TAUGAMMAPHI ATTEMPTS TO SET WORLDRECORD ONITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

The Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, attempted to set a record for the largest human formation of a fraternity seal.

The frat attempted the feat with some 25,000 Triskelions from Metro Manila and nearby cities in October 4 at the Burnham Greens, Rizal Park in Manila.

The Triskelions recreated the frat’s seal, which features intertwined legs that represent three dynamic forces—Fortis, Voluntas, Fraternitas.

“We wanted a meaningful way to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said Atty. Louie Aseoche (UP Diliman, Auk B ’79), chairman of the U.P. Tau Gamma Phi Alumni. “This activity is a reflection of our thrust to keep the vision of our founding fathers alive, as well as a show of unity among the many members of the frat.”

The human formation of the fraternity seal is just one of the many celebrations that were held to mark Tau Gamma Phi’s 50th Anniversary. Many more celebrations were simultaneously held around the country, and parts of the world.

Aside from motorcades, thanksgiving Masses, outreach programs, the group also held various projects like tree planting, bloodletting, fun run, and the Manila Bay cleanup, leading up to the momentous anniversary.

The frat also held the 50th Homecoming Anniversary Ball of the UP Triskelions Alumni last October 6 at Okada Manila. During the event, special citations were given to four Outstanding Triskelions and the Patrons who supported the group’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

“The frat’s longevity and extensive membership are testament to the unflagging commitment and devotion of its members to the brotherhood, and the timeless allure of its Tenets and Code of Conduct,” said Atty. Jim Villanueva (UP Los Baños, Alpha ’95), president of the U.P. Tau Gamma Phi Alumni.

The Tau Gamma Phi has come a long way. What started as a “protest fraternity” in UP Diliman has evolved into one of the largest fraternities in the country.

Today, there are over 500,000 Tau Gamma Phi members worldwide. The establishment of the frat’s community-based chapters, and its underlying principle of inclusiveness, propelled the exponential growth in numbers of the group to more than half a million members, with over a thousand chapters the world over.

As the frat celebrates its Golden Year, members should look forward to a new era of Triskelion brotherhood, one that is more progressive in outlook and ready to adapt to new ways of doing things.

“Today, the Tau Gamma Phi stands as the biggest nationally established fraternity in the country. With strong presence in countless schools and colleges stretching across the archipelago, we have proven to all that not only are we united and strong, we are also, by all counts, resilient and determined to grow and survive,” said Rod Confesor (Founder ’68).

Another founding father, Talek Pablo (Founder ’ 68), honored the brothers that have already joined the Creator.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to those who had already left us—to the great memories that they left behind, which guides those who are still here to face the world with strength,” Pablo said in Filipino.

Roy Ordinario (Founder ’68), on the other hand, reiterated the need for the frat to project an image that is positive and constructive.

Ordinario said: “Work must be done to elevate our public image and focus on members’ benefits through improved and seamless connectivity, all inclusive in perspective, and forward-looking as we march into the future.”