ONE BIG PHI 2009: MAGNIFY

by Monchi Goce, PHI '09

Amidst threats of heavy rain falling, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity together with the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority held its yearly One Big Phi: MAGNIFY on November 23, 2009.  This event/concert, which aimed to showcase the new batches of brods and sisses to the UP Manila community, was held outside UP grounds for the first time with the venue being at the Bellagio Square at J. Bocobo street, Manila.

Entitled MAGNIFY, this year's One Big Phi provided a larger than life ambiance to the audience.  The whole area was designed with life-size silhouettes of musicians, large block letters announced the activity, and the centerpiece was a giant electric guitar.  The performers that night included island music maestro Armand Tj, UP-born quartet Chubibo, and all-girl group Duster.  The main band to perform that night was Cambio, a Filipino rock supergroup borne from the Eraserheads.  Not to be counted out, the Phi Band composed brods and sisses from various year levels, gave a very thrilling performance with renditions of various songs, including Beat It and Mr. Brightside.

The highlight of the night came from the dance performances of the resident brods and sisses, starting from the interns down to the junior brods and sisses.  Saved for the last performance of the night, the newest members of the Phi Kappa Mu and the Phi Lambda Delta, were given separate performances each.  Phi batch 2009 Ninetails danced to  a medley of Chris Brown-Bill Crawford-Git Fresh-Michael Jackson tunes, while the sisses, FortyPHIed, moved to the groove of Beyonce's Diva.

Attendance from the UP College of Medicine was amazing, with people from various batches watching the concert.  A drinking game was also held between representatives from UPCM batches 2012, 2013, and 2014, with the LU IV students coming out victorious.

This year's One Big Phi was successful in every sense—the brods and sisses had a great time, the guests enjoyed the bands and performances, with everyone truly feeling magnified that night.