Betans House

In her announcement, Sis Au was quoted as saying,

“The house at Lopez Jaena Street, Jaro 2 blocks from CPU is now ready for occupancy. It has a kitchen, dining area and 3 toilets and bath on the ground floor and 4 bedrooms in the 2nd floor. The rental is P10,000 per month excluding light and water”.

She mentioned that the house is adjacent to her office and asked the Betans International Community if they are interested. The plan is to use 1 room for PBEFI office and the remaining 3 bedrooms will be put up for bed space among the local Iloilo Betans. The prevailing bed space rental in Iloilo is from P700 to P900 per month and the bedspacers will pay for the light and water so they will have the incentive to conserve the utilities cost.

The intention is to have the Betans House used but not limited to the following purposes:

1. Office of Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity International & Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity.
2. Location for Internet Access, email, research and other Physical PBEF business
Another proposed use is to connect with Nationwide Philippines Betans into the Tambayan by encoding Tambayan postings into text messages and broadcasting it to the collected phone group of all betans in the Philippines. Response will also be encoded into email that will be broadcasted in the Tambayan.
3. Tambayan of Resident Betans
4. Residence with Rent for some Betans
5. Betans Library
6. The Betans House will also serve as the Communications center for all Betans who may want to get updates or get in touch with their contemporaries or with the Betans in general
7. The Betans House will serve as the official delivery address for our Balik Betan Boxes Program.

In the Philippines, especially Iloilo, it is not common for fraternities to have a Fraternity House. That is why in one of the first meetings and conventions of Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity International, the concept of having a fraternity house dominated the discussion. Last year Brod Jess Bacera suggested the idea of having a room inside the Technology Campus of Western Institute of Technology that Betans can use as their office. It can be equipped with computers and internet connection and will also be supplied with latest Engineering books and software. Brod Tristan Ganchero, President, supported the idea and directed that a facility be acquired.

Due to uncertainties in WIT Management and drawback that the facility will only be available during school days, the idea did not push through. The announcement of Sis Au is very timely.

The proposal though did not come without objections. Some Brods think that renting the whole house is risky and an overwhelming commitment. To accomplish this, there should be someone responsible in Iloilo who should take responsibility in collecting the rent from bedspacers, paying the bills and assuring that the facility is properly maintained. The alternative suggestion is to rent a room and have someone like Brod Ronald Catequista, our current Betan Scholar from WIT, assure that the room is attended to. During the review of the suggestion, it is evident that it will be impossible to rent a room to be used as a frat house. Renting a commercial office will probably cost more than P10,000 and will not be convenient as renting a whole house.

Upon consultation with different members the proposal to rent a house was endorsed. With the overwhelming support from the International Betans, the framework for making the proposal materialize proceeded. A commitment list was passed around and we have received considerable funding for the project.

We would like to thank Sis Aurora Lim and husband Jesus Lim Sr for letting us use their refrigerator and providing us with bunk beds. Thanks also to Betans around the World who supported the project whose some of comments we listed here.

Brod Jr Parcon (Philippines) - In any endeavor, there’s always a problem, but as engineers, we were
trained to always solve the problem no matter how difficult it may be. My dear brothers after 60 years of existence, you were given a chance its up to you. Wash it down the drain or stand tall & make yourself one of the solution rather than the problem.

Brod Joel Catague (Hong Kong) - I myself is very supportive to any projects that Betans may have...we can show our support in many ways & means not necessarily that we need to show, in many charitable donations all over the world there are donors which remains anonymous...only the ONE Up Above knows your heart & intentions.....as what you have said we must proceed no matter what will be the directions goes.....We are All Survivors...and Betans never Quit....

Brod Buddy Espia (Singapore) - Let us always remember, the success of this organization is dependent on each individual member itself. Like a piece of "Broom stick", the more stick within the stronger the "Broom" is. So, let us support/and be committed to the any future projects this organization may undertake. And be "ALL FOR ONE & ALL FOR ONE".
Brod Egay Labaro (Las Vegas, USA) - I agree that a Betans house could be one of the best things that can happen to the Betans, especially in Iloilo, where they could hang out and develop that relationship unnatural to a regular guy.The feeling of "being one of them", which every Betan treasures to their lifetime is invaluable or priceless.
Brod Jessey Caigoy (Las Vegas, USA) - One for All, All for one. Count me in.............Let me know where to send the initial contribution and how much. I will go for one year and we will see the out come.
Brod Jonan Castillon (Iloilo, Philippines) - Now, I see that the proposed Betan House Project seems to establish also the local existence of a supposedly international organization. Apart from resident local Betans who may choose to reside, having a coordinating office or space would be best for PBEFI. Just try to imagine how the BalikBetan boxes could be mobilized well kun may lugar kita.

Sigeha nyo lang anay tubong sang inyo commitment kay kami lang bahala sang kulang. Hahahaha....

Tani kun soltero pa ako, ok gid nga mangin Betan House man ang gina-istaran ko sa CPU Compound, ang former house ni Rev. Jesus Vaflor. Ugaling, damo gid indi magpasugot siguro kay indi pwede ka inom kag sigarilyo sa sulod sang CPU.

Brod Nap Paciente - I’m in on this project, count me. Good luck
Brod Tazang Nievares (Canada) - Brod Jess, count me in as one committed to this noble project.
Brod Jules Asma (Australia) - I'm in with this project/proposal. Please include my name.
Brod Boy Bacong (Midwest, USA) - Brod Jess, Count me in too.

Brod Fortune Sagra (West Coast, USA) - For the BETANS…I’M IN..Sa Tanan nag patigayon sini Mabuhay Kamo Tanan….To BETANS more power to all of us…..
Yes, I love to help our Brotherhood projects and remember Brods and Sis we have also our Family and relatives who need our help and we can’t say no because they are our Family too. I think we start for one year and (have it) evaluated it after.

Brod Tony Morales (Middle East) - Brod Jess, O.K. ako sa project nga ini. Pls. include me as benefactor. I'll try also to discuss with our UAE Brods for their help and support. Kon damo kita , basi USD 5 lang ang contribution ta per month ( tunga sa kaha nga beer lang ). … Brod Tristan and Brod Jess and to all , again many thanks for all our effort in making this project a reality. BETANS ....MOVE FORWARD….. MOVE….

Brod Mario Saquian (Toronto, Canada) - Having been at BG's during my college days - I second the motion. I would also shoulder a month rent. This is equivalent to my 4 hrs work.

Brod Manny SanLuis (West Coast, USA) - I agree and will help support the proposed Betans House.

Brod Roque Ramos (Singapore) - Saludo ako sa initiative mo for looking a prospective Betans House in Iloilo. I personally support your idea

Brod Karnani Suresh - Dear Sis Au, Looks like with your help, the Betans age going places! This is an excellent idea! And I feel it is almost self-supporting! Managing the place maybe a problem, but why fear when Sis Au is here! … Well this is my view, and I like the idea.

Brod Jess Bacera (West Coast, USA) - We the above believe it is a worthwhile cause. This is something that we are dreaming of having from the beginning. Almost one of the main reason for our existence. This is a timely opportunity and is not a very big financial commitment if all of us will approve and commit.

Ang akon ya, I would like to express my support for the program. Wala pa kita sang actual nga experience kon paano ining project madalagan but I based my decision in FAITH IN THE BETANS. Faith is something that you have not actually seen but you believe that exist and is true. I have been with Betans for many years and have seen how Betans work. As professional and resident Betans we are and were very reponsible. I have no doubt that that legacy is among our resident Betans.

Brod Mario SanLuis (East Coast, USA) - Brods, Count me in... ..

Brod Dexter Carnate (Iloilo, Philippines) - Kun matigayon gid man ini nga frat house with PBEFI support at least 2USD/month, daw indi naman masakit sa bulsa. … don't ask me kun ma contribute ako or indi kay wala sang Betans nga makabatas nga indi kabulig sa kaayuhan para sa grupo. Long Live 2125!!!!

Brod Rico Fuerte (Middle East) - Mga brods all over the world---- ang akon lang ma siling is a simple-- IN ako sa betans house. every year kada bakasyon ko gina himo ko gid nga mag stop over sa WIT to meet sa mga brods kay i make it a habit nga ga bitbit gid sang bottles of whiskies kay ang tuba sa tienda Lapaz kag ESQ sa BJ store indi gid ma lipatan as a part and parcel of betoks life during our kasikatan days. simply saying isa ka butelya sang chivas regal o black label man lang ay $28, so kon mag bitbit ka sang 4 bottles pila ina? to make everybody happy kay daw indi gid man tanan nga betans kabalo mag inom, buhinan ko sang isa ka butelya ang akon budget para sa whisky instead ma kadto ina sa BETANS HOUSE as my share. who knows basi mangin duha tatlo or equivalent sa apat pa. Lets toss and start the Hat rolling brothers. kanugon lang sang sweat , tears & blood nga nag gulowa sa aton just to be a BETAN . THIS is now a TIME FOR US brothers—

Amo dya ya estorya naton katong estudyante / active kag pigado pa kita. Sigurado manami pa gid ya estorya dukaron hay duro du ya manggaranon nga mga brods may outstanding Mayor pa. Ya gina kanta kag gina hibian naton nga TIME for US katong una sigurado ako dukaron this is the reality that TIME for US na.

Brod Ramil Encajonado (Middle East ) - the following name listed below,from dammam and al-khobar(Saudi Arabia)betans,pls count us in......betans house....

1. brod Vicente(etik)Pacificar wit b-7
2. brod Allan Caburobias wit b-48
3. brod joel janas wit b-50
4. brod Ildebrando odi wit b-52
5. brod Reynie Gayapa wit b-56
6. brod Marciano Laroza usa 89-90
7. brod Ramil Encajonado wit b-57

Brod Tristan Ganchero (West Coast, USA) - First of all, our thanks to Sis Au …
The proposed Betans House is yet another door being opened to us which Sis Au
and other dedicated Betans in Iloilo thought might just be the answer to our
long sought Office and Communications Center in Iloilo….The proposed Betans House project is a rare opportunity presented to us to
extend our assistance to our fellow Betans in Iloilo. The project may seem
daunting if we just limit out imaginations to the things that may make this
endeavor fail. But if we use our resourcefulness, creativity and good management
we may even turn this into a self-sustaining project and not have to fork out in
order to pay the rent. We may even make some profit!.. Just imagine how much more we can do and how many more dreams we may help reach if we all work together and support the project!

We have hoped for this opportunity for some time. Now the door is being opened
for us and it is up to us to make the move. Let’s do this with the Betan's spirirt: All for One and One for ALL!

Brod Vichoy Gumban (Manila, Philippines) - Brod Jess, To make things simpler- I will shoulder 1 month rental for this year…

Brod Alton Sandico (Australia) - umpisa lang ang hiccup sining proposal nga betans house, but once maumpisahan, deretso na ina....

Brod Ponso Delicana III (West Coast Betans) - Nangampo na ko sang san-o to nga indi ko anay makahatag sang amot ko kay daw alang-alang gid pero mapadala na lang ko a bisan gamay lang para maski paano makapakita man sang suporta sa aton nga project.

Brod Poypoy Mogato (Canada) - amo ra tana ang "SAUDI BOYS" galupok man gali agi na... daw subra pa sa pugakhang ba....count me in too....brods, just less one bottle of beer/weekend

Brod John Demasiado - Indi nako iya maghambal nga maamot man..... o maghulog sa kalo nga galibot. Kay sin-o dapat ihatag ang contribution sa Pinas? kag pila kada tuig? sa gihapon,

Brod Pax Delgado (Middle East) - Next month lang ako mabayad sang akon nga dues sa BH. Sin-o ang kontak person ta didto, kag ang kontak number nya? Sa Reunion ninyo, sigurado nga solve na ini tanan. Maski hasta pa 2010 siguro paid up na ini ang balay.

Sis Aurora Lim (Iloilo, Philippines) - Please be informed that my husband will provide the 6 double beds (he told me he will order steel beds) in addition to the old ref. We will also handle the mayor's permit for renting out the house.

Thanks to Brod Manny SanLuis who gladly accepted to be the Betans House Coordinator for the great job he is doing. We are also grateful to Brod Josyril Jalique who accepted to be the Resident Betans House Manager. Very soon we will be calling a Utilities and Communications Specialist who will assure the continued operation of the Betans House utilities and computer. He will also handle the dissemination of information between the Philippine Betans and Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity International.

We are grateful to Brod Ponso Delicana, Jr and Brod Mayok Saquian who committed to donate computers to the Betans House.

As reported by our Betans House Coordinator, we currently have collected and remitted to Iloilo a total of approximately P60,000 pesos

The Betans House is located approximately two blocks from CPU and the address is:
# 213 LOPEZ JAENA STREET, JARO, ILOILO CITY. Our resident brothers have posted a Betans House sign in front so it will be hard to miss.

Currently the Betans House is occupied by Brod Jozyril Jaligue, the Betans House Manager, Brod Ben Baldiveros, current MEB of CPU and a couple of transient Betans to keep them company until the regular bedspacers are move in.

Word is that several resident Betans from University of San Agustin and Western Institute of Technology are expected to move in by the Second Semester (around middle of October). We are trying to work it out such that by that time we may have the internet connection installed and a computer unit operational so that they can be used by the residents of the Betans House. More donors for computer units are expected and we hope to be able to provide enough to help the residents with their school work, research, hands on computer experience and development of new computer skill sets which is a must to succeed in our current technology driven society and also to encourage them to communicate frequently with the Global Betans community.

In supporting the Betans House project, we are not only taking the right step in making our dream a reality but most important is that we are also giving our younger Betan brothers the means to achieve their own dreams.

With the support of our worldwide membership and the funds we have collected, the Betans House is truly “A Dream Come True”