Actor/director David Chua proudly earned his rank of sergeant as he graduated at the top of his class as a Philippine Air Force reservist.

Aside from his certificate of completion, he also received the Strongman’s Award “for obtaining the highest points in Physical Fitness Test in the BCMT Class 2023 BRAVO.”

After three months of intensive training, David and his Manlawid Class 2023 batchmates flashed their snappiest salutes during their commencement ceremonies held last Sept. 30 at the PAF Gymnasium, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

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 have to put on a soldier’s boots and uniform to understand the sacrifices and hardships that they endure, all for the love of country.”

“It’s sad to know that most of today’s youth are wasting their time on gadgets, games, or social media when they could be doing something more constructive for themselves and for their country.

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 is your survival skills and instincts. Of course, there’s always that reality of coming to grips with your own mortality.”

“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 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 the rain, crawling in the dirt — you realize 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.”

Immediately after their graduation, on Oct. 1, David and his class trooped to San Andres Apostol Parish Church, Greenwoods Village in Cainta, Rizal, to conduct a medical mission. With their contingent of medical specialists, they offered free dental, ECG, and X-ray services to destitute families.

Fresh from his Thailand trip, where he was honored at the Thailand International Leadership Awards 2023, the award-winning director, also known for conducting his charity advocacies in Manila’s Tondo district, enjoins the youth to take military training.

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.”