GERALD, NASH, JEROME, YVES AND ELMO RECOUNT SCOUT RANGER TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Gerald Anderson, Nash Aguas, Jerome Ponce, Yves Flores and Elmo Magalona stripped their actor’s hat to undergo the Soldier Skills Orientation Training in Camp Tecson, Bulacan last week.

Although the five actors are set to be part of the upcoming Kapamilya soap, “A Soldier’s Heart,” the decision to complete the 3-day training that tested their strength and mettle not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally, was something that they did voluntarily.

Gerald, who served as the team’s company commander, explained, “We knew if we graduated, we would have the privilege of being in the Philippine army reservist. This would also help us portray Philippine scout ranger in our tv series - A Soldiers Heart.”

As for Nash, the youngest in the group, a certain video of the battles in Marawi when it was under siege, made him push through with the training.

“It was like World War II in Marawi while we are here in Manila clueless of what was really happening in our country. Isa ‘yun sa mga naging motivation. Sa maliit na paraan maipakita ko yung suporta at pagmamahal sa bansa natin,” he said.

Being part of the training has led the boys to many realizations. Yves took the training as an accomplishment.

“The ranger training segregates boys from men. I learned the value of discipline, camaraderie and the love for our country,” he said.

Jerome, for his part, noted the hardships that the soldiers undergo on a daily basis.

“Ang mga army, soldiers, rangers ang real heroes because wala tayong alam how they live everyday from training until sa battlefield.. all they want is to make our country free and safe,” he said.

They’ve undergone lectures, drills and simulations to have a glimpse of the soldier’s life.

“They showed us na kailangan mong mapagdaanan ito bago mo mapatunayan na gagawin mo ang lahat, mapagtanggol lang ang iyong bansa. Ang pinakamahirap at pinakamemorable sa training para sa akin, ay yung pangatlong araw namin sa camp. Yung pagakyat namin ng bundok daladala ang bandolier, rucksack at mga baril namin,” Elmo said.

He also added, “We performed a simulation at doon ko naramdaman yung totality ng training namin, lahat ng tinuro, you have to make sure to apply all of them because you and your squad will go down if you don’t.”

While they seem resolute about the experience, they also had moments when they second guessed their decision.

“Ilang beses ko na gusto mag quit to the point na tumakas ako nung first night para lang makatulog at makatawag na gusto ko na umuwi kasi feeling ko hindi ko kaya dahil unang una di naman ako physically active na mahilig mag gym or tumakbo,” Nash recalled.

But he eventually realized that the training isn’t only intended to test your physical power, but also your mental capacity.

“Sabi nga nila lagi sakin ‘positive thinking’ seeing the good side in every shitty (minsan literal) situation you are in. Yung training tatanggalin nila lahat ng civilian ways mo pride, kaartehan, ego etc. tapos ibi-build ka ulit to be a better person,” Nash ended.

In the end, despite the hardship the five men came out as different individuals.