“Preventive and Promotive Cardiology”, the theme of the Philippine Heart Association
(PHA) 55th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting, is short but sweet but conveys the strong message that amid an ever-growing number of cardiovascular disease prevalence, “prevention is no longer an option but and duty. Let’s go beyond words. Each of us is a part of something larger. Our mission is “Preventive and Promotive Cardiology,” said Dr. Rodney Jimenez, PHA president at the Convocation and Opening rites, held at Isla Ballroom, Edsa Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City.
“This afternoon is also a celebration of excellence, milestones, and transitions,” he added.“We gather here not just as specialists, but as advocates for a healthier Philippines — where the heart of every Filipino is not only treated, but protected and empowered.”
“We honor our distinguished colleagues and awardees whose achievements inspire us to keep moving forward.”
PHA President Dr. Rodney Jimenez emphasized that the gathering is more than a meeting of specialists—The convention marked the start of a four-day event filled with insightful scientific discussions on cardiovascular health.
As of 5PM, there were 2,008 registrants.
Dr. Eleanor Lopez, Dr. Alex Junia are PHA-PCC Golden Heart Awardees
Two icons in Cardiology-Echocardiography, Dr. Eleanor “Noh” Lopez and Dr. Alex Junia were named 2025 Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC) Golden Heart Awardees on May 27, 2025.
The awarding was one of the highlights of the PHA-PCC 55th Convention & Scientific Meeting Convocation and Opening at Isla Ballroom, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Mandaluyong City.
PHA President Dr. Rodney Jimenez led the awarding while the rest of the PHA Board of Directors, were on hand, while PHA members and their respective families witnessed the prestigious event..
The PHA Board unanimously choice Lopez and Junia for their outstanding leadership and contributions in the field of cardiology.
Junia, a former PHA and ASEAN Federation of Cardiology (AFC) president,said in his acceptance speech, humbly accepted the award, thanking his mentors, colleagues, and the institutions that are integral part of his journey. He emphasized the power of collaboration over individual accolades and recalled his bold decision to join the PHA Board, even when others had doubts; at the same time he thanked his mentors who opened the door that led him to the PHA and AFC top post.. Junia, AFC president (2023).
Dr. Lopez, a former PHA president and respected figure in AFC, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, calling it both humbling and meaningful.
“I did it with and through my God, my family, and my PHA family—friends and colleagues like you all here,” Lopez said. “I couldn’t do any less than give my all in everything entrusted to me.”
Both Lopez and Junia reflected the health challenges that they overcame, and their lifetime commitment to the organization.
Meanwhile, past presidents Dr. Avenilo Aventura Sr., Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo and Dr. Rody Sy, who are all PHA-PCC Golden Heart Awardees, graced the momentous occasion.
Fr. L: Drs. Avenilo Aventura Jr., Lourdes Ella Santos, Luigi Pierre Segundo, Rodney Jimenez, Eleanor Lopez (Golden Heart Award), Ronald Cuyco, Walid Amil, Richard Henry Tiongco II & Aurora Gamponia
Fr. L: Drs. Avenilo Aventura Jr., Lourdes Ella Santos, Luigi Pierre Segundo, Rodney Jimenez, Alex Junia (Golden Heart Award), Ronald Cuyco, Walid Amil, Richard Henry Tiongco II & Aurora Gamponia
COLLEGE AWARDS
The Loyalty Award were also conferred to Dr. Eugenio Reyes for his impactful leadership in education, clinical practice, and health policies; and Cebu-based Dr. Ma. Rosan A. Trani for her pioneering work that embodies the PHA’s “cascading cardiology” culture.
“It is with heartfelt gratitude and humility that I accept this award,” said Dr. Trani. “To be recognized by the PHA, which has shaped my professional journey, means so much.”
Dr. Reyes lightened the mood with humor, joking that he initially declined the award thinking it was for retirees. He went on to commend the PHA for its strong leadership and effective delegation, and thanked the PHA Board and awards committee for the honor.
For the Distinguished Teacher Award,Dr. . Wilfredo Ypil, Jr. was recognized for his dedication to molding future cardiologists.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. Teaching is a privilege and a responsibility—to guide, to inspire, and to walk alongside students and trainees as they evolve into thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate doctors, internists, and cardiologists is one of the greatest joys of my career,” Ypil said.
Meanwhile, Distinguished Scientist Awardee Dr. Jean Antonio Villareal, though unable to attend the ceremony in person, shared his gratitude in a heartfelt video message.
“I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the Awards Committee and the Philippine Heart Association for this prestigious recognition. This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of my team members and colleagues who have supported me through various challenges,” Villareal said.
Distinguished Fellow Awardee Dr. Lerma Noval offered a reflective and lighthearted acceptance, admitting she once thought the recognition was simply a nod to the collective efforts of the PHA Cebu Chapter.
She recounted how mentors would often "volunteer" younger members for various tasks. “But we gladly followed,” Noval said with a smile. “We treated every assignment as part of our shared mission—and it always felt like we were doing it with family.”
Dr. Federick Cheng received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication to his profession and commitment to upholding global standards.
“As I humbly accept this award, I want to express my heartfelt thanks. I will continue to serve, and I hope we all carry on this commitment to our mother organization, the Philippine Heart Association. Thank you very much,” Cheng said.
Adding depth to the ceremony, Dr. Eugenio Reyes, in his keynote address, delivered a philosophical and scientific reflection on humanity’s place in the universe. He began with the Big Bang, tracing the formation of stars and planets to the emergence of life from stardust.
He challenged the audience to consider whether, as a species, we are still evolving—or beginning to regress—amid modern crises such as war, inequality, and environmental destruction.
Fr. L: Drs. Rodney Jimenez, Eugenio Reyes (Loyalty Award) & Dr. Felix Eduardo Punzalan (Marshall)
Fr. L: Drs. R. Jimenez, Ma. Rosan Trani (Loyalty Award) & Dr. Arvisminda Luz F. Ladiao (Marshall)
Fr. L: Drs. R. Jimenez, Wilfredo M. Ypil, Jr. (Distinguished Teacher Award) & Dr. Brett Batoctoy (Marshall)
Fr. L: Drs. R. Jimenez, Federick C. Cheng (Distinguished Service Award) & Orlando Bugarin (Marshal)
Fr. L: Drs. R. Jimenez, Dr. Jean Antonio G. Villareal (Distinguished Scientist Award) represented by Dr. Babie Catherine Causapin & Maria Dolores Victor (Marshal)
Fr. L: Drs. R. Jimenez, Lerma R. Noval (Distinguished Fellow Award) & Karen F. Caudor (Marshal)
New Diplomates Take the Oath
Another memorable moment from the opening day was the Convocation Ceremony, where cardiologists from various batches took their Diplomate Oath.
The PHA President led the ceremony, welcoming the newest diplomates of the Philippine Specialty Board of Adult Cardiology into the growing community of heart health advocates.
108 adult cardiology associate fellows, 5 pedia cardiology fellows;
119 adult cardiology diplomates; 13 pediatric cardiology diplomates inducted
PHILIPPINE SPECIALTY BOARD OF ADULT CARDILOGY 2024 – 2025
DIPLOMATE NAMES 2024 – 2025
- Jed McLee G. Abella, MD
- Ma. Antonia Elisa R. Abello, MD
- Chester Joseph S. Alarilla, MD
- Frances Clarisa A. Alcantara, MD
- Rossel Anjelo A. Ambal, MD
- Angelie May S. Antolin, MD
- Giuseppe Inno L. Arabejo, MD
- Jerann U. Babao, MD
- Eugene Rey M. Bagayo, MD
- Mary Aidelnorme C. Ballesteros-Tiangco, MD
- Volkmann B. Bandao, MD
- Raymond S. Banquirigo, MD
- Ernesto A. Bartolome IV, MD
- Arvinjay A. Bautista, MD
- Samuel Anthon P. Bello, MD
- Jomari R. Biñas, MD
- Crystal Joy M. Bolodo, MD
- Azel Paolo T. Bondoc, MD
- Michael A. Bonilla, MD
- Syamasundar das E. Bristol, MD
- Ross Marshall C. Buhay, MD
- Joel Andrew R. Cañas, MD
- Jay France S. Canubas, MD
- Adelbert Daniel S. Casabar, MD
- Adel Carlito S. Castañeto, MD
- Camille Erika S. Chan, MD
- Elikim Ino D. Chomi, MD
- Kara Kirsty V. Congjuico, MD
- Kathleen B. Corpuz, MD
- Marrafe S. Correa, MD
- Shanon Marie M. Corsino, MD
- Jacqueline M. Crisostomo, MD
- Yiezza Liana Lauren L. Cruz, MD
- Julie Ann R. Davalos, MD
- Madelle D. De Leon-Naredo, MD
- Genesis Q. Del Rosario, MD
- Juanito S. Dela Cruz Jr. , MD
- Ida Rose M. Dela Cruz-Enriquez, MD
- Jan Karlo T. Diez, MD
- Arlene Melissa T. Dychiching, MD
- John Ray S. Ebilane, MD
- Kevin Sam S. Eliseo, MD
- Benjamin Francis C. Encarnacion, MD
- Kevin Paul DA. Enriquez, MD
- Therese Frances C. Ferandos, MD
- Ma. Victoria C. Fernandez, MD
- Ryan Paul A. Fernandez, MD
- Loren D.C. Gabayeron, MD
- Jona B. Glory, MD
- Crystal Hope D. Guanzon, MD
- Sharon Y. Guinto, MD
- Eduardo Miguel DG. Gutierrez, MD
- Joy-Anezka S. Guzman, MD
- Daniel Philip A. Hernandez, MD
- Sittie Aysha A. Iba, MD
- Paul J. Ines, MD
- Elrey P. Inocian, MD
- Bryan Carlo D. Jalbuena, MD
- Christopher Bernard DLR. Javier, MD
- Felisse Julien F. Jegonia, MD
- Manuel Jared Theo A. Jimenez, MD
- Kevin T. Katada, MD
- Michelle Angeli G. Libre-Razote, MD
- Lloyd Christopher S. Lim, MD
- John Kenneth Y. Magtoto, MD
- Jayson O. Mallare, MD
- Gwen R. Marcellana, MD
- Christian C. Masaga, MD
- Roger R. Mission Jr. , MD
- Charles Louis C. Moncal, MD
- Leslie Pearl DL. Montalbo, MD
- Jamelen R. Narvasa, MD
- Roxanne Ingrid Y. Ngo-Reyes, MD
- Amraphel L. Nicolas, MD
- Carmel Adalyn E. Obenza, MD
- Marvin Leonard A. Ojerio, MD
- Ruby Ann D. Olarte, MD
- Agnes Kristine T. Orteza, MD
- Louise Marie William B. Paday IV, MD
- Alexis Leovic A. Pandaan, MD
- Salvador Angelo A. Panelo IV, MD
- Harmon C. Pasilan, MD
- Katrina Sarah Mae P. Paulino, MD
- Marvin John S. Pega, MD
- Maria Erica Mae S. Perez, MD
- Maria Celeste Janyssa F. Poblete, MD
- Leah D. Polidario, MD
- Marianne Therese Q. Punsalan, MD
- Lalaine Cyril R. Ragonton, MD
- Cassius Kay G. Ramos, MD
- Lianne Marie R. Ramos, MD
- Terence Jay C. Regala, MD
- Dara Diana D. Relleve, MD
- Windon L. Reyes, MD
- Julienne Antoinette E. Rivera, MD
- Rus Cyan Josef E. Rodelas, MD
- Ronald Allan B. Roderos, MD
- Albert Roy M. Rollorazo, MD
- Eden Mae B. Rula, MD
- Julie Annebeth R. Salazar-Basiri, MD
- Myrna T. Salinas, MD
- Marcelino Jay M. Samson III, MD
- Princess Jeanne J. Santillan, MD
- Nigel Jeronimo C. Santos, MD
- Stephanie Marie C. Seno, MD
- Charlemagne C. Soler, MD
- Eleazar T. Suguitan, MD
- Antonio Delfin C. Sumabat IV, MD
- Airess Me R. Talaga, MD
- Pamela Joan M. Tenedero, MD
- Jezreel M. Terre, MD
- Krizia Anne Claudine B. Tomenes, MD
- Ida Katrina P. Tumang, MD
- Renn Miguel R. Vergara, MD
- Katrina Mae R. Viceo, MD
- Giovanni A. Vista, MD
- Jasmine O. Wong, MD
- Martin Moses S. Yu, MD
- Cyrus Viktor G. Zalamea, MD
PEDIA
- Michelle M. Ador, MD
- Katrina Angelica A. Andoy, MD
- Carolyn Shane M. Arnado, MD
- Arlyn F. Cantillep, MD
- Patricia Isabel G. De Leon, MD
- Pristine Rose D. Fajardo, MD
- Fiel Ronan Leo R. Fortez, MD
- Joshua H. Gaboy, MD
- Nicole Kris C. James, MD
- Sittie Soriena D. Kundo, MD
- Vernaliza S. Pasol, MD
- Janice Joy G. Tan, MD
- Anna Patricia U. Veloso, MD
