It seems, I came on a wrong day (it being a Monday) for a visit to the Philippine Military Academy, missing out on the weekly military ceremony which consists of a regular Saturday Inspection (SI) of ranks, all dressed in their colorful uniforms consisting of a dark gray jacket with heavy brass buttons, a pair of white pants and the shaku, and their parade at Borromeo Field.

Military Drill

Military ceremonies, important parts of the academy’s tradition, serve the dual function of rendering honors and courtesies to deserving officials and dignitaries and to train the cadets through parades, precision marching, poise and discipline. Occasionally, silent drills are also held, wherein the performers, selected from the yearlings or the third-class cadets, execute drills and marches which include precise manual of arms and fancy formations, all done without commands. However, we still witnessed the 11 AM military drills which were a spectacle in itself. Rest assured, my future visit to the academy will be on a Saturday.

Fort Del Pilar: Loakan Rd., Baguio City, Benguet