~ ~ ~ Outside the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity circle, a vast majority of initiates from the Philippines are unacquainted at how awesome the college fraternity world has become over the past 235 years. A startling phenomenon that continues to grow and evolve today, fraternity secrets and mysteries, old rituals, secret grips, meaning of symbols, insignia, letters and fraternity colors devised by hundreds of American college fraternities since the first American society named FHC or Flat Hat Club was formed in 1750 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. On December 5, 1776 FHC changed its name to Phi Beta Kappa. PBK was followed by the Union Triad--Kappa Alpha Order (1812), Sigma Phi (March 4, 1827) and Delta Phi (November 18, 1827). Ninety-nine years later at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, Alpha Phi Omega Scouting Fraternity was founded. It is quite amazing to note a newcomer GLO like Alpha Phi Omega has 'mysteries and secrets' devised by Supreme Grand Master Frank R. Horton in anticipation of the APO founding. Like Yale's popular underground society, Skull and Bones' 322 (numerals shown below the S&K society badge) is known only to Bonesmen. Resulting from years of research it now appears Alpha Phi Omega originator Frank R. Horton secretly incorporated a hidden meaning to Alpha Phi Omega most important date, '12.16.25' as it related to his grand design by inserting a puzzling symbolism yet genius veil of secrecy linking the hidden meaning of the founding date and the fraternity for modern-day APhiO initiates to unmask. ~ E ~ E ~ Contents of this album come from years of research by APO initiate Jess Castillo (E '68 at U.E.) and from his continuing knowledge of the American fraternity system. This special album on 'mysteries & secrets' is a feature especially created by him to broaden the understanding by APO-RP initiates (for those who care to enrich their Greek-Letter Organization knowledge) how amazing this American phenomenon inspired millions of college students. ~ ~ ~ FraterMysteries album is dedicated to esteemed Epsilon initiates in appreciation of their great friendship. They are: Bro. Herbie Manarang (E '75), whose personal initiative attracted positive response from Bro. Rob Merilo (E '74), www.apo-epsilon creator and publisher; Bro. PGC Jun "JB" Bangan (E '71), 2009-2011 APO Hollywood Alumni president; Bro. Rudy "Porgie" Portugal (E '63), Bro. Ben Sabangan (E '70), APO Northern California past president; Bro. Ernesto D. Ramos (E '65), Bro. Aim Ramirez (E '77), APO Ni Bonifacio charter president; Bro. PGC Ariel Belisario (E '78), Bro. Steve Chicano (E '63), Bro. Angel Baquiran (E '59), and Bro. Placido "Terry" Galzote (E '56), 2009 EOA president. Contributors were also mentioned in the article Epsilon Today: Epitome of a Model APhiO Chapter. ~ ~ E ~ ~ Also offered as a tribute in celebration of this editor's great friendship with Theta Sigma initiate Bro. Mahal Aguirre ('88) and his delightful wife Renfel, loyal friends and thoughtful neighbors at Westlake Avenue in Los Angeles, and website admirer Bro. Joe Servanda (Eta alum) from northern California. Servanda takes pride telling this editor he greatly enjoys the throve of info read here. 9.09.09

1 Exalted Friend	1776 Start	1918 Engraving	1919 Initiate
1925-Born GLOs	4theTomb	7 In All!	Badge of SigChi
Badges & Orders	Crescent	Croix	Cross in Canton