UPAASV GALA NIGHT
by Johnny Regadio '66
 

Have you ever heard about the term “Solid North?” This term does not only apply to politics but more appropriately to a bond of brothers and sisters who are immutably imbued with a “kinship predicated on sympathy, understanding, friendship and equality.” There is no young or old, rich or poor, teacher or student, master or slave. These are all alumni and they belong to the only fraternity from the University of the Philippines, the U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity of Northern California, or commonly called the U.P. North.

Recently, when the U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California held their biennial fraternity ball on Labor Day weekend, a strong delegation from U.P. North was there. As posted in the website, it was one of the best ever hospitality nights hosted by UP SoCal with the U.P. North’s Band of Brothers leading one rockin’ n rollin’ evening. This proves again that although we are different, we are solid and cohesive in our bond of kinship.

Like in other years past, this profound relationship has been a conversation not only among the members of the fraternity but also by the members of the Filipino American community in Sacramento. During the U.P. Alumni Association of Sacramento and Vicinity (UPAASV) Dinner-Dance Gala on September 22, 2012, the U.P. North members were among the first who arrived and the last to leave the dance floor. After the dance, they stayed and spent time with us singing karaoke which was led by our famous Louie Armstrong impersonator, Brod Ding Cavestany. Meanwhile, as always expected, our very own Mercy Villegas did a brilliant performance with her rendition of Besame Mucho during the program.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote address of Gemma Nemenzo. Gemma is a journalist and has very close ties with U.P. Beta Sigmans in Diliman in the late 60’s, and her relationship with us precedes the U.P. Beta Sigma Ladies Corps. Her speech was very significant to the U.P. alumni as she pointed out some excellent examples of being one of the elite groups in the Philippine education system. However, she lamented the fact that the stature or quality of education in the U.P. system has slowly degenerated through the years as compared to the other private schools. She showed pictures of the U.P. Diliman campus buildings and facilities from WW II to the present. She urged all U.P. alumni to continue supporting our alma mater in its efforts to live up to the standard of being the top educational institution in the country.

Those who attended the gala include seven (7) former Grand Princeps of U.P. North: Fred Aquino, Ike Araneta, Willie “Tatang” Vergara, Gabby Moraleda, Johnny Regadio, Bong Beredo, Manolo Banzon, and the newly elected GP Dave Villegas and Vice GP Gene Samson.

Also present at the gala night were Brods Ding Cavestany (GOTC), Cecilio Felix (current President of the UPAASV), Pogs Gaspay (former President of the UPAASF), Nestor Lawas, Billy Monteagudo, Luis Ruiz, Ernie Tremor. Of course the affair would not be complete without our gorgeous and awesome ladies: Mercy Villegas, Tanya, Araneta, Julie Cavestany, May Gaspay, Marivi Lawas, Cy Abiog, Tess Vergara, Virgie Monteagudo, Geny Samson, and Anita Felix. The occasion was also graced with the presence of former GP Brod Edsel Arceo, who came all the way from Los Angeles to represent the U.P. Beta Sigma of Southern California.

Thanks to other members of U.P. North who were not there but supported us through their generous donations are Brods Winston Acevedo, Eric Punzalan, Boy Ramos and Ric Velasco, and to those who offered their prayers.

In behalf of the UPAASV, with Brod Cecilio Felix at the helm, we thank you all for your participation in our biennial fund raising event, and we hope to see you all again in our future activities.

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