Brod Dr. Manuel "Pogs" Gaspay
UP Diliman '68b
May 10, 1951 - Dec 30, 2012
=======================================================================================
Betan Rites - Jan 4,
2013
Eulogy delivered by UP Beta Sigma
Southern California - Aman Carolino
Brod
Dr. Manuel Gaspay, fondly called "Pogs" or "Poga" by the brods...
was a true-blooded Betan and was definitely one of the pillars of our
Beloved Fraternity.
Brod Pogs is one of the kindest & well-loved persons that I have known...
always caring and willing to help anyone who approached him for assistance
or advice.
Brod Pogs is one of the few intellectuals & distinguished academicians
that everyone of us are proud of... yet, he was very humble of his stellar
academic accomplishments and prestigious professional achievements.
His ‘omnipresence' in all frat activities dates back to his college days
in Diliman... and beyond.
I will always remember the great and extra-ordinary courage he had shown
us these past years... as he faced the most difficult challenge of his
life.
Against all odds, he showed us his dauntless will, his tenacity and great
determination to live and enjoy life.
The Bible says:
"For everything there is a season…
and a time for every matter under heaven.
A time to weep and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to be born and a time to die."
I know that there are a lot of us hurting right now, because we lost
someone who was such a bright light in our lives.
We will always cherish his boyish smiles, his infectious laughter, his
modesty and his unassuming demeanor.
Brod Pogs is now in a much better place...
It's hard to think that we are not going to see him anymore and we already
miss him, but he will continue to live in our hearts.
Till we meet again. Rest in Peace, brother! We love you!
Eulogy delivered by UP Beta Sigma
Northern California - Bong Beredo
Pogs, you always needled me that I
was lucky that you were not around anymore when I was a neophyte or I
would have quit and not become a Betan. I never met you when I was a
resident but heard a lot about the dreaded Poga stories at masuwerte ang
batch namin at graduate na si Poga. I don't know if luck was on our side
but I'm pretty sure those who experienced the Poga initiation probably
carried your torch and made sure we got it too.
But indeed I was lucky to become a Beta Sigman and meet you as a Brod here
in Northern California, feel your love for Betan brothers and know that
you were always eager, willing and ready to help your Betan brothers in
time of need.
You were the catalyst in the formation of our UP Beta Sigma Family Egroup
here in Northern California and we became a robust and bustling "almost"
internet savvy group. The offshoot of the Family egroup is the UPBSFI
egroup which connected all UP Betans around the world; from up yonder in
Canada to down under in Australia, from the Far East to the Middle East,
from the Northwest to the Southwest, from UP North to down UP South and
across the Mississippi to the East Coast, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii and
back home to our roots in the Philippines.
We will miss the intellect, savvyness and banter of Pa Q, who later
metamorphosed and became El Guwapo or El Guwapito to be more family
oriented and politically correct with your Nom de Guerre and probably to
stay on the good side of May so she would not force you to sleep in your "Bahay
Kubo" although we did promise to bring you Lion Katol's to ward off the
mosquitoes for those warm summer months in Palo Alto. But heck, you got us
in trouble with our spouses too that we would have been packed like
sardines in that "Bahay Kubo" with you.
We will have fond memories of you, miss the joy and laughter you brought
and above all, I will miss telling you it is time for me to say goodbye
until the next gathering and start my long drive home during our chapter
gatherings since you were starting to sing and taking over the karaoke
from JR. and with a sheepish grin you would remind me to drive safely and
say "sige Brod, hanggang sa susunod na pagkikita ".
I will see you for the last time this coming Friday, Jan. 4, 2013 and I
hope you will forgive me if I don't sign the guest book, for I remember
you telling me "Brod, the names on the guest book is like the bingo game..
tinatawag ang mga pangalan diyan.. kaya ikaw wag kang pumirma dahil baka
matawag pangalan mo.. kaya ako, hindi din pumipirma diyan". You laugh when
I said "may kilala ka bang pangalan ng rival frat na puwede nating ipirma?"
Our Creator has called your name, maybe a way to ease your pain and
suffering here in our world and its time for you to walk with angels and
with other Betans who had gone before you in the presence and kingdom of
the Almighty. It is time for me to say goodbye to you again.. "sige Brod
Pogs hanggang sa susunod nating pagkikita" and when I hear Eric Clapton's
song "In Heaven", - will you know my name, when I see you in heaven... I
will nod my head in silence and say 'of course, he is my Betan brother".
BTW, remind the Brods and my kabatch Dopoy, bawal ang alak sa heaven!!!!!
Mik, Karla with children Joey and Madison,
Nerissa, May and Charina
Post-Betan Rites reception at Ike and
Tanya's
Funeral Service - Jan
5, 2013
Daughter Charina
Son Mik
Mik, Karla with children Joey and Madison,
Nerissa, May and Charina
MESSAGES and
RECOLLECTIONS
=========================================================================================
Merry Christmas Brods!
Dinalaw si Pogs kahapon and he's really in bad shape. So if you can drop
him a line it would be nice to have him hear from you.
Best wishes for 2013!
Ike
====================================
Hi Pogs,
Just wishing you and May a belated Christmas greetings and a Happy New
Year. We will see you at Dave's induction, of course, this coming year.
I remember your picture I had posted some time ago at our website, Pogs,
holding your apo at a picnic - might be on your last birthday. And you had
that big smile on your face while she was in your arms. Now I can
completely relate to that moment as I too hold our first granddaughter
born last July. It's amazing how much joy and contentment we get from
spending time with these precious little ones.
Totoo nga lahat ang mga nagsasabi na okay talaga ang magkaroon ng apo.
Kaya lang daw ang problema, pag gising mo sa umaga katabi mo lola.
Always have you in my prayers. Ingat, brod!
Norman
====================================
Brods and Sis,
I just received a note from Faye that Pogs was brought to Stanford
Hospital Emergency and has just moved to ICU.
Our love and prayers,
Gene & Geny
====================================
My family's prayers for Brod Pogs.
Sent from my iPhone 5.
Rolly
====================================
Likewise, our prayers and thoughts
to Pogs, May and the family. I wrote him a short note of season's
greetings and cheer a few days ago, but he probably was not able to even
open it. May the Lord bless and keep him. We pray. Amen.
Norm
====================================
Cyrus and I are here with the family
in ICU E North. Pogs is in incubation to help him breath and to aspirate
to clear the passage way as a portion of his lung collapsed. The chaplain
gathered us all together for a prayer. Cry and I are waiting our turn as
they would only allow two @ a time into the room. Let us all continue to
pray for Pogs.
Ike
===========================
Pogs is in ICU and prognosis is not
good. Visiting hours is until 10:30 PM. Please pray for Pogs.
Gene
====================================
Brods & Ladies -
Let us include our dear brother, Pogs, in our prayers. May the Good Lord
touch him with His healing hand.
Aman
====================================
Let us pray unceasingly for Brod
Pogs healing. Let the blood of the Lamb cover him.
Bro Rod
====================================
WE PRAY FOR BROD POGS.
Nonoy and Ivy Bautista
====================================
Dear Brod Pogs and Gaspay family:
We learned sad news from Brod Mon Carpio that Brod Pogs is now at the ICU.
On behalf of UP Southern Mindanao Betans, I wish to inform you that we are
one with the UP NorthCal Brods
and the rest of Betans around the world in
praying for your fast recovery.
God bless.
Fraternally,
Jay Rala and Southern Mindanao Betans
====================================
Beloved brother
Manuel 'Pogs' Gaspay passed away at 9:05 PM tonight.
Gene
====================================
Salute. a good and noble man is on
deck!
Rolly
====================================
Down and out, but not forgotten,
Rolly. We have posted in Int'l. Flash News.
Norman
====================================
My condolences to Sis May and the
children, and all the members of the bereaved family for the demise of a
dear brother who had been one of the shining pillars of the U. P. Beta
Sigma Fraternity.
It is a fact of life that we all have to pass through physical death...and
nobody knows when it will come. The spirit or "breath of life" that gives
life to our soul and body belongs to God. At death, the body returns to
the earth as it was once, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.
The soul is predestined to be always in union with God. However, upon
death, the soul can be taken by God, or be forfeited if the person choses
to deny the salvation from God.
For us who have faith in God, we have to look beyond death and the promise
of resurrection and eternal life. His last journey will take him to
eternal peace and joy in the dwelling place where God has already reserved
for us. Brod Pogs has left us a legacy of love that will guide us in our
lives. We will continue to hold his warm and loving presence in our
hearts.
We will miss him dearly but we will cherish the wonderful memories that he
has shared with us. We will miss his laughters, his stories, and most of
all his genuine love for the fraternal family.
Let us continue to pray for the repose of his soul, and for the comfort
and consolation of the bereaved family.
May the grace of God enable us to overcome this great loss.
JR
====================================
Let us pray for the repose of the
soul of our dearly beloved - Brod Manuel 'Pogs' Gaspay. Rest in peace Brod
Pogs!
Our sincere condolences and really deep sympathy to Sis May and the whole
Gaspay family.
Our dearly beloved Brod Pogs will always be remembered... and he will
continue to live in our hearts.
Rest in Peace - Brod Pogs.
We miss you already brod,
UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Southern California
====================================
This is very sad news.
Paalam, Brod Pogs.
Neil 92
====================================
I am very sad to hear that Brod Pogs
passed away. We were colleagues in FSDC.
Farewell to our dear brother Dr. Manuel Gaspay, a tried and true Beta
Sigman.
My condolences to May Gaspay and family.
Bimboy Yap UP Diliman 66
====================================
A much beloved Betan brother passed
away tonight. A brod I loved, liked, and enjoyed, because of his
spontaneously intelligent comments and utterances on many varied topics;
similarly his sense of humor of humor I found really funny too. He had a
compassionate and kind side too. He can also be feisty when he needed to.
He'll be terribly missed by many. Rest in peace brother Pogs. This
afternoon, I said prayers for you, May, your children - your family, but
God had different plans for you. May we be given the grace to accept His
will. May God receive you into His loving arms and may He comfort your and
console all your loved ones, especially May and your children, until we
all meet again in God's kingdom. I join all your Betan family in prayer
for the repose of your soul, for our Lord Jesus to lovingly and
compassionately put His arms around all your loved ones, and to nourish
unceasingly the love, affection that we have in our hearts for you.
Affectionately,
Brod Cesar A.
====================================
Cheers to Pogs, he's so good, he's
so good
Cheers to Pogs for he's so good so drink the wines of heaven my dearest
brod...
Cyrus69
====================================
Hello, BROTHERS,
At the FLASH NEWS of our website: www.upbsfi.org
Please see the FINAL FUNERAL SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR BROD POGS.
God bless our beloved fraternity, and may the good Lord embrace Pogs in
his loving arms.
Willie 'Tatang' Vergara
Website coordinator
====================================
A good Betan may just fade away…he
never dies.
Brod Pogs’ determination to live was just one charm of a kind of man and
brother he is:
Humorous, intelligent, high moral standard, compassionate, approachable,
humble, a devoted family man and a true Betan.
His absence in all the future Fraternity ndeavours will be sadly missed.
Let us all rejoice in prayers for his peaceful existence with the Lord.
To Sis May and family, our deepest sympathy.
Noli’62B\Te-c\Nilo & Theo NOLASCO
====================================
Am saddened by the loss
of our Brod Pogs. To his family I most respectfully extend my deepest
condolences.
ENKLINKS 67a
ENGR. EFREN L. ALVAREZ, D.HUM.
City Mayor and Founder, Science City of Munoz
Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3119
====================================
To the family of Brod Pogs Gaspay,
and all UP Beta Sigmans around the world, we wish to convey the grief of
the whole family of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Philippines, alumni and
resident brods of the UP System from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.We will
always cherish Brod Poga's sterling dedication to our brotherhood and his
memory will always be with us forever.We all shed tears losing you but we
knew it was time for you to rest and ease your physical sufferings
Paalam Brod Pogs. hinding hindi ka
namin malilimutan.
Rolly Reyes
Spirit of '66
UPBSFI
====================================
Our condolences to Gaspay family.
Felt sad upon learning the news, on the flip side, looking back, he made a
lot of us happy.
I'm sure he will do the same in heaven.Rest in peace Brod - paalam.
Ted Quijano '67b
====================================
Our thoughts and prayers are with
Brod Pogs family.
Art D
====================================
Brod Pogs Gaspay will surely be
missed. He is omnipresent since UP Engg days. Condolences to Sis May and
his family.
Jim Madrasto 71d
====================================
Nothing but profound sadness to hear
the news about Brod Pogs Gaspay. To his wife, May, and children,
my heartfelt condolences.
Ed Tadiar UPD 71a Adelaide,
Australia
====================================
Wow wow wow. I cant believe it that
Pogs is gone. OMG. I was hoping he will be with us forever.
Another great Beta Sigman talent is gone. Condolence to the family and to
all the brods. He will surely be missed.
Caloy 67B
====================================
He fought a brave fight against a
formidable enemy but he was not alone. The brods were with him all the
way.
Pogs is gone but not forgotten. He will be missed by the brods. Let's have
one drink for Pogs to celebrate his memory
and our days together. I will be
with you in spirit.at the wake of our dear departed brother Pogs.
EdQ UPLB56
====================================
We will always remember Pogs as a
true and loyal Betan -- embodying and living by the spirit of the words of
one
of our Betan songs: "glory glory Beta Sigma we'll fight for the truth
and right, that's right".
I will remember our many exchanges of emails on fraternity issues and our
cheerful meeting during our fraternity's
60th anniversary celebration.
Farewell, Pogs. We will continue to fight for truth and right.
Fraternally,
Pol65. UPD. Black Saints. We shall overcome.
====================================
It is with sadness to hear that our
dear Brod POGS has passed away! Please relay my heartfelt condolence to
his wife May and Children!
Brod Anggie Angliongto
====================================
I will certainly miss your wit,
camaraderie and infectious laughter.
Condolences to all of us.
Rest in peace Brod Pogs!
Angie Garbes
====================================
The passing of a good Beta Sigman
like Pogs, bring us sadness yet it is also comforting to know that as a
Beta Sigma
we become immortal in the memories
among the brotherhood.
Together with my son Toppet 2000-c, Karlo 2003 and daughter Kate Sigma
Beta 2001, We offer our condolences
and prayers to the family of Brod Pogs
Gaspay..
Mars Robosa '71b
====================================
Me and my wife, Ellen, were saddened
by this information. Out heartfelt condolence and prayers to Brod Pogs
Gaspay family.
Bill Castro, UPD'71c
====================================
I will always remember Brod Pogs
with gratitude and great respect. He was my first Director of the
Environment Management Bureau during my watch in the DENR. He was a
no-nonsense manager. He shook the ramparts of the elite Lopez business
empire when he warned them that they could not get an ECC for their
premium Rockwell project in Makati unless they cleaned up the accumulated
toxic chemicals (PCB) on the ground. Unfortunately, he could not stay long
on the job. He had to leave in a huff even without saying goodbye to me
because May suspected that he was beginning to enjoy too much his stay in
Manila. While I missed his managerial talents, I agreed with his wisdom of
heeding May's ultimatum.
I also remember him as a young brod with a volcanic temper. The restless
tides of his character stemmed from family issues. He would sometimes
gather the brods during the night to join him throw stones at his father's
house just to let off steam. We thank Brod Teddy Rey for channeling his
tireless energies to public service where he earned his initial career
successes. With his world class intellect, he built on these successes by
pursuing his doctorate degree at Stanford. As they say, the rest was
history.
We will miss you Brod Pogs. You were one of a kind.
Vic Ramos, '62UPD
====================================
Brod Pogs lived our Betan Credo !
He has been a quiet personal advisor all these years in my goal of setting
up a THW facility for the PEZA zones located in Mactan (MEPZ). His
sincerity in wanting my project to succeed was very real. He never lost
interest and made sure that I would walk the straight Line ! I have and I
am prod of it. I am so proud of Brod Pogs and I shall miss him very much
!!
I last emailed Brod Pogs 2 months ago and never got a reply which was very
strange. Brod Pogs would always reply immediately. It was Brod Gabby
Moraleda who emailed me and informed me of the situation of Brod Pogs. Up
to the very minute, Brod Gabby was kind enough to keep me in the loop of
the situation.
We have started construction of the THW facility at the MEPZ. I shall
dedicate a Plaque in Honor of Brod Pogs for all the help he gave me and
words of encouragement to fulfill my goal. It shall have a special place
in the facility where all can see.
In one of Brod Pog's email, he wrote:
"I wish you lots of luck and more favorable circumstances to keep pushing
for the full fruition of your commendable toxic waste management project.
I recall, that we had been lobbying for the industries and businesses
located in this Mactan EPZ to put up a shared facility for safely managing
the toxic waste they generate, even during my time as EMB Director. So
congratulations again for even going as far as this in your project
development process. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and rooting for
your project to be fully completed and operational as projected".
CHEERS for Brod Pogs !
Sincerely,
JJ Jayme
====================================
The Betan rites is very touching. We
will not be there but please extend our sympathy to Pogs' family. He was
my wife's (Beybs) co-worker at FSDC many years ago. A very good man...paalam
Kapatid Pogs.
Mel G.
===================================
Dear May,
I was greatly shocked and saddened by the news of Pogs recent passing. .Pogs
was and will always be my mentor, my good friend, my idol. He was my Boss
at FSDC and known among FSDC staff as the strict and straight guy. He was
a man of principle and was the only one who could stand-up to Teddy Rey to
defend his beliefs and opinions. We will all miss him very much.
Brod Monlee 71B
====================================
Condolence to the family of Brod
Pogs Gaspay.
Leo Acosta '66 UPD
====================================
My deepest condolences to the
immediate family of brod Pogs, his surviving wife May and their four
siblings. I caught up with Pogs as a neophyte and new brod shortly before
he graduated from Engineering to become a U.P. Beta Sigma alumnus. I just
have a vivid recollection of him for being intellectually audacious,
more often on his progressive political views, and one with an unshaken
optimistic outlook and faith in the Fraternity which I have since
reflected through his comments and conversation among the brods.
The Beta Sigma Fraternity Canada Chapter in sympathy with the rest of the
Betans worldwide is mourning the passing of Manuel "Pogs" Gaspay UP 68-B
one of the Fraternity's shining and gifted sons. Our prayers are with him
as he reunites with his Creator.
Brod Danny Vizmanos UP 72-A
====================================
Ganda naman nito Bong, Umiiyak ako
habang binabasa ko ito. Si Pogs ang sumulat ng speech ko noong ikinasal
yong 2nd daughter ko, ngayon alam ko na kung sino ang susulat ng next
speech ko.
I will be having brunch with Judz tomorrow, he will be in our thoughts and
will join you brods in paying homage to him at a distance but just the
same we will miss him a lot like you guys who are near him.
Brod Caloy 67B
====================================
Brod Dr. Manuel "Poga" Gaspay.
Though he had accepted the inevitable and shared this with the brods, when
it finally came, I still feel the grief and pain of losing a brod with
whom i grew up with at the UP College of Engineering in Diliman. I last
conversed with Brod Pogs two days after I flew in into the Big Easy on Dec
14, 2012. I could sense the weakness of his voice but the spirit to fight
was definitely there. He had always been a fierce fighter and he showed
this to the very end. He even traveled to LA to honor a promise to bring
his grandkid to Disneyland, weak, as i imagine him to be. That to me speak
fully of Brod Poga's love and commitment to family, fraternity brods and
friends.
It is indeed very sad to lose Brod Pogs. But i would like my feeling to go
beyond this. I look at his passing, perhaps, dismissively as all of us
will certainly, someday, walk the last mile and cross into the neverland.
I feel that i will be honoring his memory more by celebrating the life
that he shared with me.. unselfish, full of wit, lots of fun. I recall
with a hearty laugh how we played billiards at the top floor of the
College of Engineering instead of attending our classes. Yet, he would
always get higher grades. How he beat me at the final game of the
billiards tournament held during the Engineering week shortly before the
declaration of martial law. How we would splurge at the free rice lunch at
Mang Rufing's in Area 14 with the brods. That we were appointed almost at
the same time to work for the Philippine government. That he was a highly
principled man, non compromising during his stint with the government as
Director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR. How we
worked on the civil case to correct his brother's name so he could migrate
to the US. How he toured the familly at Stanford U when my daughter was
doing her college search in 2009. How he arranged the get-together of the
brods for me during the APEC Convention in SF in Sept 2011. How he was
pleasantly surprised when i visited him at his house in Palo Alto in June
2012. How he would accommodate my daughter by letting her park her car at
their carport just weeks ago during the start of the yuletide break. And a
lot more.
Now we take comfort in the thought that he is now resting peacefully and
smiling at us.
To May and kids, our prayers and heartfelt condolence. Brod Poga will be
sorely missed.
Ed Abon
UPD 69 Panzer
====================================
POGS is a Brod who I won't forget
during my first time to attend a fraternity ball and reunion here in the
US. He was the one who welcomed me, sat with me, and even had the courage
to tell me that he had the big C during the NorCal Ball in May 2009 and
then again in May 2011.We sat at same table during the SouthCal Frat Ball
last Sept. 2012 and he was so jolly and very accommodating to me who came
from far Miami. I didn't know that we are of the same batch year - me from
UPLB 68a and he being from UPD batch 68b. He was a BETAN true and true.We
will not forget how active he was to the UP BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY. He is a
great loss to the brotherhood.
Maeng LB68a
Miami, FL
===================================
Kwento ni Brod Pogs
It was during our student days in Diliman. Nakwento sa akin ni Poga about
his harrowing experience in Thailand where he was granted scholarship.He
was then staying at the dormitory reviewing for exam when he was very much
annoyed by two Thai students playing ping pong. He went out of his room
and persuaded them to stop playing ping pong late at night as he could not
concentrate reviewing for tomorrow's exam and went back to his room
adjacent to play room. But still they continued playing and noisier as
they began to laugh at him.Poga got mad as he went back to the play room,
grabbed the ping pong racket, hit them hard and broke it on their head. He
casually went back to his room to sleep and when he woke up the following
morning, there was a big crowd of Thais waiting for him to avenge the fate
of the two Thai students.As there was no escape route out of the dorm,
Poga tied a handkerchief on his head, broke the handle of the floor mop
and 'hara kiri' style rushed out of his room waving the floor mop handle
like 'arnis' in martial arts.At dahil Tabets during initiation, he ran out
like passing through a gauntlet as he luckily reached the Philippine
Embassy with few scratches.
A certain general who was then
Philippine envoy to Thailand advised somebody to pack up his things and
get a plane ticket back to our country. He then told me, 'parang na karma
ako brod'. 'Natatandaan mo ba yung Freddie monks, tambay ng Kamia na
binugbog natin sa Yakal Residence Hall?' Nag iisa rin yon at dinumog ng
mga brods kasama ako.' And that was Poga during his younger years, as our
brod Vic Ramos described him that he exploded like a volcano when he was
angry. Nakwento rin nya sa akin that he was from Leyte province, home of
the brave 'Warays' where soldiers during American occupation were killed.
Americans retaliated by killing all male inhabitants from 10 years old and
above and this became the landmark of American atrocity named as 'Balangiga
Massacre' in Philippine history. In fact the 'Balangiga' bells of the
church in Leyte, used by the Filipinos to signal the arrival of American
soldiers during those times are still in possession of the present
American government. A diplomatic request by the Philippine government to
retrieve 'Balangiga' bells was denied by then US President Clinton.
Poga's
heart bears a soft spot towards helping the less fortunate brods as he
touched every ones life with full understanding of their personal
problems. Madami sa brods na kick out sa UP dahil masyadong seryoso sa
pag tambay at neglected ang studies kaya most of them who did not
accomplish much in their career ay nahihiyang mag attend ng reunion. He
even suggested that we should initiate a program to help those brods. And
that was Brod Pogs, a true warm blooded Betan warrior yet academically
fulfilled
Ben Medina
===================================
Pogs,
I will miss your Malmon smile. Somehow your lips curled up
mischievously to one side especially when there was a joke that it ensued.
But then again it may not have been the physical attributes of Malmon but
what you represented as a true Betan that made me feel that way. The few
times that we have seen you at the Betan events you have always been a
gentleman and extended your warm friendship to me and my wife, Barbie. You
were Betan tough to be able show that gentleness and resolve in spite of
your infirmities during the last several years.
There will be a lot of fond memories that will be etched in my memory.
Farewell my brother.
George UPD73b
===================================
Remembering Brod Pogs in TETADA!
With an incandescent bulb in his left hand, he stared at it in a way that
could have scared the shit out of many rival frat men in his time. Yet
here, he was only trying to flow energy into the bulb, preparatory to his
dropping it from shoulder high level into the concrete floor. This
application is conducted to test the energy one is able to generate after
a period of practicing TETADA, an inner-energy generating discipline from
Surabaya, Indonesia.
Earlier, some practitioners already
dropped their "energized" bulbs, and these were all broken! Usually, the
next to demo would already be un-nerved and may even stop after hearing
the ear-shattering explosions of the breaking glass hitting the floor!
But not Brod Pogs! His focus and determination manifested when his facial
expression never twitched while he followed with his eyes the bulb's
falling down. As the bulb hit the floor and bounced like a rubber ball,
his demeanour slightly eased up, followed by a curled smile at the side of
his lips! Those in attendance exploded in applause, and when congratulated
he whispered, “kelangan ko ‘to, brod, at malapit na naman ang chemo ko!”
He was the only one who succeeded that day!
The lightbulb
This was in June, 2007, two weeks after the brods, family members and
friends started training at Palo Alto. The first of two 2-wk stops (SFO
and LA), Brod Pogs never missed a day, even if the schedule varied from
early morning to late evening. He even participated in the Body Nerve
Treatment (BNT) that was also conducted there.
Just like most of the brods in the 70’s, I never got to know Brod Pogs
personally while a student, except for the legendary credentials (esp. on
the intellectual-side) which were freely shared among brods. It was no
surprise that I readily accepted his invitation to visit the US,
California specifically, to conduct the training. This was the visit I
will never forget as this enabled me to meet so many of the “older” brods
and respective family members for the first time.
I was hoping I would meet Brod Pogs again next year, with the planned
“tour” to spread the JCPS SOMA discipline. But it seems, our dear brother
has finally moved to a higher level of vibration, a state we all will be
eventually!
Paalam, brother Pogs! I will always remember you with your enigmatic
smile. And to May and the rest of the family, maraming salamat for sharing
him with our kapatiran for so many years!
Cheers pa rin!
Ollie
Brods Cyrus and Pogs at the arrival area in SFO
With Brod Ike at his residence in Palo Alto
(neighbor of Pogs)
The first session at Brod Ike's backyard.
Notice the aura of Brod Pogs
An evening session, again at Brod Ike's
With Dr. Ria Vergara (Tatang's lovely daughter)
leading
Pogs receiving the certificate of completion
With the lovely partners (Ike's Tanya, Pog's
May, and Cy's Bing) before the road travel to LA
A beautiful stop along the way
A fabled stop, if only we had time (and reservation) to play a round
Some very happy moments
And finally at Diamond Bar, in Brod Norman's
residence with wife Cherry
===================================
You are all in my heart of hearts.
The passing of Pogs was a surprise. It grieves me to no end. I was hoping
to see him (and all of you) in May. I will miss him.
Fred'66
===================================
We all know know how intelligent our
Brod Pogs was but what puzzled me even to this day is how a UP Prep
graduate was able to lure this brilliant UP High graduate to join Beta
Sigma. I recruited Manuel Gaspay not because of his intellect but because
of a very scary thought of him being on the wrong side of a rumble during
the rumble-happy days of the 60s. Just ask that poor Lonsi who almost lost
an ear!
If I were to pick a model for my prototype of an ideal Betan, Pogs would
be it-a street smart Tondo boy with a mind of an Einstein. I might ask Ago
to photo shop his face to make him more pogi though.
What impressed me the most about Pogs was how he dealt with Cancer,
treating it like it was just a mild form of allergy. It was not the chemo
that prolonged his life, it was his attitude. In the end, chemo and
disease devastated his body. But his spirit never gave an inch.
I would call him on my long drives to give him "distraction". Ago and Kino
know this routine well. I would distract his mind away from his illness,
while he keeps me awake on my long trips. We would touch on his illness-I
tell him that his cancer is no match for his toughness . He would point
out a bigger problem - that his cancer cells have the Gaspay genes making
them very tough to beat.We laugh about the surprise birthday parties held
by the brods for Pogs, anticipating it would be his last- and this went on
for years. Some brods stopped showing up.
Pogs was a tireless supporter of the PGH Pediatric ward project named
after his mentor/Brod Teddy Rey. Over 60,000 patients are treated every
year at the Pediatric ward, designed to handle less than 10,000 patients.
Pogs planned to be in Manila for the turnover ceremony. Brod Carlo
Gervasio, the project's architect/builder,wanted it done by October but UP
had to be UP. The project was delayed for three months and it won't be
completed until the end of this month. There are two class rooms for the
chronically ill at the Teddy Rey Healing Place. One will bear Pog's name
to remember him always. It is very fitting that Pogs spent his last years
teaching and mentoring his students. He did this until the very end. Pogs
showed us how to live a purpose-driven life; how to deal with adversity,
how to face death.
Pogs, here's a line I use whenever Mely questions my extended trips, and
this would have worked like magic on May as well:
" How can I miss you if I don't go
away?"
I already miss you Brod .
Judge Rey 68a
===================================
Brod Poga,
Ang sabi nga natin noong "Poker Days" sa Eng building. NO GUTS NO GLORY.
Sasabayan mo naman;
ALL GUTS NO MONEY. May quorum na kayo diyan sa poker.
Si Bonga, si Rudolf, si Tito atbp.
Until then Pogs, sa muling pagkikita.
Raoul'65 Black Saints
===================================
Brod Raoul,
Remember the Physics course I took for you to complete your graduation
requirements? Well, you almost flunked that course because I wasn't
attending classes. I needed to ace the final exam to pass the course. It
was Pogs who took the final exam for me (for you really!). That's how you
became a Doc Jacks! I still have the student ID - with your name and my
picture.
I was so fortunate to spend time with Pogs during the "fourth quarter" of
his life. He visited the Midwest several times. We went for long drives -
visiting Bogs and the Toronto brods; stopped at Niagara Falls, one of the
wonders he wanted to see and experience; the reunions with the Midwest
brods in Chicago and great conversations in our quiet little town of
Niles, Michigan. He contributed generously to the PGH project despite his
financial situation (his illness and May's work situation).
I am forwarding my tribute to this wonderful human being who was a friend
and a brother.
Judge Rey 68a
===================================
May,
Pilar and I am sorry for the big loss of Pogs to you and your kids. He
was a strong inspiration for me in our emails about our surviving the big
C. I think I licked mine and I am very very sad he was not able to do it.
He will always be included in our prayers.
Jec,
UPD 69 Panzer
===================================
Today we celebrate the life of Brod
Pogs Gaspay
Pogs had many friends. He was so much to so many. Pogs returned home to
the place where it all began. But let's suspend our sorrows and, instead,
think that he has rejoined our Creator. I can sense he knew the end was
near during the last time I saw him at the Embassy Suites in Placentia,
Orange County on the night of December 20 with Brods Boi Wico, Boi
Jaurique, Frank Mamaril, Ed Cornelia and Ago. His voice had weakened
considerably unlike several months back when he was still vibrant and
strong while debating with me the outcome of the US presidential
elections.
Pogs accepted people largely for what they were and who they were. His
many friendships and his warmth crossed the barriers of social position
and educational background. He was well-educated with a doctorate in
economics at Stanford; graduate degrees in engineering and water
management systems at U.P. and the Asian Institute of Technology in
Bangkok, respectively. He taught at the Asian Institute of Management in
Makati and “ecological economics” (that’s a brand new subject to me) at
the Dominican College in California.
He loves his country so much. I knew this since his early years in public
service at DAP-FSDC. But he was also opinionated, and he can be mean at
times. Pogs then, had the inclination to quick resolution of operational
issues (sometimes aggressive!?) which convinced us to modify a key element
in the government's special farmer lending program to make approval of
small-farmer loans easier to obtain. I also remember him joining me in a
project inspection of a high profile project (the Pagudpud earth dam in
Ilocos Norte - then the largest earth dam in the country) when in an
intense and passionate manner, repeatedly questioned project engineers
about soil stability knowing he did it only in order to assess its real
strength and reliability; but in the night after the festivities of
inaugurating a huge irrigation project in La Union, which benefited more
than 1000 farmers, Pogs, holding a bottle of "San Mig", rose in a baritone
voice, and repeated our favorite expression--the late Teddy Rey's usual
toast for such occasion, "today we did something good for our countrymen."
Like many brods in FSDC and MHS, this man had a brave heart, he did not
hesitate in the late 1970s to go deep into NPA territory particularly in
the Cagayan region to meet town folks and staff to ensure the success of
even a small economic enhancing project for the rural poor. With Pogs,
what you saw was what you got and in the work environment, he refused to
play games.
Indeed, I'll not forget my meeting with Pogs last December 20th in
Placentia. Pogs, still refusing to let go, though his eyes were tired and
his voice hoarse, reported that the UP-PGH Medical Center's Teddy Rey
Healing Center (financed by Brod Judz Rey) together with the "Prayer Room"
that he himself initiated is now closer to reality and that construction
is on its final phase. That's a Betan's fighting spirit to the very end!
Farewell Pogs, and thanks for sharing your zest for life and the passion
for all those things that were important to you.
Gilbert Dulay UPD'64
===================================
I have very fond memories of Manuel
Gaspay.
It all started in 1969 when I was cross enrolled in Dilman, a young brod
then and wanting to experience fraternity life in a new setting and so
best thing was to be at our Tambayan then located between AS and BA.
Knowing no brods then, I introduced myself and from then on mixed with
brods of my age. Gabby, Judz, Walter, Ed A., Bobby, Nepo and and so many
others. What impressed me much was a tall, lanky fair complexion brod
named "Poga" at that time. Judz and Poga then were always "pormador
na parang walang kamatayan, sa bidahan at aksyon"
In the early 70's our dual meet between LB and Diliman came about. It was
competitive in many sports, basketball, swimming, running, karate,
billiards, table tennis, bowling ,etc, finally tug of war where brute
strength was tops culminating with a "Grand Jug a Lug". Poga was in
billiards and the swimming events where he was tops due to his "magic
weapon"..
I saw him next in an inter island vessel bound. for Dumaguete. He was a
sports reporter for the Collegian, I was a member of the varsity Track
team competing in the Tri Meet between Siliman and the University of San
Agustin. We had fun in that city as always.
Fast forward 90's. Just arrived in the bay area looking for a used car,
Ike accompanied me to Pogs who was in possession of a Toyota Celica left
in trust by a fellow Stanford student. I didn't have a hard time getting
the car for a token amount. "Okay na yan. Wala namang tumitingin kaya
mabuti nang sa iyo mapunta".
In the early 2000, back to the Bay Area, Pogs was a fixture in UP North,
bigger and more mature, but still with that infectious smile and wit, we
bonded again. He provided wisdom, laughter and all what all is reminded of
him. Later on he became the president of UPAASF, together with Gabby, Vic
Gausan, Louie Cabaluna and me as board members he guided our chapter to a
memorable UP Centennial celebration here in San Francisco. Through his
leadership more than a million dollars was raised. I was fortunate to be a
signing witness between Pres. Emer Roman and Pogs. To our colleagues in
the UPAASF he was known as "Manny Gaspay". And in our Tamabayan E group,
he was known as "Pak Q" and his never ending jokes. Always with his style
and the "Bahay Kubo" episode.
In the many fraternity gatherings, our "pokerista" group evolved. Pogs,
Titing Valdez, Boy Ramos, Vic Gacusan, Gabby M., Eric Punzalan, Dave
Villegas, Bong Beredo and myself would gather from time to time to
determine who our next "baka" will be. We had fun!!!
It is a sad time for all of us. He's gone to a better place, to be with
our brother who've gone home. We'll surely miss him.
Poga, Pogs, Pak Q, Manny and most of all Manuel Gaspay, UP Beta Sigma
batch 68b.
Nol Banzon
===================================
Brothers Dear and Ladies,
Tonight, all roads lead to Alta Mesa
Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California.
As I sit here and type this message in the office, our Beta Sigma family
is congregating in Palo Alto to pay homage to Brod Dr. Manny “Pogs” Gaspay.
At 6PM PST (8PM in Chicago), GP
Gerry Abenes will begin the ceremonial roll call to signal the start of
the Beta Sigma Final Rites.
Brod Pogs will not be able to answer
as he has joined our Creator and has departed this mortal plane.
I am at a loss for words, so I want to share with you the tribute written
by UP NorCal ex-GP Bong Beredo (UPD 73B). It will provide you with a small
appreciation of the Brod we fondly call Pogs.
When we go home tonight, Laureen and I will raise a toast in his honor.
Cheers to Pogs! He’s so good…, he’s so good…, he’s so good!
Cheers to Pogs! He’s so good…, so drink jug-a-lug, jug-a-lug, jug-a-lug…
Paalam mahal kong kapatid!
Cheers!!!
-- Lem
===================================
BROD POGS GASPAY IS AN
INSPIRATION
I knew brod and Area Director (FSDC
AREA II) Pogs Gaspay quite well. You are very right. He was a very good
man. When I was still working at FSDC in my late teens and as a working
student at UPCM, I became part of the technical staff of our former big
boss & brod too, TCR (Teddy C. Rey Jr.). At one point in my 2 years stay
at FSDC, TCR sent me to Area II Director Pogs Gaspay, for me to get
practical farm systems work and to be able to appreciate the actual field
situation. This event involved me learning a lot of things about farming,
i.e. rice, fertilizers, rat and pest management, irrigation, etc. However,
since that was more than 30 years ago now, the knowledge I got and learned
from Dir. Pogs Gaspay himself and the other Area II people has rusted, and
has rather become not so necessary to the kind of work I was actually
doing in FSDC afterwards.
But like a big brother to me Dir. Pogs, and his staff were really diligent
in transferring to me the kind of learning which was expected of a
technical staff from the Office of the FSDC Administrator. Dir. Pogs was
always ready to answer some questions about our work in FSDC everytime he
was there in his office and how we can impact on farmers because these
people trusted us so much. He also wanted TCR’s FSDC to really be a
success not just because FSDC equates to Beta Sigma, but he really
believed things can be done to make the farmers’ lives more comfortable
and livable. Just like TCR, he had to instill in the minds of the FSDC
rank and file that commitment to serve the people especially the famers
must be solid and not just a half hearted compliance to work.
Dir. Pogs Gaspay was an obedient worker to his boss (TCR) and to the
program and thus would overcome all obstacles that he identified in the
course of the accomplishment of his targets. But despite the serious
objectives of the program, our officials like Dir. Pogs would always have
time to answer our questions work-related, or family-related, or whatever
the staff has which would disrupt him in the implementation of his job.
And so he motivated his people so much not only to seek perfection in
their work, but more so in developing them too into some perfect human
being, who could be friends to those who have so much in life and selfless
to those who have less in life, such as the farmers.
Dir. Pogs Gaspay is a great man in his own right. His death is not a
shallow death because he has inspired a lot of people esp. to that first
office that we both served. I give my deepest respects to a friend, a real
big brother,, mentor, a supervisor/ colleague in an agency where Beta
Sigmans prevailed. Though I have not seen him for sometime, his talents,
intelligence and humility will always be an inspiration.
May God bless his soul.
LC Cel Conde-Esmade
=========================================================================================
Paalam, Brod Pogs...
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