At 57 he is at the prime of his life; but because in military service the retirement age is 56, Brig. Gen. Alejandro Hornido Estomo (AHE) left the Armed Forces of the Philippines a fulfilled man. He served the country for 31 years – 22 years in Intelligence and 9 years in Infantry. His exploits, especially as a Combat Commander, are immortalized in three books he wrote: “The Buliok Operations” in 2004, “The Battle of PALMA-B” in 2009, and “Military Leadership in Challenging Times” in 2012.

BrigGen Estomo is a recipient of 5 Distinguished Service Awards, 3 Bronze Cross Medals, 7 Military Merit Medals with Spearhead Devices and Central Commendations, and 20 Military Merit Medals with Anahaw Leaf. He also received the Outstanding Boholano Award by BAMMI (Boholano Association of Manila, Inc.) in 2008 and Outstanding Boholano in Military Service given by Governor Edgar M. Chatto during the 158th Charter Day of Bohol on July 22, 2012. An exemplary product of the Philippine Military Academy in 1979, he graduated Valedictorian at Bil-isan Elementary School (1970) and Valedictorian at the Bohol National High School (1974). He was in Tagbilaran for the BNHS batch '74 reunion, thus the chance for this interview at ICM's Prawn Farm on June 17, 2014.

LMP: It is seldom that you come to Bohol, what is the reason of your coming over?

AHE: The main reason why I came here to Bohol is because I attended to our class reunion (Batch 1974) of the Bohol National High School. It was a three-day affair that took place last June 13, 14, and 15.

LMP: When it became Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, there were a lot of oppositionists. In your case when you learned about it, did you like the idea of changing the name to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School?

AHE: In my personal opinion, I am not in favor of the idea because I would lose my identity as a graduate of Bohol Provincial High School. As far as I am concerned, it is better to have that original name continued, or if they really want to change it, it should be related to the original one.

LMP: How many were you when you graduated?

AHE: We were about 300 graduates.

LMP: Did you graduate on top of your class?

AHE: Yes, I was the Class Valedictorian of our batch.

LMP: If you would like to sum up, especially those who came back for the reunion, would you consider them basically, successful people just like you?

AHE: Yes, but most of those who attended was not more on the success or failure, but on the accessibility. Most of the attendees were those based in Bohol, Cebu, there were only three of us from Manila. Unfortunately, those living abroad were not able to come. Maybe, because of the time and some other constraints, but they were very interested to attend the reunion. I would say, most of us are already successful in our own respective career paths.

LMP: In your reunion, were there teachers or former teachers who also participated?

AHE: Yes, there were two. One was our former teacher, who later became Principal, Dr. Benita Osorio, and Atty. Cecilio Danggoy.

LMP: Judge Danggoy was teaching before?

AHE: Yes. He was our teacher in Philippine Community Life, and some other subjects.

LMP: At that time, was Benita Osorio already a Principal?

AHE: Not yet. She was our teacher in Philippine History in my sophomore year.

LMP: If you are going to sum-up the graduates that you have, including those who did not come, would you say that generally, all of you are successful?

AHE: I would say, we are all successful in our own way. Sometimes, the word success is very hard to define, because there are no parameters laid up for that. As for myself, I have my own parameters. Just like, success in wealth, building up your own family, and your children are also doing well. You have a stable career, and inspite of time and age, you have maintained your health. For me, all these things are important factors inorder to become successful.

LMP: Did you select some outstanding members of the group?

AHE: No, there was none. It was a plain and simple gathering. We just had dinner, fellowship, and other activities, but it was a fun-filled reunion. I was one of the speakers requested to deliver a message.

LMP: What occupies your time now?

AHE: Now that I'm retired, I can do what I wanted to do before but I can't because of my job.

LMP: Like what?

AHE: Travel.

LMP: Here, or abroad?

AHE: Both. But lately, out of the country.

LMP: Where were you last? Do you travel alone?

AHE: With my children already having lives of their own, I travel with my wife. The last time was in Europe.

LMP: What particular place?

AHE: France, Germany, Switzerland, Vienna, Spain, Austria, and others.

LMP: What do you consider the more-noteworthy among the cities you have been to?

AHE: That would be Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. Each is a stand-out for distinct reasons, but Poland always has a place in history.

LMP: How about USA?

AHE: We have been to different States. But Europe is more interesting.

LMP: Where's the next trip?

AHE: Next month we leave for Canada. We time it for summer to escape from the cold season. We have relatives in Vancouver.

LMP: And next?

AHE: Will plan it yet. For sure, we will be off again. Traveling is always a great experience.

As an Outstanding Intelligence Officer and Combat Commander BrigGen Alejandro H. Estomo was praised, admired, and respected by his peers and superiors. This boy from Panglao has gone a long way in service of his native land. To carry on with his legacy, his eldest son, Alexander Joseph graduated on top of his class at West Point, USA, and will soon be assigned in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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