“He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.”

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

RENATO SUAREZ "ABONG" TAYAG, JR. '67 - businessman and environmentalist; brod Abong was born in Angeles City, Pampanga on May 29, 1949, and passed away in Manila on February 18, 2025. He studied business administration in U.P. Diliman and started several business ventures before devoting his life to environmental causes upon his retirement. He also served as a provincial board member in his home province of Pampanga. In 2008, he started planting bamboo saplings in the Angeles City watershed which later on, helped ensure sustainable water supply and combat environmental degradation. He also founded the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advisory Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI) and led various initiatives to promote renewable energy and reforestation.

Brod Abong’s advocacy extended to economic empowerment through his butchers’ training program, which has enabled hundreds of Filipino workers to secure opportunities abroad.

In February 2025, he was honored with the Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) award, the Upsilon Sigma Phi's highest award, for his environmental advocacy and dedication to community development. Brod Abong is the son of the late Renato "Katoks" Tayag, Sr. '36, former director of the Philippine National Bank. He is survived by his wife, Corito Rose, children and grandchildren, and his three Upsilonian brothers, Lito '63, Mario '63 and Gerry '70.

ANIANO G. "NANING" BAGABALDO '52 - lawyer, banker and businessman; brod Naning was born on November 17, 1933 in Cuyo, Palawan and passed away on February 16, 2025. He graduated from U.P. High School in 1950 and obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1957. A prominent figure in the business and legal sectors, brod Naning served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Philippine Exporters Confederation of the Philippines (PHILEXPORT) and also sat in the council of leaders of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). His work with both organizations and advocacy of the interests of exporters and businesses in the Philippines contributed to the development and promotion of the country's export industry. Brod Naning began his career as an associate attorney at the San Juan, Africa and Benedicto Law Office. He later served as vice president and corporate secretary of the Philippine Commercial International Bank (PCIB). He is survived by his wife Lilia, children Roberto and Myrna B. Casas, son-in-law Ramon E. Casas, and grandchildren Celina, Paolo and Sophia Casas.

EDUARDO BARRIOS "ED" MAURICIO '66 - sales and marketing executive; brod Ed was born in Manila on November 2, 1947, and passed away on February 14, 2025. He graduated from U.P. high school in 1964 and finished his bachelor's in business administration in U.P. Diliman in 1968. Brod Ed worked for Acquire, a stressed assets management company before finishing his career as vice president for sales and marketing for Getz Brothers Philippines, Incorporated - a leading distributor of medical equipment and health care products. Upon retirement, he taught business strategy at De La Salle University, Mapua Institute of Technology and the University of Asia and the Pacific. Brod Ed loved sports, especially basketball, and music. He is survived by his wife Lourdes and two children, Khristian and Iris.

DANILO CARLOS "DANNY" MANGUNAY '65 - doctor and pain medicine physiatrist; brod Danny was born on December 12, 1946, in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines and passed away on January 15, 2025, in Green Brook, New Jersey, USA. Known to many of his contemporaries as Mang Dan, brod Danny obtained his undergraduate degree from U.P. Diliman and finished his medical studies at the University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM) in 1973. He completed his training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mt. Sinai in New York City and went on to work as an Emergency Medicine physician at Christ Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in Jersey City before opening his private PM&R practice. He is survived by his wife Dr. Nora Mangunay, son Jeremy, daughter Dr. Kathleen Mangunay-Pergament, and three grandchildren.

GEORGE GALIT "GEORGE" DELA CRUZ '66 - business executive; brod George passed away in New Zealand on December 24, 2024 at the age of 78. He obtained his bachelor's degree in foreign service from U.P. Diliman and was the Assistant Vice President for materials management for Vulcan Industrial & Mining Corporation before relocating to New Zealand with his family. Brod George worked for the Palmerton North City Council (PNCC) traffic control in New Zealand.

JOEL NAGUIAT "JOEL" MORAL '67 - retired medical practitioner; brod Joel was born in Quezon City on November 7, 1948, and passed away in Huntington Beach, California on December 19, 2024 after a lingering illness. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in U.P. and finished his degree in Optometry at the Manila Central University in 1983. Brod Joel migrated to the United States and settled in Southern California where he worked as the principal ultrasonographer at the Jules Stein Eye Institute of the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles until his retirement. He was very active in the USP Southern California Chapter (now known as the Southwest Chapter) and served as its president from 2008 to 2010. He is survived by his three children, Joelle Margaret, John Michael and John Alec, and brothers Raul and Alex.

LEONARDO G. "LEN" SAMONTE '52 - retired banking executive; brod Len was born in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on November 2, 1933 and passed away in San Francisco, California on December 20, 2024. He finished his bachelor's in business administration with honors in U.P. Diliman and obtained his master's in business administration from Fordham University in New York City. Brod Len worked for the lending division of Bank of America for many years and was assigned to several international posts before finishing his career with Sumitomo Bank in San Francisco. A known gourmet and host, he entertained many visiting Upsilonians with his exquisite culinary skills and was a member of the famous "Gurami Club" (gourmet club) of senior Upsilonians who met regularly in the Bay Area for fellowship, good food and wine. Among the members of this exclusive club are Doni Altura '54 (+), Toti Fabella '56 (+), Manny Molina '59 (+), Mac del Fierro ‘60, Noni Mendoza '63 and Timmy Gil '64 (+). Apo Len, as he was fondly called, is survived by his niece, Daphne.

DANILO ALCANTARA "DAN" SANDIKO '71 - IT professional; brod Dan was born on June 14, 1953, and passed away on December 7, 2024 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA. He studied electrical engineering in U.P. Diliman and was an IT manager in the Philippines before migrating to the United States. Brod Dan studied Oracle programming and worked for a company in Illinois that provided software for emissions testing. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan, and his siblings: Rolly (Stella), Dindo, Sandra, Ronnie (Julie), Rodel (Joy), Sarina (Austin), Sonia and numerous nephews and nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dinsaldo and Lydia and his sister, Susan.

MARIANO PABLO SONIDO "MAR" TOLENTINO '80 - lawyer and government executive; brod Mar was born in Manila on July 25, 1961, and passed away on December 1, 2024. He finished his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1984 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1988, both in U.P. Diliman. Brod Mar worked as the Assistant Vice President of the Asset Management Department of the Philippine Social Security System (SSS). He is the father of Mar Tolentino IV 2013 and grandson of Upsilon Sigma Phi founder, Pablo Azcueta Sonido Sr.

MACARIO ANTONIO MUPAS "TOYNEE" BALANSAG '84 - brod Toynee was born in Butuan City on November 19, 1968, and passed away on November 7, 2024. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from U.P Los Baños and moved back to Butuan City where he has resided all these years until his passing.

MANUEL GALICIA "NOEL" DAVID '65 - government official; brod Noel was born in Santiago, Isabela on July 31, 1946, and passed away on October 15, 2024. He was a government executive and worked for the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. Brod Noel obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from U.P. Los Baños and was the illustrious fellow of the Upsilon Sigma Phi in 1968. He is survived by his wife, Myrna David.

VICENTE AURELIO EVANGELISTA "VIC" JOSUE JR. '53 - retired government official; brod Vic was born in Manila on October 15, 1931, and passed away on October 13, 2024. He was a long-time officer of the Bureau of Customs in Manila and served as deputy collector. Brod Vic finished his Bachelor of Science majoring in customs administration in U.P. Diliman.

VIRGELIO T. "HELI" NIBUNGCO '68 - lawyer, accountant and business executive; brod Heli was born on May 5, 1944, and passed away on October 3, 2024. He was a magna cum laude graduate of the University of the East with a degree in business administration majoring in accounting. Already a certified public accountant, he decided to take up law in U.P. Diliman and was a second-year law student when he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi. He was admitted to the Philippine bar in 1972. Brod Heli was in private practice before joining a law firm in partnership with brods Gari Tiongco '62 and Jerome Paras '64. Later on, he became managing partner of another law firm that was established by brods Gari Tiongco '62 and Tristan Catindig '63. Before his passing, brod Heli was chief executive officer of Vanguard Logistics Services Philippines, a freight forwarding company, and of-counsel to the law firm of Tiongco, Siao, Bello and Associates. Brod Heli is survived by his wife Imelda, children Gel & Marlon, Pancho & Isay, and Senio.

JAIME JOSUE "JIMMY" MANZANO JR. '66 - retired Spanish government employee; brod Jimmy was born in San Fernando, La Union on October 28, 1937 and passed away in Madrid, Spain on September 30, 2024. Known to his contemporaries under the monicker "Jimmy Ho" and as "Don Jaime" to those who have visited him in his adopted country, Spain, brod Jimmy was a seminarian for ten years before leaving for U.P Diliman and joining the Upsilon Sigma Phi. He finished his Bachelor of Arts with concentration in European languages and worked for the National Library under brod Serafin Quiason '50 before moving to Spain on a scholarship. Fluent in Spanish, he was president of the Filipino Students Association and worked briefly with the Philippine embassy before becoming an English teacher. Through one of his students who was connected with the Agencia Tributaria, Spain's tax authority, he was able to gain employment with the Spanish civil service in 1984 and retired in 2008.

Brod Jimmy was a much sought after tourist guide to all Upsilonians visiting Spain. Until his illness, he was able to attend fraternity reunions in the Philippines, the United States and Europe, the last one being the "Matinique sa Belgique" USP Euro reunion in 2023. Brod Jimmy is survived by his wife Leonor "Onet" Manzano.

(credits to brods Tony Cailao '66, Manny Topacio '66, Jess Yabes '66 and Mrs. Onet Manzano)

GERARDO ROBERTO MARIO DANCEL "BOBBY" SISON '68 - management consultant; brod Bobby was born on December 4, 1948 and passed away in Quezon City on September 30, 2024. He hailed from Bicol province and is one of thirteen children of the late Domingo "Doming" Sison '41. He finished his degree in Economics at Ateneo de Naga University and went on to U.P. Diliman and studied Fine Arts, majoring in advertising. He also holds a master's in business administration from the De La Salle University. Brod Bobby is a recognized expert in ISO standardization and consulted with the Center for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also worked for the Cavite Economic Zone Authority. He is survived by his wife Carlota "Tata" Herrera, children Kitchie, Kristoffer and Nina, stepdaughter Marnie, and grandchildren Zaq, Andi and Kara. Brod Bobby is the brother-in-law of Amb. King Sorreta '88, former ambassador to the Russian Federation, who is married to Bobby's sister, Maria Consuelo "Teelo" Sison Sorreta.

TITUS ALEJANDRO SIMPAUCO "TITUS" ARCE '86 - marketing and advertising executive; brod Titus was born on November 14, 1969 and passed away on August 12, 2024. He studied communication arts and majored in creative writing at U.P. Los Baños. Brod Titus was managing director of advertising firm NC & Associates. He also worked for Dentsu Inc., a global advertising and public relations company, for fourteen years. Starting as a group account director for Dentsu Philippines in 2003, he rose through the ranks and became general manager in 2014 and managing director in 2016. Titus is survived by his brother PJ Arce '88 and sister Racquel, a Sigma Deltan.

RICHARD O'SANTOS "DICK" BARRERAS '73 - theologist and religious educator; brod Dick was born on July 11, 1955, and passed away on August 1, 2024. He studied economics at U.P. Diliman and finished his master's in religious studies at the Don Bosco Center of Studies; known to many of his friends as Brother Dick, he contributed to various theological discussions and publications, focusing on the interpretation of Christian scripture and sacramental theology. Brod Dick hosted religious educational sessions in "Ang Kwento ng Bibliya" on social media particularly in the Facebook page of the Presentation of the Child Jesus Parish. He is survived by his wife, Regina Evidente Barreras.

NORBERTO MANUEL RULLAN "MANNY" CALUZA '76 - brod Manny was born in Baguio City on June 6, 1959 and passed away in Quezon City on July 21, 2024; he finished his bachelor's in agricultural engineering in U.P. Los Baños in 1980 and completed his master's in computer science in 1982 and master's in professional science in 1982, also at U.P. Los Baños.

OTHELLO CACERES "OTEL" CLEMENT '57 - retired government official, brod Othello passed away in Iloilo City on July 8, 2024. Born in Estancia, Iloilo on August 11, 1936, he studied agriculture in U.P. Los Baños and finished his bachelor's majoring in animal husbandry in 1959. He worked for the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for twenty-eight years until his retirement in 2000. Brod Othello served with distinction as Director IV Regional Officer at the DAR where he championed agrarian reform initiatives, particularly in fisheries, and prioritized the welfare of farmers in his assigned region.

ROGELIO G. "ROGER" ALMIRA '60 - retired banker; brod Roger passed away in June of 2024 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. He finished his bachelor's in agriculture in U.P. Los Baños and worked for the Development Bank of the Philippines until his retirement.

PATROCINIO CALARA "PAT" PANTUA JR. '63 - retired entomologist and businessman, brod Pat passed away in Los Baños, Laguna on June 13, 2024. He was born on November 7, 1936 in Los Baños and joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi while a graduate student in Entomology. He worked for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) until his retirement and ventured into the aquaculture business raising tilapia in his fish farm. An accomplished scientist and researcher, Pat authored and co-authored many research studies which were published by the IRRI.

FERMIN MORALEJA "JUN" CARAIG JR. '77 - gentleman farmer and agriculturist, brod Jun passed away in Lobo, Batangas on June 6, 2024, at the age of 64. Born in San Juan, Batangas on November 5, 1959, Jun finished his bachelor's in Agribusiness in U.P. Los Baños in 1982 and worked as an account executive for Zuellig Pharmaceuticals. He received accolades as top salesman and salesman of the year consistently while at Zuellig. After his retirement from Zuellig, Jun devoted his time managing his farm in Lobo, Batangas.

Jun was a founding member of the U.P. Caballeros, a group of Batangas students of UPLB.

RICHARD JOSEPH HERNANDEZ "RICHARD" BULANHAGUI 2003 - real estate manager; brod Richard was born in Balanga, Bataan on April 7, 1985, and passed away on June 4, 2024. He finished his bachelor's in journalism from U.P. Los Baños and obtained his master's in development communication from the U.P. Open University in 2018. He was a college instructor at the Batangas State University from 2010 to 2012 and worked briefly for the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB). He was working as a unit manager for the Paseo Padre Real Estate, Inc. until his passing.

AMADOR DE CASTRO "ADING" MACATANGAY JR. '61 - businessman and entrepreneur, passed away on May 17, 2024 at the age of 80; Brod Ading was born in Ibaan, Batangas on November 22, 1943. He studied Business Administration in U.P. Los Baños and relocated to Davao City in the mid-80's, where he established a successful fertilizer distribution business. Mr. Macatangay was one of the stalwarts of the Davao Chapter and its precursor, the original Zambasul Chapter, where he served as board member. Mr. Macatangay is survived by his two Upsilonian sons, Amador Jr. (Madz) '96 and Augusto (Leo) '97.

RAMON ACEBEDO "MON" PEDROSA '49 - retired business executive, lawyer, author and civic leader passed away on May 3, 2024 at the age of 94. Mr. Pedrosa studied law at the University of the Philippines and obtained his doctorate in civil law from the University of Salamanca, Spain. He was the former Chairman and CEO of Oriental Petroleum & Mining.

A researcher and scholar, Mr. Pedrosa authored several books and publications namely, A Legal Basis for the Historical Crime Against Culture; The History of the Philippines before History - Conversations on Pre-Magellanic Philippines with the Last Sultan of Sulu; Active Nonviolence in the Philippines; TEPEYAC, Our Lady of Guadalupe Revisited – full (2006), abridged (2015), and Spanish editions; The Four Gospels are One; GOLGOTHA – Notes on Agony and Death by Crucifixion (2014); The Assassination of Benigno Aquino; Notes on the Ancient LupaSug and the Philippine Constitution Rewritten; Some Faith: I. The Prayers of my Life, II. Insights into my Faith, III. Backgrounders; Grammar for Revolution of the Filipino Race.

Mon Pedrosa '49 seen here at a protest march, assisting former Senator Lorenzo Tañada, also in the picture is former President Corazon Aquino.

As a civic leader and political activist, Mr. Pedrosa was very active in the protest movement against former president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., he helped found the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) and served as its president. He was a key member of the opposition that helped oust the Marcos regime.

Mr. Pedrosa is a second-generation Upsilonian, the son of former Secretary of Finance, Pio Pedrosa '29, and brother to three Upsilonians, Alberto (Bert) '51, Fernando (Nanding) '55 and Carlos (Lito) '62 who all preceded him in death.

ARISTEDES RAFAEL "TED" GONZAGA '58 of Spring, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 26 at the age of 84 after a brave journey fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Ted was born in the spring of 1940, to Jesus and Eugenia Gonzaga of Manila, Philippines.

Ted grew up in Manila and was the youngest of eight children. In school, Ted was passionate about music, literature, and poetry. He was on the staff of the school newspaper at Torres High School and continued his literary pursuits in college. Ted studied Economics at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He penned the Upsilon Sigma Phi's Concept of Brotherhood.

Ted started his first job at Philippine Airlines in the Human Resources department and worked there for 10 years. In 1972, Ted accepted a job opportunity with the United Nations as a field officer and moved to New York City. Shortly after moving to the United States, Ted met Rose in New York. They were married in Los Angeles and went on to have two children, Nikki and Kara. Ultimately, Ted and Rose settled in Houston, Texas, where he became an active volunteer in his children’s dance and musical activities. Ted was always seen behind a video camcorder capturing memories at football games and music competitions. Ted and Rose remained in Houston after their children were grown and moved across the country.

In 2004, Ted retired and spent time traveling with Rose and connecting with friends and family. He served on a planning committee hosting events that united his college fraternity brothers near and far. Ted was also active in his faith and attended many church activities with Rose. He was genuinely loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed being a “Lolo” to his three grandchildren and late grand pup, Tuck. He taught “Filipino style” mahjong to his three grandchildren and played countless rounds of chess with his grandson. He shared his favorite pastime, napping, with Tuck.

Ted is survived by his beloved spouse Rose; his sister Fil; his children Nikki (Hector) Gomez, and Kara (Leland) Brown; and three grandchildren. Additionally, Ted will be missed by The Knabe and Blair Families, nieces and nephews, his lifelong friends, fraternity brothers, friends from the Cy-Fair area, and community members from Ivy Point Retirement Community.

(source: Klein Funeral Home obituary)

RHOEL REYES "RHOEL" DILAG '90 - IT professional; Rhoel studied BS Biology in UP Los Baños and worked in Singapore as a data processing manager and analyst for Elements of Research Pte. Ltd.. Rhoel passed away on April 4, 2024, and is survived by his wife Jenny and son Apa. Rhoel is the son of Crispin Dilag '65 and nephew of the late Rizalino Dilag Jr. '54.

ROGELIO SAN AGUSTIN "ROGER" RIONDA '58 - retired chemical engineer; Roger passed away in Kissimmee, Florida on March 25, 2024. Roger was born in Gagalañgin, Tondo, Manila on July 16, 1938. He worked for the Department of Trade - Bureau of Foreign Trade and migrated to the United States in the early 1980's. He resided in Los Angeles, California before relocating to Fairfax, Virginia in 1986. Roger worked for the Fairfax County Water Authority until his retirement in 2003 and moved to Florida in 2005. Roger was an avid golfer and founding member of the Upsilonians na Pumapalo. He was also a writer who excelled in the Filipino vernacular - Tagalog. His translation of Rudyard Kipling's "IF" which he entitled "KUNG" is considered by many Upsilonians to be the finest Tagalog version of the classic poem. Roger is survived by Zynia Rionda, his wife of 59 years, sons Ricky '83 of Aldie, Virginia and Jamie of Orlando, Florida, daughter Rachel of Herndon, Virginia, daughters in law Marilyn (nee Reyes) and Patty (nee Palanca), and grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew and Mikaela.

AGERICO BALUYUT "GERRY" CARREON '77 - businessman and entrepreneur; Gerry passed away in Pampanga, Philippines on March 21, 2024. He finished his MSC in Management in U.P. Los Baños and established his home and businesses in Concepcion, Tarlac before moving to Mabalacat, Pampanga. He was a ham radio enthusiast and member of the Central Luzon Amateur Radio Club (CLARC).

GABRIEL R. "GABBY" ARTILLAGA '68 - businessman and entrepreneur; Mr. Artillaga was a real estate investor and developer who built housing communities in Cavite, Philippines. He obtained his degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines in Diliman in 1970.

FRANCISCO ISIDORO "DV" DEL VALLE '79 - doctor and distinguished physiatrist. DV was a long-time resident of New Jersey and was affiliated with several hospitals in the area, including Bayshore Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health and JFK University Medical Center. He headed Healthcare Pain and Rehabilitation in Holmdel, New Jersey. DV received his medical degree from the U.P. College of Medicine in Manila.

LEONCIO DIVINAGRACIA "LEE" MIRALAO, JR. '65 - researcher, author and facilities management pioneer; brod Lee made significant contributions in the field of facilities management and served as the university physical plant administrator of the Ateneo de Manila University for more than twenty years. His dedication and long service was recognized by the Ateneo during its 31st University Awards in December of 2020. Lee is survived by his wife Jean Miralao SDP '63 and sons, USPAA President Yari '88 and Sasa '98, a veterinarian.

AUGUSTO ALMEDA "JAKE" LOPEZ '48 - lawyer and media executive, passed away at the age of 91, former vice-chairman of ABS-CBN; he was detained twice during the martial law era and helped former senator Sergo Osmeña and ABS-CBN chief Eugenio "Geny" Lopez Jr. (no relation) escape from detention in Fort Bonifacio. He is recognized as a freedom fighter for his resolute defense of press freedom in the Philippines.

JUAN C. "JOJI" COLLAS, JR. '75 - film producer who founded Third Peak Films in Sherman Oaks, California; Joji was the executive producer of the movie Living in Peril (1997) starring Jim Belushi and Rob Lowe, he also produced Out of the Cold (1999), Renegade Force (1998) and Angel Town (1990). Joji also served as controller for many movie productions including the popular action movie series of Jean-Claude Van Damme and is recognized as one of the true pioneering Filipino American success stories in Hollywood.

GEORGE FERNAN OLAER "GEORGE" GUMBAN '91 - businessman who hailed from Davao City, dedicated family man and basketball afficionado.

FELLOWS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2023

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