by Kenneth Mendoza PHI '10

Two hundred twelve kilometers north of the Pagkalma in the UP College of Medicine, the Phi Kappa Mu fraternity, together with the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, defied boundaries and distances as they visited Dagupan City during its Bangus Festival to relive and rekindle the flame of brotherhood seared in the hearts of each PHI.

Warmth and camaraderie were truly felt as Brods Zenaides Tactay Wi Φ1972 SE 1975-1976, Generoso Deloso Torres Φ1972, and Juan Antonio Maximiano Regalado EscanoΦ1992 accommodated the resident brods in Dagupeña Restaurant, a famous diner in Calasiao, Pangasinan, together with their wives Sis Jennifer Ann Reyes Mendoza-Wi Φ1972 SSE 1975-1976, and Mrs. Charito Torres. Tight and securing handshakes were endearing as the Dagupan brods greeted and welcomed the guest brods, who were amazed on the hospitality shown to them. Hilarious and comical stories were shared, notably by Brod Zen Wi who did not look like to have been hospitalized for the past week, during the sumptuous lunch, which brags the delicacies and specialties in Pangasinan, such as the Binagoongang Crispy Pata and Sizzling Bangus. The heat of the summer never bothered the reunion of the brods who had a picture on the same spot as last year, outside the restaurant.

After the four-hour trip, the brods and sisses rested for a while at the Amianan Boating World Resort at San Fabian, Pangasinan. The clean and stunning long shore beach caught the brods and sisses in an awe, as relaxation and peace were brought by the tall waves in the Lingayen Gulf. Brod Richmond Go Ocao Chang Φ2000 jumpstarted the afternoon as he belted out his passion to music during the videoke sessions, as some excitedly sprinted to the beach to have fun under the sun.

The night was even more elated when Brod Maxie treated the PHI to a lavish dinner at Jech’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, and as the night continuously unfolded in the resort. Laughter and stories of PHI pacified the crashing waves in the beach, as the PHI filled the night with joy, ecstasy and music. Boredom and dullnesss did not have any place in the 2nd floor of the resort, where the PHI dominated and conquered the sound waves in the central beach of San Fabian.

The following morning, the lovely panorama of the Lingayen Gulf during sunrise woke up the PHI as they prepared leaving the beach and embarking to join lunch in Am-Am’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, with Brod Zen Wi and his son. Brightly and cheerfully, he shared stories and jokes that made the PHI exhilarate in bliss. Before leaving Dagupan, a PHI could feel the long and lasting brotherhood that the fraternity have and would always have.

Truly, the Dagupan Trip was one of the many activities of PHI which brotherhood and comradeship could be felt at most. Three Cheers to the Venerable Preceptor Jose Antonio Tan PaulinoΦ09 for organizing a well-planned trip. Until next year Brods!