In 1962, when I was due for rotation, I got orders to return to the PMA as instructor to replace Capt. Sotumino Domingo, who had a son that passed the PMA exam. Pat and I and the kids were very happy because we were going to be together again! Praise the Lord.
When I returned to the PMA, Tony was already a first class cadet with the rank of Cadet Lieutenant as Platoon Leader. He was my student in law subjects. Our quarters was the second building nearest the PMA Academic Building, within walking distance to school.
I planted okra in front of our quarters above our carport, and even our neighbors came to ask for fruits and tender tops. We raised some chickens, including a Texas hen that hatched in the forest behind our house. Bobby was brought to the cockpit to fight his Texas rooster by PMA enlisted men. He was the youngest JABONERO!
Toots built a golf course around the house for his friends to play with him. Bobby, with a slingshot, hit the eyes of the son of Major Dizon. Jun rode the PMA big horses and drove the jeep and our car.
Betty had a debut in the PMA Clubhouse with PMA Cadets as guests. Bing had a cadet boyfriend whose nickname was Bong, Cadet Cortez. Jojo became the first Reyna Elena of the Ft. del Pilar chapel. Every Saturday PMA inspection and parade was attended by us to cheer Tony.
I played tennis and golf and went swimming with Col. Job Mayo, Const. Supt., who had a graduating son and a plebe son as PMA cadets. He was a very proud father, but he died of a heart attack while in the movie house with his wife and did not see his son graduate from PMA.
Pat became the President of the PMA Ladies. She was also an insurance agent of Insular Life and traveled to La Union and Pangasinan for clients. She also became the President of FINSLOY, a Saving and Loan Banking company in Baguio, with many traveling tellers under her.
Tony’s graduation was very memorable, but [before/after] the ceremonies he suddenly fainted and was revived to get his diploma.
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