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The UP Beta Sigma Grand Reunion of May 23-25, 2009 by Gabby Moraleda'68b and Willie Vergara'67a
The Great San Francisco Reunion: Day 1 “Hindi nagbago si Pamboy”: The Betan Spirit Lives [Photos by Willie Vergara, Ike Araneta, Cesar Amurao and Norman Bituin]
“Hindi nagbago si Pamboy!” These were the words expressed by RP Usec & People's Television Network Chairman Rolly Reyes when he saw Brod Josue Castillo after 40 years. "Cute at pogi pa rin." It captured the spirit that prevailed during the UP Beta Sigma Grand Reunion. Attended by 260 guests, the atmosphere and mood was very festive and jolly -- filled with fun and much laughter. It was an affair to remember.
At the Sheraton Hotel lobby
Vet Med pals Drs. Noli Nolasco & Josue '"Pamboy" Castillo: cute at pogi pa rin
L-R: RP Usec Rolly Reyes, Norman Bituin, Edsel Arceo, Founder Atty. Rico Arranz & Bong Beredo
L-R: Kay Smaby-Symons, Barbara Hizon, Cherry Bituin & Bing Villanueva
Among the guests from Manila with RP Usec Rolly were co-Founder Atty. Melencio "Rico" & Sol Arranz and family, Eding & Barbara Hizon, Dante Fagar, Ed & Rose Abon and family, Ed Cheng, Bobby Manansala, Buddy Curameng, Bernie & Bing Bantegui, Greg & Boy Palis. From Canada came the 15-strong Jayme clan led by Mama Leonor Jayme, JJ Jayme, Noli Nolasco, and Art de Vera. From Australia came Bal & Bing Villanueva. Then there were the “first timers” like Dr. Pat & Lisa Gonzales, Jun Reyes, Rey & Anna Resureccion, Maeng & Jenny Ramirez, Jim & Teresa Gonzalvo, Tony Martinez, Orlino Ancheta, Jess & Fe Monzon, Angie & Jo Garbes, Jun & Andrea Samaniego, Tito Garcia, Dave David, Renzi del Rosario. Then there were the out-of-state Wally Rodriguez, Kay Symons, Manny Casaclang, Caloy & Cora Las Marias, Ernie & Eva Igot, Bob Lorenzo, Ted & Ling Quijano, Peter Guzman, Lem & LC Lorene Michelena. There were Sigma Betans Edith Oliva, Marie Ganchorre. Of course, the “locals” were there – UP Beta Sigma Southern CA led by Frank Mamaril, Federation of Beta Sigma led by Sonny Pagador, Beta Sigma of San Francisco led by Dutch Aragones, Beta Sigma Western USA led by Jet Salas, Beta Sigma Northwest led by Cosme Santiago and the host chapter -- the UP Beta Sigma Northern CA.
At the Westborough Recreation Center
Nonoy Bautista & Rico Arranz Cecilio Felix, Narcing Lapuz, Dave Villegas, Darius Munoz, Edsel Arceo, Ding Cavestany
Ex-USAF pilot Jim Gonzalvo & Teresa Doris San Luis, Cherry Bituin, Julie Cavestany, Barbara Hizon & Bing Villanueva
Kay Symons & Bal Villanueva All LB: Vic Gacusan, John Singh, Maeng Ramirez, Nick Galvez, Ed Cheng
Edith Oliva MD with Josie & Angie Garbes MD Atty. Ed & Rose Abon with kids
Gabby Moraleda, Buddy Curameng, Bobby Manansala, Dan Galoso UPD Spirit of '66: Gerry Abenes, Rolly Reyes, Gene Samson
Titing Valdez MD, Bal Villanueva, Boy Ramos, Noli Nolasco DVMs: Narcing Lapuz, Cesar Antonio, Rey Resureccion, Winston Acevedo
Founder Rico Arranz'46 flanked by 60's brods: GerryA'66, BobbyP'68, NonoyB'60, EdA'69, WillieV'67, BernieB'68, RollyR'66
L-R: NormB, TitoG, TitingV, DaveV, EricP, EdingH, CyrusF,YayT, AngieG
For the 3 days, we were all transported back in time -- reminiscing our campus activities in the Collegian, Student Government, ROTC; in musical plays like Folkways, “The Becket”, “Batingao”, “South Pacific”; in special events like the Hay Ride, the Lantern Parade, the Harana; in sporting events like Rodeo Tumbleweeds, School of Martial Arts, Basketball, Volleyball, Chess and many more. We recalled our “first crush”, our “first love” and “our first kiss”.
The first day began with a Memorial Service for our departed brothers. This was held at the Westborough Recreation Center, about 15 minutes away from the ‘main headquarters’ in Sheraton Airport Hotel. The Holy Mass was officiated by Father Mark Reburiano. UP North’s pride and our ever beloved professional singer Mercy Villegas sang a spine-tingling version of “Our Father”. Right after was a "Celebration of Life" powerpoint presentation. There were tears shed as we paid tribute to brods that have gone before us – briefly recalling their lives, deeds and friendship. A very touching response message was delivered by Evelyn Jayme Amurao, daughter of our beloved departed Founding President Jesus R. Jayme, on behalf of the families.
"Celebration of Life": Memorial Mass for Departed Brothers
Mom Leonor Jayme Evelyn Jayme-Amurao
This was followed with a Hospitality Nite where more than 200 guests were welcomed. The noise level inside the hall was exceptionally high as each brod and sis floated from one small group to another either introducing themselves to new faces or reliving memories of long ago and far away. Even so, Brod Winston Acevedo sportily proceeded to deliver his welcome message for the fellowship, reminiscing and bantering could not wait any longer. The food prepared by the Hospitality Committee was so delightfully delicious that an additional order for the late-comers had to be made.
Then came the jamming, singing and dancing. Music was provided by our very own "A Band of Brothers", who had been practicing so many months before the affair. And they did not disappoint! They prepared a repertoire of songs and music from several periods and decades. This home-grown band is composed of UP Northern California members, namely: Babes Ignacio on the lead guitar, Ike Araneta on the rhythm guitar, vocalist Vee Vera also assisting with the rhythm guitar, bass guitarist Frank Morales, professional musician Kiko Delmendo on the sax and clarinet. On the drums, conga & percussion are Gerry Abenes, Dutch Aragones & Manolo Banzon; and vocalists MayAnne Teodoro and Nestor Lawas. Rey Bantegui came in with an exquisite period costume and his repertoire of Motown songs. Helping out in the singing chores were Ivy Cosio Bautista of LA and Pogs Gaspay. With the microphone open to anybody who wished to sing, it was a delight to see Renzi del Rosario, Bobby and Harlean Pascual, Eva Romero, Tanya Araneta, and McGarry (son-in-law of Mom Leonor Jayme) on stage.
"A Band of Brothers"
Mercy Villegas belts it out
Cheng Valdez twirls the keyboard, Frank Morales on bass guitar ...while Ding "Satchmo" Cavestany croons
Hermie & Doris San Luis Orlino Ancheta from Hawaii & partner
Lita Punzalan & Cesar Antonio Angie & Josie Garbes
Bobby & Harlean Pascual Jun-jun Villegas & Mercy Villegas
Ed & Rose Abon Darius & Cely Munoz
Cora & Caloy Las Marias MD MayAnne Teodoro & Fred Aquino
Ago & Eva Romero Angie & Jo Garbes: take 2 (lakas mo sa UP NorCal, Doc)
Ding Cavestany & Kay Symons Eding & Barbara Hizon
The Hippies: Bantegui Brothers - Bernie & Ray
Banteguis + the ever smiling Bobby Manansala, Ed Rivera & Jun Reyes
Ike Araneta on rhythm guitar Kiko Delmendo on sax and clarinet
Pogs Gaspay Fred Aquino & Ivy Bautista
Babes Ignacio on lead guitar McGarry, Mom Leonor's son-in-law
Tanya & Ike Araneta, Dutch Aragones on conga and percussion
Get down, Ladies!! Is that the boogaloo?!
Ernie Tremor & Edith Orlino-Oliva do the boogie, like in the Los Banos days of old
Beta Sigma Midwest GP Lem Michelena gets funky ... while Tito Garcia clowns with "Bob Marley's" locks
Tatang Vergara looks happily "spaced" out ... and Nonoy harmonizes with Eva, Iou & Cherry
Who's your Momma?
Kiko on sax & Ray rock with UP SoCal wannabe cage dancers Ivy & Eva
The air was filled with music,
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To be continued.... Day 2, Part 1
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