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Danielle Colleen D. Tiu, Ф2018, Class 2022
As part of this year's Caritas Month activities, the second installment of Lifeline happened in University of the Philippines Diliman last February 23, 2018. The event was held in AS Alcove, one of the busiest and most frequented place of student body in the campus. Several students showed desire and intended to donate for a good cause. The sorority was able to collected 17 blood bags and all were donated to the PGH Blood Bank.
The event was a heartwarming experience for it was pleasant to see good-hearted and magnanimous individuals, sharing their time and blood with those in need. It, indeed, restores faith in humanity. The event would not be a success without the donors and the sorority’s partners namely, PGH Blood Bank, Maroon FM, UP Flyers, UP Pre-Medical Society, UP PUGAD Sayk, Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, UP Tau Lambda Alpha Sorority, and U.P. Tau Rho Xi Fraternity. We hope to see you again in the next episode of Lifelife!
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Danee Coline E. Mangila, Ф2018, Class 2022
EmpoweRED is an event that brings forward the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority’s advocacy that aims to promote HIV awareness in the hopes of removing the stigma among individuals positive with HIV. It involves a series of talks conducted at different schools to increase HIV awareness. Last February 20, 2018, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority brought back EmpoweRED to PGH. The event was held at Room 215, Emergency Room Complex at PGH. There were 3 speakers who shared their insight and knowledge on HIV/AIDS and free HIV testing and consultation was also offered by Love Yourself PH, one of the event’s partners.
EmpoweRED is one of the events of Caritas Month under the office of the Sister Caritas, Gianne Rosales Pagulayan Ф2016 Class 2020. The event was headed by Kristel Iris Gollayan Tiburcio Ф2017 Class 2021, Isabel Kristine Malabag Valdez Ф2017 Class 2021, and co-headed by Czarina Ann Baydo Baptisma Ф2018 Class 2022. Students, residents, and other health care professionals from different departments were in attendance including Dr. Corrina Pambid Azarcon Ф2011B Class 2016 and Dr. Melissa Rose Olivarez Orteza-Sorra Ф2012 Class 2017 from the PGH Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. The first speaker was Dr. Marlene Mae Bermejo from DOH who talked about current epidemiological information on HIV. She mentioned that as of 2017, 31 individuals are newly diagnosed per day. This increase from previous years accompany the propagating stigma on being positive with HIV. She also talked about the importance of sharing strategic information on HIV to make the public more aware of the situation. The statistics presented by Dr. Bermejo highlights the need for dissemination of proper and informative knowledge on HIV to help remove the stigma. Nanay Elena Felix shared a moving recount of her life as a person living with HIV. She was diagnosed as positive with HIV during a time when the stigma of the disease was very prominent. She experienced being denied of health care, mostly because of the fear of people regarding HIV. Despite all that, she has continued to live a life that helps change the lives of other people positive with HIV. Nanay Elena is truly inspiring with her courage to stand up for herself and fight the stigma. The last speaker was Mr. Edgar “Kahel” Mutas Jr., a counselor at Love Yourself PH. Mr. Mutas shared his experiences as a counselor, talking about the different but equally challenging situations he faces as he helps people living with HIV. He talked about how a big role of his job was to build relationships and trust among those that he councils, which plays a big role in the success of what he does. Mr. Mutas and his dedication for what he does reminds us that more and more people, even those not positive with HIV, continue to join the fight against the stigma on HIV. After the talks, people were ushered to the next room for the free HIV testing and consultation by Love Yourself PH. The testing consisted of filling out a form and extraction of a few drops of blood for the rapid HIV test. After 12 minutes, an individual’s control number will be called by a counselor. The councilor will discuss the results and general information on HIV with the councilor. Having been able to get the test myself, I very much appreciated the counselling. I liked how they started with asking with my current knowledge on HIV and how they built upon that to continue the conversation as well as add to my knowledge. I could see how knowledgeable and dedicated the councilors are in propagating proper information on HIV and AIDS. I am looking forward to more EmpoweRED events because I believe events such as this should continue and be brought to more places. Events that aim to share proper knowledge and increase awareness on current health issues are what we need more today. Proper health education can have great impacts on public health concerns, because even just the right awareness on the transmission of HIV can improve the current situation and remove the stigma. Patricia S. Sy, Ф2018 Class 2022 As part of Caritas Month celebrations which highlight the sorority's commitment of service to the Filipino people, the Phi Lambda Delta held its flagship project, Milk Matters, at the Canossa Health and Social Center, Silang, Cavite last February 16, 2018. This project centers on empowering women to know more about the importance of breastfeeding to enable them to take control of their own health and the health of their babies as well. It also encourages mothers to donate milk for the benefit of the patients in the Philippine General Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Upon arrival at the Canossa Health and Social Center, the sisses were gleefully welcomed by their very own sis, Sr. Maria Elena A. Adre, FdCC, Ф1986 Class 1991. The morning program started off with a public health lecture hosted by Patria Marie M. Lota Ф2018 Class 2022, and Jecelle D. Masula, Ф2018 Class 2022 for the mothers and mothers to be. Everyone could feel the energy in the air as the participants joined in a game of 'Tama' or 'Mali' that sought to clarify certain misconceptions about breastfeeding. Subsequently, Danee Coline E. Mangila, Ф2018 Class 2022 and Katelyn Edelwina Y. Legaspi, Ф2018 Class 2022 demonstrated the various positions that babies can assume while breastfeeding. They were able to show the mothers how to do the cradle hold, the cross cradle hold, the football hold, and the side-lying position. The fun fact that twins could be easily breastfed with the use of the football hold, with one baby on each arm, was met with resounding laughter. Additionally, the hosts went on to discuss the pertinent information that mothers should always remember when breastfeeding, which was creatively presented through the acronym "G.A.T.A.S." The proper latch-on technique was also presented to the mothers. Another interactive segment ensued as mothers were asked to identify whether the images presented on screen depicted proper breastfeeding and latching practices. Everyone had their own opinion as they sought to analyze the images and correlate it with their own practice which created a space for mothers to share their own experiences about the matter. In the next part of the program, everyone from DiversiPHI, Ф2018, pitched in to present to the mothers the many benefits associated with breastfeeding, with each benefit having a corresponding poster. Afterwards, therefore, the mothers were also able to run through all the amazing benefits associated with breastfeeding. Finally, common problems surrounding breastfeeding and the solutions to these problems were also discussed to help the mothers address these concerns more easily. To cap off the event, a breast milk expression activity was led by PGH's NICU nurses. Through this activity, the youngest batch of sisses were able to experience first hand how to facilitate milk expression from mothers. The joy among the mothers were palpable as they felt truly grateful to be able to share something that they had in excess to those who they know were in need.  Vibiene Norma C. Bernal, Ф2018, Class 2022
Last February 13, 2018, the Phi Lambda Delta sorority held Lifeline at the PGH corridor in front of the Health Service, from 8AM to 4PM. Lifeline is a yearly blood letting event of the sorority intended to benefit the UP PGH blood bank.
Lifeline is under the Office of the Sister Caritas, Gianne Pagulayan Φ2016 Class 2020 and was headed by Danee Coline Mangila Φ2018 Class 2022. There were also partner organizations whose members donated blood too. These were namely: Agham Youth UP Manila, CAMP Volunteer Corps, CAMP Student Council, UP Nursing Artists' Corps and UP Manila Junior Marketing Association. This yearly project is always done in two venues and the this Lifeline at PGH was the first episode. All in all, thirty-four blood bags were collected and donated to the blood bank. This hopefully can alleviate in the hospital's problems regarding blood supply. Katelyn Edelwina Y. Legaspi, Ф2018, Class 2022
 On February 5, 2018, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority launched its exhibit to mark the beginning of this year’s Caritas month. The sorority holds service to be one of its core values, and the various events and projects during Caritas month are meant to be an application of Phi Lambda Delta’s understanding of service. The sorority believes that service projects should be sustainable, and be conducted in such a way that the community can learn to empower themselves through education, rather than being given empowerment from an external source.
The first project of the month is Lifeline, a blood drive that encourages people to donate blood for the PGH blood bank. There are two collections, one in PGH, and one in UP Diliman. Next is the breast milk drive held in partnership with the Canossa Health Center in Cavite on February 16 entitled “Milk Matters”. A short public health lecture on the benefits of exclusive breast milk feeding for the first 6 months of life is followed by breast milk donation by willing mothers for the babies in the Neonate Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). This is followed by EmpoweRED, an HIV-AIDS awareness campaign, where future medical professionals and health workers are invited to listen to a series of talks by doctors, people living with HIV-AIDS, and speakers from the organization Love Yourself Philippines. Then there is the Children’s Fair, a day of fun, games, and sweet treats for children with special needs. Various booths featuring different forms of entertainment like face painting, carnival games, and tasty sweets were put up in the Children’s Playground in Rizal Park Luneta for them to enjoy. The Phi Lambda Delta sorority put up a story telling booth with members acting out an abbreviated version of “John’s Brave Adventure: Leprosy You Can’t Defeat Me!” in order to spread awareness and minimize stigma against those living with the condition. Caritas Month comes to a close with the Gynecological mission, which aims to provide knowledge and access to simple gynecological tests for women in areas where these services are difficult to access. The exhibit is meant to be a preview of these events, as well as a show of the members’ creative skill. The exhibit’s attractive theme of a mother and child surrounded by flowers invited many to come look at the exhibit and read about the sorority’s many upcoming wonderful projects, and to perhaps join in us in our quest for service. Danicca Noelle V. Pineda, Ф2018, Class 2022 
PHIsiklaban is not only the first event of the year, but also the very first PHI event of the newest batch of brods and sisses - Untouchables, Ф 2017B and DiversiPHI, Ф 2018. PHIsiklaban was held at the Ayala Alabang Village last January 20, 2018, from 2-6pm. While this was an event under the office of the Vice Superior Exemplar of the Phi Lambda Delta, Liana Mae Jajurie Lobo, Ф 2015 Class 2019, both the sorority and the Phi Kappa Mu participated and enjoyed the festivities. In attendance were sisses and brods from Ф 2013 (Eigthieths), Ф 2014 (Noche Buena), Ф 2015 (SapPHIre, Stormtroopers), Ф 2016 (PH16th club), Ф2017 (PHIreflies), Ф2017A (Juggernauts), Ф2017B (Untouchables) and Ф2018 (DiversiPHI). The event began with the two hosts, sis Gabrielle Pagdilao Flores, Ф 2017 Class 2021 and brod Gabriel Paulo Candongo Orosco, Ф 2017A, asking us to group ourselves into the colors we were randomly assigned with. There were 4 teams all in all - Orange Team, Yellow Team, Purple Team, and Blue Team. The members then had to exercise their creativity, work as a team, and think fast and smart as they competed in 5 activities - simple parlour games but with twists. Once all teams were assembled, it was announced that the first activity was to make costumes for the 2 chosen mascots (1 brod and 1 sis), and to create a cheer for the team. With Liana Lobo, Ф2015 and Edmond Rodiel Bries, Ф 2014 as the judges, it was declared that Purple Team won 1st place, while Orange Team placed last. It was then revealed that after every activity, the team who placed last had to send 2 representatives (1 brod and 1 sis) to entertain and showcase a talent - singing, dancing, acting, etc. The next activity then was that we had to name the chosen sis/brod of the opposing team. Personally, this was where I got to meet and know the names of some of the brods. The Orange Team bagged first place, while Blue Team was last. The next game was Newspaper Dance wherein 6 members per team had to play with only one newspaper for all players. Purple Team won, with Yellow Team in second place, while both Blue Team and Orange Team were eliminated at the same time. An eating contest was up next, wherein 5 members of each team had to eat or drink a particular item (e.g. chug a beer bottle, or gatorade, eat polvoron, okra, bananas, or spicy noodles). Purple Team snatched first place, followed by Blue Team; while it was a close fight for 3rd place with Orange Team winning over Yellow Team. The final, and most anticipated game of PHIsiklaban, was the modified Trip to Jerusalem wherein almost 20 brods and sisses participated, leading to a highly competitive, aggressive and intense game! Blue Team with 2 members standing then won the game.
In terms of the overall ranking, Yellow Team was fourth place (sad since I was part of this team), and followed by Orange Team in third place. It was then realized that there was a tie between Blue Team and Purple Team for first place. To settle this, a tiebreaker was done to determine the champion through one round of Trip to Jerusalem. After that wild tiebreaker round, Purple Team emerged victorious, with Blue Team placing second. Afterwards and throughout the event, the sisses and brods were also eating, drinking and socializing - with everyone seeming to enjoy themselves!
PHIsiklaban couldn’t be possible without the efforts of the head of the event with their respective teams: sis Aurora Suter Nakpil, Ф2017 Class 2021, sis Gabrielle Pagdilao Flores, Ф2017 Class 2021, and Jian Kenzo Ong Leal, Ф2017A. Phi would also like to acknowledge and thank the gracious host for providing her basketball court and home: sis Lara Marielle Lazaro Castillo, Ф2018 Class 2022. Overall it was a fun afternoon, filled with laughter, sweat, and yes even tears and a bit of blood (lol). It was also a great way for the DiversiPHI and Untouchables to meet and bond with the sisses and brods. Surely, my batchmates share my sentiments when I say that we would look back on this event with very fond memories. Maria Lourdes S. Mahusay, Φ2017, Class 2021
 Last December 20 and 21, 2017, the Phi Lambda Delta warmly welcomed their one of a kind alumni at the UPMAS Homecoming Parade and Ball 2017: ‘Walan9 ka2lad’. Phi Sisses from different batches and from all corners of the globe came to gather, reconnect, and celebrate Sisterhood that stands the test of time. As they paraded around UPCM and PGH grounds, the alumni were able to reminisce and share their memories to the younger sisses – serving as inspirations and as aspirations. UPMAS events were capped off with the Homecoming Ball on the eve of the 21st at Fiesta Pavillion, Manila Hotel. It was a festive night filled with dancing and merrymaking. Congratulations to our Jubiliarians, UPCM Class 1992, and Golden Jubilarians, UPCM Class 1967. It was a was a truly wonderful event to catch up, share laughter, and celebrate sisterhood.
Alyssa Louise A. Uy, Φ2017, Class 2021 Sisses from all over celebrated together 48 years of excellence, leadership, service and sisterhood in Grand Sis Night, held at the Blue Leaf Filipinas last December 18, 2017. It was a night filled with laughter, joy and love.  The hosts for the night were Stephanie Paige Cruz Abellera, Φ2017 Class 2021 and Janel Rae Ferrer Verceles, Φ2015 Class 2019 who warmly welcomed the sisses through the Sorority video brimming with Phi Love. Soon after, the Superior Sister Exemplar, Natasha Bernadine Guytingco Abela, Φ2013 Class 2018 delivered the opening remarks. Delicious buffet dinner was served by Red Chef while being serenaded by the newest batch, PHIreflies Ф2017, with their songs “Just the way you are” and “The Climb”. After the dinner, recap of the year’s Caritas events, Phi’s brand of sustainable service, was presented by Louise Seiko Villanueva Hashimoto, Φ2016 Class 2020, in behalf of Sister Caritas, Gianne Rosales Pagulayan, Φ2016 Class 2020. Shortly after, the InPHInite video was shown followed by short message by the Sister Prior, Ana Beatrice de Vera Constantino, Φ2016 Class 2020. Our dear sisses from Class 2017 were inducted into the Phi Lambda Delta Alumni Association led by Dr. Aileen Rhona Aliga Apolinario-Dualan, Φ1987 Class 1992. The Silver Jubilarians, a fine batch of lady doctors, were introduced through a heartwarming video they prepared for everyone – living testaments of our core values of excellence, leadership, service and sisterhood throughout the years. Maria Inez Banson Herbosa, Φ2016 Class 2020, Sister Amica, led the induction rites of PHIreflies. To cap off the night, the sisses gathered into a circle and sang the Phi Lambda Delta song.
Switzale M. Pidlaoan, Φ2017, Class 2021 Last December 13, 2017, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority held a movie block screening of the highly-anticipated chapter of the Skywalker saga, Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the Robinsons Place Manila. This event will not be possible without the hard work of our Sister Exchequer, Dana Lee M. Benitez, Phi 2016 and her assistants, Pamela Danielle T. Lanuza, Phi 2017 and Alexis T. Desamparado, Phi 2017. The attendees enjoyed the film together with lots of freebies and promos from our sponsors - Jamba Juice, Monde Nissin, Mystery Manila, Universal Robina Corporation, Hello Manila, and WhenInManila.com. Also, the movie goers enjoyed mini games such as the Stacking Game, care of Nissin Yakisoba, where players should be able to stack the empty Nissin cups into a pyramid and, Paint Me a Picture, care of Nissin Yakisoba and Jack n’ Jill Calbee, where participants per group will re-enact a pose from the movie using the different sponsored products as props. It was a night filled with stunning visual effects and plot twists, surely one of the best from the franchise! It was made even better because sisses were there to support and watch. Thank you to everyone who watched with us! 
Roselyn G. Solomon, Φ2017, Class 2021
 The Phi Lambda Delta Sorority and the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity greeted the holiday season with Christmas carols for Phi brods and sisses and their families. The gracious hosts for the year were: Pio Renato Figer Villacorta Φ1977, Jose Magallon Acuin Φ1979, Renato Trota Jose Φ1980, and Stella Marie A. Legaspi-Jose Φ1980B, Class 1984 on November 18 at Jose Residence; Virgilio Mison Novero Φ1982, Clarissa Dizon Villarama-Cellona Φ1994A, Class 1998, and Jennifer Lou C. Novero Φ2016, Class 2020 on November 29 at Novero Residence; Cesar Corpuz Ubaldo Φ1974 and Victor Cesar Inciong Ubaldo Φ2015 on December 02 at Ubaldo Residence; Gil Martinez Vicente Φ1976 on December 03 at Vicente Residence; and Maria Antonia M. Esteban-Habana Φ2004, Class 1989, and Jose Antonio Esteban Habana Φ2014 on December 12 at Habana Residence.
The carols sung as choir included Silent Night, Come All Ye Faithful, Carol of the Bells, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Kumukutikutitap, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Solo and duet performances were also presented by the talented brods and sisses— Jingle Bell Rock by Anne Marie Pamela V. Torga Φ2017, Class 2021; O Holy Night by Stephanie Paige C. Abellera Φ2017, Class 2021 and Manuel Angelo Terania Grino Φ2017A; Baby It’s Cold Outside by Anne Marie Pamela V. Torga Φ2017, Class 2021 and Manuel Angelo Terania Grino Φ2017A; Santa Baby by Stephanie Paige C. Abellera Φ2017, Class 2021 and Pamela Danielle T. Lanuza Φ2017, Class 2021; Last Christmas by Louise Seiko V. Hashimoto Φ2016, Class 2020 and Arthur Gregory Napao Virata Φ2015; Chestnuts by Ma. Patricia M. Valdez Φ 2015, Class 2019 and Edroico Mari Beltran Brillante Φ2015; and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Alyssa Louise A. Uy Φ2017, Class 2021.
Everyone had a good time sharing good food and spreading the holiday cheer in the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood last Christmas season. |
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