A group of high-spirited young students based at the University of Visayas thought of establishing a Greek organization to embody the fundamentals of brotherhood and sisterhood. They started to bond as smaller groups of individuals and build a structure that is now called “The Founder, Co-Founder, and Pioneers.” The iconic Fort San Pedro and Plaza Independencia in Cebu are the eyewitnesses where the pact of the brotherhood was founded, and so be it as “ALPHA SIGMA CHI OMEGA,” and the Grand Founder is Allan Babylonia.
It follows a massive recruitment from different college levels at the University of Visayas that the benches installed in that part of the school could no longer accommodate. It was then called the Hellos or Sun God Chapter. The Sun God Chapter is the home of the founder, co-founders, pioneers, and new members who were students at the University of Visayas. Other members were from various departments and courses, from first-year college to fourth year were also from different universities.
The Cebu-based Greek organization dramatically spawns chapters after chapters on every main university campus in Cebu, such as USJR (Venus Chapter), UC (formerly CCC) (Mercury Chapter), and SWU (Neptune Chapter). Then SWU High School, Abellana High School, CIT, USC, and Cebu Doctors University reach nearby provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao and Luzon regions.
As we celebrate the 66th anniversary, the Office of the Executive Council, in cooperation with the recognized chapters, organized the celebration of the foundation of the organization. ALPHA SIGMA CHI OMEGA is recently registered in the SEC to formally align with national law requirements as a non-stock corporation. The incorporators are the members of the Executive Council.
This organization is committed to full compliance with Republic Act No. 11053 otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 of the Republic of the Philippines or its equivalent existing Acts and or Laws in all countries where this organization exists.
To move forward, the triumphant 66th anniversary will not materialize without the support of everyone. The outpouring support of our true-blooded ASCONIANS from various chapters, members from local and abroad made another milestone of the beloved ASCO.
The Executive Council’s thrust is to bring back the ASCO stronghold again. All senior members, alumni, and newborn ASCONIANS must heed the call.
Warner Navaja, President of the Executive Council, said in his opening speech during the 66th anniversary, “We’ve faced challenges, celebrated triumphs, and grown together, forging bonds that will last a lifetime.” The brotherhood and sisterhood and the family we built are everlasting, no matter what odds we are facing.
Pastor Villanueva, Vice President of the Executive Council, said as he delivered his closing remarks, “Remember, the true strength of our brotherhood lies not only in the events we share but also in the support we offer each other every day. Let us continue to build upon the foundation we’ve laid tonight, supporting each other through thick and thin and always upholding the values that define our fraternity. I encourage you to carry the spirit of this event with you as you go forward. Let us continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, both individually and as a brotherhood.”
The 66th anniversary has five major programs to celebrate, as follows: MASS, FELLOWHIP, DINNER, AWARDING, and ASCONIANS NIGHT.
The ASCONIANS MASS was held at the Guadalupe Parish Church, then later proceeded to Coco Sugba to start the program and reception. The program was started with an invocation by Bro. Michael Nortiza, followed by the National Anthem by Bro. Rey Taborada. The hosts were sisters Angelica Nortiza and Irene Mapalo
The night was filled with emotions: a feeling of belongingness and a feeling of longing for a brother and sister, and the moment became dramatic with the teary-eyed speech of our visitor, the first Grand Archon Edwin Santillan, who has been looking forward to seeing his brothers and sisters for 30 years. He has no communication with our beloved organization. And his dream came true when he heard about the celebration and, without hesitation, flew to Cebu from Papua New Guinea to attend it. A sample of a true-blooded Asconian. “Para ba akong isang Ama, o Grand Father na naghahanap ng kanyang mga anak or apo,” he said. As he continued to express his journey as a working student, he became a solid Asconian, Neptune President, and the first Grand Archon. His dramatic journey in ASCO touches all the members present and indeed inspires our brothers and sisters.
The fellowship will not be completed without the resource speaker, as he was introduced as one of the pioneer members of the FAUNUS Chapter at SWU High School and is not only a seasoned professional engineer but also a dedicated lawyer. Beyond his achievements, he is a passionate volunteer with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ (IBP) Prison Decongestion Program. He offers free public legal services through his social media presence, “Serbisyong Legal (Libre Konsulta),” providing accessible legal advice to those in need. His multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to service embody the spirit of Alpha Sigma Chi Omega, the one and only our esteemed lawyer, Bro. Atty. Manu L. Boiser.
His speech tackles corporate roles and responsibilities as SEC-registered. He defines and cites many examples that enlightened the members present. The analogy of mother and birth child was enough to understand what corporations all are about. He will soon conduct a series of talks in our organization on another interesting topic to be delivered. His aura magnified the presence of the 66th anniversary; his presence boosts the spirit of every Asconians; and we salute his achievements.
The commemoration was filled with high-spirited Asconians, full of hope, and many others looking forward to the love of ASCO. The new leadership will bring more productive projects to fulfill the mission of love and unity among Asconians.
The ASCONIAN anniversary toast was a reminder that the celebration is just like a wine that has been refined for how many days, months, or years to make it an aged, perfect wine. “Wine is a symbol of our blood that runs through our veins,” as Bro. Jun Muga led the ceremonial Asconian toast. As we get more mature, we become more adamant and solid Asconians. We are praying for more Asconians to come and join us and support us, after all the activities that have been administered by the new leadership are for the benefit of all Asconians in general. Rest assured that the journeys of our brethren in pursuit of better service in the community are always victorious.
The award ceremony is another major part of the program for the 66th anniversary. There were many categories of awards to celebrate for every Asconians who bring pride through their services in private and public institutions and the community.
The award categories are as follows:
ASCONIAN THUNDERBOLT AWARD (Leadership)
ASCONIAN APPLE AWARD (Educator)
ASCONIAN MAN IN UNIFORM AWARD (Military Service)
ASCONIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD (SME)
ASCONIAN CADUCEUS AWARD (Medical Service)
ASCONIAN SCALE OF JUSTICE AWARD (Legal Service)
ASCONIAN ARTIST AWARD (Artists)
Now here we come to the finale. The ASCONIANS Night was filled with fun and surprising events. It was unexpected, yet joyful, that most of the attendees were talented at dancing and singing. Bro. GK Gonzales of Selah Dub Warriors was present and rendered “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley, and that ignited the Asconians night—a night to remember. Followed by Bro. Ralint Oyon-Oyon is the president of the Juno Chapter of Ormoc City. He was a former band leader based in Ormoc who also won 5th runner-up in a band competition in Leyte. There go the Executive Council officers, Prexy Warner Navaja, VP Pastor Villanueva, Prexy Rey Taborada, and Prexy Michael Nortiza, and other members present who rendered their own favorite songs that night. The celebration became so exclusive that most of our brothers performed on stage at Coco Sugba until it closed. The best singing performance was won by Bro. Ralint Oyon-Oyon, and the Dancing King and Queen were Bro. Pastor Villanueva and Sis. Irene Mapalo, prizes were sponsored by our very own first Grand Archon, Edwin Santillan, all the way from Papua New Guinea. The performances of our dear brethren made the finale program vibrant and jubilant.
It was indeed August 3, 2024, a joyful and unforgettable celebration of the 66th anniversary. It was another memorable event to cherish, but hold on, it was just the beginning, as we are looking forward to a higher level and challenging mission in the name of service, leadership, and the love of ASCO.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on our next year’s anniversary and hoping for more Asconians to come to the celebration.
ASCO FOREVER!
LONG LIVE ASCONIANS!
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