From C1 to CO: A Remarkable Journey from Command Staff to Commanding Officer

In this blog, I will be primarily tackling my  remarkable journey as C1 (Personnel Officer of the AFPCGSC, now AFPETDC) to the designation as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Air Reserve Center (2nd ARCen). 

        When I went back to the Philippines after my 10 months stay in China for my Command and Staff Course, only one thing is sure and that is my assignment at the AFP Command and General Staff College (AFPCGSC), now AFP Education, Training and Doctrines Command (AFPETDC), to serve for at least one year as mandatory contractual service obligation for any officer who took up his or her CGSC or MNSA or MASTERS abroad. 

      When I reported for duty on August 15, 2016 at AFPCGSC, I was initially assigned at the Research and Special Studies Center (RSSC) because of my background in research. However, after more than a month, on September 23, 2016, I was designated as the ACS for Personnel, C1 and concurrent Command Adjutant of the AFPCGSC. The positions were not new to me since I was already designated as C1 of the Air Education and Training and Doctrines Command (AETDC) from 2009 to 2010 for 10 months. The only difference at AFPCGSC, I managed personnel from other services since that was also my first assignment outside the Philippine Air Force. The peculiarities of the Army and the Navy were great learning experience for me. I also became the Wing Adjutant of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing in the early 2000s for almost 3 years. But after a month of occupying both positions at AFPCGSC, I relinquished my position as Command Adjutant to my Deputy C1 to provide separation of duties and responsibilities between the two significant staff positions, C1 and Adjutant.

       The JOURNEY as the C1 of AFPCGSC was both challenging and rewarding. Challenging because I had to constantly deal with the fast turn-over of personnel especially for officers who already rendered the mandatory contractual service obligation of 1 year at AFPCGSC. About seventy percent (70%) of officers assigned at AFPCGSC are from schooling abroad. Comprehensive planning was highly required to designate qualified and capable officers especially to key staff and Center Head positions. Rewarding because I learned so much about how other services manage personnel matters. Additional skills that I can utilize in my future assignments and endeavors.

        

       Notably interesting at the Office of C1 during that time. I was the C1, Chief of the Office, an Air Force guy. My Deputy C1 was a Navy guy while all the 3 Enlisted Personnel assigned in our Office were from the Army. A good mix for us to share best practices from our respective branch of service.

        It is also interesting to note that maybe I have the distinction of being the only one in the Philippine Air Force who was designated as C1 of the AETC (now AETDC) and later as C1 of AFPCGSC (now AFPETDC).

      After only 9 months of being assigned at the AFPCGSC, I received a written information that I was being recalled back to PAF to occupy the position of Commanding Officer, 2nd Air Reserve Center stationed at Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. It was both a very good and not so good development. Very good development because I will be occupying a Commander position with TO rank of Colonel (O6). Although my current position as C-1 is also an O6 position, being a Commander is far different from being a staff. The projected designation was also my first of being assigned at Clark Air Base and Northern and Central part of Luzon. Not good development, because I cannot complete the 3 years mandatory AFP GHQ assignment for me to be able to get the maximum 3 points in the Qualitative Rating Sheet (QRS) which will be used as basis for promotion to the rank of Colonel. In management, it is called OPPORTUNITY COST. I welcomed the new designation both as a blessing and as a challenge.

            It was 14 June 2017 when I assumed the Command of the 2nd Air Reserve Center replacing the former Commanding Officer who was designated as the Chief of the Office of the Air Force Engineers. The simple ceremony was presided by the Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command who became the Commandant of the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS) when I was its Director for Operations and concurrent Senior Tactical Officer (STO).

       The 2nd ARCen was adjudged as the CG, PAF Streamer Awardee in the Group Non-Flying Category for PAF Anniversary 2017. It was both a challenge and an opportunity for me to command an outstanding unit. The credits all go to the men and women of the 2nd ARCen especially to the former Commanding Officer for his sterling leadership and inept commitment to positively transform the unit. His new designation is a fitting tribute for his gargantuan efforts to build and develop the 2nd ARCen into one of the best units in the Philippine Air Force. He will certainly make a great contribution in building the PAF into formidable force.

      The 2nd Air Reserve Center has the mandate "To TRAIN, DEVELOP and UTILIZE the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE Citizen Armed Force in Northern and Central Luzon." Northern and Central Luzon has a total of 4 Regions composed of 22 provinces. A huge area of responsibility on our shoulders to cover to recruit, train and utilize the PAF reservists.

Receiving the award of Commanding General, Philippine Air Force Streamer for PAF Anniversary 2017.

Photo Opportunity with the Commanding General, PAF, the Vice Commander, PAF and the Air Force Inspector General.

Together with the men and women of the
2nd Air Reserve Center

      My varied experiences in training institutions would be put into maximum use in this current designation. I was previously assigned at the PAF Technical and Specialization Training School (PAFTSTS) as a Director for Personnel and as a Training Department Head, at the PAF Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS) as Director for Operations and concurrent Senior Tactical Officer and at the Air Force Officer School (AFOS) as the Assistant Commandant.

TO BE CONTINUED...

SANLITUN: More than Just the Center of Nightlife in Beijing

SANLITUN is the center of nightlife in Beijing. 

More than 40% of bars and nightclubs in Beijing are located in Sanlitun. 

But more than that, Sanlitun is also perfect for strolling, sightseeing, dining, shopping, bonding, and unwinding.

Since we had curfew to be only until 10pm outside the Air Force Command College during our stay in China, I was not able to visit this place during the night. Instead, I just maximized my visits during daytime.

How to get there?

By Subway: 
Line 10, get off at Tuanjiehu Station, Exit at Gate A, then walk westward.

By bus: 
Take Bus Number 113, 115, 431 and 701, get off at Sanlitun Bus Stop.

Taxi is the most convenient way to reach Sanlitun from any part of Beijing.

Sanlitun is located at Eastern Chaoyang District.

Sanlitun is also popular for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Sanlitun is undergoing constant regeneration since late 20th Century as part of the city wide project of economic growth.

It had underwent massive and significant development before the 2008 Summer Olympics.

It has more than 80 bars and nightclubs. Some of the most famous are Boys and Girls, Red Moon Club, Swing, Butterfly, Kai Club, and Day off.

It houses the largest Adidas Store in the World.

There are also numerous events and celebrations regularly conducted at Sanlitun that makes it excellent destination during weekends and holidays.

Some of the famous international brands aside from Adidas are Uniqlo, American apparel, Apple among others.

One of the favorite destinations at Sanlitun is the shopping mall, TAIKOO LI SANLITUN.

SANLITUN caught international attention when a sex tape circulated which was allegedly shot in one of the dressing rooms of UNIQLO SANLITUN.

Enjoy your strolling, dining, sightseeing and shopping JOURNEY at SANLITUN.

BEIJING GARDEN OF WORLD FLOWERS: More than just Beautiful Flowers

The Beijing Garden of World Flowers 

is home to exotic flowers, wide variety of plants, rare herbs, and beautiful landscapes.

It was again weekend. Time for me to explore the numerous undiscovered places in Beijing. One of the places that has very limited information online is the BEIJING GARDEN OF WORLD FLOWERS. It was another challenging journey for me to locate this place due to the absence of specific direction on how to go there. Another challenge of going around Beijing is the absence or very limited number of people who can understand English. Condition which limits your source of information if you get lost. 

On a positive note, being lost is a beautiful opportunity to discover something new along the way.

To make the story short, I finally found this beautiful place after getting lost along the way.

It is an ideal place to spend a day with your loved ones or your family. 

It is a great place to visit on your own, too.

There is no large signage that made it difficult for me to locate this place. This signage is situated inside the gate which is not visible outside.

The Garden is divided into two sections.

Section A has 7 green houses and 15 flower squares. It has 1,800 varieties of century old trees and 100 species of cactus.

Section B has 9 green houses showing rich garden knowledge and display of nature protection.

It is the largest botanical garden in Beijing's Fourth Ring Road. 
It has an area of sprawling 41.8 hectares.

It was awarded the TOP RANK as tourist attraction in Beijing.

It opened to the public in 2005.

It is excellent for sightseeing and entertainment. It also best for discovering science, shopping for wide variety of plants, and even dining. 

How much?

The entrance fee of RMB 60 (equivalent to about 430 Philippine pesos) is compensated by the great opportunity to learn something new and be entertained by the wonders of plants, flowers, and great landscapes.

How to get there?

By BUS:

   Take Bus Numbers 646, 377 or T8, 
                     alight at Beijing World Flower Garden Bus Stop

   Take Bus Numbers 740, 736, 719, 819, 366, 381, 977, 962,937,                          423, or 410, alight at Majialou Bus Stop

Beijing Garden of World Flowers is open 

from 8am to 6pm everyday.

Xiexie nin for another 
BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY!!!

Enjoy the JOURNEY to see beautiful flowers, plants, herbs, and varying landscapes.

SHIJINGSHAN AMUSEMENT PARK: The DISNEYLAND of BEIJING

When I attended the 10 months Command and Staff Course in China, this was my routine:

During weekdays, I focused my time and effort in attending classes, crafting powerpoint presentations, writing turn-ins, and researching and preparing my thesis.

During weekends, and holidays, I concentrated my energy and attention to explore the tourist destinations in Beijing.

Indeed, a well-balanced life for 10 months in China.

One of the destinations in Beijing that I fortunately visited was a place comparable to DISNEYLAND. The place was still undergoing massive development to maybe be abreast with the most popular theme park in the world.

The SHIJINGSHAN AMUSEMENT PARK 

in Beijing has a slogan;

"Disney is too far to go, please come to Shijingshan."

The Shijingshan Amusement Park is about 15 Kilometers away from the center of the City proper of Beijing. It has an area of 350,000 square meters divided into 4 theme districts; The East District, West District, Adventure World, and Fantasy World. I has more than 50 thrilling entertainment facilities including: Wind God Roller Coaster, Canyon Rafting, Shenzhou Roller Coaster, Dazzle in the Sky, Jones Adventure, Ollie Water Fight, Dancing in the Air, $D Movie Hall, Mine Cart, Soar, Flying Wings, Kingkong Magic Wheel, Jurassic Adventure, Giant Wheel, Arab Flying Carpet, Ghost House among others.

How to get there?

By BEIJING SUBWAY Train: 
Take Line 1 then alight at Bajiao Amusement ParkStation, then exit gate A, walk west then enter South Gate of the park.

By BUS:
Take Bus Number 318 or 527, get off at Bajiao Beilu Dongkou station, enter North Gate or 3rd West Gate of the Park.

Take Bus Number 663, get off at Shijingshan Amusement Park, enter West Gate of the Park.

How much?

The general entrance fee is only RMB 10 
(RMB 10 is equivalent to 72 Philippine Pesos)



For other entertainment facilities:

Wind God Roller Coaster - RMB 25
Canyon Rafting - RMB 30
Shenzou Roller Coaster - RMB 50
Dazzle in the sky - RMB 25
Jones Adventure - RMB 40
Ollie Water Fight - RMB 25
Roller Coaster - RMB 30
Dancing in the Air - RMB - 25
4D Movie Hall - RMB 20
Mine Cart - RMB 20
Soar - RMB 50
Flying Wings - RMB 20
Jurassic Adventure - RMB 20
Giant Wheel - RMB 20
Arab Flying Carpet - RMB 20
Ghost House - RMB 20

The Shijingshan Amusement Park is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm while from 9am to 6pm during Saturday and Sunday from April 1 to October 7.

On the other hand, the park is open from Monday to Friday from 9 to 4:30pm while from 9am to 5pm during Saturday and Sunday from October 8 to March 31.

In May 2007, It was exposed by international media for having unauthorized use of Japanese and American cartoon characters in the park. But park management denied the accusation and said that the characters are inspired by Grimm's Fairy Tales.

The park is being operated by the Shijingshan Amusement Park. Some blogs called it Bajiao Amusement Park.

This is situated along the way going to the Park.

THANK YOU LORD for ANOTHER REMARKABLE JOURNEY...

BEIJING OLYMPIC PARK: The Venue of the 2008 BEIJING Olympic Games

Another wonderful dream came true!!!

Who would not dream of visiting a place which became the venue of the greatest games on earth?

Although the OLYMPIC GAMES happened 7 years ago when I first visited the place in October 2015, the adrenaline rush was as high as when you were watching the actual games. 

This is one of the places that I visited more than once during my 10 months stay in China. 

I actually visited the BEIJING OLYMPIC PARK for 5 times!!!

The National Stadium or the "BIRD'S NEST"

The Beijing Olympic Park has an sprawling area of 4.47 square miles or 11.59 square kilometers.

The northern part or the Olympic Forest Park covers an area of 2.63 square miles (6.8 square kilometers).

The central section covers an area of 1.22 square miles (3.15 miles)

The southern section covers an area of 0.63 square miles (1.64 square kilometers) which is also the venue for the Asian Games in 1990. 

The entrance gate

To explore and enjoy the whole OLYMPIC PARK, you have to allot one whole day from your schedule.

Taken during my first visit. It was only my first weekend in China, however, I was already determined to locate this place. Fortunately, the place is just about 20 minutes subway train ride from the Air Force Command College.
It was a superb exhilarating feeling when I arrived and finally saw the "BIRD'S NEST"

HOW TO GET THERE WHEN YOU ARE IN BEIJING?

By SUBWAY TRAIN 

      Look for SUBWAY LINE 8 and you alight in any of the 3 stations:
                1. Forest Park station - if you want to visit the northern portion or the Forest Park.
                2. Olympic Park - midway into the whole park
                3. Olympic Sports Center - the main gate of the whole park

One of the beautiful landmarks inside the mark

How much?

Entrance fee 
         for NATIONAL STADIUM - RMB 50
         for THE BIRD'S NEST - RMB 30
         for OLYMPIC FOREST PARK - free
         for National Indoor Stadium - RMB 20
         for China Science and Technology Museum - RMB 30

Please take note that the exchange rate is RMB 1 is about 7.20 Philippine pesos.

If you have a student ID - you will only pay for 50% of the entrance fee. (For future AFCC students - always bring your RED ID or Student ID when exploring China to avail of the discounts. There are even establishments where students are 100% free of charge)

The BEIJING OLYMPIC PARK is open everyday from 9am to 7:30 pm (April to October) and from 9am to 5:30pm (November to March) 

One of the characters of the 2008 Olympic Games

The bird's eye view of the large park

Just one of the remarkable landmarks

During my last and 5th visit at the OLYMPIC PARK together with classmates from NAMIBIA and UGANDA. Their first time.

It is wonderful to visit this tourist spot at night because of the creative light effects

Closer look at the OLYMPIC WATER STADIUM
or "THE CUBE"

At the OLYMPIC FOREST PARK

at the FOREST PARK SUBWAY STATION

TERRACOTA MUSEUM: Greatest Archeological Discovery in the World

The TERRACOTA soldiers and horses MUSEUM in Xian City in Southwest China Region is considered the most significant and most sensational Archaeological  discovery of all time. 

It has an area of 16,300 square meters with 3 sections. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor in China.

It has 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons.

We, the participants of the 17th Command and Staff Course at the Air Force Command College, were once again on our educational tour. It was our 3rd and last educational tour during our 10 months stay in China. The visit to the Terracota Museum in Xian City was one of the highlights of the educational tour in the Southwest China Region. 

However, only now that I was able to write and publish this blog.

TERRACOTA literally means "COOKED EARTH".

It is fired clay, typically of a brownish-red colour.

Thank you LORD for another remarkable journey!

It was discovered when farmers were digging a well in 1974.

The farmers notified the Chinese authority who dispatched government archaeologist to the site. They found not one, but thousands of clay soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and positioned according to rank. Although largely gray today, patches of paint hint at once brightly colored clothes. Further, excavations have revealed swords, arrow tips, and other weapons.

The Terracota Army was constructed to accompany the tomb of China's first Emperor as an afterlife guard. The thousands of detailed life-size models represent the army that united China at the end of the warring sate period (476 - 221 BC). They were molded in parts, fired, then assembled and painted.

What is amazing about the museum is that the warriors and horses all were built without advanced tools but by hands.

The discovery placed XIAN in the map of interesting places in China.

The largest of the three PITS at the TERRACOTA MUSEUM

The soldiers are in trenchlike, underground corridors. In some of the corridors, clay horses are aligned, behind them are wooden chariots.

Just another remarkable moment for me...

The TERRACOTA MUSEUM has been recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1987.

The souvenir shop inside the compound of the Museum

How to reach TERRACOTA MUSEUM?

By PLANE:

        From Beijing to Xian Xianyang International Airport  is 2 hours
        From Shanghai to Xian is 3 hours
        From Gaungzhou to Xian is 2.5 hours
        From Chengdu to Xian is 1.5 hours
        From Guilin to Xian is 2 hours

BY HIGH SPEED TRAIN

        From Beijing West Railway Station to Xian North Railway Station is 6 hours
        From Shanhai Hongqiao to Xian is 6 to 7 hours
        From Giangzhou South Railway Station to Xian is 9 hours

Xiexie nin Air Force Command College for this JOURNEY!!!

Exploring the large compound of the TERRACOTA MUSEUM