Scandinavia, the majestic European region of the north, is a realm where nature, cultural abundance, and rich history coexist. This famous peninsula comprises three nations. With its massive fjords and breathtaking mountains, Norway is a destination for any nature lover. Denmark, the southernmost Scandinavian country, offers scenic beaches and vibrant seaside towns that captivate anyone. And finally, Sweden, the nation of endless forests and pristine lakes which houses the largest Scandinavian city with long historic roots, Stockholm. Nestled across the islands on the eastern coast of Sweden, Stockholm offers a perfect mix of modern urban life and cultural elegance. The city of Stockholm, the “Venice of the North”, hosted the Upsilon Sigma Phi European Chapter Fellowship — At Home sa Stockholm 2024. 

Every year, the Upsilon Sigma Phi EU Chapter fellows gather for an annual celebration in a chosen European country. Nine fellows, joined by their respective families, gathered from seven different countries — Eliseo “Eli” Ilano 1957 (Switzerland), Narvin Ramos 1970 (Norway), Rafael “RD” Medina 1978 (Belgium/USA), Jaime Victor “Jet” Ledda 1981 (Belgium), Carlos “King” Sorreta 1988 (Switzerland), Raymond “Mondeng” Ordoñez 1988 (Spain), Francis Joseph “Kiks” Seriña 2006 (Sweden), Juan Paulo “JP” Isuriña 2015 (Sweden), and Jayson Fumera 2017 (Netherlands). It was my first time in Sweden and Europe. As an up-and-coming graduate student this fall, I was filled with excitement and eagerness not only because I’m starting my masteral studies abroad but also because of this highly anticipated annual event in which brods from different countries assemble for a weekend of sincere fellowship and exploration.

I arrived in the late afternoon of August 2nd at Arlanda Airport with the cool Stockholm breeze welcoming my first steps in this Nordic country. I immediately took the train to the Stockholm Central Station and headed directly to our chosen lodging, the Scandic Continental Hotel. The hotel was our accommodation for this highly anticipated fellowship and is known for its modern design but is surrounded by the traditional allure of old Scandinavia. Upon arrival at the hotel lobby, I was greeted by Narvin ’70 and his wife, Nita, as well as Mondeng ’88 and his wife, Gina, with warm smiles and handshakes. Next followed Jayson 2017, who also came from Manila and just finished his graduate studies in the Netherlands this June. We were then joined by retired U.S. navy officer RD ’78 and wife, Margot, Ambassador Jet ’81 with his wife, Gina, and their son, Rolly. Next came “EU President For Life” Eli ’57 with his daughters, Emma and Lucy. Suddenly the energy in the lobby skyrocketed as we filled the room with heartfelt greetings. I immediately felt at home with the brods, their presence washed away the fatigue of my 24-hour journey from Manila. Eli ’57, Narvin ’70, and Amb. Jet ‘81 also gave us delicious treats as welcoming “pasalubong”. To start the evening, Stockholm fellow and head organizer Kiks 2006 warmly welcomed the participants at the hotel lobby and guided the group through the city center for the welcome supper.

The fellowship started with dinner at the Glach och Pastahus (Ice Cream and Pasta House) which serves Italian cuisine with a Nordic twist and atmosphere. This restaurant is located in the center of Stockholm and is known for its classic Italian dishes and authentic gelato. Soon after, Amb. King ’88 and his wife, Teelo, arrived and dinner commenced. The ambiance was quite inviting. As soon as the formalities ended, the evening gave way to a comforting sense of camaraderie and brotherhood when the fellows filled the restaurant with laughter with their endless stories. As the night concluded, the fellows departed with a shared understanding that the evening and the next two days would be very special. Indeed, my first day in Stockholm was truly a memorable one.

The second day of the fellowship began with a sense of energy and eagerness from the whole group. The fellows gathered at the hotel lobby for what promised to be a day of adventure in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This day, the fellows of the Upsilon Sigma Phi ventured outside to appreciate the living history of Stockholm.

Kungsträdgården, the King’s garden, was our first destination. While surrounded by the city’s modern tempo, Kungsträdgården exuded a peaceful and serene escape. This historic and lush oasis situated in the heart of Stockholm dates back to the 15th century when it served as the royal kitchen garden of the Stockholm Palace. As the group ventured to the park, the first thing that struck us was its overall beauty and grandeur. It is more than just a park, it is a social hub that hosts different events throughout the year while showcasing fountains, fine-looking lawns, and old statues such as the statue of King Charles XII, a prominent figure in Swedish history. Aside from the pictures and scenery, the Brods enjoyed relaxing moments while engaging in conversation amidst this majestic garden. The visit to Kungsträdgården reminded us of the need to enjoy life's simple pleasures, temporarily leaving the realities of our busy lives behind.

Our next destination was the official residence of the King himself - Kungliga Slottet. This royal palace was built in 1754 and was designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin. It has more than 600 rooms across eleven floors. The royal palace is the working office of the current monarch, King Gustav III. Its state apartments and halls serve as venues for official state ceremonies and events. The royal palace also houses the Royal Armory which exhibits royal armor and weaponry, the Tre Kronor Museum which displays the history of the original castle, and the Museum of Antiquities which contains the sculpture and artifact collection of King Gustav III. We were all left awe-struck by the royal palace's grandeur and elegance.

A visit to Stockholm will not be complete without a tour of Stortorget, the city’s oldest square. Located in the center of Gamla Stan, the city’s old town, Stortorget dates back to the 13th century when it was the city’s central marketplace. As the group walked through the cobblestone streets, we took a moment to capture the iconic views of the square. The most notable attraction were the Burgher’s houses, Stockholm’s tall and colorful buildings. In the square lies the Nobel Prize Museum, which showcases everything about the Nobel Prize and its Laureates, and the Swedish Academy, where the Nobel Prize for Literature is awarded. For lunch, the group dined alfresco at restaurants nearby while enjoying the charming views, exchanging stories about the old town. It was the perfect spot to soak in the local culture of Stockholm. Continuing our adventure, the brods wandered through the maze-like streets of Gamla Stan and visited its other treasured landmarks. Among these are the Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alley in the city, and Södra Bankohuset, the first bank building in the world and an architectural marvel. Just like the ones we visited before, these two locations offered an enchanting journey into Stockholm's past.

After enjoying a leisurely lunch in Gamla Stan, there was no better way to spend the afternoon than by taking a relaxing ferry ride to Djurgården, one of Stockholm’s most beloved islands. Upon arriving at the island, a peaceful atmosphere greeted us, and the sounds of rustling leaves replaced the noise of the city's hustle and bustle. We visited the ABBA Museum, a must-see interactive exhibit of Sweden’s most famous band, the Vasa Museum, home to the well-preserved Vasa warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, and the Viking Museum, which offers tourists an immersive experience into the lives of the Vikings. As the afternoon ended, we took the ferry back to the city. We felt a renewed appreciation for Djurgården’s blend of natural beauty and history.

As the sun began to set across the horizon, the group went to the Katerinahissen or Katarina elevator; this old iconic elevator gives you a breathtaking view of the whole city which was greatly enhanced by the now setting sun. We took the opportunity to capture the moment by taking photos of the magnificent views of the city of Stockholm.

The evening was capped by the much-awaited fellowship dinner at the Diwine Restaurant, this restaurant showcases traditional European cuisine. After a whole day of exploring, the fellows and their families were able to relax, sit down and talk about their experiences in Stockholm. The evening will never be complete without the brods sharing their stories about our beloved fraternity and about life itself. As one of the youngest in the group, I was all ears, listening intently to their narratives of their resident days, their careers, and their journeys throughout Europe. Long-time Sweden-based Upsilonian Ed Gumabon ’58, despite being unable to attend the event, was there in spirit and gave the group several bottles of fine wine to enjoy with our dinner. Thank you very much for the treat, Brod Ed. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere permitted us to continue to exchange stories, sometimes eliciting boisterous laughter, allowing us to bolster connections on a fraternal level. As the night came to a close, we returned to our hotel, carrying with us the lasting memories of another fun-filled day in Stockholm.

After two days of cultural soaking in Stockholm, the fellows and their families gathered one last time on the morning of August 4 to bid each other farewell. At the lobby of our hotel, Amb. King ’88 gave us delicious Swiss chocolates to enjoy for our travels. Many fellows noted that the fellowship helped them reconnect with one another and deepen their appreciation and perspective of our brotherhood in the Upsilon Sigma Phi. After our last handshakes, hugs and final goodbyes, we promised to see each other again soon.

My first weekend in Europe was more than what I expected. I had the opportunity to meet, break bread and travel with distinguished brothers from different countries, brothers who have or had stellar careers and amazing experiences. Most of them I met for the first time. But as we shook hands and engaged in conversation, it felt as though we have known each other for many years. Indeed, we will always cherish the sincere fellowship of our fraternity brothers. Even in a foreign land, Upsilonians know how to lift each other’s spirits and make each fellow feel at home. Truly, fellowship is home.