Members of the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority in one of their medical missions. (Photo from MU SIGMA PHI SORORITY)

'Beautiful woman, echo of the endless foam, may your statuesque hips in the water make a new measure—a swan, a lily—as you float your form through that eternal crystal.’
–Pablo Neruda

An old adage says that behind every great man is a woman. This has been proven true many times over the course of history. Male poets, musicians, enlightened thinkers, artists, and playwrights have been sorely influenced by their women muses towards the inception of their masterpieces. Pablo Neruda’s 100 love sonnets during his middle age were driven out of the poet by his third wife Matilde Urrutia. Virtuoso Beethoven’s guiding light is his anonymous ‘immortal beloved’ whom he wrote three passionate love letters for before his death. French writer and thinker Voltaire allegedly discussed and studied thousands of books with his lover for 15 years, Marquise Gabrielle, which probably elicited many ideas from the prolific essayist.

But women have not been only sources of reason and insight; they have also been literal springs of comfort and strength. A mother’s lap provides a safe place to a child who is hurting; a sister’s tight hug encourages a sibling to follow through despite life’s complexities; a grandmother’s warm pat on the back is enough to let her grandchild know everything is going to be all right; and a wife’s touch on her husband’s hand penetrates the depths of his heart, affirming support and obliterating fears.

In recent years, organizations have sprouted with the hopes of empowering women themselves, probably thinking that the women in our lives, too, need to feel that someone will be there when push comes to shove. One such group is the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. Bound by the spirit of friendship and service, the first medical social club in the country and in Asia has not only been at the forefront of fostering pioneering medical practice but has also touched the lives of many in its 75 years of existence. Through its continuing health, social, and cultural programs since its establishment, many have been given attention and service, lots have been empowered.

The early years of the sorority saw its members (called sisters or sisses) having fun outside the pressing academic demands of medical school. It was merely an avenue for students to let loose and to enjoy their post-collegiate lives. In the 1950s however, the sorority began involving itself in endeavors off tangent to medical nature. It sponsored dance parties and cultural events that doubled as fundraisers. The 1960s found the sorority maturing with time, what with the new ideas and concepts that were introduced to the organization. 

According to the sorority, more often than not, it is the lady of the house who is relegated the doctor or nurse for everyone in the family. Always, it is the mothers, grandmothers, and even the eldest daughter who family members turn to as the usual sources of comfort, if not cure, to the illnesses that afflict them. As a result, the health of our literal laps of ease takes a backseat and deteriorates.

Part of the flagship advocacy of the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority this year is to bring forth the health needs of women and the significance of addressing these concerns through a staging of a gala dinner and fashion presentation billed as 'Brilyante: The Empowered Woman.’ This is in line also with the commemoration of diamond anniversary of the institution. Benefiting the project is the sorority’s division for cervical cancer. The project aspires to produce funds for the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Program and Committee of the sorority that aims to heighten public consciousness on the ailment as well as its treatment and prevention.

The benefit gala is a celebration of the vitality, strength, and, beauty of all women. Enter then the fashion designers whose collections for the show will embody grace through pressure and will epitomize what a cancer patient should try to be amidst sickness, one who is at peace with one’s inner self and one who lives with dignity and purpose.  

Set to conquer the catwalk are models from the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and personalities such as PMAP ramp veteran Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, philanthropist Tessa Prieto-Valdes, model-actress-TV host Angel Jacob, disc jockey Grace Lee, and Trade ambassador Mela Bengzon. Several sorority members who are prominent doctors in the country today and cancer survivors will also sashay down the runway.

Participating designers are Delby Bragais, Parrish Espiritu Carlos, Tina Daniac, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Veejay Floresca, JM Goulbourn, OJ Hofer, Michelle Lim, Richie Ortega-Torres, Randy Ortiz, and Philip Rodriguez.

‘Brilyante: The Empowered Woman’ will be held on August 28, 6:30 p.m., at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.