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.
 |
| 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
