Amidst the backdrop of the Paradise Valley Golf Club and the foothills of Fairfield in the background, with the spirit and scent of Christmas in the air, the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Northern California Chapter held its annual Christmas party last December 2. Unlike in previous years, this Christmas party was held at lunch time, giving Brods and their partners a longer period for fellowship and camaraderie.

                                                                     At the Golf Course

Brods Vic Gacusan and Titing Valdez with their lovely wives were the early birds. While waiting for the others, hot cups of coffee and tea and nuts were served, courtesy of Aileen Beredo.

                                                                        Early Birds

The newest member of the NorCal family, Brod Gene Samson UPD'66, arrived a few minutes ahead of Tatang Vergara, the one who invited him to the occasion. Gene, who lives in Milpitas and a stone’s throw away from Brod Rick Velasco's home, came with his pretty girlfriend and her daughter.

                                      Gene_New Member                                                             Gene&Co

Even a Brod whom we missed for a decade now, Joe Gomez ‘55, came to celebrate Christmas with the Betan family. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many Brods and their spouses/partners arriving in droves, (too many to mention all the names here, but they are seen in at least one of the photos) some of them bringing gifts for our raffle prizes and parlor game winners. GP Boy Ramos also came with wife Irma in spite of a jetlag due to a long flight from the Philippines.

                          JoeGomez_FelixV                                                   IrmaRamos_Pascuals

Before lunch, Brod Johnny Regadio led the group in thanking the Divine Providence for allowing this special group of men who formed a strong Brotherhood and their family to gather together and celebrate the birth of Christ, and also beseeched him to shower the Betan family with his grace, love and blessings.

Small Group Pics

Informal survey says the food was good, and a lot went back to the buffet table for a second serving. Many Brods washed the food down with that unique and ever popular California wine. Neither wood alcohol nor Gin and orange were served this time. Just tons of persimmons brought by Brod Rick Velasco.

               Mercy’s Song                                                           Ike and Babes

To formally kick off the program, our very own diva Sis Mercy Villegas sang a beautiful song for the Betan family. This set the spirit of the season with everybody joyfully and heartily singing Christmas carols while Brods Ike Araneta and Babes Ignacio provided the accompaniment.

Caroling Photos

Dancing followed. But the one who stole the show was the little boy Christopher Torneros, who surprised everybody including his parents Alan and Raquel that he is perhaps either a Michael Jackson or Gary V potential. He got Sis Mercy and Brod Sitong dancing with him, too.

Chris Torneros

And then came the games. A management trainor by his past profession, Tatang introduced a game that got everybody laughing their hearts out. The game culminated with the old-and-tried musical chair, and surprise of all surprises, Brod Dave Villegas emerged as winner! Brod Babes Ignacio, Aileen and Lita Punzalan introduced other fun games like “Name That Christmas Tune” and “Left-Right”.

Group Photos

We ended the party with the traditional 'kodakan' with the golf course as a backdrop. Considering that a number had to leave earlier to fulfill other commitments, there was still quite a number of us left. With Brod Winston Acevedo arriving after the kodakan, the final count among Brods came to 31, plus spouses and other members of their respective family. Definitely one of the best-attended Christmas parties, thanks to one and all for supporting our programs, including those who were not able to make it in the last minute. To those who weren’t able to share all the fun with us for some reason, come join your Betan family next time.

Group Kodakan

From the Betan Family of Northern California to your very own families, a Merry Christmas to all!!!

'til next year !!!