UP North Gears Up for its 30th Anniversary
Article and Photos by Willie “Tatang” Vergara

David Villegas ’55, Grand Princep of UP Beta Sigma, Northern California has been calling frequent meetings since the start of the year to prepare for the Chapter’s milestone 30th Anniversary this coming Memorial Day Weekend, specifically on May 25, 26, and 27, 2013.

The last meeting was held last April 20th, at the home of Ike and Tanya Araneta. It was also a chance to hold the celebration of April-born brods and sisters, specifically Tanya Araneta, Rick Velasco, Tatang Vergara, Anita Felix, and Johnny Quijano. Brod Bernie Bantegui of the famed Blitzkrieg Batch 68a who is vacationing in the US after his retirement earlier this year, came to grace the occasion later together with his frat-baby daughter Andrea (Andie) and her hubby.

The celebration promises to keep up with the Chapter’s tradition of holding the Hospitality Night (Saturday, May 25) as a welcome activity, a golf tourney in the morning of May 26 and Grand Fraternity Ball in the evening, and a send-off picnic/lunch on May 27.

The UP North ladies are preparing a surprise number that is assured to wow the audience. The UP North’s pride – Band of Brothers – with all their many engagements in various occasions (some were paid and others were for charity) have, without a doubt joined the professional class. They have been rehearsing new numbers and will again delight everybody with their cool, polished music.
 

The night of the Grand Fraternity Ball will feature our Central (formerly known as Mother Chapter) President Rolly Reyes as guest speaker. Past presidents of the Mother Chapter have likewise graced our traditional weekend activity as special guests/guest speakers, namely: Justice Raoul Victorino (1995), Atty. Boyet Fernandez (1997), Congressman Mat Defensor (1999), Congressman Romulo Lumauig (2001), DENR Secretary Victor O. Ramos (2005), and in the last fratball, DENR Undersecretary Rene de Rueda (2009). To complete the slate, Evelyn Jayme-Amurao took the place of Founder Jesus R. Jayme (died before the ball) as speaker in 2003. In 2007, UP North’s Grand Elder Narcing Lapus, DVM, Batch ’48, was the unanimous choice for this all-important role.

President Rolly is expected to drum up support for the many projects lined up by UP Beta Sigma Central for the next two years. Rolly has a lot of accomplishments behind him in all aspects becoming of an ideal Betan – as a successful top executive in his stint both in the government and private sector, as a family man, but more importantly, as one who successfully created, led, managed, organized, marshaled strategic programs and projects that lifted the frat banners to new heights even before he became a Trustee in 2010. He is to be credited with the umbrella program 2010-2020: A Decade of Excellence that would prepare us for our Diamond Anniversary in 2016 and our 75th Year in 2021. This was a follow up of program 2010: The Year of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity that saw numerous and creative programs that put our fraternity in the forefront among the most productive and relevant organizations in the University of the Philippines System.
 

Following are the venues and important information about the weekend’s main events:

Saturday, May 25, 2013 - Welcome festivities - 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
VENUE: Santo Cristo Society, 41 Oak Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94083

Sunday, May 26, 2013 -Fraternity Ball - 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
VENUE: Embassy Suites, 250 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
Participation fee: $80 per person
Please make your check payable to UP Beta Sigma and mail to:
Ding Cavestany, 28988 Tern Place, Hayward, CA 94545

Monday, May 27, 2013 - Send off Picnic - 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
VENUE: Oyster Point Marina Park, 95 Harbormaster Rd., South San Francisco, CA 94080

Early reservation at the Embassy Suites (no later than May 4) -
Embassy Suites, 250 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
$129 per night King Bed, $139 per night Double Beds, includes full breakfast daily and nightly cocktail reception
After May 4, blocked rooms will be based on availability or the regular rate of $159 CALL:(650) 589-3400
 

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