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Whenever President Ferdinand Marcos was in the mood, he would gather his loyal generals in his study in Malacaang for an hour or so of leisurely discourse on issues that mattered most to him and his martial law administration.

Over coffee and pastries, the Commander in Chief would toss a question or statement for his court to comment on or contemplate in a relaxed, casual atmosphere so different from the formality of their ranks and position.

Indeed, it was an honor to be part of the gathering because it meant one was part of Marcos inner circle.

In one tte-? -tte in late 1980 or early 1981, the conversation drifted to the succession issue. Marcos was already sickly then but this was not known to the public. But the generals knew. They kept the secret to themselves.

What Marcos said that day was totally unexpected of the strongman as the generals knew him.

My best successor, Marcos said in a serious tone, is Ninoy Aquino.

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Thursday, August 28 was an Upsilonians’ night out on air with radio hosts Tony Toni, Slick Rick, and Sam Y G of Magic 89.9’s regular prime time program Boys’ Night Out. As part of the fraternity’s continuing effort to promote a renewed awareness on one of its most esteemed members, Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. ’50, the brods talked about up-and-coming activities about Ninoy on campus, in addition to the Upsilon Month this coming November.

Guests included incumbent UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) Councilor Mario C. Cerilles, Jr. ’07, former UP Manila USC Chairperson Chrysanthus “Bojit” Herrera ’06, Edrich Jordan D. Ayroso ’08, ABS-CBN talent Raphael Dominic “Nico” Ibaviosa ’09, and Michael Bryant E. Tiu ’09.


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Last year, another U.P. Diliman building was named in honor of an Upsilonian. On November 17, 2008, the UP School of Economics (UPSE) Main Building was renamed Jos Encarnacin, Jr. Hall in honor of UPSE’s former dean. Professor Jos Encarnacin, Jr. ’48, University Professor and National Scientist, served as dean of the School from 1974 until his retirement in 1994. The renaming of the building coincided with Encarnacin’s 80th birth anniversary.

How relevant is Sen. Benigno S. Aquino ’50 to young people today, most of whom were born after his martyrdom in 1983? Several brods guested on “Heard on Thursdays” on RX 93.1 last August 20 and talked about the life and heroism of Ninoy Aquino in “The Ninoy Aquino Legacy: What does Ninoy mean to today’s generation?” Listen to the show below.

Guests included Ilocos Norte Board Member and former chairperson of the UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) Michel Kristian R. Ablan ’00, UP Diliman USC councilor Mario C. Cerilles ’07, former USC Diliman councilors Ivan Anthony S. Henares ’98 and Victor Lorenzo “Bikoy” Villanueva ’07, former UP Manila USC chairpersons Albert Francis E. Domingo ’04 and Chrysanthus “Bojit” Herrera ’06, former UP Manila USC vice-chairperson and current external vice-president of the San Beda Law Student Government Ezekiel Joshua L. Villena ’05, Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) awardee and former UP Medicine Student Council chairperson Benjo A. Delarmente ’05, former UP Junior Marketing Association vice-president Gregorio Angelo “Gelo” Villar ’05 and UP Law Order of the Purple Feather member Jerwin James C. Lim ’07.


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The Upsilon Sigma Phi is one with the Filipino nation in commemorating the martyrdom of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. ’50

Visit “The Life and Heroism of Ninoy Aquino” in UP Manila
The Upsilon Sigma Phi invites you to a photo exhibit commemorating the martyrdom of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino at the UP Manila CAS GAB Lobby. The exhibit celebrates the late senator and Upsilonian’s life and contributions to the Filipino people.

Watch the premiere of “The Last Journey of Ninoy” at Rockwell Cinema 4
Unitel Productions and the Benigno S. Aquino Foundation invite you to the special premiere of “The Last Journey of Ninoy,” a full-length documentary-drama on the final eight days of Ninoy Aquino’s lifeas told through the final interview of the late President Cory Aquino. The documentary-drama is produced by Antonio “Tony” Gloria ’65 of Unitel Productions.

The premiere will have three screenings7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.on the 26th anniversary of Ninoy’s assasination: Friday, August 21, at Cinema 4 of the Powerplant Mall Cinemas, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Tickets are priced at PhP 300. All proceeds from the premiere screening will benefit the unfinished projects of President Aquino at the BSAF. The seats for the screeenings in Cinema 4 are limitedand will go quicklyso please reserve/book your tickets early at the cinema ticket counters (tel. 898-1440, 898-1437).

Don’t miss “The Last Journey of Ninoy” on the ABS-CBN Network
“The Last Journey of Ninoy” will be broadcast on August 23, 10:45 p.m. on TV (the ABS-CBN TV network with ANC, Channel 2 and TFC) and through live Internet video streaming.

Independent filmmaker Eric “Kidlat Tahimik” de Guia ’59 is this years recipient of the highest award given by the University of the Philippines (UP) to a media practitioner, the UP Gawad Plaridel. De Guia received the award for his outstanding contributions to independent filmmaking last July 10 at the Cine Adarna of the UP Film Institute.

Kidlat Tahimik was chosen for his excellence in the art and craft of cinema, as well as for pioneering efforts in introducing Philippine independent filmmaking to the global audience. His independence as an artist is reflected in the non-commercial nature of his films, inspiring budding Filipino filmmakers to follow his example and to listen to their inner duwende (dwarf). Last October, De Guia received the Gawad Urian Lifetime Achievement Award for Filmmaking. Congratulations brod!

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named Jose Pitoy R. Moreno ’48 as one of seven National Artists for 2009. A pioneer of fashion design, his career reads like a significant chapter in the history of local fashion. He is one of the earliest exponents of the Maria Clara, inspired by the paintings of Damian Domingo, Fabian dela Rosa, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo whose works he studied at the University of the Philippines. His costumes for the world-famous Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as a young designer oriented him in the various Filipino Customs and traditions, an immersion which would influence his future work.

The title of National Artist or Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining is the highest recognition to a Filipino for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. Such Filipinos are announced, by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation, and are conferred membership in the Order of National Artists. Congratulations brod!

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Just a few days after reaping awards at Cinemalaya Cinco, “Dinig Sana Kita” by independent film director Michael Francis E. Sandejas 91 received an invitation to the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival 2009. Congratulations Direk Mike!

Update: Congratulations to Mike Sandejas ’91 on his Best Film (Deaf Category) win at the 2009 Brussels International Independent Film Festival. Watch Dinig Sana Kita on December 15 as part of Upsilon Month 2009!

Independent film director Michael Francis E. Sandejas 91 made another appearance at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival this year with the film “Dinig Sana Kita.” Sandejas’ full length feature film entry won three awards at Cinemalaya Cinco 2009 namely the “National Council for Childrens Television Award,” “Audience Choice (Full Length)” and “Best Musical Score.” Sandejas dedicated his Balanghai trophy to deaf people, entreating producers to do more stories about the deaf most of whom, he said, lead interesting lives.

“Dinig Sana Kita” (If I Knew What You Said) is a love story between a deaf boy who loves to dance and a rocker girl who abuses her hearing. Crossing paths in a Baguio camp that mixes deaf and hearing kids, the two find that they have a lot in common including a passion for music. The film was also the second most watched film in the festival. In the short film category, “Wat Floor Ma’am” also by Sandejas, was among the ten finalists.

At the 2006 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, Sandejas’ entry “Tulad ng Dati” won the “Best Film,” “Best Sound” and “Best Editing.” Congratulations Direk Mike!