On 15 October 2025, the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) successfully held a medical awareness forum titled “October Health Fest” at the CFBCI Auditorium, Sky 1 Tower, Binondo, Manila. Strengthening its enduring partnership with the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC), CFBCI invited three distinguished doctors to share their expertise: Dra. Eileen Young-Sy (OB-GYN), Dr. Timothy Dy (Cardiologist), and Dr. Jose Tan (Gastroenterologist). Nearly a hundred participants from various ages and backgrounds attended the event to receive free medical advice on three vital health topics.
To officially open the program, CFBCI President Samuel Lee Uy delivered an inspiring welcome message. In his speech, he highlighted that although CFBCI is a business organization, it continuously promotes social welfare by organizing informative activities such as this forum. He emphasized that economic progress can only thrive when people are in good health, saying, “Hindi tayo makapag-hahanapbuhay kung sakitin tayo, at alam nating lahat na mahal magkasakit.” The forum was graciously hosted by Mexica Bausa, CFBCI English Secretary.
The first guest speaker was introduced by Bernardo Ngo, CFBCI Plenary Member. Dra. Eileen Young-Sy is a well-respected specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with numerous post-fellowship trainings both locally and abroad, including 4D Ultrasound Training in Hong Kong, Ultrasound Training in China, and Basic and Operative Laparoscopy Training with hands-on experience in India. In her lecture titled “Menopause and Vaccination,” Dra. Young-Sy discussed the importance of vaccination during menopause, focusing on Herpes Zoster (Shingles) — its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
She explained that menopausal women, due to hormonal changes that affect the immune system, are more vulnerable to this disease and are advised to receive the shingles vaccine. Her engaging talk was followed by an interactive Q&A session moderated by Hilda C. Ong, a health advocate affectionately known as the “Agarang Serbisyo Lady.” Participants expressed their appreciation for Dra. Young-Sy’s warmth, generosity, and practical medical advice. The second speaker was then introduced by Mylene Hao Co, CFBCI Education Committee Vice Chairman.
Dr. Timothy Dy, a pioneer in advanced cardiac therapies such as EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair), TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair), TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), MitraClip Repair, and LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion), delivered an enlightening talk on “Angiogram, Angioplasty, and Bypass.” Dr. Dy explained these procedures in relation to common cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.
He shared a memorable insight, saying (non-verbatim), “We cardiologists are like firefighters — time is essential. If you call us too late, the whole house may already be burned down.” He emphasized the importance of the “golden hour,” explaining that patients experiencing a heart attack should receive treatment within 90 minutes from onset. He also clarified the difference between angioplasty and bypass surgery, strongly encouraging participants to undergo regular angiograms for heart health. His session concluded with another fruitful Q&A portion.
After a brief intermission, Nixon Co, CFBCI Plenary Member, introduced the final speaker, Dr. Jose Tan, an accomplished gastroenterologist and former Head of the Gastroenterology Section at the Chinese General Hospital (2004–2021). He also served as Section Head of the FEU Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department and established CGH’s Fellowship Training Program in Gastroenterology in 2012 — a lasting legacy that continues to train future specialists.
Dr. Tan presented an eye-opening lecture on the “Early Detection and Prevention of Colonic Cancer.” He underscored the importance of colonoscopy as a preventive measure that can detect colorectal cancer (CRC) in its early stages, allowing timely intervention. With CRC ranking as the third most common cancer in the Philippines, Dr. Tan urged everyone to undergo regular screening even in the absence of symptoms. A short Q&A session followed, during which he further clarified audience questions.
At the end of the program, the guest speakers were awarded Plaques of Appreciation from CFBCI as tokens of gratitude for their generosity and commitment to public health service. Moderator Ms. Ong also received a special token of appreciation. The forum concluded with closing remarks from Gerald Uy Chan, CFBCI Executive Vice President, who encouraged participants to be active advocates of health in their communities. “The valuable insights we gained today should not remain within these four walls,” he said. “By sharing them, we may help save a life or make a meaningful difference in someone’s future.”
Overall, the “October Health Fest” was a meaningful and educational afternoon filled with valuable lessons from medical experts. While others celebrate “Oktoberfest” with beer and revelry, CFBCI’s own version focused on learning and wellness — promoting health awareness through insightful lectures in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology. CFBCI extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the event and reaffirms its commitment to organizing similar forums for the benefit of the community.
菲華工商總會訊：為提升社區健康意識，本會於二○二五年十月十五日（星期三）下午一時，假本會八樓禮堂成功舉辦「十月健康嘉年華（October Health Fest）」醫學講座。此次活動再次與中華崇仁總醫院暨醫療中心攜手，邀請三位菲華醫學界重量級專家蒞臨主講，涵蓋婦產科、心臟科及胃腸科三大領域。講座當天，共一百餘人出席聆聽。本會理事長黃書瑋，執行副理事長曾國強，副理事長陳華民，董事曾煥眉，常務理事候逸蘭、林文龍、王輝益，及理事許純維、吳仲漁等人，到場共襄盛舉。
