From the Commander - Speeches

13 February 2009
MESSAGE OF MGEN REYNALDO B MAPAGU
TESTIMONIAL DINNER WITH THE PMAAAI
(Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City)

At the outset, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for the red carpet accommodation bestowed upon me. Allow me as well to acknowledge other guests and honorees present – we have the Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command, Major General Raymundo B. Ferrer AFP, Regional Director of Police Regional Office XI, Police Chief Senior Superintendent Pedro U. Tango, my Assistant Division Commander, Brigadier General Jose B. Viscara AFP, ladies and gentlemen - a pleasant evening to everyone.

I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be an inspiration to everyone - especially my successors. In my heart, I hope to pass on and share with you the wisdom i have gained in my entire years in the service that enabled me to surmount lots of challenges in life. Admittedly, the ALMIGHTY GOD has been so good and he has blessed me so much than I expected.

Indeed, I am happy that we are gathered tonight – we are reliving that strong bond that connects us by the virtues and spirit that emanated from our beloved alma mater. And, such gathering like this has always humbled me down as I remember of the bygone days and my simple beginnings.

I would like to thank the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc., Eagle Fraternal Chapter for the warm welcome and for making me feel always at my best together with the rest of honorees.

It is also my pleasure to join in this salute to other distinguished cavaliers tonight. I also take immense pride for the continued excellence of the rest of the cavaliers on their firm resolve to become an instrument of the government in peace and progress especially in this Eastern part of Mindanao. May this also pay tribute to other cavaliers who have gone ahead of us in heaven.

I also commend teh PMAAA- Eagel Fraternal Chapter - for initiating all the activities lined up that are aimde at strengthening brotherhood adn camaraderie among fellow cavaliers.

May our fellowship tonight provide an avenue to share reflections as well as plan out thoughts for similar activities in the future, be it social or civi. But what matters most now is that we share the laughter, talks and make some "BULAHAN” in a relaxed mood “DAHIL BUKAS AY TRABAHO NA NAMAN TAYO”.

But what we aim for tonight, may we all have the spirit of joy and a moment to reflect our success that we had for us to cherish. I am humbled down as well with the success that I have achieved as far as my career is concern and attribute all thses success to my alma mater. All these years of committed military service showed me how our Almighty Father has blessed me.

I am even more inspired by the vallant deeds and common character you displayed as true cavaliers. I have witnessed the sincerity to be of service to the people as we persistently engage ourselves in social activities and obligations together. It is comforting to note that I couls still see these values intact adn uphled despite of the many influences and temptations in these modern days. We should always keep up the unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps within us and to other people surround us and whom we work with.

Once again, thank you so much for inviting me here and for tendering me with honor. Thanks as well for helping me to further cement my rightful share of legacy while in the service. You made me feel at home here with you, my fellow cavaliers.

Let us keep that light in us burning. Let us continue the passion and soar high like that of an eagle, which is true to his name, the Eagle Fraternal Chapter. I therefore encourage the young cavaliers present today to soar higher with great ideals. Just flock your wings - so to speak -- but always seek for guidance from the senior officers who have gained wisdom from their experiences in the servivce.

I urge you even more to nourish and nurture the foundation that we have established and that emanated from our beloved alma mater. Be a leader by example. let us eliminate greed, jealousy and rivalries. Take out all the negative emotions if it' not healthy anymore. This world is not perfect as it is, there are always challenges and problems along the way but you should always embody the right virute and attitude to gracefully face them all. Always remember that the whole Filipino nations has looked at us as a microcosm of gallant men and women dubbed as “heroes of the land”. They have expected us a lot.

Finally, to the officers of this chapter, my congratulations for the success of this activity and for the undertaking that you had accompished recently. Our alma mater would be beaming with pride for the kind of graduates it has produced. Let us not fail teh trust adn confidence have in us. May God Bless You with dyanmic and youthful members. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening. "MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT!!!!!!"

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