a familiar turf

To say that my mother has been a U.P. employee even before I was born lacks truth.

She started out as a student assistant at the U.P. College of Public Health (back then it was known as the College of Hygiene). Since then, she's been working at an institute for eye research based in PGH.

No, she isn't a doctor (although she's a proud mother of a neurologist). She's an ophthalmology microbio researcher whose studies are mostly funded by drug companies.

My older brothers were all born at the PGH and I wasn't, only because my mother went into labor at home. The closest hospital that time was the Makati Med, which was new then, and where, fortunately, her ob-gyne also practiced.

Although I wasn't a literal PGH baby, I can say that I practically grew up there. I know each and every nook of it from Taft to Faura to Pedro Gil.

Most of my growing up years, with regards to the office christmas socials of my mother, I would be at the PGH with my brothers. We even performed as a trio and sang the lengthy 12 Days of Christmas and We Three Kings.

I saw the PGH before Imelda Marcos ordered its "modernization," giving birth to the Central Block; the demolishing of the tennis courts so the OPD could be constructed; the temporary dismantling of the large beautiful artworks of Botong at the lobby; small offices transfered from one wing or floor to another; and other stuff a non-UPM would never relate to.

When I got accepted in UP Manila, to the delight of my mother (as well as her officemates who are like my aunts and uncles) , it was familiar territory for me.

I love PGH. And if given a choice, I would rather be hospitalized there than at the Asian Hospital (of course, my special gurl frowns on this). I'll cite two and the only reasons why:

1. It's my turf, and;

2. The doctors, residents and nurses are all UP-bred.

* * *

SM and I were walking the corridors of PGH yesterday to pick up my mom.

That day she was walking a bit faster than me. I had to keep up with her pace at times,which I find difficult because the floors of the PGH can really be slippery.

Can you please slow down a bit? I finally said.

She complied.

I had my Reebok on but it wasn't the right pair.

What's wrong? she asked when she saw me looking at the floor while walking.

ME: I need suck-ets !

SM: (Laughs) You mean suctions.

ME: (Grumpily) Yea, suctions. My shoes don't have suctions. I'm going to have an accident if you won't slow down.

I walked quietly and concentrated on my feet and the floors of PGH.

ME: You know, you can pull me by the arms and I can ski without trouble. (Smiles)

I wondered if she was really game enough to pull my arms. But she wasn't. She didn't even respond to what I just said.

Yea, I guess I was ignored.

Or maybe she began to sleepwalk because I asked her to slow down, and when did just that, she went so slow that she fell asleep already, only neither of us were conscious of it.

Right.

* * *

kids should know that...

The PGH is the laboratory hospital of health science students enrolled in the University of the Philippines. This includes students of medicine, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy, dentistry and speech pathology. It is also affiliated with the nursing school of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the St. Paul University Manila School of Nursing. It is likewise the biggest training hospital in the country. (wikipedia)