APO ALBER TA ALBERT HOSTS 2ND COUNCIL MEETING
August 2011 - 2nd Council Meeting Edition
by Sis Memen Cochingco
The Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Alberta was founded on July 6, 2006 when thirteen bros from Edmonton and Calgary planned a camping trip with their families at Camp Dickson Ground in Innisfail, Alberta. During this camping trip, the plan to form an alumni association was set in motion. The association was officially incorporated by the Corporate Registry of Ministry of Service Canada in Edmonton, Alberta under the Societies Act on August 23, 2007 with Certificate of Incorporation No. 5013452007. Since, its incorporation, the alumni association has shared numerous services to the Filipino-Canadian community in Alberta, mainly in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. To all attending delegates to the Council Meeting and tourists who want to explore the province of Alberta, a wellknown tourist attraction is the West Edmonton Mall with a size of a small city with several dining venues, retail stores, entertainment, hotel, water park, galaxy land, sea lion show and more. Going south to the city of Calgary, one will admire the area of foothills and prairies and Canadian Rockies. To date, the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Alberta has 106 members who came from different Philippine collegiate chapters. APOAAA became an ACNA member in March 2009 in Chicago, USA. Continued on page 5
8TH ACN A INTERN ATION AL HUMANIT ARIAN CNA INTERNA TIONAL HUMANITARIAN ARIAN,, MEDICAL, DENT AL, AND OPTICAL MISSION DENTAL, In the spirit of leadership, friendship and service, the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Council of North America (ACNA) hold its 8th Int’l. Humanitarian, Medical, Dental, and Optical Mission Project on May 21, 2011 at Kabisig Elementary Schoool, Kabisig Floodway, Barangay San Andres, Cainta, Rizal, Phils. A total of 1,199 indigent individuals (adults and children) were the beneficiaries of this mission service. On the humanitarian part: The Alumni Council of North America distributed used clothing, shoes and toys donated by the APO alumni associations based in the United States and Canada. We were able to send 37 balik bayan boxes to the Phils. and they were received by bro. Ver Blasco of SAPOC. The contents (goodies) of the boxes were sorted out and packed by the committee members from SAPOC and Lambda. About 394 families received the donations during the distribution. Many thanks to bros. Joey Policarpio and Ver Blasco for leading the team in packaging and distributing the goodies. Gratitude is also extended to all ACNA members who participated in the distribution. On the Medical mission part: We distributed multi-vitamins and minerals to 247 children and infants age between 1 to 7 years old. In addition, minor surgical circumcision was done to 95 boys age between 10-12 years old. Thanks to bro. Dr. Mike Hernandez and sis Dr. Celine Basbas of APO MAS and sis. Rikki Liquigan of the National Office for their leadership and active participation to this medical mission work. On the Dental mission part: The group of APO DAP volunteers headed by bro. Dr. Arturo De Leon and sis. Dr. Yoya Tarriela rendered dental service like tooth extractions and dental examinations to the local residents of Barangay San Andres. A puppet show and seminar was conducted as part of educating parents and children in order to create awareness on the importance of dental hygiene and proper dental care. Thanks to the group of OLFU, College of Dentistry for a job well done in presenting the puppet show. A total of 214 adults and children received dental service and more than 200 toothbrush sets donated by Colgate were distributed to the recipients of the dental service. Thanks to the APO USA team for helping distribute the toothbrush sets during the mission project. On the Optical mission part: Eye examinations were conducted to check & determine if aid of reading glasses was necessary for an individual. Thanks to the group of sis. Dr. Bel Tumbokon and APO RN group for helping in the optical mission part. They were able to distribute at 249 reading eye-glasses during the mission service. Continued on page 3
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ACN A/APO MID WEST DON ATIONS TO APO LEARNING CENTER CNA/APO MIDWEST DONA Pictures taken on the official turnover ceremony of the $1,200.00 financial support from APO ACNA and the $600.00 donation from APO Midwest Chicago to the APO Learning Center on the fellowship night on the 8th International Medical Dental Optical Mission in Kabisig, Cainta, Rizal on May 21, 2011. /sis. cora de jesus
APO Philippines Holds Fir st J oint Meeting First Joint Alpha Phi Omega International (Philippines), Inc. held its first Joint Meeting for the Development Year 2011-2013, participated by the members of the National Executive Council and the members of the Board of Directors headed by National President Bro. Jimmy De Castro and Chairman Bro. Rudy Salazar on August 13 & 14 at the Villa Estela Resort and Hotel, No. 33 Scout Santiago corner Dr. Lazcano Streets, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, Philippines. Also present were the different Regional Directors, Regional Representatives, Supreme Adjudicatory Council headed by Bro. Luis Paredes, the different Constitutional Commissions and the National Administrative Office headed by Bro. NED Bong Cruz. Taken up during the Joint Meeting were the following: 1.
Goals and Objectives of the of the National Administrative Office
The Council is a publication of the Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Alumni Council of North America exclusively for its members, families and friends. The opinions expressed hererin are those of the writers, and are not intended to represent APO-ACNA. Editor-in-Chief Sancho Sy Contributors: Nora Quibal • Vic De Leon • Ian Beltrano Cora de Jesus • Dan Nino • Memen Cochingco Julian Santos • Aleks Garcia • Janet Soliven • Ruth Silao Art Libot • Vinvin Vedar • Madonna Castro • Leo Baltazar Photo contributions by Bob Bacalia • Jun De Castro The Council 15226 Ryan St. Sylmar, CA 91342 email: apochosy@gmail.com www.apo-acna.org
By Bro. Art F. Libot – NVP for Alumni
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Tentative Schedule of Activities for the Development Year 20112013 3. Agenda for the Regular Meeting of the NEC & BOD 4. Simplified Robert’s Rule of Order 5. Templates of Regional Report 6. Accounting and Internal Control System 7. Supplemental Budget for Development Year 2011-2013 8. 26th National Biennial Convention Financial Report 9. 27th National Biennial Convention Terms of Reference 10. Bids for the 27th National Biennial Convention between Metro Naga Oragon Alumni Association and the Gamma Xi Alumni Association of Legaspi City 11. The improvement of the ID System 12. The banner projects of the National Council featuring the Adopt-ABarangay Project, the Gawad-Kalinga Project, the Trees for Peace Project and the Yes For Peace Project. One of the highlights of the Joint Meeting was the Installation of the Charter and the Induction of Officers of APO Fairview Alumni Association. Fellowship followed afterwards through the night. A full report on the Joint Meeting will be released and distributed by the National Executive Director, Bro. Bong Cruz. The next NEC and BOD Meeting shall be held on October, 2011 in Bacolod City. The APO Philippines National Executive Council and the Board of Directors are composed of the following: Jimmy U. De Castro (Beta ’74) – National President Daboy E. Fernandez (Alpha Gamma ’03) – National Executive VP Art F. Libot (Delta ’69) – National Vice President for Alumni Macoy Cabasug (Mu Omega ’06) – NVP for Fraternity Kaycee Estuita (Gamma Epsilon ’06) – NVP for Sorority (Shared) Ma. Chistine Dicang (Delat Kappa ’09) – NVP for Sorority (Shared) Rudy Salazar (Iota ’66) – Chairman Mel V. Adriano (Eta ’69) – Vice Chairman Abdul Karim Langkuno (Alpha Lambda ’76) – Director for Alumni Ralph Beltran (Lambda ’06) – Director for Fraternity Daisy Joy Jalova (Kappa Alpha ’00) – Director for Sorority
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The Fellowship Night: The fellowship night to honor our volunteers and guests was held at Ressie’s Gardenville located also in Cainta, Rizal. The buffet dinner / fellowship started at 7 pm and followed by a short program. The program includes messages from our ACNA President, sis. Cora de Jesus, bro. Maggie Katz and bro. Beth Tom from APO-USA, bro. Mel Adriano from the Nat’l Office & Hon. Ramon Ilagan, Mayor of Cainta. The awarding of plaque of appreciation and recognition of volunteers and groups was the highlight of the program. The 8th Int’l HMDO mission project was spearheaded by its over-all chairman, bro. Aleks Garcia, President of APO Dallas Fort Worth AA, Texas, USA; the leadership of ACNA president sis. Cora De Jesus and vice-president bro. Ian Beltrano; with the active participation and support of bro. Joey Policarpio of Samahang APO ng Cainta (SAPOC), sis. Zita Balagot of Lambda Chapter and Lambda A.A.; a welldeserved acknowledgment to all SAPOC and Lambda chapter and Lambda AA volunteers for their invaluable support and assistance to make this mission project a success. Special acknowledgment is extended to ALL alumni associations of North America for their financial and benevolent support to this project, the 175 volunteer brothers and sisters from different alumni associations and chapters for their participation and service, APO professional groups composed of medical and dental doctors (APO MAS & APO DAP), and APO NURSES who helped during the planning & preparation. Special thanks to: Bro./Dr. Mike Hernandez, Sis./ Dr. Celine Basbas, Bro./Dr. Arturo De Leon, Bro./Dr. Esmar Ermita, Bro./Dr. Jay Millonado, and Sis./Dr. Yoya Tarriela for leading the team of volunteers. Gratitude is also extended to the National Office Bro. NED Bhong Cruz and Sis. Rikki Liquigan for their inputs during the planning stage. Gratitude is also accorded to: Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan and his wife, Chairman Joe Ferrer of barangay San Andres, the school principal of Kabisig Elem. School for the venue and the Cainta DOH local agency for some medical supplies. Special thanks to Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA ( through Rot. Pit Garcia) for donating medicine and anti-biotic and also to Colgate for the toothbrush sets that were distributed during the dental service. /bro. aleks garcia
A well-planned project results in a well-organized venue, full cooperation of participants & volunteers and success in the execution of the program for effective and efficient service to our stakeholders . . . “De Kalidad na Serbisyo para sa ating mga KABABAYAN PILIPINO!”
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Feeds Homeless at Midnight Mission - LA Facility
SOUTH B AY AA NEWS: BA
Alumni members of Alpha Phi Omega-Phils now residing at South Bay in Southern California had joined the volunteers' Kitchen Brigade at The Midnight Mission complex on Skid Row, Downtown Los Angeles last April 30. APO Alumni Asso of Tasked to help serve breakfast and prepare lunch for scores of indigents in the neighborhood enrolled in The Mission's regular project South Bay President Stephen dubbed "feeding the homeless", APO volunteers came, saw and conquered Castro commends project weary hearts with warm smiles of friendship as they served food to the chairperson Bro. Louie Rojas and the other members who participated, namely: Sis. Bernie Cruz, Bros. Audie beneficiaries. "We are lucky and honored to have been part of the meal service Grey, Dominic Espejo, Danny Carasco, Vinvin Vedar, Ante Reyes, Sis in the Mission's kitchen, an advocacy started in 1914 by Tom Liddecoat Madonna Castro and daughter Patricia Castro. Incidentally, Tom Liddecoat opened this refuge center in 1914; he and still ongoing to help distressed people with nobody to turn to," reiterated served "meals at midnight" for the homeless in Skid Row after church by Bro. Louie Rojas who served as chairperson for the project. In addition to feeding the homeless of Los Angeles, other Mission services hence the name The Midnight Mission. Alpha Phi Omega is an international brotherhood of collegiate/ programs include sort/distribute clothes, make food boxes/hygiene kits, internship/ students projects, special events/income tax preparation, and tutoring for all age alumni men and women guided by the three cardinal scouting principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. groups at all levels. These services are available 365 days all year round.
APOAA SOUTH BAY PACKS FOOD BOXES AT OC FOOD BANKS
Members in photo L-R: Prez Stephen Castro, 1st VP Andrew Grey, Bro. Sal Pangalangan, Historian Peewee Munson, 2nd VP & project chair Bernie Cruz, PRO Madonna Castro and Bro. Louie Rojas. Members in attendance not in photo: Patrick Afan, Ante Reyes, VinVin Vedar and Boogie Ambray
The Orange County Food Bank-Garden Grove welcomed 11 volunteers of Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Asso of South Bay (APOAASB) who trooped to the distribution center to help assemble food boxes for low income families and distressed senior citizens in the community last June 18. APOAASB Eleven, led by 2nd VP & project chair, Sis. Bernie Cruz, came at a time when the Food Bank, one of nine major projects of CAPOC (Community Action Partnership in Orange County), needed at least 250 volunteers to reach out to more malnourished children, displaced seniors, and families needing support not only on the dining table, but also in other social service aspects. Other programs/services of CAPOC aimed at helping people help themselves to help raise their status in the community are: Asset Building/Tax Credit/Earned Income; Energy/Environmental; Family Resource Center; Community Partnership; Supplemental Food; Nutritional/Physical Activities; Food Stamp Outreach; and Community Builders Initiative. APOAASB President Stephen Castro and the team of volunteers were all inspired by "the spirit of hope" fostered by CAPOC and its continued efforts to change and improve the lives of people it had touched in the past 46 years. “We shall return to do more volunteer work for the Food Bank and other endeavors where APOAASB and its members can be of service," said Prez Stephen and the members in attendance were: project chair Bernie Cruz, Madonna Castro, Audie Grey, Patrick Afan, Louie Rojas, Peewee Munson, Vinvin Vedar, Ante Reyes, Boogie Ambray and Sal Pangalangan. Alpha Phi Omega is an international brotherhood of collegiate/alumni men and women guided by the three cardinal scouting principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. /boymanigbas
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DISTRICT OF COL UMBIA AA ACTIVITIES: COLUMBIA
APODCAA President Vic DeLeon and his staunchly committed Servants of the community had a busy but productive second quarter. APODCAA members enjoyed activities designed to build morale and foster stronger camaraderie like Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic, a couple of trips to Atlantic City to raise funds, and our joint camping with our brethren in APO Greater New York. Also, there were community-centered Leadership, Friendship, and Service activities like the Pulong-Pulong in April that addressed the Filipino-American community’s attitude towards dealing with emotional distress, grief, and loss, the annual Hands on DC where members helped refurbish schools in the District of Columbia, to leading programs during the annual Philippine Independence Day Celebrations Picnic and the Asian Festival. APODCAA is proud to be one of the five recipients of Recognition Award from the PhilippineAmerican Foundation for Charities Gala Ball in June. As for APO-centered activities, APODCAA is proud to be represented by brothers Doods Castellano and Mody Olympia at the CDO Convention in awarding the prizes to the 2010 APO Collegiate Recruitment Program winners. Finally, our annual Financial Aid Program designed to help our “kababayans” was officially launched in the month of June. All in all, a busy but truly productive and gratifying second quarter.
APOkids @ WangoTango Con
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BRITISH COL UMBIA AA ACTIVITIES: COLUMBIA
Adopt-A-Street - April 9, 2011, Surrey, BC, Canada. After a hard day of fun cleaning their adopted street , the APOAABC crew led by its “Adopt-A-Street” committee chairman Brod. George Ladrillono (extreme left) and chapter prexy Bro. Dan Suratos (second from left), pose to show their garbage haul for the day. Brod. Santi Morano (extreme right) is the co-chairman.
The APOSSBC crew assisted by two APOkids (at the foreground) is shown here in action.
Family Camping - July 15, 16 & 17, 2011 - Hazelmere, Surrey, BC. Happy faces of APO British Columbia families reflect the fun and camaraderie they had at their annual family camping held at the Hazelmere Campground. Heartfelt thank you goes to Family Camping cochairpersons Sis Len Leones (seated, middle front row) and her “bitter” half Brod Jonard Leones (shown crowning Sis Jelo her “unwelcome “horn”).
Contented Luau party-goers enjoying their sumptous lunch
Tr ee Planting
April 30, 2011 - Tree Planting - Everette Crowley Park, BC. The beaming faces of the APOAABC “pick and shovel” gang do not even reflect that they were able to plant a thousand trees. Brothers Dan Suratos, APOAABC president (standing second from right) and Del De Belen, Veep (seated at center) led the half day activity
Family Picnic June 25, 2011 - King George Park, Richmond, BC APOAABC sisters together with several “APO Sabits” display their winning words in the word puzzle contest during the annual Family Picnic held at King George Park in Richmond, BC.
No, this is not a barbecue-eating contest, our APOAABC sisters led by ACNA Pres. Sis Cora de Jesus (center/back row) are just having fun devouring their half cooked pork and chicken barbecue. Brothers (from left) Santi Morano, Conray Garvida, Tom Ferreras and Virgil Amba.
Family Picnic co-chairman Sis. Janet Soliven (left), committee chairman Sis “Kimpet” Jelo Lopez (center), Sis Siegred Razo Lapatha, made the yummy barbecue (right) and Brod Conray Garvida at the back.
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APO ALBER TA ACTIVITIES: ALBERT APOAAA sponsored a seminar for industrial systems last May 14, 2011 at Coast Edmonton Hotel. The seminar was conducted by Bro Primo Beltran, it was attended by 23 electrical designers/ engineers from the Consulting and Engineering Sectors. The seminar ‘APOAAA Power Systems 1" involved the short circuit calculations and applications to industrial systems. The feedback from the attendees was it was very comprehensive, detailed and one of the best seminars ever attended at a very affordable cost.
Bro. Primo Beltran Instructor
APOAAA participated in the 113th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Independence last June 12, 2011 at the Legislature Grounds, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Ruel Cruz Vice-President - Primmo Beltran Secretary - Elmina “Memen” Cochingco Treasurers - Alvin Pacheco (Edmonton) - Ireneo “Boy” Pacheco (Calgary) Asst. Treasurer - Jay Garcia Auditor - Diomedes “Jun” Crisostomo Advisers: Nick Sanchez, Arthur Suguitan, Cesar Ortiz, Ariel De la Cruz, Orson Villaroman I.D. Chairmen - Claro “Joey” Sarmiento and Jay Garcia Coordinators - Claro “Joey” Sarmiento, Daniel Padilla and Dione Mark Mira Visitor’s Chair - Claro “Joey” Sarmiento and Arnel Avisado Event Coordinators - Sheryll Dangue and Adrian Agbayani Special Event Coordinator - Amado “Snow Cactus” Mamaril, Jr.
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Gr ea ter Los Ang eles Ne ws: APOGLA HONORS 10 OUTST ANDING Grea eater Angeles News: OUTSTANDING FIL-AM STUDENTS OF GREA TER L OS ANGELES By Dan E. Nino GREATER LOS
Glendale, California – It was flawless, almost perfect! It was inspiring yet edifying! There was elegance! These descriptions best exemplify the first Awards Night of the search for Ten Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Students (TOFASS) of Greater Los Angeles that unfolded on Aug. 13 at the Embassy Suite Hotel in this city. Ten accomplished and beaming young scholars witnessed by their proud parents, received their sleek plaques of recognition and scholarship grants from the Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Alumni Assn. of Greater Los Angeles led by Overall TOFASS Chair and Board APOGLA Board Chairman Tony Amon and APOGLA President Francis V. Mejia. They were assisted by Vice Consul John G. Reyes of the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles. The first six awardees were introduced by past APOGLA kids scholars while the last four recipients were introduced by past APOGLA presidents. Keynote Speaker Vice Consul Reyes who dwelt on the theme “ What Are My Aspirations And How To Achieve Them” recalled how he aspired to be a Philippine Military Academy cadet but was dashed because of eyesight medical condition. Instead, he became a lawyer working with Rene Saguisag Law Office and ended as a consular official. He revealed that he was neither diligent nor outstanding student but he always put God as his provider and guidance counselor. He told the motley crowd that honorific titles that’s appended to one’s profession should not be the basis of respect alone but what counts is your humility in dealings with your fellowmen,” he stated as a matter-offactly. He interjected a dash of humor when he revealed that he was probably lucky for passing the bar after graduating from the San Beda College of Law because he was wearing only one pair of shoes throughout his law studies that got worn out due to floods when he took his bar exams for four weeks at Dela Salle University. The crème of the crop college-bound students who were honored were: 1. Juliz B. Ancayan, a graduate of North High School in Torrance, CA. She was accepted to attend UC Irvine. 2. Melia U. Asucan, a graduate of Pasadena High School in Pasadena, CA. She was accepted to attend Cal State, San Diego. 3. Katrina M. Bautista, a graduate of Carson High School in Carson, CA. She was accepted to attend Cal State, Long Beach. 4. Jeff Aaron Calvo, a graduate of Azusa High School in Azusa, CA. She was accepted to attend UC San Diego. 5. Eina Del Castillo, a graduate of Hollywood High School in Los Angeles. She was accepted to attend UCLA’s School of Film & Television. 6. Katrina Dawn Lauron, a graduate of Golden Valley High School. She was accepted to attend UC Berkeley. 7. Cara Jaclyn Martinez, a graduate of Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, CA. She was accepted to attend UC Berkeley. 8. Ma. Denise Panaligan, a graduate of Burbank High School in Burbank, CA. She was accepted to attend UCLA.
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Sheilmira Glen Pascual, a graduate of Artesia High School in Lakewood, CA. She was accepted to attend Cal State, Long Beach. 10. Melanie Lomio Viloria, a graduate of John Glen High School in Norwalk, CA. She was accepted to attend UC San Diego. One of the awardees, Ma. Denise Panaligan in an e-mail lauded the APOGLA organizers the next day. She said, “The Awards Night was truly one of the best experiences I had in years. Not only because of the prestigious award and the wonderful reception but also because I had the opportunity to meet and talked to most of you. You are such an inspiration, seeing that the legacy you are leaving behind will be told and passed on from generation to generation, thus will continue to touch and make a difference in the lives of many hardworking and deserving students along with their families, friends and their communities. It’s huge, in my own opinion, if anybody who truly needs recognition and be appreciated that night was you and all the people who have contributed to the success of the event. With that being said, on behalf of my family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you. She added, “Thank you so much for reaching out to all of us. For showing us what really TOFASS is all about, it’s about pursuing excellence and giving back to the community. Congratulations to APOGLA. Maraming Salamat po!” Before the Awards Night, several dignitaries from Los Angeles and the Philippines expressed their support to this undertaking. Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos an honorary APO member in his letter to APOGLA said, “Any project that will advance people empowerment through quality education is a worthy and noble cause that deserves success for both the beneficiaries and benefactors. For this reason, I heartily confirm my support of the project.” As a gesture for his support and a good measure, FVR sent two books – his dad’s biography book, the late Foreign Affairs Secretary and Pangasinan Congressman Narciso Ramos and his own biography both book authored by journalist Mel Velasco were auctioned off to help raise funds towards the TOFASS Project. Consul General Aragon on the other hand commended the Alpha Phi Omega. She said, Allow me to reaffirm my support for Alpha Phi Omega’s continuing mission of developing not only our societies, but also the young men and women who will be our next line of leaders. Through such colossal acts of meaningful intervention, Alpha Phi Omega has transformed itself from merely just another campus organization into an established international institution renowned for molding exemplary citizens, good leaders and dynamic communities.” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa in his message told the TOFASS awardees, “Your academic and extra-curricular achievements have demonstrated your ability to attain success in future pursuits. I am confident you will continue to excel as you further your education. I also commend the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Assn. of Greater Los Angeles in its efforts to promote higher education. Your dedication to the youth in our community is greatly appreciated.” With the success of the search, the TOFASS trustees are already aiming for next year’s project at this early. Send comments to denino@verizon.net.
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AA Ne ws fr om Nor ther n Calif or nia - NOR CAL, SFSV & CV C News from Norther thern Califor ornia NORCAL, CVC
ACNA President Sis Cora DJ with Brothers and Sisters from Northern California (APO NORCAL, APO SFSV & APO CVC AA) last July 31, 2011
ACNA President Sis Cora DJ visit's to Yosemite Nat'l Park with brothers & sisters from Northern California last July 30, 2011
APO SFSV, APO CVC & APO USA, Gamma Beta Chapter during the "San Bruno Operation Clean Sweep". May 7, 2011
APO CVC & APO SFSV During the PG&E Earthday Service Project at Halfmoon Bay, California. April 16, 2011
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APO HOLL YW OOD AL UMNI NEWS: HOLLYW YWOOD ALUMNI Feeding the Homeless Las Ve g as Tur n Ar ound Around
Lancaster, CA - Braving the sweltering heat of Antelope Valley on a Sunday morning July 24, 2011, members of APO Hollywood drove 70 miles to Lancaster, CA to give service to the community. The place is called Grace Resource Center where every Sunday the less fortunate people gather to feast on a sumptuous meal sponsored by various civic and Christian organizations and benevolent citizens of Lancaster. Brother Fortune Cumigad being one of the most compassionate and generous members of the community always sponsors at least 3 times a year such events and this Sunday was one of them. Being a member of APO Hollywood, he always involved his brothers and sisters of Alpha Phi Omega as everybody enjoys giving service to people. Service is a trait engrained in APO DNA. We begun preparing the hall, setting up the tables and chairs and the most important thing was to put up the banner of APO Hollywood. Coffee, desserts and drinks were prepared in the huge kitchen. Trays of food like pansit chicken adobo, roasted pork, rice, mashed potatoes were prepared by brod Fortune. This event has been done for the 4th time already and everyone of us knows our assignments and roles in serving the less fortunate people with 5 star treatment. The interaction was very fruitful and beneficial among each other. To the less fortunate, they felt important and loved and for us serving them, wefelt the value of sharing. Humility was manifested and the reward was priceless: Feeling you have done a good service to mankind. We also shared our culture through the food we served and we got compliments most of the time that Filipino food is delicious. We taught them also few Tagalog words such as salamat, masarap, and mabuti. As early as 11 AM, the lines filled up and as we expected, we served 250 people. Lunch was served at 1 PM. Everyone had to sign up before they got their food. Young, old, different races and ethnic backgrounds linrd up for this event. You can see on their faces that everyone was happy to see the members of APO Hollywood again serving them delicious Filipino foods. After serving all the wonderful people for 3 hours, it was time to clean up the place, put all the things to their proper places and get ready again for the next event. It was time also for us to eat and have our own kind of fellowship. We proceeded to a Pizza Place and had pizza, soda and beer. What a day to spend a Sunday. It was very rewarding and fulfilling because we know we did a good deed again. As always… hooray to APOHA.
Having recently done a service of feeding the homeless in Lancaster a week earlier, it was also time for some fun and relaxation. What would be a better way to have fun and at the same time raise funds for future services than an APO Hollywood-organized casino trip. This trip was chaired by the husband and wife team members Sis Precy and Brod Franz Tanglao. July 30, 2011 was the date. Destination…. Las Vegas Stateline.Buffalo Bills, Primm and Whiskey Pete’s casinos. It all begun at that early morning and the pick up points were Seafood City in Nordoff followed by Seafood City in Carson. The tourist bus was filled up with APO brothers and sisters together with family, friends and visitors. This was a chance to spread our friendship to visitors and guests by showing the APO style of friendship. As we were cruising the freeway, breakfast was served; Starbucks coffe, cheese rolls, chicken skin chicharon. After the breakfast the show begun. Emcees Brother Jonathan AKA Nicolas Hawla and brod Art Franco AKA Brus Walis cracked jokes and sponsored bingo games. The 4 hours drive passed by like a breeze and little did we know, we arrived at our destination already. Everyone had a wonderful time inside the bus and nobody noticed how time flew. Yes, This was happening in the morning. APO spirit and camaraderie enveloped the whole bus. This is friendship APO Style. This coming Saturday, August 13, 2011, a joint service of APO Hollywood and APO South Bay will take place. We will be packing food for distribution by Orange County Food Bank. Friends and relatives are again joining our group .This is one way to involve others and let them be aware for what the members of APO are doing. Spreading the three tenets of APO is a noble gesture that we must do always by heart.
MID WEST -CHICA GO AA NEWS MIDWEST WEST-CHICA -CHICAGO
Amazing APOkid
JUSTIN MARQUEZ was the first prize winner of the area high school students entered in the Joint Philippine Independence Week Committee and Malaya Chapter of the Order of Knights of Rizal essay contest held on May 14, 2011 at the Wright College. He is the son of Bro. Edwin Marquez, Theta'78C and Sis. Joyce Marquez, Theta'77, both members of APO Midwest-Chicago AA. He was shown in PINOY, the Filipino American Newsmagazine, June 2011 SPECIAL ISSUE ON DR. JOSE RIZAL'S ESQUISCENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY together with the second prize winner, Gabrielle Torralba and
their parents, pay a visit on the Rizal Monument over the Memorial Day Weekend. It also featured his Essay winning piece entitled, "Rizal and I" (see page 29, June2011 Issue @ www.pinoynewsmagazine.com). Excerpts of his first prize winning essay was read during the Rizal Day program at the Rizal Center in Chicago. It was also featured in the book entitled, "Remembering Rizal", a compilation of articles, essays about our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, edited by Edwin Agustin Lozada. copyright 2011. It was released in commemorating the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on his 150th Birthday. by Sis. NORA CORTEZ-QUIBAL, Secretary, DY 2011-2012
In collaborating with other alumni group, we also promote cooperation amongst each other. We can show that whatever alumni group you belong to, we are one APO as a whole. Promote unity amongst ourselves and serve as a role model to others! Let us not be divided by technicalities and our own interpretation of CBL’s. We all owe it to ourseves why we are joining our group….is to be happy promoting the LFS of our beloved fraternity and sorority. Irma H. Almazan, Alpha’71 APO Hollywood President
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APO FL ORID A ACTIVITIES: FLORID ORIDA
APO Suppor y Dr agon War rior s Supportt to Pino Pinoy Dra arrior riors determination and inspiration to win 5 Gold and 2 Silver medals in a gallant display of talent, gratitude and love of country. They made us very proud as Filipinos!
The world class Filipino paddlers known as the “Pinoy Dragon Warriors” competed and represented the Philippines in the 2011 International Dragon Boat World Racing Championships (Aug. 3-6) in Tampa, Florida. The Filipino paddlers are the defending World Champion in 200 meters for 2 consecutive years and also the World Record Holder (fastest time) in that event. Yet despite of their great accomplishment, they did not have the support and funding from the Philippine government due to political reasons. They were able to attend the competition through the help of private sponsors and the host organization. When APO-Florida heard the news of their coming and learned about their sad situation, they immediately decided to throw its all-out-support to this very deserving team. From the opening ceremony to the last day of that 4 day international event, APO-Florida members have been contributing food, drinks and ice, and have been a constant presence on the race site. In fact, they were the first Filipino organization in Florida to bring “kanin at ulam” to our athletes who already missed “Pinoy” foods. When requested by the team’s president to help cover the cost of their hotel accommodation, APO-FL members generously contributed and were able to raise $600.00. The outpouring of support from the local Filipinos in Florida has provided our Filipino paddlers the
APO-Florida is very proud of its support to the Philippine Dragon Boat Team. On this event, its members showed an amazing example of service. What was amazing is not the allout-support for the team despite a very short notice, nor the fact that they were the “first responder”, nor raising $600.00 in less than 48 hours, nor the daily trip to the race site bringing supplies and personally cheering and congratulating the paddlers on their races and every time they received their medals. But the genuine smiles on their faces as they were doing these. APO-Florida believed in a worthy cause and was just glad to have the opportunity to be of service to that cause. It’s about finding joy in answering to our core Principle of Service. The kind of service that reminds us all what Alpha Phi Omega and being an APO is all about. A service without politics and personal interests. A service that at the end of the day you can say: “I did a good turn, today!” Long live Alpha Phi Omega! Mabuhay ang Filipino! APO-Florida Shines!
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METR O HOUST ON AA NEWS AND ACTIVITIES: METRO HOUSTON
Texas Beac h Guar dian Beach Guardian
Last April 30, 2011, on their 6th year as Texas Beach Guardians, members of Alpha Phi Omega (Phils) of Metropolitan Houston led by their president, Bro. Jun Tapay, cleaned-up their adopted one mile beach (Mile Zero) along the area of San Luis Pass in Surfside Beach, Brazoria County, Texas. According to James Glover, special events officer of Brazoria County Parks Dept., a total of 7,400 pounds of trash were removed from the area between San Luis Pass to Surfside Jetty. The next beach clean-up will be on Sept. 24, 2011.
APO Metro Houston’s Newly Adopted Park Alpha Phi Omega Metropolitan Houston recently adopted Meadow Lake Park as its newest spot to clean. The APO Alumni members will maintain the cleanliness of the park on a quarterly basis. Located at the heart of Sugar Land, Texas, the park boast of covered picnic tables, bbq grills, children slides, jogging trails, soccer or lacrosse field and a nearby lake where you can catch a nice size catfish. APO Metro Houston's former adopted spot was Mayfield Neighborhood Park which was adopted since 2006.
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DALLAS-FOR TH W OR TH AA NEWS: ALLAS-FORTH ORTH DFW Sponsors RED CROSS 143 Tr aining -Seminar The APO Alumni Association of Dallas Fort Worth sponsored the Philippines Red Cross program of training volunteers for disaster and emergency situation. It’s a service project of Lambda Chapter of De La Salle Araneta University in cooperation with APO NCR and bro. Ralph Beltran, Director for Fraternity. The program is called Red Cross 143. The goal of the seminar is to train more Red Cross 143 volunteers in order to provide quality service to the community in time of emergency and disaster. The training/seminar was held on July 30 and August 6, 2011 at DLSAU campus. Over 60 DLSAU student leaders from different recognized campus organizations participated in the training program. The training was spearheaded by 5 speakers and trainors from Philippine RED CROSS: Paul David G. Tolores, Ryan V. Paquibot, Paolo Xavier S. Co, Joseph Gerard G. Bersalona, Angelo De Lara. The 16 hours hands-on training/seminar program includes: First Aid Training and Ways to Respond to various Emergency Situation. After the training, students who participated in the seminar became fully equipped, ready to face and take part in any emergency situation. They are now certified by Phil. Red Cross as Red Cross 143 volunteers. ALL registered participants received the training free of charge with free snacks and lunch during the 2 days training. ALL materials used were free as provided by the sponsor – APO Dallas Fort Worth AA. APO Dallas Fort Worth AA producing responsible campus and community leaders by sponsoring initiatives and programs that enhance balance lifestyle. May We Always be… In Leadership, Friendship and Service!
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY AA ACTIVITIES: The APOAASD consistently continue the APO traditions of excellence started while in college and its lifetime commitment to the principle of Leadership.,Friendship and Service. The APOAASD works hand-in-hand as one happy and service-oriented family and remained as "America's Friendliest Alumni Leading in Service". APOAASD volunteered and completed the following service projects for 2011: April 2: San Diego Hospice Memorial 5K Walk & Fun Run. April 30: National Multiple Sclerosis Society "MS Walk 2011". May 15: Navy-Marine Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Program's 25th Annual Original Bay Bridge Run/Walk. May, 2011: As a service, APOAASD sent 6 Balik Bayan Boxes for the HMDO service sa Cainta, Rizal last May 2011 July 10: San Diego Blood Bank 5K Walk/Run.
ALPHA PHI OMEGA (Philippines) ALUMNI COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA (ACNA) www.apo-acna.org 2011-2012 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Sis CORA DE JESUS - President Bro. IAN BELTRANO - 1st VP Bro ROEHL REYES - 2nd VP Bro THOM PASCUAL - Auditor Bro VINVIN VEDAR - Secretary Bro BEMS DOMINGCIL - Treasurer Sis BETH WONG - PRO Bro. LEO BALTAZAR - PRO Bro WINDELL delos REYES - Webmaster Bro EDGAR SOAN VELASQUEZ - ID Officer - US Bro ALDOUS ENCISO - ID Officer - Canada Bro SANCHO SY - Ed-in-Chief/The Council Bro ART LIBOT - Regional Representative to APO Phils. ALL PAST ACNA PRESIDENTS - Council of Elders
2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bro RUEL CRUZ - Alberta Bro DAN SURATOS - British Columbia Bro PAUL VILLAFUERTE - Central Valley of CA Bro ALEKS GARCIA - Dallas-Fort Worth Bro VIC DE LEON - District of Columbia Bro LITO CUA - Florida Bro FRANCI MEJIA - Greater Los Angeles Bro PAUL HIPOLITO - Greater New York Bro CAESAR MITRE - Greater Washington Sis COY BLANCO - Hawaii Sis IRMA ALMAZAN - Hollywood Bro TEDDY RAMOS - Las Vegas Bro JUN TAPAY - Metro Houston Bro ED CONSTANTINO - Midwest-Chicago Bro JIMMY ALINO - Mississauga Bro EDUARDO VASQUEZ - Montreal Bro CHANG AZARIAS - Northern California Bro JULIAN SANTOS - San Diego Bro JUN DE CASTRO - San Francisco-SiliconValley Bro STEPHEN CASTRO - South Bay Bro. JOSEPH ARPON - Southern Ontario Bro JUNI ARELLANO - Toronto Bro ROLLY CARPENA - Washington State
ACNA Fundraising: 2012 CALENDAR The Alpha Phi Omega (Phils) Alumni Council of North America, committed to its objective of rendering numerous service projects; such as helping our less fortunate fellowmen through medical, dental, optical and other humanitarian missions, and also by supporting the noble national programs of its mother organization, Alpha Phi Omega Philippines, is launching the "APO ACNA 2012 CALENDAR FUNDRAISING" to help fund these noble projects. Thanks to the support of its member alumni associations, the COUNCIL collected different pictures from different APO individuals to be featured in the 2012 APO ACNA calendar. Special thanks to Bro. Toto Cascolan for the Calendar 2012 front and back cover design, Bros. Sancho Sy and 2nd VP Roehl Reyes for helping out in the layout, and most especially to the Ways and Means Chairman Brother 1st VP Ian Beltrano, who is spearheading this fundraising project. For those interested to be a part of this noble endeavor, you can purchase the APO ACNA 2012 Calendar from your nearest APO ACNA Alumni Associaton and have the chance to win monthly prizes and a 1st, 2nd, and, 3rd prize winners at the grand drawing which will be held during the 2012 APO ACNA Convention.
ACNA 2nd Quarter Meeting for 2011-2012 Edmonton Alberta CANADA September 2 to 4, 2011 AG E N DA I.
Meeting Call to Order
- Cora De Jesus, President ACNA
II.
Invocation
- Bro. Primo Beltran
III.
Welcome Address
- Ruel Cruz, President, APO Alberta
IV.
Roll Call (determination of quorum)
V.
Approval of the minutes of last meeting a. Council Meeting in Boca Raton, FL. March 26,2011
VI.
Treasurer’s Report
- Bems Domingcil, ACNA Treasurer
VII.
Auditor’s Report
- Thom Pascual, ACNA Auditor
VIII.
Other Officers Report
- Soan Velasquez, ID Officer USA - Aldous Enciso, ID Officer Canada - Leo Baltazar, PRO
IX.
Old Business i. Directory Project ii. APO Learning Center iii. 8th IHMDOM iv. 26 NBC Cagayan de Oro City
X.
New Business i. AA President’s Report ii. LIUF, role of ACNA in the foundation iii. Calendar Project
XI.
Announcement - Next Meeting – Spring 2012, Dallas Texas - Message - Bro. Art Libot, National Vice-President - Alumni
XII.
Adjournment
XIII.
Toast Song
MECHANICS: 1000 calendars @ $20.00 each Monthly cash draw Nov 2011 to August 2012 10 months @$100.00/draw = $1,000.00 September 2012 Cash Prize Draw ( ACNA Convention - hosted by APO GLA ) 1st Prize .............. $4,000.00 2nd Prize .............. $2.000.00 3rd Prize .............. $1,000.00 Total Cash Prizes .............. $8,000.00 The sooner you get your APO ACNA 2012 CALENDAR the sooner you have the chance to win numerous prizes! Yours in LFS, Leo Baltazar Pi 1981B (Phils) Advisor, Delta Omega 2010 (USA) Life EVP, APO Metro Houston 2005-2012 APO (Phils) Gatekeeper 2008-Present PRO, APO (Phils) ACNA/ARNA