APOSETAAA mETAmorphoSIS Issue 4 Jan-Apr 2024

IPO TREE PLANTERS: UNSUNG HEROES OF THE WATERSHED

By: Sis Chary A. Diño

In July 2023, the Alpha Phi Omega SororityEta Alumnae Association (APOSETAAA) embarked on a grand tree planting mission in partnership with the community of Sapang Munti, the Maynilad Water, the volunteer sisters, brods, family members, and supporters who helped fund the project We planted 400 native trees on an uphill portion of the Ipo Watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacanthe vital link in the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watersheds system, which supplies around 96% of the water needs of Metro Manila. The volunteerscriss-crossed eight rivers each way to reach the area assigned to us by Maynilad. It was an experience of a lifetime!

This tree planting activity was the 6th year of “APO Para sa Ipo,” a service project that we have institutionalized, diligently planned and actualized through sun and rain, and have committed to continuously raise funds for.

Aside from planting native trees like the ‘dungon’ and many others in important areas of the watershed, we also consult with the community members, the Bantay Gubat stewards of the forest, and even the public school teachers as to what they need. We have donated school supplies for students of all grade levels, conducted massive feeding programs and even storytelling activities that touch on topics like the environment and conservation. In every activity, there is also that deep sense of gratitude for those who have been taking care of Ipo and the hope that whatever we give them can make a dent in improving their lives

The beneficiary for this year’s fundraising play “Hero Z” will be the Ipo Tree Planters. We met this energetic group of community members from Sapang Munti, who live very close to the site where our tree planting activity was held last year. This SECregistered peoples’ organization was responsible for the site preparation and in making sure that the area is completely planted with all the trees that we were assigned to, even after we have left the area They are also stewards in nurturing these trees as they grow bigger and making sure they will actually survive and weather through the storms and drought Like last year, we also hope to add more solar floodlights for their unelectrified barrio, as these provide safety and protection, most especially to the women and children who would be walking home at night. The proceeds we hope to raise can also contribute more to their livelihood programs and to the other pressing needs of the community. Other beneficiaries to “Hero Z” include the scholars of the APOSETAAA scholarship fund and other institutional service projects like the Cottolengo Filipino, who serve the most poor, abandoned, neglected and surrendered persons with disabilities. The success of this fundraiser also means success for our organization’s service to humanity, and to the environment.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1- Ipo Tree Planters: Fundraiser Beneficiary

4- Message from the APO National President

5- Message from the APO National Committee on Health

6- Message from the APOSETAAA President

7- Message from the Hero Z Fundraiser Committee Chair

8- APO Health Care on Wheels

10- APO During Life Crisis

14- LFS: The Ties that Bind

15- APOSETAAA Officers and Committees

16- Megaworld: Change and Transformation

17- Hero Z Review

19- Hero Z Fundraiser Committee

Atty. Norma Singson-De Leon

Maria Aurora D. Abad

20- Atty. Irene Besido-Garcia

Ariel Barrozo

21- ABest Express Carryboy

22- Mawis Law Office

23- Abad Abad & Associates Law Offices

24- La Familia Carbon

25- Megaworld Foundation, Inc.

26- APOSETAAA Out and About

METAMORPHOSIS N E W S L E T T E R

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Maria Angelica D. Abad

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Judy Rosario A. Diño

ART DIRECTOR: Jomark D. Pepito/ Imagic Productions

WRITERS:

Judy Rosario A. Diño

Carina Sumilong-Bayon Raymond

Edna Corpuz- Navallo Evita Salongalos

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE APO PHILIPPINES, INC.

It is with great pleasure and honor that I extend my warmest greetings to each of you as we gather to celebrate the “Hero Z” masterpiece on the stage

As Chair of the Alpha Phi Omega Philippines Committee on Finance, I am honored to support this wonderful initiative, knowing that it is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.

Events like this are made possible by the generosity of supporters like my committee and the unwavering dedication of our talented team and filmmakers.

Theater has a unique ability to lift spirits, inspire minds, and create a sense of unity in our communities. By supporting efforts like Hero Z, we are not only enriching our cultural environment, but also providing invaluable opportunities for artistic expression and development.

I'm extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this production a reality, from the visionary director to the tireless stage crew, and more than that, the undoubtedly exceptionally talented people that their activities will amaze us.

To our esteemed guests and supporters, your presence here tonight is a testament to your commitment to the arts and your belief in the game-changing power of living. Your support allows us to continue nurturing creativity and nurturing talent in our community, ensuring the arts remain accessible to all.

As you enjoy this evening’s performance, I invite you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the theater, let the music and storytelling transport you to worlds beyond your imagination.

Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary journey

Warm Regards,

MARIA DELIA “Madel” CAMPOSANO-KHO

Chair, Committee on Finance, APO Philippines, Inc.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT APOSETAAA

The University of the Philippines – Diliman Campu became home to a number of young ladies wh became sisters bound by the three cardinal principle of Leadership, Friendship and Service."

These principles were lived and felt even long afte they have left the walls of the academe. Thus, 2015, the ALPHA PHI OMEGA SORORITY- ET ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION (APOSETAAA) was born. It formation ushered a stronger bond of sisterly lov and a firmer commitment to leadership and service.

Now on its 9th year, the women of APOSETAAA rise to the challenge of the changing times. They heed the call of service through their collective efforts to address pressing issues pertaining to the welfare of children and women, the lost and the elderly, environmental degradation, protection of ecologically valuable areas, and one’s over-all health and mental well-being, among others. Their service evince a shared ideal of making our tomorrows brighter, hopeful, and accepting.

The women of APOSETAAA may no longer be the youthful and vivacious UP students they used to be. Yet, they are like fine wines who aged well with wisdom and inner strength. They have become better over time. They have, in essence, become leaders in their own way, outside and inside their homes They have become empowered women.

Service and Leadership are most felt when the women of APOSETAAA come together and work as friends. Friendship is at its best when they lead and serve as one family Together, the circle they have formed has become stronger, firmer and more distinct. We are loyal to self and each other. We work, we strive even more to be. We are mindful, ever serving to humanity.

I am proud to be one with my sisters, we are one. We clasp our hands together. We will always be.

MA. SOLEDAD MARGARITA “Sol” DERIQUITO-MAWIS

President, APOSETAAA

82-D Pamaskong Tatsulok

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF TH HERO Z FUNDRAISER COMMITTEE APOSETAAA

The original musical "Hero Z," the latest fundraiser project of the Alpha Phi Omega Sorority Eta Alumnae Association of UP Diliman (APOSETAAA), is not just an entertainment piece but a vibrant testament to the sorority's enduring commitment to service and societal engagement. Supporting this play carries on APO's service-oriented ethos, as seen in continuing initiatives such as the "APO Para sa Ipo'' project now entering its 7th year. In 2023, this project involved tree planting and providing solar flood lights to communities without electricity, reflecting the sorority's hands-on approach to making tangible

differences in the lives of marginalized communities The sorority’s other projects such as supporting children cancer warriors, Cotollengo special children, partnering with orphanage and supporting the He Cares feeding program efforts for the elderly, underscore a legacy of hope, support, and environmental stewardship, reflecting APO's broader mission of service beyond the confines of the university.

"Hero Z" aligns with this legacy by not only serving as a fundraising endeavor to support various socio-civic initiatives, including the Ipo Dam Service project and scholarship programs but also by engaging and educating the youth on the importance of historical awareness, social responsibility, and active citizenship. Employing a unique blend of pop culture, humor, and education, it makes historical and social themes accessible and engaging to a younger audience. It showcases a creative and impactful way of fostering a culture of service and social awareness among the youth, resonating with APO's ongoing commitment to service and community engagement. By supporting "Hero Z," the audience not only experiences an innovative theatrical presentation but also contributes to APO's continuing service initiatives, furthering the impact of our work in various communities. This synergy between art and advocacy highlights the sorority's innovative strategy in promoting education and social responsibility, marking another milestone in our journey of service

MILLET ADVINCULA LETABA

1983-F

Chair, Hero Z Fundraiser Committee APOSETAAA

APO HEALTH CARE ON WHEELS:

Mobilizing and delivering health care to the doorstep

By: Sis Dr. Edna “Nana” Corpuz-Navallo

The APO Health Care on Wheels (HCW) parked itself at the Alumni Center in the University of the Philippines Diliman campus for the second year in a row!

6

of APO members and their families, UP students, active and retired faculty and employees, and UP alumni. Again, a desk of APO doctors of different specialties was available for free medical consultations as an additional special service A cardiologist was readily on hand in cases of abnormal ECG result. An APO doctors group of Dr. Rob Barzaga (IM) and his wife Jane (Cardiology), Dr. Joyce Florentino (OB-GYN), and Dr. Bingo Rigonan (Orthopedics) manned the consultation desk. ETA and NSH brothers and sisters worked together like a welloiled machine ushering and directing patients from the registration station to blood extraction, ECG & chest X-ray area.

Families flocked to the site to take advantage of the laboratory packages at significantly marked down prices. A fasted hungry patient likewise enjoyed free “taho” to ease their hunger with the latter’s protein and sugar. As it turned out, the day coincided with the birthday of APOSETAAA Sorority President Sis Atty. Sol Deriquito-Mawis and the taho from a UP vendor was her sweet birthday treat to everyone!

It also became a venue of fellowship and camaraderie among APO members of UP and from other chapters. Balikbayan brothers and sisters beamed with pride as they witnessed more than 200 people patiently lining up for their turn. A number of charter members of APO ETA Sorority came in full force to show their support! The APO spirit of Friendship was palpable in every APO handshake extended and Scout Salute raised. From 6AM to 3PM, all volunteers were happy and fulfilled as they concretize Alpha Phi Omega’s cardinal principle of SERVICE… to the Fraternity/Sorority, Studentry and Faculty, Community, and Nation!

As the Chair of the APO Philippines Committee of National Service for Health, I would like to thank my chapter, ETA, for wholeheartedly taking part in this, my passion project. The ETA Fraternity and Sorority AAs President Wesley Caballa and Dean Soledad Mawis, the respective project heads Bro. Jonjon Manaay, Sis. Michelle Paunlagi, and Sis Janice Dadap, and the NSH Project Chair Sis. Madel Kho were all hands-on and personally involved to ensure the success of this ambitious undertaking.

A firm left-hand shake and salute, my worthy brothers and sisters May we always be! Strong the circle we!

APO HELPED ME STAND DURING MY LIFE CRISIS

By: Sis Evita Salongalos

I want to thank APO Sorority and Fraternity Eta Chapter for helping me stand during the most difficult times in my life. As many of you may be familiar with, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2021. I had been suffering from it since 2019, but I just became aware of the sickness in 2021, when my brother sent me to a mental institution. I was confined for two months and was directed to find work Back then I was financially broke since I did not work for more than a year.

My job was abusive and made me sleep for only four hours a day, which may have contributed to my schizophrenia. There were excessive unpaid overtime. Although I did well, instead of being promoted for my accomplishments as a market research analyst, I was terminated. I was not aware that I had schizophrenia until 2021 when I had several hallucinations like talking to our CEO who is an invisible man, and that I would be back at my previous company, in a higher position. But it never happened, because the thoughts were just a product of my many hallucinations.

There were many incidents of hallucinations but it will be a longer story for another time, maybe for a different feature article.

After my confinement in 2021, I contacted Brother Edmon Zamora and explained my medical condition, and mentioned that I am looking for work with only but a few hundred pesos remaining in my pocket Brother Edmon wanted to send money to help me, and I started to open up and reach out to brods and sisters to help me out. They have responded generously- not just financiallybut with their time, caring, emotional support, friendship, and sisterhood.

The APO Sorority and Fraternity responded well and called for donations for my sake in August 2021 under the leadership of Sis Grace Lenon and Sis Celia Guzman They were able to solicit P125,000 for a threemonth financial assistance so that I may be able to afford living expenses, find work, and initiate medication for my mom and son. I had success in landing a good job. However, I still had the sickness. And so when I ran out of medicine, the sickness recurred and I had hallucinations once again, to leave the good job that I had at the time.

The APO Sorority first visited me in the barangay to know my condition. The team included Sis Edna Corpuz Navallo, Sis Carina Sumilong Bayon and husband Brod Bong Bayon, Sis Sol Mawis and husband Deo, Sis Chary Diño, Sis Cecille Maramba, Sis Janice Dadap, among others.

The APO sorority and fraternity took me out of the barangay custody by confining me in a very nice private mental institution, where Brod Dr. Roonie Lesaca treats his patients. Brod Roonie gave me free treatment and consultation services.

The APO Sorority, at that time, through the leadership of Sis Nana Corpuz Navallo established a committee to help me. It was Mamasal’s decision that I be given medical treatment in a private mental hospital, so Sis Nana agreed. Sis Nana had a roll call of donations, while Mamasal was on the advisory on which step to take. Sis Carina was in charge of collecting donations and Sis Pres. Sol Mawis was in full support of the roll call of donations. The donations reached about P400,000!

My heartfelt thanks to all brods and sisters who have pitched in to help me get better. The amount is dedicated for health expenses, hospital bills, and medicines. During confinement, I was visited by Mamasal, Sis Nana, Sis Michelle, Sis Iris, and Sis Janice to give me food and to spend some quality time with me I truly appreciated their effort to make me feel included and whole once again. Sis Ellen Corpuz also sent food my way. I have to say that Sis Michelle Paunlagui was the one who fetched me from the barangay to the hospital, and also fetched me from the hospital together with Sis Nana during my discharge Mamasal convinced Jonathan Rosario and Dan Opena to give me work, and they responded positively. Today, I am working at LGU Suites, the company established by our Brod Jonathan Rosario.

Today, I am still on the road to recovery. There are no hallucinations anymore, and I have found meaningful work to support myself. Thanks to APO Sorority and Fraternity for helping me stand and for being beside me during my journey of mental health treatments. More than six months have passed since my first day at LGU Suites. Today, I have already been regularized as an employee. I am confident that I am on the road to also recover from my financial losses during the time of sickness I lost my house (mortgage), good credit standing (credit cards), and insurance. I am currently in talks with Brod Pio Lumungsod, who is helping me to establish my vision for a start-up company that would develop corruption prevention platforms for good governance, transparency, and accountability We are in the exciting stages of finalizing the project concept and design, and market study before finding investors I can say that I continue to become better because of continuous medication, and of course with the help of my dear APO Sorority and Fraternity. Thank you very much with all of my heart! I look forward to spending more time with everyone as we continue with my journey to wellness and wholeness May we be able to start a company with APO investors!

APOSETAAA Board of Directors 2022-2024

Leadership, Friendship, and Service: The Ties that Bind

By: Sis Atty. Carina Sumilong-Bayon

What do you get when you put together a group of Alpha women who are overachievers and highly successful in their own fields? You get the Alpha Phi Omega Sorority Eta Alumnae Association board of directors for 2022-2024!

Despite their busy schedules, they successfully balance work, family, and social obligations because they have found a common thread that binds this group of strong women together –Leadership, Friendship and Service. Each one of then exemplify the principles of Alpha Phi Omega, both in their personal and professional lives, but more so as they propel the Alumnae Association forward with selfless Service at its core.

This is a very hard-working board! But inasmuch as they work hard, they also play hard. The Board Meetings are always fun with robust discussions, hearty meals, and sometimes, even with a glass of wine or two. They have discovered a way to blend business, pleasure, and leisure as they also visited different restaurants and each others’ homes for a change of scenery as venue for board meetings. Service projects also end with fellowships over a meal and some wine as a celebration of a job well done. Special holidays are turned into social events where Sisters come together for some much-needed fellowship. Who are these Superwomen? Let us get to know them:

PRESIDENT

Sis Sol is currently the Dean of the College of Law of Lyceum University, a professor, and bar reviewer in other law schools. She runs her own law firm and is an expert in family relations law and civil procedure. A former Grand Lady Chancellor, her advocacies include education, women and children’s rights

Sis Dessi is a psychiatrist practicing in Florida USA. She is the founding charter member of the ETA Sorority and was the first Grand Lady Chancellor. Her advocacies include mental wellness and women empowerment.

VICE PRESIDENT- INTERNAL

Sis Carina is a lawyer who worked in several pharmaceutical, food and beverage multinational companies. She is also a past Grand Lady Chancellor and the President of the AA from 2018 to 2020.

Sis Janice is a nurse and teacher does professional event coordinat former Grand Lady Chancellor as certified Reiki master, and a champio female empowerment.

Sis Omee is a banker by education and profession. She currently sits as Founding Board Member and Director in several hospitals with additional tasks related to audit and business development. She is an avid music enthusiast and is well known in the ETA circle as “DJ Omee”.

VICE PRESIDENT- EXTERNAL

Sis Chary is director, producer and writer for Imagic Productions, which she owns and founded Likewise a former Grand Lady Chancellor, she was the AA President from 2016 to 2018. Her advocacies include health, wellness, the environment and cultural diversity

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

Sis Nana is one of the legends in the rmer Grand Lady Chancellor and the first inte f the APOSETAAA. She formalized the AA wit BIR thereby giving it legal recognition and status. She is an OBGYN by profession and currently heads the Committee on Health, and teaches in several medical schools.

TREASURER

AUDITOR

BOARD SECRETARY

CREATING CHANGE AND TRANSFORMING LIVES

Megaworld Foundation envisions to be a leading foundation that promotes corporate social responsibility (CSR) through education, social development programs, and cultural preservation with the aim to create a positive impact to its stakeholders and the society.

We are geared towards alleviating poverty through education, empowering the youth by equipping them to be the next generation of leaders; engaging in strategic partnerships to uplift the lives of the underpriviledged sectors; cultivating a culture of bayanihan through CSR activities, as well as promoting, preserving, and protecting the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino people.

Armed with its core values of compassion, hardwork, excelle love for country and its cul Foundation has formed ov partnerships nationwide to reac more Filipinos in need and stren support to advocacies aligned United Nations Sustainable Dev Goals (SDG) 2030.

FIGHT AGAINST MINDLESSNESS

An Honest Review of Hero Z The Musical

By: Raymond Diamzon, Film and TV Writer

In this day and age where many historical truths are revised, heroes are demonized, martyrs replaced with animals on paper bills, and GomBurZa confused with MaJoHa, more and more young people fail to remember and understand the sacrifices of our forefathers who fought for our freedom. They become plagued with a virus that slowly eats away their memories and respect – transforming them into mindless citizens that can be easily controlled by powers-that-be – in a fast-shaping society called Town Z.

This is the profound message I learned from Vince Tanada’s HERO Z, a full-act play aimed to educate, entertain, and empower people, especially the Gen Z that shall determine our country’s future. Starring four characters inspired by reallife heroes, Andy (Bonifacio), Jayriz (Rizal), Pol (Mabini), and Kudz (Kudarat), the story is about a selfless battle to contain the spread of a virus so that people are liberated from the chains of abusive power.

Instead of employing traditional narratives of heroes battling villains, Tanada opted to engage its target market by using pop culture from fashion, music, to humor – in a seamless fusion of education, which

current TikTok hits and other forms of classic and irreverent amusement.

It’s an outstanding combination of art, advocacy, commerce, and entertainment; artistically treating the hallowed subjects with original vision and voice, sans disregard to the revered truths behind them The persistent exuberant reaction from the jampacked theater, composed mainly of public high school students, attested to the effectiveness of this strategy.

What I’ve watched is just one of the five hundred performances for its first season. To say that HERO Z has succeeded in popularizing an otherwise boring subject is an understatement, as I believe it will

understand, and promote history and social responsibility. It’s a presentation that knows its generation and anchored onope, faith, love and peace – the very values bequeathed to us by the lessons of the past. I hope that with shows like this, more similar productions will follow so that the virus of indifference, gullibility, and mindlessness will not mutate and we can continuously protect ourselves from the pandemic of historical revisionism, control, and self-serving interests

In loving memory

APOSETAAA

Hero Z Fundraiser Committee

Committee Chair: Millet Advincula Letaba

Members:

Rica D. Abad

Nana Corpuz-Navallo

Janice Dadap

Sol Deriquito-Mawis

Chary Diño

Hattie Hidalgo-Pili

Merge Llamoso

Cecille Maramba

Omee Salamanca

Carina Sumilong-Bayon

Maria Aurora D. Abad (+)

1986-B Scene 2, Take 2

ABOUT OUTand and and APOSETAAA:

APO Sorority Eta Chapter Anniversary Fellowship

Sept. 23, 2023 (Sat)

Ace Hotel and Suites

Joint Eta Christmas Party

Dec. 10, 2023 (Sun)

Skyline Premier

One Balete Condominium

APO Oblation Run Fellowship

Feb. 16, 2024 (Fri)

University Hotel

UP Diliman Campus

March 6, 2024 (Wed)

The Heritage Park

Taguig City