How Nostalgic is my Homecoming Journey to Philippine Military Academy and Baguio City in 2016?

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and Baguio City are iconic landmarks and popular destinations in the Philippines.

PMA, considered the "Country's Premier Military Institution", is mandated to transform cadets ("the cream of the crop") to become excellent military officers 

in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and future leaders of the country. 

Baguio City is "THE SUMMER CAPITAL" of the PHILIPPINES because of its relatively low temperature (ranges from 15 to 23 degrees Centigrade but can drop to 8) significantly due to its high elevation (about 5,000 feet above sea level). 

Baguio was derived from the Ibaloi word "BAGIW" for "MOSS" because of the abundance of mossy plants in the area. Baguio City is a highly urbanized city, the center of business and education in Northern Luzon and the regional center of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It has a total land area of 57.51 square kilometers and a population of about 346,000 people.  

Together with two female PMA Cadets at one of the most important structures in Fort Del Pilar, the Melchor Hall

Notable events in PMA History

*PMA traces its roots as ACADEMIA MILITAR in Malolos, Bulacan by virtue of decree issued by the first President of the Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo on October 25, 1898.   

*On February 17, 1905, the Officer's School of the Philippine Constabulary was established in Intramuros, Manila.

*On September 8, 1926, the school was renamed to "Philippine Constabulary Academy" by virtue of Republic Act 3496. 

*On December 21, 1936, Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act was passed establishing the "PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY" 

In 1993, female cadets were accepted at PMA by virtue of Republic Act 7192. The first batch of female cadets graduated in 1997. In the same year, PMA was transformed into "TRI-SERVICE" ACADEMY wherein cadets undergo training and take subjects during the last two years in PMA based on the branch of service they will be joining after graduation. They can select among the three services in the AFP (Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, or Philippine Air Force).

To know about PMA cadet admission qualifications, requirements, and other details, kindly read PMA Entrance Examinations 2016

My JOURNEY at PMA in 2016

After 7 long years of my last visit, I was able to come again to my Alma Mater. Coincidentally, this year, we commemorate our 20 years after graduating from PMA and 20 years of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as military officers. For others who opt to resign and retire from the military service, they are also serving our country in other capacities in various government agencies and private companies.

It is always a welcome opportunity to be able to perform official duty and to be able to travel back to my Alma Mater despite the hectic schedules.

A wonderful journey down memory lane.

Our billeting area at the Navy Base, Baguio City.
Thanks to our gracious host, the Department Head of the Department of Air Warfare.

          The Philippine Military Academy has metamorphosed into wonderful tourist destination. But most significantly, it has transformed into a holistic military training institution as perfect breeding ground of leadership skills, managerial acumen, and sterling character not only for the future leaders of our Armed Forces but for the Philippines as a whole. PMA Graduates do not only become top leaders of the AFP, but many graduates become lawmakers, LGU leaders, Ambassadors, Cabinet Secretaries, Heads of various Government agencies and other important designations in different government offices, big companies, corporations and private entities.

At the LOPEZ HALL at PMA. "Bravo Bulls" is my company when I was a Plebe while "Foxtrot Cools" is my company from Yearling Year until PMA Graduation.

         The unexpected homecoming to my Alma Mater this year was made possible by the testimonial parade in honor of 8 retiring Generals as "Outstanding PMA Alumni" for reaching the STAR Rank (Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, and General). Two of the honorees are the top 2 leaders of my current unit Assignment. We were invited to witness the said remarkable honors. The night before the said testimonial event was the Quarterly Socials. Some of us were welcomed as Newly Assigned Personnel to the College. My assignment was primarily because of my recent Foreign Schooling. 

The PMA Cadets while preparing to render arrival honors to the outstanding PMA alumni

       The testimonial honors include the Arrival Honors rendered by the CCAFP in front of the PMA Sundial, the Parade and the Awarding Ceremony at the Borromeo Field, and lunch at the Yap Hall (Cadet Mess Hall). Family members and friends of the honorees were also invited during the testimonial honors.

The PMA Cadets while having the
SATURDAY RANKS INSPECTION

It was a nostalgic feeling witnessing the Arrivals Honors along Quezon Avenue and the Parade and Review at the Borromeo Field. With my height of 5'11", I was always included as member of the Arrival Honors contingent when I was still a cadet about 20 years ago. 

The Battalion Commander and Staff while waiting for the 
Ranks Inspection to be completed.

We are also lucky because of the inclusion of the "OPEN HOUSE" in the schedule of activities at the newly-constructed PMA Cadet Barracks. OPEN HOUSE allows PMA visitors to enter cadet barracks and interact with PMA cadets. It is another welcome opportunity for us, the ALUMNI, to be able to reminisce our MEMORABLE days inside the PMA Cadet Barracks for 4 years where we did not only stay, sleep, and study, but most importantly where we were transformed into capable Military Officers and responsible individuals. We also shared absolutely unforgettable moments with "MISTAH" (PMA Classmate). It is also where we learned valuable lessons not only about leadership but also life lessons from our Superiors (Upperclassmen) and where we harnessed our leadership skills by leading and as mentors to our Subordinates (Underclassmen).

OPEN HOUSE is also a rare chance for civilians to have a glimpse of what a PMA cadet room looks like and an idea on how training at PMA is being conducted.

The "REGIS HALL", one of the PMA Cadet Barracks.
Where I consumed half of  my"Life as a Cadet" from Second Class Year (3rd Year) and First Class Year (4th Year)

The "BORROMEO FIELD" where PMA cadets render parades to visitors regularly especially during Saturdays."Silent Drill" Exhibitions are also held in special occasions and celebrations. 

The newly-renovated "YAP HALL" or the Cadet Mess Hall where the cadets dine and learn social graces, standrad table etiquette, and most importantly "military discipline".  

A very short side trip to other tourist destinations and important landmarks in Baguio City completed the worthwhile homecoming. We strolled for about an hour at the famous "BURNHAM PARK". We were also able to visit the SM CITY BAGUIO which has an overlooking alluring view of almost the entire city proper. 

What was probably lacking in this particular travel is my visit to my FOSTER FAMILY. Their HOME at La Trinidad, Benguet, just beside another Tourist Destination, THE BELL CHURCH, became my "HOME AWAY FROM HOME" during my whole stay in the Academy especially during weekend privileges. They treated me as real family member until today. I just do hope that I can have ample time during my next journey to Baguio City to also have a "homecoming" to my "family" in the Summer Capital. 

Thank you Papa Roy, Mama Grace, and Toto for providing me a "home away from home" in Baguio City.

The Burnham Park, located at the City Center of Baguio

The SM CITY Baguio

The captivating overlooking view from the topmost floor of the SM City Baguio

The PMA is expected to continue to evolve to become an iconic tourist spot not only in Baguio City, but in the whole Philippines and more significantly as venue of transforming carefree youth into responsible leaders of our country.

The PMA motto of "COURAGE, INTEGRITY, and LOYALTY" will remain as the solid foundation in transforming the cadets into responsible, effective, and ethical LEADERS of our NATION.

Looking forward for my NEXT homecoming to my HOME for 4 remarkable years in the early 1990's. One of the most memorable and significant chapters in my INSPIRING JOURNEY in LIFE.

How to reach PMA and Baguio City?

Baguio City is about 244 kilometers north of Manila (the capital of the Philippines). For public transport, there are numerous buses regularly traveling to Baguio City. The most popular is "VICTORY LINER" which has bus terminals in Pasay City, Quezon City (near Cubao and Kamias), and Caloocan City (Monumento). The travel time is about 6 to 7 hours depending on the traffic.

PMA is situated about 10 kilometers away from the Baguio City center. There are jeepney routes that will take you inside PMA until the parking area near Melchor Hall. Taxi is the most convenient way to reach PMA using public transportation. It covers an area of sprawling 373 hectares housing Cadet barracks, buildings for Administration, classrooms, and support functions, and other training facilities responsive for conducting comprehensive and holistic training.

The PMA, including the Melchor Hall, played a very significant role in who I am and what I am today