The Beta Epsilon Theatrum and UP Lagoon Park Project
(A story of cooperation, brotherhood and generosity)
by Angelo V. Manahan BE’58
BEAI Treasurer-for-Life
 

Not many of you probably know that there is an ongoing project of the fraternity that consists of:

(1) rehabilitating the Beta Epsilon Theatrum
(2) reviving the lagoon a few meters away from the Theatrum, and
(3) developing the surrounding area into a park with trees and plants and a huge grassland where people can congregate, hold picnics or just leisurely walk around.

It is indeed a big undertaking that will require a sizable amount of resources especially money. But wait. I am going ahead of the story. Allow me to backtrack a bit in time.

The Beta Epsilon Theatrum was originated during the MEBship of Renan Pineda way back in 1983. It was designed by Roni Manahan, built by DMCI and was intended to be a gift to U.P. on the university’s 75th diamond jubilee.

The student brods at that time, and who are now part of the alumni, "claim" that they "invested" a lot of perspiration when the structure was being built. It took three years to complete going into the MEBship of Lenard and Caccus Berba. Some of you may be able to recall if the Theatrum was used for plays, poetry reading, and other activities it was intended for.

Then something unfortunate happened. For whatever reason, the flow of liquid in the body of water in front of the Theatrum was not properly maintained by UP Diliman. The water accumulated here had no way out so it remained stagnant and smelly.(* See note of Brod Dr. Leony Liongson below.) That spelled the doom of the Theatrum. No one wanted to use it. Even the frat was at fault for its negligence by failing to address the situation soon enough.

In 2007 BEAI President Vic Ahorro asked Brod Bernie Mendoza for a proposal to do a topo survey of the 6.5-hectare area. This was the first step in the renovation work in the theatrum.

In 2009, showing concern about the bad image that the Theatrum was giving the fraternity, BEAI Pres. Roger Buendia formed a Theatrum Renovation Study Committee with Ricky San Juan as Chair and Boy De Leon, a committee member and co-point person. On March 24th, together with Roni Manahan, the three of them made an ocular inspection of the site. Subsequently, Roni gave the following recommendations with two main points:

(1) provide an audience area facing the Theatrum which will require filling up the body of water in front, and

(2) redirect the drainage canals.

Doc Leony was invited to the Study Committee on March 25, 2009 to do the hydrologic designs. He submitted his first design on May 21, 2009, which included "Channels 1 to 4 with trapezoidal section with bottom width of 0.5 meter and side slopes of 1:1, to offer wider banks for growth of flora and access by small fauna and humans." The design of LQL evolved since then

With these developments, Pres. Roger Buendia sent a letter to the U.P.D. ADMIN with a proposal to rehabilitate the Theatrum "so that it can again be fully utilized by the UP Community". The letter suggested a meeting and even named the BE representatives to include Roni, Ricky, Boy, Leony and Jon Kasilag. Meetings were held and the Committee pushed the project forward with Doc Leony modifying  design from 2009 to 2011 to accommodate the UP request to preserve the wetlands and enhance the park.
 

Let us now move forward to the middle of 2011. Oca Arcinue was the President of BEAI and there was a new UP Diliman Chancellor by the name of Caesar Saloma. The project that was on the plate of B.E. was the Residence Hall or the Dorm Projec. Deni Cuayo was the point person and Project Head. Since there was a new team at the helm of UP DILIMAN, the BEAI leadership thought that the time was proper to meet the new Chancellor and give him a status report on the dorm project. The meeting was held at the Quezon Hall office of Mr. Saloma with Oca and Deni and a couple of other brods present. The date was June 16, 2011.

In the middle of the meeting, the Chancellor said, "Teka muna. Before we proceed and before I forget, there is an item we should address". He moved his head towards the place where the Theatrum was and continued, "There is an opportunity wherein Beta Epsilon can do something for UP DILIMAN. We need to refurbish the Theatrum and improve the area surrounding it. The frat has a very capable person who can do that for us. Si Doc Leony. Let's have a joint cooperative effort and address the issue".  As already stated earlier, in 2009, Doc Leony had already made the hydrologic designs. Unknown perhaps to Chancellor Saloma, BEAI was already in the renovation planning since 2007.

What else can Pres. Oca say but, "Yes sir, let's do it". I was present in that meeting but did not immediately realize that all of a sudden, the plate of Beta Epsilon will have on it the Beta Epsilon Theatrum and UP Lagoon Park Project instead of the Dorm Project.

During the next few months, Doc Leony made his hydrological studies and water flow design that involved three phases. The area around the Theatrum would be the responsibility of Beta Epsilon while the rest of the space will be done by UP Diliman.

On August 18, Pres Oca sent a letter to Chan Saloma confirming the responsibilities of Beta Epsilon and that of UP Diliman in this undertaking. In effect, this became the basis for the joint understanding between the two parties. By this time too, the BEAI leadership was changing hands with Pres. Sonny Laigo coming in. During the transition, Oca and Sonny formed the BE TEAM with Doc Leony as Project Head and Betan Point-Person.

Mike Sicat constructs Channel 3

To divert the movement of water from the front of the Theatrum, a canal had to be built that will direct the flow from the outlet of the old lagoon (water flows but does not accumulate) to a natural tributary away from UP DILIMAN. This is a huge job and needs the work of an expert construction outfit. Sonny sounded off the brods and Ojie Alzona said, "Let me try to contact Mike Sicat. I know for sure that he can handle the work but let me verify if he is willing to do it".

Results were positive. Mike said he will do the job and submitted a cost estimate of P350,000. Sonny asked me if BEAI can provide bridge financing so that work can start. I said that BEAI has the money. And so, after a board approval allocating the sum of P350,000 for the channel MIKE started working.

The design calls for the installation of a weir at the mouth of the canal to control the flow. Consequently, this will dictate the water level in the new lagoon which is simply a revival of the old lake. Mike has now completed the job with riprapping on the sides of the canal. Quite an engineering accomplishment and a work of art. Estimate of actual cost is P400,000.

Student (resident) brods clean up and repaint the stage

In the meantime, the Theatrum itself had to be worked up. The resident brods volunteered to do the manual job of cleaning up and repainting provided BEAI can take care of the funds. After another board meeting allocating P20,000, the initial rehabilitation of the Theatrum was completed.

Now we have a repainted Theatrum and a completed canal cum weir controlling the flow of water. All that remains to be done is to fill up with soil the depression and body of liquid between the Theatrum and the channel which has remained soggy and smelly due to the seepage of water. In its condition, use of the Theatrum is impossible and people will not be able to use the area for congregating and strolling around. It is a critical situation because the backfilling job requires a lot of materials and will cost a lot of money. Not to mention the hauling work and the need for heavy equipment that will do the earth moving.

Sid Consunji/DMCU Homes to do the main construction work

The date was December 3. 2011. The event was the BE Christmas Party held at the roofdeck of DMCI HOMES in Makati. Brods who came early saw Sid and Rey Salazar "starting to party".

There was casual conversation going around when Sid popped up the question, "Kumusta na yung Theatrum/Lagoon/Park project natin?". Sonny took the floor and reported, "Maayos na ang Theatrum at yung channel na ginawa ni Mike Sicat tapos na. Kaya lang, the area between the Theatrum and the canal has to be filled up with materials to make it usable. This requires a lot of backfilling. Unfortunately, this is the responsibility of UP DILIMAN and it seems that they are bogged down in the usual red tape. Nag paparinig na nga si Chancellor kung puedeng akuin na lang ito ng BE. Kaso, parang hindi pa kaya ng BE ang halaga ng gawain".

Sonny continued, "Sadly, it will have a big impact on our name because people can see that we are working on the Theatrum and the canal. They will not understand why we left the area in between unattended. It''s not good for the frat PRwise".

Sid looked at Rey and asked, "Kaya bang gawin ng DMCI HOMES yung backfilling?". Rey, of course, knows what his boss means and promptly replied, "Oo kaya natin yon". Sid asked Sonny who the project head is and with whom to coordinate. Sonny said, "Si Leony. And he is here with us". Si Sid, "Okay, mag uusap si Rey and Leony and DMCI HOMES will do the job". End of conversation. Tuloy and kainan at inuman.

The preparations for the backfilling job are now on-going. During the last meeting of the project team with Sid, the latter promised that BE will create a park complex within the Theatrum and the canal which the U.P. community can enjoy 24/7 and for which BE will be proud of.

Act of Generosity of Betans

Thru Sid and Rey, the project team was informed that DMCI HOMES will donate all the cost of the backfilling work. That includes materials, heavy equipment utilization and manpower expenses. Estimated cost is P2.0 million.

When Sonny and I talked to each other, I suggested that we pay off Mike Sicat for what he did. It is not good financial practice to have debts unpaid going into the new year. Estimated cost is P400,000. So Sonny called up Mike and asked for his billing statement. What Sonny heard from Mike was another surprise of his life and most appropriate for the Christmas season. Sabi ni Mike, "Konti lang naman yung ginawa ko, Sonny. Donation ko na yon sa fraternity. Merry Christmas". With generous brods like Sid and Mike we cannot help but be proud that they are our brothers in the BETA EPSILON FRATERNITY.

Thank you, Sid and Mike!

Not to be forgotten are the brods who came forward and volunteered their expertise, skills and time without any form of compensation whatsoever to insure the success of this project.

I can mention a few names like Roni Manahan, Leony Liongson, Boy De Leon, Egbert Abiad, Jon Kasilag, Ricky San Juan, Alex Santos, Ojie Alzona, Beng Valerio, Tito Aliga, Bong Lopez, Mon Ramirez, Rey Bautista and the latest addition and most important,  Doc Alexis Acacio, Director of the COE Institute of Civil Engineering, who accepted his appointment by the BEAI BOARD as the overall Project Committee Chairman or Project Manager The technical guys believe that a complex project like this needs a top notch civil engineer as project head.

Leadership was provided by the past BEAI Presidents: Vic Ahorro who initiated the theatrum renovation project, Roger Buendia, Deni Cuayo, Oca Arcinue and the current president. Sonny Laigo. MEB Baste Sebastian and the student (resident) brods) have been very helpful, too.

Looking forward, we are hopeful that this joint cooperation between the UP Diliman Administration and the Beta Epsilon Fraternity will serve as a model for other UP Diliman orgs to follow. There are many opportunities for further development of the area for everyone to enjoy. For instance, walking/jogging paths can be added so people will not be stepping on the grass. Benches can be installed. Barbecue pits and picnic areas too. Then the park complex becomes a truly joint cooperation among the UP Diliman admin and student organizations.

Undoubtedly, this project has no way to go but in the path of success. What with the cooperation between UP Diliman and Beta Epsilon, the spirit of brotherhood among Betans and the generosity of brods who have nothing else in their minds but beneficial contribution of Beta Epsilon Fraternity to UP and its community. Indeed, makes you feel proud to be a Betan. MABUHAY!!

This is just the first chapter of this story. Surely, subsequent "chapters" will be given until the whole episode of the Beta Epsilon Theatrum and UP Lagoon Park Project is completed.#

* Note of Dr. Liongson sent by text:
There was flow in the lagoon near the theatrum but was obscured by thick weeds. Bad smell came from another sewer water at Channel 1 from the Engineering corner outfall. But today there is no more bad smell because after water treatment  at UP STP water is pumped back to Channel 1 which does not enter the lagoon yet. Weir gate 1 will do that.

Quick Facts about the 1983 Beta Epsilon Theatrum

1. The Theaturm is Beta Epsilon's gift to the University on its Diamond Jubilee in 1983 during the term of MEB Renan Pineda BE 80.

2. The architectural design was done by Dean Geronimo V. Manahan, BE 57, and the structural by Betan Engineers at DMCI.

3. Lito Manahan BE 58 was in charge of the financing scheme.

4. Ground breaking was held on August 27, 1983, with Chancellor E. G. Tabujara, Dean of Student Affairs Luis Beltran, Roni Manahan, Prof. I.I. Ilio, alumni and residents pitching in. Inauguration of stage was on December 8, 1984.

A capsule containing pertinent data about the frat and the structure was buried with the cornerstone.

5. DMCI's Lilit Tumbocon BE 78 was the Project Engineer. However the resident brods assisted in much of the manual work.

6, The main stage is situated by the water's edge. Across the lagoon is the audience area to be landscaped with rising steps towards Osmena Avenue.

7. The first function to utilize this outdoor theater stage was the Poetry Reading of the works of Brod Dom I. Ilio held on December 8, 1984, its inauguration. It has been used afterwards by the President's Cultural Committee.
 

Newsletter announcing the theatrum project

Quote from two honorable Betans:

"The shame that this project is giving the name
of the frat should stop. Let's complete it".

This is about the Beta Epsilon Way before 1962. The context of this quote is from an email by Lito Manahan '58:

"Reminds me of the BETA EPSILON WAY. Ganyan din ang kalagayan ng BE WAY at the beginning. Every August, during our anniversary week, the resident brods will do some land work, laying of hollow blocks, etc. After a few meters at topos na ang anniversary week, the work stops. Nakabitin. In the same manner, nakakahiyang ipamalas sa simumang naglalakad doon.

"This went on for several years. Baka decades pa. Until DENNIS QUINTO and then BOBBY TINIO as MEB's of '61 and '62 said with full of passion, "The shame that this project is giving the name of the frat should stop. Let's complete it". The rest is history. Now, the BE WAY is a completed project the frat is proud of. It won for us an outstanding achievement award in 1962"
 

--------------------

Note from Mon: Is there a lesson to be learned from our experience in the construction of the Beta Way, the crown jewel of all Beta Epsilon projects, that we can now apply to a 1983 project that failed, as in, epic fail?

Why Beta Epsilon constructed the Theatrum in 1983

Email from: Roger Buendia

Date: 11/18/08

Brods,

Allow me to beef up the available information a bit so that the issue is better appreciated.

If I remember correctly, as I was then an officer when it was conceptualized and implemented, there was concept paper that was created by no less than Brod Roni Manahan, who was then the Dean of the College of Architecture and the designer and project proponent of the BE Theatrum. I think this Theatrum was part of the overall plan of UP to develop the area into a park where the UP community could utilize and enjoy the facilities. Since it was UP's 75th, a big project such as the Theatrum was developed hand in hand by the Alumni and the Residents.

The plan was big (as usual) and expensive (as usual) and was also during a time of crisis (1983-84). But the Brotherhood decided to push through. Prof Ilio and MEB Renan Pineda were leading the way. Alumni were fully supportive of the whole project. I even remember that the reason why the Theatrum was designed facing the lagoon is because of the idea that the sound/music coming from the stage would bounce on the water thus providing greater distance for the sound/music to be heard. The design also showed a beautifully engineered roof. I think all these documents were placed in a time capsule that was buried under the Theatrum.

But with limited funds, the project could not be fully completed. It was decided then that the basic frame of the Theatrum, at the least, should be completed and it was hoped that the next generation residents would follow through and complete the dream.

Unfortunately, it stands were it is right now - a seemingly white elephant with the bold painted names of Beta Epsilon. For 25 years, it lacked support, interest and focus from the brotherhood.

It is also important to note that UP maintains its plan to develop the area into a park. Actually, the lagoon could be revived anytime as the source of water to fill up the lagoon is just temporarily close. But as soon as maintenance of the lagoon is guaranteed, the water source could be opened easily.

From our discussions with Prof Ernie Pineda, who is the Chairman of the Community Development, the development of the park is dependent on external funding. Although the Theatrum was a great project, there were no funding to complete the development of the park. So, he even suggested that BE can create "support facilities" (business activities) within the Theatrum area to provide funding for the park development and maintenance. In short, UP is open to suggestions and willing to cooperate if there will be any initiative from BE to complete the plan.

Since the hype for a big project is again in the air, I just hope our thoughts would be mindful on what is important not to ourselves but to those who need it most.
 

Hope this helps.
 

Good day!
 

Roger

-----------------

Note from Mon: I have a copy of the 1983 MEB letter announcing the Beta Theatrum plan and the inaugural program invitation which Prof Ilio and Leony endorsed. Unfortunately I cannot find it in my baul right now.

THE BETA THEATRUM
An Update

Purple Tower
60th Anniversary Issue
August 1989
 

Presently, the Beta Theatrum is amidst a jungle of tall grass and trees hidden from the view of many. The lagoon fronting the stage which should serve as a reflecting surface for lights and provide for the acoustics effects of the set is now overflowing with water lilies and debris. The stage is poorly maintained and full of rotting logs and dried leaves. The place is a lovely sight, but it hasn't attracted much attention, It stands as one of the unfinished, much ignored projects of the Beta Epsilon.

Since its construction in 1983, it is only now on our 60th year that the Theatrum has solicited support from the brods. Thru the initiative of alumni brods Robbie Fabian '75 and Teddy San Juan '75, and resident brods Erwin Marqueses '88 and Stein Macabulos '89, the Theatrum will be renovated and will proceed to construction as follows:

1 ] the audience area will be elevated
2] a lighting system will be installed
3] the roof will be constructed based on original plan
4] the surface will be painted
5] the lagoon will be cleaned
6] and lastly, landscaping will be done.

The main thrust of the group is to make the Theatrum attractive and the audience area be comfortable so that the different organizations can hold their activities there.

Consistency of purpose and determination to work is the main principles that drive the Beta Epsilon through its 60 years of proud existence. On this note, the resident brods have been eager to share in the present furor in the campus. Fortunately, this eagerness we have extends beyond the mere participation in present activities. Surely, the Beta Epsilon expects every brod to contribute towards the realization of this project. Just like the Beta Way, the Beta Theatrum will be a 'concrete' structure that will not only have an 'impact' but will really endure.

Purple Tower
60th Anniversary Issue
August 1989

 

TIMELINE: The Beta Epsilon Theatrum Project

Prepared by Mon Ramirez '63*

 

15 June 1983 -  MEB Renan Pineda issues a one-page newsletter announcing the theatrum project -- "construction of an outdoor stage (or bandstand) -- scheduled for launching on August 23, 1983 and to be completed in time for the Maskipaps in December, 1983. The newsletter was signed by MEB Renan Pineda, Leonardo Liognson as Brother Adviser and Prof Ilio as Emeritus Adviser.

1983 August 27 - Laying of the cornerstone of the BE theatrum
 

1984 December 8 - Poetry Reading at the completed theatrum. This marks the formal inauguration of the theatrum.
 

1989 August - Plans made for repair and renovation with a few actually implemented.

2007 Feb 19 – BEAI President Vic Ahorro asked Bernie Mendoza for a quote on a topographic survey of the 6.5-hectare theatrum area. This is the first concrete step that initialized the theatrum renovation project. See Appendix A for details.

2009 March 24 – The Theatrum Renovation Study Committee formed by BEAI President Roger Buendia and consisting of Board director Ricky San Juan as chair, Boy de Leon and Roni Manahan conducted a walk-through at the theatrum site. See Appendix B for details on the recommendations atter the Walk Through.

2009 April – Jon/AMH submits results of its survey of the theatrum area

2009 May 25 – BEAI President Roger Buendia wrote to Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Grace Gregorio expressing intent of BEAI to rehabilitate the theatrum, the first ever letter of intent on the renovation project.

Roger wrote:
“In celebration of the 100th year of U.P. and in preparation for the upcoming 100th year of the College of Engineering, our organization wishes to rehabilitate the U.P. Theatrum so that it can again be fully utilized by the University community.

“With this, our organization, through its representatives, Engr. Ricky San Juan, Architect Roni Manahan, Engr. Jon Kasilag, Engr. Cesar De Leon and Dr. Leonardo Liongson, would like to discuss with you and your officers the details of the project at your most convenient place, date, and time.”
 

Roger had earlier formed a Theatrum Renovation Study Committee chaired by BEAI Director Ricky San Juan. Boy became a member of this committee. Jon Kasilag/AMH forthwith did the topo surveys and Leony Liongson did the hydrologic and hydraulic studies.

2009 March 25 - Doc Leony was invited to the Study Committee to do the hydrologic designs. He submitted his first design on 21 May 2009, which included "Channels 1 to 4 with trapezoidal section with bottom width of 0.5 meter and side slopes of 1:1, to offer wider banks for growth of flora and access by small fauna and humans." The design of LQL evolved since then.

Doc Leony modified his designs from 2009 to 2011 to accommodate the UP request to preserve the wetlands and enhance the park. He persisted in 2010 to complete his design despite his other COE work and the lesser attention given to it by the BEAI2009 board whose time was taken up by the dormitory project. We note that board considered demolishing the Theatrum as on option during its meeting at AG&P conference room..
 

2009 June – Leony made a ppt presentation to the VCCA. The Study Team obtained the approval in principle for the Theatrum Renovation Project from VCCA Grace Gregorio. Her approval was qualified with a request to preserve the "wetlands", which prompted Leony to further work on his conceptual plan.

2010 November 6 – BEAI President Oca and  the board in a meeting at SENTRO budgeted

During the Beai Board meeting, BEAI President Oca Arcinue directed the Study Committee headed by Boy de Leon to implement the Project with a budget of P200k (later upped to P300k after the golf event) for Phase 1, not counting the estimated P210k backfill which was to come free from UP contractors.
 

The Theatrum Renovation Study Committee was transformed into a Project Implementing Committee (PIC). Oca assigned Director Sonny Laigo to represent BEAI in the PIC)
 

2010 December 5 - Project Implementing Committee submitted the Project Area sketch  to BEAI2010 board  in their meeting at Dome cafe.

December 28, 2010 - Simplification of project elements. Based on the 2009 Canal Survey by Jon/AMH, the 2009 Wetlands Study of Leony Liongson, and a meeting of Leony, Erick, Jon, MEB Jan, and Boy on Dec 1, the PIC came up with the December 1, 2010 updated project elements:

However, design detailing and costing, targeted for completion by Dec 10, are found to be behind schedule as of Dec 27. A standing request for meeting presentation to UP VCCA Grace Gregorio for their official project approval has been made by Leony since the week of Dec 7.

January 2011 – Theatrum site survey by Boy de Leon, Leony and Jon Kasilag/AMH with Mon Ramirez.
 

9 February 2011 – BEAI President Oca Arcinue wrote to Elvin R. Ebreo, OIC of the Office of Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs, reiterating plan to rehabilitate the theatrum raised by former BEAI President Roger Buendia..

2011 July 21 – Meeting and presentation with Chancellor Saloma. Doc Leony gave a presentation of the master plan.

2011 July 27 – BEAI President Oca Arcinue wrote to Chancellor Saloma affirming the intent “to rehabilitate the Beta Epsilon Theatrum and its surrounding area, located within the UP Lagoon and Park area”

2011 August 18 – BEAI President Oca Arcinue wrote to Chancellor Saloma “to confirm Beta Epsilon Alumni Inc.’s (BEAI) commitment to the following:

1. To prepare the requisite hydrological and hydraulic studies underpinning the proposed project, as described in Professor Liongson’s Project Concept as presented, a copy of which is herewith attached ;
2. To prepare the detailed engineering plans and landscape improvement plans for the implementation of works that are embodied in Phase-I of the project, all subject to the approval of your office.
3. To initiate and to work hand-in-hand with the concerned Units in UPD under your Office, particularly UP-OCA and UP-CMO, in the implementation of Phase 1 of the Project;
4. To prepare the engineering plans for the culverts under the driveway behind Quezon Hall and the culverts under Roxas Ave. at the side of Quezon Hall, sized for a 10-year design period to minimize the flooding events, to enable UP-OCA and UP-CMO to subsequently include the related construction in the UPD infrastructure program;
5. To initiate, and to work hand-in-hand with the concerned Units in UPD under your Office, the development of the Landscape Master Plan of the UPD Academic Oval.”

At the same time, President Oca wrote of BEAI’s understanding “that UPD is committed to do the following, through UP-OCA and UP-CMO, during the Phase 1 implementation period August to November 2011, to wit:

1. To provide suitable backfill materials from any of the on-going UPD excavation/project construction sites, to be placed, leveled, and compacted by UP-CMO under the guidance of Prof. Liongson and the AMH Consulting Engineers;
2. To undertake initial excavations by UP-CMO for Gate 2 and Channel No.3 in accordance with Professor Liongson’s design guidelines and as directed in the field by AMH Consulting Engineers nominated by BEAI;
3. To provide suitable electrical power supply to the Park by UP-CMO in accordance with plans to be provided by BEAI through AMH Consulting Engineers, and
4. To provide the necessary Comfort Rooms by UP-CMO in accordance with plans to be provided by BEAI through AMH Consulting Engineers.”

Oca added that “our commitment goes beyond Phase-I, and the sooner we are able to complete the Master Plan, the sooner shall we be able to identify elements of the succeeding phases that we can fund and implement. “
 

2011 September 1 - At the BEAI board meeting, Doc Alexis Acacio was assigned as the board disector in charge of the project.

2011 September 15 - Mike Sicat joined the Team. He had agreed to Ojie Alzona's request to be the Contractor, subsequently guaranteeing to the Team the completion of Phase 1 with his own backfill sources if needed.

2011 September 23 - Meeting with Chancellor Saloma, VCCA Abad and DEC

2011 September 27 - BEAI 2011 President Sonny Laigo wrote a letter asking UP permits for the crew and equipments of Mike Sicat.

2011 October 13 – Work crew of Mike Sicat mobilized on site
 

2011 October 27 - Meeting with Atty Percival Cortez of UP DLO at the UP DLO conference room to flesh out the MOA BEAI attendees: Sonny Laigo, Alex Santos and Boy de Leon
 

2011 November ? - Resident brods repaint the theatrum

2011 December ?  – Completion of Channel 3 by Mike Sicat

2011 December ? -  Chancellor Saloma and BEAI President Sonny Laigo sign MOA.

2012 January 1st week - Bamboo palisade installation

2012 January 1st week – Sid/DMCI Homes commits to do the reclamation work
 

2012 January 7 – BEAI board appoints Doc Alexis Acacio as Chair of the Theatrum Project Committee/Project Manager

2012 January 6 – Beng Valerio volunteers to do the structural work starting with the footbridges

*Note: The above timeline is based on documents found in the baul of Prof Ilio, emails posted by Boy de Leon, Lito Manahan, Leony and others and my own files. Please supply missing data or correct errors, if any.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A: Comments of Boy de Leon on the proposed topo   mapping requested by BEAI Pres. Vic Ahorro

From: Cesar de Leon <cmdl.surequest@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Subject: Re: [beaiboard2007] FW: DII/Beta Theatrum Project
To: beaiboard2007@yahoogroups.com
Cc: "ALI Berba, Gilbert M." <berba.gilbert@ayalaland.com.ph>

Brods,

VicA's suggested boundaries are a good approximation. However, my recommendation is to further widen the topo mapping to include the ff

1. The sidewalks on the north [Osmena Ave], on the east [Roces Ave], on the south [Roxas Ave] and the straight line parallel to the paved asphalted road behind the Admin Bldg [tangent intersecting Osmena and Roxas Ave. at the ends]. Simply exclude the whole area of the amphitheater including the retaining walls.
 

2. Plot the hydraulic grade line of the sewage effluent and the storm drainage lines that cross the survey area.
a) Start with the inverts at the Sewer Manhole and the Storm Drain Outfall [two barrels] along Roces Ave., their intersection-divergence before the surge pond fronting the BE Theatrum, their common outfall after the pond, and the outfall from the edge of the Academic Oval;
b) Include the inverts of the 1.20-m dia drainage pipeline from the MH at Osmena to its intersection with the Storm/Sewerage Drainline that converged into one after the surge pond fronting the BE Theatrum.
c) Include the inverts of the 6-inch dia effluent pipeline [to be verified] that was built with a concrete outfall to the pond, up to the manholes (MH) across Osmena Ave between the UP Theater/Carillon and Film Center Bldg.

The rationale for this expanded topo mapping is the possibility of the planner to use the data for complete design, such as of
a) access stairs and walkways for pedestrians from the surrounding roads to the Theatrum
b) attract users of the Theatrum by also developing the picnic groves around the Theatrum, other sattelite areas around the immediate boundary of the Theatrum, and parking/store area [probably the flat area at the corner of Roxas-Roces]
c) the utilities for sewerage and drainage to serve the area.

Note that the pond is heavily silted and may need dredging or other hydraulic measures to restore its environmental viability as integral part of the development.

The Planner must also consider that this study area is only a part of what is called the Academic Oval.

The study must be complete from the start. Implementation can be phased depending on budget constraints.

BoyDL

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Appendix B: Details of recommendations after Walk Through

24 MARCH 2009
WALK-THROUGH AT THEATRUM SITE

Attended by:
Ricky San Juan – Committee Chair
Roni Manahan – PROS President/Principal, with Architects Rodelio Paraso & Andrew Arigadas
Boy de Leon - Committee member

REPLANNING IDEAS/COMMENTS

1. To have a place for the audience, Roni suggested to fill up the lagoon in front of the Theatrum.
a. The potential area/s that may be reclaimed from the lagoon will include the islet upstream with the huge old tree in the middle, presently accessed through old electric poles serving as footbridges. A rough survey of the potential area/s may be done by the brods to be tasked with the detailed design.
b. The rear of the Theatrum is not a feasible place for the audience because of the obstructing mature trees.
c. To facilitate access to the lagoon area (after filling) the open drainage canal skirting it in front may have to be redeveloped into a covered canal.
d. After covering the drainage canal, the adjoining raised flat grounds may also become an adjoining “events” place. The area is about 300 sqm, ringed by trees, and was the central site of the BEAI family picnic organized by Rey Salazar some years ago. It is now often used , esp on Sundays, for martial arts practice.

2. To be able to fill up the lagoon
a. Develop a scheme or design for diverting the combined storm-sewage flow filling into the lagoon.
b. Obtain approval from University officials on the scheme.
 

3. Developing a scheme or design for diverting the flow into the lagoon will require the ff. steps:
a. Determine the drainage areas/sources and the design flows. Leony’s name was suggested as the brod qualified to lead this task.
b. Compare the hydraulic gradients of the flow through the lagoon and the drainage canal (between the lagoon and the paved footpath), to be able to redesign the drainage canal to carry the combined design flows. The brods from AMH were suggested as qualified to assist Leony – i.e., in GPS survey and detailed engineering of the civil works involved.
 

4. Roni suggested future enhancements of the Theatrum:
a. Roof over the stage, probably with light structural textile material.
b. Restrooms at the sides.
c. Coffee shop at the back, probably to be operated by resident brods.
5. The brods must coordinate with the proper units of the University on the technical and administrative aspects of the above.
 

2011 BEAI  Prexy Oca turns over to 2012 BEAI Prexy Sonny the work on the theatrum project that covers the area beyond this amphitheater. Sonny is  the 5th BEAI prexy to handle this project, the first three being Vic Ahorro, Roger Buendia and Deni Cuayo,

BEAI Prexy Sonny is joined by Doc Alexis as Project Manager/Project Committee Chair and Doc Leony as chief hydrologist/designer, undoubtedly a very competent and tough combination of management and engineering skills and experience.

The fraternity is lucky to have brods who accept assigned tasks willingly, it is also blessed with a deep bench of such Betans.

Mabuhay kayo and may your tribe increase a thousand times!
 

3 Phases of the Theatrum and Lagoon Project

by Dr. Leonardo Liongson
 

PHASE I
 

Phase 1, part 1 - channel 3, weir gates 1 & 2, bamboo palisade, BE Theatrum backfill - (ongoing, budgeted by donors), currently under direct management of Pres. Sonny Laigo & assisted by volunteers ... until completion hopefully in 2012 first quarter.

Unstarted/undesigned/unfinalized/unbudgeted-yet plan: the main agenda/work of Project Committee (chaired by Alexis Acacio), plus other tasks which Pres. Laigo & the Board may assign:

Phase 1, part 2 - landscape development plan, channels 1, 2, & 4, cross drains, bridges, theatrum renovation, etc. (from A. Roces Ave. to Quezon Hall).
 

PHASE II
 

Phase 2 - BE Way wetlands development or the Diliman Lake (from Univ. Library to A. Roces Ave).
 

PHASE III
 

Phase 3 - water quality management & effluent treatment (from Vinzon Hall to Univ. Library).

 

UP Newsletter staff writer interviews Doc Leony on the theatrum project, Jan. 17, 2012, Go to video of this interview

The January 2012 BE News feature on the theatrum project

Stripped of the project's engineering technicals, what we Betans are doing here is simply to have the Beta Epsilon Theatrum on center stage for cultural activities while providing a nice world-class playground near it for the thousands of kids in the Diliman area . including the Betanaks and Betapos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGRjq39OLko