The Untold History of Letran Manila Triskelions
Letran Chapter was founded on August 27, 1977. The Juniors had the strength in numbers and were bound to graduate and become Senior members of the fraternity.
In the academic year of 1978-1979, a significant milestone unfolded in the landscape of collegiate fraternities at Letran Manila. The Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, known for its Triskelion Youth Movement (TYM), welcomed a new generation of brothers who sought to find their existing fraternity members on campus. Among these newly initiated brothers, Gerry Nicodemus was formally introduced to Jimmy Embing and Benson Basa, the first seniors of the Letran Chapter.
The First Step
The second semester of that year marked a pivotal moment when Gervy Basilio, a transfer student from Adamson University, joined the Letran chapter. With Philippine Christian University (PCU) and Adamson University sponsorship, an official election occurred on January 25, 1979. Gervy Basilio was elected as the first Grand Triskelion (GT), Jimmy Embing as the Deputy Grand Triskelion (DGT), Mike Kaiser as the Master Wielder of the Whip, Benson Basa as the Master Keeper of the Chest, and Gerry Nicodemus as the Master Keeper of the Scroll.
During the late 1970s, the chapter faced adversities, especially from their rival fraternity. Despite recruitment challenges and aggressive opposition, the brothers stood their ground.
The 2nd Act
“Brod Gervy Basilio departed following the 1978-1979 academic year. The following academic year, an additional brother enrolled, and brother Rouel Bismani, the founder of PATTS chapter, was appointed as the second GT of Letran Seniors. The revelation of the development to our rival fraternity spoke ill for our chapter’s future endeavors. They endeavored to hinder us and caused damage to every identified member of our fraternity. While our numbers were modest, our grit could have been better. Individually, most active brods fought fiercely, and some abstained from being active members or participants to avoid injury,” Mr. Nicodemus explained.
“Brod Rouel Bismani left Letran the following year, and as his Deputy, I took over the position of GT. 1981, I formally transferred to Perpetual Help College, where I also encountered other ex-Letranites.”
The Tipping Point
In 1983, the last of the initial batch from 1978-1983 graduated, concluding an era but leaving an indelible mark on the fraternity’s history. The Chapter remains grateful for those who have continued to build upon their legacy, honoring Tau Gamma Phi’s enduring spirit of unity and resilience.
Mr. Nicodemus concludes: “We, the brothers of Letran Seniors 1978 – 1983, are grateful that others continued the path we paved for future generations of our beloved Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity in Letran. As a fellow Triskelion, we humbly urge you to respect our chapter. Our efforts are not motivated by a desire for fame or glory; we are dedicated to preserving and propagating truth.”
Arriba Letran!
Media Contact
Company Name: Letran Triskelion
Contact Person: Gerry Nicodemus, Founding Batch, Letran Seniors 1978-1981
Email: Send Email
Phone: (346) 970-7883
Address:9202 Grandview Park Dr.
City: Spring
State: TX 77379
Country: United States
Website: https://www.facebook.com/gerrynic/
