I am Dr. Evelyn Alesna, one of Dr. Thelma Tupasi’s fellows in the mid-1990s (1995–1997) at Makati Medical Center.
She was my amazing M&M—my mentor and ‘mother.’ A virtuous mentor who was magnanimous and humble.
There were two mantras she imparted to me:
1. Nothing is Impossible
In 2000, we were traveling for our TDF post-graduate circuit course. While waiting to board a boat bound for Bohol from Cebu, Dr. Tupasi learned that I had the drug she needed. Nothing is impossible: Dr. Tupasi managed to convince the boat captain to wait for me as I rushed to get the drug from my clinic, and she orchestrated to have the drug sent to Makati Med. It saved the life of her patient who had drug-resistant malaria.
2. Never Say No
One time, Dr. Tupasi realized she had accepted two lecture invitations scheduled at the same date and time. She said to me: “Evelyn, remember, never say no. Give the talk for me.”
I answered: “But they are expecting you, Dr. Tupasi.”
She quickly resolved the matter, saying: “You are the ‘little Tupasi’; they will accept whoever I recommend speaking on my behalf.”
Tonight, I will not mention her achievements. I will describe her as a loving and caring mother.
She dearly loved her four children and shared stories about them:
1. Egbert: fondly called her first-born son, so smart and creative
2. Vil: her second-born son, very intelligent and doing well in his studies
3. Gina: her only daughter; she finished journalism but wants to pursue law (Dr. Tupasi supported Gina’s dream)
4. John Paul: the youngest son, still a young teen at the time, who needed to be taught values. She related, “I told John Paul, even if you do a headstand, you cannot earn 5 pesos.” At that time he wanted his parents to buy him expensive drums. Love prevailed, and John Paul got his drums.
One day, I asked Dr. Tupasi why her children were studying abroad. She answered: “Claver and I want to provide them with the best education that will give them all the opportunities to fly on their own.”
That was what your mom was to us—she gave us her three T’s (time, talent, and treasure) to provide excellent training that opened opportunities. In the process, she (and Dr. Claver Ramos) made us part of her family.
Lastly, I would like to share her favorite theme song (1997, The Lion King): “Hakuna Matata, Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” To the Ramos family, I say: Hakuna Matata, Don’t worry, be happy. Dr. Thelma’s legacy continues. She will forever remain in our hearts and minds.
