ONLY THE PHINEST

by Poch Morales, PHI '09

Lured by merry yuletide carols, fun and exciting games, and a chance to witness and be entertained by local celebrities in person, Christmas came early for hundreds of PGH patients in this year’s Only the PHInest entitled: Ngayong Pasko, Lahat Panalo as they took time out to enjoy in the festivities of this annual event.

All eyes were at the PGH Atrium in the heart of the hospital as the stage was transformed into a haven of frivolity reminiscent of the Christmas-inspired Filipino home and the value of family togetherness, complete with a Christmas tree surrounded by heaps of gifts and the lanterns of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority shining with all their glory.

Roused by our electrifying hosts brod Jose Antonio Tan Paulino and sis Shayne Cortez Fajutagana, the patients joined in the fete and the myriad of games such as eating contests, tests of reflexes and trials of teamwork and ingenuity, which were co-hosted by famous personalities Jackie Aquino and Eugene Domingo. A number of patients also revealed their skill through presenting a song or dance number of their own to the beat of local yuletide tunes, which were widely lauded by all. The PHI community also cheerfully did its part in entertaining our guests for the night through musical performances of the PHI band, special dance numbers from both the junior brods and sisses dressed in accordance to the holiday spirit, and the highly acclaimed 2009 Kappa dance.

The night came to an end with the traditional handing out of goodie bags of basic necessities by all brods and sisses to our guests with the help of local celebrity Ryza Cenon. Upon giving each gift to our countrymen, one could not help but notice the gratitude signified by the smiles on their faces. Yes, Christmas has come early to the halls of the PGH and indeed, this season, everybody wins.