ANOTHER INSPIRATION FOR "PENSTRIKES" TO CONTINUOUSLY WRITE!

I was a MATH WIZARD when I was in high school. I was consistently among the students garnering perfect or almost perfect scores in mathematics examinations. I was always a school representative to the MATH OLYMPIAD and QUIZ BEE in different areas and various categories. I was awarded EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS when I graduated in HIGH SCHOOL. In college, I took up ENGINEERING COURSE in a leading school in NAGA CITY and almost always exempted from taking the final examinations. It was also mathematics that help me qualified to become a PMA CADET, an AIM graduate, and successful in many other endeavors.

Being good in numbers was my inborn talent, but that is not my PASSION. It was NOT what my heart desires...

I wanted to become a WRITER!

I attempted several times in the essay writing contest during my elementary and high school days, but I failed to land even among the top 5 or even in the semi-finalists. But those disappointments and failures did not discourage me to continue to write something worthwhile to read, something that will make me as a WRITER even for a SINGLE MOMENT...I read a lot and write a lot...anything, anywhere, whatever...

When I entered PMA,  it was one stroke of luck that made me as member of the EDITORIAL BOARD of "THE CORPS" MAGAZINE, the official publication of the CCAFP (Corps of PMA Cadets). It was during our SECONDCLASS YEAR (3RD YEAR) when I became a roommate to the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and other members of the editorial board. It was one night while they were conducting overtime workout inside our room to conceptualize the next issue of THE CORPS when they invited me to join the activity. Since there was no chance for me to sleep while the lights were on and they were expected to be noisy during the workout, I sympathized with them. I attempted to write a poem for the very first time. After several hours and while they were already on the final stage of their workout, I submitted my "MASTERPIECE" to the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF hoping for the very best to finally read a written article from my heart, soul and mind printed in THE CORPS. 

It was as if I won the jackpot in lottery when I went through the pages of newly published "THE CORPS" MAGAZINE reading my POEM entitled "I LOVE YOU" boldly printed near the centerfold. Although I celebrated in silence with overflowing emotions and heartfelt gratitude to the editorial board, I knew that it was the beginning of my career in WRITING, that my passion and effort finally paid off. To make the long story short, I contributed numerous poems, short stories and other written article to THE CORPS during our JUNIOR YEAR in PMA that led me to being chosen as "LITERARY EDITOR' during our SENIOR YEAR. I created the column "PENTRIKES" in the pages of THE CORPS where POEMS and other LITERARY MASTERPIECES were published.

After graduation, my first official assignment at the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE was to help write and craft a COFFEE TABLE BOOK entitled "BAGWIS", a compilation of the CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS of the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE. But the project was not completed due to lack of resources and political will.

Then later I was on SPECIAL DUTY at the OFFICE of the SPECIAL STUDIES to help edit the AIR POWER MANUAL. It was a very memorable project for me since I got my first award (MILITARY MERIT MEDAL) from that assignment.

After graduating from the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE FLYING SCHOOL, I was assigned at the 205th TACTICAL HELICOPTER WING for 5 years. For that span of time, 3 years were consumed at the Office of the Wing Adjutant first as the Assistant Wing Adjutant, then as Acting Wing Adjutant and finally as Wing Adjutant. During that tour of duty, I became the Editor-in-Chief of "THE HOVER NEWSLETTER", the official publication of the 205th THW. I changed the title of the publication to "THE HUEY JOURNAL" to highlight the aircraft possessed by the Wing. I also became a writer of various justifications that resulted to two officers of 205th THW capturing the TOPS award. I also crafted "THE ADJUTANT'S CALL" as official publication of the Office of the Wing Adjutant featuring benefits and privileges of the PAF personnel and distributed copies to all the units and offices of the Wing including the personnel deployed at the different TOGs nationwide. I was also the speechwriter of 3 Wing Commanders of the 205th THW.

When I was assigned at the Office of the ACofAS for Personnel, A-1 at the Headquarters Philippine Air Force for 4 years serving 3 Chiefs of Office (A-1), I crafted several policies related to personnel management and became member of the various technical working groups. I became the secretary of the team that revised the policy and examination on the selection of candidates for flying training at the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE FLYING SCHOOL, the MILITARY PILOT APTITUDE TEST (MPAT).

When I was assigned at Air Education and Training Command, I became the secretary of the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) team and writer of the justification that made FERNANDO AIR BASE as PAF Model Base for several years. I also became a member of the PANEL during the oral defense for the Commandant's Paper for the Squadron Officer Course (SOC) and Basic Air Force Officer Course (BAFOC) and lecturer on COMPLETE STAFF WORK or WRITTEN COMMUNICATION.

As I continue my JOURNEY in the military service, I will continue to write whether they are mandated by my role, or designation or not to unfold stories and lessons that other may find helpful in their personal growth or professional enhancement.

This award is just a BONUS or an ICING on the cake. Being able to write is already a GREAT REWARD and a SATISFYING JOURNEY.

Thank you for another INSPIRATION for me to continuously STRIKE my PEN and KEYBOARD...

LESSON: Follow your PASSION, follow the dictate of your HEART and you will FIND OVERFLOWING HAPPINESS and UNLIMITED SUCCESS IN LIFE.

                                                             -pentrikes'96

BAHASA INDONESIAN LANGUAGE COURSE: COMPLETED!

It was a different JOURNEY for 10 Saturdays at the INDONESIAN EMBASSY in MAKATI CITY.

For 3 hours every Saturday afternoon, we were trained to speak the basic INDONESIAN LANGUAGE.

But more than the knowledge of the language, culture and other significant information about INDONESIA, we gained FRIENDS from other organizations, institutions and even from our own organization.

INDONESIAN EMBASSY invited 5 participants each from the 3 branches of service of the AFP. But only 4 of us signified from the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE. There were also participants from other government agencies and even students from various schools.

When the class opened sometime in April this year, there were about 65 participants but after 10 sessions, only 36 completed the course.

TERIMA KASIH INDONESIA!!!

LOMI HOUSE (CLARK AIR BASE)

..SOON...

CABALEN RESTAURANT: A REVIEW

I was able to pass by several branches of this restaurant in different malls in Metro Manila but was never tempted to even enter to take a look at the menu. Maybe because there were many other options especially for EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN restaurants.

But that challenging tour of duty prompted me to have a full meal during that Sunday of rest after 6 days of whole day rehearsals under the excruciating heat of the sun reinforced by the cemented parade ground. The following day would be our actual performance.  I have to load more food, drinks and supplements to ensure my physical readiness. 

Upon arrival at SM CLARK, I immediately searched for a place where I can satisfy my hunger and thirst since it was already noon time. After a considerable scan of the places to eat within the mall, I decided to try the EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN for 298 plus VAT at CABALEN RESTAURANT. 

Nice ambiance, wide variety of food, clean environment, attentive servers and very reasonable cost...

It was another first for me...a different taste...another story to unfold... additional page to the chapter of my delicious and nutritious JOURNEY... 

Aling Lucing's Sisig Restaurant: Delicious Journey to Pampanga

The night before proceeding to CLARK AIR BASE while packing my things, I conducted research of the places where to go and things to do within ANGELES CITY, MABALACAT CITY and other nearby places in PAMPANGA and TARLAC. That was if opportunity would permit me to go out. I am again detailed as a troop staff for the PAF Honor Escort Battalion.

Among the places that I looked for are good restaurants since I am aware that the practices would be challenging and would extract considerable amount of energy from our body, mind and spirit based on my experiences in 2012 and 2013. Although meals and snacks were provided for free, I knew that a week of stay for that particular detail would be absolutely draining due to excruciating heat of the sun, unforgiving high temperature and rigorous rehearsals. One of the places that attracted me based on several blogs and online reviews is the ALING LUCING'S SISIG RESTAURANT located in ANGELES CITY. 

It was Sunday morning when I was able to go out of CLARK AIR BASE to explore MABALACAT CITY and ANGELES CITY.

I spotted this familiar signage while I was traversing the way from MABALACAT CITY to ANGELES CITY...

ALING LUCING'S SISIG RESTAURANT...

When I arrived at the place at around 11am, there were only two tables occupied by customers. The place is very simple just like a canteen or eatery along the roadside. The place is not air-conditioned. 

But one of the noticeable qualities of the store are the awards posted on the walls. The restaurant is multi-awarded as one of the best SISIG RESTAURANTS if not the best not only in ANGELES CITY but in the whole of PAMPANGA. 

Yes, the SISIG is superbly delicious at reasonable price!!!

After 30 minutes, everything was consumed. 

Plenty of customers started to come to the obviously popular restaurant since it was already almost 12 high noon.  Situation signalling that it was time for me to pay and leave the place since my table will soon be occupied by hungry customers. One of downsides in the restaurant is the absence of legitimate parking space causing the customers to park their vehicles along the side of the road which will definitely hamper traffic flow. Also, I have not seen any "NO SMOKING" signage within the restaurant that might tempt smokers to smoke freely before and after eating.

While on my way out of the street where the restaurant is located, I noticed the signage at the corner of the intersecting roads that it was donated by ALING LUCING'S RESTAURANT.

I will surely comeback to this restaurant...to try other food...when duty calls for me to be in PAMPANGA area...

Clark Field (FORT STOTSENBURG)

It was one Sunday afternoon when I visited this place for the very first time. It was a day prior to our first actual performance as the new members of the PAF HONOR ESCORT BATTALION. It was after 6 days of continuous full day practices. Since we had no rehearsal during that day, we prepared ourselves mentally, spiritually, and physically including our uniforms. We also had the "standard" haircut. After the complete preparations, I decided to jog all the way from our billeting area at BLU BIANCO up to this place. 

It was about sunset when I arrived at the PICNIC GROUNDS. I was profusely sweating since it took me about 25 minutes of continuous running the approximately 3 kilometers distance before reaching the place. 

The large ground and the places around introduced me to another wonderful destination inside CLARK FIELD. There were many people when I arrived. They were either jogging or walking on the rubberized jogging lane or just enjoying the relaxing ambiance together with their loved ones. I thought I was the only one who went to the place alone.  My roommates had personal appointments to attend to. Running was part of my physical preparation for the actual performance.

I continued running around the oval but occasionally stopped to take pictures and also savored some parts of the picnic grounds. The distance around the oval is about 1 and a half kilometers. There were restaurants and convenience stores including the popular ones surrounding the picnic grounds. There is a spacious parking area within the place.

After almost an hour of being in the PICNIC GROUNDS, I went back to BLU BIANCO just walking while savoring the landmarks, trees, plants, flowers and all other wonderful things to see along the way.

Please enjoy the pages of another JOURNEY...this time at the PICNIC GROUNDS or at FORT STOTSENBURG inside CLARK FIELD in MABALACAT CITY in the province of PAMPANGA. The pictures unfolded some important facts:

FOODTRIP INSIDE CLARK AIR BASE

Another tour of duty as member of the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE HONOR ESCORT BATTALION brought me to stay for more than a week at CLARK AIR BASE in MABALACAT CITY in the province of PAMPANGA.

Although, the schedules were hectic but there were still time for us to explore and savor CLARK AIR BASE especially after rehearsals in the afternoon. As roommates, we spent the first 4 days dining-out together to once again explore CLARK AIR BASE. We had the option to stay at our billeting area since food were provided for free at the canteen within the building.

On the first day, we had our dinner at "IHAW-IHAW" eatery just a walking distance from our billeting area. With unlimited rice, it was a pleasant treat for ourselves since we all knew about the challenges for the following days.

On the second day, I was able to taste again "BULALONG KALABAW" at the TALIPAPA. It was in 2013 when I was also detailed for the same tour of duty that I last tasted it.

bulalong kalabaw at 150 pesos...

On the third day, I was able to visit again the CLARK LOMI HOUSE and tried the sizzling tanigue. If my memory served me right, my last meal at said LOMI HOUSE was in 1998 during our military pilot training.

On the fourth day, I was able to taste the LOMI at the TALIPAPA area. It has a different presentation. It was my first time to see and eat that kind of LOMI with "CHICHARON" as toppings. 

During the succeeding days, the 4 of us at ROOM 203 were not able to dine as a group anymore since we were either very tired to still go out of our billeting area or we had individual personal appointment to deal with.

Every tour of duty for us in the service is an opportunity to learn new things, to visit different places, to develop friendships, and to taste new food...

ANGELES CITY

This visit was my fourth in ANGELES CITY. The city is part of the province of PAMPANGA. 

My first time was in year 1998 during the last phase of our flying training conducted at CLARK AIR BASE. 

The second time was in 2013 during the 66th PAF Anniversary Celebration also held at the AIR FORCE CITY when I was also a member of PAF HONOR ESCORT BATTALION STAFF. 

My third time was in March of this year when I became a member of the INSPECTION TEAM for the PAF MODEL BASE.

All my visits to ANGELES CITY were all just side trips during the performance of duties and responsibilities at CLARK AIR BASE. 

ANGELES CITY is 83 kilometers away from MANILA and 17 kilometers away from the capital of PAMPANGA, the SAN FERNANDO CITY...

ANGELES got its name from the patron saint "LOS SANTOS DE LOS CUSTODIOS" or HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS.

I first visited the CHURCH again to pay tribute to the Almighty for providing us a FREE DAY. Since it was Sunday, I also attended some part of the mass and prayed to give me HEALTHY BODY to hurdle the challenging rehearsals and to excellently perform during the actual ceremonies. 

This particular JOURNEY to ANGELES CITY was done after my visit to the adjacent city of MABALACAT so it was the second church I visited for the day and the second mass I attended...

After exploring the church, I next visited the MUSEUM and the monument of JOSE ABAD SANTOS which are just located infront of the CHURCH.

...the monument of JOSE ABAD SANTOS infront of the MUSEUM...

...the MUSEUM building...

...NICE SIGNAGES along the roads
in the city proper...

...I just do hope that they are being strictly followed and implemented...

...the beautifully designed sidewalk in
the city proper...

I am certain that I will still go back to this place in the near future...to discover more interesting destinations and to explore new establishments in the near future as the place is continuously evolving towards progress... 

I am certain that this is another city without the ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN because of the presence of plenty of smokers in public places including in public transportation terminals and public utility vehicles...and also majority of the public places do not have the required "NO SMOKING" signages...

I just do hope that public officials of ANGELES CITY is aware of the provisions stated in RA 9211 and LTFRB memorandum Circular 2009-036 that it is strictly prohibited to smoke in public places...and they should be strictly enforced...

MABALACAT CITY

I was able to visit CLARK AIR BASE numerous times already but never had the chance to visit the city proper of MABALACAT. 

This time since I was again included as member of the PAF HONOR ESCORT BATTALION, I opted to take a short visit to the city proper of MABALACAT during our day break from rehearsals.

It was about 15 to 20 minutes travel time in a JEEPNEY bound for MABALACAT for 10 pesos fare from the terminal outside CLARK AIR BASE (near SM CLARK).

MABALACAT is derived from the type of a tree called "BALACAT" which was abundant in the place.

I alighted infront of the church. 

I took several pictures of the church while walking towards it...

...the mass was ongoing when I entered the church...

...another way towards CLARK AIR BASE near the MABALACAT CITY PUBLIC MARKET...

...the city proper has already several familiar establishments...

...the MABALACAT PUBLIC MARKET...

MABALACAT CITY is 10 kilometers away from ANGELES CITY and 93 kilometers north of MANILA...

this marker is directly infront of the
MABALACAT POLICE STATION

It was again another worthwhile journey since even for an hour of stay I was able to went inside and attend mass in MABALACAT CHURCH and also had a short stroll within the city proper of MABALACAT.

One thing that really disappoint me is the presence of IRRESPONSIBLE SMOKERS within MABALACAT BUS TERMINAL in DAU. Bus dispatchers, drivers, conductors, and other employees of the terminal are freely smoking inside the terminal not minding the health hazards from tobacco smokes being inhaled by non-smokers and children who are majority of the passengers in the terminal. IRRESPONSIBLE PASSENGERS also smoke within the said terminal. Additionally, there is no single "NO SMOKING" signage inside the terminal. These are blatant violations of RA 9211 and LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2009-036 which clearly state that CIGARETTE SMOKING is strictly prohibited in PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TERMINALS and "NO SMOKING" signages are required to be posted by the management in the public transportation terminal.