As days passed by, nearing the end of the cadetship for the "last all men PMA class", the Mabikas class of '96, we were also preparing ourselves in becoming "yearlings". We begun to have our uniforms modified, a well earned stripe and chevron were added in the lower sleeves of our dress gray and full dress uniforms. More, new insignias were issued, promoting us from green to yellow. As soon to be, full pledged second year cadets, we were expected to uphold the highest standard appearance and execution since we will be the one in direct contact with the incoming plebes and will be their role model and guide.
The start of March was not that busy, as almost everyone was still on a more than a week long summer vacation. I even had time to finish making a "kaydet doll". Yes, we made miniature PMA cadet dolls in uniform with the use of threads, glue and excess uniform trimmings from shops nearby. We used it as decor in our study table or give it to someone dear to us. But, it would mean another thing if we see one of us playing with it... LMAO.
We had a week of drills in preparation, it wasn't that hard since it was our normal pass-in-review parade with just some inclusions. The parade might not be new to us but the occasion, it'll be our first to join a parade for a graduating class. Not to mention, expecting countless visitors/spectators and media coverages for the duration of the event. But during one of the drills, my rifle's hand guard broke. So, I had to have it replaced before the event or I would have to borrow somebody else's rifle so I can join the parade...
Then the 17th of March 1996 came, graduation day parade. After the pass-in-review, all cadets went back to barracks, leaving the graduating class behind for the ceremony. When all speeches, awards and recognitions were given, from there on, they seized to be cadets but were already commissioned new officers to soldiers in their chosen fields.
As there were a lot of visitors crowding all around Borromeo field where the ceremony was held, we just waited patiently and attentively inside barracks until we heard the last hurray. It signified the end of the program and it was time for us to congratulate the new lieutenants in our own traditional way... "dunking". A term used for our practice of carrying first class or 4th year cadets to the fountain near the sundial and throwing them in the pool during their birthdays, victories and graduation.
A week after the graduation, being bombarded with the duties and responsibilities of a yearling, we were just glad to have some spare time which we usually spent in our pool in the academy. A needed time to breath some fresh cool air and mingle with some "mistah", made me feel not alone inside the academy and gave me the chance to take some time off from the serious side of it.
As the month ended, half of our class prepared for entrucking to manila for our orientation tour. While the other half (3rd and 4th battalion) were left behind to take care of the incoming plebes. Details on the next related post. Yahweh bless.
Recent Related Post: Returning Home
The start of March was not that busy, as almost everyone was still on a more than a week long summer vacation. I even had time to finish making a "kaydet doll". Yes, we made miniature PMA cadet dolls in uniform with the use of threads, glue and excess uniform trimmings from shops nearby. We used it as decor in our study table or give it to someone dear to us. But, it would mean another thing if we see one of us playing with it... LMAO.
We had a week of drills in preparation, it wasn't that hard since it was our normal pass-in-review parade with just some inclusions. The parade might not be new to us but the occasion, it'll be our first to join a parade for a graduating class. Not to mention, expecting countless visitors/spectators and media coverages for the duration of the event. But during one of the drills, my rifle's hand guard broke. So, I had to have it replaced before the event or I would have to borrow somebody else's rifle so I can join the parade...
 |
| The throwing of "shaku" also signifies the victorious accomplishment of cadetship. |
As there were a lot of visitors crowding all around Borromeo field where the ceremony was held, we just waited patiently and attentively inside barracks until we heard the last hurray. It signified the end of the program and it was time for us to congratulate the new lieutenants in our own traditional way... "dunking". A term used for our practice of carrying first class or 4th year cadets to the fountain near the sundial and throwing them in the pool during their birthdays, victories and graduation.
 |
| The "dunking" tradition after graduation ceremony. |
A week after the graduation, being bombarded with the duties and responsibilities of a yearling, we were just glad to have some spare time which we usually spent in our pool in the academy. A needed time to breath some fresh cool air and mingle with some "mistah", made me feel not alone inside the academy and gave me the chance to take some time off from the serious side of it.
As the month ended, half of our class prepared for entrucking to manila for our orientation tour. While the other half (3rd and 4th battalion) were left behind to take care of the incoming plebes. Details on the next related post. Yahweh bless.
Recent Related Post: Returning Home
Your experiences in the PMA are surely worth remembering.
ReplyDeleteWas this in Baguio, my brother was also a PMA'er but didn't continue to become a full pledge military officer because my mother was afraid he will be sent to Mindanao at that time.. lol..
ReplyDeleteI've known a lot of guys that entered the PMA but never really made it to the end. Congratulations to you for being one of the few that have.
ReplyDeleteNice knowing about the different PMA traditions on your post.
ReplyDeleteit is so nice to reminisce your college years. and then you realize how time travel so fast
ReplyDeletewow that "dunking" sounds like fun! You guys deserves to have fun your training is not a joke. Kudos to all graduates and students of PMA!
ReplyDeleteThere's an incomparable sense of achievement attached to finishing one's cadetship, I see. I'm sure you'll cherish those memories for the rest of your life.
ReplyDeleteOh, that photo of "hunks in trunks" is making it somewhat of a hot day despite the rains... ;)
whoa! I think such training is hard and entails a lot of focus and determination. Congratulations to you, not so much for graduating but for proving to yourself how tough and dedicated you are!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your photos made me suddenly miss all those magazines I received from a cadet friend, the phone calls as well,lol :) What do you call the mags nga? I only remember Femme :D
ReplyDeletei also missed sending mags to my friends, marie. they are corps mags... femme? hahaha... you became one ba? Yahweh bless.
Deletehahaha, secret :P Yes Corp mags, I still have those back home...
DeleteIt’s a beautiful experience during college day and good memories. Wow the hunks :-)
ReplyDeleteCollege years is one of the best years in my life! Ah the good old days!
ReplyDeleteI had the chance to visit PMA during our brief visit in there and had that chance to witness some sort of formation. The cadets are awesome. I thought that they were living mannequins with such an erected stance and so smart bearing.
ReplyDeleteSo you're part of the "last all men PMA class"? So it was only in '97 that women were accepted? Hahaha for clarification lang :) I came from a family wherein most guys join PNPA or PMA. My unlce who joined the PMA says its where he met his best friends that he still see until now :)
ReplyDeletenope, i was still a yearling by the time they graduated. nope, it was 1993 when pma first accepted women for cadets... they were 1997 graduates, thus class '97. why haven't you joined? Yahweh bless.
DeleteThis is the first time for me to know about cadets and the life behind one. Very interesting experience you had!
ReplyDelete