IT WAS just like yesterday when I graduated from the Saint Louis University BS Biology and School of Medicine (Class 1994).
I personally enjoyed a walk among the different booths and the entertainment. Most of all, I enjoyed the memories of my college days!
Here are some of the other activities:
12th LGBT Pride Parade. The Metropolitan Community Church of Metro Baguio (headed by Archie Montivergin - Vice Moderator), the chair organization for the Amianan Pride Council for 2018, together with Bootz Yabut, LGBT adviser/ HIV awareness advocate, Rev. / Pastor Myke Sotero of the MCCB with LMO’s like the Baguio Association of Bars and Entertainment (BABES) among others, staged the PRIDE parade last November 24 at Session Rd., to kick-off the annual HIV awareness campaign and to observe the World HIV Day which is slated this December 1. The parade was well – attended to include student advocates. Participants were in the festive mood in rainbow colored get-ups.
Tita Bootz’ group also offer free HIV Testing that is fast (results in 10 to 20 minutes), confidential, easily accessible and moreover lifesaving. This is a Community Based Screening that can be held at the park, a bar or during a pageant. Tita Bootz reiterates that they are just one call away. Their team can come to the patient/client in their most convenient time and place. Therefore, screening does not have to be in a hospital or in a medical clinic. The team has trained at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM).
May we all join in this heartening campaign. Kudos to all the LGBT groups! #PuksainAngHivAids
Incredible India. A visit to the Baguio Museum for the Incredible India Festivities last November 24 brings back memories of my elementary days (late 1970’s). I usually pass by friendly shops lined up along Session Rd. from school to our Pharmacy (Angelina) at Kayang St. Among them were Bheroomulls, Fil-Indian Sports Store and Bombay Bazaar. How I miss those pleasant, gracious and approachable shops!
The event was also reminiscent of our trip to India in 2013 for the CISV’s various programs and workshops. Finally, I also got the chance to wear my souvenir from India - an all original pair of leather slippers as I wore my version of the saree. Immersion in Indian culture and food / sweet delicacies (especially of the milk balls soaked in honey - gulab jamun) was a wonderful experience of Incredible India.
In attendance were some of the Board of Trustees of the Baguio Museum with Pres. Atty. Fred Bagbagen and the Filipino - Indian community headed by Ram Sharma with Anthony Modgil, Deepak Punjabi, Chandru Budhrani and Paul Lalwani. We are all so thankful for the socio - cultural and economic contribution of the Fil-Indian community to the historical development of Baguio.
SLU’s 107th Foundation and 111th CICM Philippines Anniversary. Saint Louis University (SLU) admin, faculty, employees, students and alumni look forward to this time of the year. Fun and food booths at the SLU Main Campus, not to mention the Anatomy exhibit which had the longest waiting lines from both sides of the Rizal building! The different acoustic bands and the IV of Spades brought cheers to the whole student body. The Christmas tree countdown to its lighting was super exciting.
Long live the Saint Louis University and the CICM!
(drbrendaleeavillanueva@ymail.com)