The voting was held in Brooklyn this past May 13, 2017. Ding Dia from University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), 1953 batch, the indefatigable ‘senior’ member of the Committee on Elections, supervised this election cycle. Don Del Puerto was proclaimed winner in front of fraternity brothers led by outgoing GP Mer Quimson with James Madduma, Rennie Castro, Floyd Laigo and David Gomez. Former GP’s Jun Castro and James Sta.Maria were also present.
Since his election, members of the Beta Sigma community have continuously expressed their congratulatory remarks and words of encouragement, posting them in the social media network Facebook. Sigma Beta sorority sisters have also sent their greetings.
Leading the Way Forward
At the recent fraternity ball in Chicago, this past ‘Memorial Day’ weekend holiday, incoming New York GP Don Del Puerto and Eastern USA chapter’s new GP Roni Laya led their own mini delegation of ‘a few, happy few’ brods and joined the successful celebration hosted by the Midwest chapter with current GP Bernard Mique.
As of this writing, plans are being finalized for another Eastern USA and New York delegation that will be attending the ‘Induction of Officers and 27th Anniversary’ celebration of the Beta Sigma Alumni, Canada Inc. in Toronto this July 13 - 16, 2017. GP Arnold Higuit is the current GP and invites everyone to come and experience Canadian hospitality at its best. The fratball coincides with the 71st Anniversary of the Beta Sigma Fraternity on July 14.
Canada, Midwest, Eastern and New York are members of the Federation of Beta Sigma Chapters in North America which is currently headed by Federation President Rene Gallardo.
Philippine Independence Day Parade
In New York, the 119th Anniversary Commemoration of Philippine Independence was held last June 4th, a day of celebration that included a flag raising ceremony and thanksgiving mass at the Philippine center in the morning and continued at noon with a grand parade; street fair and cultural show throughout the afternoon along Madison Avenue near the famed Flatiron Building in Manhattan. It has been recognized as the largest celebration of its kind outside the Philippines.
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| Monette Rivera, Ambassador Teddy Locsin Jr, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega, PIDCI President Prospero Lim, Grand Marshals Elma and Rod Castillo. (Photo: Lambert Parong) |
Since 2008, Beta Sigma fraternity and Sigma Beta sorority members, with friends and family have participated in the parade, marching together with different organizations. The annual event on its 27th year is organized and presented by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
This year, Grand Marshal duties were entrusted to Rod and Elma Castillo. Rod is a former GP of the Eastern USA chapter, Elma is a member of the Sigma Beta sorority. The Castillo's of New Jersey via the province of Batangas is regarded with respect in and outside the confines of the Filipino community in the Northeast. The couple played an important role in the success of the grand celebration this year.
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| Fely Quines, Jun Castro, Rod and Elma Castillo, Don Del Puerto, Emil Quines and Mer Quimson. (Photo: Lambert Parong) |
GP-elect Don Del Puerto with ‘Who Me, Malmon Big Apple?’ mascot - proudly worn by former New York GP Vic Villanueva, was at the frontline of the Beta Sigma and Sigma Beta family entourage, proudly marching for Philippine Independence while supporting fraternity brod Rod and sorority sis Elma Castillo. Another Beta Sigma and Sigma Beta couple Emil and Fely Quines was at the reviewing stand to greet the entourage, they handled the Grand Marshal duties during the 116th Anniversary Commemoration back in 2014.
Induction of 2017-19 Officers
At a ceremony this past June 11th in Valley Stream, the transition of duties was made official, New York Beta Sigma council of elder member Mario ‘Nonoy’ Bejasa Jr. from San Beda College 1967 administered the oath of office to GP Don Del Puerto and his appointees - Vice GP, James Madduma from University of the Philippines Diliman 1994-B; Chamberlain, Raphael ‘Doc Apol’ Salonga from University of the East Ramon Magsaysay 1974-B ; Guardian of the Coffer, James Sta.Maria from Divine Word College Laoag 1986; Herald, Lambert Parong from Trinity College of Quezon City 1991; Master of the Roll, Rex Francisco from Nueva Ecija Colleges 1994-A (‘Designated Survivor’- was not at the Induction); Wielder of the Sword, Milo Garcia from Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing 1977 and National Council Representative to the Federation of Beta Sigma Chapters in North America, Segundo ‘Jun’ Castro Jr, Manuel Luis Quezon University 1978-A.
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| Nonoy Bejasa, Don Del Puerto, James Madduma, Raphael Salonga, James Sta.Maria, Lambert Parong, Milo Garcia and Jun Castro. (Photo: Andy Adlaon) |
GP Don Del Puerto enjoys the support and admiration of fraternity brothers and Sigma Beta sorority sisters, especially from those who have worked with him in various projects undertaken here in America or ‘Operation Big Brother” missions in the Philippines. It is a welcome change in leadership that in no way comes as a surprise for everyone that has been part of the decade old existence of Beta Sigma Fraternity New York Chapter Foundation also known as New York Beta Sigma. He humbly keeps a low key profile work ethic and belongs to a rare group of fraternity brothers who work behind the scenes to make things happen without calling attention to themselves.
GP Don Yulo Del Puerto, a breed apart and a fine example of a true die-hard Beta Sigma brother.
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