Have You Been To PMA?

Have You Been To PMA?

            Philippine Military Academy is one the most visited tourist spots in Baguio City. It is situated south of Baguio City central business district. It is a 20 minute drive from Baguio City with a distance of approximately eleven (11) kilometers. If you haven’t been to PMA, here are some of the teasers and PMA has more to offer. The data for the following scenic spots were lifted from the records of PMA Corps Publication written by   Cadet Calusor, a member of PMA Class of 2017.

SUNDIAL

The sundial was donated by PMA classes of 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956. Aside from its timepiece importance of reminding cadets of the significance of time, surrounding the sundial is a pool used by the cadets in the ceremonial “dunking”. The honor of shining the brass parts of the sundial belong to the plebes of the Alfa Company, one of the Companies of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippine.

TREE HOUSE “53”

Built in 1980 and is donated by PMA class of 1953. Every tourist entering the academy would never miss taking pictures of the tree house since it has a view of the Kennon road as background. For cadets, it is a place for prayer after evening mess where city lights from Baguio makes the atmosphere more sentimental.

PMA MUSEUM

The PMA museum houses the proud history of the academy since its inauguration on 13 October 1939. Collection of rare artifacts that are donated by graduates and friends of the Academy were placed inside. People that visit the museum are treated with the Academy’s glorious history displayed in cold artifacts and storied photographs. The Museum was first situated on what we call now as Lecture Hall ‘B’ and then transferred to the old station hospital that is now an enlisted personnel barracks until it finally has its home in a separate building adjacent to the PMA Library.

SHAKU (Cadet Circle)

Cadet Circle widely known as Shaku is situated just after the brick gate and at the pinnacle of the slope on what cadets call as “checkpoint”.  In it were gigantic displays of parts of cadet uniforms like Cadet Officer’s Shaku, hop gloves, sash and sword. The Shaku never faces the visitors coming inside but those that are going out that reminds cadets that no one starts becoming part of the long gray line as officers but everyone who graduates are all cadet officers worthy of the shaku, sash and sword.

GENERAL DEL PILAR SHRINE

From the words of the young general “I am surrounded by fearful odds that will overcome me and my gallant men, but I am pleased to die for my beloved country”. General Del Pilar being a symbol of the academy’s intent of producing leaders carried by the same passion was dedicated with a monument erected right in front of the flagpole. It is placed as a constant reminder to both cadets and alumni to serve the country unselfishly.

            Now, have you considered visiting PMA? You are more than welcome to visit and experience  PMA.

REFERENCES:

-CALUSOR MS, (2016, December 19), Personal Interview

-PMA Corps Board and Staff, (Photographer). (2016,December 19),  PMA Scenic Views,  Retrieved from Academy Scribe and PMA Corps Board records