PMA graduates mark new chapter with wedding proposal during graduation

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The soon-to-be-married couple are among the 266 cadets who graduated as part of the Philippine Military Academy Siklab-Laya Class of 2025

BAGUIO, Philippines – As the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 marched proudly at Fort Del Pilar, two newly commissioned second lieutenants took a bold step not just in their careers but also in their shared future.

Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Ferdinand Jose Macalay, 23, of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, dropped to his knees and proposed to his best friend, mistah, and now fiancée, 2Lt Remedios Racma Briones Lopez, 22, who is joining the Philippine Air Force.

“I proposed on the most important day of her life,” said Macalay, who will serve in the Philippine Army.

“Simula nang pumasok kami sa PMA, naging best friend kami kasi pareho kaming taga-San Jose [del Monte] (Ever since we entered the PMA, we became best friends because we’re both from San Jose del Monte),” he added.

The two have been a couple for two years, starting their relationship in their second year. They both graduated during the PMA’s commencement exercises on Saturday, May 17.

Lopez was part of 54 women who graduated on Saturday, while Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 had a total of 266 cadets — the couple included.

Lopez, radiant with her plumed shako, smiled and answered Macalay without hesitation: “Mahal kita. [Ikaw] ang aking sandalan (I love you. You are my rock).”

Their families stood just a few steps away, tearful and proud, while witnessing the moment.

Macalay’s mother, Recilda, recalled the first time she met Lopez when the cadets were still adjusting to the PMA life.

“Pareho silang responsable,” she said. “Uunahin nila ang serbisyo sa bansa bago ang pagpapakasal.” (They are both responsible. They will put service first before getting married.)

The couple plans to wed in three to five years, after fulfilling the demands of their first military assignments. For now, they are content knowing they’ll serve the country side by side. – Rappler.com