Tony Blando Shares His Thoughts of Yammy

With the info of Yammy's passing away I tried to contain my emotions but I just couldn't control the tears from welling out. I Have fond memories of Yammy not much during HS but more during the 4 years we were together in AdeN ROTC. I remember him drilling alone under the heat of the sun in June 1974. He was the first one to sign up as OCS. Later, Bobi Moreno, Binong Martirez and myself joined him to complete a squad training to become ROTC officers. I couldn't imagine his determination because he was lanky and even frail for the training. He was so determined he wanted to become an Army officer someday, nothing in mind but to avenge the death of his father in the hands of the "rebels". He would always endure because of his determination and resourcefulness. I remember while we were in Tanay, Rizal during the Summer Camp Training in 1976. Because life in a camp was real hard, gabos naka pila, sa pagkakan, sa pag gamit kan CR. Nakapila pa kami si Yammy yaon na, tapos na and fresh and bubbly. He was so resourceful na nakakarigos na palan sa ibang area of the camp. It was time of our E & E (Escape and Evasion) - a supposed gruelling experince where trainees were to evade encountering "enemy". While we traversed hills and and streams to get to the "safehouse", si Yammy puerte na an turog ta kaya palan, he just walked through the road with his squad. He was funny, real funnny because out of nowhere you'd know Yammy was coming because his coming was always announced by his loud voice whatever manner he'd do it... loud singing, command, etc. We always looked forward to "magpataba". He'd say "Doblanz kakan kitang maluto sa harong". And that was merindalan lang. Yamy was a real buddy. While we were in 3rd year, both Yammy and I were already receiving salary from the AFP as civilian employees, me as Graduate Assistant and Yammy as Armorer replacing Tiong Joe Sanchez (remember him?). As my Ex-O (S3), I acknowledge and credit him for the honor the AdeN ROTC Golden Knight Ballation earned as "The Best Marching Unit" during Penafrancia Parade in 1977 besting Caloy Cortes' UNCRU and making it after 14 years!

Si yammy talaga an taong dai mo magulangan. We were also buddy when it comes to drinking. Our ROTC Officers batch had a lot of drinking "always". Yammy discovered that before having a large amount of beer-drinking (chakalak), drinking a bottle of Coke before endulging would help. He shared this secret to me. Kata tumba na sinda kami ni Yammy dai pa lamang magsusuka.

Yammy wherever you are, me, Bobi, Binong, Megs, and Benjie, will always remember these fond memories of you while we were in our prime years! For that we salute you Yammy! Send our regards to our batchmates there - Edgar Esplana, Valenciano, Boy Trespeces, Ambo Ferrer, Casin, Chris Morano and the rest na dai ko na ma guiromduman. Wait for us there because someday we can regroup and come up with a platoon! Any volunteer?? (hehehe!)

Note: Sent by e-mail from Philadelphia, USA