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OPERATION BIG BROTHER Sto. Nino
Orphanage, Bacolod City
Betans volunteer at 1MB Gawad Kalinga Build Even the hot temperatures couldn't wilt the spirits of the Beta Sigma Fraternity UNO-R Chapter volunteers. During the last weekend of October '06, these six Betans braved the elements and invested hours of labor or “sweaty equity” into building homes and helping the community. It is truly inspirational to be a small part of a much larger effort, knowing that Beta Sigma can impact a community in a positive way. Last October 27-29, 2006 Friday-Sunday, the Beta Sigma Fraternity (UNO-R chapter) was invited to join the Gawad Kalinga 1MB (Isang Milyong Bayani) house building challenge in Sitio Bon-bon Brgy. E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental. Many organizations representing their schools like USLS, USLS-IS and Riverside College participated on this 3-day challenge in re-building people's lives and creating a slum-free nation. The organizers were very happy because we were the only fraternity who joined in the said activity. Even though our team comprised only of 6 members--Brod Ivan Bullos, Brod Stanley Yee, Brod Juan Corteza, Brod Brien Villarente, Brod Ryan Retobis, and myself--still they recognized our presence by informing everybody that their negative perceptions about fraternities changed because of our organization. The 3-day activity was untiring due to the fact that the organizers motivated us to enjoy while working. We had group dance contest, amazing races, and other types of motivators. There were also fellowships wherein other teams enjoyed the disco and supper with other members of the team. On the last day, all the teams, organizers, and beneficiaries attended the mass offered to all the homeless people in the world. After the mass was the Awarding Ceremony. Surprisingly, we managed to receive the award of being the fastest team to build wherein the other organizations were really stunned of. They didn’t really expect the outcome of our performance because there were just 6 of us and 3 from the other teams joined us. But the key to success is through "teamwork and perseverance.” The beneficiaries of the house turned over the 1MB banner to the Beta Sigma Fraternity with a "Big Thanks" for winning the Bayanihan Challenge. It was a very enjoyable, once-in-a-lifetime experience to help people in rebuilding their lives and inspiring others to do the same.
Jomercris A. Soriente UNO-R 04A
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