Alaskan Cruise Convention Report
Philippine Association of Medical Technologist, USA - Northern California Chapter
PAMET USA, 12th Biennial National Convention - Convention at Sea
Alaskan Cruise, Princess Sapphire 8/15-8/22 2010
We just got back from another successful PAMET convention. It was nice to meet PAMET USA delegates from the different chapters. Most have brought their family members to the cruise... Click here to view photos
Summary of Activities:
Pre-cruise – 3 days and 2 nights in Seattle.
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Boeing – got a tour at the plant and learned an overview of how planes were built.
Boeing – got a tour at the plant and learned an overview of how planes were built.•Vancouver Canada – feasted on “ lansones” bought from China Town (they are like Starbucks, there is a Chinatown in every city)
Vancouver Canada – feasted on “ lansones” bought from China Town (they are like Starbucks, there is a Chinatown in every city)•Victoria Canada – The ferry ride was interesting. The whole van rides the ferry. The Butchart Garden was amazing.
Victoria Canada – The ferry ride was interesting. The whole van rides the ferry. The Butchart Garden was amazing.•Pike Market, Seattle – went to see the original Starbucks store and picked up some souvenir mugs.
Pike Market, Seattle – went to see the original Starbucks store and picked up some souvenir mugs. Day 1 – Ship Check In.
•Class registration begins.
Class registration begins.Day 2 – At Sea
•Opening Ceremony (Filipino attire)
Opening Ceremony (Filipino attire)•General Meeting with current executive board
General Meeting with current executive board•2 hours of continuing Education
2 hours of continuing EducationDay 3 – Free Day (Ketchikan)
•Scenic Driving with a young smart guide to the Totem poles and Salmon hatchery. We learned the different stories behind each totem pole and the different types of Salmon and their interesting life cycle.
Scenic Driving with a young smart guide to the Totem poles and Salmon hatchery. We learned the different stories behind each totem pole and the different types of Salmon and their interesting life cycle.•Shopping
ShoppingDay 4 – Half day free and half day at sea
•Free time in the morning. Scenic driving to the Mendenhall glacier and stopped over the Salmon hatchery
Free time in the morning. Scenic driving to the Mendenhall glacier and stopped over the Salmon hatchery•Shopping
Shopping•2 hours of lectures in the afternoon
2 hours of lectures in the afternoonDay 5 – Free Day (Skagway)
•Scenic driving up to the summit with a wonderful guide who delighted us with his poetry.
Scenic driving up to the summit with a wonderful guide who delighted us with his poetry.•Shopping
ShoppingDay 6 – At Sea
•Election of New officers – AM
Election of New officers – AM•Induction of newly elected officers. 4 delegates from Northern California were elected; Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Board of Director.
Induction of newly elected officers. 4 delegates from Northern California were elected; Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Board of Director.Day 7
•4 CE lectures
4 CE lectures•General Meeting of newly elected officers:
General Meeting of newly elected officers:1.Next Executive Meeting will be hosted by newly formed chapter – PAMET San Diego. Details to follow
Next Executive Meeting will be hosted by newly formed chapter – PAMET San Diego. Details to follow2.Convention venue to be discussed at the Executive meeting.
Convention venue to be discussed at the Executive meeting.Overall, the experience was great... The schedule was hectic but we had fun in between. Alaska is beautiful with its spectacular views. The jewelry is even better; mystique topaz, sunset topaz, Smokey and other color topaz and watches specifically Cartier. Things seem to be cheaper because there were no sales tax. The jewelry stores were so delighted to see the PAMET people that a rumor started circulating that some rich Filipino doctors were having their convention at the ship .Of course we had to make a slight correction to the rumor, we were CLSs.
The best thing is the camaraderie and togetherness.
Next National event will be in San Diego. Will keep you posted.
