Lifestyle
A Legacy of Wellness, Partnership, and Purpose Through Movement (2019–Present)
In a profession defined by precision, discipline, and unrelenting responsibility, it is rare to find physicians who step outside their clinical roles to inspire in an entirely different arena. Yet in Iloilo City, two highly accomplished specialists have done exactly that—captivating the public not only with their medical expertise but also with their shared passion for dance.
They are Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena, Internist, Pulmonary Specialist, and Interventional Bronchoscopist from Concepcion, Iloilo, and Dr. Ma. Daisy Pedroso-Tabuena, Internist, Adult Neurologist, and the first Electromyography and Dystonia specialist in Western Visayas from Pototan, Iloilo—affectionately known today as “The Dancing Doctors of Iloilo City.”
Where It All Began: The Birth of a Legacy (2019)
Their journey as the Dancing Doctors began in 2019, during the early months of the pandemic. With travel halted and clinics shifting to the new normal, Dr. Rollin chose to continue his Zumba routine under the guidance of his dance instructor, Francis Zapanta, who patiently honed his skills.
What started as simple practice sessions turned into video clips filmed on a mobile phone—uploaded casually on Facebook and unexpectedly met with overwhelming support.
At first, Dr. Daisy was an observer, watching from the sidelines and attempting one or two routines, often getting exhausted early. But encouraged by her husband’s persistence—combined with her own competitive spirit—she gradually joined the sessions. Soon, the couple found themselves filming dance routines together.
With mounting video content, they opened their YouTube channel and TikTok page, navigating the challenges of muted audio due to copyright restrictions. A friend and patient, Lester Lucero, suggested a name that would soon become iconic:
“The Dancing Doctors of Iloilo.”
From then on, they decided that the dance instructor would step back—it had to be just the two of them. The identity was theirs.
Capturing the Public Eye
Their confidence and chemistry on the dancefloor soon caught attention. Their first major live surprise performance happened at the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) Fellowship Night in Manila. The reaction was electric—colleagues were stunned by their rhythm, precision, and stage presence.
Another memorable invitation came unplanned at a wedding reception in Tagaytay, where they served as principal sponsors. Requested spontaneously to perform, they agreed—and instantly became the most applauded highlight of the event.
What began as hobby evolved into advocacy, and eventually, into legacy.
Dancing as Medicine
For the Tabuena couple, dance is not merely movement—it is healing.
“I have no time for negative thoughts when I dance,”
— Dr. Rollin Tabuena
Amid the emotional weight of medical practice, dance became both refuge and release—an outlet for joy, creativity, and connection. It strengthened their partnership as husband and wife, reminding them that even in demanding careers, couples can—and should—find time for bonding and recreation.
Their mission soon crystalized:
To show that doctors are not confined to clinics—
they can inspire health, fitness, and balance through the joy of movement.
Leaders in Medicine, Partners in Purpose
Individually, both doctors have achieved distinction in their fields.
Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena
Internist & Pulmonary Specialist
Interventional Bronchoscopist
A clinician and health advocate
Dr. Ma. Daisy Pedroso-Tabuena
Internist & Adult Neurologist
First EMG/Dystonia Specialist in Western Visayas
Tokushima University (Japan) international scholar
Together, they founded Asclepius Medical Laboratory & Allied Services Corp. in 2006—now a premier medical facility offering comprehensive Pulmonary, Neurology, EMG-NCV, Sleep Medicine, Clinical Laboratory, X-ray, and TB Lamp Molecular Testing services.
Courage, Commitment, and Compassion During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When the world shut down, the couple intensified their service.
Dr. Rollin conducted daily rounds in full PPE—moving between overcrowded hospitals, hotel isolation facilities, and home visits as far as Guimbal. At times, Dr. Daisy accompanied him to perform IV insertions and support critical procedures.
At home, strict isolation meant sleeping in separate rooms and keeping distance from their son—a painful but necessary sacrifice.
These experiences reshaped their sense of purpose:
“Life is temporary. We must use what we have in good and meaningful ways.”
— Dr. Rollin Tabuena
Community Advocacy: Dancing Beyond the Stage
The Dancing Doctors have expanded their advocacy into community partnerships, supporting projects such as:
ree planting initiatives in Jaro
Youth rehabilitation and life-skills programs
Maternal care and solo-parenting seminars
Anti-bullying campaigns in local schools
Zumba-for-a-Cause fundraisers
In 2020, they organized a Zumba Showdown at Ateneo de Iloilo, bringing together zumba groups from across Panay with Manila guests like Cramer and the TML crew. Proceeds supported Rotary Club of LaPaz outreach programs.
Their performances have also headlined events of the Diabetes Club of Iloilo, Iloilo Medical Society, and the Rotary Club of Iloilo South, among others.
Accolades and Achievements
Their combined achievements in medicine, community service, and even fashion continue to elevate their public presence.
Dr. Rollin’s Major Awards:
Asia’s Golden Icon Award – Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine (2023)
Asia Modern Heroes Award – Renowned Internist & Pulmonary Specialist (2023)
Most Outstanding Men of Iloilo (2012 & 2022)
“Best-Dressed” Awards (Western Visayas & Okada Manila)
DOST Most Outstanding Young Scientist (2006)
WVSU Outstanding Alumni and Achievers Awards
Dr. Daisy’s Major Awards:
Asia’s Golden Icon Award – Exceptional Doctor in Neurology Medicine (2023)
Asia Modern Heroes Award – Internist & Neurologist of the Year (2023)
Most Outstanding Woman of Iloilo (2015)
USA Alumni Outstanding Alumna in Medicine (2014)
Best-Dressed Woman of Western Visayas (2022)
Their journey also captured the attention of renowned society photographer Rupert Jacinto, who personally invited them for a prestigious portrait session and exhibit in Manila—an honor shared only by a select few Ilonggos.
Zumba as Public Health: Their Advocacy in Motion
The Dancing Doctors actively promote Zumba as an enjoyable, evidence-based exercise that strengthens heart and lungs, enhances endurance, reduces stress, supports weight management, and prevents chronic lung disease.
Their motto is simple:
“Dance is health.”
A Movement, A Message, A Legacy
Since 2019, The Dancing Doctors of Iloilo have proven one powerful truth:
Doctors, too, can uplift the community beyond the clinic.
Couples, too, can grow stronger through shared passions.
And movement, too, can inspire healthier, happier lives.
What began as a simple Zumba routine has transformed into a legacy—one that blends medicine, wellness, partnership, and joy.
Their invitation is open to all:
“Join us.
Move with us.
Dance with us.
Live healthier with us.”