It was April 1,1996... the very same day when we entered the academy a year ago, but we were not able to celebrate our anniversary in PMA and meet our plebes, the class of 2000. We were one of the two battalions of yearlings who were having our orientation tour then. In as much as we were eager to see the latest addition to the corps, the orientation was as equally important, as it contributes to a cadet's decision to the branch of service their going to; Navy, Army or Air Force.
The month started with the Holy Week, and we were given a whole week break to spend it. Normally, I would go to our province during these chances but Corong invited me along with Cru( both were my mistah) in his aunt's place in Wack Wack Twin Towers in Mandaluyong. We had a movie marathon of those we missed during our stay and also those we haven't seen for a long time using a VHS player (it's 1996). It was great spending some relaxing time from our hectic schedule... no bugle calls... no duties or formation... no need to wake up on time.
Our privilege terminated on the 7th and we started our orientation tour the following day. First stop, the Army. We visited the Special Forces and Scout Rangers' barracks, two of their elite forces. Then we traveled to the army museum in Camp Aguinaldo where we found past weapons used and the tunnel created by Gen. Mc Arthur during WWII, that links to the other military bases... we haven't tried it though. We went to the SR training ground at Tanay, Rizal, a day after.
After the Army, we headed to Villamor Airbase to start our orientation with the Air Force. Here, I met some new found friends, Maam Jasmin and her daughters, Razel, Hazel and Nene, which later on I considered as my family in Manila. During times when we were given a long break, along with some mistah, we would visit their house and spend the rest of the time there. Personally, I felt comfortable being with them since they were very accommodating and hospitable, they made me feel at home.
We also went to Lipa, Batangas to visit the Air Force aviation cadets. Like PMA, they also practice seniority in class, the lowest were called "dodo", taken from the extinct flightless bird. We also met their graduating class whom would be serving as officers and pilots in the AFP.
We were given a 2 day break before we continued our orientation with the last but definitely not the least, the Philippine Navy (PN). Good thing we had it at Sangley Point, Cavite, I got the chance to visit my relatives and friends in our province nearby. Though the orientation was a light duty, still it was nice to breath some fresh air and relax in the comfort of what I could consider my home.
Upon our return, the PN toured us around some of their ships and showed us their routine drills and exercises. Then, the day after, we had a hop. I was lucky that I met Maam Jasmin and had an instant foster sisters, never had a problem in bringing a partner.
Then, a day before I celebrated my birthday, we returned to Baguio. It was the first time we've met our plebe and be an upperclassmen, yearlings (3rd class) to be exact. We were kind of eager that time to finally feel what its like to finally handle them. But we all knew with this, we would be facing greater responsibilities and expectations along with the scrutinizing eyes of our seniors. Yahweh bless.
Recent Related Post: Countdown To Becoming Yearlings
Our privilege terminated on the 7th and we started our orientation tour the following day. First stop, the Army. We visited the Special Forces and Scout Rangers' barracks, two of their elite forces. Then we traveled to the army museum in Camp Aguinaldo where we found past weapons used and the tunnel created by Gen. Mc Arthur during WWII, that links to the other military bases... we haven't tried it though. We went to the SR training ground at Tanay, Rizal, a day after.
After the Army, we headed to Villamor Airbase to start our orientation with the Air Force. Here, I met some new found friends, Maam Jasmin and her daughters, Razel, Hazel and Nene, which later on I considered as my family in Manila. During times when we were given a long break, along with some mistah, we would visit their house and spend the rest of the time there. Personally, I felt comfortable being with them since they were very accommodating and hospitable, they made me feel at home.
We also went to Lipa, Batangas to visit the Air Force aviation cadets. Like PMA, they also practice seniority in class, the lowest were called "dodo", taken from the extinct flightless bird. We also met their graduating class whom would be serving as officers and pilots in the AFP.
We were given a 2 day break before we continued our orientation with the last but definitely not the least, the Philippine Navy (PN). Good thing we had it at Sangley Point, Cavite, I got the chance to visit my relatives and friends in our province nearby. Though the orientation was a light duty, still it was nice to breath some fresh air and relax in the comfort of what I could consider my home.
Upon our return, the PN toured us around some of their ships and showed us their routine drills and exercises. Then, the day after, we had a hop. I was lucky that I met Maam Jasmin and had an instant foster sisters, never had a problem in bringing a partner.
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| Some pics taken with my foster sisters and mistah(s). |
Then, a day before I celebrated my birthday, we returned to Baguio. It was the first time we've met our plebe and be an upperclassmen, yearlings (3rd class) to be exact. We were kind of eager that time to finally feel what its like to finally handle them. But we all knew with this, we would be facing greater responsibilities and expectations along with the scrutinizing eyes of our seniors. Yahweh bless.
Recent Related Post: Countdown To Becoming Yearlings
This is interesting so this is how PMAyers become Army, Navy or Air Force. I've always wondered how they end up in each branch of the military.
ReplyDeleteJust curious Sir Ralph.. were you able to pursue further into your career after graduating? If so, which field did you choose? My brother was also in the US Military. And he chose to serve the Air Force. :)
ReplyDeleteMy salute to all PMA'ers. MISSION: To foster FILIPINO NATIONALISM. Congrats for serving our mother land. ^_^
ReplyDeleteWow! That's one long orientation. But looks like you really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteBeing in the Military is a great adventure. Whether you are in the Navy, Army or Airforce you are doing a noble and honorable job in protecting our country and our people =)
ReplyDeletewow congratulations! I have tons of cousins who work in the ship as well on my mother side! they are huge tall guys! hha xx
ReplyDeleteSo what service did you choose?
ReplyDeleteMISTAH pelikula ng mga PADILLA brothers.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you choose, choose from the heart brother .Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHectic sched you've been Sir. Military life is such that one must prepare himself for the unexpected. I too, had a tour with the PN SeeBees..
ReplyDeleteWow Air Force!!! Did you work as a pilot after your training?
ReplyDeleteI was curious to know, what specialization did you choose? Or did I miss it in the post, LOL.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to find "foster" relatives in not-so-familiar places. With them, it feels like home.
Kudos to you for being part of the PMA. My father wants me to become a soldier to once but with the height requirement i did not qualify . It's their want not mine . I even did not excel in CAT back then due to health reason ... hay. that career isn't really mine, maybe God has other plans for me :)
ReplyDeleteReminiscing the past is really good in order for us to remember where we came from and what molded our "today." I wonder how the tunnel created by McArthur looks like? :)
ReplyDeleteCool! When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Captain of the Air Force. ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear PMA and the cadets... there's only one thing in my mind, and that is DISCIPLINE. If you're once a soldier, you're always a soldier in deeds and in thoughts. Your long and extensive training made you a warrior who is always ready to serve and protect the land and your people.
ReplyDeleteOh great! So this is how they do it.It's so nice to watch the Filipino Army when they got featured on History Channel.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to know the process of orientation that will help PMA cadets to choose which branch of the military they would join.
ReplyDelete