In times of calamities, certain groups and individuals mobilize themselves to aid those in need of help. On a voluntary basis, military reservists are tapped to provide relief for those struck by disasters. In recent news, we've heard of some celebrities taking on the role of being a reservist themselves.
What does it mean to be a "military reservist"?
Let's define the title " military reservist." PEP.ph's Cabinet Files did an exclusive chat with an anonymous showbiz personality, explaining the idea and responsibilities of being a reservist. According to their report, reservists are mostly gathered to be deployed in areas that need disaster response measures—mostly during typhoons or earthquakes. And this is a voluntary job.
Moreover, reservists are said to be put on the frontlines when it comes to distributing relief goods. "Nasa amin na yon. Kung hindi kami ipatawag o hindi kami pumunta, gagawa na lang kami ng sariling paraan para makatulong kasi ayaw naman naming umasa sa resources ng AFP," the showbiz personality told PEP.ph.
9 Filipino Celebrities Who Are Military Reservists
1. Julia Barretto
Julia Barretto is also a member of the same squadron as her boyfriend, Gerald Anderson. The actress' membership as an auxiliary reservist was officially announced in September 2021. At the time, she was only 24 years old.
2. Geneva Cruz
Singer-actress Geneva Cruz signed up to be a reservist in 2022. In an interview with Philippine STAR, she disclosed that she was very much motivated and in high spirits when she joined the Philippine Air Force training in the mountains, which lasted for four months.
Moreover, Geneva expressed her desire to be able to contribute to the country without joining politics. "I joined the reservist because I want to help without entering politics. We go on medical missions, join the manpower and assist in many places around the Philippines and encourage more Filipinos," Geneva said.
3. Arci Muñoz
Since 2020, actress Arci Muñoz has been a part of the Philippine Air Force as a reservist. She completed the Basic Citizen Military Training and has been encouraging women to also sign up as a reservist for the country.
Just recently, in June 2024, Arci expressed her pride and honor to serve the country in an Instagram post. "Being in the force doesn't mean you need to go to war. For me it's more of promoting peace," she was once quoted saying.
4. Winwyn Marquez
Winwyn Marquez is a beauty queen, an actress, a mother, and also a military reservist under the Philippine Navy. She entered the service in February 2020. In a report by GMA News, Winwyn opened up about how the military training taught her so much about discipline and strength.
Additionally, Winwyn said in an interview that her motivation to finish the training was not just to serve the country, but also to be knowledgeable on how to protect her loved ones.
5. Beatrice Luigi Gomez
Even before she was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Beatrice Luigi Gomez had been a military reservist for the Philippine Navy. In fact, after her coronation in October 2021, the beauty queen paid a courtesy call at the Navy headquarters.
Beatrice was lauded for her "invaluable contributions and accomplishments as a member of the PN Reserve Force." She was also awarded a Plaque of Recognition for it.
6. Dingdong Dantes
Dingdong Dantes has been a dedicated member of the Philippine Marine Reserve Force since 2009. Since then, he has been renewing his membership to the service. Through the years, he has been climbing up the ranks. In 2020, he was assigned as lieutenant commander. And just this 2023, he completed his Naval Combat Engineer Officer Basic Course Class. His wife, Marian Rivera, even accompanied him at the graduation ceremony.
7. Matteo Guidicelli
Matteo Guidielli has been a well-known celebrity reservist since August 2019. He is currently a second lieutenant. During his pinning ceremony, the Philippine Army recognized Matteo for his volunteerism and dedication to promoting peace and patriotism. It was also reported that he finished the Scout Ranger Orientation Course in June 2019. In 2022, he became the first-ever celebrity to be part of the Presidential Security Group VIP Protection Course.
8. Enzo Pineda
Enzo Pineda completed his training to be a Philippine Marine reservist last September 2021 and he excitedly shared his milestone on Instagram. Enzo expressed his happiness in his post which read, "By far this is one of the toughest challenges I've ever done in my life... I'm excited for the new adventures that this path awaits me. SSgt Pineda reporting for duty."
9. Rocco Nacino
Rocco Nacino has been an active reservist since 2019. In July 2023, he was given the rank of second lieutenant under the AFP Reserve Command, which he announced on his Instagram account.
The caption read, "Today I accepted the challenge of wearing a new hat, having new responsibilities , embarking on a new journey. This time with the AFP Reserve Command. Grateful for the many opportunities to serve our nation by using our influence for good, for hope, and to motivate."
This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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