FUNCOUVER - The Birth of British Columbia (BC) Chapter
Posted: 4:00 PM (Vancouver Time) | Nov. 20, 2002
By Jane Agustin ‘86

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada – The invite in our Upsilon Sigma Delta BC yahoo e-groups read: “Pilyoship for Maripaz ‘67, Baby Shower for Aileen ‘88, Autumn leaves, etc. with the following text: Rainy Vancouver days are here, it’s wet, gray and weary but don’t let that dampen your spirits. We, Sigma Deltans, have organized a potluck dinner pilyoship with our dearest Brods and their better halves or significant others, kids and families on Saturday, September 21st, 5:30pm to 11pm. Maripaz has reserved the recreation hall at her sons Dennis and Stephen’s condo compound at the Terra Nova area. The address is Discovery Club at 3880 Westminster Hwy (and No. 1 Rd), Richmond. What’s to celebrate? Well, first, we welcome the First Day of Autumn, which means, indoor activities are in effect - goodbye to summer picnics. Second, our much-delayed “pilyoship” for “visiting sis and nearly Vancouver resident” Maripaz Tagle-Chua ‘67 will finally be in progress. Third, to shower Aileen Manalo Santos-Gabat ‘88 (and husband-Brod Mike Gabat ‘88) for the arrival of their Baby Boy next month. So, this much-awaited fellowship will be three blows in one. So, you better be there!!! Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement.”

Who could miss such a catchy invite? The original agenda was our very own Sigma Delta Phi Alumnae Association’s First Vice President Maripaz Tagle-Chua ‘67’s presentation for the project HOPE to Vancouver-based sisters. The sisters came two hours before the Brods arrived and we had our own little fun “girl-talk” around the table. Present were Tessie Francisco-Dichupa ‘50, Dora Monroy-Croner ‘59, visiting sis Tess Manalo ’63 from San Francisco, Fe Katigbak ‘64, honorary speaker Maripaz Tagle-Chua ’67, Gyla Sta.Maria-Pamintuan ‘87, Aileen Manalo Santos-Gabat ‘88, Lissel Villaluz-Ylo ’88, Trixie Mariano ‘92 and yours truly. Upon arrival, we were asked to update our personal info for our soon-to-be published Sigma Delta Phi Alumnae Association directory, had our photo ops, and took light snacks courtesy of Maripaz. We then trooped to the mini-theatre room to listen and watch the PowerPoint presentation of Maripaz unveiled during the Enkwentro sa San Francisco last August. We were informed about the present situation of our dear sorority and its plans for its 70th year in November 2003. Pledges were kindly requested from the sisters and we willingly gave our approval.

Soon after, our well-loved Brods came with their better halves and our rambunctious pilyoship began. Bachelor Brod Rochie Mamisao '56, Nezz Navasero '60 and beloved Evelyn, Ed Viceo ’65 and his Baby, Alfie Kwong ’67 soloing it, Joe Cabalu ’70 with his dear Maridin, Pietro Gavino ’81 with lovely Marie and their newly-born Isabel, Mike Gabat ’88 with daughter Dana, and Bong Malabanan ’93. Visiting Manila-based Brod Rico Agcaoili '69 was in town for a brief stopover from his Alaskan Cruise. Maripaz’s son Stephen made sure every little detail was under control. Gyla’s hubby Ocquing arrived later followed by Lissel’s family to complete the party.

We feasted on the sumptuous buffet laid on the table composed of chicken galantina, macaroni salad, laing, embotido, chicken curry, honey garlic spareribs, tofu with spicy black bean sauce, fettuccine, pancit palabok, among others. Sinful desserts and kakanins were yummy as well. We ate to our heart’s delight.

With our tummies filled and contented, the impromptu program started with a “pass-the-hat” collection for the dynamic U.P. Alumni Association in British Columbia’s (UPAABC) upcoming golf fundraising project for the benefit of UP Diliman’s College of Arts and Letters classrooms. The Upsilon Sigma Delta BC Chapter has committed in sponsoring a hole to give their full support to the UPAABC Board of Directors involved composed of Four Brods and a Sis with Brod Joe Cabalu ’70 who sits as President. Ongoing project of the UPAABC is the "Give a Life" fundraising project of the UP Philippine General Hospital, which is in dire need of equipment in its pediatric wards, headed by Dr. Philip Cruz. Aside from this, there was another hat passed around for bets made with guessing games for Aileen’s delivery date and time and the baby’s weight. Then shower gifts were opened and more games followed. The party was getting too uncontrollable and rowdy, no doubt everyone was having a grand time.

Suddenly, a surprise announcement was made for all sisters and brods to congregate in the conference room. Nobody knew what was going on. As soon as the sisters and brods mellowed down, the floor was opened. There was a suggestion from Brod Nestor Navasero ‘60 to form an Upsilon Sigma Delta British Columbia (BC) Chapter. The idea was just on the right timing. Presently, there are about 22 Sisters and Brods residing in Greater Vancouver alone with everybody being quite active with pilyoships almost every month. We all voted in favor of the Chapter to be formed. After due nomination and votation, the following charter Board members were elected. By acclamation and unanimous vote, the Board of Directors and Officers of the Upsilon Sigma Delta BC Chapter to hold office immediately up to December 31, 2003 are:

• President Dora Monroy-Croner '59
• First Vice President Marlo Hautea '74
• Second Vice President Trixie Mariano '92
• Secretary Alfie Kwong ’67 and;
• Treasurer Mike Gabat ‘88.