There were the "first timer" attendees -- Drs. Pat and Lisa Gonzales, Jun Reyes, Drs. Rey and Anna Resureccion, Maeng and Jenny Ramirez, US Air Force Col. Jim and Teresa Gonzalvo, Tony Martinez, Orlino Ancheta, Jess and Fe Monzon, Dr. Angie and Jo Garbes, Jun and Andrea Samaniego, Tito Garcia, Wally Rodriguez, Kay Symons, Manny Casaclang, Dr. Caloy and Cora las Marias, Ernie and Eva Igot, Bob Lorenzo, Ted and Ling Quijano, Dr Peter de Guzman, Lem and Lorene Michelena.
There were Sigma Betans, Dr. Edith Oliva, Marie Ganchorre and Marivi Lawas. Of course the "locals" were there -- UP Beta Sigma So Cal led by Dr. Frank Mamaril, Federation President Sonny Pagador, San Francisco GP Dutch Aragones, Western USA GP Jet Salas, Northwest USA GP Cosme Santiago.
Several VSF's (very special friends) of the fraternity from San Francisco Fil-Am community came, like Prof. JunJun Villegas, Gemma Nemenzo and son, Mike, Timmy and Carmen Meneses.
For three days, the group was transported back in time, reminiscing their campus activities in the Philippine Collegian, Student Government, ROTC, in musicals like Folkways, South Pacific, cultural plays like Becket, Batingao and many more, in special events like the Hay Ride, the Lantern Parade, the Harana, in sporting events like Rodeo Tumbleweeds, School of Martial Arts, Basketball, Chess and many more. Beta Sigma is a university fraternity that has given birth to numerous TOYM awardees. Its various chapters are active in community projects in the Philippines.
The first day was the Hospitality Night where guests were welcomed. It began with a mass officiated by Father Mark Reburiano and a celebration of life powerpoint presentation. There were tears shed as they paid tribute to fraternity brothers that have gone before us -- recalling their lives, deeds and friendship. A very touching message was given by Evelyn Jayme Amurao on behalf of the families.
The morning of the second day was devoted to several sporting events -- golf, bowling, billiards and a Catamaran cruise. In the afternoon was the conference of the UPBSFI. The conference talked about the vision of the group and projects at hand. In the evening was the Grand Fraternity Ball. Founder Rico Arranz provided the Inspirational Message challenging the members to be true to the principles and beliefs of the fraternity. It was " back to basics" message -- a call to excellence and -- "cultivating the seeds of love, and uprooting the weeds of hatred, avarice and envy.” In his response, Dr. Ed Quisumbing assured Arranz that the current breed of members will remain faithful and loyal to the ideals of the founding brothers. Gerry Abenes, PhD. was given the Achievement Award in the field of Medical Research for his works on the cytomgalo (herpes) virus. Abenes has a post-doctoral degree from Stanford and works at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Incoming Grand Prince Manolo Banzon UPLB, and the set of officers for 2009-2011 were inducted into office. In his speech, he appealed to the fraternity brothers to be active in the rebuilding and making UP Beta Sigma relevant to the studentry of the University of the Philippines.
The third day was a Send Off picnic. The guests assembled in "full force" at Boothbay Park in Foster City to continue the "kwentuhan,” "alaskahan,” and "bidahan.” The group did not want to break up and time stood still. However, with only several hours of sleep and finally exhausted, some had to leave. It was not "goodbye" but "till we meet again.”
Truly, the Betan spirit lives!
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