Phi Riot 2023: Transcending Time and Distance

By Sheridan Cartagena Guico Φ2023 and Raphael Tobias Ramiso Φ2023

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, and this bond remains steadfast no matter what difficult circumstances lay ahead. Time and time again, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity proved this to be true. On the eve of February 25, 2023, a night of festivity was in the air. A sumptuous feast, words of wisdom, monumental commemorations, and performances of merriment were shared as the Loyal Sons of Phi Kappa Mu once again convened to celebrate the Phi Riot in the San Lorenzo Village Clubhouse in Makati through the courtesy of our host Brod Gerardo Dizon Legaspi Φ1983B.
The celebration was conducted both via face-to-face and virtual setup. The evening was initiated by hosts Karl Ian Hernandez Maliwat Φ2022 and Justin Matthew Rapanut Lapastora Φ2023. Together, the duo warmly welcomed brods from all around the world who, despite the great distances, still gathered to relish the warmth of brotherhood.

To formally start the program, Brods Mohammad Sarifola Dimalotang Alonto Jr. Φ2019B and Fred Lawrence Delantar Samante Φ2023 solemnly led the Muslim and Christian prayers respectively. The prayers were then followed by a heartfelt memorial video that gave due reverence and tribute to recently departed Brods Salvador Rances Salceda Φ1954, Conrado Bambao Abinoja Φ1958, and Romeo Pilotin Ariniego Φ1967. The Fraternity commemorated the passing of these great brods who have made immeasurable contributions not only to the Fraternity but to the many Filipino communities.

The welcoming remarks were delivered by Superior Exemplar Denzel Cruz Umerez Φ2019A, SE 2022-2023. He recognized the countless contributions and constant presence of the senior brods of the Fraternity. The Superior Exemplar also extended his warmest greetings and gratitude to the brods who celebrate their birthdays in the month of February. 

On behalf of the alumni, brods from the Phi Kappa Mu International (PKMI) and the Phi Kappa Mu Alumni Association (PKMAA) were invited to the stage to share a few words of wisdom. Brods Valentin Nessia Dolorico Φ1964, representative of the PKMIA, and Constantino Tocong Castillo III Φ1991, SE 1995-1996, President of the PKMAA, both gave inspiring speeches full of insights about their career and current projects, not to mention their relatable experiences during their stint as resident brods. The speeches were then followed by a joyful musical performance by the trio known as Windirection, composed of Brods Matthew Alywn Dorotan Co Φ2023, Arvin John Sumalabe Malapo Φ2023, and Rommel Lumbao Quintal Φ2023.

Several esteemed alumni brods also shared stories about the selfless endeavors that they are undertaking. Brod Gap Legaspi narrated his stories of Brotherhood and even shared pertinent updates as the current Director of the Philippine General Hospital. With every decision, a ripple of positive change is not only felt within the walls of PGH, but to all communities in need. Meanwhile, Brod Jesus Urbi Socrates Φ1969B shared the status of and future plans for Operation Braveheart, a service project aiming to treat children with congenital heart defects through surgeries free-of-charge. He emphasizes that meeting these patients through this project serves as a reminder that there is a person in need behind every operation. Lastly, Brod Glenn Mitra Batiller Φ1976, SE 1979-1980 gave an inspiring talk about the significant impacts of the Phi Medical Missions. He echoes the sentiment that as volunteering brods come together to serve and uplift in these Medical Missions, the Brotherhood fosters a spirit of unity and compassion that transcends all boundaries. One could not help but have blazing aspirations to emulate the three brods and embody the four pillars of Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Brotherhood.

To liven the solemn atmosphere, the Phi Band showcased its members’ talents by delivering an outstanding performance of Ligaya by Eraserheads. After the musical performance, Phi Batch 2023: Zephyr took the stage to fervently introduce themselves individually to all the present alumni. Following the youngest brods’ introduction, the Fraternity took the opportunity to acknowledge and honor all the distinguished brods who exemplified and embodied the Fraternity’s four pillars by receiving prestigious awards during the past months.

Venerable Preceptor Justin Daniel Davis Serfino Φ2021 took the opportunity to recognize the presence of the ever-supportive alumni. In line with Phi tradition, the program ended with a toast—one that was led by Vice Superior Exemplar Vince Justin Uy Tiu Ф2019B. In true Phi fashion, this could only ever be followed by the climax of the evening—the sonorous and melodious Fraternity Song. Brods, young and old alike, erased boundaries and truly felt what it was like to be part of the Most Venerable Fold. Even as this momentous occasion came to an end, the strength of brotherhood never wavered. Brods from different walks of life have come together for this special celebration, and this is only a sign for what’s to come for the Phi Kappa Mu.