The PMA Honor Code and Honor System have been the focus of discussions among the alumni of the Academy, in so many fora. The Mapitagans, represented by its Class President, Nick Bart, verbalized the position of Class 80 on the issues, during the August 7, 2020 Zoom Meeting of different stakeholders, to wit:

“The Honor Code and Honor System is ABSOLUTELY FOR THE CADETS, OF THE CADETS AND BY THE CADETS, and no higher authority should repeal nor amend it”.

Can it be more brief and direct to the point!!! Kudos, Pres Nick.

How the Mapitagans tackled COVID-19 (or vice versa?).

Sammy Diciano was locked down in the US and may remain there until he is sure that US President Trump is defeated in the polls come November 2020. Bobby Ramos is still in Korea – Ano ginagawa nya dun? Jun Ancheta and Jess Lomeda are still out of the country, but are eager to come home to share our experience of a traffic-free EDSA.

Two (2) classmates, Emil Sarmiento and Gil Meneses, squatted on the lots adjoining their houses by planting vegetables and other edible plants, of course, with the permission of the lot owners. Emil cooks what he harvested, while Gil comes to the picture only during meals.

The Mapitagan Golfers – Jorge Regis, Ranier Cruz, Bong de Asis, Bong Cabantac, Jojie Segovia, Paco Francisco, Larry Cruz, Obe Antonio, Emil Sarmiento, Bai Lleno, Hermie Colina, Bogs Abogado, Ces Ordoyo, Herbert Yambing, Noel Coballes, Manding Guzman – are now able to regularly play golf. It is suspected that after the 18th hole, they proceed to the 19th hole ‘The Garden’ for the “pilyo-ship”, and enjoy overflowing cobbeer.

The Mapitagan Music Lovers – Mai Mendoza, Bai Bolo, Emil Sarmiento, Ben Mantele, Orli Beltran, Gil Meneses, Junie Carbonell, Romy Prado, and Dante Costes – with their discordant voices, still manage to share old hits and sweet music to reminisce the good old days.

Nicky Bart, during this pandemic, has undergone three months of rigorous boxing regimen (jab-straight-duck- uppercut) to hone his boxing skills under the tutelage of a professional boxer whom he quarantined during the same period. Mukhang may pinaghahandaang laban!

Jeff Tupas, JV Javier, Tony Baraquiel and Ager Ontog are busy with their “Apo- stolic” missions, under the scrutinizing eyes of Tett, Jojo, Neva and Len.

Let us not forget to hail and recognize the contributions of our OCD Director mistahs – Dante Balao (Region 2), Bong Cabantac (NCR) and Buboy Salazar (Region 7) – in the over-all government efforts against COVID-19.

Thanks, too, to Doc Chuck, Sec Nabil, and Danny S (stranded in Zamboanga) for providing us with their insights on how to stay sane during this trying episode.

The following birthday celebrants for the 3rd quarter, 2020 owe us the privilege of inviting the class to a “boodle fight” at Gloria Maris, Greenhills after the virus finally bids goodbye.

JULY: Joel Marayag – July 7, Ed Escueta – July 11, Arnold Perez – July 11, Jun Ancheta – July 13, Gene Enriquez – July 17, Van Solomon – July 24, Ariel Bernardo – July 27, Jufel Adriatico – July 28, Tony Joco – July 28, Noel Manabat – July 29

AUGUST: Gelo Palmones – Aug 8, Ed Tamayo – Aug 13, Emil Gupana – Aug 15, Manny Amat – Aug 17, Balsy Aquino-Cruz – Aug 18, Ager Ontog – Aug 21, Bobby Ramos – Aug 21, Mon Muyargas – Aug 31

SEPTEMBER: Nolet Ojeda – Sep 2, Gene Velasco (+) – Sep 6, Ranier Cruz – Sep 6, Ces Ordoyo – Sep 8, Gerry Layug – Sep 12, Hermie Navarro (+) – Sep 15, Alex De Guzman – Sep 16, Bong Cabantac – Sep 18, Nes Bernardino – Sep 19, Dante Balao – Sep 23, Paco Francisco – Sep 24, Juni Carbonell – Sep 25, Ige Rodriguez – Sep 28