Medical Students, Doctors Gather At Kita-ay sa SUMS

Even the impending rain couldn’t stop the elation and energy of the students of the Silliman University Medical School as once again the whole roster of the institution attended the annual celebration of Kita-ay sa SUMS last August 26, 2015.

With different designated hues to wear, every movement was already a visual feast; the Freshmen looked regal in green, the Sophomores extruded vibrancy in yellow, the Juniors claimed "strong" in red, and the Seniors kept it cool in blue.

Kita-ay sa SUMS is one of the most awaited events in the Medical School. It is a celebration that gives everyone in the Medical School a chance to see and build camaraderie with everyone else through various fun-filled activities as part of the school’s celebration of the University’s Founders Week. This is also one of those rare moments where the students can share the dinner tables with the doctors whom we only see during lectures or classes and with alumni who opted to visit their alma mater.

As the sun set signaling the twilight, the program opened with a solemn and spiritually uplifting doxology, courtesy of the talented representative of the First Years, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Jonathan Amante, Dean of Silliman University Medical School, himself. After that, everyone inched towards the edge of their seats as the most hyped event of the semester -- the yearly anticipated variety show -- was once again witnessed by the whole student  body via video documentation.
One couldn’t miss the glee in their eyes as everyone watched each year level’s contest piece; all the students strutting those dance steps, belting out classic Broadway songs, and acting their hearts out. Clamors of applause lifted every spirit up for every highlight of every show. An indulging al fresco dinner followed.

Having the school grounds as the venue was a challenge as Mother Nature overruled the event with the threat of rain, transferring everyone inside into the Physician’s Hall. Continuing the program, the Sophies and the juniors serenaded us with a song that made everyone sing along.
The fun officially started as the games commenced with a challenge in which the facilitator claimed as a cross between the “planting rice game” and “trip to Jerusalem”. The representatives of each year level were at their A-game as they battled it out for supremacy. Ultimately, the Sophies won the duel.

Another game was played which was composed of three participants from each year level where they try to pop their opponents' balloons which are tied to their left feet even as they safeguard their own ballons. Cheers rose in decibels inside the hall as the players with game-face on fought hard for the bragging rights. At the climax, the Sophies brought home the bacon for that game.

The highlight of the event was “The Mummy Returns” game. This infamous tissue-wrapping race game was participated by none other than our great doctors who were already giddy to experience some real-time fun gaming. Dr. Amante, Dr. Vera Cruz, Dr. Rana, and Dr. Ursos were the competitors. Tension built up as the race was a close fight. At the end, Dr.Amante showed dominance as he steps away from the mummy he made out of his own son, Jojo Amante.

As for the winners, the Sophies rightfully claimed the top spot, followed by the Juniors, and the equally competitive Seniors and Freshmen shared the 3rd throne. All of these frolic events were awarded by what a typical young adult would forcefully fight for: packs of candies and goodies, but more importantly, the chance to bond and get along with everyone.

-Daniel Espanola