MATINIQUE SA BELGIQUE, A TRAVELOGUE by Jayson Fumera 2017

In the enchanting tapestry of Europe, there lies a country that has carved its name in history as the battleground of nations, a mosaic of languages, a treasure trove of flavors, and a haven for the indulgence of the senses. Welcome to Belgium, a land that beckons you to journey through time and taste, where tales of battles and flavors of a thousand delights await your senses. Greetings fellows, I am Jayson Fumera 2017, and it is with utmost enthusiasm that I extend to you, my invitation. Together, join me in unraveling our
fellowship in Belgium – Matinique sa Belgique 2023.

Ibis Grand Place is the fellowship’s official hotel. It is located in the heart of Brussels,
which is a stone’s throw away from the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO world heritage site. This prime location allowed us to instantly immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Place as we marveled in the stunning architecture, explored local shops and savored Belgian chocolates and waffles. Allow me to spare several lines to explain to you why Belgian waffles and chocolates are extra special. Belgian waffles are made of brioche dough rather than a typical pancake-like dough. It uses pearl sugar which gives the waffles a unique texture and slight, satisfying crunch. I am based in the Netherlands and Dutch waffles are also famous, but I make no apologies, Belgian waffle is better. As for the chocolate, Belgian chocolates are made from the finest cocoa beans, cocoa beans that are roasted into perfection and grounded very finely into a smooth paste. Chocolates, that are, indeed, created with passion.

There were 12 fellows gathered from seven different countries – Eliseo “Eli” Ilano 1957 (Switzerland), Edgar “Ed” Gumabon 1958 (Sweden), Jimmy Josue 1966 (Spain), Narvin Ramos 1970 (Norway), Rafael “RD” Medina 1978 (Belgium), Jaime Victor “Jet” Ledda 1981 (Belgium), Raymond “Mondeng” Ordonez 1988 (Spain), Dale Anthony Angus 1988 (Germany), Lemuel Lisandro “Lem” Cuento 1989 (Germany), Francis Joseph “Kiks” Serina 2006 (Sweden), Arnan Araza 2006 (Netherlands) and me, Jayson “Jay” Fumera 2017 (Netherlands). From batch 1957 all the way to 2017, this fellowship cuts through time, forming bridges to narratives and eras that span decades. As we gear up with the impending encounter, let the fellowship begin!

The dinner at our first day marked the opening of the fellowship and it was held at the stunning garden within the hallowed grounds of the Philippine embassy in Brussels. We were warmly welcomed by the gracious hospitality of Ambassador brod Jet ‘81 and his wife Gina, and the embassy staff. We extend our snappy salute to Brod RD ’78 who assumed the role of head orchestrator of this year’s EU fellowship. His dedication shined brightly as he took the helm in steering this memorable gathering. He recently retired from his illustrious role as a United States Navy Commander, embodying a spirit of true service and leadership. Happy retirement and congratulations brod RD, we are proud of you! With brods Eli ’57, RD ‘78 and Jet ’81 giving their welcome remarks, the followship has officially begun. A symphony of voices arose, laughter echoed with increasing excitement, and the familiar cadence of the same old anecdotes filled the air. As stories intertwined and recollections were layered with new experiences. a sense of belonging wrapped around me. A comforting sense of familiarity settled in, reminding me that home is not only a place, it also resides within connections, and after a long while, I had found my cherished abode. I am finally home. Fellowship is home.

The night continued and the anticipated presence of USPAA chairman Roel Castro '84 was unfortunately thwarted by a personal exigency the day before his scheduled flight. Nonetheless, the spirit of the USPAA remained vividly present through an array of sponsored giveaways. While chairman Roel’s presence was missed, his commitment and dedication were strongly felt in the atmosphere. We missed you brod Roel and we wished that you could have been with us!

Among the fellows whom I met in the flesh for the first time, it was Brod Jimmy ’66 who really caught my attention. He is 85 years old, but his presence held a profound significance. Having undergone heart surgery just last year, he navigates his world from a wheelchair as his steps are faltering. Living in Spain and grappling with his natural senior moments, his determination to be present with us was exceptionally striking. While logic suggested that he should be within the comfort of his Spanish home, I suddenly realized that his residence couldn’t replace the unique space the fellowship occupied in his heart. Many miles away from home, he found a sense of home by being with his brother Upsilonians, a testament to the fellowship’s indelible power.

Brod Jimmy was a distinguished former university professor with an affinity for literature, who finds solace in reading books. From the Philippines, I brought him an amazing book: “And - Which is more - You’ll be a man, my son.” All thanks to fellow Lewis Yu ’86 for the free books
for the EU fellows. This book is a compilation of virtues drawn from the timeless poem “IF” by Rudyard Kipling which are intertwined with stories of the lives of our fellow Upsilonians. This literary treasure echoes deeply with the essence of our fraternity, making it a compelling read for every Upsilonian. I am sure brod Jimmy will like it.

Within the EU Fellowship, his presence carries an unwritten tradition – a delightful obligation to entertain. Lemuel Cuento ’89, Upsilon’s very own tenor opera and concert singer, graced us with a world-class performance that exceeded expecatations. With his sheer vocal prowess, he weaved his voice to his heartfelt renditions of “Bituing Marikit, “Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz" and “Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak.” His performances, each a masterpiece of emotion and technique, elevated the evening to whole new level.

Before the evening ended, we spared a moment to recognize our esteemed most senior brod Eli ’57 for his unwavering commitment to the fellowship. With a wooden plaque, we bestowed upon him the title “EU President for Life.” This symbolizes a testament not only to
his profound contributions but also to his embodiment of a tried and true fellowship spirit. As applause started to echo, fellow Eli’s legacy was immortalized forever. And that fellows, concluded the first day of our fellowship.

The second day of our fellowship had dawned, and our first des)na)on was the cap)va)ng city of Bruges in the Flemish region. Excitement filled in our coach bus as we set forth on a tour that promised to uncover the city’s rich history and timeless charm.

Bruges dubbed as the “Venice of the North” stands proudly as yet another UNESCO World Heritage site in Belgium. As I wheeled Brod Jimmy ’66 down the cobblestone streets, his sporadic bursts of Spanish singing infused the air with a touch of nostalgia. The scenery felt like the past was intertwining with the present. The medieval architecture and the winding canals stood as steadfast witnesses to the passage of time. In Bruges, every corner holds a fragment of history, and every step is an invitation to journey through time.

It was almost lunchtime when we passed by an inviting restaurant by the name La Dentelliere, meaning the lacemaker. La Dentelliere pays homage to the city’s lace-making heritage, as Bruges has long been associated with delicate lace craftsmanship. Situated in the heart of Bruges, La Dentelliere is a sanctuary for those who seek not only a remarkable meal but an experience of history, culture, and tradition. As the most junior brod, I hurriedly secured our seating and sought out a good spot. I quickly asked for the menu because I heard brod
Eli’s yearning for a refreshing beer. After being handed a menu, I was met with an unexpected surprise. Imagine stepping into a pub only to be handed a “beer bible” – a tome of liquid wonders, boasting a staggering array of up to four-hundred kinds of beer. The contrast was not lost on me as I had momentarily forgotten that I am not in the Philippines where a selection of ten beers might be deemed expansive enough. Well, this is Belgium, a land where beer is an art form, where each brew tells a story as rich and varied as the country's history.

Continuing with our trip, we made a short trip to Ghent – a city within the Flanders region which is an hour’s drive from Bruges. Ghent ensembles the bygone allures in Bruges with its cobblestone streets and historical architectures. The iconic Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is home to the renowned Ghent Altarpiece. But Ghent is not a city bound by history alone, it pulses with energy and modernity. Bustling markets and vibrant squares are hubs of activity.

Day four has ended, prompting us to make our way back to our hotel. A brief respite was in order for a chance to recharge our energies before heading to our dinner at the famous Chez Leon. Within the charming streets of Brussels and very close to our hotel, Chez Leon is a culinary institution that is deeply ingrained in the city’s history and culture. This venerable restaurant with its inviting façade has been a haven for food enthusiasts and a symbol of Belgian gastronomy for over a century since it first opened in 1893. A unanimous sentiment seemed to guide our choices as nearly everyone, including me, opted for a dish that includes mussels – the restaurant's specialty. Chez Leon is also famous for its Belgian fries. I must highlight that it is “Belgian fries” and not “French fries” as Belgians, in general, are quick to say that fries has its origins in Belgium where it has been enjoyed since the 1600's.

As the moment of departure loomed – 20 August 2023, an ache of melancholy settled upon us. The time had come for us to exchange firm handshakes and heartfelt embraces. It was time to bid farewell. As we parted ways, we carried with us the hope that our journeys would once again converge, rekindling the warmth of fellowship and reuniting us in shared camaraderie.

What happened in Brussels would not stay in Brussels. The stories and memories created there will be retold in gatherings and fellowships for years to come. The legacy of this Upsilonian fellowship will continue to resonate, fostering unity and encouraging others to partake in the extraordinary bond that only us Upsilonians can understand. This fellowship was more than a mere interlude, it was a restorative haven, offering respite from the demands of our daily lives. In this sincere fellowship, we found a precious opportunity to reconnect with our fellow brothers, reminding us of the strength and significance of our Upsilon ties.

Jayson Fumera hails from Las Piñas City. He did his BS and MS both in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in UPLB. He joined the fraternity in the year 2017 while doing his Masteral studies. He is currently based in the Netherlands finishing his second MS degree in Biosystems Engineering, specializing in Controlled Environment Agriculture. He is an astronomy enthusiast who finds joy in exploring mountains and beaches throughout his travels.