Soaring to Success: David Chua graduates top of his class as Air Force reservist
Entertainment multihyphenate David Chua proudly earned the rank of sergeant as he graduated at the top of his class as a Philippine Air Force reservist. Aside from his certificate of completion, David also received the Strongman’s Award “for obtaining the highest points in the Physical Fitness Test in the BCMT Class 2023 BRAVO.”
David with his certificate of completion and Strongman’s Award
After three months of intensive training, the actor-producer-director and his Manlawid Class 2023 batchmates flashed their snappiest salutes during their commencement ceremonies held on September 30 at the PAF Gymnasium, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
PAF Maj. Gen Elpidio Talja, commander, Air Force Reserve Command; Korina Sanchez-Roxas; David
Philippine Airlines President and COO Stanley Ng was also part of David’s batch of reservist graduates.
“All the hard work was worth it,” exclaims Sgt. Chua. “Sometimes, you really have to put on a soldier’s boots and uniform to understand the sacrifices and hardships that they endure, all for the love of the country.”
“It’s sad to know that most of today’s youth are actually wasting their time on gadgets, games, or social media, when they could be doing something more constructive for themselves and for their country.”
David with PAF 1st Air Force Wing Reserve Wing Commander, Brig. Gen Charito Plaza (center)
He adds, “The soldier’s life is far from being charmed. There’s no way for you to get attached to things because all you take with you are your survival skills and instincts. Of course, there’s always the reality of coming to grips with your own mortality.”
“For me, my biggest takeaway is discipline. After the training, now I realize the value of time. I can finish my meal in 15 minutes. And believe it or not, I now make my bed every morning, unlike before.”
Lyn Inductivo, Sgt. Stanley Ng, President/COO, Philippine Airlines; PAF 1st Air Force Wing Commander Brig. Gen Charito Plaza; Korina Sanchez-Roxas; PAF Maj. Gen Elpidio Talja, commander, Air Force Reserve Command; PAF Col. Ritza Jovellanos; Sgt. David Chua
David commends the AFP officers who led them through their reservist course. “After all the drills — standing at attention under the blazing heat, getting drenched in rain, crawling in dirt — you realize that this ‘tough love’ is meant for a purpose. It teaches you to take charge of your life, instead of making up excuses and claiming entitlement for everything you want.”
David at training camp
Immediately after their graduation, on October 1, David and his class trooped to Taytay, Rizal, to conduct a medical mission. With their contingent of medical specialists, they offered free dental, ECG, and X-ray services to destitute families.
David with his fellow reservist batchmates
Fresh from his Thailand trip where he was honored at the Thailand International Leadership Awards 2023, the award-winning director, who is also known for conducting his own charity advocacies in Manila’s Tondo district, enjoins the youth to take up military training.
David assisting one of the elderly patients during their medical mission in Tanay, Rizal
He emphasizes, “There’s no better way to instill patriotism in our youth than by teaching them that all of us are directly responsible for the freedom and all the other civil liberties we enjoy as citizens of our country. And part of that responsibility means being willing to fight and die for those ideals.”
