UP College of Medicine Diamond Jubilarians

This 20 December, I was privileged to witness the UP College of Medicine Alumni Society’s recognition of the Diamond Jubilarians (50 years after graduation from College) as organized by the Silver Jubilarians (25 years after CM) in Homecoming Ball 2009 aptly tagged as “Pagbabalik sa Bulwagan ng Talino at Galing.”

It’s a decade long tradition of the college of this premiere learning institution of honoring the seniors’ post-graduation and at the same time providing the younger alumni an opportunity to sow back to UPCM resources so the institution can continue to inspire and support the current and forthcoming interns.

Honoring teachers and the religious is stirring given the nobleness of the profession and the service associated with the calling. Paying respect to doctors now in their diamond years who have alleviated physical and emotional pains and saved lives at the prime of their professions invites praise.

While I have not been involved in the medical profession, my experience in dealing with them is enough to respect them with high regard (as a recipient of heath care myself with no educational medical background and a beneficiary of superior medical care for my parents). In this event, the doctors were not experts but as humans trying out a field they perhaps did not have the time to do before. They organized events which is reserved for marketing practitioners, sang and danced like anybody else, got tense for their production numbers, did menial tasks like falling in line, waiting for turns and queues and reminiscing their mentors and tormentors in college. Balancing science and the arts, they conducted activities common only to the liberal arts and social science graduates among us.

I shedded a tear when a medallion was awarded to an 80 year old doctor who did exemplary work doing rural service and a pioneering research.

I approved the performance of Batch 1959 singing Somewhere and Tonight sensing their drive and desire to entertain well.

I cheered when Batch 84 flagged their completion project as the lead batch for this years’ recognition.

I joined the crowd shout when a favorite teacher was called on stage.

I admired senior professors going on stage with regal bearing projecting confidence and wisdom.

It was an organized event with not much fanfare. It was not a showbiz affair but it was star studded with individuals who mattered and shone. The activity at the Sofitel Hotel from 3 PM to 10 PM was a grand moment because it paid tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives in service.

I joined the honoree who led the prayer with a special intention for them. That I, be like them, an alumnus who had not forgotten that it was UP Beloved who molded that value, a successful practitioners passing on blessings to the institution and to others so the college can continue to enlighten others.

Quoting Albert Schweitzer “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve”