MU! MU! MU! Brods chanting away to conclude the Fraternity's number. Most Exalted Brother RJ Badulis ΜΣΦ 2009 holding the fraternity's seal. Photo by Alric Mondragon UPCM Class 2010.

No smoke, no mirrors, just talent.

The Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority lit up the stage once again at the 35th Tao Rin Pala (TRP) variety show, titled TRP 35: A Night of Magic.

First to perform were the Mu sisses, who dazzled the crowd with their dance production based on the story of the journey of a little boy and girl through the faerie realms. The mesmerizing mix of glamour, sizzle, endearing storyline and flawless choreography drew cheers and applause from all over. The Sorority’s dance number also featured the guest participation of brod Kalvin Adala ΜΣΦ 2012 as the little boy in the story.

The Mu brods—resplendent in brand-new ΜΣΦ hooded jackets designed by Brother Custodian Francis Crisostomo ΜΣΦ 2011—followed with a Gothic-themed dance number that segued into a raucous interpretation of I Like To Move It. To top it off, the Fraternity’s performance was graced with the presence of two very special Diamond Guests, 2007 Binibining Pilipinas titleholders Anna Theresa Licaros (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe) and Maggie Wilson (Bb. Pilipinas-World), who starred in a thriller-comedy sketch that also featured neophyte Jed Yambot of Batch 2013. Between the brods’ riotous performances and the star presence of the Diamond Guests, the audience was treated to an all-around great time.

SHOWTIME. (L to R) Brother Noble E.R. Claudio ΜΣΦ 2010, Neil Illescas ΜΣΦ 2011, and Lord Hermida ΜΣΦ 2009. Photo by Alric Mondragon UPCM Class 2010.

THE MEB WITH HIS GOONS, err, GOTS. (L to R) MEB RJ Badulis ΜΣΦ 2009, Guardians of the Temple Jowel Mariano ΜΣΦ 2012 and Ace Tiu 2012. Photo by Alric Mondragon UPCM Class 2010.

75 YEARS OF GLORY! Mu Sigma Phi unveils one of its Diamond Anniversary emblems. Photo by Alric Mondragon UPCM Class 2010.

REAL DIAMONDS. Mu Sigma Phi's TRP guests Ms. Maggie Wilson and Ms. Anna Theresa Licaros with neophyte Jed Yambot of Batch 2013. Photo by Alric Mondragon UPCM Class 2010.

The band segment of the night’s entertainment was dominated by musical groups from MU, and those led by MU. As the winners of the Friday at the East (FATE) Battle of the Bands, three bands earned the privilege of presenting at the TRP (see the related article on this website, Mu Wins FATE). The MU Band, fronted by Joanne Macenas μΣΦ 2012 and Lyz Fernan (Mu Sigma Phi Sorority Batch 2013), had the crowd and the backstage crew up and dancing with their version of the Police's classic Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. Our Strong Band, another all-Mu outfit led by Ace Tiu ΜΣΦ 2012, followed with a bone-crushing rendition of the Stone Temple Pilots’ Plush. Parokya Ni Glenn Tan, named after drummer Dr. Glenn Tan ΜΣΦ 2008, finished the segment with a medley of current hits and songs from the 80’s.

THE MU BAND. (L to R) Button Ricarte ΜΣΦ 2012 on bass, Lyz Fernan Mu Sigma Phi Sorority Batch 2013 on vocals, and Raphy Arada ΜΣΦ 2012 on lead guitar.

DRUMMER BOY. Parokya ni Glenn Tan's...Dr. Glenn Tan ΜΣΦ 2008!

BELTING IT OUT. Ace Tiu ΜΣΦ 2012, front man of Mu Sigma Phi's Our Strong Band

Before the night was over, MU would shine once more, as UPCM Class 2012’s OSCE Song, with music and lyrics by Raphy Arada ΜΣΦ 2012, won the grand prize for the inter-class Chorale Competition. This award—one of the most awaited events of the night—carried with it bragging rights for the winning class in the coming year, as well as a cheque for PhP 20,000.

As the UP Manila community eagerly awaits next year’s TRP, one thing is for certain—whatever the theme, Mu Sigma Phi’s magic will surely be there.

Full video of the Fraternity's TRP performance is available at the MU TUBE section of this web page.

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