The 1st KM Tri-E - North America Reunion
By Jesus Mario J. Verallo
July 19,2008
It was not even close to be as epical as the 1969 Woodstock Festival, but being the first gathering after decades in their adapted country and in only six months from Day 1 the idea was hatched by Brod Mars Pastor, the Kappa MU Tri-Epsilon Fraternity North America Reunion came out pretty well organized, much, much more than hoped it would be and importantly, a very memorable event.
The University of San Carlos‘ fraternity accepted at least third year students from the colleges of mechanical and electrical engineering, hence the Greek acronym, KM Tri-E. The reunion was mainly centered on the premise that after 54 years since the founding of the fraternity, most of the brods are, as what Brod Mars termed, in the September-October years of their lives, and for a fact, 42 members are already in the “Gone Ahead” list.
Through the Southern California resident brods’ joint effort and cooperation, the Organizing Committee headed by Brod Carlito Dobluis worked out the blueprints of the event preparation, backed by Brods Tony Estoque, Raul Jimenez, Ven Darcera, Winston Misa, Mar Avila, Art Yuliongsiu, Ric Paracuelles, Roy Gacasan, Panky Perez, Joe Acol, Fred Diaz, Boy Mercado, & Mario Verallo in 4 separate meetings. The wives, respectively, Paulette, Sally, Carmen, Ledy, Pat, Violeta, Inday, Joy, Dolly, Rita, Erma, Perla, Susan, & Stella, as well, pitched in the meal aspect during the meetings.
The June 20, 2008 Friday Welcome Night, the June 21 Saturday morning General meeting, and the evening Gala Night were held at the Holiday Inn (Penthouse Social Hall) - Buena Park, California, & the June 22 Picnic at Cerritos Park East, Cerritos California. Fr. Mar Alingasa, SVD, of the University of San Carlos, came in from the Philippines, specifically to be with the fraternity celebration and joined everyone and the out-of-town brods, Intoy & Ellen Palacio of Cebu City; Mars Pastor, Leo & Baby Bontuyan of Maryland; Cesar & Cleo Paez of Florida; Arturo Sr. & Lydia Rusiana, Richel & Emily Trocio of Illinois; Eli Monares, Ric & Nerissa Gacasan of New Jersey; Art Sanchez, Neting & Lorie Codina of Texas; Frank & Lucy Cabugwason of Nevada; Julius & Jeanette Corazo, Vic & Dolly Orcullo of Canada; Leo & Bella Yau of Oregon; Northern California’s Rudy & Zenny Segura, George & Carol Aldeguer, Noling & Laura Labaria, Joey & Nattie Garces, Tino & Fely Cadigal, & Ed Muyco; from Chula Vista, Ca, Art & Lee Gairanod & Rancho Cordova, Ca, Tarcisio & Lydia de la Victoria.
The Brods (Welcome Night)
…. And their Ladies
A set of North America KM Tri-E officers were elected during the General Meeting, with Winston Misa as Most Exalted Brother, Mars Pastor as Exalted Brother – East Coast, Boy Mercado as Exalted Brother – West Coast, Intoy Palacio as Exalted Brother – Philippines, Brother Exchequer Ric Paracuelles, Auditor Raul Jimenez, & Brother Keeper of Records Mario Verallo.
The Gala Night was highlighted with Fr. Mar Alingasa’s invocation, pinning ceremony (this time, done by the wives), induction of officers, distribution of outstanding achievement awards (to Mars Pastor, Intoy Palacio, & Leo Yau), followed by dinner, dancing, and dancing, and dancing.
The Gala Night
Sunday Picnic
One of the items agreed during the General Meeting was to have another reunion in 2010 in Cebu City. For this reason, the Fraternity is urging its members to “advertise” to those who may not know of the next planned reunion. There is an important objective to regain the KM Tri-E recognition as it used to be, thru scholastic projects in USC and the task could be made a lot effective if more brods will be aware and have everyone’s cooperation.
For specifics, please email inquiries to:
Winston Misa wemisa@gmail.com
Intoy Palacio florentinopalacio@yahoo.com
Mars Pastor marspastor@yahoo.com
Boy Mercado boymercado2003@yahoo.com
The 1st North America KM Tri-E Reunion, truly a litmus test, conclusively proved that the gears are still in motion & high voltage still exist in those 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s engineers.
The KM Tri-E Fraternity expresses its fullest gratitude to the bisayabulletin.com’s prime movers, Stella, May, & Teresa,
for the opportunity of using the popularly visited website to carry out its objectives.
