The representatives of various fraternities during the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Pan Xenia Fraternity, the country’s only business fraternity and one of the fraternities without any record of rumbles has involved itself in another fratwar together with other U.P. based fraternities last January 23.

Neither the PX residents nor the other residents of the fraternities involved had casualties – only back pains, dirty shirts, and fulfilled faces.

Pan Xenia still maintains it rumble-free record because the said fratwar, organized by the University Student Council (USC) is a one-of-a kind activity since the fraternities became one in fighting the country’s perennial enemy: Poverty.

The Gawad Kalinga Fratwar: Ondoy Edition aims to unite the various fraternities in the University by helping the chosen Gawad Kalinga (GK) site build their community by constructing houses for the chosen beneficiaries. The said fratwar was held at the GK Tribu site in Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

According to the University Student Council, their mission is to involve the whole U.P. community in rebuilding the nation through the work in Gawad Kalinga. Through this project, the USC aims to bring together the campus’ fraternities in one build not only to expose them to the reality of our common enemy, poverty, but also to inspire others through symbolical significance of this unity project.

A declaration by the participating fraternities.

“Fratwar”, a colloquial term given to fights or rumbles engaged in by fraternity men against each other, was used by the USC to change the image of fraternities from barbaric war lords, to peace makers and community builders. The first fratwar was held in 2007. Together with Pan Xenia, this year’s fratwar was participated in by nine other fraternities:; Alpha Phi Beta, Sigma Rho, Tau Alpha, Tau Gamma Phi, Beta Sigma, Upsilon Sigma Phi, and the U.P. Brotherhood of the Filipinos 1955.

Each fraternity was paired with another fraternity; Pan Xenia being paired with Upsilon Sigma Phi for the whole day. Each pair was challenged with various tasks from painting walls to mixing cements, to digging septic tanks. During the lunch break, the fraternities also became one by eating through the “boodle fight”, a military style of “salu-salo” were the participants eat with their bare hands in a banana leaf. The all-time Filipino favorite Chicken Adobo was served by the residents of the GK Tribu site.

The day ended with a brief sharing from each fraternity regarding their experiences and learning from the said event. The organizers challenged the fraternities to continue what they have started, and urged them to come back and help the other communities to reach their dream of having a decent house and a better life.

*more photos of the event @ http://panxenia.multiply.com/photos/album/23

The Brods giving tribute to Bro. Raul De Guzman '49.

In a solemn ceremony at the Sanctuario de san jose, the Pan Xenia Fraternity bid farewell to an illustrious brother, Dr. Raul De Guzman '49 who passed away last January 4 at the age of 79.

Resident and alumni brods gathered at the sanctuario last January 7 to pay respect to a great brother. Led by the residents, Pan Xenia conducted its traditional Final Rite for a Departed Brother. After the ceremony, Brothers Francisco Nemenzo Jr '55 and Cesar Virata '49, gave their respective testimonies while Brod. Ricardo De Guzman '82 responded on behalf of their family.

A revered Pan xenian, Bro. Raul De Guzman entered the Pan Xenia Fraternity in 1949. Because of his achievements and contributions to the Fraternity, he was elevated in 1998 to Most Distinguished Member which is the highest level of membership in the Fraternity. His two sons later followed his footsteps as they also joined the said prestigious brotherhood. Bro. Raul Roberto De Guzman and Bro. Ricardo De Guzman became Pan Xenians in 1979 and 1982 respectively. Bro. Raul Roberto served as the Governor in 1980-1981.

Dr. De Guzman finished his BS Foreign service and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the UP College of Liberal Arts in 1952. He later took both his M.A in Public Administration (1955) and Ph.D. in Government (1957) at the Florida State University. He served as the Dean of UP NCPAG from 1973 to 1982 and also became a member of the UP Board of Regents during the term of UP President Francisco Nemenzo Jr.

Alumni brothers who also attended the tribute were Bro. Manny Villar '69, Bro. Jaime Laya, '56 Bro. Antonio Gatmaitan, '60 Bro. Melito Salazar '78, Bro. Mahar Mangahas '63, Bro. Willy Lambengco '70, and Bro. Andy Suratos '64 among others.

Bro. Leopoldo Clemente (2nd from left), Bro. Renato Magadia (4th from left), and Bro. Vicente Quimbo (4th from right)

Bro. Leopoldo M. Clemente, Jr. '59(President and CIO of Clemente Capital) and Bro. Renato B. Magadia '58 (Director/Owner of Missions Industrial and Development Corporation) were both honored as Distinguished Alumni during the UP CBA Alumni Homecoming held at the CBA North Alumni Court last December 5.

The CBA Distinguished Alumni award is given to alumni who have excelled in their chosen field.  Other distinguished alumni awardees for 2009 are Anabelle Lim Chua (CFO of Smart Communications), Alfredo E. Pascual (Present President of UP Alumni Association), and Renato H. Peronilla (President and Chairman of Phillipine Rating Services Corporation).

Bro. Clemente earned his BS Business Administration degree in 1959. He later took his graduate studies in business and finance at the Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business, and the University of Chicago. His extensive investment experience include his stints as VP and Portfolio Manager of Van Eck Management New York (1985-1987); Eberstadt Asset Management New York (1978-1985), and as Investment Research Officer of Marine Midland Bank (1975-1978).

Bro. Leopoldo Clemente '59

Today, his investment firm Clemente Capital, Inc. which is based in New York manages the portfolio of various companies such as Cathay Clemente Holding, Wilmington Trust, and New York City Employment Retirement Funds. In addition, Clemente Capital also manages the portfolio of two publicly-listed funds in the New York Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile, Bro. Renato Magadia completed his degree in Business Administration and Accountancy also in 1959. He started his career as an auditor of SGV in the same year then later moved on to Zuellig in 1965 as the Chief Accountant of one of its affiliate companies. Rising through the ranks, he became the President of Zuellig Corporation from 1980 to 1999. And because of his contributions, he was recognized by Zuellig as "Chief Architect" of the company's growth.

At present, Bro. Magadia is the Chairman and CEO of Waterfront (Phil) Inc., Metro Alliance Holding and Equities Corp., and Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation. He is also the owner of Misons Industrial and Development Corporation.

Since the inception of the CBA Distinguished alumni award, many Pan Xenians have received the award. Some of them are Bro. Manuel Villar '69, Bro. Ed Alvarez '71, Bro. Junie E. Cua, Bro. Dakila B. Fonacier '77, Bro. Melito Salazar Jr '78, Bro. Dominador Gregorio Jr '52, Bro. Joel Tan-Torres '76, Bro. Fidel Alfonso '54, and Bro. Vicente Quimbo '68.

view more photos of the event at higher resolution http://panxenia.multiply.com/photos/album/21

Also present during the alumni homecoming were alumni brods from different batches. 1st row from left: Gov. Victor Dalanao Jr '05, Bro. Cris Hautea '72, Bro. Emmanuel T. Velasco '62, Bro. Noel Soriano '79, Bro. Rafael Rodriguez, and Bro. Dominador Gregorio '52. 2nd row from left: Bro. Jun Sabug '72, Gov. Karl Retumban '06, Bro. Leopoldo Clemente '59, Bro. Cesar Villaroman '79, Bro. Renato Tumaneng '82, Bro. Nonoy Quimbo '68

Bro. Manny Villar '69

Vowing a revolution against poverty, Senator Manny Villar officially announced his presidential bid in front of a boisterous crowd at the Macario Sakay Public Plaza in Moriones Tondo last November 29.

"Humaharap ako sa inyo upang ipahayag ang isang bagong rebolusyon na lalaban sa kahirapan at magpapalaya sa ating mga kababayang naghihikahos," said Villar to his supporters who turned the plaza into a sea of orange. Wowowee Host Willie Revillame and Comedy King Dolphy were also present to support Villar's candidacy.

In his speech, he narrated how he succeeded in life despite being born on a poor family at the slums of Tondo. "Ang kuwento ng sipag at tiyaga ay di lamang kuwento ni Manny Villar, Ito'y kuwento ng mga lumalaban sa kahirapan," he explained. He also  emphasized the importance of good governance and that he will prioritize the fight against corruption in the government.

During the event, the Nacionalista Party introduced its senatorial slate that include reelectionist Sen. Pia Cayetano, lawyer Adel Tamano, ex-Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, former labor and employment undersecretary Susan Ople, Gwendolyn Pimentel, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., Ramon "Mon-Mon" Mitra III, son of the late House Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr., Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, and guest candidates and reelectionist senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

Bro. Joel Tan-Torres '76

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 827, which created the Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner, Bro. Joel Tan-Torres ‘76 will head the Bureau of Internal Revenue as OIC pending the appointment of a formal BIR commissioner. He will spearhead the collection efforts of BIR starting November 6 of this year.

Bro. Tan-Torres will carry on the responsibilities of Mr. Sixto Esquivias VI who resigned because of his failure to meet the Bureau’s collection targets. “The BIR has a large tax collection shortfall right now, and I feel ashamed to stay,” Mr. Esquivias, who is the 5th BIR Commissioner in 8 years, explains. The Bureau of Internal Revenue is P39 billion short of its P596.2 billion goal as of September 2009.

To boost the collection of the BIR, Bro. Tan-Torres will implement “Operation Santa Claux”- a high profile tax monitoring scheme which will cover the setting up of bazaars and retail establishments and their issuance of receipts. In addition, a 5-percent withholding tax on campaign expenses will be levied on the candidates. Plugging the loopholes on the implementation of tax laws will also be prioritized under his watch.

Bro. Jed Deato '07 (left) Bro. Michael Almero '05 (middle), and Bro. Victor Dalanao Jr '05 are all smiles during the University graduation on April 26, 2009.

Four more Pan Xenians have joined the ranks of professionals as they successfully passed their respective licensure examinations given by the PRC last October in various locations around the country.

Bro. Victor Dalanao Jr '05 and Bro. Michael Almero '05 are now full-pledged CPA's after they hurdled the CPA board exam which is touted as one of the most difficult licensure examinations given by the PRC. However, the 40.2% national passing rate this October is one of the highest passing rate recorded in the past years. Meanwhile, UP Diliman which garnered a passing rate of 97% ranked 1^st among all schools who fielded 51-100 examinees.

Not to be outdone are Bro. Nino Logarta '04 and Bro. Rene Gene Santos '05 who both earned the title Mechanical Engineer. UP Diliman, as expected, registered a 100% passing rate which is way above the 60.47% national passing rate.

Recently, several brods have excelled in other board exams. Last May, Bro. Joey Ocon '04 placed 3rd overall in the Chemical Engineering board exam. Before him, Bro. Hercules Garcia '05 garnered 8th place also in the Chemical Engineering board exams in October 2008. In that same year, Bro. Juan Paolo Asuncion '05 secured the 3^rd spot in the Mining engineering board exams.

Bro. Domingo '59 (right) replaced Sec. Ebdane after he quit his post

Malacanang formally appointed Bro. Victor A. Domingo ‘59 as new DPWH Secretary on October 22, 2009 after Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. quit his post to prepare for his presidential bid in the upcoming election.

Prior to his appointment as DPWH secretary, Bro. Domingo served as presidential adviser for new government centers and Phlippine Charity Sweepstake Office Director. He was also a former Regional Director of the Department of Foreign Trade and Industry. An experienced real estate developer, Bro. Domingo earned his Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Bro. Domingo will prioritize, as the new DPWH secretary, the rehabilitation of the roads and bridges destroyed by Tropical cyclones “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” which have left around 800 people dead and extensive damages to crops and properties. Upholding transparency in the DPWH, which is notorious for overpriced projects, will also be one of his main concerns.