Catalog view is the alternative 2D representation of our 3D virtual art space. This page is friendly to assistive technologies and does not include decorative elements used in the 3D gallery.
Angkong is an online interactive exhibition and tribute to my late grandfather, Samuel SyCip (1939-2019). Through this work my hope is for viewers to have a glimpse into the extraordinary life of my grandfather, Angkong. Despite facing great adversities and trials there was always one constant in his life that never ceased, his faith in Jesus Christ. His unwavering faith moved mountains and continues to inspire many till this day.
As his granddaughter, it is a privilege and an honor to use my skills and talents I’ve learned from the last four and a half years in dedication to him and to my final work as a Digital Media Art student at San Jose State University. May this work honor him and his legacy as it continues to share not only who he was and is to me, but also Whom he dedicated his life to.
CREDIT:
Audio: Refuge by Salt of the Sound
Special thanks to the SyCip family, Professor Rhonda Holberton, Professor G. Craig Hobbs, Tyler Stannard, and most importantly Jesus Christ
Navigate this space by moving past the rocks and viewing the glass walls with photographs. By clicking or hovering over the glass walls, text will appear that provide a deeper look into Samuel SyCip's life.
If you wish to see individual images up close, double-click on any of the images on the glass walls to enlarge. Some images contain descriptive text.
Audio licensed by Salt of the Sound
Ambient sound playing continuously throughout the space
Samuel Tan SyCip born June 30, 1939
University of the East, Philippines
San Jose Risal College Class of 1950
Samuel SyCip wearing the Cam Wreckers uniform for racing
Samuel SyCip accepting a racing trophy in Luneta Park in Manila, Philippines
Samuel SyCip accepting a racing trophy in Luneta Park in Manila, Philippines
San Jose Risal Collegiate Basketball Team Samuel SyCip pictured the second from the right on the bottom row
SyCip family trip to the USA prior to migrating
While attending San Jose Risal College and playing collegiate basketball, a passion for cars and racing began to emerge. Samuel SyCip was one of the founding members of the Cam Wreckers Club, the first ever racing club in the Philippines that held sanctioned races. He raced in the first ever Macau Grand Prix, driving cars cars such as Saloon Go-Karts, Ford Escort MK1, and the Mini Cooper S. His days of racing came to a close in 1970 after seeing so many close friends lose their lives to the sport. Knowing that he wanted to see is family for a long time, he began working as a Broker for Ansaldo Godinez's Brokerage Firm with the hope of bringing his family to America one day.
Seeing her across the street from his office window, Samuel saw the woman that would one day be his wife, Lety Chua. They were married two years later on May 30, 1964 at Grace Christian Church. They were married for 55 years. The following year together they had their first born son, Jonathon SyCip. In 1967 they had their second son, Jerome SyCip, and in 1970 they had their third and youngest son, Jeremy SyCip.
Due to political unrest in the Philippines during the 1980s, Samuel began the process of immigrating his family to the United States of America. He knew that in America his family could have a better life, and provide greater opportunities to his three children. He spent the first few years traveling back to the Philippines for work after migrating, so that he could support his family while they were settling in America. In 1983 the SyCip family migrated to the states and settled in Fremont, California.
After settling in the states, Samuel’s three sons began laying down roots and starting families of their own. In the 90s he assisted his son’s in their dreams and entrepreneurship goals of starting a business. All three of his sons entered into the cycling industry. Jeremy and Jerome began a frame building and metalworks company called SyCip Designs in 1992, and Jonathan started Psycho Cycles in 1992.
The first generation of American-born grandchildren began in June of 1999 to their first son, Jonathan, who had twins. Their second son Jerome had two boys, and Jeremy who had a daughter and a son. Samuel SyCip prided himself in being present with his grandchildren and being active in their lives. All of his grandchildren referred to him as "Angkong."
During the next ten years of Samuel’s life, he traveled the world with his wife Lety. They toured the states, Asia, and Europe. Visiting family and friends everywhere they went, they rarely traveled without one another.
Samuel SyCip fought in a battle against cancer for over 10 years, and it came to a close on April 4, 2019. Samuel SyCip lived a life fully dedicated to the Lord, with unwavering faith that moved mountains. He shared the good news of Jesus Christ every chance he could, and never left a hotel room without leaving behind a few "Daily Bread" devotional booklets for the next guests. Through great adversities and trials he carried unquestionable strength and faith in the Lord. His character could never be confined to only a small collection of photographs, but with this the viewer has a chance to experience briefly what the life of Samuel SyCip meant to so many.
Samuel Tan SyCip was born on June 30, 1939 in his family home in Manila, Philippines. He was the fourth of seven children to James and Marcelina SyCip. The SyCip family relocated to Fuga Island during WWII. Unfortunately, 17 family members, including his parents and unborn sibling, were lost during the war due to bombings. Orphaned at the age of five years old, he and his two remaining siblings were rescued and went on to live with their grandfather, Alfonso SyCip, in Manila.
Samuel SyCip pictured third from the right, with his wife, Lety SyCip, at his side and son Jonathan SyCip holding his racing trophy
Fremont, California
Fremont, CA
Cover image from FAST LANE: Motor Sports in the Philippines by Automobile Association Philippines Samuel SyCip pictured in the Mini Cooper S, the third car from the left
Image from FAST LANE: Motor Sports in the Philippines by Automobile Association Philippines
Image from FAST LANE: Motor Sports in the Philippines by Automobile Association Philippines Samuel SyCip pictured racing behind 'Baby Luna' as they prepare for a bend
Image from FAST LANE: Motor Sports in the Philippines by Automobile Association Philippines Newspaper announcement for the 2nd Asian Karting Grand Prix in Tanauan, Philippines
Image from FAST LANE: Motor Sports in the Philippines by Automobile Association Philippines Samuel SyCip pictured sixth from the left holding the Aid Station sign along with fellow other Cam Wreckers members
Image from FAST LANE: Motor Sports in the Philippines by Automobile Association Philippines
Samuel SyCip pictured with son, Jeremy SyCip, who started a a bicycle frame building and metalworks company with his brother Jerome, in 1992 known as SyCip Designs
Samuel and Lety SyCip's children and grandchildren
Photograph of the SyCip family post-WWII Samuel SyCip is pictured fourth from the right, in the farthest row behind those who are sitting
Jonathan SyCip pictured in his bicycle shop, Psycho Cycles