About Us
The UP Tau Rho Xi Fraternity
Founded in 1962, the UP Tau Rho Xi Fraternity brings together scholars and men from diverse backgrounds who have eventually excelled in their respective fields. Bound by a strong spirit of brotherhood, our members are committed to promoting personal well-being, continuous growth through quality education, and the application and enhancement of one's skills and abilities for the betterment of our fellowmen, our country, and our Alma Mater—the University of the Philippines.
Guided by this principle, the fraternity established the Chris Montes Scholarship Foundation in honor of a departed brother, aimed at helping the university extend financial assistance to deserving yet underprivileged students. On its 40th anniversary, the fraternity donated an initial amount of ₱200,000 to the University of the Philippines to launch the Chris Montes Scholarship Fund (CMS Fund). In addition to the CMS Fund, another scholarship initiative was introduced to support qualified fraternity members.
However, our brotherhood offers more than just academic assistance. We provide genuine friendship, lasting camaraderie, and opportunities for growth both inside and beyond the traditional classroom and university setting. Our environment fosters mutual respect and support, creating a community unmatched by most organizations—all designed to help our members realize their full potential.
WE ARE ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN.
Brief History
The story of Tau Rho Xi began in 1962. During the first semester of the 1962-63 academic year at the University of the Philippines' College of Arts and Sciences, six sophomores from diverse majors and hometowns envisioned a new fraternity. The founders were:
- René M. Capitulo, a Pre-Med major from Moncada, Tarlac
- Willie Chanco, an Engineering major from Manila
- Eugene Estanislao, a Political Science major from Tondo, Manila
- Hunfry Estacio, a Pre-Med major from Quezon City
- Ven Banzon, a Pre-Med major from Balanga, Bataan
- Tito Ravasco, an Engineering major from Caloocan, Rizal
Each founder spent time in the University Library researching a symbolic Greek letter name, a motto, and a goal that would define the new fraternity's identity. They drafted a simple constitution and by-laws, and ultimately chose the name Tau Rho Xi. The initials T & R stand for "The Right Ones." René Capitulo proposed the motto "Omnia Vincit," meaning "Conquers All," inspired by the Latin phrase "Amor Omnia Vincit" ("love conquers all")—but dropping "Amor" to emphasize a broader and more powerful idea.
Tau Rho Xi’s initial goals were straightforward: brotherhood, loyalty, and determination. The founders aimed to create a supportive community where members could come together for fellowship, exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, form lifelong friendships, and prepare for future success.
In December 1962, the fraternity was formally established, and the founders were elected as its first officers, with René Capitulo serving as the leader. New members, known as "neophytes," were recruited through traditional Greek letter fraternity initiation rites. Many of the early recruits were friends and classmates of the founders, including Dante Llacuna, Rudy Medina, "Jung" Pineda, Ted Corpuz, Jimmy Francisco, and Ed Saniel. These new members were drawn to Tau Rho Xi's promise of enhancing their success in college, academics, and future careers.
In its early years, Tau Rho Xi faced challenges. The fraternity was not officially recognized by the university, which meant activities had to be conducted "underground." Meetings were held in secret locations like the Education Building and the Narra Residence Hall, where René Capitulo and several other early members lived. Eventually, the fraternity gained official recognition from the University of the Philippines.
Since its founding, generations of "brods" have built upon Tau Rho Xi’s legacy, achieving successful careers and lives across the globe. The ideals of brotherhood, loyalty, and determination continue to thrive in Tau Rho Xi members worldwide, keeping the spirit of the fraternity alive for future generations.