UP Medics

12/11/2022

UPCM Graduates Top October 2022 Physician Licensure Examination
By John Labordo (Class 2026)

"Five graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) make the top 10 list of the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) results released last November 10, 2022.

Justin Adriel Zent Gautier Togonon clinched the top spot with a rating of 89.00%, followed immediately by Francesca Marie Abu Lagrosa in second place with a rating of 88.75%. Trisha Marie Ramos Galapon placed seventh, with a rating of 87.42%, while Christopher Tabora Pilarta placed eighth, with a rating of 87.25%. Finishing in tenth place was Christine Bernadette Orfano Lo, with a rating of 87.08%."

Read full article at https://www.up-medics.org/2022/11/12/upcm-graduates-top-october-2022-physician-licensure-examination/

✍️ UP MEDICS APPLICATIONS ARE ONGOING! Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/UPMedicsApp2223 ✍️

By John Labordo (Class 2026) Cover Photo courtesy of the UP College of Medicine page Five graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) make the top 10 list of the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) results released last November 10, 2022. Justin Adriel Zent G...

11/11/2022

On behalf of the UP College of Medicine, we send our warmest congratulations to the newest board passers from the UP College of Medicine Class of 2022!

Months of battles and hard work finally paid off and led to the sweetest breakthrough.

Padayon, mga bagong doktor! Lagi’t lagi, para sa bayan!





We would like to acknowledge the support of the following organizations and UPCM Classes:
Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity
Mu Sigma Phi Sorority
Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity
Phi Lambda Delta Sorority
UP Medical Students' Society
UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility
UP MedChoir
UP Agape
UP Meridian
UP Medics
Regionalization Students Organization
UP College of Medicine Class 2023
UP College of Medicine Class 2025
UP College of Medicine Class of 2027

11/11/2022

Padayon sa mga bagong doktor ng bayan!

On behalf of the UP College of Medicine, we would like to express our warmest congratulations to the newest medical doctors, especially to our alumni from UP College of Medicine Class of 2022!

A big congratulations to the five board topnotchers of UPCM 2022 who made a breakthrough despite the numerous battles. You have all truly exemplified that honor and excellence are at the heart of each UP graduate.

TOP 1 - Justin Adriel Zent Gautier Togonon
TOP 2 - Francesca Marie Abu Lagrosa
TOP 7 - Trisha Marie Ramos Galapon
TOP 8 - Christopher Tabora Pilarta
TOP 10 - Christine Bernadette Orfano Lo

Para sa bayan!





We would like to acknowledge the support of the following organizations and UPCM Classes:
Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity
Mu Sigma Phi Sorority
Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity
Phi Lambda Delta Sorority
UP Medical Students' Society
UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility
UP MedChoir
UP Agape
UP Meridian
UP Medics
Regionalization Students Organization
UP College of Medicine Class 2023
UP College of Medicine Class 2025
UP College of Medicine Class of 2027

24/10/2022

A Decade in Retrospect
By Mandy Esquivel (Class 2019)

"I remember on my first day in UP, in June 2012, a classmate sat beside me, and started speaking to me in Filipino. I always understood the language better than I spoke it, so although I understood what he asked, I answered him in English. He took one look at me, and told me that I had given him a nosebleed. I was so sheltered, the colloquialism so foreign, that I immediately reached into my purse...and offered him a tissue. He burst into incredulous laughter. I Googled what “nosebleed” was, on the way home."

Read full article at https://www.up-medics.org/2022/10/24/a-decade-in-retrospect/

✍️ UP MEDICS APPLICATIONS ARE ONGOING! Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/UPMedicsApp2223 ✍️

By Mandy Esquivel (Class 2019) I remember on my first day in UP, in June 2012, a classmate sat beside me, and started speaking to me in Filipino. I always understood the language better than I spoke it, so although I understood what he asked, I answered him in English. He took one look at me, and to...

02/10/2022

Mu Sigma Phi Sorority sets up vaccination drive for frontliners
By Chainne Quintans (Class 2025)

"Mu Sigma Phi Sorority held Bakunadong Bayani last Sept. 21, from 7 am to 3 pm, in the second-floor hallway in front of the PGH Burn Unit as part of their Mu Week Celebrations."

Read the full article at https://www.up-medics.org/2022/10/02/mu-sigma-phi-sorority-sets-up-vaccination-drive-for-frontliners/

✍️ UP MEDICS APPLICATIONS ARE ONGOING! Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/UPMedicsApp2223 ✍️

By Chainne Quintans (Class 2025) Photo Courtesy of ImMUnity: An Ounce of Prevention page Mu Sigma Phi Sorority held Bakunadong Bayani last Sept. 21, from 7 am to 3 pm, in the second-floor hallway in front of the PGH Burn Unit as part of their Mu Week Celebrations. Through the flagship proje...

22/09/2022

Be informed. Be inspired. BE MEDICS! 💚💛

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR UP MEDICS, the official student publication of UP College of Medicine! ✍️

Get to know UP Medics' stellar team of editors, writers, artists, and photographers! Who knows, maybe you'll find home with us too! 🏠

https://tinyurl.com/UPMedicsApp2223
https://tinyurl.com/UPMedicsApp2223
https://tinyurl.com/UPMedicsApp2223

Interested to learn more about UP Medics? Watch out for Meet Medics! Coming soon 📆

For any inquiries or concerns, feel free to contact Arniel Gilo through messenger!

18/09/2022

PGH Budget Cut: Regressing Accessibility of Philippine Healthcare
By Jean Agaid (UPCM 2025) and Keji Agbulos (UPCM 2027)

"Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the country’s premier tertiary hospital, will have its budget reduced by ₱400 million next year per the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP). PGH caters to more than 600,000 patients, including thousands of indigent Filipinos, every year. With this, how unjust will a budget cut be to healthcare professionals, hospital staff, and Filipino citizens? What will be its impact on the healthcare system of our country? Health is supposed to be a fundamental right, yet, as the government continues to deprioritize it, its accessibility also regresses."

Read the full article at https://www.up-medics.org/2022/09/18/pgh-budget-cut-regressing-accessibility-of-philippine-healthcare%EF%BF%BC/

By Jean Agaid (Class 2025) and Keji Agbulos (Class 2027) DISCLAIMER: The views presented in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of UP Medics nor the entire UPCM student body. Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the country’s premier tertiary hospital, will have its budget reduced by ....

29/08/2022

UPCM commences FOP 2022: Serye for incoming Class 2027
By Chainne Quintans (UPCM 2025)

"The University of the Philippines College of Manila (UPCM) held its annual Freshie Orientation Program (FOP) for incoming freshmen, Class 2027, last July 28 until August 18 with the theme Serye, referencing the past three decades of popular Philippine TV culture. The program is a significant avenue to present the workings of UPCM, introduce various organizations, and grant the next batch of students ample opportunities to bond and form camaraderie through multiple activities."

Read the rest of the article at https://www.up-medics.org/2022/08/29/upcm-commences-fop-2022-serye-for-incoming-class-2027/

By Chainne Quintans (Class 2025) Cover Photo courtesy of UPCM Freshie Orientation Program 2022 page The University of the Philippines College of Manila (UPCM) held its annual Freshie Orientation Program (FOP) for incoming freshmen, Class 2027, last July 28 until Aug. 18 with the theme Sery...

13/08/2022

‘Mga doktor ng bayan, paglingkuran ang sambayanan!’ |
UPCM Class of 2022 stage a lightning rally during graduation
By Keji Agbulos (UPCM 2027)

"Graduates of the UP College of Medicine Class of 2022 conducted a lightning rally during the 113th Commencement Exercise of the UP College of Medicine held in University Theater, UP Diliman last August 7, 2022. The graduates raised their concerns and echoed calls for healthcare reform, human rights protection, and social justice."

Read the rest of the article at https://www.up-medics.org/2022/08/13/mga-doktor-ng-bayan-paglingkuran-ang-sambayananupcm-class-of-2022-stage-a-lightning-rally-during-graduation/

Watch the lightning rally in the video below:

27/04/2022

Heartstopper: The Q***r Teen Series for Today
By JE Mariano (UPCM 2023)

"I know I would have loved to have seen Heartstopper when I was a teenager coming to terms with being gay, and I could not be happier that my brother and other q***r kids and teens of today can do just that. Seeing characters you can relate to in film or on television reassures you that you are not alone; and seeing them find love, support, and happiness amidst their struggles gives you hope that the same is possible for you.

As Kit Connor proffers in an interview with Teen Vogue, “It’s important that we tell q***r stories that have a more serious and hard-hitting background, but it's just as important to teach young q***r kids that they deserve happiness and they deserve all this positivity.” ❤️"

Read the rest of the article here: https://www.up-medics.org/2022/04/27/heartstopper-the-q***r-teen-series-for-today%EF%BF%BC/

By JE Mariano (Class 2023) I am a 26-year-old gay man with a 14-year-old gay brother. When our youngest was growing up, I couldn't be much of a brother to him: one, because I was in college living away from home, and two, because the considerable age difference made it hard to relate. When our famil...

12/04/2022

08/04/2022

Are you ready for a month full of exciting competition, skilled players, and online sports brilliance? Believe us, we are.

We’re officially 3 days away from the first day of BAKBAKAN XVI: Transcending Limits!

See you then!

Co-Presented by:
The Freshie Initiative
UP Manila FC

In partnership with:
Alliance of Public Health Athletes

In cooperation with:
UP CAMP Association of Physical Therapy Students
UP Sports Alliance of Pharmacy Students
UP Medics
UP Organization for Shiftees and Transferees

Pub by:
Ron Bernabe

28/03/2022

04.11.22.

Save the date ladies and gentleman, we’re 2 weeks away from the start of BAKBAKAN XVI: Transcending Limits.

Co-Presented by:
The Freshie Initiative
UP Manila FC

In partnership with:
Alliance of Public Health Athletes

In cooperation with:
UP CAMP Association of Physical Therapy Students
UP Sports Alliance of Pharmacy Students
UP Medics
UP Organization for Shiftees and Transferees

Pub by:
Ron Bernabe

21/03/2022

04/03/2022

02/03/2022

We're back, and we're ready to transcend limits.
Are you ready?

Bakbakan XVI: Transcending Limits coming soon.

01/03/2022

Ang buong Regionalization Students Organization (RSO) ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng naging bahagi ng Malasimbo: An Online Benefit Concert. Dahil sa inyong kabutihang-loob, matagumpay naming naabot ang PHP 12, 618.

Ang UP Regionalization Students Organization ay naninindigan kasama ang mga mag-aaral, g**o at bahagi ng Save Our Schools Network para isulong ang karapatan ng malayang edukasyon ng mga kabataang Lumad. Inaalala namin ang buhay ni Chad Booc na kanyang inilaan para isulong ang karapatan ng mga kapatid nating Lumad at sa pagtugon sa panawagan sa bawat Iskolar ng Bayan - ang paglingkuran ang sambayanan. Si Chad ay naging malaking bahagi ng Habilan, isang talakayan tungkol sa kalusugan at Pambansang Minorya noong nakaraang Oktubre 2021 (IP Month).

Upang makapagbigay ng mas malaking tulong sa Save Our Schools Network, ang mga donation lines ay mananatiling bukas hanggang sa March 3, 2022. Sa mga nais pang makibahagi sa proyektong ito, maaari ninyong ipadala ang inyong donasyon sa mga sumusunod:

BDO David T. Del Mundo
0051 3031 7875

GCash
ELIZAMAE DEL MUNDO(ELIZAMAE D.)
09152778821

PNB
Dare Rosebeam G. Cano
3126 1008 6748

Sagutin ang form pagkatapos magdonate para maitala namin ang inyong donasyon
https://forms.gle/cAqL9QrSaiGJCZGp7

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!

In partnership with
UP Behavioral Science Society
UP College of Medicine Class of 2026

Special thanks to
UP Development Studies Society
UP College of Medicine Class 2024
UP College of Medicine Class of 2027

Media partners
Blog PH
UP Medics

Salamat muli sa mga indibidwal at mga banda na nagbahagi ng kanilang musika at talento para sa layuning ito

Marie Corsine Uy, Elka Pagliawan, Emae Del Mundo, Iya de Claro, Katrina Marlo Senador
RSO Band
Granny Lee
LUCY
Save the Youth PH
The Ridleys

23/02/2022

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a drastic decline in available blood units all over the country. Coupled with limited face-to-face opportunities for blood drive events and decreased walk-in donors due to quarantine restrictions, the Philippine General Hospital, one of the country’s leading COVID-19 referral hospitals, has not been spared by this disruption.

To augment the PGH’s dwindling blood supply, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity invites you to participate in its annual bloodletting event, OPERATION BLOOD BROTHER.

This event will be held on MARCH 5 & 12, 2022, from 8AM to 4PM at SAN VICENTE DE PAUL PARISH, SAN MARCELINO ST., ERMITA, MANILA.

Blood products collected from this event will be donated to the PGH Blood Bank for the benefit of patients in need.

Requirements for blood donation:
1. Ages 18 years old and above. Those below 18 years old must fill out a signed parent’s/guardian’s consent form.
2. Weight at least 110lbs or 50kg.
3. Have not donated blood for the past 2 months.
4. No recent immunizations.
5. At least 8 hours of sleep.
6. No alcohol intake for the last 24 hours.
7. No medications taken for at least 24 hours.
8. For female donors, currently do not have their monthly period.
9. For those who recently got their COVID-19 vaccine, you may donate at least 28 days after your 2nd dose or booster for Astrazeneca, Sinovac, Gamaleya, Sputnik V, and immediately for Pfizer and Moderna.

To ensure everyone’s safety and well-being, we will implement safety protocols and provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) during the event.

Donate blood to save a life! Register now through this online form:
https://tinyurl.com/OperationBloodBrother2022

In partnership with:
Upskills+ Foundation Inc.
Project Paghimo
Triskelions' of Manila City Hall (TriMaCH) Inc.
Mu Lambda Sorority & Fraternity
UP Biology Majors Association
UP Biological Sciences Society
UP Medics
Positive Action Force Philippines Inc.

For inquiries, you may contact Nick Cumigad (0997 153 6066) or Ray Monje (0917 168 1530).

21/02/2022

06/02/2022

"COVID-19 Boosters: Alamin Natin!"
by Iya de Claro (UPCM 2024)

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Philippines has been greatly affected by its devastating consequences. Public health concerns, already very present long before COVID-19, have been growing in number as the pandemic has been progressing. With this, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority has been hosting “COVIDgilance,” a series of webinar-based forums with the goal of informing medical students, professionals, local health officials and workers, and the lay people about measures being taken to deter the further progression of this crisis, as well as what the general public can do to help.

Held on December 15, 2021, “COVID-19 Boosters: Alamin Natin!” is the 7th iteration of this project, and it aimed to educate the public on booster immunization. The webinar proper, which started with an introduction video, mainly consisted of three 15- to 20-minute live lectures followed by a live question-and-answer segment. The event was moderated by Dr. Maria Sonia S. Salamat, an Infectious Disease Specialist at the Philippine General Hospital."

Read the rest of the article here: https://www.up-medics.org/2022/02/06/covid-19-boosters-alamin-natin/

By Iya de Claro (Class 2024) Cover photo courtesy of the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Philippines has been greatly affected by its devastating consequences. Public health concerns, already very present long before COVID-19, have been growing in number as the pandemi...

09/01/2022

"Mental Strength in Sports"
By Dan Go (UPCM 2023)

This article series is a collaboration between UP Medics and the UP MSC Sports and Wellness Committee aimed to feature UPCM’s very own athletes.

"Mental toughness is (probably) the most underrated and least talked about topic in sports. So much emphasis is placed on athleticism, explosiveness, and sport-specific skills – all of which are important, but none of them remain relevant if the athlete can’t perform under pressure or is out of focus. Sport science and training programs have come so far that kids coming out of grade school are already able to dunk. There will never be a shortage of talented kids, especially now that scouts have eyes in even the most remote areas for the next child prodigy. As such, the sporting world will only become more competitive, and in such a world – mental strength will be the X-Factor."

Read the rest of the article here: https://www.up-medics.org/2022/01/09/mental-strength-in-sports/

By Dan Go (Class 2023) This article series is a collaboration between UP Medics and the UP MSC Sports and Wellness Committee aimed to feature UPCM’s very own athletes. Mental toughness is (probably) the most underrated and least talked about topic in sports. So much emphasis is placed on athletici...

12/12/2021

"The Sign Nobody Probably Asked For"
By Jonathan Espejo Sy (UPCM 2017)

"I graduated in 2017. I’m a GP. A lot of my friends are working. Many of them have finished residency. But that’s okay. I know what I want in life. At the very least, I have a better idea of it.

I felt the urge to write this when I met some of your classmates at a few vaccination drives. I couldn’t help but look back at my time in med school, the good times and the bad. And whenever nostalgia comes to visit, I can be sure that torture, hindsight, and regret aren’t far behind. So here are some things nobody asked for but I hope can help some of you.

For starters, you can have a life in med school. You can study properly and join an org or two. You can learn to organize things like other adults do in the real world. Don’t make good grades a prerequisite. Just study well, do your best, have at it, and live your life. Make friends along the way. Build networks.

Draw. Paint. Play. Sing. Take photos. Rant. Rave. Blog. Write. Send some to UP Medics or the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Maybe you’ll get published in “Young Blood!” Maybe twice!

If you haven’t realized it yet, stellar grades are the exception, not the norm. If you’re stellar, that’s great! If you’re not, that’s okay. We still love you."

Read the full article at: https://www.up-medics.org/2021/12/12/the-sign-nobody-probably-asked-for/

By Jonathan Espejo Sy (UPCM 2017) I graduated in 2017. I’m a GP. A lot of my friends are working. Many of them have finished residency. But that’s okay. I know what I want in life. At the very least, I have a better idea of it. I felt the urge to write this when I met some of your classmates at ...

10/12/2021

10/12/2021

"TRP, in retrospect"
By Jean Agaid (UPCM 2025) and Chainne Quintans (UPCM 2025)

"Tao Rin Pala first took the stage back in 1973 as an inter-class chorale competition coordinated by the UP Medical Students’ Society (MSS). Established during Martial law, it initially served as an outlet to let voices be heard in a time when media were silenced. The production grants the UPCM students the freedom to showcase their creative and artistic talents. Now in its 48th year, TRP has become one of the most anticipated events among the UPCM-PGH community."

Read the full article here: https://www.up-medics.org/2021/12/10/trp-in-retrospect/

By Jean Agaid (UPCM 2025) and Chainne Quintans (UPCM 2025) The curtain rises Tao Rin Pala first took the stage back in 1973 as an inter-class chorale competition coordinated by the UP Medical Students’ Society (MSS). Established during Martial law, it initially served as an outlet to let voices be...

06/12/2021

"Hero"
By: Billy Lara (UPCM 2025)

As a swimmer, obviously I would look up to swimmers as well. I actually have two in mind that I’ve always looked up to. For a majority of my career it was Kosuke Kitajima, a Japanese breaststroker. Ang swimming kasi is similar to basketball in the sense that height MATTERS. It’s not everything but it gives you a huge advantage, compared to other sports. A majority of the world’s best swimmers are above 6 feet, and here we have Kitajima who, at 5’8, was breaking world records and winning Olympic golds despite his height disadvantage. At the time it was something the world had not seen before and as someone who has stood at an average height his entire life, it gave me hope that I could succeed in my sport.

Read the full article here: https://www.up-medics.org/2021/12/06/hero/

By Billy Lara (UPCM 2025) This article series is a collaboration between UP Medics and the UP MSC Sports and Wellness Committee aimed to feature UPCM’s very own athletes. Photo courtesy of wallpaperaccess.com. As a swimmer, obviously I would look up to swimmers as well. I actually have two in mind...

26/11/2021

"UPCM Graduates Top October-November 2021 Physician Licensure Examination"
By: Carmela Oconer (Class 2028) & Emma Gabrielle Alessandra Panopio (Class 2028)

Five graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine dominated the top 10 list of the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) passers released last November 11, 2021.

Read the full article here: https://www.up-medics.org/2021/11/26/upcm-graduates-top-october-november-2021-physician-licensure-examination/

By: Carmela Oconer (Class 2028) & Emma Gabrielle Alessandra Panopio (Class 2028) Cover Photo courtesy of the UP College of Medicine Five graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine dominated the top 10 list of the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) passers released last Nov...

15/11/2021

We've moved 🛫 to a new domain!

You may now find our articles at https://www.up-medics.org/!