Before I came here, I have no more knowledge about the place than knowing that it is the most livable city in the Philippines and after all, it is my first time in Iloilo. I was anxious and apprehensive. Ironic because part of my lecture was about xenophobia or the fear of the unknown. It didn't help that we speak different dialects. I've done some research online about Ilonggos as well and I quote: "The Ilonggo crowd is hard to please because they are intelligent." You could just imagine how nerve-wrecking it is even for a university professor like myself.
I also uttered about the different opportunities in the field and that having a private practice as a career is only one-dimensional. Because the audience was all pumped-up, I was also getting the hang of it and just let loose with the humor. Fortunately we were in sync because their inclination was also towards high-caliber and witty jokes. In closing, my message was about humility and that earning a DMD is not the end. It is only the beginning. The trend now is earning some post-grad training and degree programs locally and even abroad.
The message of the day is one of lifelong learning.
When I was met with congratulatory remarks and affirmations afterwards from the host and other colleagues, that's when I said to myself: "My work here is done."
It was also nice to meet some new found friends like, Dr. Mark Andrew Gustilo, Auntie Dr. Emelie Mana-ay, and to others who I failed to mention. 'Til we meet again.
Thank you to the best students in Iloilo, the Dentistry students of the Iloilo Doctors College! Damo nga salamat guid for having fun with me at the lecture. I enjoyed every moment of it.
To the organizers, congratulations to a job well done hosting the 18th PDA - Unique Visayas Area Convention and thank you again for the unexpected invite to the prestigious affair. You rock Iloilo!
Download Sketchup for 3D CAD.
Download Hot Potatoes for test and pretest.