Dr. Alexandra Fiona Pacat

A pleasant morning to our honored guests, consultants, residents, support staff, family, and friends.

I was a second-year high school student when Dr. Ryan brought me here. It was a Friday conference in which two residents presented their clinical cases to the consultants. I can still remember Dr. Georgia asking them about periapical radiographs. I was amazed by what I saw and decided to get good grades in high school, pursue dentistry, and become a pediatric dentist. I faced many struggles during college and before taking the board exam, but whenever I wanted to give up, I reminded myself that I truly wanted to become a pediatric dentist. That's why coming to PDCP was a dream come true for me.

My residency training was filled with happiness, learning, challenges, fulfillment, heartbreaks, breakdowns, and friendships. Fridays became my least favorite day of the week; there were sleepless nights, tiring days, and countless journals and lectures. This program was never easy for me, and there were times when I wanted to give up on my dream of becoming a pediatric dentist. I recall what Dr. Liza told me: 'Know your purpose in life, AF.' Looking back on the months I spent here, it was my patients who drew me back and kept me in the training. They answered all my questions about 'why I am still here?'. It's because of my patients—children with special needs and with medical conditions. My patients who always say, 'Thank you, Tita Doc AF', and the parents who appreciated all my care for their children became my strength throughout this training. I realized that it's no longer just my dream but my passion and willingness to serve my patients that drive me to finish this program.

Each and every one of you in this room has been a blessing to me and has shown me that I am not alone on this journey. That's why I would like to thank each one of you for believing in me, not giving up on me, and always pushing me to become a better person.

I would like to thank my consultants, Dr. Georgia, Dr. Liza, and Dr. Nina, for the motherly love you have given me. I am grateful to Dr. Daisy for ensuring that every procedure is executed with precision. Thank you to Dr. Fina for guiding me with behavioral management and supporting me during every clinical conference. To my superhero in extractions, Dr. Jasper. To Dr. Mia, who treated me as if I were her younger sister. To Dr. Gia, who always says, 'Konti na lang, kaya mo yan, big girl ka na.' And to Dr. Aileen, who has been my mentor and angel.

Consultants, thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom and for being patient with me throughout the program. I will never forget our goal in treating our patients: 'Treat your patient as a whole.'

To the support staff, who are like family and have made me feel at home, thank you for treating me as a family member! To my mothers—Mother Lorna, Mother Jane, Papsi Lando, Kuya Ian, and Ate Neris and Ate Dahl — thank you for your support. Ate Mery, thank you for your kind words and for accompanying me at the center, especially during late nights. And to Ate or Mama Tin, thank you for always believing in me, for the push, for the hugs, and for the encouragement that helped me finish this program.

To my juniors, Charie, Kochi, Disha, and Celine, who have been my cheerleaders, thank you for your assistance, companionship, and uplifting presence, especially during late-night stays at the center.

To my seniors, Dr. Ajae and Dr. Karlo, your guidance and mentorship were especially helpful during the first months of my training.

To Dr. Shayne, my veshy, you have been with me through my toughest times. And soon, we will achieve our veshy goals.

To Dr. Bea and Dr. Mark, thank you for your unwavering encouragement.

To my batchmate, Patricia, my chief and Ate, thank you for your patience, for guiding me, and for saving me every time I was struggling. I'll be forever grateful to you. From counting the 24 months to finally reaching graduation, your support has been invaluable.

Doctor Ryan and Doctor Mae, thank you for inspiring me to take this training.

To my parents, Papa and Mama, thank you for your sacrifices and patience that helped me achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers, especially every Friday morning.

To my siblings, Ate, Kuya, and Bunso, thank you for your encouragement and for being my support system.

To my nephews and nieces, you are one of the reasons I took up this training. Thank you for inspiring me and for always making Tita AF happy.

To my best friend, Jem, I will always be grateful for the kind words, support, and love you have given me.

And lastly, to God, for giving me my purpose in life.

Have a blessed morning. Thank you."