cnong Triskelion ang
makakalimot
sa
hirap at sarap
na pinagdaanan nya para
lamang
mahagilap ang
kinang at tanyag ng pagiging
isang
miyembro ng TAU
GAMMA PHI/ TAU GAMMA
SIGMA.
Ang bawat patak
ng pawis,kabog ng dibdib,at
latay
sa
katawan...ang
saya ng pag-abot ng kamay
ng 'yong
mga bagong
kapatid,matapos makipag-
agawan
ng "paddle" habang
inaawitan ng TRISKELION
SONG...
WALA... pawang
ang mga ito ang nagsisilbing
gabay sa
paglago,bilang
isang miyembro at isang tao.
Akala
mo
pagtpos ng
finals tapos na ang lahat,pero
simula pa
lamang ng
lakbayin mo...sapagkat habang
buhay
nang mananalantay sa iyong
mga
ugat
ang dugo ng
isang TRISKELION...nasaan ka
man,aktibo man o
hinde...ang tawag ng pagsilbi sa
kapatiran ay
mararamdaman. sa paglipas ng
taon,kaagapay ang
paglago ng bilang ng mga
miyembro.naway,ang
mga prinsipyo,aral,at pangalan
ng
TauGammaPhi/TauGammaSigma
ARIBA TAU GAMMA PHI
TAU GAMMA SIGMA!!
_________________________________
______________FORTIS_____________
________777777777777777777_____F_
__V______7______________7_____R__
___O_777777___77777777777777_A___
____L__7___7___7__________7_T____
_____U__7___7___77777___7_E_____
______N__7___7_7___7___7_R______
_______T__7___7___7___7_N_______
________A__7_____7___7_I________
_________S__7___7___7_T_________
_____________7_7_7_7_A__________
______________7___7_S___________
iwas born as a TRISKELION!
I will live as a TRISKELION!
I will die as a TRISKELION!!
0nce a TRISKELION always a TRISKELION "
TRISKELION can avoid doing wrong
but can't avoid going strong"
Firmly believes in the
p0wer 0f reas0n but n0t in the use 0f
f0rce as a reas0n! A TRISKELION has
always lived up to the motto, "it will
stand n0 matter where you thr0w it",
which acc0mpanies its seal- Strength,
Freewill & Br0therh00d/Sisterh00d!
TAU GAMMA PHI/SIGMA aims to rule
and
conquer the universe..
I AM A TRISKELION, I WILL DIE AS A TRISKELION..
THE TAU GAMMA PHI WILL NOT DIE
BUT SUDDENLY MULTIPLY AND NO EVIL FORCES CAN BLOCK THE POWER OF TAU GAMMA PHI/SIGMA...
A TRISKELIONS HEARTS BURNS WITH THE DESIRE TO SERVE THE WEAK..
WE HUMBLE OURSELVES AND BE AT THE WILL OF THOSE
WHO ARE IN DIRE NEED..
IGNORANCE OF THOSE WHO MOCK US WILL PAY THE PRICE...
FOR HUMBLE AS WE ARE,PRIDE OF A LION IS
STRONGER AND OUR FRATERNAL LOVE IS FOREVER...
WE SERVE,THEREFORE WE ARE SERVANTS BUT MASTERS OF OURSELVES AND IN OUR BELIEFS..
WE THE TRISKELIONS ARE STRONG AND JUST AND NOT ONLY ON WHAT IS RIGHT...
WE DO WHAT IS FIT AND NOT ONLY ON WHAT IS NEEDED...
LIVE AND LET LIVE...
BROTHER UNTO BROTHER BY WILL OR BY FATE.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tau Gamma Sigma
Written by Karina Nicolas-Hernandez
It was during my Asian Civilization class at the U.P. PHAn that I received a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates
from someone anonymous one late afternoon. I was intrigued.
What made it even more intriguing was the short and scrawny
messenger patiently waiting for me outside my classroom.
He was polite and friendly, but I found him to be a bit too
fast and presumptuous when he started to ask me all kinds of
questions and refused to answer mine. I would later get to
know him as Loy Loyola, my ardent sponsor and supporter
to the Tau Gamma Sigma.
That afternoon became the first day of the rest of my life.
I found myself being convinced to join and, before I knew it,
initiated for the first batch of the Tau Gamma Sigma which
eventually became the counterpart of the infamous Tau Gamma
Phi in Diliman.
I was one of the girls initiated for the batch Merganser.
Initiation Day was everything I expected it to be, a challenging
day of physical, mental and emotional competence. But, I later
realized that you can never be too prepared for “the day”.
All neophytes, the term used for new recruits, were tested,
challenged, even humiliated at times. It was a humbling and
learning experience for me because it was then that I realized
how much passion and determination can actually be drawn out of
me when my heart is into something. I had to let go of all
inhibitions and made the resolve to be part of this organization
despite the pain I felt from kneeling on monggo beans and the “spit”
we were made to gulp down blindfolded. I would later find out that
we actually swallowed egg whites. Thank God for that! If SARS or
meningococcemia were existent then, I probably would have had
second thoughts about joining the sorority. Kidding aside,
imagine the relief and excitement we all felt when we were finally
accepted as “Sis”. What made this feat even sweeter for me was
that I eventually became the first Grand Lady Triskelion with my
primary focus on the recruitment of more members. This would result
to the institutionalization of the Tau Gamma Sigma.
One of the fondest memories that I treasure from being part
of this organization is that I got to develop friendships with
all sorts of personalities from all walks of life. This was a far
cry from the social environment that I always knew to be too
controlled and superficial. Engrained in fraternity-sorority life
was the spirit of “family”. We were allowed to be different, but,
just the same, everyone was accepted. When one was in need, all
were prepared to share, support, and protect. When one was wanting,
everyone was there to affirm, praise and encourage. For worthy
causes, we were ready to serve, work and cooperate with one another.
I feared the “tussles and tumbles” of rumbles. But, it was then that
I witnessed the determination of the “Brods” to pursue justice and
fairness at all cause. I even got an unexpected bonus from joining the
“family”, that is, finding my lifetime partner, Mike Hernandez.
My prayer for all of you, my “Brods” and “Sis”, is that, whatever
and wherever you may find yourselves at the moment, you will continue
to pursue Godliness, righteousness and justice in your homes and workplaces. Continue to bring honor to the name of our fraternity and sorority as pay back for how they have been “home” to us for many years.
As I wrote this article, I delighted from the sweet reminiscences
of my involvement in Tau Gamma Sigma. Thanks to Brod Jun Z. for
the prodding and persistent follow-ups of this article! I felt your
seriousness in putting this website together, hence, I apologize for
the delay. I do hope it brings justice to the noble purposes of how
and why we came to exist in the first place. Mabuhay ang Tau Gamma Phi
and Sigma!
A Letter from Rod Confessor, Founding Father, Tau Gamma Phi
Dear Brods:
Congratulations to all on our 39th Founding Anniversary!
We’ve surely come a long way and though the drive has been somewhat bumpy, it was to a great extent, a terrific and exciting journey. I will try (and hopefully succeed) to provide you with the requested snippets of anecdotes about those early days leading to the foundation of the frat. However, digging through one’s memories, particularly when we’re talking of 39 long years, will always be an effort of sorts. Searching for those vivid images, adjusting the focus for some that appear murky, and discarding those that trigger unpleasant feelings while trying, at the same time, to render unbiased, accurate accounts, can be a challenging chore.
I can only hope that my memory serves me right.
“those intervening years before the foundation”
We all met during our sophomore year in the university. Classmates in a few general curriculum courses as well as in some political science subjects, we were drawn together by our common interests in political theory and philosophy and the intense desire to make a mark in this vast academic community called UP.
We would often spend hours, in various spots all over campus, but often on the lawn area outside the main library arguing and debating endlessly over theories of Machiavelli , Aristotle, Calvin, Aquinas or some forgotten philosopher. Mind you, we were not intellectuals, just a bunch of guys fascinated by what countries and people do that eventually shaped this world.
We came from different backgrounds. Resty (Alfonso), Tito , and myself were Manila bred guys while Talek, Roy, and Romy (Fortes) came from Midsayap, Cotabato, Cardona, Rizal and Irosin, Sorsogon, respectively. All of us, I believe entered the university as entrance scholars- the first and the last time any of us earned that distinction.
It was a strong bond of friendship that over time extended to something more concrete, acquiring a sense of purpose and mission that needed to be expressed.
“the Political Science Club-the nucleus”
By our 3rd year, we became part of a bigger group of political science majors that included most of the Founders Batch and the future founders of Tau Gamma Sigma. It was an expanded social circle of friends and acquaintances, mostly classmates, who met quite regularly and frequently. Some of the senior members of the group were already part of the Political Science Club - one of the biggest (numbering more than a hundred members) and certainly one of the most influential student organization in Diliman during our time. We were invited to join the club and join we did.
Political Science is considered the best preparatory course for law and the club was populated by members whose ultimate goal was to be a member of the bar. Naturally, it was ruled by members of the law fraternities, which at that time was composed of Sigma Rho, Alpha Phi Beta, and Scintilla Juris. There was a smattering of Upsilonians but majority of the fratmen and sorority women came from the aforementioned groups.
The” Poli Sci Club” was also a rich fishing ground for recruits. As such, we were approached either individually or as a group by all of them. It was a struggle not to yield
to the promise of lifelong camaraderie and years of “pleasant existence” in the College of Law ( and within the university itself) that was being offered by each.
None of us were convinced, though tempted, to give in to the pressures. We refused to lose our identity nor give up what we started together.
We knew what we wanted. We will build a new brotherhood - an organization founded on a new set of ideals, democratic in practice, liberal in thinking, distinct but not elitist in its perspective, rich in diversity, and most of all open and tolerant in its views.
It was our turn to do the fishing inside this big pond called the Political Science Club.
“the founding years”
Establishing the frat was, for most of us, a work in progress. The first two years were the hardest. Designing the framework, defining the standards, and building the structure took a toll on everyone. Day after day we would meet to continue where we left off. Weekends were spent updating each other on the progress of individual assignments and consolidating inputs. Talek’s dorm room and Romy’s apartment somewhere in Anonas were turned into work shops cum sleeping quarters.
From among the group, it was Resty Alfonso who took on the task of working on the framework and standards that will ultimately define the organization. His keen mind and sharp intellect made him the most suited for this role. Who and what we are, as well as what we stand for, are, to my opinion the most critical questions that needed to be answered. Finding the answers was not easy. Ideas were flowing freely from everyone but concretizing them to form a solid whole, linking each one into a coherent, relevant , meaningful concept, while making sure that they collectively represent our deepest aspirations, was the real challenge.
While Resty was neck deep in research, Talek, Roy, Romy, Tito, and myself were working feverishly to attend to the details of organizing. The design of recruitment procedures, membership guidelines, initiation and indoctrination processes as well as rituals made our heads spin. The organizational structure from the head of the frat down to the lowest ranking officer had to conform to the overall scheme of things. The devil is in the details, so the saying goes, and for all of us it seemed like we would spend eternity figuring how to make sense of everything.
After months of research and countless meetings, Resty finally presented to us his opus- The Tenets and the Code of Conduct. It was then, and still is now, a superbly written doctrine that defines with utter simplicity and yet profoundly deep in meaning and value what to us was the proper representation of true brotherhood.
He also introduced to us the Triskelion - a figure that showed three running legs radiating and connected from a common center, which is symbolic of all the dynamic forces in physics and from an Asian standpoint, a symbol that represents the three aspects of dependent relationships which give existence to all functioning things. It was both a fitting symbol and portrayal of our philosophy-encompassing the entire spectrum of our beliefs and ideology. Soon after, it was adopted unanimously by all six of us as our seal and emblem.
“a rose by any other name….”
Adopting a name for the frat was the subject of much discussion. We initially took the position that we should use a non-Greek letter name as one way of signaling our departure from the system. From among the many suggestions given, we somehow leaned towards the name Fraternal Order of the Triskelions. However, during the last stage of our preparations, we realized that it was to our best interest that we take the Greek letter route as it was a more acceptable proposition from the perspective of recruitment. Furthermore, we also wanted to avoid being perceived as a mere honor society or be ranked a notch lower than the established frats.
As a compromise, we decided to favor the name Triskelions’ Grand Fraternity and adopted the Greek letter initials Tau Gamma Phi.
“the founding batch”
By the latter part of the second semester, we were ready to begin active recruitment. We were able to secure pledges of willingness to join from a few close friends but we needed more recruits to reach the number required by the university for a student organization. Thus, we decided to begin selection from a short list of names, ranking the individuals on the basis of their commitment levels, strength of character, potential contribution to the frat and leadership skills. Allow me to name a few brods from the Founders Batch whose significant contributions paved the way towards the fulfillment of our ideals:
Rolando “Rolly” Bayan- strong in academics, highly analytical, we sought his counsel during critical times, a real devil’s advocate during important discussions, and an excellent political strategist/ ( Rolly graduated with Political Science degree as well as an LLB from the UP College of Law, became a ranking legal officer in the Office of the President of the Philippines until his brutal murder in the late eighties in his residence along with his wife. The case remains unsolved up to this day.)
Gerardo “Gerry“ Dacanay- highly principled, strong convictions, good leadership skills, an implementor ( Gerry eventually became the third GT, a philosopher-warrior, it was during his watch when the first major conflict with Kappa Epsilon occurred . (He graduated with a Political Science Degree, reportedly went abroad soon after. His present location is unknown to me.)
Cesar “Cid” Diomampo – a born leader, highly organized, became Corps Commander of the UP ROTC (a position whose campus stature was equivalent to the UP Student Council President) assumed the GT position right after Gerry, credited for putting a more regimented approach to organizational discipline, it was during his administration when the frat mounted its first major political campaign in UP- the KAKASA party with Rene Guioguio as standard bearer for AS Council President, it was also the first time that we were recognized as a political force in Diliman ( he graduated with a Political Science degree, a successful businessman, Cid is still very active in frat affairs as Treasurer of the Alumni Association)
Alvin DeVeza- an active and reliable organizer, an all around guy and an excellent propagandist, often called” Mr.Newsman”- he is a one man information machine providing the frat the much needed intelligence data during the turbulent period (Alvin graduated with a Political Science degree, worked in Congress and taught in a Metro Manila school, he died a few years ago)
And of course, one should not forget the others whose counsel we sought often during the formative years- Benjamin ( “Benjie “) Tagayuna, a long time member of the Congressional Office, House of Representatives, and The Fajayan twins , a successful doctor and a lawyer. Eduardo (Ed”) Conde, who became a accomplished banker and whose whereabouts remain unknown, stayed largely in- active during most of the period due to pressure of studies. [Rod forgot to mention Jesus Rodriguez, Jr.]
I could go on and on but there are so many events, highlights, and milestones to consider and it would probably require me to take a sabbatical just to reflect and sort out those memories. Obviously the expulsion of the two founding fathers from the organization deserves serious thought and recollection. However, the memories of those times were quite painful to recall considering that it serves no purpose except to define historical perspective and extract one bitter lesson: no one, regardless of contribution, stature, and or role in its success, is bigger than the organization itself. The life and success of the fraternity move on its momentum derived mainly from the collective efforts of its members. It thus becomes imperative for the incumbent leadership to provide the direction necessary in order to harness this collective effort towards the greater good of all its members and the organization, devoid of selfish motives and personal aspirations.
My best wishes to everyone. Happy 39 years!
In the spirit of the Triskelion,
Rod ‘68
--------------------
Supremacy in Strength...Freewill...Brotherhood, may we always remain...
Congratulations to all on our 39th Founding Anniversary!
We’ve surely come a long way and though the drive has been somewhat bumpy, it was to a great extent, a terrific and exciting journey. I will try (and hopefully succeed) to provide you with the requested snippets of anecdotes about those early days leading to the foundation of the frat. However, digging through one’s memories, particularly when we’re talking of 39 long years, will always be an effort of sorts. Searching for those vivid images, adjusting the focus for some that appear murky, and discarding those that trigger unpleasant feelings while trying, at the same time, to render unbiased, accurate accounts, can be a challenging chore.
I can only hope that my memory serves me right.
“those intervening years before the foundation”
We all met during our sophomore year in the university. Classmates in a few general curriculum courses as well as in some political science subjects, we were drawn together by our common interests in political theory and philosophy and the intense desire to make a mark in this vast academic community called UP.
We would often spend hours, in various spots all over campus, but often on the lawn area outside the main library arguing and debating endlessly over theories of Machiavelli , Aristotle, Calvin, Aquinas or some forgotten philosopher. Mind you, we were not intellectuals, just a bunch of guys fascinated by what countries and people do that eventually shaped this world.
We came from different backgrounds. Resty (Alfonso), Tito , and myself were Manila bred guys while Talek, Roy, and Romy (Fortes) came from Midsayap, Cotabato, Cardona, Rizal and Irosin, Sorsogon, respectively. All of us, I believe entered the university as entrance scholars- the first and the last time any of us earned that distinction.
It was a strong bond of friendship that over time extended to something more concrete, acquiring a sense of purpose and mission that needed to be expressed.
“the Political Science Club-the nucleus”
By our 3rd year, we became part of a bigger group of political science majors that included most of the Founders Batch and the future founders of Tau Gamma Sigma. It was an expanded social circle of friends and acquaintances, mostly classmates, who met quite regularly and frequently. Some of the senior members of the group were already part of the Political Science Club - one of the biggest (numbering more than a hundred members) and certainly one of the most influential student organization in Diliman during our time. We were invited to join the club and join we did.
Political Science is considered the best preparatory course for law and the club was populated by members whose ultimate goal was to be a member of the bar. Naturally, it was ruled by members of the law fraternities, which at that time was composed of Sigma Rho, Alpha Phi Beta, and Scintilla Juris. There was a smattering of Upsilonians but majority of the fratmen and sorority women came from the aforementioned groups.
The” Poli Sci Club” was also a rich fishing ground for recruits. As such, we were approached either individually or as a group by all of them. It was a struggle not to yield
to the promise of lifelong camaraderie and years of “pleasant existence” in the College of Law ( and within the university itself) that was being offered by each.
None of us were convinced, though tempted, to give in to the pressures. We refused to lose our identity nor give up what we started together.
We knew what we wanted. We will build a new brotherhood - an organization founded on a new set of ideals, democratic in practice, liberal in thinking, distinct but not elitist in its perspective, rich in diversity, and most of all open and tolerant in its views.
It was our turn to do the fishing inside this big pond called the Political Science Club.
“the founding years”
Establishing the frat was, for most of us, a work in progress. The first two years were the hardest. Designing the framework, defining the standards, and building the structure took a toll on everyone. Day after day we would meet to continue where we left off. Weekends were spent updating each other on the progress of individual assignments and consolidating inputs. Talek’s dorm room and Romy’s apartment somewhere in Anonas were turned into work shops cum sleeping quarters.
From among the group, it was Resty Alfonso who took on the task of working on the framework and standards that will ultimately define the organization. His keen mind and sharp intellect made him the most suited for this role. Who and what we are, as well as what we stand for, are, to my opinion the most critical questions that needed to be answered. Finding the answers was not easy. Ideas were flowing freely from everyone but concretizing them to form a solid whole, linking each one into a coherent, relevant , meaningful concept, while making sure that they collectively represent our deepest aspirations, was the real challenge.
While Resty was neck deep in research, Talek, Roy, Romy, Tito, and myself were working feverishly to attend to the details of organizing. The design of recruitment procedures, membership guidelines, initiation and indoctrination processes as well as rituals made our heads spin. The organizational structure from the head of the frat down to the lowest ranking officer had to conform to the overall scheme of things. The devil is in the details, so the saying goes, and for all of us it seemed like we would spend eternity figuring how to make sense of everything.
After months of research and countless meetings, Resty finally presented to us his opus- The Tenets and the Code of Conduct. It was then, and still is now, a superbly written doctrine that defines with utter simplicity and yet profoundly deep in meaning and value what to us was the proper representation of true brotherhood.
He also introduced to us the Triskelion - a figure that showed three running legs radiating and connected from a common center, which is symbolic of all the dynamic forces in physics and from an Asian standpoint, a symbol that represents the three aspects of dependent relationships which give existence to all functioning things. It was both a fitting symbol and portrayal of our philosophy-encompassing the entire spectrum of our beliefs and ideology. Soon after, it was adopted unanimously by all six of us as our seal and emblem.
“a rose by any other name….”
Adopting a name for the frat was the subject of much discussion. We initially took the position that we should use a non-Greek letter name as one way of signaling our departure from the system. From among the many suggestions given, we somehow leaned towards the name Fraternal Order of the Triskelions. However, during the last stage of our preparations, we realized that it was to our best interest that we take the Greek letter route as it was a more acceptable proposition from the perspective of recruitment. Furthermore, we also wanted to avoid being perceived as a mere honor society or be ranked a notch lower than the established frats.
As a compromise, we decided to favor the name Triskelions’ Grand Fraternity and adopted the Greek letter initials Tau Gamma Phi.
“the founding batch”
By the latter part of the second semester, we were ready to begin active recruitment. We were able to secure pledges of willingness to join from a few close friends but we needed more recruits to reach the number required by the university for a student organization. Thus, we decided to begin selection from a short list of names, ranking the individuals on the basis of their commitment levels, strength of character, potential contribution to the frat and leadership skills. Allow me to name a few brods from the Founders Batch whose significant contributions paved the way towards the fulfillment of our ideals:
Rolando “Rolly” Bayan- strong in academics, highly analytical, we sought his counsel during critical times, a real devil’s advocate during important discussions, and an excellent political strategist/ ( Rolly graduated with Political Science degree as well as an LLB from the UP College of Law, became a ranking legal officer in the Office of the President of the Philippines until his brutal murder in the late eighties in his residence along with his wife. The case remains unsolved up to this day.)
Gerardo “Gerry“ Dacanay- highly principled, strong convictions, good leadership skills, an implementor ( Gerry eventually became the third GT, a philosopher-warrior, it was during his watch when the first major conflict with Kappa Epsilon occurred . (He graduated with a Political Science Degree, reportedly went abroad soon after. His present location is unknown to me.)
Cesar “Cid” Diomampo – a born leader, highly organized, became Corps Commander of the UP ROTC (a position whose campus stature was equivalent to the UP Student Council President) assumed the GT position right after Gerry, credited for putting a more regimented approach to organizational discipline, it was during his administration when the frat mounted its first major political campaign in UP- the KAKASA party with Rene Guioguio as standard bearer for AS Council President, it was also the first time that we were recognized as a political force in Diliman ( he graduated with a Political Science degree, a successful businessman, Cid is still very active in frat affairs as Treasurer of the Alumni Association)
Alvin DeVeza- an active and reliable organizer, an all around guy and an excellent propagandist, often called” Mr.Newsman”- he is a one man information machine providing the frat the much needed intelligence data during the turbulent period (Alvin graduated with a Political Science degree, worked in Congress and taught in a Metro Manila school, he died a few years ago)
And of course, one should not forget the others whose counsel we sought often during the formative years- Benjamin ( “Benjie “) Tagayuna, a long time member of the Congressional Office, House of Representatives, and The Fajayan twins , a successful doctor and a lawyer. Eduardo (Ed”) Conde, who became a accomplished banker and whose whereabouts remain unknown, stayed largely in- active during most of the period due to pressure of studies. [Rod forgot to mention Jesus Rodriguez, Jr.]
I could go on and on but there are so many events, highlights, and milestones to consider and it would probably require me to take a sabbatical just to reflect and sort out those memories. Obviously the expulsion of the two founding fathers from the organization deserves serious thought and recollection. However, the memories of those times were quite painful to recall considering that it serves no purpose except to define historical perspective and extract one bitter lesson: no one, regardless of contribution, stature, and or role in its success, is bigger than the organization itself. The life and success of the fraternity move on its momentum derived mainly from the collective efforts of its members. It thus becomes imperative for the incumbent leadership to provide the direction necessary in order to harness this collective effort towards the greater good of all its members and the organization, devoid of selfish motives and personal aspirations.
My best wishes to everyone. Happy 39 years!
In the spirit of the Triskelion,
Rod ‘68
--------------------
Supremacy in Strength...Freewill...Brotherhood, may we always remain...
Tau Gamma Phi /Sigma History
Tau Gamma Phi History
Through the years, the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity has never strayed from its goals, and although the cause of which it has chosen to champion has proven to be difficult and sometimes, seemingly hopeless, as it is sucked repeatedly into the void of fraternity violence that it has fought hard to end. The Fraternity has, nevertheless survived and even increased a thousand-fold in strength and in number. Knowing fully well that peace is a product of strength and not of weakness. Where other fraternities with the same noble intentions failed and succumbed into non-existence by adopting a passive stance against fraternity violence; the Tau Gamma Phi has chosen not to follow the same path. Lest it suffers the same fate.
Furthermore, as a manifestation of its sincerity towards the achievement of such goal, the Fraternity has taken an active role in organizing inter-fraternity alliances in the various schools and universities all over the country in the hope that such alliances will provide the conducive atmosphere where fraternities can slowly grow and mature together in fellowship and mutual trust by respecting each other's philosophies and ideals. "De gustibus non desputandum est - of likes and dislikes there should be no disputing, live and let live", this is one of the guiding principles of the Triskelion.
Today, the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity is already the biggest and most cohesive fraternity in the Philippines. It boasts membership numbering to about eighthundred thousand including community chapters known as the Triskelion Youth Moement or TYM. It maintains numerous college and university chapters around the country, and now with Triskelion Alumni Organizations (T.A.O.) in all regions of the United States of America and other continents of the world.
Tau Gamma Phi's vision and mission is to serve and excel in all fields of human endeavor. Thus, a way of life in accordance with the Tenets and the Triskelion Codes of Conduct while empowering the principle: "Man is Brother unto Man". All Triskelions share a common ground and that is to support every endeavor each member has chosen and help make every member's dream come true.
The Founding
The Tau Gamma Phi or the Triskelions' Grand Fraternity was established at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City, Philippines on October 4, 1968, by student leaders from U.P. College of Arts and Sciences. They were all members of the U.P. Political Science Club. In the pre-martial law years, they were active street parliamentarians, knowing the impending social upheaval and political turmoil looming in the fatherland.
Moved from the discovery of a problem and by seeking viable solutions and initiating purposeful action for personal, familial, vocational and community betterment, prompted the action-group of Rod Confesor, Roy Ordinario, Talek Pablo, Tito Venida, Restituto Alfonso and Romeo Fortes to form "The Order of the U.P. Triskelions". Initially however, this small group did not much influence the times and decisions within the university so that it was renamed "The Order of the Grand Triskelions". Again, due to lack of interest by the studentry, led to another renaming of the group. Realizing the trend of ever growing popularity of the Greek-named organizations in the campus, finding common interests and being bonded by very similar principles, the founders voted to change the organization to a Greek-Lettered name. Finally adopting the Greek letters Tau (Τ), Gamma (Γ) and Phi (Φ), which stands for Triskelions' Grand Fraternity on that fateful Friday of October in the year Nineteen Hundred and Sixty Eight.
The Four Founding Fathers
By now only four of the original six founders were left to continue the saga of their vision for the Fraternity, more famously known to its members as the "The Four Founding Fathers" or just plain "FFF" for short. They are Rodrigo "Rod" Sta. Maria Confesor, Roy Alolor Ordinario, Talek Hamias Pablo, and Vedasto "Tito" Sario Venida. Convinced of the success of a unified endeavor, the Founding Fathers proved to be the real pillars that was later manifested in the succeeding recognition of the Fraternity at the University of the Philippines. Showing the public a discipline and collective determination and good examples, the Fraternity got the attention and respect of the University of the Philippines student body so that in the process an enlightened group headed by Triskelion Jun Rodriguez took the leap-of-faith forward by inaugurating the Fraternity in 1968 at Cavite - the first site of formal initiation, to be the first "Founding Batch" of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity. Under the leadership of Founding Father Rod Confessor as the first Grand Triskelion, much influence and action came to the history of the fraternity which reached to the heights by gaining control of the College of Arts and Sciences (C.A.S.) student body. The C.A.S. at that time was the dominant college within the University with regards to the logic of numbers, which therefore proved that the Tau Gamma Phi is a group to reckon with.
The Founding Fathers proved to be the paradigm of leadership as the Fraternity attained official recognition at the University of the Philippines. By showing discipline, collective determination and good examples, the Fraternity further grabbed the attention and respect of the University of the Philippines students. Much influence and action came to the history of the fraternity which reached to the heights by gaining control of the College of Arts and Sciences (C.A.S.) student body. The C.A.S. at that time was the dominant college within the University with regards to the logic of numbers, which therefore proved that the Tau Gamma Phi is a group to reckon with.
The Early Chapters and the 1970's - A Decade of Awakening
Reaping the fruits of labor, discipline and confidence of the University of the Philippines Chapter, the Triskelion principles reverberated outside of the U.P.-Diliman campus, which signaled the advancement of the fraternity. The inspired U.P. Chapter founded a new home for Triskelions at the Philippine Maritime Institute (P.M.I.) on August 3, 1969. Seven months later, another group of students at the Far Eastern Aeronautics and Technical Institute (F.E.A.T.I.) now known only as FEATI University also embraced the Tenets and principles of the Triskelion on March 5, 1970. Following the success at the P.M.I. and FEATI University, the Fraternity explored at the Mapua Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) on April 1970, and was later revived on December 2, 1973. While at the National University (Philippines) (N.U.) the Fraternity readily found acceptance on October 23, 1970 and the Philippine School of Business Administration (P.S.B.A.) - Manila, on August 21, 1971. Following these developments came a succession of chapter foundations.
In the next few years many other chapters would follow suit. Trying to find a Christian home the Tau Gamma Phi was founded in the two biggest Catholic universities in the nation, the University of Santo Tomas (U.S.T.) on March 1, 1971, and at the Adamson University (Ad.U.) on July 8, 1973, and in that same year National College of Business and Arts (N.C.B.A.) - Manila on October 1973. The year 1974 saw the series of foundations and gave birth to the chapters at the University of the East (U.E.) - Manila and also on January 21, at the Manuel L. Quezon University (M.L.Q.U.) came on October 8 and at the San Sebastian College (S.S.C.) on November 19. These schools,colleges and universities will ultimately complete the phenomenal growth of the Fraternity in the early 1970s, but it didn't stop there. The meteoric rise of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity in that decade have only just began.
After the 3rd Regional Convention in 1975 at Narvaez Farm in Laguna, another school embraced the Tenets and the Codes of Conduct of the Fraternity. The Far Eastern University (F.E.U.) was founded on July 27, 1975, the 13th and only chapter found in that year. Then the next year, 1976, six succeeding chapters have been founded one after the other. They are the Philippine College of Arts and Trades (P.C.A.T.), now the Technological University of the Philippines (T.U.P.) on February 22, 1976, the University of Manila (U.M.) on March 7, 1976, the Central Colleges of the Philippines (C.C.P.) on July 11, 1976, the Philippine College of Criminology (P.C.Cr.) on August 7, 1976, the Lyceum of the Philippines on August 15, 1976, the Gregorio Araneta University Foundation (G.A.U.F.), now the De La Salle Araneta University on October 15, 1976, making 1976 the most productive year for the Fraternity.
Then a few more chapters had been added in the later part of the 1970s. The De Ocampo Memorial College (D.O.M.C.) on August 30, 1977, the Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (E.A.R.I.S.T.) on March 19, 1978, the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (P.A.T.T.S.), now called PATTS College of Aeronautics on September 5, 1978, and to close the decade with a bang, the Philippine Merchant Marine School (P.M.M.S.) - Manila on March 2, 1979, and the Perpetual Help College of Rizal (P.H.C.R.) - Las Piñas, now University of Perpetual Help System on August 9, 1979, were established.
The 1970s is the most challenging but also the most fruitful decade for the Tau Gamma Phi being a young Fraternity. This trend of chapter foundations goes on through the 1980s and 1990s, and until now, in the new millennium, new chapters in schools, colleges, universities and even communities in some far flung corners of the Philippines were being established. Making it the biggest and most dynamic fraternity in the country.
Tau Gamma Sigma History
from TGP Cyberspace Council
It was a cold afternoon of January 17, 1969 in Mandaluyong when the TAU GAMMA SIGMA was formed. Eleven (11) illustrious coed girls from UP Diliman campus are “barkada” of the Tau Gamma Phi founders. These girls were all political science students and members of the Political Science Club who are valiantly embraced the TENETS AND CODES OF CONDUCT.
The founders are Rosmarie Carandang, Victoria Sisonte Bataclan, Lucita Rodriguez, Erlinda Arabejo, Teresita Aguinaldo, Mila Garcia, Rowena Celino Alfonso, Emily Sibula Hiadini, Nitz Santos, Flery Tesado Tesoro, and Luzviminda Tancangco. The first batch that had initiation rites was held in Bustos, Bulacan. Successive batches came in until they reached the number of almost fifty members of different courses in UP campus.
Formal structure followed in July 1970 when they had their 1st Induction cum Ballroom. Despite of the girls very stiff class schedules as well as busy bodies in the campus, the Tau Gamma Sigma members managed to formulate policies and guidelines of the sorority particularly the Constitution and Initiation Procedure. Eighty percent (80%) is mental torture while only minimal percent on the physical contact.
It is indeed in great pride that the Tau Gamma Sigma members are very active in participating school activities especially in the Student Council. The sorority was an ultra ego image of the TGP fraternity which forces become stronger in the campus due to their individual excellence.
A few years later, in 1971, the number of the Sigma members had gone down due to many had graduated and recruitment process then, had become too rigid due to the sudden declaration of the Martial Law. Many things had changed, some were transferred to other schools, went abroad and some had to take leave of absence for various reasons.
Early 1973, the sorority had faded in the campus. But the brods did not stop in looking for other recourse due to the fact that they cannot live without Sigma, they need someone always at their side, “taga-luto, taga-payo, taga-gamot, taga-alaga” and all the rest of being a “taga”. By the late 1973, a Brod also from UP Diliman formed the group called “Sedarum Saudara”, an organization but not a sorority. The UP TGP Brods also called these girls as sisters. Membership in this organization has no initiation rites; they just submit their application with corresponding academic excellence, then interview portions followed. It was only in 1981 when UP TGP revived the sorority and they are Dinky Ruivivar, Chloe Ceniza, Grace Corachea and Macris Santos. In the revival batch, two members came from the Sedarum Saudara.
Presently, the original eleven UP founding sisters are now happy with their family. Some are now based abroad, few are on their businesses and others are holding top positions in the government.
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