Celebrities usually have a access to the easy life but some have taken on harsh physical and mental challenges to train to become reserve military officers.
Here are some of the celebrities that have answered the call of duty.
1. Gerald Anderson
Gerald Anderson became part of the Army’s reserve force after he completed a three-day training course in August 2019. This was in line with his preparation for the upcoming series A Soldier’s Heart.
2. Dingdong Dantes
Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes renewed his commitments as a member of the reserve force in 2017. He was enlisted in the Marine Reserve Force in 2006. He will soon be seen as a soldier in the Pinoy adaptation of the hit Koreanovela series Descendants of the Sun.
3. Matteo Guidicelli
Matteo Guidicelli, a Filipino-Italian actor, proudly announced that he joined the Philippine Army Reserve Force in April 2019. The actor considered his new journey as an exciting juncture in his life.
“I officially joined the Philippine ARMY today because I love my country. I would like to thank the people that have been very supportive. Exciting times ahead.”
Prior to this, Matteo together with Erwan Heussaff and Nico Bolzico became members of the Philippines Coast Guard Auxilary (PCGA) 408 Squadron. They were addressed as lieutenant commanders.
4. Manny Pacquiao
Eight-division world boxing champion and Sarangani senator Manny Pacquiao was enlisted in the Army reserve force with the rank of sergeant in April 2006. In September 2011, former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III approved Pacman’s commissionship to lieutenant colonel.He recently received the prestigious Meritorious Achievement Medal after winning against American Adrien Broner.
5. Vicente Sotto III
Eat Bulaga co-host Tito Sotto is a proud member of the Philippine Army. The incumbent Senate President was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Philippine Army Reserve Force in 2013. Sotto had been commissioned in the 1980s as a reserve officer of the now-defunct Philippine Constabulary, with a rank of major.
6. Diether Ocampo
Aside from being an actor, Diether Ocampo is a member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. According to the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, his official rank in the uniformed volunteer organization is Lieutenant Commander.
The actor shared his realizations that pushed him to pursue further education towards becoming a seafarer.
“Nakilala ko lalo kung sino ako. Nakilala ko ang mga Pilipino, nakilala ko kung gaano kayaman ang Pilipinas pagdating sa tao. Kaya nagdesisyon ako na mas mabuti pa siguro na pasukin ko ang mundo ng seafarer,” Deither said.
