Is there anything you would do differently in organizing a student group if you would be given the opportunity to go back to the year when the UP Varrons was being formed?
Of course, we cannot go back but if we ask “was there something different we could have done?” I would say, probably not. I say this because us being good friends to begin with made it easy for us to start a new group.

Have you met some of the current undergraduate members?
In 2004, I visited UPLB during the alumni weekend. The Varrons asked me to speak during a Varrons meeting that was convened in the evening. After Vrod Dodie introduced me, there was a black out and everybody scrambled to light some candles. So I did my speech in candlelight. After the meeting, I went to the Tambayan and partook with the sumptuous preparations. I met there many undergrads whose name I could not all recall. After a quick night trip somewhere with Vrods Manny, Nestor, Arsie, Dodie and several others, I spent the night at the Manny Bonita Villa. It was a memorable visit.

You are now retired. What are your current preoccupations?
One thing about being retired is that you can ignore the sunrise and look westward to watch a beautiful sunset. But I still have a lot of hyperactivity left in me, so I keep busy. I do some financial services consulting in personal investments and insurance. Shortly, I’ll be giving up the financial services work and concentrate on running a travel agency group. My children have been pressuring me to really retire. I also stay active with different groups: the UPVL International, the Philippine Academy of Science and Engineering, The Knights of Rizal and the Society of Filipino Foresters in North America whose constitution I drafted and whose newsletter, The Philippine Mahogany I edit. At age 68 I can still dribble and shoot the basketball and I play some golf.

Are you still interacting with the members of the UP Varrons? How?
Mainly with activities with UPVL International and the Varrons e-group.

What is your usual reaction when you meet some of the “old” Varrons?
Probably I am the oldest Varron and I don’t have the luxury of meeting several other old Varrons. So far, I’d met only one, Lilian Brioso Macam, one of the original Varronettes. She lives with her family in Glendale, CA, near Los Angeles. I had visited her in her home a couple of times during which we really had a ball recollecting old times. The Varrons bond is so strong.

When asked the question “Is there any advice that you can give to the undergrad members?” Joey Austria, the current president of the UP Varrons Alumni Assocation, answered: “To have a better understanding of being a Varron, all Varrons, especially the undergrads, should revisit and do a deep analysis of the Varrons Pledge and its meaning and how it can (serve) as a guide in a Varron’s life.” How do you interpret the Varrons Pledge? What is its meaning to you? How meaningful is the pledge to you?
I met Vrod Joey in 2004 during the Tambayan. He’s a remarkable Vrod, and a great president of the UPVAA. I agree with his advice. I cannot fully recall the Pledge word for word but I remember it deals with scholarship, leadership, perseverance and service to humanity. To me, if a Varron sticks to and excels in each of these aspects as a human being, then he or she is fully equipped to be of service to self, family, country, and humanity. In scholarship, we learn and share our knowledge through leadership and apply our knowledge for the good of the many. I came from a very, very poor family in Bohol and my heart always beats warmly for those who are in need. I believe helping people is the most effective way to serve the country and my faith tells me that doing so pleases God.

The UP Varrons is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this August. What is your reaction to the fact that the organization has survived this long?
I wish I could make it to the celebrations in August to help celebrate a terrific milestone. It’s incredibe! I am part of something that has survived this long and I am very optimistic that down the corridors of time, UPVL will be there to continue charting its destiny and continue being a significant part of history.

Do you have any grandchildren? How “cool” is it being a grandfather? Do you feel old at all?
I have two grandsons: Dominic Terry and Mitchell Simon Sarigumba. The joy of being a lolo is beyond compare. My wife (Nattie, who’s an honorary Varron), our children, Edzel, Glenn and Dean, and our daughters-in-law, Valerie and Robin, make me very happy. Dominic and Mitchell make me so much happier. I’m so grateful to the Lord for such blessings. Aside from ailments, aches and pains, feeling old is an attitude and it is a blessing. Getting old is an achievement for which we are thankful. I pray to God that He grants me more days in my life so I can continue enjoying with my family and friends, especially the Varrons.

This interview is going to be published online, so it can be read not only by the Varrons but other people as well. Any words of wisdom that you want to impart?
According to Bill Allen, 80% of success is showing up. An organization succeeds because members always show up. Showing up by being there physically helps but one can show up in spirit by supporting, contributing, rendering opininions, sharing ideas, and caring. Let’s all show up all the time every which way.

Last Updated on October 12, 2016 by Tudla_Admin