to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
Life doesn’t need to be complicated to be fulfilling; it just needs a dash of adventure, a bit of competition, and a creative mind to capture it all. My playing days may be over. As my Papa used to say: I used to be an all-around athlete, but now the only athlete left in me is my athlete’s foot! But the passion for the game – and the stories behind it – will remain as strong as ever.
I was an accidental soldier. Never really intended to be one, but I was lucky I had a cousin who was going to take the PMA exams. My Papa forced me to take the exam with him. The rest is history.
Now, I carry these memories as reminders of where I came from. And the journey I have taken. And even in my senior years now, it serves as a guide to help bring me closer to some of my unfinished dreams. The kindness of Ms Chan, the tragic death of Francis, the warm welcome I got from new friends in Tagbilaran, all these and more, have to a certain extent shaped the person I would grow up to be.
Looking back, my childhood was a series of wacky disasters and adventures that were actually the perfect rehearsal for plebe year in the Academy. Whether I drank fish sauce like fine vintage wine, or played barbarian barber on my own eyebrows, or pulling off a “Mission Impossible” adventure in downtown Sta. Cruz, I was inadvertently training for my future in the Army. These escapades weren’t just mischief; they were early masterclasses in audacity, self-reliance, and the art of the calculated risk.
As we say farewell, let us carry forward his lessons, lessons ingrained in the Academy’s motto of Courage, Integrity and Loyalty. To stand up with Courage to always strive to make a positive difference, to lead with Integrity to fight for what is right, to love our people with a fierce Loyalty – an unwavering devotion – even when it was inconvenient, even if it would mean a personal sacrifice.
Growing up, I learned that one’s development doesn’t happen with one single blazing stroke, but through the slow tempering of one’s character. I learned to measure strength not by imposing one’s will on others. I discovered that life wasn’t always fair, and, having witnessed firsthand my Papa’s struggle as a PAL employee, I developed an empathy for those who have less in life.
Color My World 