Marines ‘invade’ Mall of Asia

The Marines may be the most feared by enemies of the state but they, too, can be entertaining.

Leaving their arms in the barracks, the Philippine Marines wowed the weekend shoppers at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City when they "stormed" the world-class mall yesterday, bringing with them only their drill rifles, band and singers and their drum-and-bugle corps.

Highlighted by a silent drill, free concert, and static display of the Marines’ modern armament, yesterday’s event at the biggest shopping mall in the country showcased the week-long Philippine Marine’s 56th birthday celebration.

"This is to show our people the other side of their Marines," Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) spokesman, said, stressing these soldiers weren’t limited to battle.

Shoppers of all ages got a closer look at V300 heavy tanks, held an ultra-modern sniper and automatic rifles on display, mingled and

joined elements of the force reconnaissance boat raiding teams at the seawall and had their pictures taken.

"Bata at matanda, gustong magpakuha ng picture doon sa mga nakadisplay nating mga gamit (Young and old wanted their photos taken with our equipment)," Caculitan said.

What wowed the shoppers most, Caculitan said, was the Marines’ drum-and-bugle exhibition.

Composed mostly of male members, the soldiers performed just as well as their female civilian counterparts.

"Nakita ng mga tao na hindi lang pala mga pang-giyera ang ating mga Marines. Magagaling din sa mga gawaing pambabae. It’s rare. Maraming shoppers ang natuwa (The people saw that our Marines are not just for war. They are also good in things associated with women.)," Caculitan said.

Dispatching the Marines to combat in a certain area is usually the military’s last recourse to contain a delicate situation – in short, the mere mention of the Marines means there is trouble.

"It’s the new face of the Marines in our 56th birthday celebration," Caculitan said, referring to the event yesterday. He added that the Marines would be at the Mall Asia be until the whole day of Sunday (today).

He said that people from all walks of life can always come and watch their Marines perform a live concert featuring their own singers and watch the Marine silent drill and the drug and bugle exhibitions.

Caculitan said the week-long celebration will end on Nov. 7 with the awarding ceremonies at 5 p.m., to be held at Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.