Visiting the Philippine Military Academy with Kids

 

My 6-year-old son dreams of being a soldier someday. Well, the dream still changes now and then but currently, he’s so amused with soldiers that he wants to be one of them, someday. My husband and I thought of taking the kid to a place we both knew he would love: the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) located in Gregorio Del Pilar, Loakan Road, Baguio City.

The visit was an exciting day for our kid.  Right upon entering the Academy, he was so thrilled to see all the vintage tanks. “Mom, these are cool!” He kept saying, with his eyes widening in delight.

 

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the training ground of the forthcoming officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Happily, the academy is open for the guests to explore. Visitors can view the cadets perform their drills, as well as visit the PMA Museums. It has a very charming ground that is so picturesque which is also open for families to enjoy!

 

 

There are a number of attractions at the Academy to check out. Aside from visiting the tanks at the Relics Point, my son also loved the PMA Airforce Museum which houses some vintage helicopters and airplanes. Even our little Trey also loved the place!

 

They say that drill exhibitions are usually scheduled during weekends.  And if you like to witness their big events, be there for their alumni homecoming in February as well as their graduation ceremony rites at the end of the school year.

The highlight of our visit was to see the drill! Of course! I have read that every lunchtime when the cadets go out of their classrooms to lunch at the mess hall, there’s a short drill. We arrived just in time for the training. My son was so amazed!

 

We also visited the PMA Museum. The museum opens at 8:00 am – 12:00 pm resumes at 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

 

Truly, the Philippine Military Academy is a great place to take the kids, especially a young curios boy like our Kyle. Our family had a great time in PMA, and we will definitely go back!

How to Get to PMA

By car: Pass through Loakan Road past and keep going straight until you see the Fort Gregorio del Pilar gate on your right. PMA is about 10 km from Burnham Park and Session Road.

By jeepney: Take the Kias-PMA route jeep. The jeepney’s terminal is located at the east side of Burnham Park across Tiong-San Department Store.  Fare estimate is at Php15.00 or Php20.00.

*You may inquire for the schedule of PMA’s parades, exhibitions and other activities beforehand through this number: (074) 446 8002.