Jomelo Singson '68

 

Sail on +Brod Jomelo TAU ALPHA BATCH 1968

Number four of five neophytes surviving the test of brotherhood thru the months-long of mental, emotional and physical challenges of Tau Alpha Fraternity….molding, fine tuning and reshaping each one’s values, character, attitudes and foresight in their lives journey. 1968 it was when Jose Carmelo Espejo Singson together with four others were penned in the fraternity’s roster. Today, there’s just silence and living memories lingering when his name is called. An engineer, musician, loyal friend, comedian, tennister, charmer, fighter and most of all a die hard Alphan.

Recollection of throw backs is such sorrow but makes me smile of the sweet memories left behind. It all started when our group of Prepians coming from Billiaran we’re waiting for bus going home. Jomelo saw a big hunk Tau Alphan with us in the shed, without hesitation asked, “Tau Alphan ka, di ba?” Rough looking Tito Aliling looked at him straight to his eyes replying, “Oo, bakit?” He thought Joe was to start a fight but surprised when he said, “Sali ako sa inyo.” “Ok, punta kayo sa Corner bukas,” the rough guy said. I was thinking, langhiya dinamay pa kami. Game was on….my admiration of Brod Joe was thru the grueling initiation journey, he was with the most conviction, determined and never shed a tear while some were calling their mommy to ease the pain. Whew, what a ride…about twenty signed up and five survived. Welcome aboard, Argonauts!!! Fighter indeed.

A true lover of music and musician himself on keyboard or guitar. Natural pianist enlivening fellowships, harana and gatherings. Alphan Sounds we were named after the originals of the elderly brods, continuing their legacy. Coupled with his charming face, ladies just swoon in his parlor. Couple of times, we were visiting same beauty but neither Bronson nor Newman won. It’s their loss tho, not ours, Alphan nuggets.

An avid tennis player, known for his doubled handed backhand killer. We had fun in our tennis clubs for years joining inter club tourneys. I’ve been close to Brod Joe in many ways before migrating to Canada in 1991. We worked for same company, Asia Industries Inc. presided by Brod Jess Vergara’44, we are both Electrical Engineers, came from same high school UP Prep and both of us with kabatch Ceso Balauag are members of Math Club. The three of us were mostly together in and out of the fraternity on fellowships and travels.

I just read recently a posting from his former people he used to manage missing his management style of being a hard worker but full of fun and humour. He reached the peak of his professional career but due to pitfalls and circumstances, things faded…he still fought a good fight till health issues took over.

I dug in my literary file and found this befitting you, my friend:

“early morning winter, fog and mist…dark and dreary, cold and weary…what lies beyond? beaming rays or woods that prey…faint hearted flinched, walks away…braveheart treads on, cautious, fearless, and made the difference.”

So long dear brother. May you find solace and peace in our Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom and play your music with the angels in fellowship with our departed love ones. Blessings….Amen.

This post was contributed by his batchmate

Florante Marjalino Aytona TA1968

(Tony68)