Last afternoon of August 12, 2014 marked yet another significant milestone as the new PAGKALMA Park in the University of the Philippines College of Medicine was inaugurated by members of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. Fr. Chester Yacub of the UP-Philippine General Hospital Chapel blessed the newly renovated establishment as brods and sisses, lighting their candles, solemnly participated in prayer.
Present were Brods Jose Castillo Gonzales Φ1969A, Abdul Jeffri Abubakar Abdulla Φ1977, Pio Renato Villacorta Φ1977, Ferdinand Lim Morabe Φ1977, Dennis Roland Solis Lopez Φ2000, Eric Baldivino Yasay Φ2003, Alvin Anthony Patricio Anastacio Φ2006, Ryan Siapno Torres Φ2006, Mario Emmanuel Lim Lopez de Leon Φ2007, Antonio Miguel Padilla Dela Paz Φ2008B SE 2012-2013, Jayson Rosario Paragas Φ2008B, Pocholo Inigo Bleza Morales Φ2009, and Jose Antonio Tan Paulino Φ2009 SE 2013-2014. A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed and dinner was served. Vice Superior Exemplar Mikhail Gopez Amante Φ2011, with sis Gellai Ursabia Φ2011, read the plaque dedication.
The new park boasts a modern theme and décor, an LCD television, 24-hour wifi connection and new sound system, among its amenities. First established in 1980 where the Alvior Hall stands today, and moved to its current location beside the Bobby Dela Paz Hall in 2005, the park is a monument to Pagkalinga sa Kalusugan ng Mamamayan, the service arm of the Phi Kappa Mu and the Phi Lambda Delta. Since then, it has been a haven for Brods and Sisses looking to visit and unwind, as well as a venue for important Fraternity and Sorority gatherings.
The renovation of the park was made possible by none other than Brod Bill Romero, phi ’77, UPCM class ’81, in memory of his best friend and batchmate Brod Felixberto “Jojy” Pelayo jr. Brod Jojy founded the original PAGKALMA Park. The Phi Lambda Delta’s Legacy Committee also contributed to the renovation.
