From

IN MEMORIAM

Brod Rolando Reyes

UP Diliman '66

August 8, 1947 - September 15, 2020

============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

A Celebration of Life

Arlington Memorial Chapel, Quezon City, September 20, 2020

(Virtual via Zoom)

[Photos from Norman Bituin]

Pastor Paul Chua and Pastor Rod Reyes lead the brothers in prayer.

Butch Madarang recites the Betan Credo.

Gerry Abenes remembers his departed batch mate. Raffy Hidalgo shares OBBF group's special bond with Brod Rolly.

UP SoCal GP John Antig and UP North Acting GP Nestor Lawas pay homage to Brod Rolly.

The UPD residents give the Betan fraternity pin to Brod Rolly's family.

Daughter Samantha Reyes-Johnson thanks the fraternity for the tribute and last rites.

Eulogy

by UPBSF President Vic Tupaz

Brod Rolly 'Beloved' Reyes - Batch ‘66 UP Diliman

It's too hard to start a Eulogy as our minds are so filled with many fond memories and feelings about our brother.

But let me pose this question: Have you ever asked why all the Brods call him "Brod Rolly Beloved"?

Can anyone give us an answer?

Well, the answer is our Betan Hymn: "Beta Sigma, Beloved, true sons of Thine . . . Beta Sigma Beloved forever . . . "

If you listen carefully to the Hymn and its affirming lyrics, the word 'Beloved' echoes the endearment of a true Betan to our brotherhood. Beloved means dearly loved - treasured, kept to the heart, made precious, and adored. Beloved applies to our love of the motherland, wife/husband, son/daughter . . .

For, it is, Brod Rolly, the Beloved son of Beta Sigma, who made the Fraternity the beloved of his life -- living the Beta Sigma ideals in his sweet, inspiring, fruitful life. What could we ask more from him? He lived his life to the fullest. He lived his life to the best of the Beta Sigma example, and he was truly right.

If I could recall, in the mid-1960s at the UP College of Fine Arts, the Brods (to mention the late Brod Orly Magistrado ‘64 UP Diliman), had started using the word “Beloved” among their group.* When Brod Rolly joined them, from a hardly noticed presence in the fraternity to a more visible presence in his senior year, Brod Rolly became known in practically all the fraternity activities. Name it and his presence was quite remarkable.

*From Pol Moral'65 of Fine Arts: Brod Wally Rodriguez'63+ is the originator of fondly calling brods, "Beloved". Just giving credit where credit is due. That was in 1963, after his Great Escape. In the narrow hallway of Fine Arts, Brod Wally in his legendary booming voice would holler "Beloved" to Boya Macandog'62 and Adi Santos'62.

Showing a great talent in writing Prose and Tagalog Poetry, he achieved editorial accomplishments in magazines, local newspapers, to name a few why he is called “Beloved “.

As a former first program director of "TV Patrol", he was fondly called by his colleagues as “Tata Rolly.”

He was also the brains on tv program "Hoy Gising" and "World Tonite". He was the former Chairman of PTV Peoples Television.

He became an official in the Department of Tourism and Officer in the Office of the Press Secretary during the Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Administration.

According to former VP and ABS-CBN Newscaster, Noli De Castro, "Si Tata Rolly ay masayahin at matulungin sa mga co-employees niya."

He earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues in his profession and industry.

There must be too good a quality in Brod Rolly to be called Beloved. His achievements put him on the summit as the Good Noble Man of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity. He was truly so well-loved that made Brod Rolly - Beloved.

Perhaps, we need a lifetime to accomplish something greater than ourselves. As each of us has tried to leave a mark of our greatness in the book of life, Brod Rolly, to us, succeeded in engraving the BELOVED after his name. It was not just a moniker. To us, who had the privilege to be a part of his life, Beloved Brod Rolly will always be Beloved Brod Rolly Reyes.

As we listen to the great Betan Hymn, Brod Rolly the Beloved sings with us - BETA SIGMA BELOVED FOREVER.

Rest in peace, Beloved Brod Rolly.

Click MP4 clip above to view/listen to "Beta Sigma Beloved"

*******************************************************************

Eulogy

by UPBSI President Jim Gonzalvo

Brods, good evening/morning/afternoon wherever you are. We are all gathered to eulogize a fallen Beta Sigman – Brod Rolly Reyes.

But where do I begin. How can I do justice to eulogize a brother who has unselfishly given so much to the fraternity. As of the moment, I know the fraternity is hurting. I wish I can do something to wipe away everybody’s pain, unfortunately I can’t. All I can do, is join the brotherhood as we honor and celebrate the life of a fallen brother. A life well-lived.

I’ve only met Brod Rolly a couple of times during his occasional visits to attend frat ball celebrations here in the US. But those two encounters were enough for me to see how dedicated Brod Rolly was to the fraternity. He was full of ideas when it comes to the fraternity and I could see the excitement in his eyes whenever he talked about them. He was equally generous in donating not only financially, but also with his time, in supporting various frat activities both in the Philippines and abroad. But he was not one who would do the things he did for his own glory, more so for the glory of the fraternity.

Brods, please allow me to read an elegy that I have written and have shared in a few occasions to eulogize some of our brothers who have gone before us. For those of you who have read it in my recent e-mail please indulge me for a few moments. And if I may ask, especially ‘yung mga contemporaries ni Brod Rolly, to please pay attention to the words as they transport you back to your resident days with Brod Rolly. So, here it goes an “Elegy to a Fallen Brother”.

Elegy To A Fallen Brother

Rest our brother, now that you have reached the end of life’s journey

A journey where our paths crossed as Beta Sigmans

We might have lived in a different place and time, but nevertheless we were brothers

And shared a common bond as Betans

We came from different corners of the islands and different walks of life

But fate would have it, we became brothers for life, bound by our Credo, Motto and Principles

No matter where we came from, no matter where we ended

It’s those times we shared together that really mattered

Times at the “tambayan” with the usual “alaskahan”

Times we were joking, laughing, singing, philosophizing or just plain daydreaming

We lived it day-by-day in reckless abandon without thought of life’s passing

Those were the times when we were young and indestructible, so it seemed

Times when as brothers we depended on each other

And even during our times of discords, we treated each other as brothers

Those were the days we relive and remember every time we get together

Memories that are etched in our brains as if they were just yesterday

And now as you lay to rest, free of worldly pains, we find ourselves mourning

Yet at the same time celebrating your life that you unselfishly shared with us

And if we are asked how you died, our response instead will be, let us tell you how he lived

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

What we do in between is up to us

You and I chose to be Beta Sigmans and brothers for life

REST IF YOU MUST, Brother

Until we meet again

Brods, Brod Rolly has physically left us, but his memory will live on and he will take his proper place in the Beta Sigma history.

May his soul rest in peace.

Messages

Rolly is gone 8:57AM.

Rod Reyes

==========================

Rest if you must, beloved Brother, Rolly Reyes, in God the Father's everlasting and heavenly peace.Farewell and salute to a good and noble man!

Butch Madarang

==========================

Condolences and sympathies to Brod Rod and family on the lost of his Brother Rolly. May he rest in peace.

Billy Sevilla

==========================

Rest In Peace Brod Kabatch Rolly Reyes. Condolences you Rod and Family.

Gines Samson

==========================

My heart breaks personally, but consoled by the thought that he will be with our Lord forever. My prayers and condolences to Irene, their daughters, and all of you in the family, Rod.

Norm Bituin

==========================

Isa pang haligi ng Kapatiran ang yumao. Paalam Brod Rolly. Rest in peace.

Dutch Aragones

==========================

It is truly a sad day as we lost Beloved Brod Rolly Reyes, a true and noble Betan. My condolences to his family and Brod Rod. May you rest in peace Brod Rolly.

Humprey Tumaneng

==========================

OMG very sad news indeed. Condolence kabatch Rod. Goodbye beloved Brod.

Feb 2020 @ Taste of LA with Brods Aman Carolino and Ed Rivera

Lakan Fonacier

==========================

The world just became a less happy place. We will miss you Brod Beloved RGR-66 !!! May your soul rest in eternal peace!!! Condolence to the Reyes clan. Paalam Beloved.

Aman Carolino

==========================

Rest in peace Brod Rolly Reyes. Extending our condolences to the Reyes family.

Bong Beredo

==========================

Farewell, my Beloved Brother Rolly! U will be missed! SEE YOU IN HEAVEN!

Ruben Abon

==========================

Sincere condolences Brod Rod. RIP Brod Rolly.

Minoru Espartero

==========================

RIP Brod Rolly Reyes.

Rey Paradero

==========================

Brod ROLLY, Paalam!!! Rest In Peace!!!

Aug 8, 2019 b'day of RGR @ Cafe Escudero

Vic Tupaz

==========================

Sincere condolences to Brod Ptr Rod and Brod Rolly's family. To be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord.

Dan Lachica

==========================

Rest in peace Brod Rolly Reyes. My condolences to the bereaved Reyes family & prayers 4 the eternal repose of his soul.

Augusto Arreza

==========================

Paalam brod Rolly.

Carlos Agulto

==========================

R I P Beloved Brod Rolly! Our prayers and condolences.

Edgar Flores

==========================

Just lost another loyal Betan brother and a true friend. May you rest in eternal bliss brod Rolly! Where life ends, a new life begins. Parting just increases the joy of being together again.

Jun Valenzuela

==========================

I was in the process of finalizing the UPBSI Auditor's Report when I got your message. I am heartbroken. I video chatted with him on messenger weeks ago and sent him a video prayer just the other day. I wish I can go there now.

Fred Young, UP Diliman'66

==========================

Rest In Peace, Brod Rolly.

Ligerio Ancheta

==========================

Nakakalungkot. Farewell brother.

Brod Pastor Rod, we share your family’s grief on this profound loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Victor Ramos

==========================

Rolly is a one and only, irreplaceable UP Beta Sigman. We will miss him, terribly!

Brandy Ancheta

==========================

I don't know what to think..just at a loss for words. In an instant, you were taken away from us..too early and too soon.
My deepest condolence to Brod Rolly's family in their loss.. We share in their grief and will pray for the repose of his soul.

Manny del Rosario

==========================

We Betans will never be able to thank Beloved Rolly Reyes enough for everything he has done for our Fraternity. Coming from a very successful stint in the private and public sector, he gave his all to us - personal resources, countless hours, vast network - with unbelievablej passion and dedication.

Brod Rolly brings with him a litany of love and praises from many of us - not only from his batchmates and contemporaries but also across 7 decades of Betans. Two years ago, I introduced him as one who has the singular distinction of having honored us here in North America with his presence during our fratball weekends on five different occasions as guest speaker, aside from so many other things he was able to accomplish during his lifetime. It was also a great honor for me to have written a one and a half page account at our UP Betan newsletter about his quantum and game-changing contributions to our fraternity.

I will always remember Rolly as a soulmate in numerous aspects. Our distance from each other did not matter for we talked over the phone very often. There was even a time when we called each other everyday. I will always nurture the beautiful memories of our trip to Boracay in 2010, our Ilocos-Baguio-Pangasinan trek in 2012, our Grand Canyon adventure in 2014, our time together at my home in Rocklin, California, the gatherings among brothers at his home, our passionate exchanges on how we could further the glory of our beloved fraternity.

Brod Rolly’s passing leaves a void in our hearts. He is one of a kind, and so irreplaceable. I consider it a great privilege to have had a ZOOM session with him and about 10 other brods two weeks ago.

Paalam kapatid. I’m sure that you are now with our Creator, enjoying a life of eternal bliss. Kitakits.

Tatang

==========================

Paalam my brod kabatch Rolly Reyes. We are the Spirit of '66 in our beloved Fraternity. Spirit because it was only our strong will and undying spirit to finish and become Beta Sigmans. Our finals was in UP Los Baños and while we all shed blood, sweat and tears, Brod Rolly no longer shed any tears as he became unconscious during our finals. Brod Rolly had to be carried on the back by his sponsor when we had to ran the gruelling uphill gaunlet.

Brod Rolly was very successful in his career. He was News Director of TV Patrol of ABS-CBN. TV Patrol became the No.1 news program during Rolly's time. Brod Rolly also became Undersecretary of Tourism and it was during his time that the the popular slogan "It's more FUN In The Philipines" was launched. Later on in his career Brod Rolly became President and Chairman of TV 4. One thing I admire with Brod Rolly is that he is a prolific writer not only in English but notably in our native language Pilipino. Brod Rolly was also instrumental in introducing me to my wife Camille and he became the godfather of our son Julian.

We will surely miss our beloved brod and kabatch Rolly Reyes. But, Brod Rolly is very happy now that he is in a place with no pain and suffering, only Love with God.

Bye-bye for now beloved Kabatch Rolly Reyes.

Gilbert Joven

==========================

Though Brod Rolly was Spirit of '66, he was always present in Black Saints gatherings.

Farewell Brother.

Pol Moral

==========================

Our condolences to brod Rod Reyes and the whole family for the loss of brod Rolly Reyes (RGR '66). May his soul rest in peace.

Rollie Santos

==========================

Rest in peace Brod Rolly Reyes.

Chax Baldoria

==========================

I join the Beta Sigma Fraternity in condoling with the family of Brod Rolly Reyes in this their hour of bereavement due to his untimely demise.

Brod Rolly Reyes ...may your soul Rest in Peace in the bosom of our lord Jesus Christ forever.

Mon Ventura

==========================

Our fervent condolence to the family of Brod Rolly (Reyes) .... Rest In Peace ... Brod.

Ted Fabella

==========================

My Brod Rolly,

"And when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of their toilsome journey and from your nerveless grasp shall drop forever the working tools of life".

May it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme, the welcome words, Well done thou good and faithful servant: enter now into the joy of thy Lord". Farewell Brod Rolly, goodbye...

Tito Garcia

==========================

Remembering Brod Rolly ...in Narra Residence Hall as my neighbor. I could still see him in his paisley shirt and pitis pants ..new everyday. His roommate (Henry) used to call him Tisoy...playing his electric guitar....Sharks (his band). Did not even know he was going to be my Betan brod later.

I was looking forward to meeting him in one of my Pinas vacations considering his closeness to Black Saints, but alas!!! May God give you eternal life, brod. I have been close to Brod Rod,too. My condolences!!!

Nat Mandac

==========================

Rest in eternal peace Brod Rolly R.

Ferdie Echiverri

==========================

Rest In Peace Brod Rolly. Condolences and prayers to the family.

Jun Mamaril

==========================

Remembering Rolly - in Manila, and Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Utah.

Ike Araneta

==========================

My deepest condolences to the family of Brod Rolly Reyes and to entire UP Beta Sigma Fraternity. A big loss to the Brotherhood.

Edwin Acuña

==========================

RIP bros RollyR. My deepest condolences to brod RodR and family. Beloved Rolly you will be sorely missed.

Josue Castillo

==========================

RIP, Brod Rolly. A truly outstanding Betan.

Ben Albarece

==========================

This is really a sad day. We just lost a beloved friend and brother. We will surely miss his wit and humor as he is irreplaceable! He even greeted me Happy Birthday a day before he was taken to the hospital. May the eternal light of the Lord shine upon you, dear Brod. Amen.

Nap Cruz

==========================

Rest in peace brod Rolly Reyes.

Alan Batallones

==========================

Rest in Peace Brod Beloved Rolly R...and sincere condolences to the family...you will be surely missed.

Kim Cabatit

==========================

Another Betan achiever and source of pride for the frat has gone home to the Father.
No more Manila Times newspaper column about the saga of good and noble men during frat anniversary.
TV footages of future congressional hearings will never be the same without brod Rolly serving as its back drop.
Indeed, brod Rolly's imprint in our society is sealed.
Lord God, we lift up to you the soul of our beloved brod Rolly. May You welcome him to your kingdom to be with you forever and ever. Amen.

Nilo Punzalan

==========================

So sad. I didn’t expect him to go so soon. Prior to his St. Lukes QC admission (about a month ago), his brother, Brod Pastor Rod Reyes called me re Brod Rolly’s episodic memory lapses (without focal complaints nor ICP related Sx) on a background of HPN, smoking, herbal self meds. I requested Cranial CT and was facilitated by Brod Art de la Pena of St. Lukes Global. Cranial CT revealed mets, thus we went on wirh chest/whole abdo CT. Chest CT revealed bronchogenic Ca. Thereafter , he had Sz episodes thus Brod Chris P took over admitting him at St. Lukes QC where he underwent TBRT, but eventually deteriorated. Sadly the natural course of his Ca predominated. This short “tele-meet ups” with Brod Pastor Rod Reyes, Brod Rolly’s younger brother, & Brod Ed Paz & Brod Art de la Pena gave Brod Rolly a “brotherly embrace” in his time of his reckoning. Paalam kapatid . Hats off too to Brod Chris P & Brod Dennis N for being wirh him in his final moments.

Eric Acampado UERM

==========================

Rest in peace, Brod Rolly. We pray for the eternal repose of your soul. Sincerest condolences to Brod Rod and the Reyes family. Nakikiramay.

Ollie Jumao-as

==========================

Rest in peace, Brod Rolly.

Dar

==========================

RIP broder...another great loss to our beloved fraternity!!!

Edwin Garrido

==========================

May eternal light shine upon you Beloved Brod Rolly Reyes. Our sincerest condolences to Brod Rod Reyes and to the whole family. Rest In Eternal Peace Beloved Brod Rolly.

Lionel Latoja

==========================

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6

Beloved Brod Rolly you will be missed.. always loved and remembered. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be upon Sister Irene and family.

Brod Pastor Rod - may your strength be renewed and HIS presence be with you through this journey.

Paul & Elizabeth Chua

==========================

Beloved Rolly was fond of hosting small groups of brods in his home in Sta Maria, Bulacan. Nakahain sayo callos, burong dalag, kilaw kambing, etc & of course Daboy's chicharon & if you were lucky, he'd bring out a bottle of his favorite Yamazaki! Cheers up there for Pres RGR.

A very sad day losing our Beloved Rolly Reyes UPBSF Inc (Central) President 2014-15 & author of the Decade of the UP Beta Sigma 2010-19 series of activities. Condolences to brod PTR Rod & the rest of their family.

Jojo Alejar

==========================

Resp in peace Brod Rolly.. Very sad news.

Binoy Trinidad

==========================

RIP Brod Rolly.

Shan Buyco

==========================

Rolly beloved, as we call him, is now in peace with the Lord. He joins brothers Jun Leyco and Ely Santiago. They were the first three Betans who joined ABS-CBN as artists/cartoonists for television news.

Manny Balangue

==========================

Truly sad...rest in peace brother.

Rene de Grano

==========================

Rest in peace Brodear Rolly. Prayers and condolences.

Rudi Oviedo

==========================

Rest in peace our beloved Brod Rolly R. Condolences to the family of Brod Rolly.

Ferdie Echiverri

==========================

Sincere condolences to brod Rolly Reyes' family. Truly a great loss to the fraternity and the country!

Jopet Laraya

==========================

Another die hard Betan has fallen, sad, really sad.
Heartfelt condolences to the loving Family that Brod Rolly left behind, and to Brod Pastor Rod Reyes.
Rolly has left us with a lot of happy memories. May he rest in peace.

Eric Ines

==========================

My deepest condolences to the family of Brod Rolly. May you Rest In Peace.

Ben Ferriols

==========================

Taos pusong pakikiramay sa pagpananaw ni Brod Rolly R. We lost another Betan icon. No cheerz.

Freddy Fajardo

==========================

Rest in Peace Brod Rolly Reyes and prayers and condolence to the bereaved family. Sad news on the loss of another Betan legend. (Photo taken last year during the wake for Brod Teddy Topacio at QC).

Chito Reynoso

==========================

A very sad day for ALL BETANS indeed.. Let eternal light shine on the soul of Beloved Brod Rolly Reyes.. Prayers and Condolences to the bereaved family. Stay well Brod Pastor Rod.

Ed Paz

==========================

Rest in peace Brod Rolly Reyes.

George Balabag

==========================

Condolences to the Reyes family. Brod Rolly Beloved, you are in our prayers. You will be missed. From Brod Nonoy Bautista and Ivy.

Nonoy Bautista

==========================

RIP Beloved.

Torch Manalang

==========================

So sad. Rest in peace my beloved brod Rolly. Farewell, beloved. Will miss you. Condolences to brod Pastor Rod and to the whole family.

Salvador Curameng

Nilo Punzalan

==========================

Rest in Peace Brod Rolly Reyes.

Boboy Tenazas

==========================

Rest in peace Brod Rolly. Condolences to the family.

Nandy Paras

==========================

So sad and It pains to see another Betan pillar gone. Rest In Peace brother Beloved Rolly. You will never be forgotten! You now have eternal life.

Condolences to the bereaved family and to brother dear Rod. I’ll pray for brother Rolly’s eternal repose.

Edwin Encomienda UPD 73C

==========================

Our sincerest condolences to Brod Rod Reyes and to the whole family. Rest In Eternal Peace Beloved Brod Rolly.

Lionel Latoja

==========================

Goodbye for now, beloved.

Bobby Manansala

==========================

Rest in peace, my dear Kabayan Brod RGR! You will be missed.
Our condolences to Brod Rod R. and the bereaved family. No cheers.

Rene de Rueda

==========================

Rest in peace brod Rolly.

Dante Morales

==========================

Farewell, Brod Rolly. My condolences to the ones he left behind.

olraC77

==========================

I join all the Brods in mourning the passing of our Beloved Rolly.
I extend our deep condolences to Brod Pastor Rod, and the entire Reyes family.
I feel that the best way to honor Beloved Rolly would be for us to continue his legacy of complete and selfless service to Beta Sigma and the principles and ideals for which it stands.

Fraternally,
Lem UPD 1975-A

==========================

Godspeed, Brod Rolly!

Sluggo /upd60

==========================

FAREWELL BRO ROLLY.

LETI AND JIMMY' 65. PROJ 3

==========================

Brod Prez Jim,

Your elegy to our dearly departed Brod Rolly (and to all fallen brothers) was very eloquently spoken. I’m sure it stirred many emotions from all of us. I spoke with Brod Vale a few days ago and he had very fond memories of our fallen brother. RIP Brod Rolly.

No cheers,
Ernie (Boy P) UPD 73C

==========================

Through the years: some memories of "Beloved" from our website