And the streak continues.Brods nathan Marasigan ’10 and darwin Angeles ’08 gave

excellent performances in the Philippine Law Journal Examina-tions held last August 19 and 20, 2011. nathan ’10 is the new PLJ Chairman, while darwin ’08 is a new Editor, having placed third.

A position in the student editorial board of the Philippine Law Journal is the most prestigious co-curricular stint any law student could aim for. It was organized in 1914 and “is devoted to the

The Official Newsletter of the Sigma Rho Fraternity

Brods Give the Frat Glory and Honor during the 2011 CVC Law debates

UP LAW Wins CVC debates

By nicholas Santizo ‘07

“THE MASTEr dEBATEr,” “neil or no deal” or the “Hu-man rights Advocate,” he is a man with many names, but to us he is simply neil. Brod neil nucup ’07 has once again given pride to the fraternity by being part of the “AnC Square Off: The CVC Law debate 2011” Cham-pions. As “necessity” speaker for the champion UP Law debate Team, neil once more showed the abundance of wit, gab, feistiness and charm in the mould of a true leader, scholar, gentleman and warrior.

Following a format similar to the Oregon-Oxford style of debate, the CVC Law debates pits teams of three against each other as they ar-gue on a given motion on either the affirmative or negative side. The affirmative side argues the necessity, benefits or practicability of the proposition, while the negative side opposes these arguments. Each debater has four minutes to deliver a constructive speech and rebut the arguments of the previous debater. They also have two minutes to interpellate or cross-examine the opposing debater. The 2011 CVC Law debates featured some of the best mooters and debaters in the country. renowned law schools such as Ateneo Law, San Beda Alabang Law and UE Law entered some of their strongest debaters in an attempt to take home the prize, only to be beaten by superior competition.

The neil nucup-inspired team of UP Law had to go through the robust challenges of FEU Law in the prelims, UST Law in the semis and SLU Law in the finals before finally clinching the trophy. It wasn’t easy, however, as the UP Law debate team had to be prepared to argue on a wide variety of topics ranging from the validity of BIr rulings on peace bond taxes to the legality of allowing former President GMA to go abroad.

January 2012

Fighting Years

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By Gil Aquino ‘11

Sigma Rhoans Top the Philippine Law Journal Exam

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FIGHT! FIGHT! – For the Sigma rho Fraternity’s battlecry has never been a mere morale booster.

In those words is encapsulated the defining moment when 12 brilliant young law students fathered the brotherhood which has withstood the test of time and has endured the struggles of history.

Captured in those words is the story behind the glory and excellence which ema-nates from the Sigma rho; how this fraternity has never ceased to be a dominant entity in the University of the Philippines; and how it has made itself a significant force by responding to, and even setting, the tides in the macrocosm of the Phil-ippine nation.

And in those words is also defined the kind of men that the Sigma rho breeds – leaders, scholars, gentlemen and warriors who fight for, and uphold, no less than the noble ideals of sacrifice, loyalty, obedience and service.

Frozen within these pages is the depiction of a way of life that cannot be imbibed from any other in-stitution. depicted by these words is a unique col-lective personality which no other interplay of his-tory, context and organization can ever formulate. Indeed, we the Men of the Sigma rho, from the young bloods in campus to the veterans in their respective fields, bear a distinct mark of excellence in our scholarly, cultural and Filipinistic endeavors.

For the Sigma rho!

Fight! Fight!

Editor’s Note

Sigma Rho 2011 Officials

Francis Paul U. BaclayGrand Archon

Richard Lee B. Carlos VI '10Vice Archon

Karlo Ceferino Quiambao '10Keeper of the Rolls

Norbert Peter R. Indunan '10Custodian of Funds

The Seeker

Taking Marella '10Editor-in-Chief

Dave Cagahastian '11Layout Editor

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promotion of legal research and the ad-vancement of legal knowledge.”

In previous years, the PLJ exam consisted of a sit-down writing exam and a week-long legal paper writing component. This year, the format was changed because of allegations that, in the past, certain organizations have been, in the words of the PLJ Exam Board of Judges Chair Florin Hilbay “pooling their resources.” nathan ’10 and darwin ’08 underwent the rigorous process of writing a legal paper on a surprise topic, with the sources given during the exam itself, for only 6 hours; and editing a legal paper, also for 6 hours.

Faithful to being a campus force, the Sig-ma rho Fraternity has been dominating the PLJ examinations. For the past 10 years, every PLJ editorial board has at least one brod in its roster. The Sigma rho has produced six Chairmen as well. nathan ’10 and darwin ’08, being true Leaders and Scholars, have successfully maintained what certain profes-sors and law students call our “Torrens title” on the PLJ Chairmanship, Vice-Chairmanship and Editorial board. And our brods did not waste time in giving back to the Sigma rho either, having already started the process of helping the younger brods prepare for next year’s exams.

Sigma Rhoans Top the Philippine...

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A SIGMA rHOAn is distinguished by the mark of his character which sets him above the rest. It has been oft-said that the Fraternity is an ag-glomeration of individuals comprising the finest that Philippine society has to offer. More than anything else, one the most significant distinc-tion that separates a brod from mere mortals is that a Sigma rhoan is a scholar. As Seekers of the right, Sigma rhoans have emerged as well-known savants in the fields of their choice. Molded by the rich tradition of the Fraternity coupled with the collective animus of the brods, a Sigma rhoan is brought to bear to unlock his innate potential thereby allowing him to realize his destiny in the world.

In the realm of law, the wellspring of the Sigma rho, the irrefragable pinnacle of legal scholar-ship is the Philippine Law Journal. Founded in 1914 by Justice George A. Malcolm, the first dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, the Philippine Law Journal (or the PLJ as it is informally known) has served as the repository of numerous magnum opuses of legal scholarship of eminent jurists, learned barristers and erudite legal commentators on contemporary legal issues of paramount significance. The PLJ had been patterned after law reviews of premiere ivy league schools such as the Harvard Law review, Yale Law Journal, and the Columbia Law review which exist as independent, student-run publications.

Since the establishment of the PLJ, the brods have continuously strived to prove their merit and excellence by dominating the Student Edi-torial Board of the Philippine Law Journal. Since the Fraternity’s formal organization in 1939, numerous brods have distinguished themselves by joining the ranks of PLJ editors committed to the pursuit and development of legal scholar-ship in the Philippines.

The first Sigma rhoans to make it to the PLJ were Luciano E. Salazar ’39 and Graciano r. regala ’40 who were members of PLJ Editorial Board for 1940-1941. Since then, it has be-

come the tradition of the Fraternity to dominate the PLJ Editorial Board where well-deserving brods secure for themselves much deserved acclaim for their ingenuity and legal scholar-ship. The eminent brod and past Grand Archon Antonio M. Meer ’40 GA ’48 was member of the PLJ Editorial Board for 1949-1950. He was followed by distinguished brods Marcelo B. Fernan ’48 who was member of the Board for 1950-1951. representing the Fraternity in the PLJ Editorial Board for 1951-1952, as Chair-man of the Editorial Board was Senate President Juan Ponce S. Enrile, Jr. ’52. He was joined by former Executive Secretary and Undersecretary-General for the United nations rafael ‘Paeng” M. Salas ’48, and retired Supreme Court As-sociate Justice Efren I. Plana ’48. Justice Plana would go on to lead the PLJ as Chairman of the Editorial Board in 1953-1954. Former dean of the UP College of Law, Bartolome S. Carale ’52 was a member of PLJ Editorial Board for 1953-54. After that three (3) more brods distinguished themselves as members of the PLJ Editorial Board.

As the Fraternity grew in numbers and prestige, the brods strove even harder to achieve the plum position in the PLJ Editorial Board, the Chairmanship. To its honor, the Fraternity has produced at least sixteen (16) Chairmen, four (4) Vice-Chairmen, and thirty-five (35) Editors of the PLJ. Among the brods who earned the coveted Chairmanship of the PLJ are:Juan Ponce S. Enrile, Jr. ’52 (1951-1952)Efren I. Plana ’48 Ed. (1951-1952) (1953-1954)Jose C. Concepcion, Jr. ‘53 (1958-1959)Teodoro B. Pison ’57 (1960-1961)Hector A. Martinez ’59 (1962-1963)Oscar G. Yabes ’68 (1970-1971)Francisco Chavez ’67 (1971-1972)Antonio T. Carpio ’70 GA 73 (1972-1973)Cesar Tadeo F. Hilado ‘75 (1975-1976)rudyard A. Avila III ‘93 (1992-1993)Alfredo B. Molo III ‘00 (2002-2003)Oscar Franklin B. Tan ‘02 Ed. (2003-2004) Chair (2004-2005)

The Glory of the Sigma rho in More than Seventy Years of Excellence in the Philippine Law JournalBy darwin Angeles '08

Juan Paolo F. Fajardo ’04 Ed. (2005-2006) Chair (2008-09)Leandro Angelo Y. Aguirre ’04 (2006-2007)Johann Carlos S. Barcena ‘05 Ed. (2006-2007) Chair (2009-2010)nathan J. Marasigan ‘10 Ed. (2010-2011 Chair (2011-2012)

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dennis Venturina Scholarship Program Year End report 2011

THE dEnnIS VEnTUrInA SCHOLArSHIP Program increased to four the number of scholarship grantees per semester for Academic Year 2011-2012.

A native of the northern province of Quirino, Norbert Peter R. Indunan ‘10 graduated valedictorian at the Cabarroguis Central Elementary School and Quirino General High School, where he was also the recipient of other numerous awards for his

scholastic achievements. At present, Peter is a 3rd year student taking up Business Economics at the UP College of Business Administration, where he is an active member of various student organizations such as the UP Economics Society, the Junior Philippines Economics Society, and the Philippine Council of Economics Students. during the year, he was actively involved with his organization’s efforts to host the first national Economic Summit and national Youth Congress. Aside from being our Fraternity’s current Custodian of the Funds, Peter also served in the 2011 Sigma rho Bar Operations as the deputy Head for the Hotel Operations.

Ivan Mark C. Galura ‘10 is a 2nd year law student at the College of Law and is a political science graduate from the UP College of Social Science and Philosophy. A student-leader devoted to service, Ivan is an outstanding member of the UP Law Student Government, as one of the Batch representatives of the UP Law Class of 2014. Prior to law school, Ivan taught 2nd year students at a private high school. Ivan is upholding the Fraternity’s tradition of academic excellence as an intern in the Philippine Law Journal under its present Chairperson nathan Marasigan ‘10.

Jaedick de Leon 2010 is a 2nd year college student taking up BS Electronics & Communications Engineering at the UP College of Engineering. Jaedick was previously a member of the UP Pep drummers and is currently involved with the UP Engineering radio Guild. Prior to

Scholars for 1st and 2nd Semesters (Academic Year 2011 – 2012)

entering UP, he graduated from the Parañaque Science High School.

Karlo Ceferino S.D. Quiambao ‘10 is a 3rd year college student at the national College of Public Administration and Governance, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. In 2009, he was overwhelming elected by the student body as a University Student Councilor at the UP-Los Baños. In his capacity as a Student Councilor, he actively participated in the activities and projects of the Students’ Welfare Committee and manned the Logistics Committee for the UP Fair. Karlo was previously employed as an encoder at Media Meter, Inc. At present, Karlo is the Fraternity’s Keeper of the rolls. Dante Miguel F. Galindes ‘10 is a 4th Year Student at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, taking up History. He graduated 6th Honorable Mention in Sorsogon national High School, and was a former College Scholar in his college. He is an active member to various student organizations in the University, particularly UP Kasaysayan in which he served as the Vice President for Internal Affairs for in 2010 and UP Circulo Hispanico. He was also a volunteer in the University Student Council Volunteer Corps. dante was the co-head of the Sigma rho UPCAT review program for 4th Year high school students.

As of 12 January 2012, the Scholarship Fund has PhP 378,228.86 and US$ 528.71 in the bank.

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By JJ Ocana '03 GA ‘09 and Jojo Pampolina ‘02 GA ‘06

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UP LAW Wins CVC debates

FOr four consecutive Sundays of november, nine Brods took the bar exams at the University of Santo Tomas. Our barrister brods, who have all worked hard for the greater glory of the Fraternity, deserved all possible material and moral comforts during this colossal point in their legal careers, thus our annual Bar Operations.

nonetheless, the efforts of brod neil nucup ’07 as well as UP Law students Michelle Go and dS Corpuz showed that a little sacri-fice goes a long way towards achieving our goals. After falling just short of taking home the gold in the 2010 AnC debates, neil and the rest of the UP Law debate team came back even in 2011, eventually coming home with the prize. Of course, the 2011 CVC Law debates would not have been complete without the participation of the ever flamboyant Martin Uy ’08, whose rousing speech and forceful interpellations almost inspired de La Salle Law to a victory over eventual finalists, Saint Louis University Law.

despite not being able to take home the gold, Martin was still able to show that the admirable qualities of leadership, scholarly excellence, gentlemanly charm, and warrior-like fighting spirit can still be exuded even in defeat.

Truly, brods neil nucup ’07 and Martin Uy ’08 not only represented the fraternity with glory and honor during the 2011 CVC Law debates, but also showed the world why we, as Sigma rhoans, always exclaim with full vigor. For the Sigma rho! Fight! For the Grand Archon! Fight! (For neil nucup and Martin Uy! Fight!)

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Bar Ops 2011

BAr OPErATIOnS 2011 proved to be very challenging especially with the changes in the venue and the format of the exams. Yet, it has been an occasion when we let shine one of our finest mo-ments as one Fraternity. The resident Brods prepared for months - from assisting the barrister Brods acquire review materials and digest important Supreme Court decisions to prepar-ing carefully how to run the operations during the weekends of november. And when things unexpectedly happen, one will hear Brods say, “Fight! Fight! Kaya yan, Brods!”

Of course, the success of the Bar Ops would not have been possible without the guidance and selfless support of the alumni Brods. Photos during the Beer Ops

By Marshall Lo '09

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dennis Venturina Scholarship Program Year End report 2011

THE UnIVErSITY STUdEnT COUnCIL (USC) is the official student representative body of the Philippines' premiere institution of higher learning. As such, it represents the interests of the students within and outside the University. The USC exists to represent UP students in various affairs of the University, acting as the voice of students in the local, national, and international issues.

As the highest student representative body in the university, the USC is composed of members elected amongst the student body, mandated to organize and direct campaigns and activities to defend and promote students’ rights, and improve the students’ general welfare. The Freshmen committee is a special standing committee spearheaded by the USC. It caters to the needs of the new batch of scholars in the country. Chiefly, this committee helps the first year students give justice to their newly-earned title, Iskolar ng Bayan.

This academic year, 2011-2012, the freshmen committee was led by no less than a Sigma rhoan – Santi Santos ’10, Engineering representative to the USC. The committee he led has proven itself to be innovative and wholesome. Last June 14, 2011, a successful Freshmen Welcome Assembly was held at the UP Theatre wherein

Sigma rhoan Leads USC Freshman Committee

almost 5,000 freshmen students attended. It was a very inspirational day as the UP Chancellor Ceasar Saloma and UP President Alfredo Pascual cordially addressed the freshmen students. Along with the program, each freshman was given a booklet, an audio-visual Cd, and a free bus tour inside the campus. This package was given in order to guide the students for their fresh start. In the booklet, a whole page was allotted for the welcome greeting of the Sigma rho Fraternity.

On July 28, another project was pioneered by the same committee. The University Freshmen Council (UFC) is the first university-wide student representative body among the freshmen in UP’s history. It exists to represent and voice out the ideas and concerns of the students, freshmen in particular. For 2011, it has accomplished activities such as the Freshie Cup, a sportsfest for their batch; the freshie lantern parade, wherein the UFC were the only ones to launch wishing lanterns on the event. This reached the news and was put in papers for the following days.

For the freshmen of the University of the Philippines diliman, the Sigma rho Fraternity proudly welcomes you to the prestigious training grounds of the best and the brightest, the crème de la crème! Mabuhay!

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Significant Events On 24 March 2011, the Committee converted US$1,990 dollars in the Fund’s dollar account to the local currency, considering the strengthening of the Philippine Peso to the US dollar. At the time of the conversion, the prevailing exchange rate was then PhP43.47:US$1.00.

On 19 June 2011, the Committee and the previous scholars met with Mr. and Mrs.v Venturina to give the family updates on the status of the Scholarship Fund.

during the Christmas Party, Archon rey regalado

and Batch ’86 raised funds as well for the scholarship by auctioning paintings made by rommel Alcantara ‘86. The proposed bingo-social fund raising project scheduled for the last quarter of 2011 was postponed because of logistical constraints on the venue. The Committee hopes to push through with the project in the second quarter of 2012.

Action Plans Coordinate with Batch 1987 to host a fund-raising dinner for the scholarship funds. Turnover of alumni-members.

FundingFor the Calendar Year 2011, the brods gave a total of PhP 26,000 plus US$ 20

The Scholarship Program was able to fund the tuition fees of five scholars for academic year 2011-2012, which amounted to PhP 157,792.00.

BenefactorsThe present list of benefactors is as follows: dennis Venturina Scholarship Christmas Party donations

TOTAL: PHP 26,000 + US$ 20 •PLEDGES: 3,500

By Taking Marella’10

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EArLY in the first semester, Brother Sigma rhoans and Sister deltans held the traditional Brods Meet Sis. rain or shine – albeit coincid-ing with the downpour of rain typical of the June weather, the night of June 25th 2011 was unspoiled and the fun was unhampered.

Though the brods and the sis are ideally intertwined with each other, there was still a need to “break the ice” for it is not often that the Fraternity and its counterpart Sorority get the opportunity to gather as with such an event. The brods’ machismo was tested. Some brods may wear a steely façade on campus, ready to fend off rival fratmen with their tough glares. But some of that manly pride melts away when faced with a different species – the deltans. And what man would not be emasculated by such exquisite beauty, intellect and grace? not to mention that some sisters are at par (or even better) than some brods when it comes to matu.

The night was started off by playing games such as charades and paint a picture but the real fun started after all the formalities and all the customary activities. Having eaten and drunk a few bottles of beer, the brods and the sis lost no time in bonding with each other more intimately. Stories were exchanged and fond memories were shared. There were jokes and stirran and one could hear the occa-sional chant of a Chug-a-Lug!

More than a social event, the Brods meet Sis is an opportunity to strengthen ties between the Sigma rho Fraternity and the delta Lambda Sigma Sorority. The two Greek-letter societies often partner in campus activities such as the USC elections and some socio-civic projects. It is events like the one held last June 25 that make the dynamics of this partnership more fun and more intimate.

I also learned during this event that the delt-ans count among their tenets a code similar to our own 2nd code. The difference is that they only “give due respect to Brother Sigma rhoans.” That being said, does that mean the love in the relationship goes only one way?

In the history of the Sigma rho fraternity, varsity athletes of UP diliman joined the frat to be trained, disciplined and be imbued with the qualities of a Sigma rhoan; lessons that they could never learn from their coaches alone, the use-fulness of these values encompass more than just the field of athletics. Truly, the values of a Sigma rhoan form a way of life. The fraternity would also like to acknowledge those coaches who accept these quality athletes in their teams and to the College of Human Kinetics (CHK), giving these athletes an opportunity to study in the University through the VAAS program.

The fraternity came up with a fund raising project dubbed the Sanchez roman Cup. Its signifi-cance is mainly to donate certain equipments or funds to the CHK to help improve the training facilities of the athletes. rolly Tulay ’87 GA ’97, a former manager of the UP Men’s Football Team (UPMFT) and the current president of the nCr Football Association, came up with the idea of organizing a football festival that aims not only to raise funds but also to help promote football in the Philippines.

Its first project head was Stephen ralph Permanes ’08, the MVP of the UAAP season 73 of the year 2010-2011. It was a successful project which saw forty club teams from all over Metro Manila compete.

This year, Con rolly Tulay ’87 GA’97 came up with an idea of changing the tournament--in-stead of continuing the football tradition, he proposed to the Grand Archon to make it a futsal tournament and limit the teams to twenty teams for the men and ten teams for the women. Mi-chael nehemiah Simms ’10 stood up as this year’s project head and made the event possible, but not without the assistance of Vice Archon richard Carlos ’10 and the generous help of the following brods: JJ ’82, Ticky ’87, Art ’87, Angelo ’87, Con Pat ’87 GA’96, Con rodelle ’87 GA’93, Art ’66, Ed ’63, dong ’66, Mon ’75, and Art ’85. Other sponsors include JnM Travel and Tours, rodrigo Cabrera (father of Godfrey Cabrera ’11) and Gatorade.

Cheers to the Sanchez roman Cup!

Brods Meet Sis – A Sem Starter“To give due respect, if not love, to Sister Deltans.”

Sanchez roman CupBy Michael Simms ’10

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THESE WOrdS from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., etched on a wall of Malcolm Hall, were what greeted the incoming freshman of UP Law as they piled into the theater for their orientation. This year’s freshman orientation, aptly titled “Adapt 2011: Sangdaang San-gandaan,” aimed to welcome, if not frighten; encourage, if not discourage; and praise, if not intimidate, the Centennial Batch of UP Law. Indeed, as the students, organizations and guest speakers could attest, the business of law school can be a daunting task – espe-cially for neophytes in the legal academe.

The event, held last June 10, 2011, owed its success to the time and efforts of the Law Student Government (LSG), various student organizations and distinguished guest speak-ers. Of worthy note is Ivan Galura ’10 who, along with his co-Sophomore Batch repre-sentative, contributed much of the conceptu-alization and organization of the event.

resident Brods Hold UPCAT reviewBy Taking Marella ‘10

On July 30, a mere week before the UPCAT, the resident brods held a refresher course at Vinzon’s Hall for a handful of students – some of whom were sons, daughters, nieces and nephews of brods and others were former stu-dents of Ivan Galura ’10, who used to teach at the diliman Preparatory School. The brods pooled resources such as review materials and handouts. These they used to prepare a simu-lation exam for the students who attended the review. And instruction was not found wanting since some of the residents themselves served as lecturers (some for the first time).

Other than the knowledge warranted to hurdle the UPCAT, the brods also gave tips to the

EArLY August each year is a season of hype and anxiety as this is often when the UP College Ad-mission Test (UPCAT) is administered. Multitudes of students who are graduating high school will vie for an opportunity to be educated in the country’s premier state university. And the Sigma rho Fraternity endeavored to aid even just a few of these students secure, not only a slot in UP, but also their future.

AdAPT 2011: Sangdaang Sangandaan

A UP Law Freshman OrientationBy Taking Marella ‘10 “The business of a law school is to teach law

In a grand manner and to make great lawyers.”

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resident Brods Hold UPCAT reviewexaminees. They were taught to manage their time since they will be taking the exam under such pressure. The students were also told to relax while taking the UPCAT and to eat well before taking it. For the UP entrance exam is more than just a test of knowledge on the chosen subject areas; the performance in the exam greatly depends on how the exam is answered.The Sigma rhoan, as Scholar, would not be able to realize the entire significance of this quality if he were to just aid his own am-bitions. Being a Scholar is a trait that should have a ‘spillover’ in the sense that it must help others as well. And holding the UPCAT review was one such way to do that. How fulfilling it would be that the students we taught last July 30 would be able to secure quality education at a price that only UP can offer. That is a legacy.

The review last year had an attendance of about 50 students but the brods seek to propagate this event – hold it annually, invite

more students, advertise it more, etc. It will be the Fraternity’s pride and glory knowing that it ferried a student into the University of the Philippines.

Opening remarks were given by the LSG President, Jill de dumo; Student regent, Krissy Conti; and UP Law representative to the USC, Mike Tiu.

Student organizations such as the Para-legal Volunteer Organization (VPO), Bar Operations Commission, delta Lambda Sigma Sorority and Sigma rho Fraternity, prepared video presentations to give the audience a glimpse of what joining their ranks can offer.

Eminent personalities in the legal profes-sion were also invited as honorable guest speakers in the event. Among these speak-ers were Congressman rodel Batocabe (Sectoral representative, PL – AKO BI-COL), Professor rowena Guanzon (current faculty of the College of Law) and no less than the Sigma rho’s own Con rodel Cruz ’88 GA ’92.

He started his speech saying, “I have been given 10 minutes to inspire. It is taking me a lifetime to inspire my own kids but I'm game and I'll give it a shot.” Inspire, he did. And to inspire, he continues to do so.

A testament to the resilience of Sigma rhoans, Con rodel is one of many astute brods who excelled in law school and later

on in their respective careers. He graduat-ed among the top of the Class of ’92, was a member of the varsity debating team, an editor of the Philippine Law Journal and is currently a senior partner at CVC Law.

He likened the study of law to the training of athletes in sports. Such an undertaking entails much discipline and perseverance because studying law is a “grueling mental workout.” He added that the students’ “intellect, patience and resolve will be constantly tested by professors who will invariably terrorize, and in some rare oc-casions, inspire” them.Con rodel imparted a few things he’d like the batch to accomplish during and after their stay in law school:1) Use the law and uphold the rule of law2) Fight the tyranny of mediocrity3) Promote and foster academic freedom; and4) Work hard not only for yourself Truly an exemplar, Con rodel is a genuine example of how Sigma rhoans continue to lead and inspire. The training under-gone by resident brods on campus is a challenge which forges men of integrity – leaders, scholars, gentlemen and warriors – men of the Sigma rho. The Sigma rho prides itself for having produced such a man who inspires fellow brods and law

students alike. It is men like him who make the Fraternity a proud and glorious organization before the eyes of young law students such as those from the College of Law’s Centennial Batch who attended AdAPT 2011.

In her speech, Jill de dumo welcomed the freshmen to a United UP Law. regardless of political color or fraternal affiliation, all law students are homogenous in that all of them belong to The College of Law. This Unity, she noted, encompasses even the staff and maintenance of the college; thus, the students must regard them with respect even in simple ways such as greetings.

From the highest authority making body in the University, or the Board of regents (BOr), Student regent Krissy Conti placed UP Law against a backdrop of a very problematic UP system. The University faces many problems, one of which is the STFAP bracketing scheme through which students pay their tuition based on their income bracket. Where does the College of Law figure amidst these problems? As the “cream of the crop,” people in and out of the UP community seek the expertise of the graduates of UP Law. They look to the college for aid because they know it has and continues to produce brilliant minds in the legal profession.

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THE onset of a new semester brings excitement and calls for much preparation as the brods brace themselves for another challenging year filled with promises of triumph and loaded with fraternal bonding. Thus, the brods conducted their summer semplanning in Lipa, Batangas at the home of Mayor Oca Gozos ’70 GA ’75, to whom the brods are very grateful for being a gracious host.

Academic Year 2011-2012 will be a year to look forward to as resident and alumni Sigma rhoans have numerous projects waiting to be carried out and various reforms to be implemented. As with every academic year, this will be a decisive one for its outcome will set the tone for succeeding generations. Indeed, with the strength of the residents and the help of the alumni brods, the time and effort that will be put into the plans for this year shall surely come to fruition.

In Lipa, with the amount of time spent in drunken stupor and with most of the brods’ attention focused on ac-tivities such as rhosig water polo, karaoke and poker, some brods even wondered if there would be any actual “sem planning.” despite (or because of) the moments of inebriety and incessant singing at the karaoke during the first night, the brods were very productive come next morning. The residents assembled before the Grand Archon the following day to discuss pertinent issues and to lay out plans for the semester. Certain brods were appointed to respective positions while others were assigned to head certain campus projects such as cultural presentations, forums and sports festivals. rey Omnes ’08 was appointed Manager of the Coffers while Taking Marella ’10 was appointed as the Chronicler. recruitment was raised as an important issue since the fraternity draws it strength from numbers and recruits are the lifeblood of the fraternity. It is imperative that the Sigma rho ensures a healthy inflow of members to maintain its stature as a campus force. In order to motivate the resident brods to live up to the second quality of a Sigma rhoan, the Grand Archon also promised rewards for the two brods – one from Law, one from AS – who would get the highest General Weighted Average (GWA) at the end of the semester. This year, the Grand Archon also plans to initiate the fraternity’s trust fund – a long term project which will account for all of the residents’ operational expenses. As with every year, the fraternity shall carry out its Bar Operations. As a law-based fraternity, the Sigma rho would want to continue its dominance over the legal profession. Just like recruitment, continuing this dominance means it must first guarantee that the barista brods will pass the Bar Examinations and become professional practicing lawyers; thus constituting part of the Sigma rho’s prestige as a national force.

Without a doubt, this coming academic year will serve as a testament to the fraternity’s enduring significance in the University of the Philippines and more so in the entire country. Sigma rhoans young, old and Sigma rhoans-to-be will look to this year as one of those links that will ensure the continuum in the historical flow of the Sigma rho.

2011Summer

SemestralplanningBy Taking Marella ‘10

AS part of its socio-civic involvement, the Sigma rho Fraternity, in cooperation with

Councilor Julian Coseteng, sponsored the "Children deworming & Vitamin A Treatment Project" at the Barangay Hall of Old Balara,

Quezon City on September 11, 2011. The event was headed by reiland Gumabao

'08. He was assisted by Arnel Abeleda '09, Lmar Fernandez '10, Archie Tiu'11, Stan

Geronimo '11, Mako Bejemino '11, Janus Gaguan '11, and rambol Bolante '11. The

brods were also assisted by their sisters from the delta Lambda Sigma sorority.

Vitamin A supplementation was administered to around 50 children, mostly from the age of

infancy to preschooler age. Single-dose de-worming drugs are also provided for children

above 1 year old.

Vitamin A & deworming Project By russell Stanley Geronimo ‘11

LAST AUGUST, 2011, Sigma rhoans from far and wide were invited by the Pangasinan Chapter Council to their newly-constructed dap-ay in Lingayen.

Undeterred by the raging torrents of a tropical depression, Grand Archon success-fully led resident brods JM del Castillo '07, Godfrey Cabrera '11, Teejay Jumamil '11, Pam Miranda '11, and rJ Valentin '11 to a punctual arrival for lunch with senior brods Juancho '65, JohnJohn '68, Vladimir '89, ranjit '89, and Edwin '01, amongst others.

Fresh crabs, prawns, milkfish, and oysters were amongst the many delicacies comprising the meet's enka, replete with plenty of er-be to wash down all the flavors; tawanan, istiran, kwentuhan, kantahan, and, naturally, matu all accompanied the meal as brods young and old, rural and urban, bonded in fellow-ship with one another.

Come nightfall, ekchi arrived to sate manly urges; brod Pam '11 inaugurated the festivities by slow-dancing with a particularly fine ekchi, and soon the night was alive with revelry. The merrymaking carried on well into the night and unto the wee hours of the morning, with sev-eral of the junior brods passing out cold and realizing they still had a lot to learn about keeping up with their seniors.

Amusingly, even breakfast was washed down with beer--such was the overflow-ing bounty of the night prior. The next day matched the exuberance of the first, up until a lechon was served for lunch; truly the brods know how to make the most of each other's company, with each contributing their best towards mak-ing even a few day's worth of relaxation something truly worth remembering. Fight! Fight!

A fellowship with brods in PangasinanBy TJ Jumamil ‘11

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On May 26, 2011 Sigma rho brods assisted in the Operation: Libreng Tuli at Brgy. UP Campus, Quezon City. Said operation is a joint project between the Sigma rho Frater-nity and Councilor Bong Suntay of district 4, Quezon City. The said health and medical program has been conducted regularly since 1998, providing free circumcision to over 2,000 boys yearly. The Sigma rho has been taking an active role in leading medical and health missions, but this is the first time the Sigma rho has partnered with the office of Councilor Suntay and helped in the imple-mentation of the said project.

Mainly through the efforts of the Grand Ar-chon and noel de Luna ‘02, the Sigma rho provided free medicines for over 60 boys who were circumcised. The brods also assisted the staff and volunteers, who are mainly from the office of Councilor Suntay and novaliches district Hospital, donning surgical gloves and providing words of encouragement to the young men who were undergoing a momen-tous event in their lives.

To the boys of Brgy. UP Campus, the Sigma rho is proud to have been part of your entry into manhood!

Sigma rhoans Play Big Brother roleBy Gil Aquino ‘11

dUrInG the 60’s in the diliman campus, the area where the School of Economics and the College of Business Administration now stand used to be a bowling alley – the tambayan of resident Sigma rhoans at the time. Just a few steps away from the College of Law, the old bowling alley was a convenient place for the brods to hang out before and after (and during) class hours. It wasn’t just a sanctuary though, because although the brods claimed the area as their turf, it still was a public place. Therefore, ideally anyone could enter - even rival fratmen. Thus, the alley served as the arena not only for bowling tournaments, but also for rumbles.

The resident brods back then were very close to the staff and caretakers of the old bowl-ing alley. This relationship later on proved to be quite advantageous for the brods. Setting up the bowling pins back then was done manually. There were no machines to place the pins in their precise formation. There were only maintenance boys who placed the pins in “strategic” formations whenever it was a Sigma rhoan’s turn to play during tournaments against other organizations.

To this day, one particular brod has not claimed the trophies he allegedly won during such tournaments. He says that he may have won them but he didn’t exactly earn them. So out of shame, he refuses to accept those trophies.

A BIT OF HISTOrY – SIGMA rHO TAMBAYAnStory from Boy Lazatin ‘63

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THE University of the Philippines College of Law honored last Thursday its alumni who have excelled in the field of public service.

The event, called the “Testimonial for UP Law Alumni in Public Service," awarded 62 distinguished alumni of the UP College of Law who have contributed to nation-building by leading exemplary lives of honor and excellence in public service.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, chairman of the UP Law Centen-nial Commission, led the awarding ceremonies, and cited the UP College of Law for upholding a tradition of public service throughout its first 100 years, as exemplified by its graduates in

government led by newly appointed Ombudsman, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Conchita Carpio-Morales.

“remember, the UP College of Law is founded on a promise – to take in the most talented and ambitious among our youth and teach them lawyerly skills to be exercised with honor and a deep sense of public responsibility,” Angara said.

"UP Law is not just another law school. It is a public institution, with a mission that goes beyond just making lawyers out of men and women,” he added.

The 62 honorees were appointees of Aquino administra-

tion during the centennial year. These include Vice President Jejomar Binay (and chairman of the Housing and Urban development Coordinating Council); Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales; department Ar Secretary Virgilio delos reyes, Commission on Audit Chair Grace Pulido-Tan; Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Teresita Herbosa; Supreme Court Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Aranal-Sereno; deputy Om-budsman for Luzon Francis Jardeleza; and Solicitor General Jose Anselmo Cadiz.

Angara commended the honorees for embodying the ideals of the UP College of Law.

“Today, we hold the promise fulfilled in the persons of the honorees we have with us. Our honorees have dis-tinguished themselves in the profession. We only hope that they continue to be achievers – exemplars who will hopefully light the way to truth and justice – ideals which our law school have always stood for," he said.

“We have an impressive list of graduates and one cannot help but be proud of our alma mater. Let us all continue making our alma mater truly proud,” he said.Angara also encouraged UP Law alumni to participate in the celebrations marking the centennial, and to generously give back to the college through its many projects.

The college aims to raise P300 million, mainly to put up a dormitory for Law students.

The college, with the partnership of the College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and School of Statistics, will also build a graduate school branch at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. The graduate

school will rise on a half-hectare property donated by the Phil-ippine Bases Conversion and development Authority, whose president and chief executive officer, Arnel Paciano Casanova, was also an honoree.

Also last Thursday, the UP College of Law launched the “UP Law Centennial March” composed and written by Court of Ap-peals Associate Justice Magdangal de Leon.

The UP College of Law is said to be the first in the whole of UP to have its own official march. Entitled “UP Law nating Hi-rang," the march's lyrics include the lines “Itanghal ang batas/ Maglingkod ng wagas."

UP Law honors distinguished alumni in governmentBy dave Cagahastian ’11

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VISIOnArY, Leader, Warrior, Sigma rhoan – only a few of the many words one can use to describe Oscar “Oca” Gozos’70 GA’75. The Sigma rho Council’s President can hardly be described as coming from humble roots. He hails from the province of kapeng barako and balisong, where its inhabitants are known for their being matapang. Truly a batangueño, President Oca Gozos exhibits such tenacity in his personality. Being a former Grand Archon, a public servant and a practicing lawyer, such toughness speaks of his ardent pursuit for what is right.

He graduated salutatorian from his elementary school, Our Lady of rosary Academy in Lipa City and went on to the St. Francis de Sales seminary for his high school education. He entered the University of the Philippines taking up AB Politi-cal Science and went on to the College of Law to attain his Bachelor of Laws.

As a professional, he is best known for his public service in the province of Batangas. He served as Mayor in the city of Lipa from 2007-2010 and served as representative of the 4th district of Batangas from 2001-2007. He has also served as provincial board member, fiscal and city administrator. He was Associate Attorney (1977-1978), Villafuerte Zamora & Associates Law Offices; name Partner (1978-1986), Marquez & Gozos Law Offices; and name Part-ner (1986-1990), Manalo Puno & Gozos Law Firm. And presently, he is with Bodegon Estorninos Guerzon Borje And Gozos Law Offices.

President Oca Gozos has truly shown that fanaticism does not end when one graduates from UP. All the more should the brods be active during their alumni years for being an alumnus means establishing the Fraternity at a national level. For one’s exit from the diliman campus is merely a transition to a higher level of Fraternal activity. Even as busy as he already is and with as high a stature that he already has, he still enthusiastically engages the resident Sigma rhoans – through fellowships, participation in decision-making within the Fraternity, or through simple matu and stirran. His law office in Alabang, albeit being very professionally established, is renowned for its very warm hospitality towards brods and non-brods. When one visits, one often leaves with a full stomach, and (occasionally) with a drunken stupor.

For President Oca Gozos! Fight! Fight!

AnTOnIO T. CArPIO is one of the youngest appointees in the Supreme Court, where he is now serving for more than 10 years as Associ-ate Justice. He is also currently the Chair of the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

In the heat of the impeachment of the Chief Justice and in the inter-est of public accountability and government transparency, Carpio was the first justice to voluntarily file his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and net Worth (SALn). He was a nominee for the position of Chief Justice in 2010, and said that he would only accept an appointment if it is issued by the next President.

Carpio exhibits the true spirit of a legal scholar. Many notable decisions by the high court which he penned are assigned readings in law school and are consid-ered substantial contribution to the grow-ing body of jurisprudential knowledge in Philippine constitutional law. Among these decisions are Lambino v. COMELEC, which concerns the people's initiative as a mode of constitutional amendment; Estrada vs. Escritor, which involves the free exercise of religion in bigamous relations; and, Central Bank Employees vs. BSP, where he challenges the majority opinion upholding the relative constitu-tionality doctrine to justify the applicability of salary standardization without enabling legislation.

He graduated valedictorian from the College of Law of the University of the Philippines. He served as the Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Philippine Law Journal. He was sixth in the 1975 Bar Examinations.

He went into private practice after gradu-ation and also served as a Professorial Lecturer in the U.P. College of Law for nearly a decade. He was then appointed as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel in the administration of President ramos in 1992.

Sigma rho Council PresidentOscar Gozos ‘70 GA ‘75

Profiles

By Taking Marella ’10

rICK rOCAMOrA is an internationally recognized and multi-awarded photographer. A senior curator of San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art calls him a “classic documentary photographer."

He is a recipient of various prestigious awards from Asian American Journalist Association, SF Bay Area Press Photographers Association, new California Media, Media Alliance, California Arts Council, and KQEd and Union Bank of California.

Many of his works have been exhibited all over the globe, and are recognized for docu-menting the lives of Filipino people in the margins, as well as the lives of non-Filipino citizens like Muslim-Americans.

His passion for visual storytelling has also been rec-

ognized in the publishing industry. His images have become part of a national Book Award Winner, which is about corruption in the Philippines. He also published a book on Filipino World War II veterans, entitled “America’s Second-Class Veterans."

rocamora’s works have been part of a traveling exhi-bition that was showcased at the Smithsonian, Center for Photographic Arts, and Museum of Photographic Arts. He has also had an exhibit in the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

rocamora exemplifies the idea of an international photographer. Through his lens, the world is able to look at social reality on an intimate level and to encounter, in crisp focus, the faces of otherwise faceless men shrouded in the mist of statistical figures and reports.

rick rocamora ‘63

AntonioCarpio ‘70 GA ‘73

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Profiles

LET us talk today of a brod who is fittingly recognized as among the pillars of the Fraternity as well as one of the greatest legal luminaries of his generation. Mr. Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. ‘75 or “nonong” as he is fondly called by the brods is a creative visionary whose passionate service and legal expertise has repeatedly broken boundaries and

raised the bar for the legal profession in the Philippines.

during his student days, nonong was a recognized student leader having served as President of the Ateneo Student Council and the Law Student Government of the University of the Philippines, College of Law. In 1975, nonong joined the Sigma rho under the leadership of Grand Archon Oscar L. Gozos ’70 GA ’75. By 1978, nonong emerged as a brilliant and promising attorney having graduated salutatorian and cum laude and placing 7th in the 1977 Bar Exami-

nations.

nonong, together with F. Arthur Villaraza ‘68 and Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio ’70 GA ‘73, co-founded the law firm of Carpio, Villaraza, & Cruz (CVC Law) which later became one of the best law firms in the Philippines. Its unparalleled success in the legal profession, within a short period of time, has earned the name “The Firm”.

After securing their successful private law practice, nonong brought his legal expertise to the President of the Philippines as he served as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to former Presidents Joseph E. Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. On August 25, 2004, nonong was appointed as Secretary of national defense as where he brought a fresh civilian perspective to address the challenges faced by our country's defense and military establishments. He was widely credited for introducing fundamental, comprehensive and institution-wide reforms through the Philippine defense reform program. He oversaw the establishment of the Mutual defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States of America. As member of the Cabinet Oversight Com-mittee on Internal Security and the national Security Council where he actively participated in the review of the draft peace agreements with the national democratic Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. His record of success in the defense department has since become a benchmark upon which others that followed have been measured. As a testament to his merit in government service, Secretary nonong was, on numerous occasions during his tenure as Secretary of defense, also designated as Acting Executive Secretary.

After his tenure of service with department of defense in 2006, nonong returned to his old law firm where he joined his partners Mr. Villaraza, former Ombudsman and Solicitor General Simeon V. Marcelo ‘75, and raoul r. Angangco ‘77. To this day, CVC Law has retained its reputation as among the best of the premiere law firms in the Philippines. Indubitably, nonong’ success in the practice of law is but a fitting testament and tribute to the hallowed tradition of the Sigma rho Fraternity. An exemplar of a true Seeker of the right.

Practicing Law in a Grand Manner: Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. ‘75

“Mr. POPULATIOn” – as he is professionally recognized. “Paeng” - as he is fondly called. rafael M. Salas- as he was christened. One of the most patriotic Filipinos, not only of his time, for his works and achievements have been imprinted as legacies to the Philippine nation.

Salas is from the Montinola family of Bago, negros Occidental. Exhibiting unrivaled aca-demic prowess, he finished his B.A.(magna cum laude) and his LL.B (cum laude), a distinction that is a very rare feat in the law academe, especially in the UP College of Law.

He was one of the first few brods to make a name in the international scene, exhibiting that the Sigma rhoan’s mark of excellence crosses even the national borders. He is best

known for his work with the United nations – Fund for Population Activities (UnFPA). At the onset, the UnFPA was merely a small trust fund. But Paeng, being a forward-looking leader, foresaw the then-infantile concern for overpopulation. Other than that, he served as Executive Secretary under President Ferdinand Marcos.As a professional, he was not only technically adept and brilliant but he was also “mor-ally upright” and “he was never late.” Solita Collas-Monsod, one of Salas’ reverents in the economic discipline, wrote of her admira-tion for the man. She said that he was “that agency’s first executive director, was respon-sible for its growth from an office with a staff of five people and a budget of less than $10 million, to an independent Un organization with more than 300 staff members, operating in 90 countries with a budget of about $250

million a year.”Paeng even has an eco-park named after him in his home province of negros.

He died of a heart attack in 1987 but the man lives on. He lives through the millions that benefit from the UnFPA programs. He lives through the numerous awards name after him. He lives through his brods, who embody the ideals he possessed and the values he stood up for.

Though his time was still marred by wars and revolutions, brod Paeng Salas also fought dif-ferent fights, and unbiased ones at that. His works were dedicated to the collective whole and for the benefit of people whom he did not even directly come into contact with. The man needs not the title but he is, without a doubt, a national hero.

By Taking Marella ’10

rafael Montinola Salas ‘48

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Profiles

rOMEO T. Capulong is the Philippines’ lead-ing human rights lawyer. As counsel and lead spokesperson in all principal human rights cases in the country for the past two decades, he is the nation’s pioneer in international humanitarian and public interest law, devel-opmental legal aid, class action litigation and criminal defense.

In 2001, Capulong served as prosecutor in the impeachment trial of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada for economic plunder. The trial sparked “People Power II”, the peaceful transfer of power to the Govern-ment of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that won the Filipino people the nobel Peace Prize—the first such honour to be bestowed on a people and nation.

Capulong was plaintiffs’ counsel in Marcos Human rights Litigation, the landmark class action suit that produced a $2 billion dollar judgement for 10,000 victims of torture, summary execution and disappearances dur-ing the Marcos dictatorship; counsel to Flor Contemplacion, the Filipina migrant worker whose execution abroad exposed the plight of the more than four million Filipino migrant workers; and counsel to Filipina victims of sexual slavery (“comfort women”) during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II.

He served as counsel to peace talks between the Philippine Government and the national democratic Front. He helped craft 10 bilat-eral agreements in this capacity, including the landmark Comprehensive Agreement onrespect for Human rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Capulong is counsel to plaintiffs in the infa-mous Payatas Garbage dump Slide, which buried more than 200 urban poor dwellers; the “Maharlika 26”, involving the frame-

up of 26 Muslims in various Manila bombings; and the 2,000 families be-ing illegally evicted from Hacienda Looc to make way for a luxury golf course and tourist accom-modations.

He is a defense lawyer to such persecuted political personalities as Jose Maria Sison; labor leader Crispin Beltran; political activist Satur Ocampo; and peas-ant leader rafael Mariano. One of his most prominent clients—and mentors—was the late martyr Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., who was jailed during the Marcos dictator-ship and whose 1983 assassination triggered the People Power revolution that returned democratic government to the country.

Capulong concurrently has been at the fore-front of Philippine politics. After training with the late Solicitor General and Senator Juan r. Liwag, the country’s then pre-eminent crimi-nal defense attorney, he served as Secretary to the late nueva Ecija provincial Governor Eduardo L. Joson from 1960 to 1969, acting as the chief executive’s legal adviser, Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer, and directing the provincial legal aid office that rendered pro bono legal assistance to poor peasants.

In 1970, he was elected to the republic’s Constitutional Convention. Until the decla-ration of martial law and dissolution of the Convention in 1972, he authored provisions addressing monopoly of land ownership, widespread peasant landlessness in a country composed of 70 percent peasants, and eco-

nomic and politi-cal sovereignty.

With stalwarts Lorenzo Tanada, Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., Francisco rodrigo, neptali Gonzales, Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and Jose Yap, among others, he led the opposition to then President and later dictator

Ferdinand Marcos.

With these leaders, Capulong was arrested upon the declaration of mar-tial law. In 1979, he was forced to flee the country to avoid political detention, torture or summary execution by the dictatorship.

He sought and was granted political asylum in the United States in 1980—one of the first such approvals, which set a precedent for leaders later exiled by the dictatorship. Be-tween 1979 and 1986, when the dictatorship fell, Capulong practiced public interest law in new York; founded and chaired the Philip-pine Center for Immigrant rights, a non-profit institution that rendered legal and organiz-ing assistance to the Filipino community in the greater new York area; and founded and chaired the 25-member Filipino Lawyers Committee for Human rights, which docu-mented human rights violations committed by the dictatorship and established solidarity links between Philippine and United States international human rights organizations.

Capulong returned to the Philippines in 1986, resumed law practice, and in 1989 founded the country’s first public interest law firm, the Public Interest Law Center.

romeo T. Capulong ‘54

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notable brods who served as Vice-Chair of the PLJ are:F. Arthur Villaraza ‘68 (1973-1974)Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. ‘75 (1975-1976)Gerard Chan ‘01 (2002-03 and 2004-2005)neil B. nucup ‘07 (2010-2011)

Finally, here are the brods who have distin-guished themselves by serving as members of the PLJ Editorial Board:Luciano E. Salazar ‘40 (1940-1941)Graciano r. regala ’40 (1940-1941)Antonio M. Meer ’40 GA ’48 (1949-1950)Marcelo Fernan ‘48 (1950-1951)rafael Salas ‘48 (1951-1952)Bartolome Carale ‘52 (1953-1954)Teodoro d. regala ‘56 (1957-1958)nicodemo Ferrer ‘56 (1957-1958)rogelio Vinluan ‘57 (1957-1958)Lamberto L. Meer ‘70 (1973-1974)raoul Angangco ‘77 (1977- 1978, 1978-1979, and 1979-1980)Jose M. Lotilla ‘77 (1977-1978, 1978-1979 and 1979-1980Simeon V. Marcelo ‘75 (1977-1978 and 1978-1979)Teofilo Pilando Jr. ‘82 (1984-1985)Earnswell Tiu ‘85 (1986-1987)Voltaire O. Mauricio ‘87 (1987-1988)rodel A. Cruz ’88 GA ‘93 (1991-1992)Apollo S. Sanggalang ‘93 (1993-1994)Marlou B. Ubano ‘95 (1996-1997)Elmar B. Galacio ’95 (1996-1997)Juan Edgardo Angara ‘96 (1997-1998)Elcid Butuyan ’96 (1997-1998)randall Tabayoyong ’96 (1997-1998)Al A. Parreño ‘93 (2001-2002)Philip Miguel I. ranada ‘03 (2003-2004)Charles Edward M. Cheng ‘03 (2004-2005)Brian dennis G. Tiojanco ‘04 (2005-2006 and 2007-2008)Jonathan T. Pampolina ’02 GA ‘06 (2005-2006)Mark Anthony M. Parcia ‘98 (2006-2007)Timm B. renomeron ‘03 (2007-2008)Gerard Joseph M. Jumamil ‘04 (2007-08 and 2009-2010)Joseph Alden H. Valmonte ’06 (2008-2009)darwin P. Angeles ‘08 (2011-2012)

With the passing of each decade, the brods have remained true to their innate calling to become unparalleled legal scholars as well as to the challenge to stand as the best of the best. Indeed, they are true Seekers of the right who strove to craft, interpret, synthesize, and utilize the law to address the legal problems of society.

From Page 3

The Glory of the Sigma rho in More than Seventy Years of Excellence in the Philippine Law Journal

SIGMA RhO Fraternity celebrated its yearly Christmas fellowship party last Decem-ber 8, 2011 at the Club Filipino, Greenhills. This year’s Christmas party was spon-sored by the Golden Jubilarian Batch 1961 and Silver Jubilarian Batch 1986 led by Grand Archon Rey Regalado ‘79 GA ‘86. The heavy traffic and the bad weather were not hindrances for the brods to come together and celebrate Christmas as one fraternity. Registration began at 7:00 PM and it wasn’t long after that the venue was filled with brods from various batches. Most of the batches were well represented with the brods present numbering to around 150.

Allan Refuerzo ’86 was the masters of ceremo-nies, and Larry Angping ’86 led the invocation. Archon Rey Regalado ’79 GA ‘86 delivered his welcome remarks fol-lowed by Grand Archon Francis Baclay’s message and Council President Oscar Gozos' '70 GA '75 Christmas Greetings. Resi-dent sisters from Delta Lambda Sigma batch 2010 provided a dance number and a Christmas carol to entertain the brods.

The event was also intended to raise funds for the Dennis Venturina Scholarship Fund. Donations and pledges were given and Sigma Rho paintings by Rommel Alcantara ‘86 were auctioned to raise the said fund. The DV scolars were presented in front of the brods as the bidding started.

The brods were treated to a delicious buffet dinner accompanied with unlimited matu. Af-ter which, gift giving started and which went throughout the rest of the evening. Several flat screen TVs, DVD players, signature clothes, and a lot more prizes were raffled off courtesy of Batch ‘86. Several lucky residents as well as alumni brods went home with the prizes. To cap off the evening, beautiful dance instruc-tors entertained the brods as they swayed to the sound of the music.

Indeed, the night showed the unique brand of Paskong RhoSig that continues to foster genuine camara-derie and brotherhood among Sigma Rhoans.

Sigma Rho Fraternity Celebrates X-mas Party

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By Taking Marella ’10

Batch ’61 Celebrates 50 YearsTrULY, 50 years is an achievement. What other affiliation could offer such enduring fraternal bonds that, even after half a century, a batch of gentlemen still find the time to sponsor a Christmas Party/Anniversary Celebration and can still recall fond memories of Law School, stirran and matu? But the pride and glory is not Batch 61’s alone. As mentioned by Council President Oca Gozos’70 GA’75, in his opening remarks, “Ang iba dito, puti na ang buhok. Ang iba wala nang buhok! But after 50 years of camaraderie and brotherhood, the Sigma rho, and not only Batch 61, remains stronger than ever.”

Led by Alfonso “Boy” reyno’61 GA’67, the Golden Batch sponsored a generous gathering at the Manila Golf and Country Club last december 11, 2011. The program’s master of ceremonies was George Briones’70 GA’77 and the event boasted the attendance of eminent brods who are estab-

lished in various fields, mainly in the practice of law. In attendance, also, was a roster of handpicked resident brods.

The brods, how-ever, appeared to be more attentive to the “intermission” number rather than to the program properIn such an event, po-litical color fades, the biases of work interests are suspended and Sigma rhoans just

enjoy each others’ company. It is rare that, in a single room, you find sharing jokes and laughter the rep-resentatives of co-equal, yet sometimes conflicting, branches of government as well as attorneys who work against each other in a case. To name a few, representing the Judiciary were Justice Hakim Abdul Wahid’66 of the Court of Appeals and Justice Presbi-terio Velasco’66 of the Supreme Court. Senator Franklin drilon’66, amidst the hectic demands of the legislative department, graced the event with his presence. Atty. Sal Panelo caught the brods’ attention with his fashionable get up, sporting a coat and tie with maong jeans. Even with differences, personal or professional, among brods, Boy reyno’61 GA’67 proudly said that, “Sa mga kaso sa TV networks, may brods sa magkabilang panig pero ngayong gabi, we are only one Sigma rho!”

The Batch of 1961 – led by Grand Archon Alfonso “Boy” reynoAmable “Tetu” Aguiluz IVAlfredo “Al” BacolodArnulfo “nulf” BalagotEduardo “Ed” Baluyot(+) Antonio “Tony” Bautista IVregulus “reg” Cabote(+) Jose “Joe” Cordoba

As Batch ‘61 genuinely exhibited,

The test of a true Sigma rhoan Is not his individual greatness, But the virtue of not leaving any Sigma rhoan in disgrace, For until the day breaks And the shadows flee, Time will always be the essence of Our oneness, And we shall always remember, That we are called Sigma rhoans, Because we stand as true Brothers above the rest.For the Sigma rho! Fight!For the Grand Archon! Fight!(and as one brod jokingly shouted that night)For Boy reyno! Fight!

Carol “Carol” dimadanteMario “Mar” Guariña III(+) Arthur “Art” Ignacio(+) Antonio “Tony” LuteroLaberlo “Bert” MarinAngel “Angie” Palomares(+) Arturo “Art” ParceroAntonio “Bing” Picazorobert “Bobby” Pisonricardo “ric” Provido, Jr.Alfonso “Boy” reyno, Jr.Allan “Allan” riveraGregorio “Greg” SadiasaAgusto “Boy” Saludreynaldo “Bo” Samaco(+) Jose “Bong” Valenton

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