President: CAESAR RONNIE F ORDOYO

Secretary: EDMUND C TAN

The third quarter of 2026 found the Mapitagans once again drawing strength from the enduring bonds of brotherhood forged half a century ago within the hallowed grounds of the Philippine Military Academy. The period brought moments of remembrance and fellowship, pride in the achievements of a distinguished Honorary Mistah, support for a longtime friend in the performing arts, and delight in the milestone of a promising young apo.

Yet amid these joyful moments came the sad farewell to a beloved Mistah—a poignant reminder that, as the years pass, the true strength of Mapitagan lies not merely in shared memories, but in remaining present for one another through both celebration and loss.

Farewell to a Mistah

The period began on a somber note as our PMA Mapitagan Class of 1980 mourned with deep sadness the passing of our beloved Mistah Monching Loria in the early hours of Thursday, 4 June 2026 in Baguio City.

His mortal remains lay in repose at St. Ignatius Chapel, PMA, Fort del Pilar beginning 5 June, where Mistahs, family, and friends gathered to pay their final respects. A necrological service was held on Sunday, 7 June, followed by the Farewell Mass the following morning before his cremation.

Only a few months earlier, Mistahs had visited MonLors at his Baguio residence after the PMA Alumni Homecoming and personally conveyed the Class’ prayers, friendship, and modest assistance during his treatment. His passing therefore touched the Class deeply.

Rest in eternal peace, Mistah MonLors. We shall remember you with affection and honor the friendship, brotherhood, and legacy of service you leave behind. 🙏

2nd Quarter Birthday Fellowship Lunch

As June drew to a close, the Class moved from a time of remembrance to another cherished Mapitagan tradition—the quarterly gathering to celebrate life, friendship, and the birthdays of our Mistahs.

Tuesday, 30 June 2026, arrived with heavy morning rains. But downpours have never dampened the spirits of Mapitagans, whose mettle has been tested and proven both in the field and on the fairway. What they were less prepared for was the heavy traffic that snarled major roads along EDSA after thousands of rallyists gathered near a commemorative monument.

The 2nd Quarter Birthday Fellowship Lunch, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., thusstarted late as the 30 attendees arrived in trickles after finding their way around the gridlock. By 1:40 p.m., however, Dimalupig A Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Country Club (AFPCOC) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City was buzzing with familiar Mapitagan camaraderie. Class President Ces Ordoyo called everyone front and center for the traditional group photo to formally open the abbreviated celebration.

The seven birthday celebrators present—Jardie Mantele, Gil Meneses, Ric Pasamba, Emil Sarmiento, Jie Segovia, Raffy Torres, and Efren Yebra—then gathered around the birthday cake for the ceremonial blowing of candles, with President Emeritus Nick Bartolome leading the one-of-a-kind Mapitagan Birthday Chant.

During the senior-friendly late buffet lunch, Mapitagan favorite Bo Cerrudo regaled everyone with his powerful, ageless voice. Surprise guest songstress Allynna Velasquez joined Bo in several OPM duets, much to the delight of the Mistahs. Despite the rain, traffic, and delayed start, another Mapitagan fellowship ended—as always—with good food, good music, and even better company.

Mapitagan Excellence in Broadcasting

The Class proudly congratulates Honorary Mistah Angelo “Angel” Palmones, a longtime friend of many Mapitagans and later adopted into the Class, for receiving two prestigious recognitions for his continuing excellence in broadcast journalism.

Angel was named “Best News Anchor” at the 20th Gandingan Awards on 25 April 2026. Organized by the UP Los Baños Community Broadcasters’ Society, Inc., the award recognized his exceptional work on the DZRH radio program Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.

A respected veteran broadcaster, his achievements did not stop there. On 11 June 2026, Angel was also named “Radio Personality of the Year” at the Rotary Club of Manila Pro Patria Journalism Awards 2026, recognizing his contributions to radio broadcasting, public education, and responsible journalism. Congratulations, Mistah Angel! Your professionalism, integrity, and continuing dedication to excellence bring honor not only to your profession but also to the entire Mapitagan Class. Carry on! 👏

“UnstoppaBOl”: Mapitagan-Sponsored Concert

The media calls him the Premier Classical Balladeer. To the Mapitagans, however, Bo Cerrudo is first and foremost a good friend—one who rarely misses our social gatherings and is always ready to mesmerize the Mistahs with his big, booming voice and repertoire of timeless tunes and OPM classics.

In appreciation—and perhaps as a tribute—to this enduring friendship, the Mapitagan Class of 1980, as a supporter of the arts, sponsored “UnstoppaBOl,” a concert celebrating Bo’s decades-long career in the music industry.

On 15 July 2026, nearly a hundred music lovers gathered at Red Rhino at The Hub in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City for an evening of music and entertainment. Among those in the audience to lend their support were Mapitagans and their ladies Nick and Noemi Bartolome, Vic and Ella Caragan, Paco and Baby Francisco, Gil and Cristy Meneses, Emil and Mae Sarmiento, Raffy and Evelyn Torres, Rainier and Dolly Cruz, Jeff and Tess Tupas, and Herbert and Marivic Yambing. Also present were Ces Ordoyo, Jardie Mantele, Efren Yebra, and Jigs Cristales.

It was the Mapitagan way of returning the favor to a friend who has generously shared his music with the Class through the years—and an evening that proved friendship, like a good song, only gets better with time.

Milestone: A Heart of Gold

The familiar saying “Nothing beats the original” may not always be ironclad—especially when good qualities are passed down to the next generation.

Five-year-old Finn Bonnibel “PB” Armada, granddaughter of proud Mapitagan Lolo Onell Lleno through his second daughter, Atty. Kae, received the special “Heart of Gold Award”, together with two other certificates of recognition from her school. The award reflects the school’s holistic approach to education, emphasizing not only intellectual development but also character, values, and spiritual formation. Upon her Kindergarten graduation on 3 June 2026, PB added two more medals to her growing collection.

Galing! Mana talaga kay Lolo! Hehe. 😊

Message from the Class President

My Dear Mapitagans,

As we face the uncertainties of global conflict, political divisions, and the continuing challenges of corruption and governance, let us remain unwavering in our faith and steadfast in our commitment to serve.

God has carried us through countless trials before, and He will continue to guide us if we place our trust in His divine providence. Like Alex Eala, whose humility, perseverance, and discipline have inspired our nation, let us pursue excellence with courage and grace.

As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, let us welcome the coming holiday season with renewed hope, grateful hearts, and a deeper resolve to become instruments of God’s peace, justice, and compassion.

May the Lord continue to bless our Class, our Armed Forces, our nation, and ourfamilies.

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Mabuhay ang PMA Mapitagan Class of 1980!

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