Karen Lee P. Alabado MD, FPDS

The 10th annual convention of PDS-Southern Philippines started with a tour of the neighboring mystic island of Siquijor, wherein we were all made closer literally and figuratively in our mini-bus. The tour was capped by a sumptuous curacha dinner at Lab-as. The following day, learning sessions started with a lunch symposium on the “Clinical Implications of Retinoids” by Dr. Tess Gabriel, focusing on this year’s main theme – The Skin and its Appendages. Colleagues from PDS shared their knowledge about Hair Removal (Dr. Angel Cumagun), Hair cosmetics and Hair-growing Agents (Dr. Jun Bormate), Hair Surgery (Dr. Kristine Bunagan), Mechanisms of Barrier Repair (Drs.Roberta Romero and Yssa Cellona). The annual business meeting was held soon after, wherein the incoming set of board members for the next business year were elected.

No convention would be complete without a fellowship night and this time, we had a disco theme complete with a DJ and a mirror ball. The group had a great time dancing to hits old and new, losing a few pounds trying to jump along with the song “Jump.” The night had to end early so we could catch the sunrise breakfast on the beach, many thanks to Dumaguete-based BG, who hosted all of us on her family’s private beach house. A great start for another day of learning which began with Etarnecept in Psoriasis (Drs. Joseph Ortiz and Juan Javier Lichuaco, a rheumatologist), Nail surgery (Dr. Marcellano Cruz), an interactive mind-boggling Nail Pathologies (Dr. Evelyn Gonzaga), Acne Update (Dr. Aileen Montero), Mometasone review (Dr. Rosario Cañete) and a fun-filled CPC with prizes for each correct answer by Dr. Jasmin Jamora. Dr. Jay Estoya, a plastic surgeon, shared techniques on regional blocks of the hands and feet, and demonstrated the proper anesthetic techniques and injection of botulinum toxin for axillary and hand hyperhidrosis.

Dumaguete was surprisingly well-attended, considering the round-about way most of us had to go through in getting to the city. All thanks to the hard work of incumbent president Dr. Marovi Celis, who managed to put everything together despite her occasional OFW status. The other incumbent officers of Southern Philippines are: Vice President Dr.Marissa Urgel, Secretary Dr. Karen Alabado, Treasurer Dr. Elvie Dofitas, Board members: Drs. Ana Lucia “Yoyoy” de la Paz, Emily Soriano, Rosario Cañete and Charisse Eusebio.The incumbent officers, who are co-terminus with the current PDS Board, will be passing the torch to the next set of officers: President – elect Dr. Yoyoy de la Paz, Vice President – elect Dr. Cecile Serrano, Secretary Dr. Karen Alabado, Treasurer Dr. Lalaine Visitacion with Board Members Drs. Charisse Eusebio, Cristy Caumban, Cynthia Morales and Elvie Dofitas.

Learning, coupled with bonding and curacha, sansrival, silvanas, tree-lined avenues, jump pictures… we all can’t wait until October next year in Cagayan de Oro!