FROM LEFT: Khaye Lopez, Janine Lloren, the author, Jollibee mascot, Amanda and fiancé Dr. Jimmy Dumalao, Kert and Tyler Navasero
WHEN MY daughter, Amanda Noelle, turned 25 on March 19, she decided to make it more meaningful by sharing her special day with 37 young patients in a two-hour party at Ward 11 of the Philippine General Hospital, arranged by her fiancé, pediatrician Jimmy Dumlao, whom she met four years ago on our Batanes Photo Safari.
A month earlier, Amanda requested if I could ask for a visit with a mascot from Jollibee Taft, along with 100 food boxes of spaghetti, fried chicken and iced tea, from William Tan Untiong, another former participant of our Photo Safari. I also brought in 80 children’s books.
On March 19, Amanda met the sick children between ages 1 month to 18 years old, whose stories touched her. The staff of the food chain branch conducted games and a singing competition.
The ward is much cleaner these days, especially after the renovation following PGH’s centennial year. Its walls have been painted light yellow and green, and the place now looks spacious and patient-friendly.