The UP Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the fraternity's founding with a get together at Brod Mando/Sis Rexie's place in Buena Park on July 14, 2018. It's the same place where countless get togethers have been held for so many years. Nothing new. Nothing new here. Just old fashioned "Balik Sa Dati". Sis Rexie opened the doors to the house literally and figuratively as she had done so before. Walking in through the doors, it was easy to imagine Brod Mando with his small chuckle bouncing off the walls, a slight smile on his lips welcoming brods as he had done countless times before, tulad ng dati.

Brods came trickling in as the weather was like the usual that Los Angeles is known for -- warm with a slight breeze. Food was great, and of course lots of booze. There was jamming by Joe and Norman and Manny del Rosario harmonizing oldies by the BeeGees, Beatles, Dave Clark 5 and other groups from our generation. The others joined in too while drinking alcohol punctuated with puffs of the medicinal, funny looking joints.

There was so much energy, inspiration, words of encouragement, sharing and moments of quality brotherhood. It seemed like a spark has been lit and that spark seems to resonate from the inside, from the heart. It was brotherhood fulfilled in a deeper way. Is this the new UP Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California? No, definitely, an empathic NO. Nothing has changed. Bumalik lang tayo sa dati! We just have a deeper, long lasting appreciation of the fraternity that will outlive all of us.

Mabuhay ang UP Beta Sigma !!