(RG's notes: I would like to welcome back to the community one of our original columnists, Dr. Jesse Rey Consing of Class 1990. It's more than 2 years since Jesse's last column but having him back is an added boost to the site which has undergone quite a renovation and increased participation in the past few months. Welcome back, Jess!)

     Posted January 7, 2005. I didn’t have time to go to all the places I wanted to see nor did I meet with all my previous med school barkadas. The likes of Papa Gil (Tenefrancia Jr.) and his better-half (Jean), Mariano Hembra, or Antonio Pedregosa. Dr. Bernard Caspe was available and we had exchanged experiences. I missed the good old days but I guess everybody has picked up and moved on. We did gather for some good Ilonggo food one night and they taught me how to do text messaging, or so I learned. I noticed life in the Islands is never the same and seems a bit difficult especially without overseas support. The proliferation of Internet cafes and cell phone wielding persona is an ever interesting site I see. Iloilo is not the same anymore.

     I did visit the Medical School, which has not changed much or so, the atmosphere seems the same. Dr. Villareal being the new Dean. They were having some lunch function there and I got invited. But I had other plans trying to figure out what we’ll have for lunch, maybe some sugba manok or sisi. Of course, where I practiced at, the med reps would’ve taken care of that with a CME program to justify the lunch. They usually call it Lunch and Learn programs. However, the only thing I could think of that time was to see the old school and to pay my respects to the numerous doctors that have guided my way to where I am now.

     I had also met with the Medical Director of West Visayas State University “Medical Center”, Dr. Ramon Guerra. I was surprised to see too many floor levels on the old hospital which now is called a Medical center. I really did not inspect the interns quarters nor did I inspect the interns themselves, he, he. I didn’t even know anybody there anymore. Guess, that’s age working on me. I did meet with my old time pal and classmate, Dr. Marco Fermindoza who is doing his bit with anesthesia. Of all these years, the only thing he wanted to learn more of was to “pass Gas”. He,he, no offense doc. I didn’t even know how a family practitioner can survive practicing in Iloilo unless he’s got other businesses on the side like a Pharmacy maybe or some unique specialty like laser surgery or herbal therapy, or maybe a bakery or drug company. But then again, that is my perception and may not be true.

     To summarize it all our visit wasn’t too bad. It was necessary. Maybe expensive, but priceless. To meet with my Dad and realize how finite we all are. To count our blessings and enjoy the friendship. To realize the less material things in Life is what counts the most. To give of ourselves selflessly without expecting anything in return (some would of course say, there’s one sucker out there). And of course, to savor the Lansones, that I missed so much. I might just go back next year. Well, if the bonuses come. We hope it does.

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