A Fraternity is a brotherhood, although the term sometimes connotes a distinct or formal organization and sometimes a secret society. A fraternity (or fraternal organization) is an organized society of men associated together in an environment of companionship and brotherhood dedicated to the intellectual, physical, moral, religious, and/or social development of its members.
1. Tau Gamma Phi (Founded October 4, 1968; 46 years ago at University of the Philippines Diliman.)
Motto: "A Triskelion firmly believes in the power of reason, not in the use of force as reason."
Tau Gamma Phi also known as the Triskelions' Grand Fraternity, is a Fraternity established in the Philippines. Its members call themselves Triskelions.Their aims are to see a Fraternity System devoid of violence in lieu of the rampant violence pervading the university campus at the time of its founding, to avoid elitism if they can, and to earnestly propagate their fraternity's principles as their way of life. Based on these goals, the Triskelions categorized their formal group as a 'protest fraternity'. The Fraternity encourages its members to strive for spiritual growth and to organize socio-civic activities for the benefit of communities. The Fraternity believes that it must forge its members to embody qualities of leadership, commitment, persistence, trust, integrity, respect, and vision for them to achieve academic success and personal development. The Tau Gamma Phi is now one of the largest fraternities in the Philippines with about 800,000 registered members. Its counterpart is called Tau Gamma Sigma also known as the Triskelions' Grand Sorority.
The Triskelion Alumni Organization (TAO) is the umbrella organization for all its alumni members. The TAO has established close-knit enclaves in the United States of America, the Middle East and some countries in Europe.
The Triskelion Radio was set up by capable Triskelions, and it is probably the first ever fraternity and sorority on-line radio station in the Philippines.
Tau Gamma Phi seal
2. Alpha Kappa Rho (Founded 1973 at University of Santo Tomas)
Its motto "Vincit Omnia Veritas" meaning "Truth Conquers All" or "Truth Prevails" comes from the emblem of the University of Santo Tomas where the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity & Sorority was founded. Members are called "Skeptrons" a Greek word for the "ceremonial staff” or sceptre carried by a monarch as a symbol of sovereignty.
The Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity and Sorority, also called AKRHO, is a fraternity established in the Philippines in 1973. The fraternity made up of men and women from different universities was originally established to promote loyalty, unity and pride in the fraternity amongst its members. However it is now registered as an International Humanitarian Service Fraternity that encourages members to be involved in humanitarian projects and various service to people wherever it exists. The fraternity is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Philippines) as a non-profit and non-dividend Corporation with the name of Alpha Kappa Rho International Humanitarian Service Fraternity and Sorority Inc. Founded originally in the Philippines, it is now in several other countries like USA, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, UAE, Kuwait, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, etc.
Initiation Rites
The Fraternity after it was established in 1973 became notorious in the Philippines because of the initiation rites members had to undergo to join the Fraternity. Those who wanted to join the fraternity had to undergo interviews and orientations followed by a period when the aspiring member is asked to do humiliating acts in public. This is followed by an initiation rite where the aspirant is blindfolded and receives blows in the back of the thigh with the use of a wood paddle. Those who are unable to bear the pain are given an option to resume on another day or can choose to quit. If the aspirant is able to complete the initiation rite, the aspirant undergoes the final rite of initiation known as the Ritual where a heated coin is placed at the back of the aspirant's right wrist leaving a circular scar as a sign of full membership to the Fraternity. However, with the introduction of the Anti-Hazing Law by the Philippine Government in 1995 the Fraternity initiation rites are no longer sanctioned or approved by the Fraternity leadership.
Alpha Kappa Rho seal
3. Alpha Phi Omega (Founded March 2, 1950; 65 years ago Far Eastern University, Manila)
Librado Inocencio Ureta and a group of former Scouts founded Alpha Phi Omega in the Philippines on March 2, 1950 at Room 214, Nicanor Reyes Hall, Far Eastern University, Manila.
Alpha Phi Omega grew rapidly in the Philippines. In its third year, it became a national organization with seven chapters chartered in Manila and Visayan campuses. It was registered October 21, 1953 with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit, non-dividend corporation with a registered name of Alpha Phi Omega International Collegiate Service Fraternity. The registration was renewed on June 8, 1981 with the SEC Registration No. 0099381 under the name of Alpha Phi Omega International Philippines Incorporated.
Alpha Phi Omega seals
(source: wikipedia)
