69 @ 45

by Rey Bello

[Photos by Rolly Reyes]

If you plan it, they will come. And so it goes on, like the marine turtles that go back to the same place to lay their eggs every year. The ever loyal brods of Diliman Panzer Batch 69a gathered again at Brod Boyet Fernandez' home in Antipolo on March 9, 2014 to celebrate their 45th birthday. This tight-knit band of brothers never fails to answer the call to bond and fraternize and to reminisce those days when they decided to join the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity. The memories became more vivid when Brod Gene Puente 69a showed everybody the pictures of our Final Initiation rites* some 45 yrs. ago at Aguilar Farms, Muntinlupa, Rizal. Some of us saw the fotos* for the first time and one could not help but get emotional. It was a bitter sweet feeling.

*Web note: You may view these Panzer Finals photos by clicking on the "For Members Only" icon in Current Features. This is a secure

  site so you will need the password to get in. 

The brods present were Boyet Fernandez, Carlo Gervasio, Luis Guanio, Ed Abon, Rollie Dimayuga, Gene Puente, Joe Bautista, Willy Nepomuceno, Gil Marzo, Julius Cada, Rey Bantegui and Rey Bello, 12 in all of 69a. Brods Ross Fernando and Jun Bernal of 69b were also there. And so were Golden Jubilarians Brods Solon Garcia and Vic Tirol, 64. All those present were very glad to see Brod Vic up and about. UPLB was represented by Brod Henry Chua, 69c. Balikbayan Brod Gabby Moraleda, 68b was also present. Of course, the party would not be complete if Brod Pres. Rolly Reyes, 66 were'nt there. He brought a whole lechon, beat that!

As usual, Brods Rollie D. and Gil M. were at their crazy and funny antics again. The alaskahan and kantiyawan were flying everywhere. Pulutans were aplenty, washed down with fine wine, beer and whisky. Everybody had a blast. Brod Rey Bantegui attended for the first time since we parted ways some 40 yrs. ago. It was an emotional reunion indeed.

A highlight of the event was when we "passed the hat" for Kabatch Mike Cruz, 69a for his medical needs. We all wish him well. We hope to see him at the 68th Frat Ball. We were also able to talk on the phone with Kabatch Serafin Gacho, 69a who could not make it to the reunion and with Brod Josue Pamboy Castillo, 67b who arrived from the USA. Both sent their best wishes.

The UPD '69A Panzers and Guests

             Kneeling: Willie Nepomuceno, Henry Chua, Rey Bello, Rollie Dimayuga, Gabby Moraleda, Gene Puente, Gil Marzo.

             Standing:  Rolly Reyes, Carlo Gervasio, Ross Fernando, Ed Abon, Rey Bantegui, Julius Cada, Boyet Fernandez,

                            Vic Tirol, Solon Garcia, Luis Guanio, Jun Bernal, Joe Bautista.   

It was almost midnight when we parted and went our separate ways, but promising to come together again at the 68th Frat Ball and Anniversary on July 12, 2014. Hasta la Vista mga Kabatch! Cheers to Panzer Batch 69A! Mabuhay ang UP Beta Sigma Fraternity!

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