Nadia Montenegro is now a PH Navy reservist
Nadia Montenegro has completed her basic citizen military course on becoming a reservist in the Philippine Navy.
In her recent Instagram stories, the 52-year-old actress and mom of eight shared reels and photos of her during the graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, June 4 at the Philippine Navy headquarters.
“Balik sa Diyos. Balik loob sa sarili, sa pamilya at sa gobyerno!” she wrote. In a separate story, she also shared her selfie holding the certificate of completion.
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Among those who were present at the ceremony was Senator Robin Padilla who served as the guest speaker and Dingdong Dantes who gave a video message.
Nadia, whose real name is Nadine M. Pla, was among the 48 new reservists who completed the 30-day basic training of the force. In her interview with the press, she shared how she was inspired by Sen. Padilla to join the force.
"’Yung heart ni Senator Robin nakaka-hawa 'yung kaniyang patriotism and 'yung kaniyang sobrang pagmamahal sa country, 'yung kaniyang patriotic side niya and his love for the country talagang protection service and talagang sama-sama para sa protection ng ating bayan," she said, as per an ABS-CBN News report. Nadia works at Padilla's office as a political affairs officer.
She also admitted that she initially thought she wouldn’t make it.
"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,” she said.
She added: “It was just something I never thought I could do at this age and no regrets talaga. 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.”
Nadia is known for her career in showbiz. Some of her TV shows include Dyesebel (1990), Sandakot na Bala (1988), and 14 Going Steady. She also has a food vlog on YouTube.