| Amable "Sonny" R. Aguiluz, Jr. Whittier, California Effective and Consistent National Leader With Unique Style |
As Speaker of the House of Delegates of the Association of
Philippine Physicians in America (APPA) for two unprecedented
terms, Amable "Sonny" De Los Reyes Aguiluz, Jr., serenely
tackled the awesome responsibilities and functions of Speaker,
the second powerful position in the APPA, next to the President.
He served well in what could have been a controversial position in
a more than a chaotic era in APPA anal. For from within, APPA
was clearly cleansing or purifying itself as part of its growth. Any
interference or intervention from the "outside"-- more specially the
media -- would have been misdirected or misinformed through
manipulation or influence of one APPA faction or another. It was
the time when friends became foes; issues were twisted to
conform with one's faction. But in the midst of these APPA
turmoils, the Speaker of the House Aguiluz successfully
maintained sincere neutrality, and provided wisdom needed to
pacify APPA's struggle of power, and to calm down the active
partakers who were easily agitated by slight intrigues.
Having the rare opportunity to observe him from a very close
quarter and knowing him from the first moment of ascend to
power in the APPA hierarchy, this writer, a serious observer and a
student of the science of leadership techniques, admires Sonny
Philippine Physicians in America (APPA) for two unprecedented
terms, Amable "Sonny" De Los Reyes Aguiluz, Jr., serenely
tackled the awesome responsibilities and functions of Speaker,
the second powerful position in the APPA, next to the President.
He served well in what could have been a controversial position in
a more than a chaotic era in APPA anal. For from within, APPA
was clearly cleansing or purifying itself as part of its growth. Any
interference or intervention from the "outside"-- more specially the
media -- would have been misdirected or misinformed through
manipulation or influence of one APPA faction or another. It was
the time when friends became foes; issues were twisted to
conform with one's faction. But in the midst of these APPA
turmoils, the Speaker of the House Aguiluz successfully
maintained sincere neutrality, and provided wisdom needed to
pacify APPA's struggle of power, and to calm down the active
partakers who were easily agitated by slight intrigues.
Having the rare opportunity to observe him from a very close
quarter and knowing him from the first moment of ascend to
power in the APPA hierarchy, this writer, a serious observer and a
student of the science of leadership techniques, admires Sonny
Aguiluz' unique, cool and calculated leadership style. Always calm and charismatic, he has a unique
approach to solving basic problems. He is capable to listen intently to one's gripe without hinting a solution,
until the "griper" himself or herself comes with a logical solution to the issue at hand. Then, Sonny, as he
wants to be called, just strengthened the griper's answer to the problem. And, viola! another direct
confrontation avoided. Another strategy of Sonny is he never seems to contradict anyone who wants to
confront him of any conflict. He befriends his critics and seeks their advice. Thus, making everyone his friends
and not threatened by his position or mere presence. Through a highly unique approach, he exuded the
powerful position of APPA Speaker of HOD into a "Department of Reconciliation" where everyone who
sought the Speaker came out feeling to be smarter and more knowledgeable than he is. But the bottom line
was: the Speaker was the evident victor, and successful in interjecting his "own" ideas or solutions to the
problems at hand.
Sonny's gentlemanly approach to the many issues befuddling the APPA could very well be one of the major
reasons that "blood bath" and public knowledge of the intricacies within the largest and most influential
national organization were deterred. Internal problems of APPA remained internal, and solved amicably
among the Filipino physicians themselves.
When Sonny finally relinquish the Speakership to run for the APPA Executive Council as a Board member, in a
field of twenty candidates, Sonny came up number four with hardly any serious campaigning. Reliable
sources say he is now aiming to be APPA vice president in APPA 25th annual convention in June 1996 at
Chicago, and will go for the gold, the APPA presidency, when he succeeds next year.
Sonny is currently the president of the Philippine Medical Society of Southern California, one of the largest
associations of Philippine physicians in the United States and Canada. Under his leadership, various
humanitarian projects are being undertaken both here in America and in the Philippines. Considered to be
effective and a hands-on leader, Sonny actively participate in providing free clinics to the unfortunate,
especially the Filipino senior citizens who have neither the funds or insurance to take care of their medical
needs. He not only clinically provide the necessary facilities and equipments, but as well as dispensed free
medicines for this pro bono patients. His non-Filipino peers and the mainstream community praise him for
his contributions. "He is unique. A role model and an inspiration not only among Filipino-Americans, but for
all," commented by one of his partners in the Santi Medical Group where he is the President and the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO).
Sonny's "forte" seems to be being in the right time and right place when humanitarian duties or services are
demanded upon by circumstances. For two instances, when APPA's treasury was in its blightest and in dire
need of fund, Sonny coughed more $37,000 for the "MISS APPA," which one of her daughters, Jacqueline,
won handily. Thus, injecting the much-needed fund to APPA treasury. During the fund-raising campaign of his
alma mater, the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, for a much needed fund for
renovation of the UE's deteriorating medical facilities in Manila, Sonny donated immediately $25,000 boosting
up the fund-raising, and motivated other alumnae of UE to come forward and financially assist their alma
mater.
A fervent and loyal supporter of the University of the East Medical School where he acquired his doctor of
Medicine degree in 1966, he has been an active member of the UERM Alumni Association, serving as
President and Board of Director member in the local level, and National Vice President and Board Member in
the national level. Belonging to various civic, political, professional and cultural associations, Sonny is
constantly requested and always available to spearhead humanitarian and worthwhile projects.
Sonny is the eldest son of seven boys and one girl. His deceased father, Atty. Amable M. Aguiluz, Sr., from
Lubao, Pampanga was former National Treasurer and Commissioner of Budget in the Philippines. His
deceased mother was the former Ester De Los Reyes from Ibajay, Aklan. Sonny is married to the former
Dolores Balayan of Ilagan, Isabella. They have four daughters: Esterliza, Jacqueline, Maria Rosario and Maria
Dolores. (NM)
approach to solving basic problems. He is capable to listen intently to one's gripe without hinting a solution,
until the "griper" himself or herself comes with a logical solution to the issue at hand. Then, Sonny, as he
wants to be called, just strengthened the griper's answer to the problem. And, viola! another direct
confrontation avoided. Another strategy of Sonny is he never seems to contradict anyone who wants to
confront him of any conflict. He befriends his critics and seeks their advice. Thus, making everyone his friends
and not threatened by his position or mere presence. Through a highly unique approach, he exuded the
powerful position of APPA Speaker of HOD into a "Department of Reconciliation" where everyone who
sought the Speaker came out feeling to be smarter and more knowledgeable than he is. But the bottom line
was: the Speaker was the evident victor, and successful in interjecting his "own" ideas or solutions to the
problems at hand.
Sonny's gentlemanly approach to the many issues befuddling the APPA could very well be one of the major
reasons that "blood bath" and public knowledge of the intricacies within the largest and most influential
national organization were deterred. Internal problems of APPA remained internal, and solved amicably
among the Filipino physicians themselves.
When Sonny finally relinquish the Speakership to run for the APPA Executive Council as a Board member, in a
field of twenty candidates, Sonny came up number four with hardly any serious campaigning. Reliable
sources say he is now aiming to be APPA vice president in APPA 25th annual convention in June 1996 at
Chicago, and will go for the gold, the APPA presidency, when he succeeds next year.
Sonny is currently the president of the Philippine Medical Society of Southern California, one of the largest
associations of Philippine physicians in the United States and Canada. Under his leadership, various
humanitarian projects are being undertaken both here in America and in the Philippines. Considered to be
effective and a hands-on leader, Sonny actively participate in providing free clinics to the unfortunate,
especially the Filipino senior citizens who have neither the funds or insurance to take care of their medical
needs. He not only clinically provide the necessary facilities and equipments, but as well as dispensed free
medicines for this pro bono patients. His non-Filipino peers and the mainstream community praise him for
his contributions. "He is unique. A role model and an inspiration not only among Filipino-Americans, but for
all," commented by one of his partners in the Santi Medical Group where he is the President and the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO).
Sonny's "forte" seems to be being in the right time and right place when humanitarian duties or services are
demanded upon by circumstances. For two instances, when APPA's treasury was in its blightest and in dire
need of fund, Sonny coughed more $37,000 for the "MISS APPA," which one of her daughters, Jacqueline,
won handily. Thus, injecting the much-needed fund to APPA treasury. During the fund-raising campaign of his
alma mater, the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, for a much needed fund for
renovation of the UE's deteriorating medical facilities in Manila, Sonny donated immediately $25,000 boosting
up the fund-raising, and motivated other alumnae of UE to come forward and financially assist their alma
mater.
A fervent and loyal supporter of the University of the East Medical School where he acquired his doctor of
Medicine degree in 1966, he has been an active member of the UERM Alumni Association, serving as
President and Board of Director member in the local level, and National Vice President and Board Member in
the national level. Belonging to various civic, political, professional and cultural associations, Sonny is
constantly requested and always available to spearhead humanitarian and worthwhile projects.
Sonny is the eldest son of seven boys and one girl. His deceased father, Atty. Amable M. Aguiluz, Sr., from
Lubao, Pampanga was former National Treasurer and Commissioner of Budget in the Philippines. His
deceased mother was the former Ester De Los Reyes from Ibajay, Aklan. Sonny is married to the former
Dolores Balayan of Ilagan, Isabella. They have four daughters: Esterliza, Jacqueline, Maria Rosario and Maria
Dolores. (NM)
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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