Born to hard-working parents whose mother was a teacher and the father as a clerk of municipal court, I had a share of hardships and a very few perks in life. I found out early that our family can cope with the basics of living but not when you want to go to a highly reputable school. It had become my aspiration and to strive hard in terms of schooling. I need to get a scholarship for me to have an easy way going to college.

Indeed, I got a 50% off as a salutatorian high school graduate when I entered the College of Engineering of the University of San Agustin. I was also in the Dean’s List with a 25% off on tuition when I was studying as BSCE student. Then, I was recruited to join the SIGMA CHI in 1989. This turning point has strengthened my resolve for yet another journey I was about to face. The hurdles I experienced as a neophyte had helped me a lot to face a much greater challenge – that of surviving the training at the Philippine Military Academy. I was always guided by the virtue I learned as a SIGMA CHIan. Sacrifice, Loyalty, Obedience, Service.

I overcame all challenges that came my way. I graduated No. 7 out of 241 students and awarded the Silver Medal for Academic Excellence for graduating Magna Cum Laude.

I further honed my skills as an Air Force officer by becoming a pilot and graduated in 1996 at the Philippine Air Force Flying School that specializes on flying helicopters. I am a checked-out pilot for the Huey, Sikorsky and Sokol Helicopters.

Aside from the flying training, I also underwent military schooling for advancement. I graduated with the highest honors during my Squadron Officers Course and was selected to undergo my General Staff Course at the Australian Defense College in Canberra, Australia.

To further enhance my academic proficiency and to prepare myself for higher position, I took up Master’s courses at the University of the Philippines, finishing the Master of Management Program. I had no opportunity, though, to take up the comprehensive exam as it ran in conflict with the other offer of the Master in Military and Defense Studies offered by the Australian National University. I finished my MMDS in 2015 and was appointed as instructor to train Military Officers for a General Staff position upon my return from Australia. While being an instructor, I found another opportunity to study being Master of Public Management Major in Development and Security under the auspices of the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Various other positions were given to me after my stint as an instructor. I became a Deputy Commander of 505th Search and Rescue Group, then the Director of Operations for the Villamor Air Base Wing and the Deputy of the Air Force Chief of Staff for Intelligence, A2 before I was selected for a Defense portfolio in Malaysia. Right now, I am performing as the Defense and Armed Forces Attachè of the Philippines in Malaysia. The position is a three-year Diplomatic mission that will end on June 2022.

All throughout my military career, I received various letters of commendations from military and civilians recognizing my effort and I have received military awards and decorations for heroism, gallantry in action and other commendable work that made my superiors appreciative of my efforts.

Now I am a COLONEL of the Philippine Air Force.