President: CAESAR RONNIE F ORDOYO

Secretary: EDMUND C TAN

Mapitagans in Government Service

A decade has passed since the lastMapitagan took off his uniform then hang it for good, bidding goodbye to more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Filipino people. Most of us have embraced retirement, doting over their grandchildren in rendering self-imposed apostolic duties, while several others were employed by private corporations working either full-time or as consultants. And still a few were appointed to key positions in the government.

The latest to sign on to join the present administration’s cabinet is Mandy Espineli, whose appointment as Presidential Adviser on Special Concerns with the rank of Undersecretary, was signed by the President last June 3, 2024. He was later sworn into office by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Our loudest and proudest congratulations on your appointment, USec Mandy!

Meanwhile, we stand by and support another Mapitagan currently a Commissioner of the National Commission on Senior Citizens. Last June 2024, Comm. Rainier Cruz and four other commissioners signed a manifesto which called for the resignation of the NCSC Chairman for reasons deemed inimical to public interest. We salute Comm. Rainier for adhering to his principles over personal interests, upholding foremost what is right, and safeguarding the welfare of all senior Filipinos.

On the other hand, Baguio resident Mon Loria’s spirit of volunteerism towards the well-being of the community was duly recognized by the humanitarian civic organization he belongs to. Monlors, as he is fondly called, was elected President of the Baguio Pines City Lions Club in July this year. He was later inducted in a formal ceremony along with other elected officers of the club. Congrats, Monlors!

Mapitagan Commemorative Markers

“Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away.” Indeed, we may fade away, but we will leave behind lasting reminders of that fleeting moment in time when we offered proudly our youth and vigor to serve. So far, three significant commemorative markers have been built and dedicated in recognition of the service of the Mapitagans of Class 1980.

Mapitagan Loop in Camp Macabulos, Tarlac City. Dedicated on 17 September 2007 during Camp Macabulos Day when Nick Bartolome was PNP Provincial Director of Tarlac. Among his notable achievements was the massive facelift of the camp to make it a comfortable office and home to its personnel reflective of being a friendly police camp to the community.

This corner of the loop that connects all completed projects for camp development was named as the Mapitagan Loop, in honor of our Class of which Nicky Bart is a proud member, having served as the 17th Chief, Philippine National Police on 16 September 2011.

Mapitagan Class 80 Fountain at Villamor Air Base Golf Course, Col Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. The looming marker greets every golfer as he makes the turn to the first of the Back 9 holes, a reminder that his readiness to tackle the exacting 9 holes must be resolute. On the lighter side, it has served as backdrop as well for many golfers’ souvenir photos, to claim bragging rights that they too have played in this tough championship course.

A mere spitting distance from the tee markers of Hole #10, the fountain was constructed in 2012 behind the efforts of Larry dela Cruz, who served as the 32nd Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force. He took over the reins of the organization on January 9, 2012.

The Terraces 80 at Signal Hill in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. At the junction of the road on the east side of Signal Hill, as you turn left to ascend the uphill road leading to the hilltop, stands The Terraces 80. The ample size pavilion was built purposely as a meeting place and rest area for Mapitagans and their families especially during the annual Homecoming. It also serves as a picnic area every time they visit the PMA grounds and other majestic sights of the camp. It first served as the main venue of the class luncheon fellowship during the 2014 Homecoming.

The Terraces 80 was constructed in November 2013 under the auspices of Bogs Abogado during his incumbency as Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy. He took over the stewardship of our Alma Mater on May 21, 2013.

Golf and Mapitagans

In the wee hours of July 5, 2024, 14 Mapitagan Golfers, two Mapitagan Lady Golfers and a Mapitagan Golfer Friend motored to Hacienda Luisita in San Miguel, Tarlac for the monthly Mapitagan Golf and Fellowship to be played at the Luisita Golf and Country Club. Hosted by Herbert Yambing, the golfers partook of a sumptuous breakfast in the al fresco clubhouse over a cup of fine full bodied brewed coffee from a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans from Panama and Brazil. A few who ordered seconds had to consume in one count the brew to make the 8 o’clock tee time. With the heat wave at its height as El Niño pummeled the country, the 17 golfers endured the searing air over Luisita’s fairways, braving the 86% humidity. Just over four hours later, no one complained though but beamed with satisfied smiles, gushing over the long wide fairways, the more than average number of water hazards and the challenging greens.

A “sumptuouser” lunch welcomed the tired but happy golfers at the clubhouse. After the banter and jovial bragging rights claimed over a round of light and pale Pilsen beers, cups of coffee were served to wash down the food and beer. Again, the coffee lovers asked for a second cup. Before three in the afternoon, the gratified golfers, after expressing profusely their thanks to the gracious host, boarded their sedans, vans and SUVs for the two-hour trip back to Manila.

The Mapitagan Tribe Increases

First time grandparents Bogs and Sionie Abogado welcomed their first apo, Malaya Olivia Sta. Barbara Abogado last June 2, 2024. The 8-pounder baby girl is the product of their son, Navy aviator Egee and daughter-in-law Kala. We learned that Bogs’ phone gallery is now bursting with photos and videos of Malaya, thus its storage needs some cleaning up.

To keep fit for his apostolic duties, Bogs faithfully sticks to his daily cardio walk, bolstered by his preferred calorie burner – weekly golf with Mapitagan Golfers. We also heard him say, rather excessively, “Ang cute ng apo ko!” Congratulations Lolo Bogs and Lola Sionie. Welcome to the club!

Mapitagans Abroad

Emil Sarmiento is braving the cold frigid winds up in the eternal daylight of the Arctic Circle as member of the Philippine Rifle Shooting Team battling it out with teams from other countries in the 2024 IPSC Rifle World Shoot in Oulu, Finland. Emil represented the Philippine team during the opening ceremony of the shoot fest on August 2, perhaps because he is the most senior in the group. LOL.

In open defiance of his age, Emil competed in the Standard Division, Super Senior Category. Standard to mean iron sight. Yes seniors, you heard that right – plain, simple iron sight, no hi-tech scope sight gizmo that can provide accurate point of aim. While the world shoot was in progress, Mapitagans mostly the MGs were cheering “Go Emil! Go for the target bullseye!” that really made him hit but on a different kind of target? Alam ni Jess Lomeda yan . . .

On the other hand, Nick Bartolome and roommate Noemi, were happily touring Europe, visiting three interesting countries transiting through the fascinating cities they are renowned for. On the 1st of August, the couple arrived in Zurich, known worldwide as Switzerland’s financial district. After four days in that country’s biggest city, the couple then flew to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games. For Nick, his going to the Olympics was mainly just to watch the Men’s Basketball Tournament, his favourite sport. Nick even posted a photo of himself inside the Bercy Arena in Paris watching the game being played between Brazil and the USA.

At the conclusion of the quadrennial event in France, they next went to The Netherlands to visit Amsterdam, famed for its vibrant culture and beautiful canals, and Holland, the land of windmills and tulips. Nick and Noemi surely savored the scenic romantic canals, rich history and iconic cultural scenes in the above places they toured.

Mapitagan Titos Financial Assistance

A beneficiary of 20 Mapitagans for board and lodging and other minor expenses in his last year in medical school has sent word to his benefactors, the 20 Mapitagan “Titos,” his heartfelt gratitude for their kindness and generosity.

Dr. Mike Prado, after he finished his internship at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center on July 26, 2024, conveyed, “I want to thank you deeply for the support and help you have given me throughout my journey! I appreciate all the help from you guys … Thank you for all the help and support, Titos!”