An amazing thing happened to me during our recent Mid-Year Fellowship at Makati Sports Club last Friday, June 27. After it did, I told myself I had to write it down for posterity’s sake — in the hope that it might inspire younger Fellows in the years ahead.

Let me begin:

As is usual in multi-generation Fellowships with over 300 Brods in attendance, Senior Brods develop sore hands from all the handshakes and squeezes of fraternal recognition when Juniors introduce themselves.

Midway through the event, after dinner, a youngish-looking Brod approached me from behind and introduced himself. His name didn’t ring a bell, nor did his face look familiar.

He said, “Brod, may I talk to you?” I replied, “Of course, Brod — what can I do for you?” To hear him better, I stood up and leaned in.

He continued, “Brod, you may not remember me, but I want to thank you very much for something you did for me many years ago that changed my life.”

I was surprised and said, “You’re right, Brod — I don’t remember who you are, or what I did for you. What was it?”

He answered, “More than 23 years ago, at a frat fellowship just like tonight’s, we happened to sit at the same table. I was a fresh graduate from UP Los Baños, about to start my career.”

He went on, “That was the first time we met. When I found out you were then with Ayala Corporation, I asked for your advice.”

“I told you I had two job offers and was torn between them. One was with Meralco, the electric company — it offered a better starting salary, but the position was to be an assistant to a Secretary, which I presumed was the Corporate Secretary.”

“And the other?” I asked. He replied, “The second offer was from Manila Water for a management cadetship, but it had a lower starting salary.

“And you advised me to take the Manila Water offer because it would give me the chance to learn and move up the management ranks.”

“Brod, I followed your advice — and today, 23 years later, with all modesty aside, I’d like to give you my calling card.” He then handed me his card.

It read: “Melvin John M. Tan, President and CEO, Manila Water Pipeline Ventures.”

My reaction was immediate — and in typical fashion, I said, “Holy sh-t! You’re the Brod I’d heard about, running Manila Water now that Ayala Corporation has sold majority control to Mr. Ricky Razon! By God! Congratulations, Brod — glad to finally meet you!”

He responded, “I just wanted to say thank you for your advice, Brod. That decision was a game-changer for me. I found my calling at Manila Water, rising through the ranks just as you told me I could.”

I couldn’t contain the pride welling up in me as we talked about his career path — I thought I could feel the fat swelling the lining of my heart! (Nakaka-taba ng puso, di ba?)

And here was Brod Melvin, taking the time to thank me for that advice from 23 years ago. He even proudly told the story to Brods nearby, including Brod Pong Ejercito! (See photo.)

In closing, Brod Melvin said, “Brod, may I hug you to express my thanks for your advice? I’d also like your permission to share this story with incoming neophytes and junior Brods. So they know that, despite our age difference and not even knowing each other well then, you gave me life-changing advice for which my family and I will always be grateful.”

“Indeed,” I said, “please tell them all what an amazing fellowship we have — and an even more amazing network Upsilon is, far beyond our college days!”

“Brod Melvin, your gesture tonight means a lot to me, reminding me once more what it means to be a Upsilonian. Ako pa dapat ang magpasalamat sa iyo for not forgetting your start-up days! Pagbutihin mo ang trabaho mo and continue to make us Upsilonians proud!”

In looking back, I think Brod Melvin’s gesture shows why he has become Manila Water’s CEO. He had the good sense and instinct to remember to say thank you to those who gave him good guidance in his career, even after more than 20 years. It shows how properly trained and indoctrinated he was as a tried and true Upsilonian.