Makati Medical Center Dept. of Dermatology Celebrates milestone

The Awardees: (L-R) Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr., Dr. Thelma V. Leelin, Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao, Dr. Filomena L. Montinola and Dr. Imelda Cabral-Villar.

The Makati Medical Center Department of Dermatology recently marked a quarter of a century since its inception as a training institution. This outstanding milestone was commemorated through a series of events, leading up to a celebration honoring the people who cemented themselves aspillars of the Dermatology department.

In 1988, the department was founded by the venerable Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez, Sr. with a mission to provide world-class medical care to the Philippines. At present, his legacy lives on through the 61 members of the Philippine Dermatological Society that have been trained under the tutelage of his esteemed colleagues,namely doctors Thelma V. Leelin, VermenVerallo-Rowell, Filomena L. Montinola, and eventually his own son, Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr.

Department Chairman Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao delivers her  opening remarks to the graduates, colleagues and guests.

Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr., also awarded, receives the award  on behalf of his father, Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez, Sr.

The ballroom of the Mandarin Intercontinental Hotel proved to be the perfect venue to reminisce and rekindle friendships. The attendees came dressed to the nines, excited to gather together again under one roofwith colleagues and companions.Dr. Jay Nunez kicked-off the evening with a heartfelt invocation, followed by a video presentation about the history of the department.

Chairperson Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao then welcomed all the alumni present, hailing from different parts of the country in order to take part in this momentous occasion. The Philippine Dermatological Society then unveiled their coffee table book, which commemorates the mentors, graduates and the glorious years of the department.

A glamorous night with the founders, advisory council, graduates and consultants of Makati Medical Center Department of Dermatology.

The event was likewise marked with several entertainment numbers: songs from Ms. Katherine Michelle Sarrosa, a tap dance number by Sabina Verzosa,and a trivia game hosted by Dr. Beng Javier and Dr. Ed Sarrosa. Comedienne Mitch Valdez entertained the guests with her delightful comedy stylings and songs. The highlight of the night was the awarding of the people who dedicated themselves to the training program. Honored were Dr. Leelin, Dr. Verallo-Rowell, Dr. Montinola, Dr. Imelda Cabral-Villar and Dr. Paz-Lao.Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr. accepted the award on behalf of his late father.