BEST
A Tribute to Filipino Medical Leaders
On March 24, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved with the grand launch of Best of the Philippines: The Medical Tourism coffee table book at the prestigious Diamond Hotel. This highly anticipated event was graced by an impressive roster of esteemed guests, reflecting the importance of the project in positioning the Philippines as a global hub for medical tourism.
Among the distinguished attendees were Senator Cynthia Villar, Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, and key representatives from the Department of Tourism, including Chief Officer of Product and Market Development Ms. Liliosa Libosada and Tourism Operations Officer II Mr. Anton Siddayao.
Adding prestige to the gathering were notable figures such as Dr. Nona Ricafort, and executives from FWD Life Philippines, the major corporate sponsor, including Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer Ms. Roch Vandenberghe and Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Adam Spencer Cagaon. Other dignitaries included Dr. Baby Ortiz, Governor of the Philippine Red Cross and TESDA Board Member, and Ms. Rosario Salientes, CEO of Salientes Gonzalez and Associates.
This landmark celebration highlighted the collaboration of industry leaders in elevating the Philippines’ status as a premier medical travel destination.
Recognition of Excellence: The Top 50 Doctors
The event also celebrated the Top 50 Doctors featured in the first edition of the book. Each honoree received a certificate of recognition from Publishers Menchu Palanca and Dr. Gil Vicente, alongside Managing Editor Christine Palanca, for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields of medicine.
Honorees Include:
Dr. Konrad P. Aguila
Specialty: Cosmetic Surgery, ENT- Head and Neck Surgery
Dr. Maria Isabel M. Atienza
Specialty: Pediatric Pulmonology
Dr. Abundio A. Balgos
Specialty: Internal Medicine Pulmonology
Dr. Vicki Belo
Specialty: Medical Aesthetic Clinic
Dr. Grace Carole P. Beltran
Specialty: Dermatology, Dermatologic
Surgery, Genitology, Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Christopher Ian B. Cabalza
Specialty: Integrative Medicine
Prof. Maria Minerva P. Calimag, MD, MSC, PHD
Specialty: Anesthesiology
Dr. Paulo Roman Castro Jr.
Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. John T. Cenica MD, MBA, FICS, FPAAS, FPSCS
Specialty: Cosmetic Surgery, Phlebology
Dr. Armando N. Chiong, Jr.
Specialty: Head and Neck and
Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (Oncologic aspect)
Dr. Jose Nicolas M. Cruz
Specialty: Interventional Cardiology
Dr. Antonio Miguel P. De La Paz
Specialty: General Surgery- Trauma
Dr. Jose Jonas D. Del Rosario
Specialty: Pediatric, Cardiologist
Dr. Kirt Areis E. Delovino
Specialty: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Dr. Edwin Agustin E. Dimayuga
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Dr. Amy Goleta - Dy
Specialty: Pediatric Oncology
Dr. David Y. Dy
Specialty: Surgical Oncology
Dr. Joseph Rylan Flores
Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery, Nutrigenomics and DNA profiler
Dr. Fernandino Jose A. Fontanilla
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Dr. Frederick D. Francisco
Specialty: Infectious Disease Specialist, Integrative Medicine
Dr. Steve Mark Gan
Specialty: Dental Implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, and General Dentistry
Dr. Eduardo Go
Specialty: Hearing Aid Specialist
Dr. Wenceslao S. Llauderes
Specialty: Geriatric Medicine and Nuclear Medicine
Dr. Laurence Tan Loh
Specialty: Plastic Surgery
Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna
Specialty: Medical Oncology
Dr. Lyde M. Alday Magpantay
Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation- Pain Medicine
Dr. Federico Malubay
Specialty: Opthalmology
Dr. Eileen M. Manalo
Specialty: OB-GYN, Reproductive Endocrinology
and Infertility, IVF and Menopause Specialist Gynecologic Endoscopic, Robotic Surgeon
Dr. Christian Emmanuel V. Mancao
Specialty: General Surgery, Chronic Pain Specialist
Dr. Maria Luisa Manlapaz
Specialty: Pediatrician with Neonatology
Dr. Higinio T. Mappala
Specialty: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology
and Endoscopy - Clinical Nutrition and Clinical Toxicology
Dr. Virgilio M. Novero, Jr.
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Susan Gan Garcia - Ong, MD FPCP, FPCC
Specialty: Diplomate in International Medicine; Adult Cardiology, Critical Care
Dr. Aldwin Ong
Specialty: General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Liver Transplant Surgery
Dr. Alejandro R. Prieto
Specialty: Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology
Dr. Enrico P. Ragaza
Specialty: General & Cancer Surgery Colon, Rectal Surgery
Dr. Camilo C. Roa
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Dr. Michelle Rodriguez
Specialty: Pediatric Hematology- Oncology
Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr.
Specialty: Plastic Surgery
Prof. Jose D. Sollano, MD
Specialty: Gastroenterology
Dr. Wilfredo S. Tagle
Specialty: Urology
Dr. Jocelyn Genevieve L. Tan
Specialty: Orthodontics
Dr. Catherine SC. Teh, MD, MSC, FPCS, FRCSED, G. CIEHF
Specialty: Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery,
Liver Transplant, Surgical Oncology, Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr. Roel S. Tolentino
Specialty: General Surgery, Surgical Oncology
Dr. Rene Del Castillo Valero
Specialty: Plastic Aesthetic Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Mario R. Ver, MD, FPOA, FPCS, FPSS
Specialty: Orthopedics and Spine Surgery
Dr. Mario R. Ver, MD, FPOA, FPCS, FPSS
Specialty: Orthopedics and Spine Surgery
Gil Vicente, MD
Specialty: Head and Neck Surgery,
Allergy, Sinus Diseases, Polyps Snoring, Osas Rhinoplasty
Dr. Julie Christie G. Visperas
Specialty: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine,
Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Pulmonary Hypertension
Dr. Eduardo Yap
Specialty: ENT- Facial Plastic Surgery
Showcasing Excellence
The Medical Tourism coffee table book serves as a testament to the Philippines’ thriving healthcare sector and the exceptional talents of its medical professionals. This curated collection underscores the dedication and expertise of Filipino doctors in providing world-class healthcare. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming 2nd edition!