Memoirs of a PMA Cadet. The Story of Siegnificance (Chapter 1)

Siegnificance in the Making.
Life of a Plebe.
The Reception Day.

It was an Easter Sunday, March 31, 1991. I reported to PMA Liaison Office at V-Luna to be part of the Asia’s Premier Military Institution, the Philippine Military Academy. Among 10,000 applicants, only 350 made it join the prestigious Marilag PMA Class of 1995 as plebes. Excited though nervous for what lies ahead, I submitted myself to the system. I know this will be a turning point in my life and a stepping stone for me to get my dreams. After some procedure, I received my plebe haircut, now I am sure that I am now a PMA Cadet. Then the officer gave us a chance to go home and return at 2200H for the jump off to Baguio City.

Few hours before leaving my civilian life.

After completing the initial procedure at V-Luna, I went to my sister’s house where our family gathers and spent the few moments with my mom. The atmosphere was so intense and I saw my mom’s tears fell and she said: “just stay, I will work on your college degree". I felt my mom's loneliness and It broke my heart. I even thought of backing out because I felt the emptiness inside me and my mom's loneliness. Good thing, I received my haircut already and I remember those who were inspired and those who doubted. Besides, I don't want for my mom to work because of me, I want her to retire from teaching. Though with a heavy heart I left my mom and took my chances as a PMA Cadet.

Reception Day.

April 1, 1991, after 8hrs of travel from Manila to Baguio. We arrived at Philippine Military Academy, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. I felt the cool breeze as we stayed on the hill to have our breakfast. The food was great and the weather is cold, and at the back of my mind, if this will be the kind of life as a cadet, I will definitely enjoy it! After breakfast, we stayed at the hill (picnic grove) and waited for our reception. "RECEPTION" an exciting word, it means the formal party with food. Imagine if our breakfast was great, I can’t imagine what's on the reception.

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH:
THE RECEPTION CEREMONY

As we marched towards the parade ground, I heard the sound of the bass drum as we coordinate our steps, I felt the intensity then my heart pumped so fast! I am really confused what kind of a reception we are at? As we approached the parade ground (Borromeo Field), I saw the beauty of the Academy and I am so proud then that I am now part of this premier military institution. Finally, the commander shouted the halt command. As I quote: "Battalion HALT!" then there was silence.

In a few moment, I heard the bass drum again and here I saw the cadets marching in cadence, their feet and hands are well coordinated. I was amazed by their posture, they look so good in their uniform. I can't wait to wear the same uniform and march like them. Then I heard the command again, "Batallion HALT! Then the cadets halted, and I saw a well-coordinated unit as if I am watching only one person moving. Then the Battalion Commander reported to the Officer on stage and the officer said TAKE CHARGE!.

Then the Batallion Commander acknowledge and commanded the cadets "BAHALA NA KAYO!". Then the cadets turned about and all I remembered was ROARS like tigers who will eat their preys!

Honestly, I just saw myself doing everything that my squad leader told me to do. I was CONFUSED! The reception I was thinking is different from I expected. KAMI PALA ANG HANDA SA PIGING NA ITO! ( We are the food for this feast!). I cannot recall the details but I am sure it was tough that all I want is to survive.

Finally, there was a bugle sound that ended the ceremony! I thank God that I survived, not knowing that it was the easiest part of being a plebe. The following events were tougher but it was the most memorable moment of my Cadet life.

To be continued...

Lessons learned:

1. There is no shortcut to success, there is always a process.

2. To succeed in life there will be sacrifices, and always remember that our loved ones had a share of our pain. Sometimes they bear more weight than us, so be thankful and appreciative.

3. What does not kill you make you strong, so don't stop when it hurts feel and learn from it!

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope that you enjoyed my story. Till my next blog, God bless you all.