Congratulations Ate And Kuya, Well Done...

After all the morning routines of waking up early, preparing the breakfast, and applying different strategies just to wake up the kids and convince them to eat their food and move fast so they won't be late for school... And all the after-work musts of asking them to do their assignments and study their lessons and convincing them to sleep early... at last, another school year has been accomplished... pretty well.  And indeed, all the sacrifices and efforts given were all worth it. 

We were just so proud of our kids finishing their academics with flying colors.  Going up the stage to pin their ribbons of achievements and putting their well-deserved medals are the things we will never get tired of doing, promise... LOL.   More, Ate Rael was one of the emcees of the program and Kuya Justin was singing in front of the stage, simply seeing our kids grow up with all confidence and other learnings, makes our hearts melt with joy.

With our Lord's blessing, we are confident that they will grow up as good and wonderful people... and time moves fast.  So for now, we are doing our very best to take part in guiding and supporting them towards that direction, not because it is our duty as parents but for the love and care we have for them.  And we will cherish every single step along the way... for we know that each and every one of these moments will only pass by once in our life.

To our beloved kidos, keep on aiming high, guys.  We will always be there to back you up the best we can and we will never stop being proud of you, no matter what.  And always keep your faith in God, for everything, He made them all possible for us.  Again, congratulations, guys... until the next school year... Yahweh bless.

My PMA Cadet Years (Fourth Class) - Countdown To Becoming Yearlings

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...

The throwing of "shaku" also signifies the
victorious  accomplishment of cadetship.

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. 

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.


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