President: CAESAR RONNIE F ORDOYO

Secretary: EDMUND C TAN

The Summer Months

For us Mapitagans, the months of April and May always bring a familiar mix of anticipation and nostalgia. They mark the onset of the hottest and driest season of the year—summer in full swing. Families head for the beaches, some escape to cooler destinations, while others make the traditional pilgrimage to Baguio City, whose crisp mountain air and elevation of roughly 1,500 meters offer welcome respite from the sweltering lowland heat.

Yet beyond vacations and summer plans, this season also remains a time for fellowship, laughter, and cherished moments among Mistahs.

Quarterly Birthday Celebrators’ Lunch Fellowship

On a bright and warm Friday, 20 March 2026, twenty-four Mapitagans, together with Honorary Members Jigs Cristales and Billy Braza, gathered at the spacious VIP Room 12 of Gloria Maris in Greenhills for the quarterly birthday fellowship lunch honoring our first quarter (January, February, and March) celebrators.

The celebrators included:

• February-born: Mie Mendoza, Noel Coballes, Nene Delos Reyes, Bogs Abogado, and Willie Campos

• March-born: Ted Torralba, Herbert Yambing, Nick Bartolome, and Onell Lleno

Seated comfortably around two large round tables, the group quickly settled into the familiar warmth of Mapitagan camaraderie. At five minutes past noon, Class President Emeritus Nick Bartolome requested Mistah “Reverend” Jardy Mantele to lead the Grace Before Meals and formally open the celebration.

In his distinct gravelly baritone, Rev. Jardy offered prayers for healing, blessings, good health, and happiness for all Mapitagans, their wives, and their families.

By around one o’clock, after everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the senior-friendly nine-course dim sum feast, the birthday celebrators gathered around the centrepiece table where an ube birthday cake, adorned with candles, awaited them.

Rev. Jardy once again took center stage, leading the traditional Mapitagan Birthday Chant with even greater enthusiasm—his voice now carrying the unmistakable flavor of his signature party favorite, Bikining Itim. Laughter and applause filled the room as the celebrators posed for photos and exchanged stories, jokes, and the usual light-hearted bolahan that only Mistahs can truly appreciate.

Over slices of ube cake, moderate pours of French red wine, cups of coffee, and endless camaraderie, the afternoon passed quickly. The fellowship finally broke up at around 2:15 p.m., leaving everyone with renewed spirits and grateful hearts.

Still Golfing

As summer progressed, PAG-ASA regularly issued Heat Index advisories warning of dangerous temperatures ranging from 42°C to 51°C in several parts of the country.

The warnings highlighted the risks of heat cramps, exhaustion, and possible heatstroke.

Fortunately, golf courses somehow seemed spared from direct mention. Undeterred by both the heat and advancing age, our Mapitagan golfers continued their weekly rounds—particularly those fortunate enough to live within comfortable driving distance of the military golf courses. Adjustments, of course, had to be made.

Tee-off times were moved to sunrise, give or take a few minutes, when the morning air remained tolerable and the golf ball was still visible in flight.

By around ten in the morning, the tropical heat and humidity would begin to assert themselves. But for many of our MGs, golf has become more than just a game. It is exercise, therapy, fellowship, and perhaps even a quiet act of defiance against aging itself.

Back pains, sore knees, stiff hips, aching shoulders, and tired wrists may occasionally demand attention, but the determination to remain active and connected remains stronger still.

More importantly, these weekly gatherings continue to nurture the enduring friendships and social bonds among Mistahs—relationships now widely recognized as among the true foundations of longevity and well-being.

And as always, every round inevitably ends where the best stories are exchanged: at the clubhouse, over coffee, refreshments, and animated recollections of miraculous pars, improbable birdies, and highly questionable mulligans.

Achievements of Mapitagans

Two Mapitagans, Armando “Manding” Guzman and Gerry Layug, brought honor and pride to the Class after being conferred the prestigious “Natatanging Rizalian” Award for Military Service during the Centennial Celebration of their high school alma mater, Jose Rizal Institute (JRI) in Orion, Bataan, on 11 February 2026.

Both Manding and Gerry graduated from JRI in 1974 and have shared a remarkable journey together—from grade school classmates, to boardmates in college, and eventually as PMA Mistahs.

Congratulations, Manding and Gerry, on this well-deserved recognition. Your achievements continue to inspire pride among your Mistahs and the entire PMA community. Cheers! 👏

Meanwhile, our Honorary Member, Atty. Nabil A. Tan, was re-elected as Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament and formally took his oath of office on 29 April 2026 before Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua following the reorganization of the Bangsamoro Parliament and the election of a new set of Deputy Speakers.

Mistah Nabil has faithfully served as Deputy Speaker since 2019. With this renewed mandate, we pray that he may continue to be guided by wisdom, humility in leadership, and unwavering dedication in serving the Moro people and the Bangsamoro community.

Congratulations and best wishes to you, Deputy Speaker Mistah! 😊

On another front, two other Mapitagans were re-elected on 30 April 2026 as Trustees of the PMAAAI Educational Foundation, Inc. (PETFI): Ed Tamayo, who continues to serve as Chairman, and Mike “Ige” Rodriguez, as Trustee.

With their professionalism, dedication, and active involvement, we are confident that Ed Tam and Ige will continue to uphold the Mapitagan tradition of diligence, dynamism, and committed service—particularly in advancing PETFI’s noble mission of supporting the education of deserving children of deceased and disabled Cavaliers.

Carry on, Ed Tam and Ige, and thank you for your continued service. 👍

Bonding of Mapitagans Abroad

Mapitagan camaraderie likewise continued beyond Philippine shores.

Mistahs Bong Cabantac and Ager Ontog, together with their spouses Fe Marie and Len, enjoyed a memorable “double-date” bonding trip in Taiwan from 24 to 28 April 2026. The group toured various attractions around the island, sampled local delicacies, and most importantly, celebrated the birthday of Dra. Len.

It was truly a joyful and meaningful get-together for the foursome. Hopefully, more Mistahs will find opportunities to bond in similar fashion—whether as foursomes, eightsomes, or even bigger groups—either abroad or within our own beautiful country blessed with countless tourist destinations and places worth exploring together.

Other Mistahs likewise had the opportunity to gather for dinner on 29 April 2026 in California, USA. Edmund and Nini, who were then visiting the US, joined longtime US-based Mistahs Del Lorenzo and Mamer, Alex de Guzman and Cora, Alan Sta. Ana and Roda, and Mike Agudo and Ruby, who drove nearly six hours from Arizona just to be part of the fellowship at Northern Café in Cerritos, California.

As expected, the evening was filled with laughter, recollections of the good old days, and the usual endless stories only Mistahs can truly appreciate. Had it not been for Edmund and Nini’s early morning flight back to Manila the following day, the fellowship would likely have continued for several more hours. Hehe 🥂

Edmund and Nini were also scheduled to meet Oby Antonio and Chona in Cedarburg, Wisconsin while attending the Celebration of Life of Edmund’s late American foster mother during his AFS Exchange Student days. Unfortunately, Oby and Chona had to urgently come to Manila due to the untimely passing of Oby’s sister, Elisa Antonio Moog, aged 86, and Chona’s father, Amado RicardoSegismundo, aged 85.

Both were laid to rest in Lipa City on 24 April 2026 and 27 April 2026, respectively.

The Class extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the Antonio and Segismundo families during their time of bereavement. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. 🙏

On a happier note, we warmly congratulate Mistah Ige and Aleli Rodriguez on the wedding of their daughter, Mia, to David Salvosa, held last 2 May 2026 in Baguio City.

We wish the newlywed couple a blessed and joyful married life as they begin a new chapter together in Spain, where they plan to reside, with Mia being a Spanish citizen.

Photo taken during the Centennial Celebration of Jose Rizal Institute (JRI) in Orion, Bataan

Cheers to Mia and David, and best wishes for a wonderful journey ahead together! 🎉

Memento Mori

The Mapitagans, together with our wives and families, extend our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of our Class President Emeritus Nick Bartolome on the untimely passing of his beloved daughter, Nicar Noemi Bartolome-Ramos, on 3 May 2026 in Singapore.

Nicar’s remains lay in repose at the Bartolome residence in Pinasling, Gerona, Tarlac from 8 to 12 May 2026. A farewell mass was celebrated on 13 May 2026 at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Gerona, after which she was brought to Davao City for another wake at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes from 13 to 16 May 2026. She was finally laid to rest at Manila Memorial Park in Davao City on 17 May 2026.

During this time of profound grief, we as a class, stand in solidarity with Nick, Noemi, and their family. We pray that they may find strength, comfort, and peace in the love and memories they shared with Nicar.

May her soul now find eternal rest in the loving embrace of our Almighty God, and may perpetual light shine upon her always. 🙏

Note: A beautiful tribute to Nicar was made by Mistah Jess Lomeda. For moredetails on his blog, please go to the link:

NICAR

Message from the Class President

As we enter the third quarter of the year, we are reminded that time continues to move swiftly, bringing with it both achievements and life’s unexpected challenges.

Our Class has once again demonstrated unity, camaraderie, and steadfast support for one another through meaningful gatherings, outreach initiatives, and continued concern for our Mistahs and their families.

We raise our glasses in celebration of the accomplishments of Ed Tamayo and Mike Rodriguez for their election as Chairman and Trustee, respectively, of PETFI. In similar fashion, we likewise acknowledge with pride the continuing service of our Honorary Member and Mistah, Deputy Speaker Nabil A. Tan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.

However, it is also with deep sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Nicar, the beloved and only daughter of our Class President Emeritus Nick and Dr. Noemi Bartolome. Her passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of valuing every precious moment with our loved ones.

May this difficult moment also inspire us, especially in our twilight years, to prioritize our health and well-being. Let us continue praying for our Mistahs facing serious medical conditions and seek Almighty God’s guidance, protection, and strength.

Amid today’s uncertainties, may we remain hopeful, faithful, and positive in spirit—ever united in the enduring brotherhood of Mapitagan.

May God continue to graciously bless the Mapitagans!

-end-

5PHOTOS (10) FOR PMA 1980 CLASS CALL for 2nd Quarter 2026

Photo 1

The nine jubilant Mapitagans marking their respective birthdays in the 2nd Quarter of 2026 before the ceremonial intoning of the Mapitagan Birthday Chant and then blowing of candles on the birthday cake. Left to Right: Ted Torralba, Willie Campos, Noel Coballes, Herbert Yambing, Bogs Abogado, Nick Bartolome, Nene delos Reyes, Mie Mendoza, and Onell Lleno.

Photo 2

Mapitagan golfers strategizing—and, of course, engaging in the usual bolahizing—moments before teeing off under the early summer morning sun.

Photo 3

On 11 February 2026, where Mapitagans Armando “Manding” Guzman and Gerry Layug were honored as recipients of the prestigious “Natatanging Rizalian” Award for Military Service. Joining them at center is Cavalier Benjamin Gomez ’57, former President of JRI.

Photo 4

Honorary Mistah Atty. Nabil A. Tan takes his oath of office as Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament on 29 April 2026 before Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua following his re-election to the post.

Photo 5

Mistahs Bong Cabantac and Ager Ontog, together with their respective spouses Fe Marie and Len, during the birthday dinner celebration of Dra. Len at the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Downtown, Taiwan.

Photo 6

The two Mapitagan couples—Mistahs Bong Cabantac and Ager Ontog with their respective spouses Fe Marie and Len—pose amid the vibrant flower fields of Zhongshe Flower Market in Taichung, Taiwan, with its iconic Dutch-style windmill as backdrop.

Photo 7

Mapitagan bonding time in Cerritos, California, USA, as longtime US-based Mistahs reunite with visiting Edmund Tan over dinner and fellowship. From left to right: Mike Agudo, Del Lorenzo, Alex de Guzman, Alan Sta. Ana, and Edmund Tan.

Photo 8

The ladies likewise enjoyed their own bonding moment during the fellowship in Cerritos, California. Posing for posterity are, from left to right: Roda Sta. Ana, Nini Tan, Mamer Lorenzo, Ruby Agudo, and Cora de Guzman.