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ROMULO MALIKSI |
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Yet another success story! Your webmaster is very proud and pleased to feature another dear classmate of ours who we missed and probably have not heard from the last 24 years. Probably the youngest in our class, Romulo Maliksi is one of many from Anabu ( Pasong Santol to be exact). Graduated with the top honors from Pasong Santol Elementary School, he joined the DPA I-A Class and maintained to be in the section till we graduated in 1976. |
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Determined to succeed, Sonny's humble beginnings were more of a driving force rather than a hindrance to his present success. He was commended and honored as one of the first CPA products of Imus Insitute. |
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Sonny is a God loving, hardworking and dedicated individual with a set goal for himself and his family. With a great deal of sacrifices, having been away from his family quite often, and great understanding from his family he was able to establish himself as an important and productive member of the US Navy. In 4 years, Sonny could retire from the Navy and live off with his pensions. But he has better plans. He would like to stay productive by continuing his studies, hoping to earn his Masters' Degree in Financial Management. His dream is to be successful in the real estate business in the future. With Sonny's good qualities, this dream could be a very close reality. |
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The following is an inspiring e-mail Sonny sent to your webmaster. |
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Dear Orland, |
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Hello, how are you? I hope everything's fine with you and your family. |
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Attached is my life in the Navy for the past 16 � years. |
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Orland, if you have a copy of the Pillar with you, please locate my picture. Did I say I want to join the U. S. Navy? Believe me, I did not plan for this but I think Navy life is my destiny. I was already a CPA when I received a calling card from the Navy. Like what people always say, "when opportunity comes, take". And let me tell you, that opportunity totally changed my life (back then, the exchange rate was 14 pesos to a dollar). I always tell my children that they have a lot to be thankful for because I came to America with only $10 in my pocket. But because of strong faith in God, patience, hard work and dedication in fulfilling my dreams, I have a very successful Navy career (from an Enlisted paygrade to an Officer rank). |
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You would imagine that my journey in the Navy is such a great learning experience. I started this journey when I joined the Navy in Subic Bay on November 1, 1983. I was like a blind man before because I didn?t know anything about the Navy. During Recruit Training I was afraid because I knew if I cannot make it through Boot Camp, I didn't have any choice but to go back to the Philippines. All I had at the time was a strong faith in God and a cross in my pocket whom I talked to every single day. Thanks be to God, the Navy became my family and since day one, the Navy has always been good to me. God gave me the opportunity to serve with the best leading Petty Officers, Chiefs and Officers who recognized my outstanding performance. They helped me set my goals and career path early in the Navy. Through the years, they provided me with tremendous leadership training and guidance. With their support, I was able to achieved what I have dreamed of in the Navy so far. I became successful in the Navy simply because of my shipmates I had the distinct pleasure of working with. |
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I always thank God for having Norma, my wonderful wife, and two children Jun (13) and Ron (10), who are the secret of my success in the Navy. It has been a tough journey for my family because in the Navy, we always transfer to a different location every three years. You can ask my wife and she will simply tell you that being a Navy's wife is the toughest job in the Navy. And because of their sacrifices, patience, support and understanding, I'm now a Supply Corps Officer in the United States Navy. |
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Family separation is the toughest part of being in the Navy. Yes, I always travel and I had an opportunity to see the world but it costs me family separation. I would like to share with you my experience: |
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In November 1986, I deployed to Western Pacific all the way down to Australia on board the USS KISKA for six months. My wife was seven months pregnant. My wife and I both did not have any immediate family in San Francisco. But through the help of our friends, she had our first born in January 1987 and when I came back my son, Jun, was already four months old. Very tough, it was the longest six months of my life. |
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On August 14, 2000, my ship, the USS TARAWA, will deploy for six months. We will be back on February 14, 2001 (perfect timing, Valentines day/DELPA Class 76 silver anniversary). Looking at the ship's schedule you might say great because the ship will go to Hawaii, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Persian Gulf area (Bahrain, Dubai), Africa and even Cebu. But again, it will cost me family separation. |
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Orland, thank you for your time. Thank you also for keeping our DPA Class 76-A web site alive. Take care and regards to your family. |
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Best regards, |
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Sonny Maliksi |
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