MDMC’s 47th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony

By: Marie Claire C. Pasil, BSN Level III, The Vibe School Organization

Theme: Medici di Makati College as Global Trendsetters in Giving Patient Care through Excellence, Competence, and Respect

   On October 18, 2023, student nurses from Medici di Makati College participated in a ceremony where they were capped and pinned, symbolizing their commitment to becoming efficient representatives of the school. The event took place at Don Bosco Parish in Makati City, where the students recited an oath affirming their dedication to their future profession.

   The event was led over by Christian Joel Manglo, BSN Level II, who commenced proceedings by extending a warm welcome to all attendees. He also provided a gentle reminder that the event would commence with the Eucharistic Celebration, followed by the Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony. The sacred event known as the Holy Mass was officiated by Reverend Father Rolvin D'Mello. Some students, accompanied by their families, participated in the offertory by offering and presenting various gifts, including candles, flowers, a nursing cap, a lamp, a pin, a host, bread, wine, and water. Prior to the conclusion of the mass, Reverend Father Rolvin D'Mello headed around the church to bestow blessings onto the students, as well as upon their caps and pins.

   Following the conclusion of the mass, the host made an announcement requesting the students and professors to exit the church premises in order to commence the processional. Professor Ann Orejudos, the clinical coordinator, proceeded down the aisle as students, walking in pairs, made their way to their designated seats. Upon the completion of their studies, the students were followed by the Faculty, BSN, and MDMC Administration and staff as they proceeded to walk down the aisle. After that, we have the esteemed presence of the Dean, College of Nursing Ganimede L. Joya, MAN, RN succeeded by Dr. Emmanuel Candido S. Santos, the Chief Executive Officer of MDMC. Furthermore, Dr. Robertson G. Ramirez, our esteemed Guest Speaker for the Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony, made his entrance down the aisle. The proceedings opened with a rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, creating an atmosphere of collective solidarity and nationalistic pride throughout the venue.

   In order to commence the Capping Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony, Dr. Emmanuel Candido Santos, the CEO of Medici Di Makati College, delivered a welcoming address that aimed to create an atmosphere conducive to understanding the significance and symbolism of the present celebration.

 The Dean of the College of Nursing, Dean Ganimede L. Joya, MAN, RN sincerely introduced the Keynote Speaker for the event. She mentioned that the speaker, Dr. Robertson G. Ramirez, is an Alumnus of Medici Di Makati College. Dr. Ramirez emphasized that, “As we continue our journey in the medical field, let us remember that our Sacrifices, fueled by our Enthusiasm are carried out by our Faith in Christ as our royal compass have the power to transform life. Let us keep in our hearts, open to the needs of others. For it is true that its openness that defines our purpose and fulfillment.” For the presentation of Plaque of Appreciation, Dean Ganimede L. Joya and Dr. Emmanuel Candido Santos joined Dr. Robertson G. Ramirez together on stage.

   As students navigate through their academic journey, parents serve as esteemed collaborators. Present with us for the Parents’ Promise was Mrs. Maria Cecilia P. Paje, MAN, RN. As the parent of Mr. Juan Carlo Paje, a student from BSN Batch 2025, Mrs. Paje led the parents by raising their right hands to signify their commitment.

   Assuming the role of a healthcare provider entails a significant undertaking, for which we express gratitude to the esteemed parents who collaborate with us, the students, in cultivating our cohort's development into prospective healthcare professionals. Annually, Medici Di Makati College, formerly known as Makati Medical Center College, upholds a longstanding tradition of selecting a student leader who would guide their cohort in completing their collective responsibility as aspiring professionals. The individual selected by the educational institution to present the Promise of Commitment on behalf of Batch 2025 is Ms. Crissa Mae C. Feuconcillo, BSN Level III, also from Batch 2025.

  After the recitation of the pledge, the occasion was further enhanced by the documentation of spontaneous instances of elation and camaraderie, during which students presented gifts of appreciation to their parents, faculty members, and other classmates. The celebration was filled with the resonance of laughter as students fondly recalled their experiences from their freshman year to their junior year. A film montage was presented, showcasing the edited videos prepared by third-year students.

   Glenda Gutierrez, Nathalia Julianne Garcia, Rikki Mae Villamor Marcaida, and Summer Soriano were designated to assume the responsibility of leading the batch in performing their batch song and the alma mater hymn. They proceeded to the altar for the purpose of vocalizing these musical pieces. During the event, while students participated in a performance of Taylor Swift's song "You're On Your Own Kid," they collectively raised their phones, illuminating the venue with the light from their flashlights. This act infused the occasion with a heightened sense of significance.

   This event, which bears personal meaning for a student nurse before they graduate, serves as an acknowledgement of their dedication to the nursing profession. This significant achievement demonstrates that the student nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to honor the history of Maryland and execute their responsibilities as competently as possible in clinical settings as future members of the medical profession.

Photographers and Videographers: Creative Juices Photography

Christel Jane M. Alayon-Go, Zoilo Go Jr., Jake Vivit, and Roel Elemento

   Following the presentation of the plaque of honor, a modern video depicting Nurse Florence Nightingale was played. In order to commemorate the Nightingale's March, Ms. Jolina M. De Villa, Alumni of the 2023 cohort, portrayed the role of Nurse Florence Nightingale. Upon completing her walk, she intends to illuminate the Big Lamp Candle. Upon igniting the candle, Mr. Florante Artiende, one of the clinical instructors of MDMC proceeded to expound upon the significance of candle lighting, which serves as a symbolic representation of Florence Nightingale's unwavering devotion. As students engaged in the act of kindling the lamp and candle, they were reaffirming their unwavering dedication to the provision of exemplary healthcare.

    During the ceremony for the presentation of candidates for Capping and Candle lighting, Professor Ann P. Orejudos introduced the instructors who were positioned next to each kneeler. The students were addressed by their complete names and instructed to kneel down, holding the nursing lamp in their right hand and carrying the nursing pin and cap on the opposite side, with a cheerful demeanor.

    Ms. Jolina De Villa was once again appointed to assume leadership of the Nightingale commitment, a symbolic act in which she held the nursing light in her left hand and raised her right hand to make the commitment.

Emmanuel Santos