The Mona Lisa Society’s timeline started on August 27, 1967 in the City of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Comfortably nestled within this widely-known “City of Gentle People” is Silliman University, the oldest American University in Asia, founded in 1901 first as an elementary school for boys and eventually evolved into an internationally recognized school. Enthusiastically adopting the ideals of excellence, character and services as expressed by its motto “VIA, VERITAS, VITA” (The Way, The Truth and The Life), Silliman University has since then proved to be a producer of exceptionally educated and cultured graduates who exemplify the distinctive Silliman brand of leadership in their respective communities and areas of specialization. Though most of the students then were from Dumaguete and other parts of the province, the university inevitably attracted more and more students from farther points of the country and abroad. More and more Tagalogs, Ilonggos, Ilocanos, Warays, Mindanaonons, among many foreigners, came to Silliman to enroll. Suffice to say, the university then became a melting pot of academic and political ideas, regional and international cultures with various social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Like two sides of a coin, while the influx of students brought about a more vibrant market of ideas, ideals and beliefs aside from boosting the city’s economy, the so called exuberance of the youth also brought about several chances to clash between and among regional student groups – an obvious threat to the so loved, so desired peace and quite Dumaguete City has long been known for. The youthful and gentle Dumagueteños, despite early and painful efforts of evading trouble, ultimately found it necessary to cling to the principle of esprit de corps in preserving the city’s image and consequently assuming the role as agents of peace . Initiated by those enrolled in Silliman University, the first official meeting was held at the second floor of the university cafeteria before the 1967 Founder’s Day . It was also attended by some students from nearby tertiary schools presently known as the St. Paul University-Dumaguete and Foundation University. All those present decided to unite and organize themselves to serve the seen and felt purpose . While savoring the famous SU cafeteria cinnamon bread and fresh fruit juice, the group listed their members, a partial list of which is attached hereto. Brod Elfren “Dodoy” D. Quial III became the organizing president of the organization. Their first faculty advisers were SU Biology Professors Mr. Arnovio Pakilit, Jr. and Mr. Moody Cullamar.
Placed at a time when generally, campus organizations were adopting Greek letters and symbols for their names, the organizing members then opted to come up with one that is uniquely their own; one that embodies the exceptionality of the organization’s membership mix and bond , rarity of their ideals and inexplicability of their passion to pursue such ideals, regardless of apparent risks, at such young ages. They all then agreed to officially name the organization the “Mona Lisa Society,” befitting the mystery of Leonardo da Vinci’s “lady with a mystic smile, ” her infinitely baffling aura and projected impression of being “hard to fathom.”
The organization’s first accomplishments were made immediately during Silliman University’s 1967 Founder’s Day. The members actively participated in setting up the float for the College of Arts and Sciences muse, Ms. Kate Arrieta, who eventually was proclaimed “Miss Mardi Gras 1967.” From then on, the members have enthusiastically put up bulletin boards around the campus and took charge in the distribution of the Weekly Sillimanian. Even that early, the Mona Lisans already took it upon themselves to lead others in the preservation of a healthy environment. They made it a regular activity to clean the Silliman Beach while providing garbage cans for campus use. On top of these, the members of the newly-born group vigorously involved themselves in various university athletic and cultural activities. Specifically, their participation in the basketball tournament has strengthened brotherhood and sisterhood bonds.
A year after, in 1968, another chapter was organized in the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. From there, succeeding chapters in the city were formed specifically in the Velez School of Medicine, Southwestern University and the University of the Visayas.
In the 1970s, more Dumaguete chapters were formed in Foundation University and the then St. Paul College. Other chapters were also later organized in Mindanao with a spread covering places like Musuan of Bukidnon, Marawi City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and others.
In summary, the Mona Lisa Society has knowingly evolved into an exceptional service organization. Since then, forty (40) years or so have lapsed and such a humble yet sincere act of fostering brotherhood, loyalty, constancy, chivalry, sincerity, generosity of one’s self, leadership in serving others, as well as in preserving justice and peace, has blown into astonishing proportions.
From the Visayas to Mindanao and on to Luzon, chapters are born and reborn; some newly created, others re-energized and revitalized but still, all waving high the banner of honor, dignity, discipline, love of country and the Supreme Being.
Based on the hard-earned experiences and internalized values afforded by the memberships in their respective Mona Lisa chapters, a very astoundingly large chunk of the Mona Lisans have become leaders and respected authorities in their own communities. The ideals and principles of the Society are exemplified and epitomized in the present lives of its members be it in their own unique and special capacities as private individuals, professionals administrators, team players and/or community members.
Many Brods and Sis have become successful lawyers, doctors/physicians, educators, business entrepreneurs, high ranking officers in the military, elected officials, executives and administrators both in the public and private sectors. However, not to be missed mentioning are also those who, for reasons known only to themselves, have remained incognito or barely noticeable by others yet are walking the kind of life Mona Lisans aim to have.
All of them, in their own niches, are living exemplars of the Society’s ideals, worthy of emulation by budding and young Mona Lisans in particular; by the rest of the global youth in general. As we all say, ONCE A MONA LISAN, ALWAYS A MONA LISAN!
References: (In 2 meetings held at Brod Bayang’s residence, July 5 and 10, 2008) Brod Reynaldo Piñero Brod Eli Escorial Brod Madison Villavito Brod Nicholas “Nikki” Lagrito Brod Jerry Tan Pastor Brod Boy Monares Brod Jeffrey Araula Brod Bayani Cruz
Brod Alfonso “Al” Dagudag (July 3, 2008 meeting at Nerisse’s Bake Shop)
and this is why WE ARE PROUD TO BE A FAMILY OF MONALISA
One purpose is that of sharing relations. By providing an "extended family relationship, membership makes the adjustment to college easier and quicker. A big sister is a special friend who helps in this early adjustment and is a special person to whom a new student can turn." . . . "Each fraternity and sorority provides close personal friendships, which endure over a lifetime." . . . "Fraternity is living and working and enjoying life with one's friends. The years of experience will be invaluable to the individual in his dealings with people the rest of his life. One learns to be a individual and at the same time relegate his doings to those of society."
A second purpose is increased loyalty to Alma Mater. "The loyalty developed in the institutions allows both alumni and undergraduates to work together to renew relationships to the organization and the college." . . . "Statistics show that fraternity members are the largest contributors and supporters of their Alma Mater. " . . . "For the college, fraternities play a significant role in maintaining a sense of identity and friendship for members which translates into loyalty to the institution when they become alumni."
A third purpose is to provide social activities. "The college fraternity often provides a core social activity on campus, provides the driving spirit behind many extra-curricular activities, and gives the institution a sense of spirit." . . . "The benefits of the system include sponsoring events for the entire campus."
A fourth purpose is service projects for the betterment of mankind. "The fraternity and sorority teaches the importance of service to the community and the college. It support numerous and varied philanthropic endeavors, serve as scout leaders, to participate volunteering activities in times of environmental crises such as typhoons, floods. Ready to share to the less furtunate in any forms of assistance and support.
A fifth purpose, and one cited even by all organizations as one of its most important purposes, is to develop intellectual vitality. "Self-discipline and supervised study are cornerstones of organizations and develop a solid reputation for acceptance on campus. The atmosphere of chapters fosters intellectual ideas." . . . "Fraternities and sororities promote high academic standards and achievement by providing programs in time budgeting, how to study, take an exam, etc." . . . "Sororities are firmly grounded in the precept that, above all else, commitment to academic work is the essence of the student's role at her selected college. This precept is placed into action through active scholarship programs, ranging from study hours to tutorials, from special help to orientation sessions. Fraternity and Sorority chapters further augment the efforts of the college itself by carefully orientation new pledges and members to resources available through the college, such as the counseling service or college tutorial center. Additional support materials and awards incentive programs are often provided from the national level as well."
A sixth purpose, is to provide outlets for inter-college associations and friendships. Membership allows undergraduates to share ideas with students on other campuses. Each fraternity and sorority is leadership conferences, both on regional and national level, to build undergraduate programming and professional guidance for leaders in each chapter." . . . "Fraternity membership provides a support system not only during college by beyond through Collegiate Chapters, alumnae chapters, national publications and networking programs".
A seventh purpose is to provide guidance for moral and ethical growth. "Members learn to take responsibility for conduct and behavior of members and to handle problems which may arise through proper and fair procedures, always providing due process." . . . "The fraternity joins with the College in setting reasonable standards for comfort, safety, and acceptable behavior." . . . "Anti-social behavior, lack of social discipline and gross social activity under the pretense of boosting college spirit must not be tolerated. Fraternity members should be committed to helping each other become more humane, competent, responsive, mature and committed to the development of awareness and understanding of the individual and the environments in which he lives." . . . "Each group has its individual ritual, but all of these rituals have the common thread of high ideals and honor. Sororities systematically challenge members to implement those ideals in everyday life."
The eighth purpose stated for fraternities and sororities is to provide opportunities for leadership. "The students involved in a college fraternity enjoy a sense of shared responsibility, self-governance, and financial self-sufficiency." . . . "Members learn leadership and followership." . . . "Chapter management and organization provide a climate for development of leadership skills and related areas of personal growth. Systematic officer training workshops provide know-how and personal skills. Goal-setting sessions at chapter meetings spill over to personal goal-setting even years after college. Leadership positions in undergraduate chapters increase personal self-confidence and readiness to enter the job market."
THAT'S WHY IM PROUD TO BE PART OF MONA LISA FAMILY!!
BY: Brod JING S. YAMIT
