APOSETAAA mETAmorphoSIS Newsletter Issue No. 2

METAMORPHOSIS

N E W S L E T T E R

APOSETAAA IN TACLOBAN CITY

The APOSETAAA Board, along with Eta Chapter official delegates, converged in Tacloban City for the 34th National General Assembly to show full support to the outgoing National Presidentand 1st APO National Lady President- Eta Sis Atty. Norma Singson-De Leon, and incoming Vice Chairman, Eta Brod Fritz Sapon. .

The Opening Ceremony saw the APOSETAAA sisters resplendent in their Filipiniana attire. They took part in the procession of delegations at the beginning of the Plenary Session. The APOSETAAA delegation was led by 1st GLC Lourdes "Dessi" Quiray, who flew in from the US

The Cultural Night included the theme of tie-dye and ripped jeans, which reunited the APOSETAAA sisters with Eta Sis Sahlee Almonte, who is currently serving as President of the APO Masbate Alumni Association. It was a night for sisters to cut loose on the live performances with unrestrained dancing, community singing, and lots of picture-taking.

Number 2 | May - August 2023

Issue

Official Publication of the APOSETAAA 1

The formal President and Chairman's Night on Day 2 gave recognition to the very hardworking Eta sisters for their contribution during the DY 2021-2023: Sis Edna "Nana" Corpuz (National Health Committee), Sis Judy Rosario A Diño (Information and Communications Committee), Sis Carina Sumilong-Bayon (Grievance Committee), and Sis Dahlia Salamat (Committee on Audit).

Finally, Day 3 gave way to bonding with Sis Engr. Demi Anne Obediencia, a Tacloban-based Eta Sister, who recently passed the Bar Exams. She showcased the "infinite escapes" of her region, starting with a leisurely lunch at Pascualino's for some Italian dining on a quaint restaurant atop a hill overlooking San Juanico Bridge, which was then followed by a City Tour of the Leyte Landing, Romualdez Museum, and capped off by hearing Sunday Mass in Waray at the Sto Niño Shrine,

Some last-minute late night Pasalubong Shopping downtown, and an intimate fellowship at Summit Hotel's Lubi-Lubi Suite rounded off the Tacloban getaway weekend

Anticipation for the next National General Assembly in 2025 has been mounting, since it will mark the Centennial Anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega, which will be held in Davao City.

"First time ko ito maka-attend ng General Assembly!" exclaimed Davao-based Sis Pia Quiray. She added, "Mag-ipon na kayo, the experience is worth it. See you in Davao. Siguradong masaya ito!"

2

3

APOSETAAA Supports the UPCAT Assistance Program 2023

After three years of no UPCAT due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s back!

This year, the APOSETAAA Board went all in to support their Resident Sisters by donating organizational funds, and by rallying all their members to contribute by way of financial support, as well as to volunteer in manning the five Assistance Booths strategically located across the UP Diliman campus.

With over 104,000 UPCAT-takers across the eight UP constituent units, and about 40,000 hopefuls assigned to take their entrance exam in the UP Diliman campus, the APOSETAAA’s presence was felt during both the morning and afternoon sessions on June 3-4, 2023

The UPCAT Assistance Program to guide future Iskolar ng Bayan (and their frazzled parents) to the Testing Centers that were scattered all over the 493-hectare campus of U.P. Diliman was initiated by the Alpha Phi Omega Sorority in 1993 under the leadership of then Grand Lady Chancellor Irene Besido-Garcia.

Thirty years hence, the UPCAT Assistance Program involves coordination with the UP Office of Admissions, as well as an army of volunteers from both the APO Fraternity and Sorority Residents, APO Alumni and Alumnae Associations, non-APO student volunteers, and members of the UP Community. Truly it is such a great gift of Service of APO to the University!

4

PLANTING HOPE AND ILLUMINATING LIVES: APOSETAAA “APO PARA SA IPO” PROJECT

In the heart of Bulacan, an extraordinary mission unfolded. Marking its 6th year, the APOSETAAA “APO Para sa Ipo” Project Team not only bridged physical landscapes but also connected hearts and communities. With unwavering determination, they journeyed through treacherous rivers and terrains, leaving behind a legacy of hope and illumination.

Volunteers from the APOSETAAA, together with APO Brods, Resident Brothers and Sisters, as well as Maynilad Warriors, Bantay Gubat and Sapang Munti Community Members, embarked on a mission that would test their physical and emotional limits. Their goal: to plant trees in the pristine Ipo watershed, a vital source of water and life for the region. However, the path to this goal was far from easy.

5

In moments of doubt and fear, the team found strength in faith and unity. They stood as a testament to the power of belief and determination, forging ahead despite the odds.

Throughout the journey, safety was paramount Each team member had a buddy, ensuring that everyone was well-accounted for and protected. The ropes they held on to became not just a lifeline but a symbol of their unbreakable bond.

Against all odds, the APOSETAAA APO Para sa Ipo Project Team successfully completed their tree-planting activity. This accomplishment left an indelible mark in the their hearts. It was a testament to the power of collective action and of their unwavering commitment to Mother Earth.

But their mission didn't stop with tree planting. They turned their attention to illuminating lives. Twelve Solar Floodlights were donated to the Sapang Munti Dumagat community, a place untouched by electricity. This generous gesture would light up their nights, bringing hope and a sense of security to their lives.

6

The project's impact extended further with a cash donation of P25,000 to the SECregistered people's organization, the Ipo Tree Planters. This organization includes members of the Dumagat indigenous people of Sapang Munti. The donation would aid them in their efforts to protect their land and heritage

The journey concluded with a heartwarming gathering, where residents, sisters, brods, and volunteers came together to celebrate. The bonds forged during this journey would continue to strengthen the promise of returning next year

Project proponent, Sis Chary Diño exclaims, “Thank you for your faith in the project! It made us even more determined. Through slippery rocks beneath the river, we balanced hope and fear, dreams and danger to get to our goal.”

The APOSETAAA APO Para sa Ipo Project was not just about planting trees; it was about planting hope and support for marginalized communities. This legacy will endure, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, we can make a difference: one tree and one community at a time.

7