Phi Dagupan 2018

By Danielle Colleen D. Tiu,  Φ2018 Class 2022

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There was no better way to celebrate the end of the school year and kick start the summer than by spending it with the sisses of the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority.
 
Last June 11 to 12, 2018, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, together with the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity, went on their annual Phi Dagupan trip. Despite the gloomy and somber weather, the sisses and brods had a delightful and wonderful stay in Pangasinan. Moreover, we were able to craft friendships and memories that will surely last a lifetime.
 
After three to four hours on the road, the group finally reached The Medical City Pangasinan. Upon arrival, Brod Juan Antonio Maximiano “Maxi” Regalado Escano, MD Φ 1992 toured us around the hospital. As our shoes clattered and echoed through the long halls and corridors filled with patients and locals, Brod Maxi showed us the new facilities and advancements that the hospital has achieved through the years. Likewise, he shared to us the future direction- plans, vision and aspirations- he desired to attain for the betterment of the hospital.
 
Immediately after the tour, the sisses and brods went straight to Mamalols to enjoy the delicacies of Pangasinan. The sumptuous lunch was hosted by Sis Maeva Guinang dela Cruz-Lalas, MD Φ1969, Class 1972B, Brod Juan Antonio Maximiano “Maxi” Regalado Escano, MD Φ 1992, Brod Jason Rafael “Raffy” Aspuria Maddumba, MD Φ2004B, and Brod Jeffrey Michael Viloria Wong, MD Φ2006. While waiting for the food to be served, the sisses and brods gleefully conversed, took pictures and caught up with the alumni sisses and brods. The amount of food served was more than one could imagine. Our hearts were content as we filled ourselves with Mamalols’ famed ham, lumpia and turon.
 
Upon reaching El Puerto Marina Resort, the sisses walked around the resort, explored its facilities and took pictures with the resort’s picturesque and scenic spots.  It was still early in the afternoon and despite the melancholic and downcast weather, we were able to enjoy ourselves in the beachside. Some sisses and brods played a friendly match of dodge ball and volleyball, while others spent the whole afternoon exploring the waves and unspoiled sands of Lingayen’s coast. A handful, not feeling athletic, daring nor adventurous, opted to stay indoors, played card games and cheerfully chatted the whole afternoon away.
 
As the sun set, the sisses and brods headed to Silantro, one of Dagupan’s popular and sought-after restaurants, for dinner hosted by Sis Maeva Guinang dela Cruz-Lalas, MD Φ1969, Class 1972B, Brod Juan Antonio Maximiano “Maxi” Regalado Escano, MD Φ 1992, Brod Jason Rafael “Raffy” Aspuria Maddumba, MD Φ2004B, and Brod Jeffrey Michael Viloria Wong, MD Φ2006. Initially flustered and overwhelmed by the amount of food we had to ingest, we ended up indulging ourselves with nachos, quesadillas, chicken and burritos. Our cravings for Mexican food were satisfied by the tables were overflowing with food and drinks. Furthermore, the mood of the dinner was light and merry as laughter and smiles were evident on everyone’s faces.
 
After filling our stomachs, we headed back to the resort, excited and thrilled for what the evening would bring. Countless bottles of cold beer were served and the games commenced as soon as each had a bottle in his/her hand. The rest of the night was filled with chatters, jokes and music as the sisses and brods savored the cool and brisk Pangasinan air. Indeed, we were able to experience sisterhood as friendships were strengthened and new ties were formed. It was a definitely a night to remember.
 
The second day was as eventful as the first. We made good use of the resort’s facilities by swimming in different pools, walking along the shore, and playing in the sand. As we delighted ourselves in the beach, we took several pictures to capture the memorable occasion. Before returning to the busy city of Manila, we took a mental image of the serene, breathtaking shore and inhaled the fresh and invigorating Pangasinan air that we would certainly miss.
 
For lunch, the renowned bangus of Dagupan did not disappoint as the rich flavor of the city’s well-known fish melted in our mouths. The succulent and luscious sizzling bangus, together with other distinguished Filipino dishes such as binagoongang pata, pinakbet, and fried crablets, were served at the lunch table. The last meal of the trip, which took place in Dagupena, was hosted by Sis Jennifer Ann Reyes Mendoza-Wi, MD Φ1972 Class 1976, SSE 1975-1976 and her husband, Brod Zenaides Tactay Wi MD, Φ1972, SE 1975-1976. Before heading back to Manila, Sis Jennifer shared her advocacies and anecdotes about her medical practice. We concluded our outing by singing the Sorority’s song.
 
Phi Dagupan 2018 was deemed successful for we had a pleasurable time, sent-off our clerks for their internship, visited the alumni, fostered camaraderie and celebrated sisterhood. ‘Till the next trip, sisses and brods!

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