Praise the Lord, Tony fulfilled my ambition when he graduated from the PMA in 1963. Pat was then the President of the PMA ladies’ circle, composed of wives of Generals, Colonels, Lt. Colonels, Majors, Captains, and Lieutenants, although she was just a Captain’s wife. We were both very happy!
We watched the last participation of Tony in PMA Cadet’s uniform at the grandstand for their parade and review, and had pictures taken with Mg. Susing and the kids. We were all very proud to have Tony with us, but Pat was busy entertaining Mrs. Macapagal, the First Lady of the land.
The graduation ball and placing of the rank insignia for the graduates was attended by President Macapagal as Guest Speaker.
We invited Mrs. Bettye Quisquiano, Pat’s close friend, and Col. and Mrs. Bersola to the ball. The Gym was full of visitors from all over the Philippines. It was a GALA NIGHT AFFAIR!
I was in Gala Uniform, with black pants and tuxedo, while Pat was in her best Pilipina Dress. We had picture takings with Tony after he got his diploma, but before that, something unusual happened. There was a commotion near the stage. Pat and I were wondering what happened.
Then we saw our son Tony being carried out unconscious to the Dispensary. Pat and I followed. There I laid my hands on Tony’s forehead, prayed, called his name, and he opened his eyes.
He asked: What happened? We told him that he collapsed. He smiled, then stood up. We brought him back to the Gym, where he was able to receive his diploma and his rank insignia as Ensign, Philippine Navy.
My turn to have an embarrassing moment came. While dancing with American lady Bettye Q., my black pants ripped at the back, exposing my white drawers to the public. A soldier called my attention to it and I backed to the seats, RED-FACED.
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