My Alma Mater : PLM

Last year , I was able to accompany my daughter to her enrollment for the second semester at my very own alma mater , PLM , Ang Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. the first institution of higher learning in the country and perhaps in Asia to offer tuition-free tertiary education, the first university funded solely by a city government and  the first institution of higher learning in the country to have its official name in Filipino. The campus is situated along General Luna and Muralla Streets in Manila's historical Intramuros district.

There’s nothing like walking down memory lane … remembering the roots of my education, four years of non stop learning and  trying hard for academic excellence ( which is the PLM’s vision) and our goal for maintaining the scholarship we are very privileged of having. We were proudly called “Mga Iskolar ng Bayan!”

PLM has changed a lot since I graduated several years ago.

When I was a student here, the monument of General Douglas McArthur was once situated at the main gate.  It has been changed to the Flame monument, which has become of  one of the PLM's iconography... It symbolizes many things - love of country, nationalism, patriotism, enlightened liberalism, and of course, academic excellence.

Gen. Douglas McArthur’s monument is now located at the southern banks of the Pasig River (near the Philpost Office and directly opposite of the district of Binondo). I wonder if he would again said “I shall Return” to PLM ?

The PLM grounds, and very memorable sheds . Those waiting sheds  have  been  witness to our laughters and tears...as well as to many secrets…

The PLM Grandstand (Tanghalang Bayan) and Open Field.

The Chapel

It’s great to know that the management of PLM has invested so much in infrastructure, faculty and student development.  There were a lot of new buildings, I heard they were fully airconditioned. ), but it’s also nice to know that some  buildings inside the campus still  possess a 19th century or Hispanic architectural design.

This year, PLM has celebrated it's 46th Foundation Day.    I have heard that the Torch of  Flame and Excellence in the front  has been transfer inside the  school and has been replaced by monument of our country hero Jose Rizal.

How time flies !  It’s indeed great to remember that once upon a time I was here, in this  place called "The Pamantasan."