Class 1997:  On April 15, 1997, the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) Class of 1997 met for the last time – to march as a class, clad in their black and green togas, and receive their hard-earned diploma. No longer were they medical students after that memorable day. They were now bright-eyed young doctors ready to take on the medical world.

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Before that day, though, they were bright-eyed medical students who stood in front of Lady Med before entering  the hallowed halls of the college. Each one fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, each one brimming with hopes and aspirations… and anxiety and fear.

In the 5 years of medical school, the uniqueness of each member of the class was brought to the fore. Some shone in academics, some in the arts, some in the service of others, and some in extra-curricular activities. No matter what it may be, they just shone. And brilliantly, at that, because each member had something to offer that made being a member of Class ‘97 9loriously fun and 7ruly special. Who else can lay claim to these memories but ‘97?

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Suddenly breaking into a Bee Gees classic sung with beautiful harmony, sleeping discreetly while standing up, snoring resoundly during class, speaking with a Brit accent while delivering a report, perfectly recreating Tom Cruise’s visual in The Firm movie poster, cracking the class up with the greenest humor yet still appearing innocent Impromptu jams in between classes, clock time off for foodie trips around the Metro, coming in hungover but still managing to pass exams (some acing them, even), conjuring the darndest mnemonics, mesmerizing you with perfectly traced biochemical pathways, outshining every Lakambini there was, taking crazy pride over winning 3rd place in TRP, and shaking up a whole basic science department for an alleged “crime”.

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After that memorable day, the class members went their separate ways. Most pursued their medical professions, some pursued careers in science, some in arts, and a few courageously took roads not chosen. Even as the members led separate lives, there’s always that invisible red thread that links us all as family. Each brought with them the class’ own brand of ‘9aling at 7alino’ – the perfect balance of brilliance and oddity. Years may pass but nothing can erase or surpass the shared memories that have become the foundation of Class ‘97’s enduring friendship and unity. 2022 provided the class with the silver opportunity to gather again as a class, in celebration of 25 years since we graduated from the portals of the UPCM.  It was indeed a very interesting and very exciting month as we reveled in reminiscing moments from 1992 to 1997... back when we were happy enough to have donuts from Maxim's in Midtown Hotel as a post-exam treat... or a fancy meal at Alda's over our usual rice toppings from Gary's, Hotside Coolside, Amigo's or Burger Machine. While we missed other batchmates who have passed away since that day that we first walked into the BSLR, coming together again renewed ties and friendships that have - we all hope - managed to stand the test of time.

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