Brod Aquilino "Jun" Leyco,
Jr.
UP Diliman '65
Jun 10, 1946 - Apr 4, 2012
A Tribute to Aquilino Amor Leyco,
Jr. Beta Sigma 65, UP Diliman Black Saints
(Eulogy delivered by UPD Black Saints batch
president Leopoldo Moral
during Betan Rites at Funeraria Paz, Araneta
Ave., Q. C. on April 9, 2012)
When you say that Jun is a UP Beta
Sigman, you are already saying a great deal of positives about the person.
Truly, the story of Jun is partly the story of Beta Sigma, and the story
of Beta Sigma is partly the story of Jun. But I am getting ahead of the
story.
Let me flash back to July, 1965, in
the men's room of the College of Fine Arts and Architecture on the third
floor of the Main Library. Jun and I were there. He was a sophomore. I was
graduating. Jun was in jeans, topped by a plaid shirt, sleeves rolled up
to his elbows. I said to him " Jun, pasok tayo sa frat". He asked which
one. I said " Siyempre sa Beta Sigma". He said "Bugbog sarado tayo dito sa
college -- with Baldo, Boya, Adi, Papu, Nelson, Wally, Boy Ramos, Jess,
Mon, Pete, Orly, Raul as resident masters. Still, we made a vow to
join and not to quit.
Of course, that was what the more than a hundred neophytes dressed in
shirt and tie said at Jeje de la Santa's garden during our presentation.
After our first session at Sluggo Rigor's place, we were down to 80. By
the time we were at Bobby Pecson's for a session with "instruments", there
were only 60 of us left. The days of August through October, sessions,
"invitations and abductions", saw us dwindle to 30. Then the clock stopped
ticking. A Reggie Novales was confined at the UP Infirmary for bruises and
evidence of physical initiation. In his pocket was found a slip of paper
with letters B and S. Beta Sigma denied involvement and claimed that the
letters BS stood for Black Saints. That was how our batch got its name.
But we did not know when the initiation would resume. Being a graduating
student, I thought about pursuing a masters degree after 1966 so I could
still become a Beta Sigman. It was mental torture and more kidnappings
until mercifully on December 9, 1965 at Buddy Pongos's residence our
"finals" were held. Jun and I and 27 others became brothers of the UP Beta
Sigma Fraternity. Jun became one of the Tambayan's alaskadors and campus
enforcers.
What is an enforcer? The duty of an enforcer was to see to it that other
"organizations" looked up to Beta Sigma with respect if not awe. Jun was
not a martial arts specialist. He did not know karate. But he had courage,
daring, and muscle and those were all he needed to have to enforce. In our
fraternity drinking song are the words "we never stagger, we never fall"
--Jun never staggered, Jun never fell.
Outside the campus, in Project 4 gathered some of the toughest,
hard-drinking Brods. Jun was one of them. There were also Noli, Bart, Ben,
Bonga, Raul, Boya, Gilbert. Jun was "galante". Younger brods would wait
for him after work for beer sessions. It was always Jun's treat knowing
that resident brods did not have fat allowances.
Jun never outgrew Beta Sigma --but at one point, he met Scarlet, fell in
love, married, and built a family. Jun has two sons and a daughter.
The irony of it all is that initiations and rumbles never ravished Jun's
body; deadly diabetes and heart attack did.
To our kabatch Jun, so long and farewell.
BETAN RITES
UPD Black Saints
batch president Pol Moral delivers his tribute to departed batchmate
E-MAIL MESSAGES
=========================================================================================
Dear kabatches,
As you already know, Jun passed away yesterday due to heart attack. He was
DOA at the hospital when his wife said she could not wake him up anymore.
His remains lie at Funeraria Paz in Araneta Ave., Quezon City. Final rites
for him will be on Monday, Apr. 9 at 6pm as arranged by Brod Rolly Reyes.
Cremation will be done the following day. Let us all join in praying for
the eternal repose of his soul. May he rest on peace.
Ricky Tolentino'65
==================================
Jun Leyco passed away a few mins
ago. The news came from Ricky. We're awaiting for Scarlet's advice re
arrangements.
Ollie Santos, Black Saints '65
==================================
Dear Kabatches,
Very sad news, indeed.
Another Betan has fallen. Kabatch Jun passed away at about 4pm today,
Manila time.
Let us all pray for the eternal repose of Jun's soul. May Tol Jun be truly
at peace.
No more pain. No more stress. No more surgery. No more medication.
I just thought about Jun and texted Ricky for him to find out from Scarlet
how brod Jun is doing, little knowing that Jun was in bad shape. According
to Ricky's text, Jun was found unconscious this morning and was rushed to
a hospital.
No details yet re services, viewing, final rites, etc. Tol Norman, please
post available information.
Jun was a fearless warrior and frontliner. He gave up his body during
rumbles, came to the aid of aggrieved brods, and never let any brod down.
On paydays, he would treat brods to rounds of beer.
Palabiro, palakantiyaw -- ngunit magaling makisama. Farewell tol Jun. We
will miss you.
Pol Moral'65, UPD Black Saints
==================================
Brods Willie and Pol,
Willie, I'm forwarding to you the email from UPD Black Saints batch prez
Pol Moral.
I have posted the message in the Flash News of the International website.
My prayers and cheers to a proud Black Saints..
Norman Bituin, UPD Black Saints'65
==================================
I'm deeply saddened by the lost of a
brother and a friend but find solace that Jun is no longer in pain.
Farewell kabatch Jun.
Ding Cavestany'65
==================================
Our condolences and sympathy to the
family.
We pray may his soul rest in peace and may the family be comforted with
the thought that Jun will have no more pain.
Charles Macalalag'65
==================================
Kindly extend to Scarlet and family
prayers and sincere condolence for the untimely demise of our kabatch Jun.
He is now at peace
with his Creator. Thank you Pol for relaying the news to us here in the
mainland.
Boi Wico'65
==================================
Sumalangit nawa ang ating kabatch
Jun. This is to express our deep sympathy for the death of our kabatch Jun
Leyco.
Jimmy de Luna'65
==================================
Pangulong Pol,
It was sad to hear about Jun. All I can say to kabatch Jun Leyco is: See
you and Edwin later, sa biggest and really Grandest Reunion of batch 65.
Raoul Reyes'65
==================================
Dear Brods,
Black Saints '65 Jun Leyco has passed, according to his batchmate Pol
Moral and Central VP Rolly Reyes.
His passing is announced at the FLASH NEWS of our website: www.upbsfi.org
Jun Leyco was among the more visible gladiators during the 60s and was
recently a recipient of our assistance (financial included) that may have
prolonged his life for a few months.
Our condolence to Jun's wife and kids, and with the very close-knit Black
Saints batch.
Willie "Tatang" Vergara'67
==================================
I am very sad to hear from you (and
Rolly Reyes earlier), about the passing of Jun Leyco. This one is closer
to the heart kasi hindi lang natin kaklase sa tambayan si Atam, poker
buddy ko rin siya kasama namin sila Corics, Bentot, Ago, Rudolf, Tito,
Mario, Baldo, Jakol, and Babes Ranada. One time, pinuntahan namin siya ni
Corics sa bahay nila sa Baguio. I remember we strolled down Session Road,
pasyal-pasyal doon, John Hay, then at Brent School and went to a folkhaus
pub and had a few drinks. I saw him the last time at a restaurant at
Greenhills more than 15 years ago. Nagkita kami doon purposedly. He was
with Ben Sto Domingo and I was with Walter. Toma kami and talked of the
tambayan times. He looked good then, much like the times at the tambayan
where you can see Atam, shoulders hanging high, kayas na kayas at ayos na
ayos ang pagka-tuck-in ng polo, sharing boisterous laughters with the
handsome lads at the eastwing.....I feel bad, parang kelan lang yon. Wala
tayong kamatayan noon. Except for Wally Garcia and Boots Landrito.... I
always regarded Jun Leyco as indestructible, and as Pol Moral said and I
agree, a true Betan warrior, isang brod na maaasahan. Parang ang hirap
tanggapin na matutumba ng maaga si Atam.
Bobby Manansala '67
==================================
It took me a while to take in the
bad news on Brod Jun Leyco’s passing.
“Barkadang Project 4” was among the most exquisite periods in my Life in
the UP Campus and with the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity.
The “famous family” included Brods Ben Sto Domingo, my sparring partner,
Raul “Esoterica & etchos’ Lopez, Jun “unpredictable, jeproks” Leyco and
the ever so silent Gilbert “Pogi” Joven. The whole crowd included Brod
Alex “Bonga” King with his beer and side kick Sonny Visaya, Brod Joepet
Laraya, Dregs Bayot, Rico “Corics” Sanchez, Elmor “Liit” Villanueva, Raoul
“Jakol- Matzusakaya” Reyes, Boy “Boya” Macandog and the rest of the
fraternity. Our ever so patient host Brod “Daddy-Shock absorber” Gacad.
We had so many happy times and trying ones…we survived and made it through
university mystified but with the fond memories of good brotherhood. The
“family” was caring, comforting, supportive, thoughtful, non argumentative
and set apart with the spirit of true camaraderie.
It was our family away from home…a
very out of the ordinary family. The “apartment “was the center of our big
universe… of our brotherhood and also our lives.
Brod Jun was a BIG part of that shared universe and of our lives…we will
remember and celebrate with prayers all the moments shared by him.
We will not forget!
Noli Nolasco’62B
Barkadang Project 4
==================================
It's truly sad and hard to realize
that brods have been passing away. The good thing is to think about the
happy, exciting, and fond memories that Brod Jun Leyco lived and shared
with us in his lifetime.
My deepest condolence to the family of our beloved Brod Jun Leyco.
Rest in peace and live in the eternal Kingdom of God Brod Jun Leyco.
Bart Gacad, UPD '64
==================================
Brods,
This is indeed a sad time, after learning of Brod Jun Leyco's passing. Jun
was the reason I joined the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity! Jun talked to me to
join our fraternity and not to consider the other frat - Pepsi - who was
trying very hard to convince me to join them. After talking on several
occasions with Jun, I was finally convinced and one of the biggest reasons
I joined our fraternity was that there was no seniority in our frat. All
were treated equal, even if you were a new brod, unlike the other frats
whose seniors have a superiority complex over their new ones. Jun was my
sponsor when I joined our fraternity. He was the one who made the Betan
mark on my left hand, and Jun was the one who was at the end of the uphill
gauntlet during our finals at Los Banos. That finals and uphill gauntlet
was almost deadly, kabatch Rolly Reyes was carried on the back unconscious
in going through that gauntlet.
Jun and I go a long way back from our Baguio days. Jun was my barkada in
Baguio . Although Jun was my senior, we went to the same high school - St
Louis University. We walked the streets of Baguio almost daily, going up
and down Session Road as if we owned the road. When I transfered to UP
Diliman, I first stayed at the Yakal dorm and later on, I shared an
apartment with Jun and brods Ben Sto Domingo, Noli Nolasco, Raul Lopez in
Project 4, owned by brod Bart Gacad. This apartment became virtually a
frat house in Project 4. Many of the brods like Alex King, Rico Sanchez,
Boya Macandog, Botit, et al. went to this apartment and we would jug-a-lag
and talk endlessly almost every week. Brods Noli and Ben would spar in our
bathroom while Jun, Raul and I had breakfast in our small dining table. We
stayed in this apartment until I reached my last year at UP. It was a
miracle that I finished my BA degree after staying in the "frat house",
but we had brotherly love, harmony, camaraderie, and had lots of fun in
this apartment.
Jun was almost always the "porma" of the brods, including Raul Lopez with
his daily facial "esoterica". Jun would wear the latest style in jeans,
shoes and polo shirts. Siya ang nag-uso ng "Hush Puppies" but I don't
remember him wearing bell bottom. Si Raul pa, bagay sa kanya ang bell
bottom jeans. I looked up to Jun when it came to wearing campus clothes.
Jun was also fearless but very protective with the brods during rumbles
with the opposite frats. There was one occasion while we were riding a bus
to Diliman campus when Jun boxed the face of an Upsilonian and it broke
his front teeth. The Upsilonians could not identify the name of Jun so I
was blamed for this, and the following day they ganged up on me at BA
after class. Buti na lang dumating sina Brod Eding Hizon and it aborted a
bloody confrontation with the Upsis. I was, however, called to the Dean's
office.
We will miss Jun in this life, but we all know that Jun is now in a better
place with no sickness, no pain, no worries, no stress, only Love and
Peace with our Lord.
God Bless you Jun and your family!
Gilbert Joven'66
==================================
yes, brod jun was one of the senior
brods who were visible at the tambayan during my three semesters with the
brods before i graduated from diliman, that's why i could still remember
him and his name rings a bell despite my absence from the university for
almost 46 years. my condolence to the family and may the departed soul of
our dear brod jun rest in peace with our lord.
Leo Acosta, UPD '66
==================================
Heartfelt condolences from UP North
to Jun's family and to everyone whose life he touched. Every Betan who
lived the decade of the 60's knew who Jun was - one of the poster boys of
the 60's Beta Sigma, straightforward, feared and fearless, pulled no stops
in showing every Betan that he cared. A unique Betan, indeed.
For UP North,
Gerry Abenes, '66, GP
==================================
Another sad moment for the U.P. Beta
Sigma Fraternity - our dear Brod Jun Leyco had passed away on April 4,
2012.
Let us pray for the repose his soul..
Our sincere condolences to the Leyco family,
Aman Carolino '71
==================================
LEYCO MEMORIES:
"an ordinary extraordinary brod"
writing and crying about a brod who passed away is as common as shedding a
tear on weddings.
with jun leyco, it's quite different. so much i can say yet so much i
can't. his presence is everywhere and words are not enough. brods noli,
kabatch gilbert, kabatch gerry, vic ramos, pol and bart wrote that he is
not a lightweight UP betan that's why he is loved.
jun may look like an ordinary betan but he is different. a regular brod on
tambayan, he sports then popular "amboy" look, well`ironed shirts and
slacks, as kabatch gilbert correctly pointed out, with matching
"hush-puppies" and white socks.
you start sensing his being extraordinary by keeping his company longer…an
incredible sense of humor, one of the best "alaskador", second only to
jess abrera's mythical jokes that can magically reverberate as gospel
truth. fun to be with, but on the danger zone, he gestates into a dr. hyde
transformation, quietly walks alone and unleashes a "fast and furious punch"
to an unfortunate opponent. make no mistake, he is not a trouble
maker. he takes things in stride but when may brod "na agrabyado",
sigurado nandun si leyco.
yes, he is fine arts. he may not render figure drawing so well but it is
easy to grasp his creative intellect. he's got a unique swagger that you
can spot him from afar. and when "campus troubles" are imminent, it is
always safe to walk with leyco, knowing that at least "matatag ang laban".
"barkadang project 4" was the primary mafiosi then with a reputation as
being the hardwood group of betan jug-u-lugs and merrymaking. jun was one
of the "capos" amidst brods bentot, bonga, raul, noli, gilbert, bart,
koljack, and many more revelers like bobby ahas, norman, tatang, galoso
and me. i used to visit this place once in a while and i was reminded by
ahas that i was once so drunk that i was going after somebody whose name i
cannot remember. those were the days indeed.
on a lighter note, jun is noted for his "extraordinary eyesight" that
earned him the nickname "mata II or atam"…often compared to that of the
original fine arts brod at the Big Apple. it is oftentimes joked around
that when the two brods open up their halogens - it is enough to eliminate
darkness in the four corners of the world and brod pol moral won't be that
hard to find.
i was with jun as a co-worker at the graphics department of abs-cbn news
circa 1971. brod ely santiago recruited jun, raul lopez and me to work for
him. he was an asset in the group until he punched in the mouth the
producer of "The World Tonight". bagsak si producer. of course jun was
browsing the classifieds the next day.
jun is black saints '65. with brod pol moral at the helm, this
tightly-knit batch loves jun so much and i can almost feel the pain
residing in their hearts. i am very close to this batch and i will always
be.
brod jun leyco: thank you for the times you shared with us. don't fret.
you need that rest. your name is surely engraved in that up betan seal.
hope that your love to our fraternity will continue to transcend
generations.
we owe you a lot beloved.
farewell.
Rolly Reyes '66-'65
==================================
We mourn the passing of another
brother, Jun Leyco -- a consummate Betan. Our condolences to the family.
Thanks Brod Rolly. Very
heartwarming. Ibang-iba mga tiga fine arts magkuwento ng kanilang
kasaysayan.
Vic Ramos'62a (50 golden years as betan)
==================================
Brod Rolly & Kabatch Pogs -- pabakas,
in paying tribute to a beloved brod Jun "Atam" Leyco
True to our Betan Drinking Song, Jun Leyco never staggers and never falls
-- a man of streets, ever loyal, faithful and as Pol Moral says napa-galante. When I became a brod Jun was one of those that “shepherded”
me through my early years as a brod. By that time, Barkadang 4 grew and
became Barkadang (Project) 2,3,4 – brods Raoul Reyes, Jimmy De Luna and
Many Balangue came from Proj 3 – and I was the 4th brod from Proj 3; Jun
Leyco and Ben Sto. Domingo were the patrons of jug a lugs and poker
sessions – at Ben Sto Domingo's place; may toma at pulutan na, may balato
ka pa kung nanalo si Leyco. Pogs, I remember the ABS-CBN days – after “sahod”,
Jun would treat us to San Miguel beer – the only time I was able to drink
one (kasi ang kaya ko lang noon ay “bilog” – P5 lang, katalo na); he
stayed for a short time in Kamuning near Jun Soriano where I would swing
by after coming from MaryAnn’s place at Roces Ave and as usual have a few
(kuno) drinks – for those who know Jun walang “few drinks” sa kanya; when
Ben Sto Domingo transferred to PSBA duon naman napadpad ang barkada;
through Jun and Ben I was able to meet PSBA brod and as usual -- masaya.
After graduation we worked at DAP and then at FSDC and when I got assigned
to MHS I lost track of him; It was in 1998, when Asyong got appointed as
DAR secretary that I last saw him at our frat anniversary; last year when
I learned he was having health issues, I wanted to see him but schedules
got in the way;
I think he married late – because he was already “married” -- to the brods..
Jun (and fond memories) will always be in me; for us Christians – it’s not
farewell but until we meet again brother..cheers and Happy Easter !
Gabby Moraleda'68
==================================
It's hard not to be affected upon
reading such fitting tributes to our late brod Jun Leyco, and I envy the
brods who have known Jun more personally. It is my misfortune that my
association with him was limited to occasionally being at the tambayan at
the same time that he was.
After the eulogies that the brods have so lovingly dedicated to him, I am
all the more proud and honored to be his Betan brod.
Jun Rafael '67A
==================================
From: zenas scarlet Leyco <zenscar.ley@googlemail.com>
To: ricktolentino88@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 7:30 AM
Subject: A MILLION THANKS
hi ricky.. through this email please allow me to personally thank everyone
especially those who attended the final rites given to jun..it was most
fitting and we are indeed touched and we witnessed the spirit of
solidarity you guys have..
it made me smile when i heard about jun being "ruggedly handsome".. it was
actually one trait of him that drew me to win his heart.. so ako ang
nanliligaw and i seduced your beloved brod ..LOL..it is honestly partly
true.. fridays in BDC where i met jun was supposed to be "dress down day "
pero ako all heels and dress up para lang sa date namin .. i missed him..
me and my family are deeply honored to have met you guys personally.. am
sorry if i cannot remember all the names and the faces..but all of you are
in my prayers.. jun is indeed so lucky
..................................... ( to have me ) este to have you
guys...thanks.
keep up the spirit..... MABUHAY KAYO!!!!!!
thanks sincerely...
scarlet and kids (jake,jeff and elena)
=========================================================================================
Memories of Jun
Black Saints 21th anniversary,
Dec. 1986
l-r: Ollie Santos,
Chax Baldoria, Jun Advincula'63, Ricky Tolentino, Pete Hernandez'64,
Norman Bituin, Mon Ventura, Jun Leyco.
Black Saints 25th anniversary,
Dec. 1990
l-r: Willie Vergara'67, Raoul Reyes, Ricky Tolentino, Chax Baldorria, Lito
Lazaro,
Norman Bituin, Pol Moral, Ollie Santos, Jun Leyco, Elmor Villanueva.
Black Saints 40th anniversary,
Dec. 9, 2005
Mass at UP Chapel,
Diliman
Celebrating with the
Diliman residents at the tambayan
l-r: Ollie Santos, Danny Galoso, Jun Leyco, Larry Tumaneng, Pol Moral,
Lito Lazaro,
Tito Garcia, Mon Ventura, Gamy Manikan, Mon Amparo, Chax Baldoria.
Plus just arrived:
Tony Senga from AU (seated leftmost) and Ding Cavestany from US (standing
leftmost).
Black Saints batch reunion at
60th UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Jubilee, July 2006
clockwise: Ollie Santos, Gilbert Joven'66. Chax Baldoria, Gamy Manikan,
Jun Advincula'63,
Rolly Reyes'66, Larry Tumaneng, Jun Leyco, Mon Ventura, Pol Moral.
l-r:
Tito Garcia, Jun Advincula'63, Norman Bituin, Larry Tumaneng, Mon Ventura,
Gamy Manikan, Pol Moral, Rolly Reyes'66, Jun Leyco.
Black Saints 44th anniversary,
Dec. 2010
Black Saints all -
the last Jun would be able to attend. Farewell and Cheers, kabatch Jun!!
(Back ---> In Memoriam)
