At St. Luke’s Medical Center, stories of family, healing, and legacy come to life every day—and one of them is that of actress-singer Pinky Marquez and her daughter, TV host and mom of five, Karel Marquez.

Their bond goes beyond that of a mother and daughter—it’s a shared journey of compassionate healthcare in the Philippines that began in 1986 when Pinky gave birth to Karel at St. Luke’s Medical Center–Quezon City. Decades later, Karel would welcome her own five children at the same institution, continuing a legacy of trust, comfort, and medical excellence that spans generations.

A Legacy of Love and Compassion Begins

“I still recall very efficient yung staff—no stress,” Pinky reminisced. “They just bring you in, in a wheelchair, even if you could walk. In the labor room, they were so attentive. Karel was born naturally, not via cesarean, which is tough for a first-time mom, but I didn’t have a hard time at all.”

For Pinky, the choice was clear. St. Luke’s was known then—and remains today—as a top maternity hospital in Metro Manila, providing outstanding maternal and child care at St. Luke’s not just for labor and delivery but for every stage of a woman’s wellness journey. “From my checkups to my wellness visits, I’ve always returned to St. Luke’s as it’s convenient.”

For Karel, St. Luke’s is more than a hospital—it’s a second home. “My dad was a doctor at St. Luke’s,” she shared. She reminisced about how she practically grew up in the hospital—staying in her dad’s office after school, eating in the canteen, going on rounds with him, and getting to know his colleagues, who became her Titos and Titas.

“Of course, every birthing experience is very different in a way. Every time you prepare for something big like giving birth— that milestone in your life,” Karel shared. This deep connection made her choice of hospital easy when it came time to welcome her own children.

She emphasized that each pregnancy was unique—but the quality of care she received was consistently excellent. The staff made her feel safe and supported, treating her like family—hallmarks of a trusted hospital in the Philippines.

Consistent, Compassionate Care for Every Delivery

“From check-in to the birthing suite, the care is consistent,” Karel emphasized. She spoke highly of the entire care team. “The nurses grabe, they were so attentive. Every few hours, they would enter. There’s like a newborn nurse, doctors from St. Luke’s would come in just to be sure that we’re doing okay—the in-house OB-Gyne, pedia, and even the staff of anesthesiologist just to make sure that I’m doing okay after a cesarean operation. Overall, the best of the best,” Karel said.

Friends would often ask her why her pregnancies seemed “easy.” Her answer? It’s the level of care. At St. Luke’s, it’s not just about giving birth—it’s about feeling supported every step of the way. The hospital’s birthing suites St. Luke’s, medical staff, and facilities are designed to deliver clinical excellence and emotional comfort, ensuring safe delivery experiences for moms.

A Trusted Healthcare Partner for All Ages

Beyond birth, St. Luke’s Medical Center–Quezon City has become the best hospital in the Philippines, offering comprehensive care for every stage of life. From the most frequently asked question, “pediatrician near me,” to specialists in adult and senior care, it remains a one-stop healthcare destination for Filipino families.

“They treat you like family, parang hindi lang yung stiff na. Parang may care talaga sila, that’s my personal experience,” Karel said.

Pinky echoed that sentiment with her own experience. “During that time, mahaba ang pila just to go to the pedia. So you have to have patience, and when you arrive, the important thing is that—kahit may hundred patients siya, that day, he or she treats me like I’m the first. She treats me like—I’m looking at your eyes; I know who you are. Not like another piece of paper and then another human being. Talagang caring—parang ikaw ngayon ang focus ko. I feel important.”

Karel’s story is also deeply personal: “My first child was born 16 years ago, followed by a son, and then a son again, and then the fourth one came to be another boy, and now—after 16 years—I just gave birth again to a baby girl.”

With five beautiful kids, St. Luke’s has been there through every step of her motherhood journey, offering the compassionate healthcare every mom deserves. Its maternity packages, expert obstetrician-gynecologists, neonatologists, and advanced technologies continue to evolve—solidifying its reputation as the best maternity hospital in Manila and the best hospital in the Philippines for childbirth.

And the experience? It never feels cold or clinical. “You don’t feel like you’re in a hospital,” Pinky said. “It’s been an institution, St. Luke’s, for the longest time. I’ll choose St. Luke’s anytime,” Pinky said.

“They’re really the best in the industry, especially here in the Philippines—technology-wise, a wide choice of doctors, for you to make sure you can also have a first and second opinion. Maraming mga doctors na the best talaga in St. Luke’s. It is also already modern and always up-to-date. You’ll feel very comfortable as well because it’s clean, kahit anong klase ng checkup—like a one-stop shop in a hospital. Of course, bonus na lang na maraming pagkain and mga restaurants sa baba,” Karel said.

A Century-Long Legacy of Excellence

With over 121 years of unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, St. Luke’s Medical Center continues to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation, clinical expertise, and heartfelt compassion. From its humble beginnings in Tondo to its world-class centers in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City, St. Luke’s is the best hospital to give birth and a healthcare institution built on generations of care.

For families like the Marquezes, it’s more than a hospital—it’s a part of their legacy.

“We’re living proof,” Karel said. “I’m a St. Luke’s baby; all my children are St. Luke’s babies too.”

At St. Luke’s Medical Center, life begins with care—and continues with trust. For every generation, for every family, we are here.

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