There are different rites and ceremonies participated in by all cadets of the Philippine Military Academy. It starts right from the very first day a new cadet reports to Fort Del Pilar and ends on March Week when the cadet finally leaves the Academy as a graduate. These rites and ceremonies are interspaced throughout a cadet's 4-year stay at the Academy and serve as important highlights in the life of a cadet.
Traditionally, April 1st has been set aside for the reception of the new cadets. This day marks
the first day of a military career and the last day of their civilian lives. On this day, the
new cadets form at the Borromeo Field and take their oath of office as cadets of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines. The upperclass cadets comprising the Plebe Detail then take charge
and give the new cadets a series of exercises to perform. These exercises, to include push-up,
sit-up, squat thrust, jumping jacks, dash, are but a foretaste of what to expect for the next
eight weeks of "Beast Barracks."
This ceremony remains to be one of the most touching and memorable traditions a cadet
experiences in the Philippine Military Academy. On this day, through a simple yet profoundly
meaningful handshake and pat on the back by an upperclass cadet, the fourthclass ceases to
be a plebe. This is a rite of passage, the end of the numerous restrictions and difficulties
that only a plebe can experience in the Academy. As the name suggests it is a recognition that
the plebe has successfully met the challenges of plebe life.
Traditionally, the 100th Nite Show signalled the 100-day countdown to graduation for the
firstclass cadets. Thus, the 100th Nite Show is presented during December to relatives,
friends, and the general public. It is a showcase of the cadets' artistic, terpsichorean and
literary talents. The 100th Nite Show, sponsored by the Dialectic Society, is supervised,
managed, and participated in solely by the cadets.
This week is one of the most significant and important traditions celebrated in the Philippine
Military Academy. It represents the culmination of four exacting years of regimented training.
It is during this week that the firstclass cadets pass on the mantle of leadership to the
incoming firstclass cadets in moving and impressive ceremonies which form part of the graduation
parade. The graduation week ends with the Graduation Exercises with the President of the
Philippines and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the guest of
honor and speaker.
The Ring Hop is a firstclass cadet dance and ceremony which takes place during
Graduation Week. In this ceremony, the person closest to the heart of the cadet slips on the
cadet's finger the class ring or what is called the bull ring ... and usually, it is a mother
or a sweetheart who is asked to do this. In turn, the cadet gives the mini ring, a smaller
version of the bull ring to his partner. This ritual is performed by having each couple go
through a giant replica of the class ring which is mounted on an elevated platform at the
front of the ballroom. Within this ring, the cadet unties a colored ribbon placed around the
neck of the female partner which is used to hold the bull ring like a pendant. After rings
are exchanged a kiss, a hug, or a handshake is made to complete the ceremony. For the Class of
1997, traditions will have to be broken. This time the graduating female cadets will probably
ask a father or a boyfriend to participate in the ritual.
The graduation hop is the counterpart of the graduation ball in civilian universities.
This is the last hop a firstclassman experiences as a cadet. It is often a strictly formal
ball and invited officers of the Armed Forces come in gala uniforms complete with their
respective military medals and decorations. Civilians often come in tuxedos with the ladies
appropriately attired in their formal evening wear.
