00:00 In South Korea, many K-pop idols temporarily stopped being artists
00:05 to fulfill their compulsory military service.
00:08 Here in the Philippines, we are not forced to serve in the military.
00:13 But you can volunteer, like what I did as a reservist.
00:18 Another aspect of my life that I am going through now
00:28 is serving in the Philippines as a Philippine Navy Reserve Officer.
00:33 My grandfather, the original Sixo Dantes,
00:38 was a colonel in the Philippine Army, a veteran of World War II.
00:43 He served in the Philippines even after the war was over,
00:47 until he retired.
00:49 That's why this 2006, I became a finalist as a reservist in the Philippine Marine Reserve Force.
00:57 Like other reservists, I experienced how difficult it is for our fellow soldiers to train.
01:05 For me, the most unforgettable thing is when you wake up at 4am,
01:09 you have to run 5km to get your equipment.
01:14 Plus, of course, it's really the camaraderie of the group.
01:18 As a reservist, there are many ways to help our fellow soldiers.
01:25 But there are also many ways that our fellow countrymen do not have the courage.
01:30 One of them is that I will never forget the way we helped the victims of the Volcanic Eruption in 2020.
01:38 I was also with the fellow reservist and fellow soldier, Roco Nasino.
01:43 In 2020, when Lieutenant Commander Ranggong was awarded to me.
01:54 Last December 2023, I was formally welcomed as an honorary member of the Philippine Navy Seabees.
02:00 I learned a lot of values here in the military and during my training.
02:06 I imparted them to our family.
02:09 Before going on missions, one of the activities of a reservist is the Field Training Exercises or FTX.
02:17 [Fighting sounds]
02:22 With the highlights of FTX is the marksmanship training and record finding.
02:26 [Fighting sounds]
02:33 But no matter how hard it is, your performance becomes fulfilling especially when compared to the officers.
02:39 [Fighting sounds]
02:40 [Clapping]
02:42 [Music]
02:49 We are more inspired to do a job or project if our family's support is all out.
02:55 You know that because my wife and children are behind me in fulfilling my duty as a military reservist.
03:03 On March 25, I woke up early and prepared for a special occasion, graduation.
03:11 I was with my wife, Marian, when I received the Certificate of Completion of Naval Combat Engineer Officer Basic Course.
03:18 I feel more proud that my supportive wife, she pinned the Rifle Expert Badge and Medal to me.
03:26 Marian is the cheerleader of the Dante Squad who is always present at every milestone of my life as a reservist.
03:35 [Fighting sounds]
03:41 As a soldier, I have only one goal, to bring the Philippine Army to a good and safe environment.
03:48 [Music]
03:49 [Silence]
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