Manoy Cesar taught me what it means to carry myself with dignity; he challenged me to pursue excellence for its own sake. And most of all, he inspired me to believe in myself.
to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
Just some episodes in my life that have contributed to who I am today
Manoy Cesar taught me what it means to carry myself with dignity; he challenged me to pursue excellence for its own sake. And most of all, he inspired me to believe in myself.
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.
From a challenging childhood with a family that faced adversity, my parents instilled values of resilience and strength. Their love and sacrifices fueled my passion, particularly for sports, guiding me to become what I have become today.