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Chartered March 2, 1952 at the University of the East


By Jess Castillo '68,
Life Member 2747
1972-73 Grand Chancellor

History of Epsilon Chapter

Manila City, the Philippines, was slowly rebuilding from World War II devastation yet the pulse of college milieu at the University of the East (U.E.) was upbeat. Future student leaders, at the Claro M. Recto campus, introduced to a slew of attractive extra-curricular activity will have a taste of a new brand in Greek Letter Organization (GLO), or a college fraternity that promises to enrich their university life. This GLO is the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity founded in America on December 16, 1925, at the Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania by Frank Reed Horton and 13 other college men.

A Phi O Found New Friends at the U.E.

Ignacio "Nash" Sevilla, Alpha ’50, a ranking national officer of Alpha Phi Omega Philippines Service Fraternity and BSP-UE institutional head, in 1951, asked his old friend Dean S. F. de la Cruz to take up a challenge by welcoming the benefits of a Scouts-oriented fraternity originating from the United States. Alpha Phi Omega exemplifies the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service—such lofty ideals of molding young college students into leadership roles thru service. Soon after, Alpha Phi Omega found new friends at the University of the East as evidenced by a memorandum dated October 10, 1951 from Dean de la Cruz to U.E. Professor Eulalio N. Bacani directing the latter to assist in organizing and chartering Alpha Phi Omega Philippines’ 5th chapter. Dr. Ernesto Dimalanta, then-UE Supreme Student Council president was contacted by Dean de la Cruz "to explore the possibility of organizing a new chapter soon." By October 12, 1951 the very first organizational meeting was held at the U.E. Education Building. At the meeting, Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) National Service Fraternity’s principles and objectives were explained to more than a dozen prospective members by National Extension team members Ignacio Sevilla, Guillermo Padolina and Lamberto Dominguez. The Sevilla-led extension team admonished initial recruits to ask more men in order to satisfy a chapter extension requirement of at least twenty (20) charter members required of a new Chapter.

A second organizational meeting followed on November 4, 1951 at Room 208 of Dalupan Hall. Evaristo "Barry" Sibayan was elected the chapter’s first president. Other local officers elected with Sibayan were Ricardo E. Maipid Jr., first vice president; Emmanuel C. Fernandez, secretary; Domingo Beltran, treasurer; Roberto Perez, historian and Godofredo Neric, Lamberto Dominguez and Ignacio Sevilla were Scouting Advisors, Prof. Eulalio Bacani was Faculty Advisor. Epsilon Chapter organizers or charter members were Valerio Andres, Jr.; Rustico P. Banez, Domingo M. Beltran Sr, Modesto Buenaflor, Bonifacio Calayag, Ansberto Canicosa, Abelardo Cardona, Antonio Casem, Jose "Bebot" Crespo, Jose Ma. Dado, Maximino J. Edralin Jr, Emmanuel C. Fernandez, Amorsolo Frayco, Napoleon Hagdaan, Augusto Justiniano, Venerio Luna, Ricardo Maipid Jr., Roberto Perez, Reynaldo Sanchez, Evaristo Sibayan and Abelardo Termulo. At the same meeting, a Magazine and Book Drive was approved as the first service project on campus. A motion to meet once every two weeks passed.

Barely six months passed from the day the UE extension germinated, Epsilon’s official charter and national affiliation was granted on March 2, 1952 five years from the day American A Phi O Brother Sol George Levy of Gamma Alpha Chapter at University of Washington, Seattle first introduced in 1947 the principles of Alpha Phi Omega to a group of Eagle Scout leaders at the Far Eastern University led by Librado I. Ureta. PhD.

Room E-1C2 Investiture

UE Dean Jose M. Hernandez, director of Campus Organizations gave its official nod reflected in a March 5, 1952 memorandum granting Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Epsilon Chapter "to exist as a campus organization of the U.E." "It is the earnest hope and expectation of the Administration that this fraternity will do its utmost for the good of the Filipino youth and the community as guaranteed by the constitution and by-laws of the organization." An investiture was held at Room E-1C2 of the Education Building for twenty-one (21) Epsilon charter members, experiencing for the first time a heart-warming, solemn ceremony--the Alpha Phi Omega Initiation Ritual conducted by national officers with UE Vice President Prudencio Langcanon as special guest. The sign of the fraternity was given with the closing lyrics of the Alpha Phi Omega Toast Song. The new inductees recited with the Grand Chancellor (Chapter President) our immortal words: "Be a Leader, Be a Friend, Be of Service." The new chapter at the University of the East was granted a Charter on March 2, 1952 making it the third group after Alpha at Far Eastern University and Beta at National University to join a national body. It was learned later that chapter designation for Gamma at Silliman University and Delta at Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) were assigned prematurely thus University of the East while ahead of Silliman and MIT took the fifth letter in the so called Alpha designation of the Greek Letter organization system.  By 1956, Epsilon Chapter had grown tremendously in numbers strong enough to play host to the 2nd Alpha Phi Omega Philippines National Biennial Convention held at the Boys Scouts of the Philippines Building on Aroceros Street, downtown Manila. Bro. Amor T. Banda ‘55, was the fourth Grand Chancellor when Epsilon Chapter hosted the said national convention. Banda was also 1955 University of the East Student Government president.

From its 1952 early stages to the 50th year many fine Epsilon chapter alumni served at various levels of leadership posts in Alpha Phi Omega-Philippines. These exceptional breed of Epsilon leaders were national Board Members Bonifacio Calayag ’52, and Eulalio N. Bacani ’52, National Vice President Baraocor "Bert Pangandaman ’62, National Vice President Joey H. Policarpio ’67, Northern Luzon Area Coordinator (renamed Regional Development Director) Jess Castillo ’68, National Vice President for Sorority and National Treasurer, Atty. Lina Ingusan-Inductivo ’70, Regional Development Director Rodrick De Ocampo ’73, National President Mike Abantas ’74, Public Relations Director Rizalina E. Arevalo ’74, Area Development Director Joel Santarina ’98 and APO-Philippines Torch & Trefoil Associate Editor Gerry Sitjar ’90. Epsilon takes pride of the fact that it had three members who presided over the University of the East Student Government namely: Bro. Amor Banda ’54, Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco ’61 and Sis. Hannah Erraine Cartano ’01.

50 Years of LFS tradition

APO Principles Inspire Epsilon Initiates

From President Barry Sibayan, the leadership succession came semester after semester each year by enthused chapter presidents such as Roberto M. Perez ‘52, Domingo Beltran ‘52, Amor T. Banda ‘54, Cesar Cuyugan ‘54, and Bonifacio Calayag ’52. Bro. Jesus de la Pena’s term saw the adoption and renaming of the Chapter President to Grand Chancellor. Grand Chancellor Jess de la Pena ‘54 reported 66 active members at the on-set of his term. Subsequent Grand Chancellors--illustrious men that served Epsilon well were Wilfredo Barzaga ‘53, Mauro S. Corral Jr.‘55, Jose Magana ‘55, Roberto Hernandez ‘56, Arturo C. Bugallon ’56 (deceased), Archie Cayaba ‘’58, Patricio J. Vera ’57, Avelino Pacheco ‘55, Buenaventura Buenafe ‘55, Roberto Espiritu ’58 (deceased), Dante N. Garcia ‘55, Mario Jasmines Jr. ‘55, Edward C. Molina ‘62, Jesus R. Olaso ‘62, Victoriano E. Untalan Jr.‘62, Ramon J. Ortiz-Luis ‘61, Elizardo G. Narag ‘63, Patrick R. Afan ‘62, William P. Cayang-o ‘63, Juanito V. Valentin ‘65, Danilo A. Clemente ‘64, Rosendo A. Clemente ‘64, Antonio M. Dalag (Eta’67), Claro T. Arao (Theta’66), Rogelio A Benedito ‘63, Ricardo A. Aggabao ‘69, Noel D. Quevedo ‘69, Raul J. Rosales ‘69, Jessie L. Castillo ‘68, Rogelio T. Zuniga ‘65, Charlie G. Lumang (Alpha Tau ‘68), Laurente I. Valera (Gamma’68), Reynaldo R. Ocampo ‘67, Agustin M. Bangan Jr.’71, Rodrick M. de Ocampo ’73 (served two terms), Gaston Tulio ‘74, Vic Lucero (Gamma Pi ’69), Gaspar Lajom ‘76, Butch Tiongson (Gamma Kappa ’75), Ariel Belisario ‘78, Mike Abantas ‘74, Jose Lanuza (Theta’78), Manolito Arasa ’81, Rene Cabrera ’85, Jun Montilla ’84, Romy Reyes ’84, Allan Cruz (Beta Phi’86), Primo Renen Jr. ’87; Jaime Contreras ’89 (deceased), Alihasan Balt ’87, Hubert Vincent Balasolla ’91, Arnold Serra ’89, Gerry Sitjar ’90, Esmar Ermita Jr. ’91; Dan C. Brillo ’93, Ewaldo C. Rosal Jr. ’94, Jessie Tavara ’94, Joel Santarina ’98, Sharief Macud ’92, Salvador Manalo Jr. ’99 and Fritz Morales ’99. As a protocol but more of a tribute to them a Past Grand Chancellors list is included in all official chapter publications.

Epsilon’s sorority counterpart was established in 1971 when Bro. Rogelio "Pogs" Benedito was Grand Chancellor. Lina Ingusan, Carina Villanueva and Remy de Luna initiated four female recruits, baptized them with a name suggested by Bro. Jess Castillo and had since accepted female members. The "Dominant Four," U.E.’s pioneer batch became alive with the successful initiation of Evelyn Benitez, Esperanza Lavilla, Sonia C. Mendoza and Ursula Villaruel. DOMINANT FOUR was followed instantly by the SIX FLEET DESTROYER batch producing Lorena Crook, Marilou A. Dongallo, Emma Legaspi, Minerva Maano, Linda Tapang and Lorna T. Villanueva. The GREEN ORCHIDS batch had Socorro V. Amansec, Geraldine Taguba and Evelyn E. Villano added to the total number good enough to satisfy National’s requirements. Up until the introduction of the female counterpart at Epsilon, PI OMEGA PI, a separate and distinct local sorority was a part at nearly all fraternity formals.

In 1985, Epsilon Alumni Association (EAA) was organized in Manila. EAA officers included Bro. Ramon Arevalo ’74, president; Bro. Beng Solis ’65, vice president; Sis. Lilian D. Pasco ’75, secretary; Bro. Atty. Marvin Gonong, Eta ’67, treasurer; and Bro. Sammy Amoroso ’73, became auditor. EAA named four liaison officers in the person of Brothers Ralph Japa ’58, Romeo Libranda ’55 (deceased), Benjie Gonzales ’69, (deceased) and Yami De Ocampo ’73. Amelia Japa, wife of Bro. Ralph was Pi Omega Pi liaison officer designate.

APhiO friendships fuel Epsilon Diaspora

During a pleasant 2000 summer, two quarters into an historic 75th Anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, a handful of Epsilon alumni members led by veteran APO organizer Jess Castillo ’68 acted on a brewing sentiment-- Epsilon alums many of whom are residing in California organize into a group of expatriates notably from North America. The house owned by Bro. Robert Merilo ’74, at 6456 Aldea Street in Van Nuys, California became the birthplace of Epsilon Overseas Alumni (EOA). The move was timely because majority of them intended to support Epsilon Chapter’s 50th Year celebration and festivities in Manila chaired by Syl Carpio-Ilao ’78, slated for March 2, 2002. Those who answered the call were Terry Galzote ’56, Gener Trajano ’58, PGC Jess Castillo ’68 (third alumni association he organized) Jhun Chin ’69, Bong Jacinto ’69, PGC Jun Bangan ’71, Val Bangalan ’71 and Robert Merilo ’74. Jess Castillo presided over numerous meetings that saw the creation of a Bobby Espiritu Memorial Fund (BEMF), an EOA membership fee of one hundred dollars ($100), adoption of the EOA name to distinguish itself from a Manila-based Epsilon association. Robert Merilo, EOA charter secretary suggested all meetings and fellowships be held regularly to strengthen the initial momentum. Following several southern California meetings, Deena & Bro. Sabangan ’70, volunteered to host a November 2000 fellowship gathering at their San Jose residence to attract northern California alumni the likes of PGC Raul "Rolly" Rosales ‘69, Bro. Cesar Garingan ‘69, past president of APO Silicon Valley Bay Area Alumni Association; PGC Larry Valera ‘68, Bro. Vic Aquino ‘69, past president of APO Toronto Alumni; Bro. Ben Sabangan ‘70, and Bro. Art Sana, ’70, both past presidents at APO Northern California Alumni Association; PGC Ariel Belisario ‘78 and Sister Judith Molina ’78, who were joined by Southern Californians Annabella & Jess Castillo ‘68, Carrie & PGC Jun Bangan ‘71, Gener Trajano ‘58 and Robert Merilo ‘74. Brother Angel Baquiran ’59, from Pinole, California will later get involved after Bro. Mario Valencia ’59, his batch mate from Bayonne, New Jersey got Angel’s renewed interest. Maryland resident Marlon Simon ’81, who attended the 49th Anniversary banquet on March 17, 2001, hooked up Valencia with Castillo. The task of finding the whereabouts of ‘missing’ Epsilon alumni abroad consequently making crucial updates to the Epsilon Directory was one of the tangible benefits from the E.O.A. existence.

The www.apo-epsilon.org website was brainchild of North Dakota State University (NDSU) Computer Science grad Rob Merilo and Los Angeles City College [Media Arts Dept.] alum Jess Castillo hatched in San Jose, California at a November 2000 meeting, finally debuted February 6, 2001 featuring a wealth of color images culled from the collections of photojournalist Castillo. Today, www.apo-epsilon.org website boasts over 1,000 old and new photographs captioned with appropriate stories thanks in part to the contributions of Bro. Augusto Justiniano ‘52, Bro. Beng Solis ’65, PGC. Yami De Ocampo ’73, Bro. Dr. Ray J. Alipit ‘63, Bro. Rudy Dizon ’68, and PGC Joel Santarina ’98--all instrumental in submitting pictures from Manila and facts posted in Epsilon Actives, Fifth FratHouse (formerly Headshots & Bios,) Old History, Manila Faces, Riyadh Oilers categories. The website Editor and Publisher created other stimulating albums such as E.O.A. Kaffeetiran, (Networking), ICAPO Links (a.k.a. Contacts & Links), MiscEPSILONeous, Movers & Shakers, Our Crowd (formerly California Faces) and Pinoy Aussies intended to spark wider interest among members and website visitors. www.apo-epsilon.org website is intended to compliment interest in Alpha Phi Omega at www.apo.org and password-protected www.apo.org.ph/

A highlight of the 49th Epsilon Anniversary program at the Van Nuys Airtel Hotel that saw 55 Epsilon alumni and Affiliates was the ‘Twinning Rites’ between Epsilon Overseas Alumni (EOA) and Chaparral Alumni of Alpha Phi Omega–an act to promote greater friendship and cooperation between these alumni groups. Rosemary Riedy, president of Chaparral Alumni of Alpha Phi Omega and Jeff Schwartz, past Section Chair (both Lambda Mu chapter alumni at the California State University at Los Angeles) represented Chaparral. That evening, a fairly good number of outstanding alumni distinguished themselves with the Barry Sibayan Memorial Award and Bobby Espiritu Memorial Award. Cognizant of the future, EOA leaders instituted the PNP Nash Sevilla Leadership, PNP Earle M. Herbert Friendship, Boboy Syjuco Service, Sol George Levy and Noel Fernandez Lifetime Achievement awards and the Frank Reed Horton Memorial medal to recognize exemplary leadership, friendship, service by Epsilon Actives and alumni. Please write for Nomination Procedures and Forms available to all Epsilon members.

While brothers in North America were working on their local plans of action, in Saudi Arabia, particularly the capital city of Riyadh, Bro. Dr. Ray J. Alipit ’63, PGC Rosendo Clemente ’64, Consul Dino Lomomdot ’74, Bobot Cordova ’78, PGC Romy Reyes Jr. ’84 and Ansary Malabi ’88 banded together and adopted the name Epsilon Riyadh Desert Storm Troopers (ERDST). Known Canada residents Atty. Emmanuel "Noel" Fernandez ’52, Rudy "Porgie" Portugal ’62, Catalino "Jun" Ramos ’63, kept contact with E.O.A. stalwarts. In Sydney, Australia Epsilon alumni members like Cecile Capuchino-Cinque ‘75, Ruth Tolentino-de Castro ’78, Christine David-Concha ’95, Arturo Sayas ’70, and Ernie de Leon ’75 joined the local alumni association giving each other support.

Remarkable Three Two Zero Two

Epsilon, a magnificent Alpha Phi Omega chapter that endured the test of time, even the dangers of inactivity due to a brief hiatus during the late 80s blamed partly on university officials decision to discard Epsilon’s APO Bulletin Board. Epsilon chapter bounced back to promote its avowed L-F-S mission. Epsilon at fifty had close to 900 names listed in the chapter roll. Appropriate celebration was held March 2, 2002 at the well-appointed Manila Galleria Suites in Pasig City. Exhilaration filled the air. The Manansala ballroom was brimming with over 200 thrilled alumni and Actives many from the ranks of past Grand Chancellors and Grand Lady Chancellors. Fifty Actives (chapter initiates) were inducted that night. Epsilon anniversary organizers heaped praise on 17 outstanding alumni for their priceless contributions. Specially minted medallions intended to honor a throng of 50th Anniversary awardees. The Most Distinguished Alumni pendants went to Joe Crespo ’52, Max Edralin ’52, Augusto Justiniano ’52, Buena Bunafe ’55, Atty. Dante Garcia ’55, Atty. George Molina ’62, Rosendo Clemente ’64, Domingo "Jun" Garcia ’65, Jess Castillo ’68, Atty. Lina I. Inductivo ’70, Rodrick De Ocampo ’73, Tony Macanlalay '73, Robert Merilo ’74, Rizalina E. Arevalo ’74, Salvador Manalo ’99 and Conchitina Basaya ’99.

 

DCG Construction President & General Manager Bro. Domingo “Jun” Garcia ’65, contributed immensely in timely, much-needed anniversary financing helping Awards chairperson Bro. Basilio "Beng" Solis and the anniversary committee accomplish their daunting task.

APO-Epsilon’s half-a-century of proud achievement, without a doubt, adds to the prestige in joining Greek Letter Organizations since the present-day fraternity system was established in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia with the birth of the Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity. PBK was the very first college organization to sport a Greek name with a secret ritual, a secret grip and use of symbols many modern-day fraternities and sororities employ today.

Alpha Phi Omega cofounder EVERETT W. PROBST ’25, originator of Lafayette’s The Fraternity of Mound Builders also known as the “Filers”—a fraternity of former Scouts he established in 1924 dissolved Mound Builders in favor of a brand new Scouting oriented fraternity, then later became Service fraternity will be proud today knowing Alpha Phi Omega found its way halfway around the world touching the lives of students at the University of the East and at over 300 colleges in the Republic of the  Philippines all in the name of the world’s largest college Co-ed Service Fraternity. ~Jess Castillo ’68 and Rob Merilo ’74.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Materials were supplied and used as our basis in writing this history piece, by Bro. Augusto Justiniano,’52, Bro. Emmanuel Fernandez, ’52, Bro. Bonifacio Calayag, ’52, PGC Rodrick "Yami" De Ocampo ‘73, PGLC Lina Ingusan-Inductivo’71, and 2000 ACNA Pres. Mel Gonzales Jr., Eta ‘73. EOA wish to thank MAGI Inc. of San Fernando, California for designing the site. ©2002 Jess Castillo / γ Splash, Main page and 90% of the posted photographs are properties of ACJC TrenDesigns Studio. All rights reserved.