Geneva Cruz is now a Philippine Air Force reservist

In time for International Women's Month, Geneva Cruz showcased what women can do to serve the country even in their 40s.

She set aside the glam life as a celebrity and stepped in her boots and flaunted her badge as a proud member of the Philippine Air Force reserve command.

The Little Princess actress now carries the military title Sergeant Geneva Cruz after graduating from the Special Basic Citizen Military Training of the Philippine Air Froce on Wednesday, March 9.

"Nakaka-overwhelm na nakakalungkot ng konti kasi naalala ko 'yung mommy ko and I wish my mom was still alive para makita n'ya," she told Lhar Santiago in his 'Chika Minute' report on 24 Oras yesterday.

Geneva managed to complete the rigorous Air Force reservist training for four months despite having scoliosis.

"Parang maghihiwalay 'yung upper saka 'yung lower body ko. Sobrang sakit kasi dala-dala namin 'yung M16 tapos may dala-dala kaming backpack," she recounted.

According to the 45-year-old singer/actress, she shared this special milestone in her life to show women of her age that it's not too late to do whatever their hearts and minds desire.

"Inakyat po namin ang tatlong bundok in a span of four hours, akyat-baba, akyat-baba.

"I did this for myself and I also did this for all other women who are in their 40s na feeling ng mga tao matanda na and feeling nila wala na silang pwedeng gawin sa buhay nila.

"You can still start a new life at the age of 40, you can be you wanna be."

In fact, Geneva had the choice to be an American citizen after living in the US for six years but she chose where her heart has always been.

"I wanna serve my country. I wanna serve my countrymen and help my countrymen."

Among Geneva's batchmates in her Special Basic Citizen Military Training under the Philippine Air Force are her fellow Kapuso actor John Vic De Guzman, model-turned-actor Luke Jickain, and Philippine Men's National Volleyball player Mark Gil Alfafara.

Check out the other celebrities who have heeded their call for service for their fellow Filipinos in this gallery: