SCFDS Summer 2011 Newsletter
Harley S. Orzame, DMD, is new SCFDS President
The entire leadership and the members of the Southern California Filipino Dental Society (SCFD) would like to extend to UNILAB, particularly Dr. Chito Sta.Maria and Ms. Joy Ong their wholehearted gratitude for the support they received that allowed the April 30th event go as planned. Without such support, the event would not have taken place in Manila. Mabuhay kayo!
A huge special thank you also goes to the staff at the Hyatt Hotel Casino Manila, particularly the Convention Services Manager, Ms. Analynn Velicaria for the support and the understanding of the whole process leading to the SCFDS event. Lyn stood with us through all the changes and what-have-you including the petty details that were given on the last minute. Way to go Lyn, we salute you!
SCFDS SISTER SOCIETIES DID A FANTASTIC JOB!
Truth be told, without the help of the three Sister Societies the Installation of Officers and 44th Anniversary Dinner Ball held on April 30th, would not have come out as good as it did. Kudos to the Manila Dental Society headed by its indefatigable President, Delia Barba, DMD; the PPTC led by Ruby Lapuz, DMD and Las Pinas Chapter headed by Narisa Ragos, DMD. Special mention goes to Amry Chavez, DMD for her dedication and hard work. She was a great emcee too. Her calm and charming demeanor was a pleasant neutralizer for the gung-ho attitude of Dr Ed and made him look good as her co-emcee.
The table centerpieces were a beauty to behold. As simple as they were, they looked so elegant on top of the tables. Dr. Barba and her group did a tremendous job in getting them done. The very symbolic yellow flowers were outstanding! It was amazing to note that some guests actually came on time for the event. For that to happen in the Philippines where people, by habit or otherwise almost always come late for events such as we had, is unbelievable!
A huge thank you to Dr. Hermogenes Villareal, the 33rd APDC Chairman. Dr. Villareal was instrumental in holding the SCFDS event at Manila. He pulled the right strings and pushed he correct buttons. Salamat po, Dr. Villareal. Mabuhay ka! Oh, congratulations for being elected the APDC President. We know that the dentists in the Asian regions will experience your unparalleled style of leadership and will enjoy it to the fullest.
At the 44th Anniversary Dinner Ball and Installation of Officers held at the Hyatt Hotel Casino Manila on April 30, 2011. Harley S. Orzame, DMD of La Puente, California was installed as President of the SCDFS. Dr Orzame took the reigns from Renato Calugcugan, DMD of Los Angeles who served for the last two years. Dr Orzame is a graduate of the Manila Central University College of Dentistry. He is a general practice dentist. Dr Orzame is married to a wonderful woman, Salie Orzame and together, they have two children, Hansel who is married to Natalie and Johnny who recently got married to Joy. The Orzames reside in the Covina area some 10 miles east of the City of Los Angeles.
In his inaugural speech, Dr Orzame zeroed in on his plans to perpetuate the existing projects of the SCFDS, particularly the dental missions to the Philippines and the Scholarship Grants given to deserving dental students in the Philippines. To ensure such, he asked the officers and members for their commitment and enduring involvement to the SCFDS.
“I would like to put more emphasis on our Continuing Education programs and bring it far above what has been done before”, he stated. Dr. Orzame indicated that he will appoint a past president of the organization to handle the difficult job of leading the Continuing Education committee. His choice to chair the Committee is Dr. Elmer Bangloy of Los Angeles. “With due respect to the past Chairs who worked well within their means, the SCFDS need a CE Chairman who will work far beyond what the others have done and expects nothing in return save for the pleasure and honor in getting a job done”, he added. Dr Orzame also keyed on issues pertaining “fund raising” “We are at a cross road in so far as fund raising is concerned, he said. “I intend to spend more time on this issue because the amount of funds we will raise will have a tremendous impact on our projects. It is my hope that the membership will respond positively when I issue a call to action to get the task done”.
Dr Orzame’s installation in Manila is precedent setting. It was the first time ever in the 44 years of history of the SCFDS that the installation of officers and anniversary ball of the organization was held outside of California. The decision to hold the event in Manila was to give credence to the affiliation of the SCFDS with the PDA. On the same note, to show support for the PDA who was hosting the 33rd Asian Pacific Dental Congress in Manila the same week of the SCFDS event.
Lest we forget, a huge “thank you” to Dr. Robert Tajonera for opening the technical resources of the PDA to the SCFDS and the sumptuous brunch at Aristocrat. We particularly appreciate the use of the LCD Projector for our AVP presentation that re-introduced the SCFDS to the PDA crowd. At least now, many PDA people know who we are, what we have done and what we will continue to do.
Thank you to Dr Rey Agcanas for guiding us through the maze called “PDA Protocol Process”. Gee, we never did realize that there is still so much pomp and circumstance in PDA events. It’s apparent that the PDA folks are so use to it as no one really complained about how much longer it took to complete the program for the evening. Only the SCFDS people seem affected by the time, but as they say:- “when in Rome, do what the Romans do”. Thus they just sat and bear it. But of course, one can’t help but hear some mumblings from some people. Thank you too to Dr Angelo Militante for the many small favors he did for the SCFDS. The design of the back draft, which he personally made sure was done to our specs, was simply fabulous. Incidentally, Dr Agcanas says hello to Dr. Magnolia (Aggie) Mendiola. Hey is cupid anywhere around?
To the Pasig-Pateros-Taguig Chapter, our gratitude for the big hand they gave in making the registration process go well. As Dr Frank de Vela mentioned- “They are not only hard working, they are all so pretty as well”. Who said that Dr. Frank is past 8o years old? Oh yes, thank you for the basket of “balut”.
What can we say about Dr. Amry Chavez? The way she personally took the problems at the registration desk to task is simply amazing. If she did not think of bringing extra name tags, a computer and a printer, it would have been a definite chaos at the registration area. Thank you Ms. Grace Tenezas of the PDA HOD for giving Dr Chavez a hand with the computer and printer.
Speaking of the name tags, it would have been totally easy if only people simply informed us ahead if time that they were bringing guests who were not on our guest list. In effect, it was those uninvited guests that created the chaos at the registration table. Had it not been for Dr Chavez and Ms. Tenezas, only God knows what could have happen with the seating arrangements!
Seats were saved for all people on the guest list. Unfortunately some people did not even care to RSVP and worse, failed to show up. What’s up with these people? The dinner was free. Are they socially challenged?
The name tags which were painstakingly hand made by the Las Pinas Chapter were amazingly pretty. The SCFDS folks took them home for souvenirs. In our 44 years history, we never had such lovely name tags before. Thank you Las Pinas. Incidentally, hopefully by now Dr Bem Vera Cruz ‘s fingers fully healed. We heard in their rush to finish the name tags, she got burned by the hot glue gun.
Speaking of the Las Pinas Chapter, it was really good that the folks called “Group A” were all present and accounted for. Have you ever wondered why the name “Group A” ? Hey, did the boys get badminton shoes from Jhun Parungao?
The speech delivered by Dr Florence Mae Arquillo, the PDA Iloilo Chapter President and the very first recipient of the SCFDS Scholarship Award back in year 2002 was indeed inspiring. It gave us more motivations to continue the Scholarship Program for many years to come. Those in SCFDS that prefers to cut the allocations for the Scholarship Program should have heard it. They would have appreciated the value of the project even more.
Dr Orzame was sworn into office by no less than the current PDA President, Dr. Roberto Tajonera. Incidentally both Dr Orzame and Dr Tajonera are from the MCU College of Dentistry. As the first official duty of Dr Orzame, he installed the new set of officers that will be working with him for the next two years. The process was done following PDA protocol. The officers who will be serving with Dr Orzame are: Maria Moran, DMD,MS- a periodontist from the Torrance area- 2nd VP;Victor Rosales, DMD of Covina – Secretary 1; Christline Robles, DMD of Panorama City- Secretary 2; Lourdes Aquino, DMD of Van Nuys- Treasurer; Virginia Castello, DMD of Los Angeles- Auditor 1; Ner Azaula, DMD of Canoga Park- PRO.
Also installed were the following Members of the Board of Directors: Renato Calugcugan, DMD of Los Angeles; Elmer Bangloy, DMD of Los Angeles; Armaine de Vela, DDS of Los Angeles and Orlando Cagatao, DMD also of Los Angeles. Dr. Loida Parungao, another member of the BOD who was supposed to be there but missed her flight and thus missed the event as well will be installed into office in the next few weeks together with the other officers who for some reason or another did not make the trip to Manila. These officers include: Lawrence Lozada DMD- President-Elect/1st VP; Ramil Macasaet, DMD- PRO 2; Manolet Santos, DMD- Auditor 2; and James Young, DMD- Member of the BOD
The Singing Group was smashing as always. They did their job well and they were well received. “They have not faded in spite of age”, Dr Diampo Lim, the ex Dean of UE College of Dentistry commented after hearing the Group. With that we would like to thank our maestro, Ephraim de la Cruz, DMD for getting the Group in shape for the performance. Our apology for not mentioning his name after the performance in Manila. But even at that, in our hearts we at the SCFDS know who guided the Group. That, is far more important, we believe.
Hey how about that Souvenir Program, huh? Thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr Orlando Cagatao and Dr Ed de la Vega, we came out with the best Souvenir Program ever. Yes, it was barely 100 pages, but it was nice. If only the printer took more time in stapling it together a bit better, it could have been perfect! But then again, how does one staple 100 pages together?
Incidentally, we raised a decent amount of money from the advertisements to fund our projects the next two years. Now those who were so worried about funding these said projects can rest in peace. The 2011 Souvenir Program was a big success. But it could have been better if every officer contributed to it. But alas, some people are incalcitrant and they sat aside while the rest toiled.
It’s amazing how our delegation breezed through the Philippine Customs. As the saying goes, “it pays to know people in important places”.
Thank you to Dr Ed for the name tags that made it easier to ID our luggage at the Manila Airport. Didn’t know that Dr Ed is so well-connected. Many people at NAIA, from the top customs officers to the luggage boys know him by name. Judging from the crowd reaction, the SCFDS Choral Group did a very good job at the opening session of the Asian Pacific Dental Congress (APDC) the week following the SCFDS event. Thank you Dr Vic Bilugan for the bass section.
Speaking of the APDC, the Gala Night at the Marriott Hotel was something to behold. The mardi-gras type party reminded us of the same stuff that goes on in Brazil every year. Why even former Philippine President Fidel Ramos had a mask. The only thing absent were the bikini clad women that are prevalent in Brazilian Mardi Gras. The event was so opulent. It really impressed the APDC delegates. Who said that the Philippines is economically depressed? As one observer stated: “Walang tatalo sa Pinoy sa pa-bonggahan.” (No one beats the Pinoys in showmanship)
Sadly however, the registration for the APDC we were told was a bit too pricey for the average Filipino dentist, therefore it was said, only the top one percent of Filipino dentists were actually registered to attend. But that same stuff happens in the US too. Not all dentists attend the ADA because of the stiff registration fees and the pricey cost to attend the seminars.
The SCFDS side trip to Anvaya Cove near Subic Bay could have been great if not for the very hot weather. But the climate at that time of the year is really hot. Check that- super hot. The food and the “bonding” however made up for everything, including the long drive to and from the place. There was food galore no question about that!
Congratulations to Johnny and Joy Orzame. The young couple were married the same week the SCFDS group was in Manila. The Tagaytay wedding was elegant. Too bad the winds that are prevalent during early summer in that region did not cooperate better. Given that, the winds were answers to the prayers because it moved the event indoors saving some gentlemen the possible problems of chasing after important stuff that could have blown away. Most important, as Pastor John Tulio indicated, the marriage vows would not have been heard by many. Everything worked out well with the blessings of water and wind.
Speaking of hairdos, many of the women from the SCFDS delegation got their make –up and hair done immediately prior to the SCFDS event by a group of hair stylists hired specially for that purpose at the suite of Dr. Estela Avendano. The 25 thousand fee ( in pesos of course) for the service was covered by the Hyatt Casino courtesy of Dr Ed de la Vega who hit the slot machines for a hefty amount. “The slots must be broken”, Dr Ed said. “They just kept on giving me money”, he added laughing out loud.
While the women were having their hairs done, Orly Cagatao, Harley Orzame, Ed de la Vega and Lon Aquino were at the Hyatt pool side bar feasting on grilled giant tiger shrimps and San Mig Light. They had so much fun until they got the bill. Each package of three giant shrimps was 1200 pesos. And, they had 6 packages! “Those were the most expensive shrimps I ever ate and they were not even made out of gold”, Lon Aquino complained loudly.
Jhun Parungao could not make up for the absence of his wife Dr Loida who missed her flight to Manila for technical reasons. Dr Loida missed the SCFDS event but made up for it by coming a day late and attending the APDC activities. Jhun was not a happy sight at the SCFDS event. He just kept to himself as he nursed his glass of cognac courtesy of Biboy Robles.
Ever wonder why Dr. Jun Yson keeps on stroking the back of his head as if checking on something?. Go ask Dr. Elmer. It was so nice that the leadership thought of doing the AVP for the crowd. The SCFDS is not a stranger to the PDA but not too many know the detailed history of the SCFDS save perhaps for the Grand Old Man of the PDA Dr Primo Gonzales.
The AVP covered every piece of the history of the SCFDS from its initial conception to the present day organization. Now, many in the PDA know who we are, what we have done and what we continue to do so that every Filipino dentist in this part of the world will have a place in the sun. We can only thank the pioneers particularly Dr Johnny Bides, the acknowledged Father of the SCFDS for our good fortunes today. We hope foreign-trained dentists, (Pinoys in particular) will forever remember that and continue to support the SCFDS for the years to come and show they appreciate the help they got!
Congratulations to Dr. Elmer Bangloy for winning the 2011 Johnny Bides Member of the Year Award. “I waited many years for this” Dr Elmer jokingly said as he spoke after receiving the award from Dr. Orzame.
Seriously though Dr Elmer deserved the award for the many contributions he had given that allowed the SCFDS to achieve its goals in the years past. Dr Elmer was a past President of the SCFDS and a long time member of the Board of Directors.
Incidentally, remember the head lamps given to the three sister societies at the SCFDS event? They were funded by Dr Elmer Bangloy. The head lamps that really cost only about a hundred dollars did not seem to be a big deal to many of the SCFDS delegates. But yet, no one ever thought of giving the three sister societies anything as a “pasalubong” (give–away) to make their dental missions serving the poorest of the poor a wee bit easier. Dr Bangloy did. Ever wonder why the guy deserves the award? It’s really not the value of the give away but the thought and the heart that counts- the Johnny Bides way.
Congratulations to Dr Rene Calugcugan for the many commendations he received from different personalities, from huge US national politicians like Senator Diane Feinstein down to the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. The SCFDS would like to thank Dr Rene for his time, efforts and resources as he served to keep the SCFDS in the forefront of organized dentistry in the USA in general and in California in particular.
Putting together the SCFDS event in Manila was not an easy task. First there was the time difference between Manila and the West Coast USA. That means, we in LA have to stay late at night to have “real time” communications with those that mattered in Manila. E-mails were okay but it took more than 24 hours to get a reply. But with the determination of Dr Ed, things got done with only minor problems. No wonder the event came out as good as it did.
Incidentally, did you notice that we now have a colored SCFDS logo? That was made through the efforts of Dr. Angeleo Militante of the PDA. Dr Gelo was also instrumental in making sure that the PDA LCD projector was provided for our AVP. Salamat po, Dr Gelo. Mabuhay ka!
How about Dr Hermogenes Villareal, huh? The big guy himself gave out a very inspiring address to the crowd. His words of wisdom were something to behold and they were worth waiting for. Did anyone noticed that Dr Boy delivered his address without the usual paper drafts to read? The man has gone high tech. He was using an i-pod to guide him as he spoke! Talaga naman!
Speaking of public speakers, how about Dr Arturo de Leon, the PDA President –Elect that introduced Dr Villareal? No one, I repeat no one can out do the guy. His style is so original. Indeed the guy has a great talent for finding the right words to match any occasion. Excellent job, Doc Turing. You are the best! We can hardly wait for your Inaugural Address next year when you are installed PDA Preisident.
Certain members of the SCFDS delegations who were just plain lucky to have been invited to the farm house in Batangas of Dr. Guy and Dr. Carina Lapid came away with a new concept of a farm house. “If all farm houses were like that, I would not mind living in them the rest of my life”, Corina Cagatao said. The house was gorgeous. Period.
The planned “boys night out” in Manila never came to fruition. The primary invited guests, Jojo Olaer, Lon Aquino and Biboy Robles just “got too busy” and informed Dr. Ed that they will just take a rain-check. Yeah, right. Perhaps their wives failed to issue them a “visa”..lol…
The leadership and Members of the Souvenir Program Committee extend to all our advertisers and donors their wholehearted gratitude for the financial support that allowed the SCFDS to publish one of the best ever Souvenir Programs in their 44 years of history.
The resources raised from that publication will help fund two of our main projects;- the Grants to our sister societies to allow them to conduct dental missions and the Annual Scholarship Project.
Congratulations to Dr. Mary Concepcion “Cherry” Satuito for completing the USC Advanced Programs for Foreign Trained Dentists. Cherry will graduate May 12, 2011 with an ADA-recognized DDS degree and she will continue on to UCLA for her Residency in General Anesthesia. Cherry. we are all so proud of you. Keep up the good work!
Thank you to our good friends and supporters, Drs Armyl and Myrna Banez. The couple rushed back to Manila from Bulacan where they were harvesting mangoes for export just to make it on time for the SCFDS event. Salamat po!
Can anyone tell us how the grand old man of PDA, Dr. Primo Gonzales keeps so young? We know Cindy has a lot to do with it, but there must be something more than what we can see. Perhaps it’s the crisp air at his Bataan seaside farmhouse, huh?
Too bad, the US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr., was “unavailable” and he missed our affair. He would have had an experience in life he would never forget. The boys with the choral group prepared some special songs for him. Unfortunately they did not get to perform them for him. Well, so much for “foreign relations”!
Dr Lou Aquino, the SCFDS Treasurer did an excellent job in making sure that funds for the trip were spent judiciously. She is an excellent money manager and a leader as well. We would not be surprised if she ends up as SCFDS President in the very near future! We hope Dr. Victor Rosales, our very capable Secretary was taking notes on what happened in Manila. Part of his observations and note taking will surely be part of his report next meeting. Dr Maria Moran did a remarkable “closing remarks” She presented herself well and did her task magnificently. Way to go, Charade
Thank you to Dr. Sonny Burias, the President of PAED for the wonderful dinner reception the night before the big SCFDS event. It was nice rubbing elbows with the best there is in Philippine esthetic dentistry. Hopefully, the new found liaison between PAED and the SCFDS will result in many things good for both groups and the profession.
Good to know that Dr. Ephraim de la Cruz finally made it back to US soil. The poor guy was so excited going home to the Philippines and he forgot his “green card” that would allow him to return to the US. His folks had to FEDEX the document to Manila thus he had to take another flight home. Thanks to Dr Hermogenes Villareal, who had friends at Asiana Airlines he did not have to pay penalty for missing a flight.
Did you know that the SCFDS bought new “concert microphones” to use for their performance during the SCFDS event and the APDC? Hopefully, someone took them back home for safe-keeping so that they just do not disappear like the previous ones purchased by the previous SCFDS Choral mentor.
The SCFDS is now looking at June 8, 2011 (Wednesday) to hold our first official meeting under Dr Harley Orzame’s administration and install the officers who did not get installed in Manila last April 30th.
Too bad time did not allow us to visit the resort of Dr. Ner and Gigi Azaula at the Polillio Islands off Quezon Province. Perhaps next time we go back home, we should make that resort a destination. That is the only way for us to see the place and get a taste of Dr Ner’s pride and joy:- the organically grown milkfish in his aqua-farm.
The women from the SCFDS looked gorgeous last April 30th. All the hard work and the sacrifices both physical and financial paid out so well. They were all so radiantly pretty as they stood before the audience to sing the songs they spent a few weeks preparing for.
Who said nobody had time to go shopping after the event? Why are Dr Virgie Castello , Dr. Ester Sokolov and Dr Ellie Marquez so heavy laden on the way home to LA?
We would like to validate the statements made by Dr Elmer Bangloy in his welcome address and again thank our members who spent time, money and efforts to make the trip to the Manila and support the SCFDS event. It is such attitudes that make our organization so great. The leadership salutes you and may your tribe increase! Now, if only every elected officers made extra efforts to make the trip
Dr. Ed de la Vega is seriously planning a trip to Iloilo to participate in a seminar and a civic action program this summer. His trip is to support Dr. Florence Arquillo, the incumbent Iloilo PDA Chapter President and the first recipient of the SCFDS Scholarship Grant in 2002.
The PDA Protocol process suddenly put Dr Armaine de Vela on the spot. She thought her job as COMELEC Chair was done when she proclaimed the elected officers in LA only to have to do it again in Manila. No big deal though, she did her job very well.
How come Dr.Dino Hernandez always pulled a disappearing act? What were you up to, man? Good to know that Dr. Jose de Jesus the wife of Dr Dexter de Jesus, the President of the MCUDAA-USA quickly got back to good health. We missed the couple at the SCFDS event.
