Cureless

I heard the news about Arroyo’s extension of Esperon’s term on TV. With no intent to speculate about political agendas and whatnots, I just want to recall about my personal encounters with him and a few other high military officials when I was still in the service.

When General Hermogenes Esperon stood as the Philippine Army commanding general, he visited our unit. On his way to our Colonel’s office, we all formed lines to salute and shake his hand. It was my turn when he halted and asked something like

Ne, pinabili ka lang ng suka ng nanay mo at dito ka na napadpad. (We’re you somehow told by your mom to buy vinegar and you lost your way here?)

I’m used to these kind of jokes. I got enlisted in the military, with my (waived) diminutive stature. I knew he was only trying to release the tensed atmosphere created by his presence. And he successfully does when other soldiers began chuckling. That wasn’t the last time I had a close encounter with him.

During the burial of Gen. Esperon’s father-in-law (a retired US military man), I was an usherette for a night at Heritage Park. Aside from chatting with the officers, the main part of our job was making sure the guests have something to eat.

While I was in the kitchen preparing the food to be served, the general appeared, to my surprise. Uh oh, I needed to be at my best snappy self. But then he told us to relax and help ourselves with the food in case we’re hungry.

I heard and seen him a lot more times from afar than those two instances. I was part of the parading elements who honored his ascension to office when he succeeded General Generoso Senga as Philippine Army chief (which he also replaced as AFP chief). And not to forget those numerous times we gathered at the grandstand.

Yes, he’s a part of my military memories.

-

Well, I have another short story about the incoming AFP Chief (and present Philippine Army commander) General Alexander Yano. During his tenure as the Philippine Army Headquarters chief (under Gen. Senga), he had this reputation of being strict about the physical well-being of the soldiers. I think it was during his time when road runs at Libingan ng mga Bayani and The Fort became a part of our routine.

My closest encounter with his was inside in the weights area of the Wellness Center’s gym. Like whoa. He’s got these bulky bi and triceps and it didn’t matter if he’s breathing same air exhaled by us, peasant soldiers that we are. We began calling him our “gym buddy” (without him knowing it, of course). I’m really fond of seeing these tall people.