Big day for brother, sis at PMA

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines  â€“ The bond of these two siblings has grown deeper as mistahs as they graduate today from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2013.

Marvic Ibarde, 22, is the class baron or brigade commander of PMA Class Pudang Kalis (Sacred Sword) and will receive the Chief of Staff Saber Award. His sister, 21-year-old Mariz Jane, ranks number 12 in the class honor roll. She will be conferred the Tactics Plaque and Conduct Award.

After their graduation, the Bicolano-Ilocano Ibarde siblings will join the Philippine Army, considered as the most dangerous unit in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“It was my childhood dream to become a soldier. I loved war movies when I was a child,” Marvic said.

Her brother’s dream inspired Mariz to become a PMAyer too.

Against their parents’ will, Marvic entered PMA in 2008 and Mariz followed him in 2009.

The Ibardes went to the Lucban Elementary School in Baguio. They became classmates at the Benguet National High School from second year to fourth year as Marvic had to stop his studies for two years.

The class of Pudang Kalis is composed of 124 cadets, including 19 females.

Topnotcher Jestony Arman Lanaja is leading this year’s graduating class along with four female cadets in the Top 10 - Maryam Balais, Joselyn Advincula, Vanessa Factor and Marila Maniscan.

Noy, Binay at PMA graduation rites

President Aquino will lead today’s PMA graduation rites in Baguio City.

The President will be handing the Presidential Saber to PMA Class Pudang Kalis valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Lanaja.

Aquino will also be installed as honorary Ibaloi, in which ceremony 10 pigs will be sacrificed.

He will also meet with local leaders at the Melvin Jones Grandstand along with the administration senatorial candidates.

Vice President Jejomar Binay will also attend the PMA 2013 commencement exercises.

Binay and the senatorial bets of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) will hold a campaign sortie at the Fort Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar at 9 a.m. today. -With Aurea Calica, Jose Rodel Clapano