More than 400 physicians, executives, and guests gathered at the Manila Hotel for the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center’s (CGHMC) 2nd Doctors’ Appreciation Night. An evening of Hollywood glamour and style interspersed with heartfelt moments of recognition and gratitude for the men and women regarded as the “heart and soul” of the institution.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of 16 doctors who have each served the CGHMC for over 45 years, and the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Antonio Ortega Periquet of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, honoring his six decades of service.
In his message, CGHMC President and CEO Mr. Kelly Hun Sia raised a toast to the doctors —for being the heart and soul of the hospital. He opened with a sincere remark: “I want to begin with a simple and heartfelt message – Thank you very much.” And in an exemplary manner, he took center stage and gave a bow. Like the Chinese in a show of honor and respect, a superb example of a head of an organization acknowledging and thanking the efforts of his constituents.
Mr. Sia emphasized that while the Doctors’ Appreciation Night may come only once a year, the hospital’s gratitude is expressed every day: “Every single day, it is your presence, your skills, and your compassion that define what this hospital truly is. You are the reason patients come to us and trust us with their lives.”
He also highlighted the unseen sacrifices of CGHMC physicians: “I have seen doctors walking our halls late at night, answering urgent calls at odd hours, making life-saving decisions with grace and courage. We don’t take that for granted. Behind every successful outcome is a dedicated doctor whose story we don’t always hear — but always deeply value.”
Reaffirming management’s commitment, Mr. Sia highlighted investments in CGHMC’s Centers of Excellence, including the Robotic Surgery Program, the Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, the Heart Institute, the Endoscopy Unit, and the Cancer Institute. He also announced the creation of a Doctors’ Lounge in the upcoming Garden Suites development: “It’s a small but meaningful way of saying — you matter.”
Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) Chairman Mr. Antonio Tan praised the doctors’ dedication, calling medicine a noble calling: “Being a doctor is not just a profession — it is a calling. Every life you save, every pain you ease, every patient you comfort — you are making a difference.” Acknowledging the challenges of the profession, he added: “We know that it’s not an easy road. The long hours, the pressure, and the emotional toll. It takes strength and sacrifice because you believe in your mission. And for that, we are truly grateful.”
Chairman Tan also commended the doctors who volunteer for medical missions: “Your willingness to serve beyond the walls of this hospital — to bring care and hope to underserved communities — reflects the very heart of our hospital’s mission.”
CGHMC Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang underscored the rarity and significance of the event: “The fact that this is only the second time in 134 years that we’ve held this event should give us an incentive to work harder”. Dr. Ang proudly shared that CGHMC is now operating at an international level, following its recognition by the Department of Tourism as a tertiary-level hospital and the launch of the Medical Tourism Program. Fresh from his trip to Papua New Guinea, he announced an emerging partnership with the country’s government — a collaboration aimed at extending CGHMC’s expertise and care to patients from the Pacific Islands.
The evening’s most emotional moment came with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Antonio Ortega Periquet. Dr. Cynthia Dee Ang-Muñoz, Chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, delivered a heartfelt introduction, highlighting his pioneering contributions and his unwavering commitment to patient care.
Dr. Periquet’s son, Anton Periquet, with his father seated beside him, read his father’s words: “I could not miss this moment; it caps, in a wonderful way, 60 years of experience in this incredible place of healing and learning and a lifetime spent in the company of my fellow healers all dedicated to serving humanity. I’ve lived a life that’s full and in spite of my age and infirmities, I managed to travel each and every highway. And one thing I’ve learned: He who travels the farthest travels light with friends. My friends, thank you for this honor you do me tonight and for traveling this road with me.”
In a brief but deeply touching moment, Dr. Periquet addressed the audience himself: “I just want to thank everybody for this rousing, amazing, fantastic welcome. I am very proud — very proud — to have become a part of this institution. Thank you very much.”
The Service Awardees honored alongside Dr. Periquet were:
- Dr. Elizabeth Siy Go
- Dr. Tiong Sam Ng Lim
- Dr. Manuel Tan Chua Chiaco Jr.
- Dr. Marilyn Ortiga-Co
- Dr. Felisa Dy King
- Dr. Severino Lim Tanbonliong
- Dr. Euvigildo Peralta Yu
- Dr. Charles Co Cuaso
- Dr. Eden Deza Chua
- Dr. Felisa Chan Gan
- Dr. Benigno Lim Ong
- Dr. Olga Sangalang Vinoya
- Dr. Maria Amanda Rizal Warren
- Dr. Teresita Prospero Castillo
- Dr. Soat Tong Yap Dy
- Dr. Fe Enrile Bacsal
Speaking on behalf of her fellow awardees, Dr. Eden Chua reflected on their decades of service: “Indeed, the years went by unnoticed as we pursued our day-to-day professional medical routine functions — clinics, teaching rounds, scheduled conferences — all with one aim: to give the best for our patients and our community.” She expressed gratitude for the hospital’s leadership through the years — from the time of the late Vicente Dy Sun Sr., through Dr. James Dy, and now under Mr. Kelly Sia — all of whom, she said, have consistently upheld CGHMC’s mission of providing “Exceptional Care Within Reach.” Dr. Chua also expressed hope and confidence that the younger generation of doctors will continue to uphold the hospital’s legacy of compassionate and excellent service.
Doctors’ Night 2025 was not only about recognition but also about celebration. Dr. Catherine Santos and Dr. Meneline Wong delivered soulful musical performances, while the dance group, MDs in Motion — composed of Dr. Zeny Malilay, Dr. Judith Navarro, Dr. Hannah Go, Dr. Charles Erwin Cabus, and Dr. Anita Cooper Tan — brought the house down with a lively dance evolution routine.
Adding star power to the evening, Christian Bautista, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, captivated the crowd with heartfelt renditions of “You Raise Me Up,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “The Way You Look at Me.”
Excitement built throughout the evening with raffle draws, culminating in the grand prize: a BYD Seal 5 electric car, won by a physician from the Cardiac Rehabilitation Section, Dr. Emily Viudez.
As the event drew to a close, Mr. Sia summed up the night with a heartfelt message: “You are part of our future — not just as clinicians, but as valued members of this community. Whether you are at the operating table, at the bedside, or in the clinic — we see what you do. Your work is our purpose; your success is our collective goal.”
