It was Saturday.I was sitting in a window seat on a bus that left our city at 5:30 pm , going to the City of Smiles—Bacolod City. The over-sixty-kilometer trip took nearly an hour. To avoid being bored from staring at the sugarcane fields, establishments, and roads, I listened to Taylor Swift's Folklore album. This dreamy cottagecore alternative album is perfect fqor the rural vibes of our province. I immediately rode a jeepney passing by the entrance test venue after my vehicle arrived at the bus terminal.
I arrived at the STI West Negros University, the venue of the Philippine Military Academy entrance exam (PMAEE) in Negros Occidental, seeing other cadet aspirants wearing white shirts and jeans, just like me, lining up. We lined up for the Limited Physical Exam, in which officials measured our height, whether it reached the minimum 5 foot requirement or not, and checked if our bodies had tattoos. I was sad to see some applicants go home because of their height , something they can't control. Luckily, despite being unlucky with the 'tall-genes' in our family, I passed it by being 5'5" tall.
Following the limited physical examination, I moved on to the next line, where our application permits and documents would be checked. Then I went to the exam hall later on. Since there were a hundred applicants, the processing of applications and LPE ended at around 10 a.m. We are instructed to eat lunch first and come back before noon. I just ate sizzling sisig in a shop near the university.
The discussion of instructions and rules started at exactly noon. Then, the exam proper took place for almost three hours. The PMAEE is a 200-item exam divided into three subtests: abstract reasoning, English, and mathematics, respectively. It was my third time taking this exam, so it was quite a piece of cake, as I had already gotten familiar with some questions and topics regarding the exam. I was still stressed and confused about the test though, especially about math, my kryptonite. I didn't review since I had already reviewed for entrance exams before I went to college and I had already passed this test twice. But I can't be sure, so I still hope for the best.
After the exam, we were advised to wait for further instructions and the release of the list of passers in a few months. Passers of PMAEE will undergo the next stage, which is the Complete Physical Exam. This will take place in Quezon City and will most likely begin in November.
Anyway, if you're a Filipino who is interested and still qualified to take the exam, check the photo below.
Photo courtesy of PMA "Face-bok" Page via Facebook
After the PMA entrance exam, I rushed to the Ayala Malls because the Lola Amour's Fallen Concert Tour started at 5 in the afternoon.
I went to the comfort room of the mall first to change my sweaty plain white shirt into a black band shirt (not related to the band performing) and freshen up.
And I walked towards the activity center of the mall. It was crowded near the stage, and the opening band was performing. I can see people waving their hands to the rhythm of the song. The band performed really well, but I forgot the name. I also met my friends there. The stage was already empty. Then the crowd cheered, which was the moment I knew the band was already there. Lola Amour is a five-member Filipino indie rock band from Muntinlupa, Philippines, exploring the genres of modern rock, pop, and funk.
Lola Amour performed their five original songs, namely: "Fools" , "Sanity", "Maybe Maybe", "Fallen" and "Pwede Ba?"; a song yet to be released—"Dahan-dahan"; and a cover of "Valerie" by Mark Ronson. They performed them really well, but I have favorites.
Maybe Maybe stood out for me. I was captivated by its well-written and relatable lyrics. If I was a fan before, I should've screamed, "Cause I don't see the point in telling her I love her/When I know it goes one ear and out the other" and "My imagination wanders off/Making up all kinds of scenes I know I'll never star in". Sadly, I just discovered their music this time.
I was already annoyed with their song Fallen since it was overplayed everywhere and overly saturated on social media. But I learned to love it by seeing the band perform it live. I love that they extended the instrumental part during the tour. And unlike most OPM bands, they have saxophone and trumpet, which make the instrumentals more soothing.
The crowd shouted their lungs out in the band's Pwede Ba? performance. In this last performance, I loudly sang along, " Pwede bang huwag na muna?" and more, while waving my hands in the air. Also, my friend beside me, who was a huge fan, sang out loud as if she was gifted with a beautiful voice. But I just let her have her moment.
After the last song, the audience shouted, "Isa pa! (One more!)". I knew what others felt. I also want to hear more from them. But sadly, not all wishes can be granted.
We stayed for a moment in the activity center after the event. Then there was a stranger who approached me and pointed at my Twenty One Pilots band shirt. He said that he was a fan too and showed me his band logo tattoo (|-/) on his wrist. It was a wholesome experience for me as a fan.
Then, I bade farewell to my friends and went home when the show ended. Aside from these lovely experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a new band to follow and listen to, a genuine interaction with a stranger who loves my favorite band, and hope regarding my PMAEE. I rode a bus, smiling in a window seat while thinking about how I spent this day, leaving the City of Smiles.
All photos were mine, unless otherwise stated.
Thanks for reading!
I'm the Viceroy Klayd who wandered all the way to City of Smiles to take a test and attend a concert. See you on my next adventures and expeditions.