September 21st, 2008 at 8:45 pm

Q#1. Did you intend to become a soldier?

Ans: As a young man, soldiery as a profession was farthest from my mind. Had we the means to support my college studies, (taking up a course I truly like), I should either be a physician or an engineer now. Even with a college scholarship, other expenses were still considerable. I was a freshman at UP when some classmates (some had elder brothers at PMA) convinced me to to take the entrance exam for PMA with them. I did very well in the exam and eventually decided to enter the Academy. After one year at PMA, I took another competitive exam for USMA at West Point and was lucky to be selected to represent the country as a member of USMA class ‘78. Having gone through all the preparations for a military career (1 yr at PMA and 4 yrs at West Point), while not initially inclined to it, I have embraced and learned to love the vocation.

September 21st, 2008 at 8:56 pm

Q#3. What did you expect life in the military?

Ans: I expected that life in the military would be difficult and would offer challenges that not very many would experience. That in many ways, it is, in a sense, tantamount to sacrifice. I expected the kind of training that would build character, instill discipline and imbue one with the moral courage to arm him for the realities associated with the chosen profession. I expected professionalism at all levels.

September 21st, 2008 at 11:50 pm

Q#5. Will you encourage the youth to become a soldier and serve the country?

Ans: Even with all its defects (mainly the faults of senior military people who have allowed themselves to be prostituted by partisan considerations and personal aggrandizements), the military remains a noble and honorable profession. I would encourage our young people to join the service. But one word of caution, be prepared for its disappointments. It is not a perfect organization.

September 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 am

Sorry Ate Ellen, I have to call some people just to get my data right kasi yung sagot ni Gen Lim sa #6 got me interested and made me recall some incidents and stories in the past. I happen to be one of the audience sa kwentuhan and I just have to check with some people I remember who were there kung tama yung recollections ko.

September 22nd, 2008 at 1:48 am

What struck me about this revelation of Gen Lim in regard to his answer to Q#6 is that at that very same period where his friendship with the late Haydee Yorac was developing, another friendship was being developed with another Marine officer several miles away from the detention center of the former in 1989.

The then Major Miranda, who was a Battalion Commander of the 3rd Marine Bn in Sulu, had his first encounter with Haydee Yorac, who was then with the party of FVR, Ninez Cacho Olivares and some local politicians. This first encounter with the much respected lady would soon bloom into a deep friendship until her very last days.

Gen Miranda, when asked the same question as that of Q#6, would answer the same as Gen Lim’s.

Unfortunately, both are now in incarceration...