Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Alpha Phi Omega



Founded December 16, 1925 (1925-12-16) (age 83)
Lafayette College
Type Service
Scope International
Motto Be a Leader,
Be a Friend,
Be of Service
Colors Blue and Gold
(Royal Blue and
Old Glory Gold)[1]
Symbol Diamond (jewel) ,
Golden Eagle (bird),
Sturdy Oak (tree)
Flower Forget-me-not
Publication Torch & Trefoil
Chapters United States 373 Active (of 735 charters),
Philippines 250,
Australia 1,
Petitioning Groups in the U.S. 14
Cardinal Principles Leadership, Friendship
and Service
Headquarters 14901 E. 42nd St.
Independence, Missouri, USA
Homepage http://www.apo.org


Alpha Phi Omega (commonly known as APO, but also ΑΦΩ, A-Phi-O and A-Phi-Q) is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses, an active membership of approximately 17,000 students, and over 350,000 alumni members.[2][3] There are also 250 chapters in the Philippines and one in Australia.[4]

Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed service fraternity organized to provide community service, leadership development,[2] and social opportunities for college students. Chapters range in size from a handful of active members to over 200 active members, independent of each college's size.

The purpose of the fraternity is "to assemble college students in a National Service Fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Scout Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop Leadership, to promote Friendship, and to provide Service to humanity; and to further the freedom that is our national, educational, and intellectual heritage."[4] Unlike many other fraternities, APO's primary focus is to provide volunteer service within four areas: service to the community, service to the campus, service to the fraternity, and service to the nation as participating citizens.[4] Being primarily a service organization, the fraternity restricts its chapters from maintaining fraternity houses to serve as residences for their members. This also encourages members of social fraternities and sororities that have houses to join APO as well.


Requirement of Open Membership

At the July 2005 National Board of Directors meeting a resolution was passed: "The actions of the 1976 and 1998 National Conventions have attempted to clarify the Fraternity’s open membership policy…The National Board is charged with…enforcing the membership policies of the Fraternity as well as ensuring compliance with applicable laws…and upon advice of legal counsel, all chapters must practice open membership without regard of gender".[11] A decision by the 2006 National Convention on December 30, 2006, has essentially upheld the Board's previous resolution, adding additional clarifications to the transitional process for the all-male chapters, including a timeline for completion of their transition to co-educational status by the 2008 National Convention, and the establishment of a committee consisting of active members and alumni to assist with the process.[12] In the spring of 2008, the Sigma Xi chapter at the University of Maine formally disassociated from the national fraternity, forming a new fraternity: Alpha Delta. They cited that their action was due to an "ideological split", claiming that the national fraternity allowed female members to join and took away the student-focus.[13] In addition, brothers from Zeta Theta chapter at Drexel University and Pi Chi Chapter at Duquesne University have joined this new fraternity.[14]

As of February 2008, the all-male chapters at co-educational institutions in the United States are:

On December 30, 2006, the 2006 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky elected the first female National President of the organization, Maggie Katz.



Tau Gamma Phi



Triskelions' Grand Fraternity

Founded October 4, 1968 (1968-10-04) (age 40)
University of the Philippines
Type Socio Economic Service Fraternity
Scope International
Motto " A Triskelion firmly believes in the power of reason and not in the use force as reason. "
Colors ████ Gold and ████ Black
Symbol Triskelion (general),
Lion (animal),
St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint)
Chapters Philippines = 4000+ Philippine Colleges, Universities and Community Based Chapters,
United States = 9 Active T.A.O. Regional Councils

Other Global T.A.O. / RC's :
Australia = 1
Bahrain = 1,
Brunei = 1,
Canada = 3,
Guam = 1,
Hong Kong = 1,
Italy = 1,
Iran = 1,
Iraq = 1,
Ireland = 1,
Israel = 1,
Japan = 1,
Kuwait = 1,
Libya = 1,
New Zealand = 1,
Oman = 1,
Qatar = 1,
Saudi Arabia = 3,
Singapore = 1,
South Korea = 1,
Switzerland = 1,
Thailand = 1,
Vanuatu = 1
United Arab Emirates = 1,
United Kingdom = 1
Cardinal Principles The 3 Cardinal Principles:
"Fortis Voluntas Fraternitas "
(Strength, Freewill and Brotherhood)
Headquarters University of the Philippines, Diliman
Quezon City, Manila, Philippines
Homepage http://www.taugammaphi1968.org/


Tau Gamma Phi also known as the Triskelions' Grand Fraternity, is a fraternity founded at the University of the Philippines, Diliman on October 4, 1968.[1] Besides being the largest, most cohesive and dominant fraternity in the Philippines, the Tau Gamma Phi is also a protest fraternity, and as such it has committed itself uncompromisingly to the twofold task of providing the leadership in the quest for a Fraternity System devoid of fraternity violence as well as in the propagation of the Triskelion principles as a way of life. The Fraternity System in the University of the Philippines was not immune from these external developments. As extraordinary times, called for extraordinary breed of men. The year 1968 saw the wielding together of six concerned student leaders with a vision of introducing feasible changes and appropriate reforms in the feudal and decadent nature of the existing Fraternity System. Then the result was the creation on October 4 of the same year of the UP Triskelions' Grand Fraternity, better known as Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity.

Through the years, the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity has never strayed from its goals, and although the cause of which it has chosen to champion has proven to be difficult and sometimes, seemingly hopeless, as it is sucked repeatedly into the void of fraternity violence that it has fought hard to end. The Fraternity has, nevertheless survived and even increased a thousand-fold in strength and in number. Knowing fully well that peace is a product of strength and not of weakness. Where other fraternities with the same noble intentions failed and succumbed into non-existence by adopting a passive stance against fraternity violence; the Tau Gamma Phi has chosen not to follow the same path. Lest it suffers the same fate.

Furthermore, as a manifestation of its sincerity towards the achievement of such goal, the Fraternity has taken an active role in organizing inter-fraternity alliances in the various schools and universities all over the country in the hope that such alliances will provide the conducive atmosphere where fraternities can slowly grow and mature together in fellowship and mutual trust by respecting each other's philosophies and ideals. "De gustibus non desputandum est - of likes and dislikes there should be no disputing, live and let live", this is one of the guiding principles of the Triskelion.

Today, the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity is already the biggest and most cohesive fraternity in the Philippines. It boasts of membership numbering to about eighthundred thousand including community chapters known as the Triskelion Youth Movement or "T.Y.M." It maintains numerous college and university chapters around the country, and now with Triskelion Alumni Organizations (T.A.O.) in all regions of the United States of America and other continents of the world.

Tau Gamma Phi's vision and mission is to serve and excel in all fields of human endeavor. Thus, a way of life in accordance with the Tenets and the Triskelion Codes of Conduct while empowering the principle: "Man is Brother unto Man". All Triskelions share a common ground and that is to support every endeavor each member has chosen and help make every member's dream come true.





Alpha Kappa Rho (Akroh)

Founded August 8, 1973
University of Santo Tomas, Espana St., Manila, Philippines
Type Humanitarian Service
Scope International
Motto I was born to live and to die as a Great AKRHO
Colors Red, White, Yellow/Gold
Symbol Sceptre
Chapters Philippines = 4000+ ALPHA Chapters for Philippine Colleges, Universities and 10000+ RHO Chapters for Community Based
2000+ Philippine Regional Councils and Districts
Malaysia = 5 Community based Chapters in the State of Sabah, Malaysia and 1 Community based Chapter in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia
United States = 1 Collegiate Chapter at Everest University, Jacksonville, Florida

Skeptron Alumni Association International / SAI :
Australia = 3
Austria = 1
Bahrain = 1
Canada = 2
Guam = 1
Hong Kong = 1
Indonesia = 1
Italy = 1
Japan = 1
Kuwait = 1
Macau = 1
Malaysia = 1
Papua New Guinea = 1
Qatar = 1
Saudi Arabia = 2
Singapore = 1
South Korea = 1
Spain = 1
Switzerland = 1
Taiwan = 1
United Arab Emirates = 2
United Kingdom = 1
USA = 5
Principles Vincit, Omnia Veritas (Truth Conquers All)
Headquarters 1320 Marlboro St., East Fairview
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Homepage http://www.akp-uae.org





The Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity and sorority (also known as AKRHO, AKP, and SKEPTRON) exists to create a bridge between all men and women committed to seeking the social advancement of under-represented populations. The organization was founded by 16 Grandhigh Skeptrons from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines (the Mother Chapter), with the name of 'Alpha Kappa Rho' and was constituted on August 8, 1973. The Senior Grandhigh Skeptron Founding Members were headed by the leadership of brother Jose 'Boy' Chua and the rest of the Senior Grandhigh Skeptron Founding Fathers:

  • Nolly Manalo
  • Roger Sarmiento
  • Gil Villegas
  • Monchet Cabrera
  • Thaddeus de Lara
  • Tanny Bernabe
  • Philip Diman
  • Philip Balangue
  • Renato Go
  • James Bracewell
  • Mark Quequep
  • Arnel Lorenzo
  • Edwin Solano
  • Ronaldo Leuterio
  • Teddy Aves

Alpha Kappa Rho Sorority

The Alpha Kappa Rho Sorority was founded at the University of Santo Tomas and constituted in 1975 by the Grandhigh Skeptron Founding Ladies:

  • J.J. Aquino (deceased)
  • Marisa Comuyog
  • Alda Altiveros
  • Girlie
  • Grace Mendoza
  • Joy Mercado
  • Susan
  • Irene Ileto
  • Tepi

The seed of the organization has been planted and the need became clear for a formal structure to contain the mutual feelings among members. It was in the same University the organization pioneered an inter-collegiate brotherhood and until now is known to Philippines Schools, Universities and Colleges as Alpha Kappa Rho Inter-Collegiate Service Fraternity and Sorority.

The Skeptron Society has always been and always will be an organization steeped in the tradition of the past and dedicated to the pursuit of Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The organization is made up of men and women from all cultures, religious backgrounds and interest. It has spread throughout the archipelago and throughout the world and is now known as the Alpha Kappa Rho International Humanitarian Service Fraternity—Alumni, Fraternity and Sorority. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, creed, political beliefs, sexual preference, etc., but maintains loyalty and unity while striving for patience, perseverance and pride.


First AKRHO National Convention

In August 8, 2008, exactly 35 years since the fraternity was established, the first National Convention was held at Amaranto Stadium, Quezon City which was attended by more than a thousand members from the Philippines and abroad. The first National Supreme Council was likewise established.

Elected AKP national officers were the following:

  • Brother Richard Buscaino (RB)- National Grand Skeptron
  • Brother Victor Rito (VGR)- National Vice Grand Skeptron (Luzon)
  • Brother Gilbert Caballero (GC)- National Vice Grand Skeptron (Visayas)
  • Brother Rolan Abu (Ben Abu)- National Vice Grand Skeptron (Mindanao)
  • Brother Jose Vicente Icasiano Jr (Jun I)- National Keeper of the Scroll/Secretary General
  • Brother Jojo Del Rosario- National PIO/Spokeperson
  • Brother Kim Ledesma- National Treasurer

Affiliated groups

  • Skeptron Alumni, Inc. (S.A.I.) - The organization of all Skeptron Alumni worldwide.
  • Skeptron Order of Law (S.O.L.) - Skeptron Alumni members who are taking up law and those who are in the legal profession.
  • Skeptron Order of Law Enforcement (S.O.L.E.) - Skeptron Alumni members who are in the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
  • Skeptron Order of Seafarers (S.O.S.) - Skeptron Alumni members who are working in the world's seas and oceans.
  • AKRHO MARINES - dedicated members of Alpha Kappa Rho in Cebu who are willing to die and defend the name of the Organization.
  • NASAP - National Association of Skeptron Alumni and Professionals