Jacob S. Matubis, MD (1950-2022) “Bye, Jake!”


 Those words reverberate in our minds as we remember how Dr. Nati Almazan, president of the Philippine Board Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, bid Jake goodbye on many occasions, also being a member board.
 Jacob Sadang Matubis, colleague, brother Mu Sigma Phi fraternity, batchmate during residency Otolaryngology-Head Surgery at University Philippines-Philippine General Hospital from 1981 to 1984, was friend us. Jake, fondly called him, UP Medicine Class 1977, 2 years ahead my batch, 1979.
 During days College Medicine, joined football team competed with other teams different colleges Philippines. I played left-out forward position, now striker half-back, midfielder. time, were champions two boasting players who game high school La Salle Greenhills Ateneo, well having one burly American studying that playing defender position. Being will always remain happy memories.
 fraternity summer 1973. His baritone voice his ticket become Sounds, singing group brothers, together Alfee Pontejos, another colleague. They performed venues occasions especially anniversaries college activities.
 would say most determined be an Otorhinolaryngologist-Head Surgeon, applied department for 3 consecutive years. It didn’t mean he not good. just unfortunate when secretary Raquel, their house regarding application, mom told her going try make it United States. Upon learning this, Mariano Caparas, chair time --who pillar society staunch nationalist— immediately removed list applicants. took three attempts convince Caparas leaving US intention stay Philippines continue serve Filipino people--his commitment ever since Diliman days. January started residency.
 How ended up like destiny. batchmates, practically lived day-in day-out 4 surgeries, discussing patients, spending long days, sleeping call room even off-duty effectively sealing friendship forever. Back then, carefree talked lot about future. We fond poker downtime. Jake’s favorite “Indian”. Each player place card forehead without seeing it. You know rank cards except yours. start giving bet hoping your is higher compared rest. Imagine, if you betting while holding front clubs. Everyone enjoy laughing you. then realize made wrong bet. guard Caparas’ footsteps coming room. hide cards, clear table, scramble hold book appear studying.
 Gil Vicente (from batch after ours), “barkada” Residency, Aside good friends, worked together. On senior year won first third prizes interesting case contest Society papers entitled “Tears Parotid” “Ameloblastoma Arising Dentigerous Cyst”. Little did eventually presidents 2008 2010.
 mild-mannered, level-headed, serious individual, although times cracking jokes. But way attempted crack these jokes real reasons why laugh. He appeared contented what had where was, joining Christian group. This path took, occasionally addressed by us “Pastor Jake”, hesitating lead prayer meetings. Department Anatomy finishing became its chair. eternal lecturer anatomy nose paranasal sinuses yearly post-graduate course Rhinology 1992. With him gone, replacement have big shoes fill.
 Today, people probably describe “chill” guy. knew under sun. four children are lucky dad, seen get angry.
 Thank you, touching lives. Your cool demeanor remembered emulated. Bye, Jake! See again friend, but hopefully too soon.