Remembrances of Brod Johnny F. Chiuten,
UPD'60
Kneeling: Boygee Ganza'62, Paddy Padlan'64, Noli
Nolasco'62, Johnny Chiuten'60,
Jopet Laraya'63, Ben Sto. Domingo'64.
Standing: Ed Baldoria'65, Oyet de Guzman'66, Bobby Camins'62, Charles
Macalalag'65, Dick Encina'63,
Jimmy Yambao'63 (watching), Joe Agulto'63, Laverne Munsayac'63, Jun Advincula'63.
Jun Advincula'63, Johnny Chiuten'60 &
Jopet Laraya'63
Brods as identified by Sluggo Rigor, 8-28-09
That photo on the river bank is actually a photo taken at the back of our house
in Little Baguio,
San Juan, which became a veritable frat house. It was an initiation day for
Batch '61 and it was
memorable dahil bagung-bagong Brods kami (batch 60). The Betans in the photo
are:
*Front row (l-r): Oca Dizon, Paking Verano, Romy Buencamino, Boy Durano, Nelson
Guerrero.
*Back row (l-r): Butch Flores, Bal Villanueva, Sluggo Rigor, Mario Pasamba,
Naning Austria,
Tony Munar (see his paddle all ready to swing), Pet Grajo, Johnny Chiuten.
Johnny Chiuten'60 & Noli Nolasco'62 - UP Diliman Bahay ng
Alumni, 2004
...plus Ollie Jumao-as'73
Master JC at UP Beta Sigma 60th Jubilee
- July 2006 with Diliman residents
Master JC chats with Gino Alo of the remarkable
"Dad + 4 sons" Alo UP Betan Family
l-r: Willie Nepomuceno'69, Bernie Bantegui'68,
Johnny Chiuten'60 & Norman Bituin'65
l-r: Ollie Jumao-as, Lito Lazaro, Nelson Rivera, Jelly Nacino,
Jun Advincula, Johnny Chiuten, Rico Arranz & Norman Bituin.
SOMA Training - Antipolo, 2003
Brod Johnny F. Chiuten - a good and
noble man
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[*Note: For Betan Rites/Interment photos
in Cebu, click at Mother Chapter website at Features.]
When Homer wrote about Achilles and Hector in his classic work Iliad, I’m
sure he was referring to real people of his time. He must have seen men
who were favored by the gods and gifted with amazing skill and prowess.
Johnny Chiuten, the Philippines’ ultimate martial artist, was one such
person. Many admiring authors have written about Johnny as some form of a
demi-god and superhero, unbeatable in battle owing to his blinding speed,
his techniques and moves that he had himself acquired and developed since
his childhood, and yet maintaining his calm and amiable character.
His joining the frat in the 60s ushered UP Beta Sigma into a new and
glorious era of martial arts supremacy in campus. He was a man of peace, a
producer of champions and ardently taught his students the virtues that he
himself possessed: discipline, determination and temperance. It is beyond
our imaginable reach had Johnny decided to join another fraternity. We
are, indeed, so fortunate that we have had the chance and opportunity to
walk his path and to see him at close range. And most of all, to call him
a Brod.
Grand Master Johnny Chiuten has gone home to his Creator, leaving those of
us who grieve his passing with many unforgettable memories and a lot of
good things he did for our Fraternity. His enduring legend and his smiling
image will remain for as long as there is a UP Beta Sigma. He will rejoin
all other legends and all UP Betans who have gone ahead – Jesse James,
Pros Crescini, Banz, Teddy Rey, Alex King, and many others who were so
instrumental in building this great Fraternity of ours.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Elders and Members of the UP Beta
Sigma Fraternity-International, we bid you goodbye as you travel toward
some new and wondrous place just beyond horizon. In your passing, you
have, like Homer’s Achilles and Hector, become immortal. By your death,
you have become greater than life itself.
Willie "Tatang" Vergara
President, UP Beta Sigma Fraternity-International, Inc
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I remember JC for his kindness and his chess
acumen. We used to play chess at Vinzons Hall, then took that opportunity
to discuss his view of martial arts as a philosophy of life. I learned a
great deal from him - despite my non-involvement in martial arts. I will
remember him fondly in my heart.
Toti (Agustin V. Que UP Beta Sigma '63)
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It was my privilege to have been one of the first students of Brod Johnny
way back in '61. We used to have our sessions in Area 11.
I believe JC was the first mixed martial arts artist (MMA). He taught me
first all the Japanese katas, and eventually the Chinese katas. I remember
going with him to observe and learn various martial arts disciplines all
the way from Caloocan to Chinatown to Laguna. Truly he was a master in the
Japanese Karate, judo, jujitsu, Chinese soft and hard tai chi chuan, arnis
de mano, etc. It is a wonder how he mastered all these martial art
disciplines.
I remember him to be very soft spoken and
humble teacher.
Truly his passing is a great loss.
Brod Titing Valdez '61
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Every Betan whether they met Brod JC or not is saddened by his sudden
demise. He is an Icon and is much loved by all of us. We are proud that he
once was a pillar of the Beta Sigma Fraternity and we will cherish his
memory. Farewell dear Brod, we will truly miss you.
Ernie Tremor '58UPLB
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Johnny, your Dad is a much loved Betan brother, a martial arts master and
champion, and a real gentleman. My deepest condolences to your family and
my prayers for the repose of his soul. May God's love and compassion be
your comfort and consolation in your hour of grief.
Brod Cesar F. Antonio '57
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I was not one of Brod Johnny's students in the martial arts. I wished I
had been!!!
I am now on my 7th decade (thanks to our Almighty) and I have some things
I would like to say about our beloved brother.
Brod Johnny inspired me to go ahead in my 60 's dream of being a Beta
Sigman. I would have been one of his batchmates but it was not meant to
be...but I pursued that dream to reality the next year, and that 's why, Jeje. Joe and Bitoy were" lucky" to have me as batchmate, heheheh.
Going back to Brod Johnny--- I had an appointment with him at his boarding
place in UP Area X1.
I went with all the bravery an amuyong could muster. I arrived and he
ushered me into his room. He told me to lie down on his bunk, face down
and proceeded with the usual interview, question and answer, between master
and slave. (All the while, I was so afraid, I was shuddering what might
become of me after he was finished with me .You see, I went through the
batch 60 members {who branded me as a traitor to the batch} and my, did I
get some extra doses !!!)
With Brod Johnny, I did not get any of the wonderful boating apparatus at
all .Thank you Lord Almighty, I silently prayed!!!.
Suddenly, he asked to me to sit. I did before he finished his request.
Could you believe that? I really did !!!" Close your eyes!!! ' I heard him
say and I prayed that I could take the master's hand as amuyongly as I
could. Count three came and I prepared for the strongest force ever to
reach my right side of my face. After an eternity it seemed, he told me to
open my eyes. He started talking to me about being a Beta Sigman as no one
I have heard before from any master I went through the grueling sessions
of previous encounters.
One last thing he asked me was a request (not an order as I had been
asked, previously by other masters) to bring red roses to his lady. He
gave the money to buy the flowers, went home to more determined than ever
to be a Beta Sigman. My thinking then was if I passed Brod Johnny's
initiation rites, I could face any "adversity" coming my way!!! FYI, I
could say it now... he was the only one of many masters that paid for
everything on those wonderful errands!!
I remember Brod Johnny today as clearly as when I saw him in his room that
day, one fateful day in 1961 .
His integrity, his honesty. his easy demeanor and his love for Beta Sigma, I would like to have even as late at this advancing years.
To Leone and the children our condolences to everyone. We mourn with you in
our brothers' passing the bar. We pray, our Lord give all of us the
strength to overcome our common loss. Thank you very much for sharing him
with me and the rest of the Betan brotherhood.
A brother from the Midwest USA,
gil aka brandy61
Rogelio V Ancheta Batch 61 A, 9-15
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I am one with the brods in honoring JC, and I'm sure my late brother Dong
'62A would as well. He was one of JC's most dedicated students.
Jun Rafael '67A
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Since I last posted my message, I have been trying to look for my notes
and the video recording of a conversation a brod and I had with Brod
Johnny in 2001. I was not able to recover my notes but thankfully, I found
the HI8 tapes that Brod Santy and I used for the recording. I edited the
conversation into several segments and digitized the part where he would
tell the infamous story of his encounter with 36 Upsilonians. I would
rather that he himself tell the story.
A single Beta Sigman named Johnny Chiuten faced 36 Upsilonians, 25 of whom
landed in the hospital. Rest assured, I shall finish the rest of the
videos as soon as possible. (Do not copy or re-post in other sites without
my consent)
Click here >>>
JC video interview
Fraternally yours,
Rupert Ambil II, 93A Few Good Men UPLB
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It was just three years ago when brod Johnny Chiuten visited us here in
Northern California. It's sad to learn he is now gone forever. He was such
an icon of our era of the sixties. Though I was not to be his martial arts
student, I had brief moments with him as he was leaving, but still
residing on campus, as I joined the frat. He would oblige us, when we
asked, and flex his arm muscles for us to show how he has conditioned
himself such that you can not pinch an iota of loose flesh from his arm.
Awesome! As other brods will attest, he was very warm and caring to all
brods. His legacy of defensive skills, through SOMA, will hopefully
continue to be passed on to future generations of brods.
Pogs Gaspay, UPD'68
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I join all of you in grieving our loss of a beloved, respected Betan and
Fraternity treasure. My sincerest condolence to Brod Johnny's wife,
children, and siblings.
I deeply regret not ever having the privilege of meeting Brod Johnny in
person. He will surely be missed. May the unique legacy, all the blood,
sweat and tears Johnny Chiuten gave further inspire our beloved
Fraternity.
Farewell Brod Johnny. Mabuhay U.P. Beta Sigma!
Edwin Acuna, UPD '76D
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Brods, I knew Johnny even before I became a Betan being a fellow Cebuano.
Yes, he was indeed humble of his knowledge in martial arts. Walang yabang!
I liked to hang out with him because he had a great sense of humor at any
occasion. When I joined The Fraternity, he asked me if he can have the
"honor of Christening" me into the Beta Sigma by burning with his
cigarette, my right hand between my thumb and my index finger with Boy
Ganza holding my arm. I felt so honored and I readily accepted and of
course I cried because he burned it so ssslllooowwwlllyyy!!!!
Darius Munoz '64 UPD
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In behalf of the brods from the Federation of Beta Sigma Chapter of North
America, I extend our grief in the passing of a great Betan Icon. We offer
our prayers for him and his family.
We will remember you not just as the greatest master of the martial arts
that we've ever known but for your legacy of humility and simplicity and
your great love for our fraternity.
Sincerely,
Brod Sonny Pagador '76
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Have met Brod Johnny Chiuten only once when we honored him as an
outstanding Betan that we held at the Auditorium of the UP School of Labor
and Industrial Relations SOLAIR at Diliman. Being one of the older members
of Beta Sigma, I did not get the opportunity to meet him during his active
days a member of the Fraternity. The program was very well attended by
hundreds of brods, residents and alumni as well. I had a long talk with
him then and I was impressed by the humility of this outstanding Betan.
With all the anecdotes and historical vignettes I heard at that night I
realized that he was indeed well loved and admired by all the brods
specially those who had opportunity to be his student in martial arts. We
will definitely miss him in our roster of Betan greats. I was able to call
Mrs. Chiuten by long distance last night and extended my deep condolence
at Brod Johnny passing.
Brod Teddy Topacio '49
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…an incalculable loss to the brotherhood and to the martial arts that were
so close to his heart. Very few mortals can single-handedly bring such
widespread name recognition to an organization like what Johnny did to the
Beta Sigma fraternity. The man has passed away but the legendary life that
he led will live forever in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he
touched.
Gerry Abenes '66
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It is with a sad heart hearing about the demise of brod Johnny Chiuten.
Just remembering.... brings back memories of our days in Diliman, memories
that, I'm sure, will remain in our hearts and minds for many, many years to
come.
He was indeed a pillar of our fraternity during our time and beyond; we
will always honor his memory and remember him with fondness. My prayers go
for the repose of his soul and for peace to his family and loved ones.
All the best and Viva UP Beta Sigma,
Winston Acevedo '61 Diliman
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Very sad news indeed about the passing of a UP
icon! He was a great brod and a true friend. I visited his residence at
the UP Diliman campus many times when he was a UP student and he was
always a great host.
Three of his sisters and a brother (Jesse was our ballroom dance
instructor at our Bayanihan Community Centre; he now teaches line-dancing
at the centre) live in Victoria while another sister, Lupe, was an active
member/officer of the International Club of U.P. when I was the club’s
president. She married a Micronesian, Gene Sabino, who succeeded me as
ICUP president. He died a few years ago. Lupe visits us regularly in
Victoria, the last time in 2007 when we had an ICUP reunion.
In the late 1970s, I was walking in downtown Victoria when I was surprised
to see a person who looked like Johnny crossing the street. I did a
double-take, then I ran up to him to check if the person was really
Johnny, and sure enough he was Johnny. He said he was in Victoria for a
few weeks to train Victoria police in martial arts while visiting his
sisters and brother! That was the last time I had the pleasure of talking
to him.
Last Sunday after Mass, Delores, one of Johnnny’s sisters in Victoria,
told us that all Johnny’s sisters and brother were planning to have a
reunion with Johnny in Cebu next year because of his deteriorating health.
It is sad that Johnny passed away before this family reunion.
We all will miss Johnny. Our prayers are for him and his family. His soul
is now resting in eternal peace.
Ben Pires, UPD’64
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For brods who had known and trained with our
Master Johnny Chiuten, this is a very sad time in our lives indeed. But
this goes true for everyone in the fraternity because Johnny was a beloved
teacher, Betan brother and friend whose art and legacy will remain forever
in our hearts.
To Master Johnny - humbly with tears from a very grateful student and brod,
Norman Bituin, UPD'65
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Another gentleman Betan has passed away. May
Johnny's soul through God's mercy rest in peace.
Brod Cesar Antonio '57
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I am truly grateful for everything that you
have taught me not only in martial arts but also the discipline and
enthusiasm in Life that brought me to where I am.
The quest for excellence in the truest form of the martial arts and the
discipline that you set as example has been the guideline in all my
teachings.
I have told you in the very last meeting at UP Bahay Alumni in 2004 that I
have keep alive the legacy of the Dragon Tiger Style through the Black
Secrets School of Martial Arts.
You have advised that I continue what I have accomplished. It is the same
counsel and responsibility that you gave me when you handed me your black
belt in March 27, 1967 after our great success at the 2nd Karate
Federation of the Philippines (KAFEPHIL) Karate Championship.
Your black belts have been with me and have served as my lifeline ever
since… It is the icon of the purity of your belief that “nothing is
impossible if you strive for it and work yourself hard enough.”
Farewell my teacher, my friend, my loving brother. I ‘ll be a good
Klansman forever.
Noli H. Nolasco, UP’62B
UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Kungfu Karate Klan 1964-1969
UP Beta Sigma Fraternity School of Martial Arts 1960-1982
The Black Secrets School of Martial Arts 1965
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