A highly decorated military officer and Medal of Valor Awardee, retired Colonel Ariel Querubin reflects on his courageous battles, cherished family, dedication to fitness, and preparation for the future.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold,” shares retired Colonel Ariel Querubin. “When I graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1979, which was 45 years ago, I was attracted to this passage. I said I want this to be my guiding principle.” He had been so moved by this quote that he had even written it in his yearbook. The highly decorated military man would later learn that this was a Bible passage, namely Proverbs 22 verse 1.
Querubin’s life and career have witnessed this commitment to act with integrity to safeguard one’s good reputation. Having served for over three decades in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he has exemplified an unwavering love and dedication to the country. He is likewise the epitome of courage in the face of danger, having battled numerous armed militants during his time.
Foremost among his many exploits was when he successfully led an intense military operation in Lanao del Norte. This momentous success thus earned him our military’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor. Apart from this, the 68-year-old has likewise been proffered numerous awards and medals, and is considered the most decorated soldier in our nation’s history.
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An Intense Battle
Years had passed since the harrowing encounter, yet the retired colonel recounts it to Lifestyle Asia as if it were yesterday. It was in March of 2000 when the brave patriot led a team of 117 Philippine Marines against 300 MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) fighters. “It was a 24-hour running gun battle where I earned the Medal of Valor,” he shares of their campaign to liberate Kauswagan. “We were able to rescue 329 hostages from the gym.”
Prior to this intense confrontation, Querubin and his men had already been fighting for two days straight with barely any sleep or rest. Nonetheless, government officials believed it was important to maintain their momentum. Thus, they instructed Querubin’s unit to head on to Camp John Mack where the MILF brigade was based.
Along with reinforcements, they arrived at the camp on March 18, 2000. “By around 10 in the evening, the firefight was so intense,” he says, recalling how the men to his right and left were being hit. This made them discern that Querubin was perhaps the target, forcing them to move positions amidst heavy gunfire.
Their strategic maneuvers allowed them to locate their enemies’ positions and attack with artillery support. Nonetheless, the fighting lasted until sunrise with Querubin’s team barely able to advance due to large enemy numbers. With comrades behind them also being hit, Querubin and his men realized that they were most likely surrounded.
Helicopters finally arrived but couldn’t offer support because of the thick rain clouds that blocked their vision. “That was when I prayed so hard. Never in my life did I implore God’s help that way,” he shares. Suddenly the skies cleared, and they were able to neutralize their enemy targets.
Valor, Victory, and Service
He continued rallying and leading his men as they fought, and were victorious by sunset of the following day. At this pivotal juncture, the late General Teodosio had given him a call. Querubin recalls him saying, “Ariel, we have heard so many stories about what you have done. So, I asked General Cimatu if you could be awarded the highest medal, the Medal of Valor.”
Still in the midst of the battleground, having endured the most grueling fight of his life, Querubin remembers having mixed feelings. “Masaya ako na natanggapo ko yung Medal of Valor. Pero napakalungkot kasi yung mga namatay na tao, namatay sa tabi ko, kawawa naman yung pamilya na naiwan nila,” he shares. (“I was happy to have received the Medal of Valor. But it was extremely sad because the people who died, had died right beside me. I grieved for the families they had left behind.”)
To which one of his men said that Querubin had family too, and one he could leave behind as his heroism had often put him in the line of fire. “In these situations, I prioritize the welfare of my men. Because I know that should I end up leaving my family behind, my wife is someone who will be able to take care of them,” he replied.
He considers it a cornerstone of his leadership to always look after the soldiers under his command, balancing that with the goal of accomplishing their mission. Now that he is retired, he is grateful to be in a position to help his former colleagues transition to the private sector like he did. “They were all given a second career,” he shares.
His sense of duty and compassion towards others was also demonstrated with how dedicated he had been in helping construct emergency quarantine facilities during the pandemic. “These are all, as I had said, small things. But if you look at it, it is as if the Lord has placed you in that position to share His countless blessings,” says Querubin.
A Champion For Wellness
Nowadays, Querubin is a self-confessed fitness buff who advocates for the importance of both physical and mental wellness. He maintains a consistent exercise routine, and has seen his health improve as a result. He jovially shares that even at 68, he can still do hundreds of push-ups. Nonetheless, there is also a sentimental side to Querubin’s passion for fitness as he endeavors to continue to be strong and healthy for his family.
On top of keeping fit, Querubin likewise believes in the importance of being financially prepared. “I encouraged all my colleagues to get an insurance plan for themselves and their families with Cocolife, so that they can be assured of getting quality healthcare should the need arise,” he declares. He emphasizes, “As I said, even if they receive professional fees from their jobs, it won’t be enough to cover all your expenses if you get sick. Thus, it is very important to also be insured.”
Having weathered his share of battles with both courage and an astute military mind, Querubin is indeed no stranger to uncertainty. Thus, it is no wonder that he truly appreciates the value of having a reliable partner like Cocolife. As the first ISO-certified Filipino-owned stock life insurance company in the Philippines, Cocolife is committed to helping our countrymen secure their futures.
Cocolife also believes in holistic protection in all aspects of life, including one’s physical, mental and financial health. This is not unlike Querubin’s own principles, making him a truly fitting ambassador for the brand.
Coincidentally, his son Atty. Martin A. Loon is the current President and CEO of Cocolife and is also the youngest to hold this position. Of course, Querubin is extremely proud, and even shares how Martin had always been a very responsible brother and a good mentor to his siblings. As the eldest child, Querubin recalls how Martin has always stepped up, and has such a generosity to his family.
Martin is an alumnus of Ateneo de Manila University, as well as the University of the Philippines College of Law, and Georgetown University. Under his leadership, Cocolife was able to earn the highest income in its history for two years in a row. What is more impressive is that they achieved this while also prioritizing the needs and the welfare of their clients, most especially during the pandemic.
Family Values
Querubin excitedly talks about how proud he is of all of his children. There is of course Martin’s younger brother, Marine Captain John Michael Loon. Both of them are children of Querubin’s wife, Pong Azcarraga Querubin, from a previous marriage. Querubin however, had always treated them like his own, raising them up beginning their formative years. “I can really say with pride that I have a very ideal blended family,” he shares.
From his first wife, the late Dr. Loreta Querubin, he has two children, Alfred Querubin, and Dr. Faye Querubin.
He and his wife Pong have also been blessed with three more children, Jaq Querubin, AJ Querubin, and John Querubin. Interestingly, his youngest, John, is nicknamed “Val, which is short for valor. He shares that this is because his wife Pong had been pregnant with John during the time he was fighting the battle that would earn him the Medal of Valor.
Naturally, Querubin’s career was filled with many ups and downs, and even a few close calls. He intimates, “Not merely once or twice had I laid my life for my country. I had near-death experiences and have even been stabbed. In all of my encounters, I had just been lucky enough to win over my enemies.”
The trials he encountered inadvertently made him realize that one’s career is not everything in life. As he relishes in his role as a father, and now even a grandfather, he talks of how he is currently focusing on his family. “I have seven children to take care of, seven children to prepare for the complexities of life,” he shares. “If you ask me what my biggest accomplishment is, of course it’s having all your children become professionals, so all my awards pale in comparison to what I have accomplished as a father.
He credits his own father as one of his role models, and remembers that he would often say, “Ariel, if you want to get rich, do not enter the government.” Querubin shares that, true enough, he wasn’t rich in the material sense when he retired. However, he again recounts his favorite passage, prioritizing the value of a good name and loving favor over riches and gold. Thus, through his good reputation, he can bestow a priceless legacy upon his kin, as well as lessons for them to learn on the importance of integrity.
Looking Valiantly To The Future
Through big or small ways, Querubin is proof that having a heart of service, coupled with integrity and bravery, is key to being able to effectuate meaningful change. In spite of all his hard work and sacrifice, he still feels he has more to give his country. “I want to contribute again, I want to make the most of my renewed strength,” he declares. “I want to be productive, and share what I can do for nation building, and for love of country.”
Caring for the Filipino has always been a driving force for Querubin, as exemplified by a stellar career of military valor and heroism. These days, he is channeling his energies towards inspiring others to value health and wellness, and preparedness in all aspects. Indeed, his lifelong dedication to protecting lives truly mirrors Cocolife’s commitment to the Filipino people, giving our countrymen not only peace of mind for today, but also a secure and a brighter tomorrow.
For more information about Cocolife, visit their official website.
Text MARIANE PEREZ
Photos KIM SANTOS OF KLIQ, INC.
Sittings Editor CANDY DIZON
Creative Director PAOLO TORIO
Grooming CATS DEL ROSARIO
Stylist ROKO ARCEO
Shoot Coordination MAE TALAID
Shot on location at the Sheraton Manila Hotel.
