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Betan Farewell Rites
St. Peter Chapel
Caloocan, Philippines.
May 18, 2015
[Photos by Joel Paredes]
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Eulogy and Messages
FLASH !!!
(from Brod Nelson Rivera, by SMS, 15/05/2015 02:06 PM)
Brod Bobby Pecson D61 passed away this AM, news from daughter Kayen. Brod
Bobby was former GP.
(from Kayen Pecson)
Hi, tito. Viewing starts tonight, 9 PM, then cremation will be held
Tuesday morning, St. Peter Chapel, Laloma Branch, C3 Road, Caloocan,
Chapel G.
# of Kayen, daughter of Brod Bobby Pecson: +63 906 494 9222
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It's another sad day for UP Betans.
Bobby Pecson was another titan in campus - very well respected because of
his calm disposition, level-headedness, martial arts skills, towering
presence (and height), and leadership. It was during his term as Grand
Princep that Batch 67a (Summertime 67) was born. Since then, three in our
batch of 13 went ahead of him - Ponglinks Alvarez, Michael Parina, and
Ruperto "Rupy" Rodriguez. Bobby opened his home in Pacific Avenue (Quezon
City) for frat affairs.
I met my GP Bobby at the then Makati Supermart sometime in the late 70s.
At the time, he just left the Farm Systems Development Corporation headed
by Brod Teddy Rey (deceased) in favor of a full-time service at his
Christian Fellowship group based at the then Magallanes Theatre. A
spiritual person that he was, I vividly recall his following words: "Na
kay Panginoon ang tunay na kaligtasan." That was the last time I saw him
personally.
Bobby has for many years been God's messenger although his work in his
Christian community was abbreviated due to a stroke (or was it a heart
attack) in early 2000s. I would see Bobby again, in a picture this time,
at our website when Brod Ollie Jumao-as visited him for his own brand of
healing (Betan Nerve Treatment).
We rest in the belief that Bobby is now in God's loving and caring
company.
Willie "Tatang" Vergara, 67a
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Amen, kabatch Tatang.
Jun Rafael UPD '67A
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REMEMBERING BROD BOBBY PECSON
(Eulogy delivered by Brod Vic Ramos during the last rites in honour
of Brod Roberto Pecson
in the St. Peter Chapel,
Caloocan City, on May 18, 2015)
Like the other Betans of the 1960s, I was witness to the steadfast
leadership of Brod Bobby Pecson as Grand Princep of our fraternity. I was
not surprised at all that Brod Bobby was an outstanding leader during our
time in UP. He came from a family of patriots in Masbate. His father, Dr.
Mateo S. Pecson, was the governor of the province during the Japanese
occupation. He refused to serve the foreign invaders. So he was captured,
transferred to Cavite where he was jailed. He managed to escape jail and
joined the guerrillas in Luzon. After the war, his father continued to
represent Masbate as its lone representative in Congress.
Knowing his family background, I have often
wondered why Bobby did not follow his father’s footsteps in politics. He
must have thought about it during his stint as Regional Manager of the
Farm Systems Development Corporation under Brod Teddy Rey. He was
conveniently assigned in Bicol.
Instead he went into a period of
self-reflection and asked himself core questions about our moral
responsibility as human beings. Should not life be in the service of
something greater than oneself? What matters most in life? What ideals
should convey meaning to our daily activities?
Such self-reflection led him to find the
purpose of his life. He decided to serve God in a life-long journey of
Faith.
That is why I was deeply touched by what
Brod Tatang Vergara related in his eulogy that was printed in our website.
The last time he and Bobby saw each other Brod Bobby expressed his
conviction that only in Christ could we be saved.
It is for this reason that I would like to
always remember Brod Bobby for the wisdom that he had shown at a young age
that the purpose of his life was to serve God. As he personally told Brod
Tatang, “Nasa Dios lang ang ating kaligtasan”.
This is meaningful to all our brotherhood today
when the world has become too materialistic and self-centered. We do not
seem to have the time nor the inclination to consider a life of ideals
that reflect the better angels of our nature.
Tonight as we honour him here, I am sure he
now rests in peace with our Lord.
Good night.
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"Betan Big Boss Bobby Pecson" - I
vividly recall the Philippine Collegian article on Beta Sigma's GP in the
late '60s.
May the Lord grant you Eternal peace Brod Bobby.
Judge '68a
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We the brothers and families from the Beta Sigma Fraternity, Canada Inc.,
convey our deepest sympathies on the passing of Brod Bob Pecson. May Bob
rest in peace.
Bogs C. UPD '65
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Brods,
It was a very sad notice about the passing of our co-batch, Roberto Pecson
Of Masbate, Philippines. Another of the batch 1961 of Diliman glory and
fame, slowly fading from the horizon. I am indeed very sad and wet in my
face, from tears pouring down my face, upon reading about the passing of
Bobby P. Memories of togetherness and strong filial bond between us batch
mates in the '60's keep coming back, and man, I will miss him !!! Lito
Tadena, Titing Valdez, and Mat Defensor should be informed immediately.
They are all there in the greater Manila area.
Stateside, Brandy Ancheta, Jesse De La Santa, Joe Llames and I will pray
for the repose of the soul of Brod Bobby Pecson. Kindly send me the home
address of Bobby and the name of his wife, if she is still with us,
because I would like to write to her, and extend my personal loss and
sympathy to the family.
First the sad news about a founding brother, and now, another devastating
news; the blows seem to keep coming. May we all ask the divine Lord and
Master from above to lessen the blows and spare our brotherhood from the
sad but inevitable course of life, time and circumstance. May God keep us
healthy, at peace with the world, and serene in our journey through life.
My best to all of you Brods in the UP Beta Sigma,
Winston '61 Diliman
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Good evening brod,
I can feel your pain in the loss of a batch mate whom you had spent your
young and memorable days with. For us in batch 1965, we had our second
initiation session at Bobby's grand house during the time of our "daddy"
GP, Ed Soliman. Bobby ushered in a set of new brods soon after in 1966 -
Rolly Reyes, Gilbert Joven, Gerry Abenes, Gines Samson, Rudy Soliman, etc.
He was a commanding presence and we, the then resident brods, respected
him and his leadership.
Next weekend at your UP North's induction ball, let us gather and renew
once more, while this earthly life allows us, the eternal bond and
affection in our brotherhood.
Cheers pa rin Winston. And as you always say - "Viva UP Beta Sigma!".
Norman, UPD'65 Black Saints
Addendum:
Here are pictures of GP Bobby Pecson
and the circa 1966 resident fraternity.
We had posted these photos years ago at the UPBSFI - International website
and you can find them in www.upbsfi.org, Memory Lane II.
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Well said, Brod Norm. I remember our second session which was an
"instrument" session as we were bloodied and seated in Bobby's back yard.
I still remember him tending to us on that day. That gave me the
impression na hindi naman pala lahat ng masters ay bruto, and that there
are caring masters. It strengthened my resolve to go on knowing that I was
joining the right fraternity.
Cheers, Brod. Let's celebrate and enjoy for that's exactly what Bob would
have wanted us to do. I hope brods who are able, take advantage of frat
ball/reunions and event like one we're having this week end. Life is too
short.
Ding '65 Black Saints
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Brod Bobby Pecson, a great brother
and an accomplished tennis player.
Tall, erect, well-built, bespectacled Bobby indoctrinated but never
physically initiated.
Batch 65 upd black saints' second session ( with "instrument" ) was held
at their residence.
Farewell Bobby. Your legacy is well remembered and very much alive !
Pol65. UPD. Black Saints
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Brod Bobby Pecson is now resting in eternal peace. Brod Bobby, we are not
far behind you as our time on earth will soon be up and we will be
together having a chug-a-lug and singing “Three Cheers for Beta Sigma” and
remembering the good times at Diliman.
Brod Ben ‘64 Diliman
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Dear Brods,
I will remember Bobby with joy in my heart. I have not seen him since UP
Beta Sigma days in the mid-60s, but he remains in my memory.
May he rest in God's peace.
Toti Que UPD'63
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We grieve the passing away of Brod Bobby Pecson. He was GP also when our
Diliman Batch 66 entered the frat. I remember Brod Bobby was called Clark
Kent because he really looked like Superman. After college, Brod Bobby
worked in FSDC with many Brods where he became Area Director for Bicol
region. Thank you so much for being part of lives and PAALAM Brod Bobby.
Brod Bimboy Batch’66Dil
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My deepest condolence to the family of Brod Bobby Pecson. May his soil
rest in peace!!
We had our first session at the
house of Brod GP Bobby Pecson. I remember the music of the Beatles "Here,
There and Everywhere" during our initiation and this song stuck to my mind
up to now. There were a hundred neophytes then, but only 26 of us finished
and became brods. To us, Brod GP Bobby was the epitome of a UP Beta Sigman,
good looking, clean, with black rimmed glasses, looking very scholarly and
good in martial arts. He was then our role model! Goodbye Brod GP Bobby!
We will miss you but we know you are now in a better place with some of
the brods who went ahead!
Cheers Brod!
Gilbert Joven'66
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Allow me to grieve and salute a
genuine “towering figure” in the annals of UP Beta Sigma Fraternity.
I have met Brod Bobby P many times at the tambayan and Master JC’s
training camp.
He was one of the many brods who made us feel great and confirmed with
absolute confidence that we joined the right brotherhood. He was a “top
gun” instructor that inspired us how to soar in the sky.
Brod Bobby, like the rest of us in the sixties, proud to be under your
wings.
RGR’66
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One very vivid memory that lingers
to this day me joining the frat in 1966 is our beloved former Brod GP
Bobby Pecson. In fact, I cannot see myself becoming a Betan in '66 without
some thoughts of him.
He was our GP back then, after all.
A soft-spoken, yes, with a commanding presence-let alone his height-but at
the same time, inspiring.
And how can I forget the many frat events he hosted at his QC home?
Brod Bobby was not just a pillar. He epitomizes a true Betan.
His loss is a loss to all of us. But his legacy lives on.
Brods, let's give him a pause of prayer.
My condolence to the family of Brod Bobby.
Manny del Rosario '66
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I join in the same memory shared by Bimboy, Norman, Toti, Noli and
Winston. I last saw BobbyP in the early 80s. I've come to know Brod Bobby
Pecson not only as an honest friend and devoted colleague, but as a true &
loyal Betan. Indeed, his passing away is another moment of enlightenment
for all of us; a vibrant thing that makes us all begin together again,
more grateful for one another than ever before.
May he rest in peace with God.
Gilbert C Dulay, UPd'64
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Batch 64 Diliman had the orientation and briefing how to become a good
Betan from former GP Bobby Pecson.
He even offered his QC house for some events. Surely we will miss him.
Our condolence to the family of GP Brod Bobby. May he rest in peace.
Eddie S. Jose, 64D batch
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I will remember with fondness brod Bobby Pecson. It was in his QC home
where our batch 68b was hatched. It was there where Pogs Gaspay, Rolly
Lamarca and I applied. That eventful night, one would notice a towering
figure -- Bobby
Later on we worked together at the Farm Systems Development Corporation
under brod Teddy Rey. One day he told me he was leaving FSDC to do full
time Christian work. As our eyes met I saw he was at peace with his
decision. He rediscovered his relationship with our Lord and he found his
calling!
To us Christians, death is not the end but until we meet again -- well
done, my faithful brother!
Gabby Moraleda 68b
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Our deepest condolences for our great loss of Brod Bobby Pecson D61 . I
distinctly recall the warm brotherhood we had with Brod Bobby during my
stint in UP Diliman in 1964-1965 school year. With all our prayers, may he
rest in peace.
Bing Garcia UPLB64
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We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Brod Bobby Pecson.
We pray for the eternal repose of his soul.
Ed Rivera
UP Beta Sigma Southern California
Chapter
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Our dear bro. Bobby is indeed with the Lord in heaven for Jesus said, "I
am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even
though he dies: and whoever lives and believes in me will never die..."
(John 10:23-26). Just as you recall his last words to you, "Na kay
Panginoon ang tunay na kaligtasan".
God bless,
Bro. Tito Campomanes'63
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My vivid recollection was during hsi tenure as GP. I was one of the
fraternity officers with the young and beautiful Maribel Payumo as
sweetheart.
Being an MI working with him closely, we produced good and loyal batches
for the fraternity. With keen motivation, good indoctrinations and strict
rules during the inititiation rites we have made through the batches
without any incidents and compromises. He was frank and sincere in his
dealings with the brods but most of all, he prioritized among his legacies
the UP Beta Sigma School of Martial Arts. He was an elite member of the
qualified Black belts under late Master and Brod Johnny F. Chiuten, Jr..
My prayers and condolence.
Noli H. Nolasco, UP'62B
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I share your memories of Brod Bobby, Kabatch Noli. He guided our
Fraternity well before, during and after his incumbency as our GP. You
will be missed Brod Bobby and continuing prayers for you and the love ones
you leave behind, Brother.
JoeReb, UP62b
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Brod Bobby Pecson's passing away brings me back to a time when we we were
young, and dreamed to do great and good deeds, that is what comes to my
mind when his name is mentioned. My condolences to his family. I'll
remember him and all his loved ones. Rest in peace Bobby. Until we meet
again.
Godspeed,
Cesar Antonio '57
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It is with profound sadness to learn about the death of my co-batch Bobby
Pecson. I last saw Bobby in 1963. It was quite a long time ago, but the
memories our batch experienced together, physically painful albeit full of
sweet memories, will surely be cherished by all of us.
Goodbye brod. Rest in peace. I am sure our co batch Ding Martinez, Joe
Halog, and Ferdinand Tolentino are preparing a huge welcome party for you
in God's kingdom.
Joe Llames '61
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Dear Brods,
In coordination with daughter, Kayen (+63 906 494 9222)...
The FAREWELL RITES for UPD Brod ROBERTO "BOBBY" PECSON, Batch 61 and GP
66, is 7PM Monday, 18May2015 at Chapel G of St. Peter Chapel, La Loma, C3
Road, Caloocan, near 5th Ave. LRT Station.
UPD resident brothers will be coordinating.
Kindly wear White, or Barong! Please share info with all brothers.
Brod Jojo Alejar UPLB 79D
President, UPBSF, Inc. [Central]
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Rest in Peace Brod Bobby Pecson.
Brods attached are pictures of the FAREWELL RITES for UPD Brod ROBERTO
"BOBBY" PECSON, Batch 61 and GP 66, last Monday, 18May2015 at Chapel G of
St. Peter Chapel, La Loma, C3 Road, Caloocan. More of the pics are on the
zip file.
Through the courtesy of Brod Joel Paredes who posted it at the facebook
page of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity - UP System.
Thank you Brod Joel for sharing.
Mars Robosa 71-b
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Dear Kayen,
Very ,very sad knowing about your Father's passing. We were batch mates
when we entered the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1961. We were bonded very
strongly, and despite the fact that I had not seen your Dad for many, many
years as I live in the United States, I was deeply saddened by the news.
The days we had at the Diliman campus were unforgettable. Memories of your
Father still linger in our minds. We will indeed miss him.
The few times I had been back home, never gave me an opportunity to see
him; I wish I had taken the time to see him. Thank you for posting your
Mom's residence address; I will communicate with her. I wish you success
in your life's endeavors, as well as happiness and peace to your entire
family.
Sincerely yours,
Winston M. Acevedo '61 UP Beta Sigma Fraternity
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Bobby Pecson, UPD'61
UPBS SOMA
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