March - April 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 2

Fraternity News

CONTRIBUTORS Vgd. Deo G. Orpilla

Editor-in-Chief

Vgd. Atty. RE Ramirez Assitant Editor-in-Chief

Vgd. Atty. Sig Fortun

Contributor

Vgd. Bimbo Salazar Contributor

Vgd. Ray Apostol

Contributor

Vgd. Mac Macrohon Contributor

Vgd. JP Yusingco

Contributor

Vgd. Jun Aragon Contributor

Vgd. Atty. Jonah Jimenez

Contributor

Page 1 For comments and suggestions, please e-mail deog.orpilla@yahoo.com / 09985100285

Fraternity News

REFURBISHED PERALTA HALL UNVEILED

By Jonah Jimenez ‘86 April 21, 2015, a Tuesday, marked another red letter day for the Makati Chapter and the UP Corps of Cadets. After several months of painstaking effort by the members of the Chapter, the product of much hard work – the renovated General Macario Peralta Hall was finally inaugurated. The blessing and re-dedication rites promptly kicked-off with the blessing of the newly renovated facility led by our very own Father Joey Bautista ‘82. Thereafter, the unveiling of the marker for the facility was done by no less than the Vice-Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. General John Bonafos. A short program followed with the acknowledgement of those who contributed to the effort of rehabilitating Peralta Hall, particularly the following: the Makati Chapter’s own bright star - MGen Jun Alcabasa ’79 who is the current Chief Engineer of the AFP, and his men led by BGen Vicente Yordan, Brigade Commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade PA, LTC Lawrence Carreon, Battallion Commander 564th Engineer Construction Battalion PA (51st Engineer Brigade PA), and Cpt Gary Deuda, Bravo Company Commander 564 Engineer Construction Battalion (51st Engineer Brigade) who led about 35 Army soldiers in completing the work in record time of 45 days. Also acknowledged were the corporate sponsors of the project. To be continued on page 3

MONDAY SITE INSPECTION PH UNDER CONSTRUCTION

By Sig Fortun ‘78

After February 9, 2015, Mondays for Mac Macrohon, Jonah Jimenez, Ray Apostol, Jun Alcabasa, and myself was a day like no other. It was the designated Site Meeting Day for the reconstruction of Peralta Hall (PH) where we put on our hard hats and thinking caps to fund and complete what the Chapter had started. All of us would promptly meet at 5 p.m. on Monday every week to view the on-going construction work, attend to inventory of construction materials, liaise with the Company Commander of Bravo Company 564th Engineer Construction Battalion (51st Engineer Brigade PA) Captain Gary Deuda, who headed the team of soldiers who worked from light of day till 8 p.m., to decide on upgrading facilities then being torn down, and plan for things to be completed for the incoming week.

To be continued on the next page…

At every turn that the roof, windows, and walls of the old structure were being dismantled with the decay unearthed in the process, we watched with bated breath at additional work to be done considering the minimal budget allocated by the chapter for the completion of the project. And when more and more enhancements needed to be put in place, and equipment that needed to be purchased to make the structure useful as a classroom and office facility were listed, the group fidgeted with how best to complete the project through donations and help from non-Vanguard organizations. The addition of 10 brand new 2HP air conditioners and a 3KW solar panel energy source to operate perimeter lights and the CCTV installed in the 4 corners of the building, came 2 weeks before the target completion date (March 30, 2015) as the facility began to look clean and modern because of clear glass windows in the side facing Magsaysay Avenue, new jalousie blades, and the removal of window-type air conditioning units in the hallway. Text of the new markers, inauguration activities, color for the blinds and fascia boards of the building, and send-off for the construction crew were discussed and decided upon amidst rounds of beer, pancit, barbecue, and fishballs consumed in the Vanguard Lounge with University Chapter brods listening intently to our discussions. And when it was time for minor celebrations for the small accomplishment made towards completion of the project in early March, single-malt and scotch enlivened the discussions. Mondays in February and March will never be the same as the bond of the brods who came and watched, inspected the site, and contributed towards the completion of PH, was fortified by a clear show of commitment to the fraternity and love for the Corps. The unsung contributors, particularly Jeb Sebastian ’78, Efren Palces, ’78 and Butch Reyes ’81, lent time resources and energy towards ensuring that PH was ready to be unveiled and blessed for all the cadets to work in, use and enjoy.

MONDAY SITE INSPECTION - PH UNDER CONSTRUCTION

By Sig Fortun ‘78

Page 2

Fraternity News

Page 3

Continued from page 1... The facility was then formally turned over to the UP DMST, through its Assistant Department Head and Assistant Commandant, Maj Nida Gutierrez PA (CE). The Guest of Honor, AFP Vice-Chief of Staff Lt. General Bonafos, himself a product of the Rainbow Ranger Division under the Department of National Defense (DND) Home Defense Program supervised by the late Brig. General Ben Vallejo ‘52, gave an inspirational talk, and extolled the members of the Makati Chapter for their continued support to the UP ROTC program. The program was capped by the closing remarks of the Chapter Commander, Vgd. Sig Fortun ’78. His inspiring closing speech read: To be continued on the next page…

REFURBISHED PERALTA

HALL UNVEILED

By Jonah Jimenez ‘86

Page 4

Continued from page 3... This facility is a testament to the BOLDNESS, RESILIENCY, and COMMITMENT of the UP Vanguard to Duty, Honor, and Country. I thank each of you, particularly Myka Marteja ’14, RE Ramirez ’00, Deo Orpilla ’92, Sol Lumba ’91, Astro del Castillo ’90, Jonah Jimenez ’86, Ray Apostol ’85, AC Fernando ’84, Jun Alcabasa ’79, Jojo Sebastan ’78, JP Yusingco ’78, Jun Aragon ’78, Efren Palces ’78, members of the University Chapter who kept watch and stood by us, and most especially to the point man for this project, Mac Macrohon ’90. Special mention needs to be made to David Reyes ’81 who worked over-time to do finishing works on this building in time for its inauguration today. I also thank our donors who gave much needed help when we were running low on funds, and to the officers and men of the AFP for considering us as part of their civic action activities and for their continued contribution to the UP community. As you may know, after our “Beauty and the Beast” fund raiser at the CCP in February, the Chapter was awash with cash and had no debts. One fine day, it struck us that the decaying Peralta Hall should be the best beneficiary of our funds as it will be our way of paying back to our Alma Mater the equivalent of tuition for the many lessons it had taught us. That was the BOLDNESS part. Then, as we were plodding half-way through the Project, we began to run low on funds. We found ways to raise additional money and keep our wits together despite disagreements – that was RESILIENCY. The completion of this project despite the odds that faced us showed unqualified COMMITMENT. We had gone one step forward to adopt one of its rooms to keep tidy and orderly. Hence, the room to be maintained by the Makati Chapter can be found in the center of this facility. Boldness, Resiliency, and Commitment were the same ingredients that made Macario Peralta a Statesman, a Patriot, and a true Vanguard. We thus honor his memory by drawing from the fuel that made him a hero, and refurbishing the monument named after him. And of the numerous lessons we had learned while being fledglings in the UP ROTC cadet corps, none I believe surfaces as more important and indispensable to society than to Give, Forgive, and Thanks-give. When we embarked on this project in February 2015, that day was the start of our Giving. Today, by its inauguration, it is our day of Thanksgiving. To all of you, and all other brods who had given their time and resources to complete this project, your being unnamed is the gift you had given to our Alma Mater. And to those I had named, your gift to us is this facility. May all of you be blessed a thousand fold by the Almighty for your selflessness and dedication to the UP Vanguard and our Alma Mater.

VGD. PHILIP SIGFRID A. FORTUN

MAKATI CHAPTER COMMANDER

Page 5

MAKATI CHAPTER

CO-PRESENTED DASH 2015 by Cadet Alumnus Lance Jestin R Calub and Vgd. Mac Macrohon ‘90

True to its commitment of supporting the UP ROTC and the UP Vanguard in their projects and activities, the Makati Chapter co-presented this year’s UP ROTC fun run dubbed as DASH 2015. With more than 800 participants, the third installment of DASH was the biggest and most attended run yet. It was held in the campus of the University of the Philippines – Diliman last 29 March 2015. Organized by the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps of the University of the Philippines, and by the University Chapter of UP Vanguard, Inc., runners came from far and wide to join and promote wellness and healthy living in this annual event. The route took its runners from the premises of the Department of Military Science and Tactics, around the University’s Academic Oval, and back. Runners had the option of participating in the five-kilometer, 10-kilometer, or two-mile courses. Many different people from many different places arrived at the crack of dawn and took part in the event. DASH 2015 was even graced by the Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission, Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III. Similarly notable runners included soldiers from the Philippine Army, and members of different chapters of the UP Vanguard. Winners of the run were awarded of their prizes by the Col. Leopoldo A. Imbang, Jr, Commandant and Department Head of UP DMST, and Makati Chapter Commander Vgd. Sig Fortun ’78. What truly made DASH 2015 unique to , though, was the numerous after-run activities which were offered. These events were as varied as the runners who came. Participants could try their hand in arnis, a traditional Filipino martial art, which makes use of two sticks in order to be able to effectively combat an enemy. An emergency fire station was also set up in the event. In an age when disaster management and risk reduction are paramount, the station gave its participants – almost literally – the nuts and bolts needed to start a fire. Participants also had the opportunity to try rappelling down the Vanguard Building, or test their shooting skills and accuracy in the firing range. Proceeds from this year’s run will help fund the molding of student leaders as they hone their urban survival abilities. In accordance with UP ROTC’s thrust of producing cadets and cadet officers who are well-equipped to face the many challenges of today’s world, orientation courses would be developed to meet this need. The success of this year’s DASH will help ensure the acquisition of quality materials and facilities for the use of the beneficiaries of this program. It is important to look after the holistic development and overall well-being of our students and of our cadets. With this in mind, DASH 2015 was more than just a run. It was more than just a mere fitness event. It was – as it still is, and as it will always be – a clear and unwavering manifestation of the commitment of UP ROTC to prepare today’s youth as they take positions of leadership in the future.

VY 2014- 2015 CHAPTER

MEETINGS AND GATHERINGS

Page 6

March 7, 2014 – General membership meeting, induction of new members and election of Chapter Officers, 28 members inducted – (Manila Polo Club, MPC) April 29, 2014 – April Chapter Meeting, adoption of Resolution in support of UPVI’s declaration against climate change, update on the status of UP ROTC presented by Col. Imbang, 6 members inducted – Tower Club May 27, 2014 – May Chapter Meeting, introduction to wine degustation by Mr. Joseph Madrid, Brod Sig’s lecture on SMGs, 3 members inducted– Brod Sig’s residence

MAKATI CHAPTER

AWARDS NIGHT

During the meeting, Chapter Commander Brod Sig Fortun ’78 provided updates on the status of the Chapter’s project to renovate, modernize and furnish the Peralta Hall, which is used by the cadets and sponsors as offices. The Makati Chapter’s Peralta Hall project was made possible with the crucial assistance of Brigadier General Vicente Yordan AFP, Brigade Commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade PA, and his men. General Yordan attended the meeting and was greeted by warm words of gratitude and appreciation from the members of the Chapter. Moved by the Chapter’s recent efforts and activities to develop the UP Vanguard and the Corps of Cadets, Brod Edwin Fernandez ’70, Corps Commander UP Diliman, announced the he too will be donating state-of-the-art rescue equipment to the Corps of Cadets and will course his donation through the Makati Chapter. As the ostensible first birthday of the revitalized Makati Chapter, awards were given to the three (3) most outstanding brods for the year. The winners, in no particular order were Brods Sig Fortun ’78, Ray Apostol ’85 and Mac Macrohon ’90 who were awarded not with ordinary trophies but with mini replicas made in their likeness. It was a fun-filled night after that of fellowship, bonding and sharing war stories, leaving the brods looking forward to the next meeting.

by RE Ramirez ‘00

The Makati Chapter again held its regular monthly meeting last March 24, 2015 at the Makati Sports Club. This meeting marks the chapters one (1) year anniversary since it was revitalized last March 7, 2014.

VY 2014- 2015 CHAPTER

MEETINGS AND GATHERINGS

Page 7

June 24, 2014 – June Chapter meeting, Brod Dan Sienna lectured on IT Risk Tips – Good Practices on On-line Security , 1 member inductee - MPC July 29, 2014 – July Chapter meeting, Brod Deo facilitated the Creativity Session – Brod Astro’s condo August 26, 2014 – August meeting the Chapter passed a resolution affirming commitment to improve the UP ROTC enrollment and training, single malt tasting and seminar – FNS Law office September 30, 2014 – September meeting, Brod RE delivered the Tax Primer Session, (10 members inducted)- Last Chuckker MPC October 21, 2014 – October Chapter meeting, Brod Mar delivered the Medical Sports Session, 5 members inducted- German Club November 2014 – Hosted a thanksgiving dinner for Brod Sonny Alvarez- Carmelos Steak House, Makati

November 21,2014 – November meeting and advance chapter Christmas party, lecture of Brod Ray on fighting cock breeding and cockfighting – JRA Farm, Norzagaray, Bulacan December 9 , 2014 – December chapter meeting, 3 members inducted – Last Chukker, MPC January 17, 2015 – Attended the Testimonial Parade for Brod Jun Alcabasa –Baguio City February 24, 2015 – February chapter meeting, Brod Ray’s lecture on the West Philippines Seas, inducted 2 members-MPC March 24, 2015- Chapter monthly meeting – Makati Sports Club

Page 8

SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL

AND OTHER CHAPTER ACTIVITIES March 22, 2014 – Attendance to 92nd Annual Homecoming and Convention, participation in Chapter Booth Display June 28, 2014 – Attended the UPVI annual planning conference and presented the proposed chapter projects August 9, 2014 – Participated with DMST personnel, the UP ROTC Commandant and his assistant, and the UPVI National leadership in a round table discussion on the status of UP ROTC training, and ways by which recruitment and training of cadets can be made more attractive to increase enrollment in the cadet corps September 6, 2014 – Participated in the UPVI Strategy Development and Action Plan session at Vanguard Building October 2014 – Assisted UPVI on some tax issues; Supported the UP NSTP common module; supported the renovation and furnishing of the Incor Lounge, UP DMST, Launch of Project Beauty and the Beast October 18,2014 – Supported the Oktoberfest for a cause

October 11, 2014 – Co-sponsored and Attended the UPLB Balik-Barracks 2014 and October Birthday fellowship November 29, 2014 – Co-sponsored the November birthday fellowship –Forrest Hills December 5, 2014- Sponsored and participated in UPLB Parolan 2014 December 6 , 2014 – Supported the MMLB Asilo project December 13, 2014 – Participated in UPVI Christmas Party Parol-ler Ball 2014; sponsored the single malt/wine booth January 25, 2015 – Attended the January Birthday Fellowship, Co-presented the Amianan Run 2015 March 29, 2015 – Co-presented and participated in the UP ROTC Dash 2015

Page 9

CHAPTER PROJECTS April 2014 – Revival of UP Vanguard Gun Club’s SEC status; election of officers June 23 , 2014 – UPVI Gun Club PTCFOR application-facilitation February 7, 2015 – Organized the memorial for the SAF Fallen 44 – UP DMST February 1, 2015 – Sponsored the Beauty and the Beast Gala Presentation-CCP February 9, 2015 – Started the renovation project for the Peralta Hall, UP DMST Diliman Released 8 issues of the chapter newsletter, and 1 souvenir program for the BATB project

ACTIVITIES WITH THE CORPS

May 2014- Chapter supports the cadet recruitment program of UP ROTC Diliman July 6, 2014 – Chapter sponsored gun safety and tactical shooting clinic for all COs of UP ROTC August 16, 2014 – Chapter donated air-soft pistols and accessories to the Corps August 23, 2014 – Tree Planting activity at UP DMST Diliman with UP ROTC, DMST and UPVI October 27,2014 – Co-sponsored the UP and Ready, UP NSTP Common Module culminating activity, UP Sunken Garden

October 12, 2014 – UPV Gun Club 1st fun shoot at Lakewood Firing Range in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna March 8, 2015 – 2nd UPV Gun Club fun shoot at Lake Wood firing Range Sta. Rosa Laguna

April 2015 – Launch of UP Vanguard Gunclub Shirt Design

UPVI GUN CLUB

2014-2015 TURN OVER OF COMMAND By Ray Apostol ‘85

It’s the passing of another year and the etching of another moment in the history of the UP ROTC and the UP Vanguards. We are all witness to the moment when the UP ROTC Class Pahinungod of 2015 turns over the command and their posts to the incoming Class Supremo of 2016. As alumni we share the happiness of the graduating class as they leave the cadet corps, spread their wings and fly with eagerness to join the “INCOR”. Likewise, we share their sadness as they leave the place and system that nurtured a significant portion of their personal being. I managed to talk to some of the graduating cadet officers and below is a solicited article from one of them…

To be continued on the next page…

PAHINUNGOD CLASS OF 2015

CCol Jelyn C Dades, 1Cl Corps Commander

CLtC Joy Nathalie M Avelino, 1Cl Corps Executive Officer

Corps G7

CLtC Camille Joyce L Chua, 1Cl Corps G2

CLtC Leah Marie S Gemanil, 1Cl Corps G4

CLtC Lyka Mae D Lucena, 1Cl Corps G1

CLtC Elmar John O Aniciete, 1Cl Corps G3

Page 10

NEXT IN LINE By CLtC Camille Joyce L Chua, 1Cl

How could we ask for more if we already have the longest Corps year? This year, the University of the Philippines initiated the Academic Calendar shift where classes started on August and ends on May. The Corps was turned over to our class on the 22nd of March 2014 but due to the said Calendar shift, our Corps Year ends on 9th of May 2015 which leads us in having an additional of more than a month of being the ruling class. We owe our Corps Year to many significant people who had countlessly contributed to our events and activities. First of all, we have our command group which is composed of our Commandant, Assistant Commandant, Chief Clerk, Tactical Officers and staffs from the Department of Military Science and Tactics. They guided us and gave advice on how to improve our training. Second, we had the support from the UP Vanguard Incorporated. They generously supported and participated in our events. There were many military units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines who helped in making our activities possible. Lastly, our Corps would not be complete without all the Cadet Officers and Cadets who played an essential role in making things happen. Truly, many are called but few are chosen. The “Pahinungod” Class of 2015 is composed of six (6) Cadet Officers with five (5) females and only one (1) male. Unity is something we always kept in mind. We all have one goal and that is to serve the Corps and the Country to the best of our abilities. We know that as individuals, we are far from perfect but we believe that if we help each other we will surely achieve our goal. Just like our class name, it means offering and service and it also stands for “Pangkat na Hinirang upang Maglingkod”. Soon, we will be leaving the Corps into the hands of our second classmen, the “Supremo” Class of 2016 and it is our challenge to them to have a greater Corps Year than ours. The Turnover and Graduation Parade highlights the turnover of command from the first classmen to the second classmen. This event would formally mark the end of the “Pahinungod” Corps Year thus marking the start of the “Supremo” Corps Year. The Turnover and Graduation Parade is also an event that announces to the world that we are ready for greater challenges. We are the next in line to be called “Vanguards”. As we go on to the next chapters of our lives, we shall forever engrave in our hearts the lessons and training we received from these three years in the UP Corps of Cadets.

Sir, One, sir! Sir, Two, sir! Sir, Three, sir! Looking back to the days of counting the number of push ups one had to do if one was just a minute late for formation. It felt like yesterday since we, the “Pahinungod” Class of 2015, was treated as the lowest ranking mammal in the Corps. However, today, we count the number of days remaining for us to stay in this venerable training ground, the UP Corps of Cadets.

Page 11

GOING WHERE THERE IS NO PATH,

AND LIGHTING THE WAY

By Sol Lumba ‘91

Electricity is something that we take for granted – until it is taken away from us. To reduce the risk of this from happening, and consistent with the vision of the DMST as a future center for DRRM training and operations, the Makati Chapter installed in the Peralta Hall a 3 kilowatt off-grid solar power plant, giving it the capacity to be functionally independent of Meralco. The major components of the power plant to date are as follows: five 245-watt Canadian Solar panels (#2 recommended brand by Livescience.com in 2015), one 3-kilowatt Northstar off-grid inverter, one MPPT charge controller, and two 2.4-kilowatt hour Motolite deep cycle batteries. Based on a residential rate of P11 per kilowatt-hour, a similar setup running at 1/3 capacity on a daily basis for a year will lead to savings of around P95,000.00 per annum. Supporting selected electrical loads of the Peralta Hall is being done in phases. At present (Phase 1), the power plant supports a 24/7 4-camera CCTV system, 9 perimeter floodlights and a convenience outlet at the Corps Office. In Phase 2, the hallway lights will be supported, and in Phase 3, the interior lights.

DUTY. HONOR. COUNTRY

Page 12