GAMMA EPSILON: THE
                           ALTERNATIVE FRATERNITY IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
                            
                           
                            
                           This
                           presentation provides an introduction to Gamma Epsilon Fraternity and Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority, one of the oldest fraternities
                           and sororities in the Philippines, and is intended for those persons interested
                           in joining it or who have a general interest in the subject. Although it concentrates on the Phi Kappa Chapter, Calbayog City,
                           Western Samar, it makes a good introduction to Gamma Epsilon Family in general.
                            
                           Definition
                           of Fraternity and Sorority
                            
                           Fra`terŽni`ty
                           
                           Noun
                            
                           1. The state or quality of being fraternal or brotherly; brotherhood. 
                           2. A special bond of college men and or professionals with common interest. They often have secret initiation rites,
                           and are named by the use of two or three Greek letters.
                            
                           So`roŽri`ty
                           Noun
                            
                           1. The state or quality of
                           being sisterly; sisterhood. 
                           2. A special bond of college
                           women and or professionals with common interest. They also often have secret initiation rites just like the fraternity, and
                           are also named by the use of two or three Greek letters.
                            
                           The
                           Origin of Fraternities and the Birth of Gamma Epsilon 
                            
                           Some
                           people believe fraternities traced their roots to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, the Freemasonry. No one
                           knows just how old it is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Probably, it arose from the guilds of stonemasons
                           who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Possibly, they were influenced by the Knights Templar, a group of
                           Christian warrior monks formed in 1118 to help protect pilgrims making trips to the Holy Land.
                            
                           The
                           origin of having organizational secret rites and other confidential activities are strongly said to be first practiced by
                           the Masons and was adopted later on by societies on the early part of the 1700s although some declined after the first attempt
                           of their founders, it was revived on the 1800s with more deliberate activities. This was the time of the pioneers of what
                           is better known now a days as “fraternities and sororities”.
                            
                           Similar
                           to the above-mentioned subject, fraternities and sororities have their own secret rites, rituals, cultures and traditions
                           not usually practiced by other organizations. The unique practices of these groups were passionately planned, done and preserved
                           by its members and inherited by each and every generation. This is the reason why groups like these are still existing and
                           still playing its active role in their different communities up to this date.
                            
                           On
                           1963, Filipino students from the Royal Pontiphic University of Sto. Tomas in Manila
                           created a formal organization called Gamma Epsilon Fraternity, a service fraternity with the ultimate purpose that is to lend
                           a helping hand to the needy fellow Filipinos. The turbulent times of 60s triggered these young nationalistic gentlemen to
                           form their own brotherhood anchored by the three major principles: Courtesy, Obedience and Truthfulness. Since then, Gamma
                           Epsilon has spread throughout the archipelago paving the way towards the creation of Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority on 1966.
                            
                           In
                           the 70's, the first chapter of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon outside the country was established at the Central
                           University of Madrid, Spain. Next came the opening of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon chapters at the University of Honolulu and University of Canada. Presently, there are
                           also chapters chartered at Cholalonkorn University
                           in Bangkok, Thailand, and in different colleges
                           and universities in California, USA and
                           Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
                            
                           Gamma
                           Epsilon was one of the active organizations participated during the People Power Revolution, which was a very significant
                           event happened in the Philippine history that led to the freedom of the Filipinos against the inhuman administration of the
                           late President Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator. Until now, this growing family of Gamma Epsilon is still active in
                           different community service activities, sports, advocacy, and other related activities that are vital in nation building.
                            
                           Gamma
                           Epsilon is a proud Filipino made organization and that we should give our valuable support as Filipinos as it takes the challenge
                           to produce more Filipino leaders in the arena of global competition.
                            
                           What is Gamma Epsilon Fraternity and Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority?
                            
                           One
                           of the oldest fraternities and sororities in the Philippines dedicated
                           to Friendship, Leadership, Morality, Service and Brotherly/Sisterly love that propagated throughout the Philippines and abroad. This organization extended its membership
                           through times from college individuals to professionals who are now active nation builders of our country.
                            
                           It
                           is NOT...
                            
                           A
                           Religion - although to become an Epsilonian, a man must believe in a supreme being. 
                           A
                           Charity - even though Epsilonians contribute considerably to worthwhile charities. 
                           A
                           Subversive Organization - an Epsilonian must be a peaceful, law abiding citizen. 
                           A
                           Political Party or Action Group - although you will find prominent Epsilonians leading our government. 
                           A
                           Gang - although most gangs trace their roots back to fraternities.
                            
                           Neither
                           interferes with religion or politics. Gamma Epsilon & Gamma Lambda Epsilon strives to teach a man the duty he owes to
                           his God, his neighbor, and himself. 
                            
                           What do Epsilonians do?
                            
                           Enjoy
                           Brotherhood and Sisterhood - through social functions and group activities.
                           Build
                           their lives and character - just as a carpenter builds a house.
                           Quietly
                           volunteer considerable time and money to Charities - through foundations and other institutions like Girl Scouts,
                           Boy Scouts, Red Cross, community ministries, College scholarships, and neighborhood youth sports teams. Epsilonians also
                           lend a helping hand to others who are less fortunate; e.g., victims of disasters, the handicapped, widows, orphans, and the
                           elderly.
                            
                           What do Epsilonians believe?
                            
                           Although
                           Gamma Epsilon & Gamma Lambda Epsilon recognizes each man is different, there are certain traits all Epsilonians have
                           in common:
                            
                           1. Epsilonians
                           believe in the existence of God. No atheist can become an Epsilonian. Epsilonians do not care what your individual faith
                           is; Epsilonians include Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. 
                           2. Epsilonians
                           believe in responsibility, honor, morality, and ethics. 
                           3. Epsilonians
                           believe the world should be a better place because we passed through it. 
                           4. Epsilonians
                           believe a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country which we live,
                           and uphold and maintain the principles of good government. 
                           5. Epsilonians
                           see brotherhood & sisterhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together. A private friendship that tells
                           us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings.
                            
                           Who are Epsilonians?
                            
                           All
                           walks of life and professions:
                            
                           Businessmen,
                           Artists, Inventors, Designers, Organizers, Academicians, Police and Military Men, Pioneers, Explorers, Political Leaders,
                           Church Leaders, Sports Figures, Writers, News Personalities, Patriots, Judges, Justices, Students, Your Neighbor!
                            
                           Who can become Epsilonian?
                            
                           Individuals who
                           graduated in high school or presently enrolled in college... 
                           1. Believe
                           in the existence of one ever-living and true God. 
                           2. Have
                           never plead guilty or been convicted of any crime. 
                           3. Do
                           not believe in the overthrow of the government, which they live by force or infiltration, or has been a member of an organization
                           who advocates the same.
                           4. Willing
                           to serve the community where he lives in.
                            
                           Gamma
                           Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon will also entail certain financial obligations, which you should be able to discharge without
                           detriment to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees payable on your entrance, there will be monthly dues
                           for the support of your Chapter. 
                            
                           How do you become an Epsilonian?
                            
                           To
                           become a good and bright Epsilonian, it is necessary that a Man be of sound mind and retentive memory. There are four symbolic
                           degrees to learn in becoming an Epsilonian. These degrees represent lessons of Epsilonian. 
                            
                           1. Pledgee
                           – Freshman
                           2. Semi
                           or Half Brethren – Sophomore
                           3. Full-Pledged
                           Brethren – Junior
                           4. Alumnus/Alumna
                           – Senior/Professional/Expert
                            
                           How do I begin?
                            
                           To
                           be one, ask one! Simply ask an Epsilonian and he/she will help you begin the process.
                            
                           The steps include:
                            
                           Ask someone you know who
                           is an Epsilonian to sponsor you into the chapter.
                            
                           Have atleast one reference
                           that knows you to be of good morals and strong character.
                           1. You will be invited to
                           attend an orientation.
                           2. A baptismal Rites will
                           be conducted to formally introduce you into the fraternal world and be called a Pledgee.
                           3. You will undergo a process
                           in the form of Initiation Rites.
                           4. After attending the Initiation
                           Rites, you will be promoted to the next echelon as Half Brethren and will be given enough period to have your lectures in
                           the form of Basic Leadership Seminar, Some other remaining basic requirements and fulfill your batch project as a requirement
                           for the next echelon.
                           5. After fulfilling your
                           requirements as Half Brethren, you will be compelled to undergo the last and final examination, and finally be recognized
                           as Full-Pledge Brethren.
                           6. All Epsilonians are encourage
                           to finish their academic courses to be recognized as Alumnus or Alumna of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon.