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The UPSILON SIGMA PHI HONORS 2019 UNO AWARDEES.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association bestowed its Upsilonian Noble & Outstanding (UNO) award on eight Upsilonians at its 17th Biennial Congress recently held at the UP-BGC campus.

The UNO awardees included legal luminary Estelito P. Mendoza ‘47, prominent businessman & property developer Jorge L. Araneta ‘53, outstanding educator & performing artist Antonio O. Mabesa ‘54, global social advocate Edgar C. Gumabon ‘58, the Father of Philippine Independent Cinema Eric O. De Guia ‘59 aka Kidlat Tahimik, Upsilon Centennial Chair Pedro N. Dy-Liacco, Jr. ‘65, PR maven Danilo A. Gozo ‘67, and lawyer/Brigadier General (Res) Peter C. Suchianco ‘83.

The UNO award is the highest honor the Upsilon can grant to its members. Since its inception in 1985, the award has only been conferred to sixty-four outstanding Upsilonians. The awardee’s lifetime achievements must fulfill the fraternity’s FIVE IMPERATIVES (Brotherhood, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership & Service) of membership in the most excellent manner possible.

In addition, four fellows were given the Luminary award in recognition of their outstanding fulfillment of one of the UNO imperatives. They were: journalist Eduardo I. Lee ‘53, lawyer Manuel S. Crudo, Jr. ‘56, DVM/IT expert Jose C. Rabago ‘72, and posthumous awardee Wilfredo R. Macan ‘75.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association is pleased to announce the election of the following fellows as members of the Board of Trustees for 2019-2020 in its recently held 17th Congress:

Ramon F. Allado ‘73

Paolo Leo Mara G. Miciano ‘77

Gregory R. Clavano ‘79

Edilberto Lorenzo N. Uichanco Jr. ‘81

Arnon L. Rivera ‘83

Peter C. Suchianco ‘83

Aurelio G. Tayao ‘83

James G. Lorenzana ‘85

Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ‘85

Omar C. Taccad ‘85

George A. Soriano ‘86

Juan Miguel V. Cantero ‘88

Wilfredo Garrido ‘89

Francisco C. Ignacio Jr. ‘94

Marco B. Abesamis ‘96

Juan Miguel Paolo C. Tungpalan ‘07

The Board thereafter elected Peter Suchianco ’83 as Chairman of the Board and Congressman Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ’85 as President.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi recently celebrated its 100th year attended by thousands of fellows from all over the world. The gains from the past year include an issuance of President Rodrigo Duterte of Presidential Proclamation No. 539 naming 2018 as “Year for the Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Upsilon Sigma Phi”. The Fraternity has likewise obtained recognition from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as the oldest Greek-letter society in the Philippines.

The challenge for the incoming Board is to build on the gains of past generations and ensure that the fellowship remains true to its objective of leaving a significant and positive impact on the nation, the University of the Philippines, and the fellows.

The 17th Congress was held at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City last February 16, 2019.

By Gian Carlo de Jesus ‘15

Six destinations, 1345 kms of Brotherhood…

Upsilon Sigma Phi, the oldest fraternity in Asia, celebrated its one hundred years of existence by circumnavigating Mindanao via plane, bus, and boat rides in a memorable event that will surely be remembered in its glorious history.

Last November 4-8, 2018, the fraternity led by its Davao Alumni Association convened for “Bangkaw sa Mindanaw” which is a gathering of its members in Davao City every two years. “Bangkaw sa Mindanaw,” which started in 1996, is a much-awaited gathering for Upsilonians that usually features a golf tournament, site tours, and feasts, that are virtually free of charge for those who attend.

This year’s edition is a special “Bangkaw” as it pays tribute to Upsilon’s centennial by calling it the “Centennial Fellowship of the South” with the theme “Scatter the Light Far and Wide, Rekindling the Spirit of Brotherhood through Generations.” In keeping with its theme, Bangkaw was held in multiple sites namely: Bukidnon (Bukingan sa Bukidnon), Cagayan de Oro (Tagayan sa Cagayan), Gingoog, Butuan (Buto-Buto sa Butuan), Davao (Bangkaw sa Dabaw), and at the Island Garden City ofSamal or “Igacos.” For the first time, the festivities also became an excursion in the South covering a total of about 1345 kmsencircling the abovementioned locations.

Highpoints of the event were the three-legged golf tournament, the Upsilonian convention, and the sumptuous feasts in all venues. The success of the event is attributed to the attendance of no less than 200 Upsilonians from all over the country and as far as Myanmar, Sweden, Germany, and Cleveland, USA with members as old as those belonging to the golden era of the 50s to as young as current students of the university.“

As a matter of fact, Bangkaw didn’t start this November. It actually started last August when we began reaching out to Brods (Upsilonians) in Iloilo, Bacolod, and Palawan, especially to those who won’t be able to celebrate with us physically, either in Mindanao or in Manila for the actual centennial,” said Robert Lester Aranton, the event’s overall chair. “This is why Bangkawhas an alternate theme called “The Sun also rises in the South, because our efforts are concentrated in bringing the Upsilon spirit down in Mindanao,” added Aranton.

Bangkaw sa Mindanaw intends to strengthen the bond of brotherhood in Upsilon through frequent gatherings that highlight hospitality and generosity of Filipinos from the south. Upsilon Sigma Phi, which stands for “University Students Fraternity,” was founded by fourteen students of the University of the Philippines in its original Padre Faura site, on November 19, 1918. Notable members are former and current senators Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Gerry Roxas, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Richard “Dick” Gordon, former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos, former Vice President DoyLaurel, past and current UP Presidents Alfredo E Pascual and Atty. Danilo Concepcion, National Scientist OD Corpuz, and National Artist for Cinema Kidlat Tahimik, among others.

by Dr. Alan Gerard D. Austriaco ‘86

Fellowship of Light.

These words took on new meaning last November 15 when beams of light illuminated the Diliman sky as the Upsilon Sigma Phi inaugurated the UP Promenade.

As part of its Centennial celebration, the Upsilon, the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in Asia, constructed an outdoor learning center envisioned, in the words of USPAA Chairman and former UP President Alfredo Pascual, to “symbolize an ideal that the University of the Philippines has long hoped to promote–that learning and meaningful connections can be had outside the confines of our classroom.” Christened the ‘UP Promenade’, it is a 120-meter walkway extending from the Gonzalez Hall (UP Main Library) to an endpoint along the Beta Way, equipped with internet and wifi capable facilities, available for the use of every student and faculty member of the University.

On November 15, Upsilonians from all over the globe gatheredin their familiar stomping grounds in front of the UP Palma Hall to inaugurate this ‘centerpiece’ of the fraternity’s 100-year celebration. Dubbed “100 Novembers” and presented by the Upsilon Centennial Commission and Upsilon Batch ’86, guests were treated to a night of glitz and nostalgia, and a light and sound show centered on the fraternity’s fabled history.

Kicking off the festivities were 2 prominent Upsilonians: Upsilon Centennial Commission Chairman Noy Dy-Liacco ’65, Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association Chairman Fred Pascual’67,  who gave rousing speeches in their capacity as officers of the Fraternity. Representing the University was UP DilimanChancellor Michael Tan, who delivered a message of thanks in behalf of the UP Community. Also present at the event were other UP officials led by UP President Danilo Concepcion ’89 and UP Executive Vice President Teddy Herbosa ’78. Dy-Liaccoalso gave due recognition to the major sponsors of the yearlong Centennial celebration, citing distinguished Upsilonian families, batches and global chapters. The speeches were followed by the unveiling of the Dedication Wall, a  poignant  reminder of the Fraternity’s 10-decade-long relationship with its beloved Alma Mater.

The highlight of the night was the premiere of the “100Novembers” video, which was complemented by a dazzling light and sound show that left   the audience astounded. Directed by DGPI President Mike Sandejas ’91 and based on the vision of Batch ’86, the video struck a chord in the heart of every Upsilonian in the crowd, as it paid tribute to the 14 purposeful young men, who 100 years ago, established what is now the oldest and most distinguished Fraternity in the country. A particularly moving moment was the silence that pervaded over the crowd as the Upsilonians raised their hands in Fellowship recognition, remembering the Founders and the Fellows who have passed on.

As in any Upsilonian gathering, the program concluded with a spirited rendition of the Upsilon March Song, with Fellows joined with their arms over each other’s shoulder, singing and stomping to their hearts’ content. After the formal event, the audience was treated to a throwback of 80s entertainment, courtesy of popular rock band ‘the Dawn’ and “Prettier than Pink”.

It was indeed a celebration befitting a momentous occasion! The Promenade is the Upsilon Sigma Phi’s legacy to the University of the Philippines, which nurtured its members as students and embraced the Fraternity as partners for 100 years. This is the Upsilon –each member a tried and true son of U.P. — giving back in humble gratitude to its Alma Mater.

By Noy Dy-Liacco ‘65 – Chairman of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Centennial Commission

18 November 2018 – Tonight, Upsilonians from around the world celebrate the 100th year of Upsilon Sigma Phi at a grand ball called “Fellowship of The Lights,”  at  the Philippine International Convention Center. Some 1,500 members of the oldest fraternity in the Philippines and possibly, in Asia, will gather for this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, celebrating 100 years of excellence, service and leadership.

Upsilon Sigma Phi is rooted in the University of the Philippines. It was founded in 1918, 10 years after the University was established. Its roster lists less than 4,000 members, reflecting the selective process of accepting new members. Its members include industrialist, educators, professionals, artists, politicians, civic leaders, businessmen, business leaders, etc. who in their own ways, have helped shape Philippine society through their work and advocacies. Some of these members include National Artist Kidlat Tahimik ‘59, Honorary Fellow T.M. Kalaw, Benigno Aquino ’50, Roquito Ablan ‘50, Melito Glor ’67, DoyLaurel ‘47, Ferdinand Marcos ’37, Gerardo M. Roxas ‘46, Abraham Rasul ’41, Angelo Castro ‘66, Pitoy Moreno ’48 and Joker Arroyo ‘48.

The centennial celebration started with a kick-off in 2016 at the book launch of Efren Yambot’s “Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, A Hero The Nation Forgot,” chronicling the life of a patriot who fought for liberation and was martyred during the Second World War. Vinzons joined the Upsilon in 1930.

Last Thursday, November 15, Upsilon Sigma Phi inaugurated its legacy project in U.P. Diliman, the U.P. Promenade. It is a 120-walkway that starts at the foot of the Main Library. Envisioned by former UP President Alfredo E. Pascual as an external learning center, the UP Promenade features a wide walkway, alcoves and benches where students and faculty can spend time amidst the lush environment of the Diliman campus. It is wifienabled. Construction of the U.P. Promenade was funded exclusively by donations from its alumni members and families.  The inaugural was hosted by the USP Centennial Commission and Batch 1986.

Other activities included reunions in Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, a 4-city celebration called “Bangkaw sa Mindanaw,” a theme party hosted by Batch 1968 Upsilonians and members of its sister sorority Sigma Delta Phi called “Guys & Dolls,” a choral concert featuring the Singing Ambassadors courtesy of Jorge Araneta and Batch 1966, a golf invitational at Wack-Wack, the unveiling of the Kapit-Kapit monument at U.P. Los Baños and a talent show hosted by the US Southwest chapter and Batch 1981. Efren Yambot’s play on the life of Vinzons entitled “Bintao,” will be staged at the U.P. Theater on November 23-24, capping the celebrations.

“It’s been a non-stop birthday party that took 100 years to prepare. Here we are, eager to celebrate the next 100!” said NoyDy-Liacco, Chairman of the USP Centennial Commission.

Banker & Realtor Thad Liamzon, USPAA President, simply puts words into action.  He is the action man of the USPAA Board in these celebrations.

According to Liamzon, amidst  all  the parties to mark the centennial, there should be something more relevant for the community like helping the less fortunate of  our  countrymen  by embarking on projects that answer the call of those in need. USPAA has gone a number of times to Basilan, Pampanga, Albay, Tarlac and Sulu, and other places to  help  communities  not  only  by distributing relief goods, but also for long  term  projects  like  installing communal  wells  and  building classrooms. We also provided medical, dental, veterinary (anti-rabies), teaching financial and livelihood literacy.

We want the celebrations to be real for our younger fellows.  They can learn from the seniors how to be socially responsible, not only to the nearby community but for Filipinos as a whole.

It is about harnessing capabilities and resources: and using them as positive educational tools for our members to make a difference!

If all Upsilonians would think and act this way, then truly the Upsilon Sigma Phi has a reason to celebrate even beyond its centennial year.

Excellence has always been the driving force of the Upsilon Sigma Phi according   to former UP President Fred Pascual and now Chairman of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAA).

Thus, Upsilon is often seen as exclusive.   But exclusivity lies in how it chooses new members. True to its motto “We gather light to scatter” Upsilon recruits bright, talented students from diverse disciplines and hones their potential as future leaders – to be scattered like light to shine and excel in their chosen professions and spheres of influence.

During the past 100 years, Upsilon has produced leaders and experts in such diverse fields as Law, Medicine, Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Business, and Education. In public service, it has contributed a President, two Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, House Speakers, Justices, and many other national and local officials.

Towards the next 100 years, I expect the Upsilon Sigma Phi to continue its mission of gathering and developing men who can lead in their communities, organizations, and professions and contribute to true national progress,” Pascual says.

“And past and future generations of Upsilonians will remain bound as one – sworn to the Upsilon Credo – the belief in their capability to grow and be of greater service to their fellowmen and their abiding faith and loyalty to the ideals of their Alma Mater and country.”

But surely, there will be a need to evolve with the times, as Upsilon has before.

So the USPAA is now plotting the course for the next 100 years of the Upsilon and this includes active participation in socio-civic projects in various parts of the country and around the world.

Pascual explains that while the Fraternity only has two chapters where a student can be invited to the Upsilon, its alumni have several active chapters in the Philippines and abroad to serve as platforms for service.

We are looking forward to a more participative type of Fraternity that acts on the needs of the communities around us – to be a proactive organization for the greater good, added Pascual.

If you make Pascual’s term as U.P. President a benchmark, he will surely succeed with Upsilon Sigma Phi’s evolutionary plans.

MANILA — Malacanang has issued Proclamation Order No. 539 recognizing the Upsilon Sigma Phi, the oldest student organization in the University of the Philippines, and declaring 2018 as “year for the celebration of the centennial anniversary” of the fraternity.

Proclamation Order No. 539 recognizes Upsilon, also the oldest Greek letter fraternity in Asia, for its significant contributions to numerous civic and humanitarian causes, as well as the dedication and commitment of its members to public service and nation-building.

Upsilon members have been going around the country doing advocacy work as part of their centennial celebration on Nov. 18, 2018, according to Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAA) Chair and former U.P. President Alfredo Pascual.

“We want our celebration to be meaningful to us and communities in dire need of help,” he said.

USPAA President Thad Liamzon, who has spearheaded the nationwide advocacy programs in various provinces in the country, said the fraternity is “grateful to the President for recognizing our efforts in nation building”.

The programs included provision of clean water facilities, rehabilitation and donation of school buildings, tree planting, educational outreach and medical missions.

Other projects of the fraternity include the construction of an outdoor learning center for UP Diliman called the UP Promenade and the Kapit Kapit monument in UP Los Banos.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi was founded in 1918 at the University of the Philippines.

Its roster of members since its founding include a president, former chief justices, senators, congressmen and UP presidents.

Many more serve in the private sector as business leaders, lawyers, journalists, the academe, doctors, scientists, farmers, government employees and community leaders.

Members are from all political persuasions and religions. Several have even been included in the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani for their contributions to freedom and democracy.

According to Pascual, the centennial celebration of Upsilon provides it the rare opportunity to further strengthen its relationship with the UP system and to honor our home.

“Without UP, the Upsilon would not exist,” Pascual said, adding that the celebration allows the organization to train young members to become responsible new leaders for their communities in particular, and the nation in general. (PR)

Upsilon Cares… For Health and the Environment.

Upon its conception, Upsilon Cares evolved to different outreach programs from medical and legal missions to tree planting and growing activities.

Last September 29, 2018, the 1st Technical and Administrative Service Brigade, NCR (Reserve), of AFP led by Fellow B.Gen. Peter Suchianco ’83 and Laguna Lake Development Authority led by Fellow Jaime Mora ’91 in partnership with Upsilon Sigma Phi Los Baños Alumni Association led by Chairman Albert Ocampo ’83 and President Gigoy Tayao ’83 and Upsilon Sigma Phi Los Baños Chapter residents ledby IF McNeil Alvarez, held “Upsilon Cares”, a health and environment outreach program along the lake shores of Brgy. San Antonio, Bay, Laguna.

Upsilon Cares… for the environment. This event is one of the many tree planting activities lined up for USPLBAA in line with LLDA’s mission and vision to protect and preserve Laguna de Bay by planting trees on its lake shores with mangrove trees like Potat (Barringtonia racemosa).

Upsilon Cares… for the health. Upsilonians and Sigma Deltandoctors together with the AFP medical team conducted the medical and dental mission by having free check-ups and distribution of free vitamins and medicines.

U.P. is our home and we honor it with The U.P. Promenade and the Kapit-Kapit Monument

“When the fraternity planned its centennial celebrations back in 2015, the alumni board approved a project that would benefit the U.P. constituents,” according to Noy Dy-Liacco, the Upsilon Sigma Phi Centennial Committee Chairman.

Eventually, Upsilon Sigma Phi agreed to build not one, but two flagship centennial projects: The U.P. Promenade in Diliman and The Kapit-Kapit Monument in Los Banos.  When completed, these infrastructure projects will be donated to U.P. for the use of students, faculty, and staff in the two campuses, respectively. They are wholly funded through donations from Upsilonians and their family members.

The U.P. Promenade now in its finishing phase of construction is located at the middle of the U.P. Diliman academic core. A broad walkway with alcoves and plazas where students and others can study and even hold events. It will be lit all throughout its length starting from the steps of the main library to its terminus just past the beta way.

The Kapit-Kapit monument, located at the Alumni Plaza in Los Baños, is a creation of Upsilon artists, depicting 14 individuals, arms locked in solidarity.

“These symbolic structures are our centennial gifts to U.P. – a  way for us to give back to the institution that has nurtured the Upsilon Sigma Phi for the  past 100 years.  They are a testament to our enduring commitment and loyalty to our beloved Alma Mater.  Through them, we also pay tribute to our Brotherhood, to the fellows whose families have sustained the Upsilon tradition, and to the Upsilonians who have dedicated their lives in the service of the university and the nation,” Dy-Liacco added.

Upsilon Sigma Phi is featured in the UP Carillon Alumni Magazine’s 2018 issue in honor of its centennial. The article details the fraternity’s course through its 100 years of service to the community, the nation, and the world.

OFF THE PRESS: The Carillon 2018 is now available online at https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/off-the-press-the-carillon-2018-is-now-available-online/‬