Parada at Parking

TOPIC: Ceremonial Parade

n. a military ceremony that involves the formation of a unit in the presence of its commanding officer, or distinguished guest, with the aim to check the condition and proficiency of the troops

also known to the public as: drills, marching under the sun, the infamous activity of ROTC, waste of time


At first, I was just indifferent to standing for hours or doing movements over and over. It may be because of my athletic upbringing, that I wanted to challenge myself more, or for the fact that it was part of the training. I had to find or feel its purpose and benefit if I wanted myself to find it a good activity.

I began to love parades and ceremonies when I was designated as platoon sergeant. My platoon leader then, entrusted to me a basic command - fall in. The two words, PULUTONG, HUMANAY!, brings everyone out of their rooms and into the field to form the unit. When everyone's aligned and positioned well, of course with my assistance as it is my task and responsibility, I report: "Ma'am, the platoon has been formed". An exchange of salutes take place, and I fall into place -just beside the first squad leader.

Then came the time of the Rayadillo.

I also enrolled in the cadet officer candidate course of that time. I was still taking my basic ROTC, and we were well into the preparation months for RAATI, the annual inspection of units. It is not a mystery why ROTC units spend a lot of time for the perfection of ceremonies. Pride, honor, fame, points, and awards. It should puzzle strangers nor the cadets who participate in such events. Ceremonial parades are the dances of the military world.

Cadet officers brag about being very proficient in execution of basic rifle and marching drills. They are the ones who lead the parade through a series of voice commands and movements. *kling-klang-flash-whoop* An eye catching performance of the unit will be seen, but not limited, in the following:

1. Voice commands that echo around the parade grounds
2. Synchronized lifting of rifles, and the *clang* when each cadet tap their rifles
3. No strings attached to perfectly aligned marching units
4. Fancy parade uniforms that sway with the wind, or crisp fatigues that show uniformity

It is a measure of everyone's ability to cope up with one another. Again, most of the burden fall onto the command of the officers. Cadets, and the junior officers know what to do already. It's the memory, the timing and the quick-thinking in the event that things fall apart that make cadet officers one of a kind.

It is also a means for classes of cadet officers to brag about their skill. It takes a decent amount of time to prepare yourself, your uniform and your men! I haven't mentioned some tasks that staff officers take in preparing the grounds and the operations of the ceremony. By my word, nothing beefs up the heart more than your unit, platoon or battalion, in tune to the drum's beat as you pass by the grandstand. Nothing.

Often, competition is high even during practices and rehearsals. Members of the classes are on their toes not to make mistakes, especially the upper classmen!

A really difficult part is to instill and inspire the cadets into going through this lesson in ROTC. Drills. Again. Drill. Again. It creates order and balance in a unit. It conditions cadets to be attentive to commands, and to respond properly. I was able to observe poor cadet attitude and performance when Drills and Ceremonies were incorporated at a later time. When I was a cadet, parades did not make much of our conversations, but it gave us activities to do during our tambay. Picking up rifles and doing the basics. Then, we end with some fancy spinning and tossing. It's with the person.

Gradually cadets are conditioned. It's an important part of their training, conditioning. They must be able to withstand the heat, the thirst and itch, the grasping sweaty uniforms and the nagging people behind you. If they experience the worst pain and largest stress, then only a few things would make them crumble when they're out. It's a silent lesson that cadets realize once they see they haven't reached the limit or the nightmare.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines during one of its ceremonies 

at General Headquarters, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Rayadillo Honor Guards in a Line formation. The ceremony is an arrival honors ceremony given to high ranking officials of the government and military, foreign dignitaries, VIPs and distinguished guests of events. It is part of the ROTC unit's duty to conduct such ceremonies.

As Honor Guard Commander of the Rayadillo Company 2012, during Bonifacio Day. In my class, I was the only one to hold such position. I was with my executive officer and classmate Sam Castro, and my guidon bearer - Cadet Alcain.

The UPROTC Symphonic Band in action! The band plays the usual marches and several lively pieces that suit the part of the parade. The few famous ones are Hot Stuff and Push On UP.

During the Turn-over of Command Ceremony 2013. Staff members nearest to the camera: Cadet Marteja, Cadet dela Cruz, Sam Castro (classmate), and Cadet Alcain (blocked from view).

Corps Executive Officer (the Ex-O) during Sound off. The band makes a round in front of the unit while playing a minute-long piece. The rest of the troops are in parade rest while the troop commander and staff do a unique version of the rest.

Sometimes we get to laugh at mistakes, and be proud of achievements. Wavy command voices, pagpiyok, sleepy heads bobbing during rehearsals, robotic marches and anything that's out of order. The terrain changes, the clouds move faster and the guests come in late. Parading elements stay in their positions as long as it is needed, and the officers, their role models, are always there. Most of the time, they're the stiffer ones. Things go automatic when command and music kick in. The next thing you know, it's all over and you're heading back to base.

It takes more than patience and steady, strong feet to finish a parade. Most end with a boodle fight or anything good enough to be chowed!