Boholanos are such a gregarious and sentimental lot, they can not live without reunions.

International Reunions. Alumni nurses and staff of the once DOH-operated Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing (1963-1985) will meet again in two big gatherings: one, at the 7th BPHSN International Grand Reunion in Houston, Texas on 30 June - 2 July 2006 and another, at the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on 22-30 July 2006.

The Houston Reunion based at the famed hotel, The Westin Oaks of Galleria, will follow the traditional format of Family Night for Friday, Gala Night for Saturday and Picnic for Sunday, with tours in-between. The July 25 TBTK Special based at the Metro Centre Hotel includes a CEU Seminar-Workshop for local and foreign nurses during the day, and with relatives and friends, a Dinner-Dance dubbed Kita'-Kita' Kita in the evening.

Tigum Bol-Anon Sa Tibuok Kalibutan. The TBTK Seminar-Workshop for Nurses sponsored by the BPHSN-Lives-On Foundation, Inc. will focus on Diabetes Mellitus and the Metabolic Syndrome.

Boholana nurse, Ms. Anecita Gigi A. Lim, senior lecturer and international researcher of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, will speak on "Increasing Awareness of the Metabolic Syndrome" (Role of Health Professionals in the Early Identification and Management of People at Risk). It is hoped that this seminar-workshop, which features a panel discussion by varied Boholano health personalities, will bear fruit in a health project that is beneficial to Boholano children and adolescents.

Thanks On Its Second Anniversary. As it prepares for these two big gatherings, the BPHSN-Lives-On Foundation, Inc. quietly but happily observes its 2nd anniversary by acknowledging the support of BPHSN alumni and friends who have contributed to its existence and usefulness.

The Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital Hemodialysis Unit initiated by the Chief of Hospital, Dr. Nenita M. Po, started its operation with the help of proceeds of the 6th BPHSN International Grand Reunion in Chicago managed by its hosts, the BPHSN Alumni Chapter of Illinois, USA. The purchase of a bigger Reverse Osmosis Machine was made possible by individual donors and the substantial contributions of Concerned Nurses of the Chicago Area, the Tagbilaran Association of Eastern USA and the Boholano Community of Jeddah, KSA. Other group donors include the Melchorians Class of '74, the Beguines Class of '72, and Alumni and Friends of Michigan, USA. The Catherine Knights Class of '70 during last year's reunion opened an account to aid indigent patients starting dialysis treatment.

The BPHSN Alumni Chapter of Florida who hosted the 6th International Grand Reunion in Orlando 2003 and the D'Alverians and Bellevue Whites Classes of '79 observing their Silver Jubilee 2004 have sent funds to support the private room project of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. In their own way, the Hygeians Class of '77 have raised funds to send boxes of bed sheets for the various wards of the hospital

Objectives. The objectives of the BPHSN-Lives-On Foundation, Inc. are: (1) to keep the spirit of service in the minds and hearts of those who have gone through training or worked with the Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing, and promote general concern for the needy and less-privileged, particularly in the province of Bohol; (2) to support the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (formerly the Bohol Provincial Hospital) in the task of delivering health services to the general public, and act as conduit for funds and equipments/supplies which may be of use to the hospital; (3) to establish linkages with organizations of similar goals and collaborate with them in projects that are deemed necessary and beneficial for the promotion of health; (4) to maintain enthusiasm for mutual assistance among Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni and staff - in terms of physical, social and spiritual needs.

Board Of Trustees. Incorporators of the Foundation are: Aniceta D. Bongcas, Emma C. Auza, Arsenia B.Bonite, Flor Annabelle B. Cesar, Helen G. Camacho, Felicitas U. Lim, Potenciana A. Mascariñas, Ma. Asuncion C. Derikito, Ninfa C. Dumas, Veronica S. Eleazar, and Beatriz D. Balatero .

Incoming officers who will be inducted during the TBTK July 25 Dinner Dance are: Cynthia N. Pedralba, president; Arsenia B. Bonite, vice-president; Jocelyn O. Chua, secretary; Flor Annabelle B. Cesar, asst. secretary; Helen G. Camacho, treasurer; Nepa A. Hontucan, auditor; and Aniceta D. Bongcas, Emma C.Auza, Ninfa C.Dumas, Laura E. Manuta, Veronica S. Eleazar, board of directors. Beatriz D. Balatero chairs the Board of Trustees which includes all officers.

Contact Persons. For details about the reunions, inquiries may be directed to: Naty (411-2350), Cynthia (411-4910), Helen (411-2439), Nepa (411-2911) or Betty 411-3330. - A. B. Bonite.