IACE 2011 Exclusive Report

By Sqn Ldr J Davies RAFVR(T)

IACE – The Philippines 19 July to 03 August 2011

What seems a long time ago, but in reality was back in February; I was selected as the escort for the UK cadets attending the Philippines. My first job was to find out exactly where the islands were on the globe and then realised just how long the flight was going to be!

The two selected cadets for the trip being FS Tom WILLIAMS from 1365 Aylesbury Squadron and FS Zain KAYANI from 32F, 1st Glasgow Squadron. There was a fair bit of generated information provided by HQ and uniform clothing guidance for the trip. We were issued with union jack flags and IACE cloth badges for our white shirts and a name badge and ID card. Included in the pack up was an ATC crest for the blazer, aircraft tie pins, a pack of certificates, thank you cards and a presentation plaque.

Our long journey to the Far East commenced on Monday 18th July via Heathrow T3 for a departure with Cathy Pacific. Having checked in and through the usual security measures it was into the executive lounge for breakfast. This was not part of the ATC deal but an upgrade for the journey through a H&B staff member. The leg to Hong Kong was throughout the night and was relatively comfortable with good food and TV display units in the rear of the seats for films, TV shows, music or games. Our arrival was now in daylight and 15:20 their time. We were delayed in HK for two hours, which meant our arrival in Manila would not be till nearly 21:00. There is a 7-hour time difference between the UK and the Philippines.

Upon our arrival at Manila on Tuesday 19th we were warmly met by members of the Philippine Air Force IACE team, consisting of 1st Lieutenant Rino BAUTISTA and a security guard, Technical Sergeant Noel GUZMAN. We were immediately whisked through security via a VIP desk and off for the short journey to a pizza restaurant for tea. Our stay for the next few days was to be the Tower Inn Hotel. This was a business style hotel and was very comfortable and was located near to the major shopping areas. Just prior to bed there was time for a quick brief from Captain Marie CLUTARIO about the following days activities and we were provided with an exchange guide, which contained details of our forthcoming excursions, our escorts and the IACE team and details of the hosts families.

Wednesday 20th was an early start at 06:30 and we were somewhat feeling the effects of the long haul flight and a lack of sleep but we were off to the British Embassy for a courtesy call. There appeared to be a massive window for travelling around Manila, but it all too soon became apparent, the reasons for this. We were dressed in our formal uniform clothing, which consisted of grey or dark trousers, black shoes with a white short-sleeved shirt and IACE tie. We felt that the blazer would not be required as it was absolutely scorching in the sun. After the morning embassy briefings we were welcomed by Colin CROKIN the Deputy Head of Mission and enjoyed coffee and soft drinks in his office.

Due to the proximity of the American War Cemetery we stopped off on our way back. There were immaculate lawns and neatly pruned bushes and trees. The cemetery covers 152 acres and was dedicated in December 1960. There are 17,097 headstones and the engraved tablets on the memorial walls contain the names of a further 36,286 missing in action. It was a humbling experience to walk around the site and was somewhat difficult to take on board the scale of those buried there and the sacrifice they had made. Many of those who were buried before us were of similar ages to the cadets themselves.

The return to our hotel through the traffic was to put it frankly complete madness with no or very few apparent rules. We had an afternoon of rest that included a swim in the PAF golf and leisure complex. This was very welcome due to the heat of the day and even the water in the pool felt like that of a bath. We then returned to the hotel in preparation for the evening dinner where we would meet the hosts for the cadets. We were transported in three 4X4 type vehicles with privacy windows to the Villamor Golf Club with our armed escorts and hosts. A side room had been set-aside for the formal function, which was impressive. This was just the start of something, which we were to get used to over the course of the next 14 days. We were able to talk freely with the rest of the IACE. The evening went really well and we all started to relax somewhat as we received a truly warm and hospitable welcome. This was also a relatively late night and something, which we were also to get used to. The cadets later left with their respective host families and for the staff it was back to the hotel.

Thursday 21st saw another official start to the day with a meet and greet with Brigadier General BUSALANAN, Commander Reserve Forces (RF) in The Hall of Flags room in the Villamor station Headquarters. Here we were joined by the local Air Cadet Programme (ACP) cadets. During the greeting we were provided with an overview of the RF, their training, roles and current commitments. We also had to realise that as part of the welcome address food and drink was provided irrespective of the time of day by the hosts. Again there was a photo call and a certificate presentation from each of the exchange countries. After the meeting it was a short trip to the PAF Museum where we were guided around the facility, its exhibits and aircraft, which was interesting.

It was then time to board our air-conditioned PAF coach for a journey to the Roman Catholic Colegio San Augstin, which was the home of 123 Squadron, ACP cadets. The programme, which is run as part of the school educational programme, involves some 300 or so cadets who either chose military or community service and is run by a retired Major. The visit consisted of a brief and a tour of the immaculate school facilities. Lunch was hosted by the ACP and then the chance to observe their cadets in activities; 2 hours of drill and an inspection. Whilst the cadets stood out in the midday sun, we all headed for the shade of the trees and watched in amazement. The cadets were formed up into flights in the region of 30. Their inspection commenced with the senior cadet checking their appointments, which consisted of notebooks and pens, which they were required to carry under cadet regulations. After the inspection it was time for drill, team building and physical exercise, which included press-ups, star jumps and knee bends. All of which were carried out in their uniform of black shoes, black trousers and a white ACP programme T-shirts. The afternoon concluded with a final formal parade and the cadets were dismissed and allowed to go home. It was apparent from talking to the senior cadets, that those in the school were all from distinguished families which contained high ranking military officers, court officials, politicians and even diplomats. The facilities at this school were for the upper class members of society and were second to none, but costly.

Friday 22nd was a visit to the walled city of Intramuros. The location is situated on the southern side of the Pasig River and it served as the centre of political, military and religious power of the Spaniards during the time that the Philippines were a Spanish colony. It was in the dungeon area of the walled city that approximately 600 Filipino and American bodies were found during the last days of February 1945 having been the victims of war atrocities.

Saturday 23rd started with an hour-long boat trip to Corregidor Island, a small rocky island about 48 kilometres west of Manila, strategically located at the entrance to the bay. The island fortress stands as a memorial to the courage, valour and heroism of the Filipino and American defenders who bravely held out against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during WW2. The big 40 tonne guns are now silent and the ruins of buildings, structures and tunnels tell a very moving story of a war that claimed so many lives.

The evening was spent in the hotel and what was somewhat surprising was that our hosts and security staff ate alone on another table and this was generally the case throughout our stay although the officer staff joined us on occasions, not that they needed to have been invited. The price of all of our meals and drinks throughout our stay were allocated to our room numbers and this was settled upon our departure; we wanted for nothing

Sunday 24th saw our first rest day and lay-in with a free day. The staff had arranged to go shopping in the Green Belt area with Noel. The shopping mall was extensive with a large range and variety of goods with different types and styles of restaurants. To enter the malls there was always a security guard stood near a metal detector and they would check your bags and pat you down. Their only real interest was whether you were carrying a weapon in the bag or secreted upon you. Our escorts were always lived armed and this varied from location to location or the potential threat levels. What also amazed me was the number of sales assistants employed within the shops.

Monday 25th saw us pack up and leave the Tower Inn Hotel and our first visit of the day was to Masters Flying School at Plaridel, Bulacan. This was a privately run flying school inaugurated by a number of retired PAF pilots. The school has two static ground simulators and a number of Cessna aircraft for flying training. The cadets enjoyed the chance to fly both the multi engine and helicopter simulators and to talk to the instructors.

After this visit we travelled to Clark Air Force Base where we stayed at the Clark Hostel. The escorts had a room of their own and there was a 7-11 shop next door that provided an array of items but also had a coffee machine and fresh doughnuts, which were great.

Tuesday 26th was an early start in formal attire. The talk of the morning was regarding the earthquake in the early hours, which measured 5.9 and lasted about 20 seconds or so but I managed to sleep through it all. Our first visit was to the base HQ and a briefing with the station executives including the Director of Operations of the 1st Air Division of the PAF.

It was then a visit to Clark Aviation School and a tour of the facilities and their A-320 full flight simulator. This was the only dynamic flight simulator in the Philippines.

It was then back to the hostel to change for the afternoon’s programme, which we were all looking forward to as it was marksmanship training with the 710th Special Operations Wing of the PAF (their equivalent of Special Forces). The outside range was like nothing to be found or authorized in the UK as it consisted of earth banks on three sides with a liberal spattering of tyres on the back walls. By this time it was beginning to rain again from the effects of hurricane Juaning and out came the umbrellas but this did not stop our enthusiasm or that of our hosts. On the three ranges we were to fire the M16, the MP5 and a 9mm pistol. Having had a brief introduction to the weapons and a safety brief it was down to business with an instructor each and someone stood over us with an umbrella. We started with 25 rounds on the M16 in the prone and sitting positions, followed by 10 rounds with the MP5. The MP5 had a cross hair laser sight, which was excellent as you only had to aim that on the target and you knew exactly where the rounds were going. For this application we had a pop up type shoot with 2 rounds being fired in 2 seconds before the weapon was eased from the shoulder before the next shoot. It was a lovely weapon to shoot and no wonder why it was the chosen type for Special Forces and the UK police forces. The last shoot was with the 9mm pistol where we had another 10 rounds. Once again our instructors and hosts were very accommodating, professional and above all friendly people who it was a pleasure to have met and worked with all be it for a very brief period. We could have carried on doing that all day if they had had the spare rounds and time permitted.

In the evening we took a Jeepney taxi for the trip to the restaurant in the shopping area and we sat outside under the sheltered awning with the rain pouring down but it was still warm and quiet refreshing after all the heat. Again the food was great with a large variety to choose from and we all mixed and matched our dishes in order to taste them all. Eating out did however often turn out to be a mystery and was not for the faint hearted. Not knowing what it was that you were looking at either on the menu or on the plate. Every meal contained differing flavors of rice, diced meats in a source and chicken. I later saw pigs’ ears, trotters and brains on the counters but stayed well clear of these.

Wednesday 27th saw the programme effected by the hurricane and the heavy rainfall such that we were unable to take the trip to Mt Pinatubo which was a real shame but fully understandable. Instead it was off to the Clark Museum, which showed the history of the station and the war years and was interesting in parts with some artifacts and memorabilia. Afterwards we went to the mall for lunch and then we were given our first option of the trip, more shopping or a film. The general opinion was for the movie and off we went to see “Captain America”, again paid for by our hosts.

Dinner that evening was at a halal restaurant that had been sourced by our hosts and was down a no through traffic road so we walked the short distance to the restaurant. What we did not know was that it was almost directly opposite a number of ‘girlie’ bars and clubs and we were accosted by the local working girls who were stunning but very scantily clad – we remained professional throughout. They were still holding umbrellas as it was throwing it down.
Thursday 28th we were joined on the journey by two more security guards who not only had loaded pistols but a shortened M16 each. Upon our arrival at the Jungle Environment Survival Training Center, the camp was found to be closed for renovations.

Fortunately for us, next door was a ‘Tree Top Adventure’ and after a quick piece of negotiating we were signed up and were soon being placed into rock climbing style harnesses. The ‘rides’ consisted of a zip wire through the canopies, both front and rearwards; a walk at high levels and a free fall type effect from 60 feet in the air. After lunch was a demonstration of survival skills and a walk around the forest. Again, with the wet weather conditions and a forest environment, we all got bitten a number of times, thankfully the Brits were on the malaria tablets. The tree formations and the large buttresses were amazing.

After we went to the Camayan Beach Resort on Subic Bay, which was a relatively short journey away. Again you could tell the previous occupation of the Americans and their influence on the road layout, buildings and housing styles. On the way there we observed trees full of fruit bats. Although we were some distance away from them on the roadside, they looked huge especially when they were flying around in the early evening light. The resort was a nice place with a beachfront hotel, a dive school and sandy beaches. The colour of the sand gave away the recent history of the island with a volcanic grey look to it. We all had a very refreshing swim even though it was still raining slightly and enjoyed the location and a well-earned rest. That evening we ate there at the sea front restaurant and the heavy rains continued well into the night. We again had a very nice meal washed down by some excellent cocktails.

On Friday 29th we upped and left Clark for the drive back to Manila and stopped at the Green Hills shopping complex. This was like a two-storey market place littered with small stalls with bags, T-shirts, clothing and watches on the ground floor with electrical items and mobile phones on the second floor. It was so vast that it was difficult to know where to start and was not for the faint hearted as you were accosted by the sellers who wanted you to part with your money. For the UK cadets and myself it was the lure of a good quality fake Breitling watches that forced open the wallets.

It was then back to the Tower Inn hotel, this time with a single bed and flat screen TV. We were all back together again under one roof with the cadets.
Time to then get ready for the evening dinner, which was being hosted by Brigadier General YBANEZ PAF Reserve, a serving judge with the court of appeal. We dressed for the dinner in our semi formal dress code and the venue for the evening was the Century Park Hotel, which looked like a five star hotel with all its wonderful interior decoration and styling. We were seated in a separate dinning area and were joined by two other senior Reserve Officers. The food was in a self-service buffet style and the starter bar included a wonderful selection of sushi and the main course was either from the hot meat foods that had been prepared or from the bar where chefs were waiting to cook to your particular tastes. The dessert bar was also not for those on a diet or even considering it. It was delicious with no boundaries to the amount you could try. The evening was a great success with good company and the food absolutely unbelievable. I was only relieved that I was not paying the bill. After a final photo shoot it was back on the coach.

Saturday 30th we were back in our informal wear for a visit to the University of Perpetual Help Rizal Flying School at Las Pinas which was a good drive away and back through the hustle and bustle of the local traffic mayhem and chaos. The scheme appeared to be aimed at teaching the rudiments of flying, which was in line with our own academic syllabus and was open to those at the university. The facilities and teaching aids were an improvement on anything else that we had seen thus far and included aircraft electrics, avionics, systems and the undercarriage. They also had a Cessna airframe and an engine on a jig that was fired up inside the hanger and was being run by retired PAF senior officers. We were hosted there for lunch by Colonel TAMAYO retired, The University President. The weather had been kind to us during this visit but just before we got back on the coach for the journey back to Villamor it began to rain again and the cloud was ominously low.

We arrived at Villamor in good time at the tactical helicopter flight. The base was as busy as a normal weekday and we were informed that their military do not get weekends off. We were due to fly with 505th SAR Group but they were committed elsewhere on the island with aid work following the recent hurricane. Inside the hanger were a number of Huey helicopters in various states and it looked like a ‘scrapheap challenge’ set. Together with the four inside there were another three outside, all with engines missing. The crew were friendly and the usual professionals that would have been expected although they looked so young. We were given the MET, safety and crew briefs and then it was time for a pre-flight prayer. I only hoped we would not need it. We had been allocated call sign ‘Stinger 716’ for the sortie. We were all hoping for an improvement in the weather and just hoped that they were not going to cancel. It was then off to the helicopter and with life jackets worn and we all jumped on board. What we had not noticed earlier was that the helicopter had been fitted with two machine guns, one out of each door and that these were fully loaded with live ammunition from the ammo box. This was really impressive but I just hoped that we were not going to need any of them. All secure, we took off with the rain easing somewhat. With the side doors open for the whole duration the views were awesome and the breeze welcome. We spent the next 30 minutes at between 500 and 1000 feet and the photo opportunities were great. Thankfully we were well secure, which was just as well as at the turning point we dropped down to low level and the Huey was almost on its side which was not for the faint hearted. All too soon we were inbound back for Villamor and we were soon under the level of the high-rise flats and back over the American war cemetery.

Sunday 31st was another leisurely start and with swimming kit in hand we were soon off to the Valle Verde Club House. Here we were hosted and had lunch with Colonel ‘Bobby’ Romero who was the Brigade Commander of the 5th Technical and Administrative Brigade. The club looked an expensive place to host and had not only the pool but tennis and badminton courts together with other facilities. Again the food was excellent and was virtually cooked to order.

Monday 1st was another early start with a 06:45 departure to visit the Air Education and Training Command at Lipa City. By the time that we had arrived at the Fernando Air base is was again torrential rain. We were warmly greeted by the two star base commander. We started the tour of the base with a visit to their flying training ground school where one of the ‘Aviation Cadets’ presented about the flying course and its content. It all looked very similar to the system employed by the RAF and the basic Firefly trainers. After this it was into the ground simulator room and then a look around one of the hangers, which was full of aging silver coloured Cessna aircraft and some new Italian training aircraft. With the rain easing off it was time for a whirlwind drive around the station and we observed the enlisted training area, which was in stark contrast. The ten accommodation blocks looked austere and none too inviting. A static arms drill test was being conducted on the waterlogged square. Each barrack block had an assigned armed guard as behind them was a gun rack containing in the region of 50 or so weapons. The block contained metal bunk beds with kit ready for inspection on them. The blue and white sheets were made up with hospital corners and the floor was bare concrete. This was in stark contrast to that in the UK or in fact any other European forces and was a real eye opener.

It was soon time for lunch, which was another elaborate affair being held in the Officers Club. The top table contained the base commander and all his executives of which there were about ten of them. About 15 round tables had been formally laid out for the luncheon and each table contained one of our cadets, some ACP cadets and officer cadets from the current course who were dressed in the camouflage clothing and were regimented in their stature. Such that it was difficult to engage them in conversation as they appeared petrified by the occasion and of us. Lunch started with some form of grace and some chanting, which seemed somewhat odd but must be their tradition as this happened on three separate occasions throughout the meal.
The evening dinner was our last and the most important of the IACE. This was being hosted by the PAF Commanding General, Lieutenant General RABENA at the Villamor Golf Club. We were dressed in our best refinery with jackets and we received a very warm welcome from those who were present and especially from the Commanding General. Before long it was time for our cadets to do their stuff. The presentations went off very well and portrayed the work we conduct in our own respective countries and how the organisations differ. Lieutenant General RABENA took to the stand and was warm in his virtues of the exchange. By allowing the IACE to the Philippines he had committed a large amount of resources and financial backing and was the driving factor for the program. He then presented gifts to all of us and we exchanged ours. There followed a great number of photos, being taken by a large number of publicity people. We were again the focus of attention and it was somewhat awe inspiring and a little difficult to take on board. I was beginning to feel like a football star so I don’t know what the cadets felt like. The leader of the 146th ACP Squadron presented us with a lovely handmade, glass encased Filipino knife. My heart at that point sank somewhat as I recognised it as a butterfly knife with about a 5 inch blade – outlawed in the UK. We would cross the UK border agency when we get to it and explain that one away. It was a lovely gift and typified their genuine hospitality. Even though I had been away for a long time and missed my family, I was almost sorry to be going home and leaving such wonderful, kind-hearted, genuine people. It was then off back to the hotel with bags full of gifts and a reflection on a truly wonderful evening.

Tuesday 2nd was a leisurely day and time to unwind somewhat after the recent events. Time to take stock and relax as all the formal matters had been dealt with. Having packed, we waited around the hotel for Marie as she was taking Bryan and I out for lunch. I was not aware that it was Bryans’ birthday as he had kept it very quiet. Together with Noel we went to a restaurant in the Green Belt area that had great pastries and to be fair they were pretty good washed down with another cocktail. For the rest of the day it was down to us as we spent it as long as we advised our security staff. With Noel catching up on some well-earned sleep and Denver in tow with the Dutch party somewhere in Manila, I decided to take my cadets along the road to a great shop that did jewellery and carved wood items. It was only a matter of minutes before we were joined by Noel – he never missed a thing. A very mild mannered and understated man, who took his role very seriously. We were not only his friends, but were also his job. Never did I feel insecure with them around.
Wednesday 3rd was our departure day. The US had already left the hotel and the UK and the Dutch left together as our flights were minutes apart. It was time to say our farewells and there was the odd tear in the eyes of those who had become our friends.

We eventually breezed through security and the aircraft for the return leg was a B777. When called, we made our way on board and I said goodbye to Tom and Zain as we were not sat together as we had not booked in advance. Anyway, the hours passed and it gave me time to reflect on the trip and the experiences I had had with such wonderful hosts. If only it was not so far away I may have made a promise to return. With 3 films under my belt and having lost another 3 games of battleships against the on board computer, I decided that it was time to give up and try some sleep. Anyway we eventually landed ahead of schedule at Heathrow just before 20:00 thanks to a good tail wind or a cut corner over Russia. The three of us had all travelled back in our semi formal wear with IACE T-shirts as I figured out that if one of us was going to be arrested for the knife that was deeply hidden in our suitcases, then we may as well all be arrested together. Once outside it was a huge sigh of relief and safety.

To the cadets you were exceptional, no worries and a privilege to have been with.
To the escorts, gents you were great company and I sincerely hope to keep in touch.
To our hosts, I lack the words other than to say a big, thank you.

Ah, just one last thing about the Balut – their local delicacy. Don’t go anywhere near it or try it. Should you, it is at your peril and some sickness after as two of the boys will testify ……… Who in their right minds eat a 15 day old duck chick which is partially feathered and boiled and then eaten from the shell. No thanks, not for me.

Photo clockwise from top left:
1) Tom ready for the big drop
2) Shooting the MP5
3) Camayan beach resort
4) Dinner with the PAF