True brotherhood

Back when I was about to enter the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu, I could only remember that my father only had two conditions. One, do not run for student council (considering the young political landscape of UP and the grades I had to maintain) and two, do not join a fraternity possibly because of the stereotype it had.

When the office of student affairs announced that freshmen could not join any fraternity yet until our third year, I thought it was a good deal for those interested but it never crossed my mind. I continued my college life with an organization or two, mostly involved in the campus school paper. The life was normal. My grades were good, I had friends and my social life was in tip-top shape.

Oftentimes I saw a group of people wearing white in the late afternoon at our grounds. They jogged around the campus or cleaned our square in silence. At times they were at the corridor, muttering good traits and values in complete memory. We were not supposed to disturb them as they would instruct but I waved to my friends who were part of the circle anyway. I never remembered anyone of them getting in trouble for that.

After their daily session, they resumed their posts as ordinary students. My friends who became full-fledged members after some time became physically fit and had a transformed heart that was geared towards serving our community beyond their capabilities. They and their fellow brothers and sisters in their fraternities were visible in organizing outreach programs which bridged students and their beneficiaries.

That was how my view of fraternities started to change. At first I thought they were campus symbols for exclusivity and class but in order for you to join the ranks, you need to submit yourself to the beatings of the masters to prove your loyalty to the group. But my wayward thoughts were completely different from where I came from. At least from where I came from.

It was such a disappointment over for the past week that reports of hazing victims started to surface following the death of Guillo Cesar Servando from De La Salle University - College of St. Benilde. According to Kabataan Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law simply is a "misnomer" for it does not prohibit hazing but only regulates it.

It is sad that the fraternity involved in the death of Servando has expressed its dismay over some of its chapters which continue to practice hazing despite of their nationwide ordeal to stop it. If trust and loyalty were to be tested, there is no justice in a wooden paddle. It only bruises the muscle and brings pain to the already confused heart. At the end of the day, there is nothing accomplished by the masters but revenge on the pain they also felt during their new days. True brotherhood does not bank on revenge, if only they could understand that.

The nature of these brotherhoods are formed inside universities but their activities extend outside school property to safe themselves from the trouble they are about to dive in. But no matter where they hide, in whatever resort or condominium, they will always be bringing the name of their school and fraternity with it. But still, the school is to look after the external affiliations of their students. It would not hurt to have an adult look over the activities of the young. After all, they have enough wisdom to guide.

I have been through college before and I know the peer pressure it brings but if you happen to be an incoming freshman, I tell you your life will be normal with or without organizations and/or fraternities. However, you will grow with your full potential if you engage yourself in groups that practice what you love - be it writing, dancing, singing and even community service.