18th Biennial Induction of APO

7th Investiture Ceremony and Induction of Officers of the Philippine Board of Orthodontics

By Liza Marie Sayoc-Natividad, DDM

December is definitely the busiest time of the year. Nevertheless, the Association of Philippine Orthodontists put together a fun night to celebrate the yuletide season. The event was held last December 13, 2014 at the Oakwood Premiere Joy-Nostalg, Ortigas.

It was a gathering of APO members together with their family and loved ones. The night was also graced by Dr. Corazon Flores, PDA President 2014-2015; Hon. Dominador Santos, Jr., Chair, Board of Dentistry, PRC; Dr. Malu de Leon, PDA Trustee; Dr. Rico Calingasan, PDA Junior Protocol Officer and guests from other PDA Dental Chapters and Affiliates.

The 7th investiture ceremony and induction of officers of the Philippine Board of Orthodontics, as well as the 18th biennial induction of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists was held that night. The APO welcomed 3 new Associate Members – Dr. Melissa Concio-Arguelles, Dr. Liza Marie Sayoc-Natividad, Dr. Romina Rosero-Sarabia and a new Fellow Member Dr. Janet M. Pandan. It was an exciting evening for Dr. Rosanna L. Sanchez who was inducted as Diplomate. Being a diplomate of the APO means completion of all 4 phases of the board examinations given by the PBO.

The highlight of the evening was Dr. Diana Dorothy Lim’s inaugural speech and induction as President of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists 2015-2016. The new set of officers were also inducted into office namely: Dr. Martin Reyes, President-elect, Dr. Ramona Locsin, Vice-president; Dr. Iris Panlilio, Secretary; Dr. Katherine Ong, Auditor, and the Directors: Dr. Jose Manuel Rivera, Dr. Joanne Maranon and Dr. Dennis Lim. Other members of the APO Board were not able to make it to the event were : Dr. Annabelle Kopio, Treasurer and Directors Dr. Crisanta Santayana and Dr. Robert Eustaquio. Dr. Laarni Serraon, APO President 2013-2014 was present to welcome and turn over her presidency to Dr. Lim. There was also a very solemn transfer of authority from Dr. Sandra Adriano to Dr. Marianne Hernandez as the new Chairperson of the Philippine Board of Orthodontics and the induction of the new set of officers of the PBO.

During dinner, the room was filled with angelic voices and Christmas carols were sung by the group Alay sa may mga Kapansanan Association, Inc (Gift for the Diabled Association, Inc). APO chose to reach out to this foundation that aims to help people with physical and mental disability to gain a sense of self-worth and hope to improve their lives and their future. The night ended with raffles and the exchanging of gifts amongst fellow members.

It was a very memorable night, especially for us new members. Everyone is looking forward to a packed and fun-filled APO calendar this 2015… ‘til the next APO gathering, a blessed and prosperous New Year to all!