By: Reynaldo Gabriel Tan Paulino Φ2019
Fellowship, loyalty, brotherhood – values all of which are abstract in nature. Yet all were seen burning inside the Phi in presence last February 9, 2019, in the San Lorenzo Village Clubhouse, Makati City. The doors opened and closed in a rhythmic cadence, followed by the sound of boisterous laughter intermixed with the rumble of warm greetings, announcing the arrival of brods from across the generations. Handshake after handshake, toast after toast, the gaps of age amongst brothers quickly fizzled into inexistence. A gap that, for outsiders, would seem like one that spans hundreds of miles of experience. But for the Phi, it was nothing in comparison to the limitless brotherhood that they are so blessed to possess. Each corner of the hall was occupied by a group of brods, sharing ice cold pints of beer accompanied by the wisest and wildest stories. At that moment, age and status were no more. All that was left was brotherhood and mutual respect.
A wide array of delicacies were set for the Loyal Sons to indulge in, Lechon, Lumpia, Pancit, Kare-Kare, Roast beef, and a plethora drinks from simple beers to premier spirits. All hit a note with each Phi present, as line after line were formed for everyone to get their fill. As empty plates stacked-up in the now lonely table, and the clattering of cutlery began to die down, the room was filled with the ever familiar atmosphere that each Phi craves for in the days counting down to each function. It was the grandest of reunions, especially in the presence of the Loyal Sons of the Phi Kappa Mu from the UP Medical Alumni Society in America. It was indeed a homecoming.
Soon, the night began to close and the once full halls of the clubhouse began to empty. However, the fire of Brotherhood burned ever brighter as it followed each member of the venerable fold home. Farewells were said, but through the mix of emotions, all knew that this was but one of the many spectacles of Brotherhood that they will share in their lifetime – each goodbye said was a promise of reunion. And all of this was made possible by our host Gerardo Dizon Legaspi Φ1983, the Venerable Preceptor, Gabriel Paulo Candongo Orosco Φ2017A, and generations of brothers spanning decades. It was indeed an incredible night.
Three Cheers to the Alumni in attendance: Benito Rances Reverente, Jr. Ф1950, Fernando Basilio Florendo Piedad Ф1954, Paulino Santos Cruz Ф1959, Martin Jalon Dela Rosa II Ф1963 SE 1966-1967, Alvin Mangaser Panahon Ф1963, Valentin Nessia Dolorico Ф 1964, Besosie Malvar Ganal Ф1964, Ellewelyn Gueco Pasion Ф1964, Manuel Garces Dee Ф1965, Elmer Atienza Carasig Ф1966, Edmundo Avila Somoza Ф1966, Jose Ritzi Manigque Tiongco Ф1966, Emmanuel Alina Lat Ф1968, Anacleto Apostol Mangaser, Jr. Ф1968, Jose Castillo Gonzales Ф1969A, John Leeds Reyes Ф1969A, SE 1972-1973, Darfrente Tuason Nibungco, Jr. Ф1971, Espiridion Rufo Reyes Ф1971, Cesar Corpuz Ubaldo Ф1974, Raul Dalmacio Cruz Ф1977, Edgar Emmanuel Sanchez Manaois Ф1977, Jack Domingo Gonzales Arroyo, Jr. Ф1979, Peter Bautista Bernardo Ф1980, Vicente Ylanan Belizario Jr. Ф1981, Virgilio Mison Novero, Jr. Ф1982, Francisco Tupasi Valenzuela, Jr. Ф1982, Gerardo Dizon Legaspi Ф1983, Alfredo Caasi Calado III Ф1984A, Laurence Tan Loh Ф1984A, Renan Bince Abellera Ф1984B, Rene Vincent Sison Levosada Ф1984B, Dennis Pestaño Serrano Ф1984B, Charles Tan Valmadrid Ф1984B, Lafayette Roque Ang-Santo Ф1985, Felixberto Siy Lukban Ф1985, Stephen Tancuan Sowy Ф1985, Jubert Pasion Benedicto Ф1987, Jesse Noel Vargas Conjares Ф1987, Jose Joven Valenzuela Cruz Ф1987, Nicanor Syquia Montoya Ф1987, Clarence Nelson Go Uy Ф1987, Carlo Gene Salva Ynion Ф1989A, Rex Marco Miguel Mojica Poblete Ф1989B SE 1994-1995, Frederick Patrick Ilustre Nicomedez Ф1990B, Constantino Tocong Castillo III Ф1991 SE 1995-1996, Andro Jesus Hipolito Fernandez Ф1991, Rommel Fernando Fernando Ф1995B, Eduard Malaca Alfanta Ф1998, Jason Rafael Aspuria Maddumba Ф2004B, John Paul Emerson Serrato Mariñas Ф2004B, Jaifred Christian Felicilda Lopez Ф2006, Dax Carlo Go Pascasio Ф2006, Ryan Siapno Torres Ф2006, Jon Jefferson Calinao Novero Ф2007, Dante Barbado Salvador, Jr. Ф2007, Alberto Mañibo Ong, Jr. Ф2008B, Jose Antonio Tan Paulino Ф2009 SE 2013-2014, Jose Joaquin Herrera Arroyo Ф2012 Al Joseph Rodriguez Molina Ф2013.
