“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.” — Leonardo da Vinci
ON OCTOBER 10, 2026, the Iloilo Medical Society held its Centennial Celebration fashion show. For one special evening, MDs traded their white coats for beautiful Filipiniana gowns and Barong Tagalogs.
As doctors, continuous medical education is a fundamental part of our lives. We constantly update our knowledge with new breakthroughs, protocols, and treatments. We genuinely enjoy discussing new concepts and complex cases with colleagues—to all of us, learning medicine is a lifelong journey.
Yet, a few months ago, when Dr. Rhodelyn Besanes-Almenana invited me to join the Iloilo Medical Society Centennial Fashion Show, I had no idea what was in store. Little did I know that I, along with the other physician-models, would find learning the catwalk both highly challenging and fondly memorable.
Stepping out of our comfort zones brought unexpected health benefits. Learning something new provides excellent cognitive stimulation, regulates mood, boosts self-esteem, and increases social connections.
Studies show that as we become adults, curiosity often declines, which can also lead to a decrease in the cognitive functions that support memory. By actively learning a new skill, we reignite our curiosity. This mental stimulation keeps the brain sharp and helps decrease the risk of dementia and gradual memory loss.
Doing something completely different from your ordinary routine—in this case, participating in a fashion show—is also a fantastic mood regulator. Walking back and forth and posing felt like a structured exercise or a choreographed dance. Physical activity releases dopamine, often called the “happy hormone,” which naturally elevates your mood and reduces stress.
Furthermore, preparing for the runway provided a major boost to my self-esteem. I became much more mindful of what I ate and found new ways to stay active, such as joining the group Zumba competition also sponsored by the Iloilo Medical Society. I practiced my walk and poses during my free time, and made sure to get enough sleep and “beauty rest.” The sense of accomplishment derived from learning a new skill and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in preparation for the show contributed significantly to a positive self-image.
Finally, being part of this fashion show fostered deep social connections among us doctors. Socializing outside the hospital walls allowed us to bond as peers, share laughs, and build a supportive community that goes far beyond our daily clinical duties. It was a beautiful reminder that while medicine is our calling, stepping onto the runway can heal and rejuvenate the mind and spirit. Therefore, another fashion show might be prescribed on the horizon.
***
The author is Dr. Candice Magdalane A. Tupas, a former 3 termer City Councilor and presently the Executive Assistant to Mayor Raisa Trenas for Medical Tourism and Other Health Initiatives . She is a practicing Radiologist, a Wife to Former City Councilor Lex Tupas and mother to Alexa, Lextom, Lexie and Alexander./PN
