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...

 

 

 

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