In a tear-jerking moment, a young cadet fought to stay in formation during an emotional reunion with his family.
Abegail Acuna and her family attended her brother Andan’s oath-taking ceremony at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in Zambales.
Touching footage shows the 4th class officer standing stiffly in line, his head held high as tears streamed down his face on September 8.
His mother gently reached out to wipe his tears with her shawl, unable to hold back her own emotions.
His younger brother leapt with joy and wrapped him in a tight hug, overjoyed to see him again after a month apart.
Their father stood close by, also in tears, as relatives recorded the bittersweet moment on camera.
Despite being shaken and embraced by his sibling, the cadet kept his hands firmly behind his back, fighting to maintain his composure.
Abegail posted the heartwarming video on TikTok, garnering 6.1 million views, 53,300 likes, 526 comments and 2,810 saves.
@abegailacuna So proud of you, Brother 🥹 Continue to reach for your deams 🎉 #pmma #pmmaclassof2029 ♬ MAPA – SB19
“So proud of you, Brother. Continue to reach for your dreams,” she captioned her post, accompanied by SB19’s MAPA as background music. She also added the hashtags #pmma #pmmaclassof2029.
In the comments section, many asked why Andan is not moving.
Abegail explained that it was “part of their training.” Others added that maintaining proper posture is required and considered part of their discipline.
“Their platoon leaders ordered them not to move from their position. So, he had no choice but to remain still, even though he was really eager to hug us,” Abegail said.
“We could see the tears in his eyes but he kept his shape, just like he was ordered to. We are very proud of him,” she added.
Some said the video touched them.
“Nag-scroll lang ako napaiyak na din ako. Congratsss po,” a TikTok user wrote.
“‘Yung bata nakaka-touch din sobrang love niya kuya niya ata ‘yan si kuya sobrang love nya kuya niya,” another commented.
—Rosette Adel; Newsflare via Reuters Connect