President: CAESAR RONNIE F ORDOYO

Secretary: EDMUND C TAN

PMA Homecoming 2025

After weeks of anticipation and preparation, the Class with alacrity joined the PMA Homecoming in Fort Del Pilar on 15 February 2025 to celebrate our 45th Year Anniversary as Sapphire Jubilarians.

Forty-nine (49) Mapitagans went up to the City of Pines along with forty (40) Ladies and about seventy-five (75) Dependents. Five (5) Mistahs from abroad came with their respective spouses, namely: Oby and Chona Antonio, Alex and Cora De Guzman, and Noel and Nanie Dominguez from the US; Jess and Blue Lomeda from Vancouver, Canada; and Bobby and Lou from Vienna, Austria.

A surprise attendee was Willie Campos who, finally, popped out of his lair after being unaccounted for for so many years. Willie came with his three children.

To enliven the event, a Homecoming Party was held which coincided, intentionally, as tribute to the Mapitagan Ladies, with Valentine’s Day at the FVR Hall in Baguio Country Club on 14 February 2025. And before we wound up the trip to the country’s summer capital, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated on 16 February 2025 at the Hotel Grande where most of the class members were billeted. The mass was officiated by Fr. Gerard Deveza, whom Jess Lomeda had requested to join the class as an Honorary Member.

Mapitagan Fellowship Dinner

On 29 March 2025, a Class Fellowship Dinner was held at the Quezon City Sports Club in honor of the birthday celebrants of the first quarter of the year. In attendance were twenty-six (26) Mistahs of which eleven (11) were birthday celebrants: Boy Bolo, Bong De Asis, Mie Mendoza, Noel Coballes, Bogs Abogado, Judge Mike Asuncion, Ted Torralba, Herbert Yambing, Nicky Bartolome, Onell Lleno and Danny Saberon. USec Mandy Espineli graciously co-hosted the affair with the 1st Quarter Birthday Boys, livened up as usual with Mapitagan songsters overwhelming the provided singer and computer arranged music.

Celebration of Life for Efren & Irene Yebra

Just a week later, Efren and Irene Yebra celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary and joint birthdays on 5 April 2025. The couple hosted a luncheon at the Merino Function Hall in Seda Vertis North, Quezon City. Fourteen (14) Mistahs attended the affair together with seven (7) Ladies.

It was a fun-filled event with exciting entertainment provided by veteran balladeer and actor Bimbo Cerrudo. Our congratulations and best wishes to Efren and Irene for this milestone in their lives together, for their remarkable endurance and faithfulness.

Passing Away of Eldon Nemenzo and Joel “Epoy” Marayag

Just after the Homecoming activities in Baguio City, sad news dampened our spirits during this momentous and cheerful time of the year. Our beloved Mistah Eldon Nemenzo finally joined our Creator on 18 February 2025, a day after his 68th birthday. Eldon had been bedridden for more than 10 years after suffering a 1debilitating stroke. His peaceful passing on to the great beyond was a relief from the suffering he endured throughout his illness.

Eldon was laid to rest at their family mausoleum in Rolling Hills Memorial Park, Bacolod City on 01 March 2025. Ten (10) Mistahs flew from Manila on board a PAF plane arranged by Larry DLC, with Alex De Guzman tagging along Cora, to pay their last respects. Prior to that, his wake lay at the St. Peter’s Chapel in the same city, with the necrological service held the night before on 28 February 2025. It was attended by Prez Ces Ordoyo, Tony Baraquiel and King Reyes. Also, Emil Gupana and Cesar Yano with King came earlier to pay their last respects to Eldon.

After three months, on 11 May 2025, we were shocked again to learn about the untimely demise of Mistah Joel “Epoy” Marayag. Reportedly, he was resting in their house in Fairview after doing some exercise on a stationary bicycle, when he collapsed. He was rushed to the nearest hospital, but all efforts to revive him were all for naught. He had, notably, undergone an angioplasty two years ago and was well on his way to recovery. But, as we all have accepted with great humility, that if it is God’s will, it shall come to pass, and no human endeavor can prevent it.

Epoy’s wake was held at the Villamor Air Base Mortuary in Pasay City. His necrological service was held in the evening of 16th of May at the Our Lady of Loreto Chapel in Villamor Air Base. The following day, he was finally laid to rest in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.

True embodiments of courage and integrity, Eldon and Epoy, both accomplished Philippine Air Force pilots, served with unwavering dedication, honor and distinction in their respective careers. Their legacy as patriots and leaders will forever inspire us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their respective families especially to Lita, the loving wife of Epoy, and their children during this difficult time. May Eldon and Epoy rest in eternal and perfect peace.

Gerry Layug as new PETFI Director

On a joyful note, we congratulate Gerry Layug for winning a seat as Director of the PMAAAI Educational Foundation, Inc. (PETFI) in the election held during the said Foundation’s Annual Membership Meeting on 30 April 2025 at the PMA Alumni Center in Camp Aguinaldo, QC and thru zoom. Mistahs who are members of PETFI attended in full force to support Gerry, who came out on top as the candidate who garnered the highest votes. Kudos to Gerry as this is another laurel to his cap aside from being the Chairman and President of AGFO. We are so proud of you, Mistah!

Mapitagans in the PFTJI Board

A month earlier, on 20 March 2025, three (3) Mistahs, namely: Gil Meneses, Mike Asuncion and Efren Yebra, were elected again as Trustees of the Board of the PMAAAI Foundation for Truth and Justice, Inc. (PFTJI) during its hybrid Annual Membership Meeting and Election. Big congrats to the three Mapitagans. They have been with the PFTJI Board for quite some time, serving and helping fellow Cavaliers on their legal woes while in the performance of their duties. Indeed, Mapitagans are very proud and happy for the unselfish services they have been providing all these years!

Upcoming Events of the Class

The Class is preparing for two important upcoming events: the 50th Year Anniversary of our Reception Day on 01 April 2026, and the Golden Jubilee celebration of our graduation in February 2030. Plans are afoot to re-enact our Reception Day that transformed us from a loose civilian life to a rigid military life, and molded us into who we are today. We hope everyone will support these two endeavours, as well as our forthcoming fund-raising activities to help cover our expenses.

Message From Our Class President Ces

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you, especially to those who took the time, made the effort, and showed your unwavering commitment by participating in the PMA Alumni Homecoming last February 2025. Your presence, energy, and support greatly contributed to the success and significance of the event. It was truly a heartwarming moment to see so many familiar faces gathered once again in the hallowed grounds of Fort Del Pilar, celebrating not only our shared history but also our enduring bond as a class.

Your contributions—whether in preparation, coordination, or simply showing up with pride—did not go unnoticed. They reflected the true spirit of brotherhood and unity that has always defined our class. Thank you for keeping that fire alive.

As we look ahead, I strongly encourage everyone to continue supporting the future activities of our Mapitagan class. Most especially, let us begin to prepare for one of the most significant milestones in our lives—the reenactment of our Reception as Plebes 50 years ago. This symbolic event will serve not only as a trip down memory lane but also as a celebration of how far we have come, both individually and collectively.

Moreover, we eagerly anticipate our Class Golden Jubilee Anniversary in 2030—a once-in-a-lifetime event that deserves nothing less than our full participation and commitment. Let us all do our part to make it truly unforgettable.

The strength of our class lies in our unity, our shared experiences, and the values we have carried since Day One at the Academy. Let us honor that legacy by staying involved, staying connected, and showing up—for each other and for the generations that will follow.

Mabuhay ang Mapitagan! May we continue to serve with honor and lead with heart.”