Welcome to USPNA: Upsilon Sigma Phi North America

We Gather Light To Scatter

For the past two years, the cold of winter and the warmth of Philippine hospitality blend their way into the Cruz residence. Outside the sound of car doors slamming shut is followed by the crunching sound of boots walking over freshly fallen snow while all around lies a carpet of white.

Pine trees bedecked with Christmas lights transform the crisp, cold dark night. Near the house meshed metal reindeer glow with little yellow lights. Within sight a garland is dotted red with holly. The nippy air tickles nostrils with the smell of pine needles as a breeze wafts it through the air. As guests approached the house the sound of laughter grows louder and then… the door opens to the vision of familiar faces happy to see brods, sis and family come in from the cold. All have brought gifts, food and wine, reliving year two of reuniting for Christmas, a bonding which evolved in 2004 when OtsoOtso was being planned for 18 months. For the past three Christmases Noel and Agnes Cruz have hosted this new tradition. Their home has been the gathering place of an ever increasing number of Upsilonians and Sigma Deltans who come together with their families, some spanning 3 generations.

Everyone is greeted with hugs and kisses that feel like family rituals year by year. Each year a new face appears, a familiar one moves on, perhaps to another place. Each year a present is brought and exchanged amidst banter and soulful camaraderie, savory meals, delectable wines. Picture taking follows after dessert and coffee with the twinge that this gathering soon will fade into nostalgia. Yet… the one present everyone takes with them every year is the priceless gift of friendship, true fellowship, brotherhood and sisterhood warm as candle glow, the kind that manifest the Christ in the word Christmas. This too shall pass into nostalgia yet blissfully endure.

Nena Cervantes SDP ‘63.

Watch the video created by Nena here.