To our honored guests:
Mr. Jay Victor Mabilog, representative of our City Mayor, Jed Patrick Mabilog
Congressman Jerry Trenas of the lone district of Iloilo
Hon. Brod Jesulito "Jess" Manalo, Representative of ANGKLA PartyList
Brod. Rex Demafelis
Brod. JP Quimpo
Brod. Ruel Velasco
Our Beloved Brothers and Sisters who came from near and far just to be with us today…
I am very happy to have been given the chance to welcome you all to the culmination of our 42nd Anniversary.
It’s been twenty one years since I took my oath as a full-fledged Sigma Rho member. I was just an ordinary student then, who did not even aspire to be in the dean’s list. But it was my brother-in-law, Atty. Cornelio V. Salinas whom I deeply admired who stirred in me a great desire to be a part of this fraternity. For me, Nong Nel or Brod. Kune to many of you, epitomized the noble virtues of a Sigma Rhoan brother: hard-working, humble, loyal, just and dignified. So even without being prodded, I sought the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation chapter of the Sigma Rho – yes, that was the Neptune Chapter.
When I took my vow, I was asked what my philosophy was. I replied: “Keep in mind, a faithful friend is hard to find.” Ultimately, it also became my guiding principle for the past twenty-one years as a Sigma Rho member.
Having braved many storms in my life and career, I have proven over and over again that my Sigma Rho brothers and sisters are the only true friends I could find. It was also the inspiration I got from them that prompted me to reach the height of my career – from being an ordinary midshipman of John B. Lacson – Baybay to being----- a world class ---Master Mariner and now faculty of our beloved institution: John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo.
And like Nong Nel, wherever life finds me, even after being challenged sometimes by my European subordinates onboard, or by some corrupt port authorities in foreign countries, I always hold on to the Sigma Rhoan virtues of justness, honor, and dignity. So I could always come home with my INTEGRITY being intact.
Brothers and sisters, I am overwhelmed with pride, honor and gratitude to see all of you right now. To know that many would have still wanted to come and join us still only if circumstances permitted. To them, especially to those who are onboard, we also dedicate this affair.
Welcome everyone! And happy 42nd to us all!
For the Sigma Rho. Fight!
For the Lambda Sigma Rho. Fight!
For the Neptune Chapter. Fight!
Good evening...
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