A Second Calling in Service to God, Country, and the Filipino People

There is a saying that retirement is the reward for a lifetime of hard work. For many, it is a season to slow down—to enjoy leisurely mornings, travel with family, play more golf, and finally live life without the pressures of deadlines and responsibilities.

After more than thirty-five years of combined active service in the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, I thought my story would follow that familiar script.

I was wrong.

One year into retirement, I can only look back with profound gratitude to our Almighty Lord. Every blessing, every opportunity, every challenge, and every unexpected turn has reminded me that God’s plans are always far greater than our own. What I thought was the closing chapter of my professional life turned out to be the opening chapter of an even greater mission.

The Uniform May Be Gone, But the Calling Remains

For over three decades, the uniform was more than clothing—it became part of who I was. Every sunrise carried a mission. Every day demanded discipline, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests.

Then, almost overnight, everything changed.

No more operational briefings.

No more inspections.

No more command conferences.

No more emergency calls in the middle of the night.

Instead…

There was silence.

Like many who retire from military service, I experienced what psychologists describe as separation anxiety. For someone who had spent most of his adult life responding to missions, making decisions, and leading people, waking up without a clear operational objective felt strangely unfamiliar.

I must admit, during those first few weeks, I found myself checking my cellphone more often than necessary—half expecting Headquarters to call and say,

“Admiral…we need you back.”

Of course, retirement also presented some attractive alternatives.

Should I dedicate my days to lowering my golf handicap?

Or should I fully embrace my newest appointment as a proud member of the prestigious DBM—Driver, Bodyguard ni Mrs.?

I soon discovered that this assignment comes with unlimited working hours, no leave credits, no promotions, and a Commanding Officer whose orders are always non-negotiable. Thankfully, the compensation package includes unconditional love, home-cooked meals, and lifelong companionship.

Not a bad deal after all.

The Parable That Changed My Perspective

As I reflected on what retirement should truly mean, one passage from Scripture continually echoed in my heart—the Parable of the Talents.

God never intended the gifts He entrusted to us to remain idle. He expects us to cultivate them, multiply them, and place them in the service of others.

That simple truth challenged me.

How could I simply set aside more than three decades of accumulated experience in maritime safety, leadership, governance, policy development, and public service?

The answer gradually became clear.

Retirement should never mean retiring from serving God and country.

 A New Mission Begins

Barely a month after leaving active service, together with several close friends from the Philippine Coast Guard and members of the former Maritime Safety Services Command Multi-Sectoral Governing Council, we founded the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Center, Inc. (PASLCI).

What started as a simple conversation among friends evolved into a shared vision.

Today, PASLCI has become my second home.

As a non-stock, non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, PASLCI brings together retired admirals, marine professionals, maritime experts, and dedicated advocates who believe that public service does not end when one hangs up the uniform.

Rather, it takes on a different form.

Our guiding philosophy is simple:

Think Big. Start Small. Act Now.

Those five words have shaped every initiative we have undertaken.

In less than a year, PASLCI has become actively engaged in maritime research, strategic policy recommendations, stakeholder collaboration, and national advocacy. We continue to champion maritime governance, navigational safety, marine environmental protection, maritime domain awareness, and search and rescue capability development.

Above all, we remain committed to supporting the Philippine Government’s efforts to secure the international recognition and adoption of the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes (PASL) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

It is an ambitious undertaking.

It is a difficult undertaking.

Yet history reminds us that every great achievement begins with people courageous enough to dream beyond what seems impossible.

Retirement with Renewed Purpose

People often ask me,

“Do you miss wearing the uniform?”

Without hesitation, my answer is yes.

The uniform represented honor.

It represented discipline.

It represented sacrifice.

It represented a lifetime devoted to serving the Filipino people.

But retirement has also taught me something equally valuable.

One does not need to wear a uniform to continue serving the nation.

Today, my office may be different.

My responsibilities may have changed.

But my mission remains exactly the same.

If anything, retirement has given me greater freedom—to conduct research, mentor future leaders, propose meaningful public policies, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of Philippine maritime governance.

I have learned that retirement is not measured by how little we do.

It is measured by how meaningfully we continue to live.

A Birthday Reflection

As I celebrate another year of life, my heart overflows with gratitude.

First and foremost, I offer all glory and thanksgiving to our Almighty Lord Jesus Christ for His endless grace, faithful guidance, and immeasurable blessings. Every step I have taken since retirement has been directed by His loving hand.

To my beloved wife, Aida, and our son, Anton, thank you for your unwavering love, patience, understanding, and constant encouragement. You have remained my strongest anchor as I embarked on this second chapter of service.

To my brothers and sisters, my nephews and nieces, thank you for your prayers, support, and for always believing in me. Every family deserves a cheering squad, and I am blessed to have the very best.

To my fellow PASLCI founding directors and colleagues—Sir Art, Jimmy, Bob, Allan, Joe, and Jun—thank you for believing that retirement can still be one of life’s most productive seasons.

To my Bantaylaya family of PMA Class of 1994, my fraternal brothers in Masonry, my golfing buddies, and my pickleball partners, thank you for helping me keep both body and spirit healthy. Golf has taught me patience. Pickleball has sharpened my reflexes. Both have reminded me that humility comes naturally whenever your opponent is twenty years younger.

As I continue this remarkable journey, I pray for good health, wisdom, strength, and humility to embrace every challenge that lies ahead—in my family, in PASLCI, and in every opportunity to serve.

I likewise pray that God will continue to bless PASLCI as we pursue our vision of advancing Philippine maritime governance and supporting our country’s efforts to secure international recognition of the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes.

One year after retirement, I have come to understand that life’s greatest promotions are never measured by rank, title, or position.

They are measured by purpose.

The medals may one day gather dust.

The titles may eventually be forgotten.

The uniform may no longer be worn.

But a life lived in faithful service to God, country, and fellowmen leaves a legacy that time can never erase.

Retirement, after all, was never the finish line.

It was simply the beginning of another voyage.

And as long as the Lord grants me strength, favorable winds, and a clear horizon, I shall continue to sail forward—guided by faith, inspired by service, and committed to giving my very best for the Greater Glory of our Almighty Lord Jesus Christ and for our beloved Philippines.