50th Anniversary of the Philippine Marines.
7 November 2000.
Events:
The Philippine Marine Association USA will be hosting this years Marine Ball at the Carson Hilton in Los Angeles, CA.
The point of contact is Amando Hernandez at (562) 426-5164.
At Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps in Manila, Philippines the Cake cutting ceremony, parade and ball are scheduled to take place.
Brigadier General Librado S. Ladia, (left) Commandant Philippine Marines will be hosting the 50th Anniversary at Bonifacio Naval Station, Ft. Bonifacio, Manila.
At his right is the current Flag Officer in Command Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Luisito F Fernandez, and Brigadier General Percival Subala.
This photograph was taken at the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony for BGen. Subala last April 2000.
Photos from the 49th Anniversary are posted for your viewing.
|
The Marine Drum and Bugle Team will perform the traditional "DIANA", marching around the BNS area at Zero Dark 400 in the morning (4AM). The only way to start a Birthday morning! They will perform later in the day at the afternoon or evening parade. |
|
|
|
In the 49th Anniversary Parade Pass in Review, the Massed Colors of the Philippine Marine Corps were carried behind the Philippine Flag and the "Red" Marine Corps Colors. These included the three Marine Brigades and eleven Battalions. These Marine unit emblems are illustrated in the center color spread of the book Gallant Warriors From the Sea; The Philippine Marine Corps Today. |
|
The parade was held in the evening. At the highlight of the occasion the ceremonial cake is carried out by the most senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Philippine Marines. |
|
|
|
The cake is presented to the Commandant of the Philippine Marines. He cuts the first piece and serves it to the Guest of Honor. The Commandant also takes a piece of cake. He then cuts a another piece and serves it to the oldest Marine on board. The next piece is presented to the youngest Marine. Brigadier General Percival Subala then the Commandant is cutting the cake with a sword. |
|
The guest of honor for the evening was General Reyes, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines. |
|
|
|
The Oldest Marine happened to be the Marine Command Sargent Major MSgt. Danilo G. Diaz PM |
|
MSgt Diaz serves the youngest Marine his piece of cake. |
|
|
|
The Sargent Majors from the Marine units pose around the cake at the end of the ceremony and reminisce about the different cakes they have seen in their carrers. The most notable they agreed was one that was mostly made of styrofoam. It happened unknowingly also to be the portion that was being cut with the sword. |
|
Among those who attended the evening parade were several members of the first fifty Marines who joined in 1950. They are wearing the green t-shirts. With them are Former Commandants in Barong Tagalog; Major General Guillermo Ruiz on the left. Brigadier General Edgardo Cabanlig in the center. |
If you know the names of these first 50 Marines in the photo please send them in by e-mail that they can be included in the caption. Is Ludovico Espinosa is in this photo? |
Happy Birthday Marines!
