Geneva Cruz has once again proved that age is nothing but a number. The 45-year-old singer-actress completed the four month-long training to become a reservist for the Philippine Air Force, and finished the course as a sergeant.
"It's been said that the unexamined life is not worth living, and I agree. But today, as I grow bolder, wiser, and take up the cudgels for women's empowerment, I say that a meaningful life is worth dying for," Geneva wrote on Instagram.
According to the actress, she has always been fascinated by the "mystique and allure" of a soldier's life. But it was only until she underwent military training herself that she realized there was more to the uniform.
"On the outside, it's easy to romanticize the trimmings—the snappy uniform, the clockwork precision, the gut-busting physical training, and discipline—while at the same time trying to grasp the abstract concepts of heroism, patriotism, and courage on the one hand, and the gore and sheer horror of war and bloodshed on the other," she said.
"I realized that you never really get to understand a soldier's life until you step in their boots. Today, I step in my boots and flaunt my badge as a proud member of the Philippine Air Force's reserve command."
In an interview with GMA News, Geneva revealed that her training was no joke, especially as someone who has scoliosis. "Inakyat po namin tatlong bundok in a span of four hours. Akyat baba, akyat baba," shared the singer. "'Yung likod ko [akala ko] maghihiwalay 'yung upper body ko...sobrang sakit kasi dala-dala namin yung M16 saka may dala-dala kaming backpack."
When asked why she decided to enlist, the singer admitted, "I did this for myself, and I also did this for all other women who are in their 40s na feeling ng mga tao matanda na and wala na silang pwedeng gawin sa buhay nila. You can start a new life at the age of 40. You can be who you want to be."
She added, "I want to serve my country. I want to serve my countrymen. I want to help my countrymen."
On Instagram, Geneva was also quick to address naysayers of her achievement: "No, this isn't a movie or a teleserye; it's real life. If you have doubts if I truly deserve this badge... Maybe you should enlist, too; it's time to put your money where your mouth is, and it's never too late to make something out of your life instead of belittling and frowning upon another person’s passions and truth."
Like Geneva, Arci Muñoz is also a reservist for the Philippine Air Force. Several female celebrities have completed training for other branches of the army as well, such as Winwyn Marquez for the Philippine Navy and Beatrice Luigi Gomez for the Philippine Marine Corps.
Congratulations, Sergeant Cruz!
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