Thirty years ago, the University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAAW) was born. Many of its founding members were in the medical field, the most sought-after professionals from the Philippines by the United States. Every now and then, the UPAAW presents skits and performances that reflect traditions in the Philippines, not only to refresh their memories and preserve traditions, but also to teach young ones and guests who have not lived in the Philippines or studied in its premier university, and entertain them at the same time.
In celebrating Christmas on December 17 in a church at Brown Deer, Wis., UPAAW offered a bit of UP history on the Rayadillo Battalion of the UP ROTC. Co-written and co-directed by Linda and Jojo Ramos, the humorous skit highlighted the life of new recruits in a boot camp. According to emcee Roger Austria, the Rayadillo, the elite unit of the UP ROTC ... was created in 1962 during the leadership of Commander Orly Vader. Carlos P. Romulo, "that little man walking behind Gen. Douglas McArthur in the waters of Leyte during liberation, (and who) assumed the UP presidency in the early '60s, felt the need for establishing a 'model' unit in the ROTC." Romulo reportedly named the group "Rayadillos" meaning "Honor Guard," in honor of the presidential guards of the first president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. "During their regular drills, they even issued commands in Tagalog, and such commands have been adopted by the Philippine Constabulary and later by the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Austria said.
The skit presented a not-so-serious imitation of the UP Rayadillos whose new recruits were charming women who'd rather put on makeup and dance. When the commander discovered his men ballroom dancing with the new recruits, he was initially upset, not because of what the battalion was doing, but because he wasn't satisfied with how they danced. "Commander Matigas na Bato Jacksoon" (hard rock Jacksoon) showed the better way to perform a "modern" dance. The laughter from the audience was just unstoppable when Jacksoon, wearing a wide golden belt, big sunglasses, a white pair of gloves, and a surgical mask, started his sexy contortions.
Indeed, in Filipino tradition, humor is always part of a joyous celebration and get-together parties. Oftentimes, some people end up making fun of themselves, but that's all right. It's part of the entertainment. In addition to the skit that made people laughed loudly and wildly, Christmas songs, gift-giving, a native Subli dance, and delicious traditional Filipino dishes and sweets were shared by all and made the celebration complete.
This author, also an alumna of the University of the Philippines, became a new UPAAW member, in spite of being a resident of Madison and a non-medical professional. |
