RIYADH, 13 December — The Triskelion Alumni Organization of the Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma Fraternity has recently inducted its first set of officers at the Philippine Embassy.

Consul Jesus “Gary” Domingo, who stood for outgoing Ambassador Rafael E. Sequis as guest of honor, administered the oath to the new officers.

The officers are: Romy Nazario, president; Wilro A. Siosi vice president for public relations; Vic Inoferio, VP for membership; Benjamin Ortiz, secretary; Rey Quilacio, treasurer; Abet Managantal, auditor; Jess Cablao, master Triskelion.

Amen Panolong is the chairman of the Council of Advisers, with Mike Sharif, Alberto Bauzon, Khalid Lumacad and Mhon Pacasum, as members.

Among the others guests were Nawawi Mabaning, Area 3 Governor of Toastmasters International; Alex Sanchez, president of the OFW Congress; Isagani Manalo, chapter commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal; and PICPA Riyadh Chapter president Primar Asuncion.

Observers noted that not only was the program well-organized but also started at exactly 8 p.m. as stated in the invitation.

Many community groups in the Kingdom continue to struggle with the notorious “Filipino time,” a trait traced to the tendency of many Filipinos to procrastinate.

“If we cannot remove this bad habit, let us not invite foreign guests to our activities because it is embarrassing when our guests are made to wait for us to begin our programs,” a frustrated Philippine Embassy official once told Arab News.

Adding spice to the Triskelion affair were The Siblings who wowed the crowd with dance routines, and The All-Male Ensemble who serenaded the audience with the accompaniment of The Wreckin’ Cru Band. The Dynamix Lights and Sound provided entertaining music and Leham Catering offered a sumptuous dinner.

Founded on Oct. 4, 1968, Tau Gamma Phi is a collegiate organization with alumni members scattered worldwide.

Apart from school-related activities, Tau Gamma Phi had been active in sponsoring public and private projects in the Philippines.

Panolong said that more than 10,000 of the fraternity’s members from the different chapters in Metro Manila have sponsored planting trees in different places in Luzon.

Tau Gamma also has a scholarship program for deserving students. In 1999, it organized medical services in cooperation with the Alpha Phi Omega and Beta Sigma Fraternity in Luzon, as well as with the Rotary Club in Lucena, Quezon.

Elected President Romeo Nazario assured Philippine Embassy officials in Riyadh of their commitment to extend assistance to any projects and activities. With more than 60 members of the organization, we could play an important role in any undertaking that needs our help, he said.