U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California

To refresh our memory, here's the direct link to the last one, in September 2018 also in Las Vegas:

Click: UP SoCal 17th Grand Fraternity Reunion Ball

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UP Beta Sigma SoCal Blasts Off 18th Grand Fraternity Reunion Ball

March 13-16, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV

by: GP Boy Pantig, UPD'73C

The UP SoCal Alumni Chapter threw the party of the year as it carried out the Chapter’s 18th Grand Fraternity Reunion Ball in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brothers and sisters came from all across the US and Canada, and even from the Manila. The 4-day event was staged at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, now a tradition that has seen the last three biennial events held there.

Despite the uncooperative weather (cold and windy), a jolly time was had by all attendees, seeing and spending time with long-unseen brothers and sisters. Guests came from all over including the following places: Toronto, Maryland, Texas, Chicago, Indiana, Florida, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Manila and scores of other locations. Some of the illustrious attendees (some together with their significant others) were Brods Eding Hizon, Bogs Cabanatan, Sis Dr. Edith Orlino-Oliva, Ike Araneta, Togi Igot, Norm Bituin, Ding de Guzman and several GPs from other US Beta Sigma Chapters. Manila had its own small contingent featuring Brods Wowie Bautista, Ross Fernando, Billy Sevilla, Torch Manalang and LC Joy Lacanilao.

The chapter served up meals throughout, and the hospitality suite, open round-the-clock, was filled with laughter and camaraderie each time. Sis Iou Valenzuela devised a menu that served up every famous Filipino dish like Lechon, Kare-Kare, Pork Adobo, Menudo, Pancit and all sorts of other delicacies including some “kambing” dishes. There’s nothing like enjoying a meal amongst your favorite people on earth.

By the graces of Sis Agnes Maufit, the drinks and alcohol flowed freely during the entirety of the 4-day event. Conversations and “alaskahan” became highly animated and furiously funny. It felt like no time had passed despite the long separations. The brods behavior and actions during the event is a true testament to our Brotherhood’s pull and lasting appeal. It sometimes felt like the old “Tambayan” all over again.

At Friday’s Hospitality Night, live music was provided by a group of brods and friends, talented and capable musicians who got together only the evening before Hospitality Night to practice and create a set list. It was nothing short of spectacular. Members of the band included our very own Babes Ignacio (guitar), Kiko Delmendo (horns), Felix Rodriguez (guitar), blood Veloso brothers Patchoy (vocals & bass) and Bobby (vocals & keys) of Silliman U and a couple of friends. Let me just say that the band was very inspired that evening and delivered two very strong sets. Everyone was ecstatic.

[Photos from various brods}

On Saturday morning as Vegas took a break from the gloomy weather, two groups of brods and sis set off on two different missions: 1) A van trip to Hoover Dam, where Brod John Antig led the small group through the sights and sounds of the great New Deal wonder, and to Vegas’ upscale North Premium Outlet Mall where I’m sure some spending took place; 2) A trip to Stallion Mountain Golf Course, where Brod Roy Antonio, playing his home course, led three foursomes for a friendly round of golf where I’m sure some bets were made.

At Saturday’s gala dinner, inspiration was provided by esteemed guest speaker Brod Dan “Wowie” Bautista of UPD Batch 73C, who delivered one of the funniest speeches you’d ever hear. Yet he honed down on the event’s over-arching theme of “Staying Betan Alive” which encourages everyone to put serious efforts to keep the flames of our Brotherhood forever aflame. It was a magnificent and timely speech. The night was capped by enthusiastic dancing, photo ops and the service of the traditional after-ball “Arroz Caldo” midnight snack. The evening lasted into the wee hours as guests continued with the libations and endless tall tales. It was the perfect capper.

UPD'73C "Blood and Guts" rally behind kabatch BoyP: GregV, EdwinE, BoyP, DanB and GilbertB.

GRAND PRINCEPS, L-R: Rhoel Tapia (BS SoCal); Japy Llanez (BS NoCal); Bernard Mique (BS Midwest);

Boy Pantig (UP SoCal); Felix Rodriguez (BS SFO); and Arthur Albano (BS Ontario CA).

Not in picture: Babes Ignacio (UP North).

Affirmation of the Betan Credo in candle light and the joyous hugs after

Induction of the 2025-2026 Officers by guest speaker Dan Bautista

Past Grand Princeps pass the gavel to GP Boy Pantig

The Formidable GPs: John Antig, UPB'77 (2020-2024 CE*) and Boy Pantig, UPD'73 (2025-2026 CE*).

*CE: Covid Era

Boy & Agnes and John & Greta open and tear up the dance floor.

Till next time, CHEERS!!

We’d like to thank all the brothers, sisters, family & guests who’ve attended the event. An event is usually only as good as the character and personality of the people attending. And that was a mission accomplished in this case – everyone came ready to engage and party all weekend. We send special thanks to everyone who made generous donations to the party kitty. I’ve always said that these events succeed only by hefty attendance and the graces of all the donors who have been asked to give something extra. The rest is lots of elbow grease on the part of the hosts. By these standards we can claim that the UP SoCal 18th Grand Fraternity Reunion ball was an unqualified success. And so, until we meet again… let’s all shout: Cheers, cheers for Beta Sigma!!!

It’s important to note that, for some, the fun did not end there. A contingent of 17 brothers & sisters went on a one week tour of Utah, Northern and Central California. This was another fun, nature-centric escapade dedicated to our guests from Manila. Please standby for the complete write up.

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Postscript: UP Beta Sigma SoCal 1st Fraternity Ball, 1986

by Norm Bituin

On August 31, 1986 (before the advent of the web, email, cell phone, social media and chat groups), UP Beta Sigma SoCal staged its 1st Fraternity Ball at Holiday Inn in Buena Park. As has become customary, the Ball was preceded by the Hospitality Night and followed by the Despedida Lunch. From the first large gathering of LA-based brods at a summer picnic in July 1981 organized by Ed Cornelia, Hermie San Luis and Norm Bituin at Liberty Park in Cerritos, UP SoCal had followed the lead of UP North in holding their Fraternity Balls in 1984 and 1985 in San Francisco, the first frat balls held outside the Philippines. Below are scanned pictures from my photo albums of Kodak camera films.

Indeed we have come a long way. Many brothers (and ladies) from these photos had gone ahead. Let us continue to remember them and keep the Betan Spirit alive.