Inductees some, inductors more, but Brothers all.

The last time the 16 of us batchmates were huddled in a circle, with grave darkness, piercingly luminous candles, and a vast legion of brods around us – well, things weren’t as pleasant. For one, we weren’t drinking and dining in a choice hotel, about to be inducted into the oldest and most acclaimed medical fraternity in the Philippines and in Asia, the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity. 

The fraternity proudly presented the 16 fine young gentlemen of Batch 2013 in this year's fraternity induction and reunion.

Certainly, we weren’t dressed to the nines in our crisp barongs, as fed and as rested as sophomores in the College of Medicine could be back then. And our dire state of unknowing before had transcended into what was now a peace, a trust, a Brotherhood. We were neophytes then, but we were full-fledged brods now. We were ending a journey then; we were beginning one now – as the hardcore Batch of 2013 no less.

Brothers and God Fathers. Brods guide members of Batch 2013 through the induction rites.

Induction is a curious thing. The second instance that gives fullness of meaning to what being a brother of the Mu Sigma Phi is all about, Induction is a momentous occasion set far enough from the Final Rites to allow for introspection and recollection on what Brotherhood, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service have burgeoned into thus far. True, it is a celebration of the extension of the Fraternity bloodline and a commemoration of another glorious year of existence, but it would be unwise to miss that other aspect of Induction that provides for growth, progress, and inspiration. The path towards the solemn oath and golden pin was far from easy, yet the path extending from that point onwards remains no less arduous. Challenges and trials await, we are to learn, but with the hardcore strength of 76 years of glory beside us all the way.

The 76th Executive Committee led by Most Exalted Brother Tonton Llagas ΜΣΦ 2010 together with the inducting officer, Past Most Exalted Brother Dr. Serafin Hilvano ΜΣΦ 1971

This year’s Induction and Fraternity Stag was held last September 4, 2009 at the G Hotel by Waterfront.With alumni from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s in attendance, it was a rousing event welcoming the 16 new brods of Batch 2013. Also inducted were the members of the Fraternity Executive Committee for FY 2009-2010, headed by Most Exalted Brother Anthony Llagas ΜΣΦ 2010 who delivered that night’s Opening Remarks. Mu Sigma Phi Scholarships were handed out by Fraternity Adviser Dr. Jun Carnate, MD ΜΣΦ 1994. The gathering of brods a key opportunity to discuss upcoming activities, the Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival 2 then took centerstage with its stirring developments and updates, much to the overwhelming support from those present. The new brods and Executive Committee inducted and the closing remarks delivered, the night was prime for merrymaking, batch songs, and the traditional raffle. Congratulations to Batch 2011 for the successful affair and many thanks to those who came and showed support, with special mention to the Batch 2013 sponsors.

Hail the Chiefs! (L to R) Dr. Serafin Hilvano ΜΣΦ 1971 (Chair of the UP-PGH Department of Surgery), Dr. Cirilo Tacata ΜΣΦ 1973 (Chair of the UP-PGH Department of Orthopedics), and Dr. Justo Danguilan ΜΣΦ 1975 (Section Chief of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery UP-PGH) croon their respective batch songs.

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