PMS Philippines Bert Anido was given the honor and privilege to take part in two significant events of the Philippine Air Force. These are the Airpower Symposium sponsored by the Philippine Air Force last June 24, and the first ever Philippine Aviation Summit in July 1, at the PAF Aerospace Museum at Villamor Air Base.
The Club set up a static display of aircraft that carried Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) livery throughout the history of the service in addition to some “what-ifs” which have caught the eye of several participants to the symposium. One exhibitor, Elbit Systems, even “borrowed” a what-if model (Tim “”Buccaneer” Maceren’s AH-1W Cobra) to promote their products in the hopes that the PAF will take interest in it.
Some veteran PAF pilots were attracted to the exhibit and went out of their way to sit down and chat with the members present on their experiences with some of the aircraft they have flown that were displayed as models. One PAF officer did actually test fly the Gripen and gave rave reviews about it!
The best part came when the Commanding General of the PAF, Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena made a beeline to the exhibit (without stopping by the other exhibitors) and marveled at the models on display and intimated to the members present that he came from the 15th Strike Wing, the Club’s “friend” from the PAF and has flown the MG520. Through the initiative of Mel “Webster” Silvestre, the Club has volunteered to build an MG520 that resembled his mount (coming soon).
At the Philippine Aviation Summit the exhibit has expanded to include non-PAF subjects. The day was significant in two ways: it was the 62nd anniversary of the PAF and the formal launching of the Aviation Society of the Philippines. The event proper commenced at around 1 pm and started with a raffle of a Rolls Royce (courtesy of Mr. Joy Roa) and a symposium followed with Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro as Guest of Honor.
The Club was treated to a history lecture of Philippine aviation by Mr. Avelino Zapanta, President of SEAir (and father of Club member Titus “Surefire” Zapanta, and was therefore dubbed “Daddy Surefire”). Just like the previous week, PAF officers spent a lot of time in the Club’s exhibit area to exchanging stories with the Club members.
By the end of the events, the Club left in high spirits and are looking forward to be back again next year!
The Club would like to acknowledge the following:
Maj. Armando Ardenoso, member of the Air Staff for accommodating the Club and regaling everyone with his experiences (he has the distinction of being the first PAF pilot to fly the Hornet, and bested the American flyboys in the gunnery competition).
Gen. Dan Francia (Ret.) President of the Philippine Aviation Society for inviting the Club to the events.
Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Commanding General of the PAF for being such a genial host.
Mel “Webster” Silvestre for taking the point for the Club in this
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