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A Tribute to the Exemplary Betans
The
recently concluded Betans Reunion and Dinagyang held at Puerto Real, Lapaz, Iloilo City, Philippines is a manifestation of
how solid and unified the four chapters, CPU, UI, WIT and USA, of the Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity. Though it was not the first
time that the four chapters worked as one, having had the First North American Betans Convention, Toronto, Canada on September
2004 and the first ever Betans Symposium, Iloilo City on January 2005. Nevertheless it was the first reunion of Gentlemen
and Lady Betans from the Global Betans community, where participants were recognized based on their geographical affiliation
rather than the school chapter where they came from.
We might say that there were many highlights during the event
specially if we take it from the different perspectives of the attendees: the moments they want to treasure most and the events
that will have a profound effect to them as to how they see and value the fellowship at the present and for the future.
But
lest we forget, as most of us attendees still nurse ourselves from the emotional and physical hangovers of the Betans Dinagyang,
the main highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Ultimate Betans Award to the original Founding Brothers of
our fraternity (posthumously) and recognition of those whose selfless support and dedication to our fellowship elevated them
to the ranks of the very select list of the exemplary Betans. All awardees were conferred the titles Gentlemen and Lady Betan
as the case may be. The event was a tribute to our brothers and sister whose ideals, visions and exemplary contributions to
our fellowship gave us the momentum, strength and resolve to overcome the challenges we faced and other trials we may encounter
in the future.
The Ultimate Betan Award is a brainchild of the Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity International commonly
known as the Global Betans Community to recognize the outstanding contributions of fellow Betans to the ideals, goals and
mission of the fraternity. It is the highest award a fellow Betan can receive. The award will be presented to deserving Betans
every two years and during which major gathering of members from all over the world will be held. The event may take place
not only in the Philippines but possibly in the US or Canada or other PBEFI geographical locations where considerable number
of members are based and would be able to host the occasion.
The first set of Ultimate Betan Awards were posthumously
presented to the original Founding Brothers:
1. Bro. Celestino Javier-Represented by her three daughters
2. Bro.
Arturo Rivera-Represented by daughter Mae Rivera- De La Cruz
3. Bro. Juan Sornito-Represented by
his daughter and her family
The second set of awardees were presented to the following exemplary Betans:
1.
Bro. Jorge Tamayo
2. Bro. Jorge Sabidong
3. Sis. Aurora Alerta-Lim
4. Bro. Sabas “Abay” Homena
5.
Bro. Gerry Gepulango
6. Bro. Rudy Tipanan
7. Bro. Narciso Maravilla
8. Bro. Ely Bagtasus
9. Bro. Jessie Aling
10. Bro. Freddie Ortiz
11. Bro. George Pontino
12. Bro. Edmund Arias
Recipients of Plaques of Recognition for their
Outstanding Contribution to the Fraternity. From L-R: Bros. Humphrey Amistoso for Freddie Ortiz, George Pontino and Edmund
Arias, Ely Bagtasus, Jorge Tamayo, Narciso Maravilla, Gerry Gepulango, Sis Aurora Alerta-Lim, Bros. Sabas Homena, Osmar Lagtapon
for Jessie Aling, Julito "Tristan" Ganchero (PBEFI President).
Second row left: Presentor of awards Bro. Al Aninao and Bro. Hernando Lagdamen (not shown). Bro. Tristan Ganchero (observing).
Second row right: Bro. Suresh Karnani delivering the Closing Remarks.
Third row: Daughters of the late Bro. Celestino
Javier, Miriam Javier de la Fuente, Lilibeth Javier, Prof. Melanie Javier Misajon, with the PBEFI President, Bro. Tristan
Ganchero.
Forth row: Daughter of the late Bro. Juan Sornito, Lydia Sornito Penacerrada, her husband Victory Penacerrada
and their children with the PBEFI President.
Fifth row: Daughter of the late Bro. Arturo Rivera, Maya Rivera de la Cruz,
with the PBEFI President.
Although the first set of awardees, our founding brothers, were not
physically with us anymore during the occasion, our memories of them and their legacy made us all feel that they were with
us in spirit and the success of the occasion was a sign that they are happy we have brought the fraternity this far and still
moving strongly forward. Their memories also served and will continue to be our solid foundation as we bring our fraternity
to greater heights.
Brothers and Sisters, the next planned big event will be in 2007. Who will make it to the next
select list of exemplary Betans? Don’t be surprised if you get selected for you really deserve it.
Let us all
support Bro. Alton's “Each One-Reach One for 2007”!
May Gods Blessings be with us all.
Bro. Julito
"Tristan" Ganchero
President - PBEFI
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