Friday, July 13, 2007
CLASS 2006 Our Story?
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
(Reinventing the Steel)
(Reinventing the Steel)
Our story started November 2002. Thousand of aspiring midshipmen pooled in examination centers from different parts of the archipelago to take the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy entrance examination. It was here where the capable were separated from the more capable. After the results were released, we headed our way to San Narciso, Zambales; the home of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. We underwent medical and neuropsychiatric examinations as a prerequisite to the Probationary or Indocrination period. Some were humdingers but physically unfit, while others had Herculean physique and untainted health, but were psychologically unqualified. The sea needs both - the physical and mental fitness. Of the tons of thousands who tried their luck, many returned home and only few hundred remained.
After the rigorous medical and neuropsychiatric examinations; cheers and anticipation soaked our horizons as we waited for the day would be called "Probees", the day we would be labeled boondoggles. Our remaining days as carefree civilians were spent with our love ones. Preparation like packing dozens of white underwears, printed T-shirts, prayer books, and other authorized personal effects were done. We were prohibited to bring cell phones, stereos, wristwatches, and other things which a civilian enjoyed as a luxuries of life; even meager food and water were not exempted.
to be continue:
After the rigorous medical and neuropsychiatric examinations; cheers and anticipation soaked our horizons as we waited for the day would be called "Probees", the day we would be labeled boondoggles. Our remaining days as carefree civilians were spent with our love ones. Preparation like packing dozens of white underwears, printed T-shirts, prayer books, and other authorized personal effects were done. We were prohibited to bring cell phones, stereos, wristwatches, and other things which a civilian enjoyed as a luxuries of life; even meager food and water were not exempted.
to be continue:
