The Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine marked the beginning of a wonderful school year with the celebration of the annual acquaintance party hosted by the Governor and the council. This was held at Cebu Grand Convention last July 5, 2008.The highlights of this event were the welcoming of the very enthusiastic freshmen, the awarding of the honor students, the recognition of the scholars and the induction of the year level officers.

Everyone arrived at the venue for registration in their elegant dresses and very excited faces, very eager to make conversations, taking pictures of everybody in every pose they can imagine, and it was during this time that the new students were introduced to most of the students in the College of Medicine, and also their teachers.

After the short informal introductions, the students retired to their assigned seats and tables and they had dinner. Every table has assigned students from first year to fourth year evenly distributed for a purpose which is of course for the first years to get acquainted with the older years and for the older years to guide the freshmen about what to expect for their entire year in their different subjects. 

The program followed shortly after dinner. The masters of ceremony were Edgar Gerodias and Shiril Jalad, they vigorously acknowledged all the students, both foreign and local, and also in their native dialects, the teachers and the dean.

Then the dean gave a very warm welcome speech, and then followed the recognition of the scholars from their various scholarship sponsors. The sponsors are as follows Islamic Bank Development Scholarship for the Muslim students, the Pinoy MD Scholarship, and the Matias H. Aznar Memorial Scholarship and Association of Philippine Physicians in Ohio Scholarship.

After the recognition, the dean gave out awards to the top ranking students in the major subjects of school year 2007 – 2008. They were given cash and certificates. Then the oath taking followed shortly after, where the representatives of each year level took oath to uphold the rules and regulations of the school and help their schoolmates and classmates in their academic endeavors.

Then the fun and games commenced, with the first years leading the amusement with their song and dance numbers, they entertained everyone in their elegant clothes, smooth moves and nice songs. The second years serenaded the crowd with their sweet songs, the third years awed everyone with their band performances and a very intriguing yet amusing production number. In between each number a raffle was drawn and the prices were really enticing, which included studying paraphernalia and the very relaxing spa services sponsored by one of the faculties. There were also additional awards given towards the end of the program which were given to the most eye catching people who attended the party namely the Patch Adams Award, The Teacher’s Choice Awards and the Stars of the Night Award.

As the program ended everybody had the look of contentment and delight in their faces. Pictures were taken together with the teachers, friends and classmates. The party ended but new friendships were made. Everyone went home with hope in their faces and looking forward to a very exciting yet challenging year.