I first met Andy at one of the League of Legends community LAN parties more or less half a decade ago. Now, the street-smart kid from Tondo is serving the American people as a member of the United States Military.

After years of being in the US and almost forgetting how to speak good, old Tagalog, we chat about his life in his second homeland.

Andy takes us on a journey from enlistment to deployment as he explains his evolution from immigrant teenager to US soldier. He highlights the triumphs and tribulations—from passing his entrance exams to the isolation of duty in Europe. Andy humanizes the experience of young recruits, showing how the military builds character through extreme discipline. But he also reveals the toll of separation from family and friends. His open account provides civilians a vivid window into military life.

📋 Episode Chapters

(00:00) Reminiscing the internet cafe gaming days

(00:21) 101st Airborne Division stationed in Tennessee

(04:04) Ukraine conflict

(18:18) Training days in the US military

(27:10) The fastest way to get out of basic training is to graduate

(38:54) Masculinity in the military

(42:24) Being more disciplined

(56:05) Application more for military citizenship is cheaper than civilian citizenship

(59:00) Spending life outside the military

(01:09:35) Mental fortitude

(01:28:30) Weapon certifications

(01:38:57) Keeping equipment squeaky clean

(01:48:21) Physical sacrifices and mental sacrifices in the military

(01:51:19) Final question