It was a chance of a lifetime and members of the Philippine
Military Academy (PMA) "Gabay-Laya" Class of 2016 were just too happy
and thrilled for the chance to render military honors to Pope Francis during
the Pontiff's courtesy call on Malacanang
Palace
This was the feeling of Cadet Denzel Corpuz, 20, and his
mistah, Cadet Leoncio Nico De Jesus, 21, when they received the "Warning
Order" to render honors for Pope Francis, days before that momentous
event.
Corpuz and De Jesus are the incoming PMA Cadet Corps'
Brigade Commander and Deputy Brigade Commander, respectively.
The PMA Class of 2015, where the incumbent Brigade Commander
belongs, is currently undergoing the Officer Preparatory Course.
From the very start, they considered the job not only as a
duty but also as pride and honor.
They were set to make history as the first cadet honor guard
unit to render honors to a Pope inside the Malacanang Palace
"I take pride in representing the PMA in this momentous
event. At the same time, I am honored to meet a respected leader," Corpuz,
a Roman Catholic, said.
For his part, De Jesus said that saluting the Pontiff was a
rare privilege.
"Not all PMA graduates can have the opportunity to
salute the Holy Father in a military ceremony. I was very proud of this
experience," De Jesus, a Born Again Christian, stressed.
Two distinct military ceremonies awaited the two upcoming
top two leaders of the PMA cadet corps during the courtesy call of Pope Francis
on President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacanang Palace
Corpuz was assigned to lead the arrival honors while De
Jesus was entrusted to spearhead the foyer honors during the Pontiff's
departure.
Both cadets felt the pressure that comes with the job of
honoring a holy man who is both a Head of State and a Church Leader.
They began thinking about the millions of people who will be
watching on TV sets around the world.
They were also worried about the hot Manila
weather.
Corpuz said that they are expected to show their best
performance.
"Cadets are trained on how to maintain composure
despite the pressures. We are not supposed to be adversely affected by external
distractions and sacrifice the quality of our performance," Corpuz, an
aspiring Army Scout Ranger, said.
To achieve excellent performance, Corpuz prepared himself
and his men for the tough job that lie before them.
He wanted everyone to be conditioned mentally and physically
so that they can attain perfection in all movements during drills and
ceremonies.
"Aside from our routine parade drills, we dedicated one
week to practice our movements specifically for the honor ceremonies. We also
watched our diet a few days before the D-day," he added.
Meanwhile, De Jesus said that he wanted to showcase the PMA
during the ceremonies but he was worried about possible untoward incidents.
"Our tactical officers demanded perfection and we
echoed this to our subordinates. However, I was very worried when there were
cadets who collapsed due to the hot weather during our drills in Manila
For one week, they led the members of the Honor Guard in
practicing the military honors repeatedly.
During the arrival honors, Corpuz found himself a few steps
away from Pope Francis.
He said that he remained focused in order to avoid
committing mistakes.
"I couldn't help but stare at him. Seeing him up close
and personal inspired me to perform in the best manner I can," he
narrated.
While De Jesus revealed that he was only about two steps
away from Pope Francis when he led the foyer honors.
He tried his best to stand ramrod straight and crisp.
De Jesus remained almost motionless and held his sword
tight.
When the Pope was approaching, he couldn't help but
"roll his eyeballs".
He almost forgot to give the right command.
"I was star-struck by his Holiness. I was glancing at
him and almost failed to bark my orders," he said.
Both cadets were very glad that they were able to accomplish
their assigned mission "with flying" colors.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=726651
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