UP SoCal Celebrates 16th Grand Fraternity Ball and Induction of Officers
Las Vegas, Nevada - Sept 2-5, 2016
by Dan Galoso
[Photos from Cosme Santiago, Bernie Bacosa, Norm Bituin]
The UP Southern California Beta Sigma Fraternity held its 16th Induction and Fraternity Ball during the Labor Day weekend as it has done so traditionally for the last 30 years. The venue however was not traditional. It was held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Being far from home in
Southern California presented its unique challenges which could have
easily turned into a logistical nightmare. But Brod Roy showed that with
months of meticulous detailed planning and almost clockwork execution,
it was a tremendous success.
The hospitality room was open
almost 24 hours each day. Betan spouses Dinah, Tina, Iou, Ivy, Mayette
and Joyce made sure that there was plenty of warm, delicious Filipino
dishes. Brods Vale, Aman, Nonoy, Art, Edsel, Ross and Jamsey made sure that
the coolers were stocked with bottled water, different brands of beer,
wine and whiskey. Some guests commented that it felt more like a fiesta.
There was never ending food and drinks as well as countless stories,
laughter and fun.
Part of the activities of most frat balls are tennis and golf. Late Saturday morning Dan Galoso and Jicky Evangelista tried hitting balls under the heat of the Nevada sun. The heat was bearable but the gusting winds were just too much. After an hour or so, they decided to retreat to the friendly confines of the hospitality room with its warm food and cold drinks. The planned Sunday tennis did not materialize as most of the would be players stayed until the wee hours drinking.
The golfers, however, were a
different breed. The avid golfers were prepared to suffer the sweltering
heat of the desert sun and were seriously hydrating themselves the night
before with shots of Johnny Walker and hefty gulps of Heineken and
Coronas. Nursing hangovers, the golfers trekked across the parking lot
and onto the exclusively private Las Vegas Golf and Country Club. Teeing
it off were Art Martin, Orlino Ancheta, Yay Topacio, Roy Antonio,
Charles Keyes, Jun Castro, Alvin Arante, Guido Xavier and Freddie
Francisco. The golf gods must have been smiling that Sunday morning as
the brothers were blessed with perfect golfing weather - 76 degrees with
a cool breeze. The brothers' sluggish golf swings were evident on the
first few holes, however, most if not all found their grooves shortly
after. The golf course may be exclusively private, however, the brods
found it to be a little ordinary without the character of a great golf
course. Nonetheless, it was still a fun course and everyone had a very
enjoyable round.
The fratball started on time
and as with tradition, there were the usual invited speakers. Brod Roy's
choice of speakers was really impressive. Kalinga Governor Brod Jocel
Baac delivered the inspirational talk and his life story was truly
inspiring. No wonder he is a 3 time Vice-Governor and a 3-time Governor.
A really amazing and inspiring brod.
Brod Yay Topacio was the guest
speaker. He spoke with great confidence and humility. Part of his speech
was a (click to open) =>
video of the late Brod Rico Arranz*. Every Betan should watch this
video and listen to the gems of wisdom. They are timeless and ever more
so relevant in this day and age. Yay administered the oath of office and
inducted the incoming set of officers.
*Web note: Posted in Memoirs & Reminiscences>A Monday Morning with Founder Rico -- Oct 2014
Gov. Joel Baac UPB'77, inspirational speaker Yay Topacio UPD'77, guest speaker
Past GPs pass the gavel to GP Roy
U.P. BETA SIGMA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Officers 2016 - 2018
Grand Princep -- Roy Antonio
Vice Grand Princep -- Danny Galoso
Master of the Rolls -- Art Martin
Guardian of the Coffers -- Jamsey Evangelista
Chamberlain -- Nonoy Bautista
Herald -- Sonny Pagador
Wielder of the Sword -- Jun Valenzuela
But the night would not be
complete without music and dance. Music was provided by the "Soul Cats".
And of course we have come to expect brods to perform too in these
gatherings. Brods Joe Lalas, Kiko Delmendo and Babes Ignacio jammed with
the Soul Cats. Brods truly never disappoint.
"What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". Or does it?
BETAN CHEERS TO ALL!! Till next...
(Back---> Southern California Menu)
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