More and more celebrities are joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as reservists. From portraying the role of a military character on TV to making it come to reality, these celebrities have shown a passion for volunteerism and patriotism in serving their country and fellow Filipinos.

The Citizen Armed Force, or the Reserve Force, was created per Republic Act 7077 Article III Section on July 23, 1990. The mission of being part of the Reserve force is to provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disasters or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the overall mission.

Becoming a military reservist is difficult; people who signed up for this position will also experience the actual training inside an army camp. They will undergo intensive training for months, which includes marksmanship training, obstacle course, and field training exercises.

It may take a lot of energy, effort, and time, but these celebrities took up the challenge with a straightforward goal: to learn leadership, discipline, and respect for authority. Aside from that, being in the reserve force will instill and nurture a love of country.

Let's get to know these celebs who are also part of the uniformed service. 

Michelle Dee 

Before competing for the Miss Universe crown, Miss Philippines Michelle Dee, 28, is working to add another title to her name by undergoing military reservist training. The actress-beauty queen has earned her Basic Citizen Military Training certificate. Michelle wrote in her post, that it has always been a dream of becoming part of the Army. 

"It's always been a goal of mine to become a civilian reservist, which, for me is one of the highest forms of love for your country! If you're waiting for a sign - this is it," Michelle wrote on Instagram. 

Matteo Guidecelli 

Started his duty back in 2019, Matteo Guidicelli now holds the position of Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Army. Matteo, 33, also made history by becoming the first celebrity to attend the Presidential Security Group's (PSG) VIP Protection Course last Aug. 25, 2022, at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park, Manila.

"It’s an incredible experience na nothing can compare, yung skillset na natutunan ko dito, iba eh. Hindi mo matutunan kahit saan.” Matteo sharing his experience on joining as a Military reservists.

(It's an incredible experience; nothing can compare. The skill set that I learned here is different. You won't be able to learn them anywhere else.) 

Ronnie Liang 

Despite balancing his studies and duties as a Philippine Army Reservist, Ronnie, 38, helped transport stranded commuters and medical personnel amid the community quarantine. Serving his time as a Military Reservist, the singer and actor participated in military activities, he even made an album entitled "Para sa Kapayapaan" to honor the soldiers who served their lives for our country. 

"It's a humbling experience, life-changing actually. It has opened my eyes to what's really happening on the ground," said Ronnie in sharing his experience on joining as a military reservists.

David Chua 

The actor/director recently earned his rank as Sergeant as he graduated at the top of his class as part of the Philippine Air Force reservist. After three months of intensive training, David, 34, earned the Strongman's Award for scoring the highest Physical Fitness Test score in the BCMT Class 2023 BRAVO. David immediately went on a medical mission to conduct military activity in San Andres Apostol Parish Church, Greenwoods Village in Cainta, Rizal. 

"For me, my biggest takeaway is discipline. After the training, I realized the value of time. I can finish my meal in 15 minutes. And believe it or not, I make my bed every morning, unlike before," David wrote on social media.

Dingdong Dantes 

Being in the Philippine Navy Reservist since 2009, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in January 2020. Dingdong, 43, has become a prominent member of the Philippine Navy during the pandemic. The actor, Yes Pinoy Foundation, and the Philippine Navy extended their help to Andrew's Fund PH by giving out delivered food and other donations to marginalized families and frontliners and providing youth education and employment opportunities. 

"In those ten days of training, I was able to comprehend and know the basics of how it is to be in a military unit. So the discipline, the terms, basic procedures, and principles, yun ang na-instill sa akin." 

(In those ten days of training, I was able to understand and know the basics of how it is to be in a military unit. So the discipline, the terms, basic procedures, and principles, that's what was instilled in me.) 

Rocco Nacino 

Joining as Philippine Army Reservist in October 2019, Rocco Nacino was appointed Petty Officer Third Class of the Philippine Navy Reserve Command. Just like Dingdong, Rocco, 36, has also participated in different military-related activities. During his 33rd birthday, he spent his day joining other military initiatives in delivering goods to other uniformed personnel on duty to implement the enhanced community quarantine. 

"Hindi siya pang optics lang, you really have to experience all the drills and obstacles on the training field, which is a very good and eye-opening experience for me." 

(t's not just optics, you really have to experience all the drills and obstacles on the training field, which is a very good and eye-opening experience for me)

Arci Munoz 

Starstruck alumna Arci Munoz is now a Philippine Air Force Reserve (PAFR) Command sergeant. Aside from becoming a musician and actress Arci, 34, participated in military activities, including medical and dental missions. She was also present during the military relief operations in Catanduanes. 

"Training with the military was tough, especially with a looming pandemic. I will forever cherish and hold on to the learnings and core values that this institution instilled." 

Geneva Cruz 

Earned her rank as Sergeant Geneva Cruz after finishing the Special Basic Citizen Military Training in the Philippine Air Force in 2022, the 47-year-old former Smokey Mountain member showed the full power of women when she decided to be a reservist in her 40s.

"We went to the mountains where we had our training for four months. That's what excites me because I'm learning a lot with my training in the Philippine Air Force (PAF)." 

JM de Guzman 

JM De Guzman, 35,  signed up as a reservist in March 2020 under the Philippine Air Force. During his training days, JM already learned to do courtesy drills and marksmanship training under the guidance of the Air Force. He also participated in distributing relief goods during his training when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the Philippines.

"I learned a lot about my character and gained a lot of wisdom in this training. My respect higher to our soldiers," JM wrote on Instagram.

Christopher de Leon 

Age does not hinder serving the country in times of need. Veteran actor Christopher De Leon, 66, is a reservist for the Philippine Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. In 2017, the award-winning actor celebrated his 61st birthday wearing his soldier gear to honor the gallant navy and marine officers who fought the war in Marawi City.