Hi Brods, Ladies and families,

 

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!

 

               

 

Just want to personally greet you on this holiday season and hope that we have another healthy and safe year in 2007.

 

At the same time we remember and pray for all our beloved brothers who had passed on to eternal life.  This year, as far as we know, our Creator had called Brods Tito de Santos'D63, Ely Aldana'D59, Dandy Gorrez'LB59 and just yesterday Dec. 22, Peping Imperial'LB57.  Please check the "Flash News" (www.upbetasigma-international.org) for further details for Brod Peping's interment or through UP North GP Bong Beredo's email.

 

We also continue to offer our prayers and cheers for those who are "under the weather", so to speak: Brods Pogs Gaspay'D68, Rudolf de la Rosa'D63, Engie de Gracia'D66, Pete Gatbonton'D57, Alex King'D61, Vio Ocampo'D63 and other brods who are recovering their good health.  As Betans, we are never alone.

 

I take satisfaction in the growth of our own, the U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity International, with our just concluded Directors meeting in Pismo Beach last month.  The UPBSFI being a voluntary fellowship group will depend on your support and our collective will to keep improving.  Our 134-member roster now comprises the USA, Canada, Australia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia plus a new member from Oman. Fill/update your "Profile Form" which is in the "Bits&Pieces" Section.  The International Directory is online at our website and we will update it regularly. I am really proud of our robust website (thanks to the dedication of our website guru, Ollie Jumao-as) which has an eclectic collection of the latest Betan news, activities, photos, events, features, etc. for your fraternal enjoyment and fun reading.  

 

Lastly, I mentioned in Pismo that the International will organize an Alaska Cruise in 2007.  Find attached (pls click: AAAQuote1) a schedule that I worked with AAA via Royal Caribbean Line for August'07.  Please decide: first, if you want to join the group; then, if you do, select from the two dates: (1) Aug10-17; (2) Aug17-24.  While I had booked the Aug17 departure, from my initial conversations with some families, the Aug10 departure seems a better arrangement due to the opening of classes in late August.  If so, I have to let AAA know Tuesday 12/26 to switch the dates.  The Aug10 departure is about $85 more for the 1st and 2nd passengers, and $100 for the 3rd and 4th in the cabin.  The 8 booked cabins are the limited quads (since there are many who have kids/relatives who could come), but we can change or add doubles also for those who prefer the privacy. This is a Seattle roundtrip with stops at Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord and Prince Rupert, and cruising the Inside Passage.  I ask you then to take a serious look at the AAA quote asap and call and/or email me soonest for your plan or questions.  Thanks much.

 

Sa muli, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon

sa ating lahat !!

 
 

Sumasainyo,

 

Norman'65
   *Tels: cell 909-815-1374, home 909-860-1410, work 626-633-3311

 

 

**Update 1:
    1. The date will be Aug17-24.  If you cannot make this date and/or you want to arrange individually, feel free
        to contact the AAA travel agent, OP Cantos, at 626-857-5873, email 'Cantos.OP@aaa-calif.com'.  A Fil-Am,
        he speaks Tagalog.  Btw, the ship leaves Seattle Aug17, Friday 4pm and returns Seattle Aug24, Friday 6am.
    2. The revised AAAQuote1 now includes prices for ocean view and balcony.
    3. The deadline for the cabins lock and  $500 deposit per cabin is Jan. 15, 2007 payable to AAA directly.
    4. Please let me know asap if you have decided to go and the number of passengers so we can figure out what type
        and number of cabins to change from or add to to the original 8 quads.