Nadia Montenegro, 52, now a Philippine Navy reservist

PhilippineNavyreservistNadiaMontenegroPhoto/s:ScreengrabfromInstagram|@officialnadiam

Nadia Montenegro suits up for a new position in her life.

On June 4, 2024, the Philippine Navy welcomes 48 new reservists, including Nadia, who completed basic citizen military course.

At 52, the actress feels tremendous honor for successfully finishing her 30-day training without any delay: "Sobrang overwhelmed but proud.

"Talagang it's just sinking right now na lahat ng mga nangyari, but all worth it, even just looking forward where we were going together," she tells the press after the graduation ceremony.

Read:Senator Robin Padilla leads graduation of new AFP reservists

PUSHING HER LIMITS

For Nadia, this new role bears utmost gravity because "at least with this one, I can serve my country better."

Throughout her training, she gained a deep sense of pride and self-discovery: "I learned about patience, I learned about myself, my limits.

"I never thought na at 52, I never thought I can do all these things.

"Lahat ng pinagdaan namin sa barko— mga training at siyempre yung mga mapping, mga rifle combat and all others — it was just something I never thought I could do at this age and no regrets talaga."

She adds, "As in kahit pala 30 years ka na hindi nag-gym, pag sinabi ng commander mo na squat, kayang-kaya pala.

"I just learned na there is no limit, when you want to serve and you have the heart to serve, never give up. I didn't give up talaga until andito na ako."

Drawing inspiration from Robin Padilla

Although it was Kapuso actor and fellow reservist, Dingdong Dantes, who pushed Nadia to be part of the reserve force, it was celebrity-turned-politician Robin Padilla, who inspired her to serve the country.

Senator Robin attended the event as the guest of honor alongside the generals of the Philippine Navy.

Nadia says, "My senator... Nakakahawa yung kaniyang patriotism and yung kanyang sobrang pagmamahal sa country.

"Yung kanyang patriotic side niya and his love for the country talagang protection service, and talagang sama-sama para sa protection ng ating bayan.

"Kumbaga, yun nga yung heart ni Senator Robin, e, nakakahawa."

She encourages everyone to be more participative, "...this is the moment na we need talaga each other's strength, each other's power together na, na sama-sama para sa ating bayan.

"Give back, di ba? Give back the faith. Ibalik natin lahat ng pagtitiwala."

The Philippine Navy Reserve Force consists of civilians who willingly enlist to support the regular Navy during wartime and national crises or as required.

These volunteers undergo training to equip them for diverse Navy functions, such as naval combat, maritime protection, disaster relief, and aid missions.

Apart from Nadia and Dingdong, several other celebrities including Rocco Nacino, Matteo Guidicelli, and Michelle Dee have also volunteered as military reservists.

Read:Get to know Nadia Montenegro's children

daughter defends MOM nadiA AGAINST BASHERS

But some people have tried to rain on Nadia's parade.

Her eldest daughter Alyssa Asistio-London takes to Facebook to defend her mom against criticisms.

Alyssa's caption reads (published as is): "Sa mga bashers, bago kayo kumuda. Gawin niyo muna yung training na ginawa ng nanay ko.

"Kami nakakita, ng luha't pawis, pagod, bugbog na katawan, sunog na balat, gutom."

Tagging her mom, she says: "Sa susunod Nadia Montenegro Pla i-vlog mo para may ebidensya.

"Mga tao ngayon, pag pinost for content pag walang post hindi nangyari. Hahaha Sorry patola. Gigil ako."

She goes defining what a reservist is:

"Reservists are soldiers who are not serving in the regular army of a country, but who can be called to serve whenever they are needed.

"Yan para clear. Hahaha," she concludes.

Nadia reshares her daughter's post on her Instagram story:

"PANGANAY KO YAN! Wag nyo galitin! [laughing with tears emoji]

"Thanks Babe! Love you! Kayang kaya ni Mommy yan. Di ko papatulan ang hindi naglakad sa dinaanan ko. [emojis]"

In a subsequent IG story, the celebrity mom reminds: "Before you question what others can do, pls ask yourself ‘what have you done for your country and countrymen.’"

Born Nadine Marie Inez Montenegro Pla, Nadia is a mom of eight children, including actress Ynna and Yana Asistio.

READ MORE:

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