Brief History of the Rites of Roses (ROR)

The U.P. Sigma Delta Phi Sorority or Society of Dramatics and Fine Arts was founded in Diliman in 1931 and was officially recognized by the University of the Philippines in 1933. Our founders were Catalina Abad Santos-Manguera, Gloria Lucero-Monzon, Alicia Palma-Bautista, Louisa Stevenson-Isidro and Lourdes Paredes-San Diego.

Presently we have alumnae chapters in U.P. Diliman, Los Baños and the United States of America, that continue to build strong bonds of sisterhood among distinguished alumnae who have made significant marks here and abroad and continue to excel in their various fields of endeavor.

In 1994, Los Banos Liaison Officer Lucy Arceo-Lantican ’60 was asked to write the script for the first final rites for Sis Betty Go-Belmonte ’52. In 2004, the rites were institutionalized and saw the first-time participation of the Resident Sisters, forging closer relations with the alumnae. The Batch roll call and the rites were enhanced with the addition of the lighting of candles and offering of red roses by individual Sisters at the altar during the wake of the deceased Sister. A Closing prayer was then led by the SDPAA President, or her representative, followed by the singing of the SDP Hymn. The GA officially started and ended the rites by banging the gavel.

The script underwent a number of revisions/methodology especially during the pandemic and adjustments were made.

Since the 2020 pandemic, most of the Rites of Roses have been held virtually via Zoom.