Some people believe fraternities’ traces their roots to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, the Freemasonry. Probably, it arose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the castles and cathedrals of the middle Ages. Possibly, they were influenced by the Knights Templar, a group of Christian warrior monks formed in 1118 to help protect pilgrims making trips to the Holy Land. The origin
of having organizational secret rites and other confidential activities are strongly said to be first practiced by the Masons and was adopted later on by societies on the early part of the 1700s although some declined after the first attempt of their founders, it was revived on the 1800s with more deliberate activities. This was the time of the pioneers of what is better known now a day as “fraternities and sororities”. Similar to the above-mentioned subject, fraternities and sororities have their own secret rites, rituals, cultures and traditions not usually practiced by other organizations. The unique practices of these groups were passionately planned, done and preserved by its members and inherited by each and every generation. This is the reason why groups like these are still existing and still playing its active role in their different communities up to this date. During the 1960s, Filipino students from the Royal Pontiphic University of Sto. Tomas in Manila created a formal organization called Gamma Epsilon Fraternity, a service fraternity with the ultimate purpose that is to lend a helping hand to the needy fellow Filipinos. The turbulent times of 60s triggered these young nationalistic gentlemen to form their own brotherhood anchored by the three major principles: Courtesy, Obedience and Truthfulness. Since then, Gamma Epsilon has spread throughout the archipelago paving the way towards the creation of Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority on 1965. In the 70's, the first chapter of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon outside the country was established at the Central University of Madrid, Spain. Next came the opening of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon chapters at the University of Honolulu and University of Canada. Presently, there are also chapters chartered at Cholalonkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, and in different colleges and universities in California, USA and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Gamma Epsilon was one of the active organizations participated during the People Power Revolution, which was a very significant event happened in the Philippine history that led to the freedom of the Filipinos against the inhuman administration of the late president Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator. Until now, this growing family of Falcons is still active in different community service activities, sports, advocacy, and other related activities that are vital in nation building. Gamma Epsilon is a proud Filipino made organization where we should give our valuable support as Filipinos as it takes the challenge to produce more Filipino leaders in the arena of global competition.
