By: Ma. Rosario Logarta
I always thought that the Philippine Military Academy was nothing more than an "elite" school for brawn and hectic huff regimens. Apart from having relatives in the military, PMA was nothing more to me than general information. Who would have thought that I would end up meeting real live PMA cadets, making friends and having the time of my life in what was once an obscure idea to me.
The first thing that entered my mind was not so nice. I said to myself, PMA is probably a dump with the cadets all being "barok." So I can go grunge and no need for "porma." It didn't help when I found out that we would be taking a grueling six-hour bus ride to Baguio plus we'd be staying at a place where hot water wasn't a sure thing. I thought it was the end of me, that I'd come home with some weird sickness. Then again, maybe I was wrong. Definitely a mega-misconception.
At first glance, PMA was not all that I expected it to be. It was so very different. How ironic that all the all-brawn future military leaders would turn out to be educated gentlement. PMA is probably the last bastion of chivalry, which I thought was long dead. It was a shock, and definitely a thrill to be escorted on the right side of the road, mind you, by cadets dressed in gray uniforms. It was flattering to have cadets who would put the best John Roberts Powers graduates to shame seat you at the table and open the door for you. Suddenly all my notions were wrecked faster than the Berlin Wall.
The cadets that I met came from all walks of life. Some were extremely "cono," others were down to earth. I met "Baguio beans" and "no porks," then stared at them wondering what in heaven's name they were, only to realize some were from Baguio and some were also Muslims. I met an "idol," a "goat" and "Mr. Coolment" who went on touring. Even if they try to be discipline and practice their motto of Courage, Integrity and Loyalty and the Honor Code, sometimes they can't help but be naughty.
They may be "magan," or hard-headed, but most of the time they have the guts to take life, or do something very risky. If caught, they could find themselves in very hot water as they are reported and a punishment is handed down. So maybe cadets aren't as picture perfect, but definitely humans I enjoy being with.
What I regret most about hanging out with cadets is probably their insatiable appetite for food. Then again, maybe I should think about that. I've yet to meet a cadet who dislikes eating or going out for that matter. They just "load and load." It's fun watching them eat, and guess what? I ended up eating too since they made it look like something that will bring happiness. I've yet to see a "boodle-fight," but the stories I've heard are enough to make me laugh and maybe gag at the same time.
I remember one cadet asking me if I knew what a "drag" and a "hop" was. Huh? I smiled and asked what he meant. Then I got it. He meant a date and a dance or party at PMA. This cadet lingo has a lot of twists. And cadets are all experts at the art of making "bola." I guess they had a collection of lines and things to say to girls for all occasions.
In time, I got the hang of being with PMA Cadets. If they "skag," they mean smoking and "sink" means rest room. If they ask you to be his "Kaydet Girl," or girlfriend, think very hard. Some cadets can be slick and you could end up being just an O.A.M. (one among the many). But there are cadets who really mean it and Cupid may work magic and make you their O.A.O. (one and only).
My impression of PMA cadets changed very rapidly. Suddenly, the "barok" cadets turned into some of the nicest and funniest people that I love hanging out with. I guess it's also tough being in PMA. For cadets, partying and gimmicks are a rarity. Making friends is hard as it's hard to relate to people after being up in the mountains for a long time. They lose touch with their old friends. It's a hectic life they lead and the challenge they've taken is a feat for people just out of their teens.
It reminds me of Star Trek. They go where no man's gone before. Bravely and boldly. After a few months, what do you know? These cadets have become closer to my heart. Closer than I expected. I can be proud of the fact that the molders of our country were once cadets and people like us - and my friends.
