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Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978 History

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Reception Independence Day Celebration Slide Rules and Boodle Bar Beast Barracks Slide Rules and Long Study Periods Books and Thanksgiving Day AFP Parade Recognition Day - Whew!

Incorporation Day Field Exercise, Caba, La Union Manila here we come! Poro Point, La Union Testimonial Parade, Manila 100'th Nite Show Christmas and King of Barracks

• Reception
• There may not be enough words to describe the varied feelings each one of us had that first of April, 1974. But there is one thing certain, we shared the enthusiasm of looking forward to a new life. To 209 hopeful individuals from different walks of life and with the differences of regions and nationalities from which we came, the products of extensive tests from which the chosen few are taken, it was the beginning. A future lies ahead, black or bleak, no one could tell, which we dared to explore.
• We trudge into the confines of the institution which was to be our home for the next four years of our lives. Majestically, it stood before us, the portals from which many like us have gone through and will go through in the course of our pursuit of an ambition. Until finally, we stood before the edifice that has been through the years, the landmark of a Filipino ideal, Melchor Hall.
• Even while in our younger years, we stood as men with pride, with vim and vigor, showing many that in expectations, we shall not falter. And to the tune of march music, "You're in the Army now", we brought ourselves in step to Borromeo Field for the traditional "reception".
• The world seem to spin before us. Transition was not as easy as we thought it would be. From then on, we knew indeed that "life is not at all a bed of roses". Everything seemed to be without end; the push-ups, sit-ups, double time, dashes and the like. With only a momentary pause, finding ourselves clad in the green of fatigues with the backdrop of the setting sun and the very shades of green that dominated the whole of Mount Santo Tomas, we were sworn in as cadets. Top of Page
• Thus, "Beast Barracks" began. They started molding us and made us conform with the established standards of the Cadet Corps and the profession we have chosen. We taught how to salute, how to march, how to shoot, how to obey, how to pray, how to play, and so on... It was pointed out that an officer must know how ... professionally and efficiently, in any situation.
• We were schooled on the social graces-how to and how not to eat; how to dance and how not to dance; what to say and what not to say; how to behave; how to stand; how to walk;how to talk and many other "how to's" and "what to's" because an officer must be truly a gentleman, not just by the Act of Congress.
• Gradually we matured with time, saturated with knowledge acquired through exacting processes. In us where the rudiments of the systems, customs and traditions of the "long gray lines". The honor system, aptitude for the service, camaraderie, loyalty, courage and so on, now formed a part of the lofty ideas within the very core of our thoughts. We were ready to join the ranks of the Corps.
  
• Incorporation Day
• Barely two months in the Academy, we were accepted as the new class to fill in the gaps of the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines on Incorporation Day. To many of us, it was a glorious occasion, it signified more than acceptance. Before the eyes of many, to whom we pledged our every endeavor, our parents and loved ones, specially, the occasion spelled achievement of having undergone the most difficult days of plebe life. Top of Page
• Our participation in the Independence Parade was not far off from Incorporation Day. The days flew by until that very moment came when we found ourselves in the busy city of Manila. This was our first parade with the Corps outside the Academy and before a huge gathering. What really clouded our thoughts was a feeling of elation.
  

Independence Day Celebration

Going through the ceremonies during the Independence Day celebration, to include the review before the grandstand and being witnessed by a great multitude of people may not be considered exactly an outstanding feat. However, the fact that we were part of the participating group, as not everyone could not have the chance to be able to directly participate in the celebration at the Luneta, made us proud to be of service in a small way. Top of Page

The pomp and pageantry of celebrating didn't last forever. After the celebration came to a close, we were again on the road back to our home at Fort Del Pilar. The gates of the Academy were a welcome sight; they meant a momentary pause in our hectic schedule.

Field Exercise, Caba, La Union

But the period of rest was brief for we found ourselves on the road once more, this time on foot. The footmarch to Caba, La Union, as the officers and upperclassmen put it, the "culmination of our first dose of military training in the first military term." To many of us, this activity was close to what type of a military career man has to live. There were times when were sent off to maneuvers as well as periods spent on recreation; all in the real military fashion. Here, emphasis on teamwork, proper organization and coordination became the point of utmost importance to the lives we were to live ahead. We learned the true meaning of the words "camaraderie" and "esprit de corps", for those qualities better us prepared to undergo the complexities of a military profession. Top of Page

Slide rules and boodle bar

Cadet life, we later found out did not only mean the military aspect. After the military term, we were made to face a new grind - academics. With books piled high, study periods alotted, classroom procedures dished out and other do's and don'ts of an academic term, we slowly trekked into another phase of our cadet life. Many of us were caught in awe, others just took it astride. We took everything in half the time. And what with other military duties to boot? Thus, we saw ourselves adjusting some more-apportioning our time to fit every little detail of our activities. Initially, it was difficult but sooner or later, we learned to get the hang of it. Top of Page

Kasaysayan ng Lahi Festival ... Manila here we come!

The Corps was rather small in those days, four-lettered companies to which we were assigned, and was often designated to participate in formal military parades. During this first academic term, we found another interruption in our schedules. We were made to go down to Manila, the Corps as a whole, to add color to the Kasaysayan ng Lahi, a parade significant for a telltale relation to the growth of the "New Filipino" and an honor rendered for the participants and guests, both local and foreign, of the "Miss Universe Contest" held in Manila. We found this activity a "brief relief" to our rigid academic schedules. Apart from making us enjoy the varied "pleasures" a bustling city can give, it also allowed us to share brief moments with our friends and loved ones.

Our first academic term was seemingly short. We found it all over as fast as we had began "Another chapter ended", many of us had said. "One step closer to our goal", others added. Accomplishment was both "sweet and bitter" for our class. "Sweet" because many made it through and "bitter" because, there were those who had fallen by the wayside. Top of Page

Beast Barracks

While our upperclassmen were on break, we found the portals of the Academy to ourselves, the "King of Barracks". For the first time, the class was left to pursue its activities on its own. With very little supervision, we moved on to make our brief respite as enjoyable as possible. Top of Page

Poro Point, La Union

Part of this was the trip to Poro Point, La Union for a period of rest and recreation. Despite the warm atmosphere of the lowlands, the beaches of La Union, the swimming pool of the Presidential Resthouse, the many starlit evenings and more, provided us with a cool, soothing environment. It brought a feeling of soltitude. Only gusty winds that signalled the coming of a storm intervened with our stay. Fortunately, this happened on our last day of stay in La Union for this interlude.

Slide rules and long study periods

And so, we had to go back once more to Fort Del Pilar. This time, we had high hopes of meeting the challenges of the next academic term. In our minds, were also slated the numerous activities that lay ahead. At this time, we were better equipped, better adjusted. Top of Page

The second academic term was different from the first only in aspects of changes in subjects and in the season; we were now experiencing the rainy season. Despite the heavy downpour, we still went on to pursue our goal because "military" life leaves no room for such barriers, we were told. Despite the cold even while tucked in our thick, woolen blankets, or clothed in damp apparel, we continued with our daily routine.

Testimonial Parade

Once more, we found another interval in our duties. All packed and prepared, we left for Manila to participate in the Testimonial Parade for the President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Again, another tribute to the nation in our small way. Thus, we took our place in the ranks of the "leading element" of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' units. Although we were no longer strangers in Manila, much less Camp Aguinaldo, many still looked at us with wonder. And to prove our worth, we gave them the "best". To our class, it was a furtherance in strengthening our bonds with the Cadet Corps, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and with the Filipino Nation. Top of Page

Books and Thanksgiving Day

For several weeks thereafter, our faces were "buried deep" in books. Studies could not be taken for granted specially with the difficulty we had to face and the expectations we had to live up to and we learned, too, how indispensable knowledge was in the pursuit of our goal. We were government scholars from the very start, and, knowing it, we had to return as much or even more of what it was worth.

We could never forget how much we owe to what we have received from the people and more so, the Almighty. Thus, we celebrated Thanksgiving Day. Heavily ladened with decorations from paper and sticks, or whatever material we had conceived of using, the mess hall, Yap Hall, became a scene of different form of gathering. What more could one ask? There were songs rendered by participating singing groups in the songfest, frolics presented and finally, a "smoker's night" after the dinner. Remember the "footlong" tobaccos we had to puff away with. Top of Page

100'th Nite Show

The "100'th Nite Show" came after a brief span of more academics. It was something that both classes of 1975 and 1978, our class looked forward to. It was significant because it "counted down" the last 100 days of Class 1975 as cadets and us as plebes.

Indeed, the 100'th Nite Show was a welcome respite from the taxing activities. Many of us played different roles even at those early times when we were really supposed to be behind the limelight. Some had even played principal roles. But, of course, the main bulk was still utilized for the technical side, the props.

The show was well admired and so was the dinner which was served after the show. Again, the mess hall was filled with a different atmosphere. The ceiling was filled with decorations and there were games, laughter, and conversations which accentuated the genial spirits. Top of Page

AFP Parade

Then there was one activity which we just couldn't miss. It was the last parade we were to render in Manila, the AFP day parade. We knew as well that it was our last time to enjoy the vibrant activity in the city for the year. Sure enough we tried to make the most out of it. There was so much to enjoy with so little time but we managed to fill ourselves to our hearts content.

Christmas and King of Barracks

Keeping for a long-cherished tradition moved on to Baguio to spend our Christmas at the Academy. Some thought that it would be a lonesome experience being kept away from home for the season, but it later proved to be a worthwhile activity. We found out that spending the season in the Academy was althogether different. There was an intermingling of solitude and the colors of the season. We found ourselves going about singing Christmas carols and meeting new friends from the season's flock of vacationists who chose to spend the time in the cool of Baguio City. Top of Page

Recognition Day - the light at the end of the tunnel

The New Year brought us brights hopes. It was just a matter of weeks now, that our lives as plebes would come to an end. Even when we were at the most difficult times of our cadet life, we found still the chance to keep the jovial feeling. And due to our expectations, February Week came within an ear-shot. With preparations made for the string of activities that were on hand, the Academy once more rebound the echoes of happiness, with ours as perhaps next to the strongest. The graduating class was the most cheerful.

Our class was next strongest with spirit because Recognition Day was at hand. Prior to this, was an affair we could not miss, the Initiation Night. This was the final phase... An hour long period of mild exercise. And while others were expressing Cupid's sentiments, on February 14th, we underwent initiation up to the very last bell; Regis Hall was bustling with activity. And amidst sweat and tears, we later found accomplishment.

Thus, on February 16, with the "handshake" and with the words "carry on", we now found ourselves within the ranks of upperclassmen. And the rest throughout the year had become purely Academic.

With each going his own way, our first Academic Break was a relief to a brief and challenging past. Now, we are proud and have all the reasons to show ourselves to our friends and loved ones...to say that we had undergone our plebe year. Top of Page