My wife, Veck, is a pediatrician, and every once in a while pharmaceutical companies would like to promote their products to doctors usually by holding seminar talks introducing their brand milk or vitamins. Usually, these events include a free buffet dinner.
Two nights ago, MeadJohnson got together pediatricians from National Children's Hospital (where Veck is taking up her residency training) and Jose Reyes Hospital to promote their new milk brand: Smart10. The chosen venue was Alba, a Spanish restaurant along Tomas Morato.
Veck got me to tag along and the initial plan was that I'll wait for her at Figaro, just across the corner. I have my book to read and she'll give me a ring once the presentation/dinner was over. I was feeling a bit hungry, so I said I might as well wait in Alba and pay for my own meal.
Now if you're thinking that I went in, pretended to be a doctor, mingled with my wife's colleagues, enjoyed myself to the free dinner and actually sat in during the presentation, well, that's exactly what happened. I had my fill of canonigno, paella, mushrooms, enselada.
During the lecture, with nothing much to do, I thought I might as well listen. Dr Gacheco talked about the importance of proper nutrition and nurture. I learned that young children are rapid learners as their brains are developing, especially up to two years old. It is then very important to engage them in play and put them in sensorially stimulating environment. Play Mozart, put colorful mobiles and pictures, have a baby handle a rattle.
I thought a lot about Dana and how I need to expose her to more learning-inducive environments; read books to her; play music and dance with her. The important thing is these activities have to be fun.
I thought artist dates ought to be that way, too. Fun and sensorially stimulating.
Now at the end of the lecture the speaker gave out a Survivors Quiz. The winner takes home Spanish sardines. I got eight out of nine answers right, besting the doctors in the room. Ha! How's that for someone who was just pretending to be a doctor!
