The heart of a soldier is infused with a strong spirit of solidarity, an unspoken allegiance to brotherhood. Behind his gallantry and badass appeal is compassion for his comrades. The seven-man team we loved in A Soldier’s Heart displayed solid friendship despite a few hurdles.
As their story comes to a close, take a look back at the scenes that showed Alex (Gerald Anderson), Abe (Carlo Aquino), Michael (Nash Aguas), Phil (Jerome Ponce), Benjie (Yves Flores), and Jethro (Elmo Magalona)’s unspoken commitment to fight for each other, for a soldier raises the value of winning as a team than winning alone.
The montage begins with the troop finally reaping the fruit of their sacrifices as they become full-fledged soldiers. A happy reunion with their family awaits them but not for the breadwinner, Michael, who sent his salary for his family’s needs. The pain in Michael’s eyes tugged at his buddies’ heartstrings. They chipped in their extra allowance for his fare.
These men’s efforts are often unrewarded and they expect nothing in return. All that they yearn for at the end of each season in the battlefield is to be able to return to the people they call home. But in times of duty, they only have each other as family. When the task was a bore, Michael lighted up the mood by pretending that he’s on a concert. Jethro caught the silly act and asked Michael for five push-ups, for the sake of fun. Michael obliged, giving one for his officer and one for everybody.
In times when someone’s in an emotional turmoil, the gang stays by the troubled guy’s side to soothe his worries. It’s shown by Abe and Phil telling Alex to stop overthinking.
Sometimes, Cupid’s arrow hits a soldier’s heart faster than bullet. When they’re drenched in deep emotions, they held on to each other for comfort. Michael led the talks about love as they gathered around a bonfire. He said that love doesn’t come easy but all the struggles are just part of the destiny they choose to pursue – a soldier’s life. He added that the heart is a weapon more powerful than any kind of firearm.
One defining moment in these men’s friendship happened during their Scout Ranger training. A bag of outside food was retrieved inside the camp. It was a major violation. Abe was about to speak up. Thinking that Abe would reveal him as the culprit, Phil confessed his mistake. The officer asked for the others involved in the offense. Abe said that he was, and so did Alex, Benjie, Jethro, and the rest of the squadron. The commandant knew that they were lying. But instead of getting furious, he admired their willingness to protect each other, for in the army and in times of war, brotherhood is an integral part of survival.
The troopers would also render their time and effort for the buddy in need. The bunch helped in the search and rescue for Michael’s uncle in a quarry site even if they’re scheduled for R&R (Rest and Recuperation) after the Scout Rangers training.
However, their friendship was also put to the test. Conflict began to escalate when Alex’s identity as an Alhuraji was revealed. Benjie and Jethro, consumed by anger, turned a blind eye to their brotherhood, splitting the group into two. The others vouched for Alex’s innocence and kept on enlightening the prodigals’ minds.
It was a happy ending, still. Benjie found his way back to his buddies when Alex was vindicated in the court. It was touching to see Benjie lowering his pride to shake hands with Alex. The latter pulled him for an embrace.
The reconciliation was followed by a dinner treat at the Marasigan abode. Lourd (Sue Ramirez) gave the men a happy surprise by bringing Benjie with her. He said ‘sorry.’ His buddies accepted the apology. No drama and explanation, just plain forgiveness, for the heart of a soldier values brotherhood over mistakes.
Let’s give these valiant men the final salute as the last episode of A Soldier’s Heart airs on Friday, September 18 on Kapamilya Channel and Kapamilya Online Live.