MANILA - Rex Eduard Custorio is someone who wants to make a difference in the country. He found his calling in the Philippine Military Academy in 2010.

"Feeling ko mas marami akong maa-affect na buhay kapag pumasok ako (sa PMA) kasi they're training leaders. They're training people to make a difference kaya napili ko po talagang mag PMA na lang," Custorio said.

But that same year, the PMA sent him to continue his studies in South Korea as the first Filipino to study at the Korea Air Force Academy. The institution, located in Cheongju, Chungbuk in South Korea, provides undergraduate education and military training of officers.

"Kabado, kasi walang mag-ga-guide doon sa akin. Parang I have to walk first for others to follow," he said.

Studying in another country was not without challenges. First, Custorio had to juggle his studies with understanding the culture, traditions and language of the country which he called his second home for four years.

"Language unang problema ko," he narrated. He arrived in Korea a few months late, making him miss the basic language lessons.

"Hinabol ko po talaga yun. Nahabol ko naman po siya. Magaling din ang mga teachers. Structured ang pagtuturo nila, mabilis akong nakahabol," he said.

He also is thankful for his classmates who made sure that he kept up with the lessons.

"Ginawa nila lahat para maka adjust ako, mag fit in ako sa kanila. Di ganun kahirap mag fit in. Tatanggapin ka nila if you show respect to them, their history and tradition," he said.

Memorable experience

2nd Lt. Custorio recently graduated from the ROK Air Force and will soon join the Philippine Air Force.

For him, one of the most memorable experiences during his foreign schooling was airborne training.

He said the Koreans' respect for elders and strong nationalistic pride are among the lessons he brought back with him to the Philippines.

"Napakataas ng drive nila i-develop sarili nilang bansa. Yun gusto kong mangyari sa Pilipinas," he said.

He also wants replicate the simple practices that Koreans do, like giving priority to the elderly and the orderly manner in transport terminal.

"Very simple practices pero I think nakakatulong mag develop ng character," he said.

Custorio said that there are now three PMA cadets--two men and a woman-- under the ROK Air Force.

When asked if he was able to give a good impression of the Philippines and the PMA while in Korea, Custorio replied, "I would like to think so".

While even the strongest institution may face problems and controversies that could demoralize its people, Custorio only had one answer.

"Kung gusto po natin ng change, it's up to us to make that change," he said.