Chicago. Stop by sometime and meet the seniors and the recipients of your kindness. The indefatigable Angie Francisco is always there to open the door for you while she single-handedly handles all other services. And, oh, yes, Angie, with all her imperfections like many of us, really deserves a big, warm hug for her hard work and dedication to make the Awards Nights a success!
Likewise, hats off to all the PASS officers as follows: Virgilio I. Jonson, MD, president/chairman of the board; Angie Francisco, executive director/manager; Anita Rosa, secretary; Ralph Sirianni, treasurer; Susan Silvano, auditor; Faye Mendiola, Awards coordinator; Board of Directors: Judy Agno, Sally Abuton, Paul and Melanie Carlson, Art and Naty Dilay, Leticia Freihaut, Lina Jonson, Don and Flor Kramer, Bayani Legaspi, Lourdes Livas, Atty. Andy Llanes, Merly Perricone, Dr. Pascual and Dr. Remy Sales, Tony Silvano, Jovy Sirianni, Mike and Brenda Stevens, Lisa Vasich, Flo and Lita Villegas.
Lastly, a huge “Thank You” the to multi-talented CPRTV Anchor lady – Ms. Girlie Pascual, for serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Her professional spontaneity in handling the crowd made a big difference in the celebration. (ESN)

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