CEBU, Philippines - Twenty five years ago, a group of dedicated individuals, all graduates of the Cebu Doctors' College of Dentistry bonded together and proudly called themselves, Apolonias, named after the Patron Saint of Dentistry.
Through the years, they have given selflessly of their time and resources to various laudable projects, consistently living up to their Alma Mater's objectives and ethical principles of what it means to be an alumnus of this prestigious school.
They take pride in having produced the first Board Exam Top Notcher in the person of Dr. Gregory Nasser, and have been blessed by producing the first "Dentist Priest" among their ranks.
The holding of the Annual Homecoming has become a regular undertaking by the Silver Jubilarians with the Apolonians taking center stage. This year, always ready to help, Tina Jordana takes the reins as president of the Cebu Doctor's University College of Dentistry Alumni Association with Lia Marie Miñoza Reloj, DMD as secretary, Magnolia Montesclaros Cabanig,DMD treasurer, Amalia Mayol Ramirez, DMD, auditor and Gidgetto Mendoza, DMD, P.R.O.
Jordana has taken the challenge to a higher level and embraced the vision by taking great strides in the practice of their profession by providing much-appreciated community service and extending programs for the benefit of the less fortunate folks.
Praiseworthy outreach programs have become one of the much-loved and significant activities of this year's Alumni Association, thereby strengthening their professional code of ethics of serving and giving back to humanity.
Dental and feeding missions were among the activities undertaken which covered a total of 18 barangays. Jordana mentioned that proper dental health is not only important to our healthy physical look, it is essential to the well being of the entire body.
They likewise helped nurture and protect Mother Nature by planting a total of 2,000 Mahoganies, 100 fruit trees and 570 (I hectare) cacao seedlings.
This coming July 14, 2012, the energetic Apolonia alumni will once again meet at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel as they celebrate their 5th alumni Homecoming. Registration will start at 3 in the afternoon , followed by Mass at 5 then dinner and program proper at 6 in the evening.
Jordana stressed that their successful event could not have gone more smoothly as everyone was in agreement with the ideas presented by the group members. On behalf of the association, Jordana thanked the benefactors, foundations and corporate partners for their invaluable financial assistance.
The Class 87 Officers is led by Eduardo Borromeo, Jr DMD, . as president, Jedy Galleposo Sorronda, DMD, vice president, Laura Jane Lee Lumapas.DMD, secretary, Michenila Logarta Pata,DMD, treasurer, Divina Mercado Arcete, DMD, auditor and Rogelia Sistosa Garcia, DMD, P.R.O. (FREEMAN)