3rd Council Meeting 2010 Edition
March 2010
ALPHA PHI OMEGA (Philippines) ALUMNI COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA
THE ACNA WE LONG TO B UILD BUILD By Brother Toti Ayo, Beta Kappa’72
With the life that He has given me and my family, I have all the reasons to be grateful for all the little and simple things that I am blessed with in life. Blessings that many, if not all of us enjoy, although sometimes we just don’t realize. One of these many blessings is the gift of friendship that we enjoy with ourAlpha Phi Omega brothers, sisters and members of our family. We are given the opportunity to serve and to lead. Trusted with a great privilege and a great gift that we ought to appreciate and be thankful for. The trust that we are given is a sacred covenant that is too precious to be broken. With this gift, however, is a corresponding responsibility that comes along. It is this greater responsibility that is bestowed upon us by our respective Alumni Association membership in ACNA that we should ever be grateful for and make sure that by our actions, we are held accountable, with our utmost commitment to preserve its highest moral and ethical value and standard to do what is right and deserving of our membership in Alpha Phi Omega whom we all are ambassadors of. Brothers and Sisters, allow me to reach out to you all, as I reach out to the members of our ACNA Board as they gather in Hawaii for the semi-annual Board Meeting this March. I am hoping to express my thoughts as they come by and hopefully, I am able to make sense. Comes the Labor Day Weekend in September, we shall be celebrating our 10th Biennial Convention in San Francisco . While much has been, since our inception in September, 1990, there is yet a lot to be and our best years are still ahead of us. Slowly but surely, we shall work together to deliver and meet our objectives. Our commitment and enthusiasm will be necessary; but, among other things, our teamwork and our ability to get things done will be that important. Continued on page 3
ACNA Pres. Bro. Ben Castro installed into office three of his Executive officers, namely: Bro. Paul Villafuerte, Auditor; Bro. Bong Estrada, Membership Commissioner and Bro. Alex Dulay, ID Commissioner during 2nd Council Meeting @ Stevenson Ranch, CA hosted by APO GLA.
AL OHA ST ATE HOSTS ALOHA STA 3RD ACNA MEETING Aloha!!! You may have heard that word a thousand times, but have you heard how it is articulated? One thing for sure…you’ll find out when you come and set your foot on the Island of Oahu for the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA), that Hawai’i (pronounced as hah-vah-ee), also known as the Aloha State, is a reflection of the friendliness of the people, relaxed atmosphere, the blue ocean as a reflection of the blue sky, the beautiful weather, the impeccable beach of Waikiki, the cheap shopping at the swap meet at the Aloha Stadium and more, are just the beginning of an unforgettable experience you will have during your visit. The opportunity entrusted to me by our brothers and sisters in Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Hawaii (APO-HI) is a great privilege. For almost three years to date when the unimaginable became a reality, when the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood of Alpha Phi Omega brings everyone together, no matter what school, what State, what country we all hail from, we always become one Alpha Phi Omega. Come and enjoy the spirit of aloha and what Hawai’i is all about, and what a better way to spend quality time with our families and friends. This occasion is next to perfect – doing business with pleasure. Let us all make this event the most productive, most fun-filled, and the most “talk-of-thetown” quarterly meeting of the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA) and as you return to your homes, may you take with you the spirit of Aloha and a renewed commitment to Leadership, Friendship and Service. In Leadership, Friendship, Service, Sis. Coy B. Blanco, Epsilon Beta, 77’B President, APO-HI (DY 2010-2011)
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Message from the President Brothers and Sisters, my warmest fraternal greetings! It’s been one year and 3 months since I took office and I could say that collectively as APO ACNA Officers and Members, we have accomplished what we have purportedly set for our term. Some of the worthwhile projects we have accomplished so far are as follows: 1. Revolved to help APO SAPOC Learning Center by donating $1,500.00 every year 2. Conducted the 7th APO ACNA IHMDO in Tondo, Manila on May 24, 2009 3. Donated $1,200.00 to APO Philippines for local HMDO held in Boracay, Aklan on May 28, 2009 4. Encouraged the attendance and participation of 80 APO ACNA members to the APO Philippine Convention in Boracay, Aclan in May 2009. 5. Donated more than $10,000.00 to APO Philippines for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Ramil 6. Spearheaded (thru the leadership of Bro. Ferdie Yambot) the collection of emergency funds in the amount of $2,500 for Sis Rhoda Carandang’s son 7. Donated $500.00 to APO Boy Scout of the Philippines and another $500.oo to APO Alumni Congress thru Bro. Art Libot. The 3rd quarterly meeting in Hawaii on March 27, 2010, will once again stir us to stay true and committed to the three guiding principles of APO: Leadership, Friendship and Service. In this meeting, I encourage all Alumni Association Presidents to report on the status of their collections for the APO ACNA Cash Raffle Project – a program which aims to raise funds to finance our various projects and to enable the next set of APO ACNA leaders have sound financial resources to start with. Further, we will also tackle the programs for the 10th Biennial Convention in Newark, CA on September 3-5, 2010. APO CVC AA, under the leadership of Bro. Butch Garcia, is in the thick of preparation with the able assistance of Bro. Bong Estrada, the overall chairman for the Convention, who is spearheading the different steering committees. With their leadership, we could look forward to a successful and meaningful convention. Having said that, I invite all APO ACNA brothers and sisters to join the 10th Biennial Convention “TARA NA, APO ACNA SA BAY AREA”. Together, let us enjoy the splendor of the place and the warmhearted hospitality and friendship of brothers and sisters in the bay area. Mabuhay ang APO ACNA, Mabuhay and APO sa buong mundo. In LFS, Bro. Ben J. Castro President, APO ACNA 2009-2010 RD, APO ARNA 2009-2010
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.
Publishing Editor Sancho Sy
Contributors Coy Blanco • Ben Castro • Toti Ayo • Ian Beltrano Mar Garchitorena • Bems Domingcil • Aldous Enciso • Cora de Jesus • Ferdie Yambot Front page photo by Andy Cordero
The Council 15226 Ryan St. Sylmar, CA 91342 email: apochosy@gmail.com www.apo-acna.org
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THE ACN A WE L ONG TO B UILD CNA LONG BUILD
By Brother Toti Ayo, Beta Kappa’72
Continued from page 1
‘Teamwork will make us stronger’ - has ever been said. Every organization talks about it, but not very many are effective with it. With all that we, as ACNA, has yet to do and become, we have to commit ourselves and believe that we can work together to achieve our goals. Our mind will have to be committed to the team spirit, the ‘team-first’ mind-set as our well-being and our credibility is at stake. As an ACNA, our aspiration is to grow and mature. We want to create a beautiful landscape for the APO world to see, be a part of and enjoy its beauty. There are times, however, as there will be those times when we find it hard to grow especially when there are too many distractions and detractors - as ever there are and will be. We have seen these elements time and again. But we have to be firm and keep our focus. Remember, in every green grass, a weed/weeds grow. We have to know and understand how weeds affect a beautiful landscape. If we don’t take care of these weeds, it will take over its beauty. We have to pull these weeds out, otherwise, our growth will be restricted. Having extended and exercised a keen sense of listening and understanding to make sure that we do not give up on some groups or individuals just because we find it or we find them difficult to work with, our resoluteness and our firm resolve, will not be in question. If I may use the words of Goethe: “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
Among other things, with all that we ought to do to continue building ACNA’s structure, is our effectiveness in resolution of issues such as how we can moderate or facilitate accepting applications for recognition of alumni groups like “APO Hollywood”. At the heart of APOGLA, a breakaway group finds its way to seek for recognition and acceptance for membership from ACNA. A sensitive subject that it is, the fact that APOGLA stands on its way, is a red flag that should be noted. If, in considering the granting of recognition we might claim that we have seen this happen with other AA’s in the past, so we just have to let it be, it is important that we dig thru the rubbles of the past for us to better understand if this is beneficial for us all or not. The ACNA Board has its hands full this upcoming meeting in Hawaii. This brings me to an important aspect in our ACNA structure building efforts. It is time to consider as I strongly suggest for the creation of a ‘Dispute Resolution Commission’ created by the ACNA Board. Among other things, AA related issues on disputes shall fall under this Office. Rest assured, we have capable men and women in ACNA to make this Office work responsibly, effectively and credibly. A functional and effective organization in ACNA is what we care about. Shall we have to depend or do we expect the National Executive Board of APO Philippines to resolve these kinds of issues if and when they arise? If you think so, I’d ask you to think long and hard.
An Unchartered Course Let us remind ourselves that we, as ACNA, in this North American Continent is trekking an unchartered course. Our task to build ACNA is an unfinished one. We are creating a system. We are building a structure, an institution. Together, let us think hard and know what we want and know where we are going. We know we have issues to resolve. Let’s work on them thoroughly, one at a time. The process will not be easy. It will require time, commitment and sacrifices on our part - considering the priorities we have on our daily lives - our family, our work and our own commitment to our local communities. With this in mind, we have to understand and respect our respective issues and concerns which may be different from other AA’s. We have to be patient, but we have to persevere. We have to learn and know more about each other and about what we can share and contribute to the organization as a whole. By expanding our knowledge on different issues, we empower ourselves. The success of ACNA will demand from every member AA, a concerted effort. Our success or failure is a shared responsibility. With our diversity, it is from our individual strength that we shall build from. We shall be building on our strength as we continue to work on our values! Having said these, it becomes imperative that we establish cooperative systems and structures. Forget about ARNA if it’s an issue that is holding us back. Let’s make ACNA work, and ARNA will find its proper place within us in North America with ease. Now how do we make ACNA work better and stronger? Just as what we’ve been doing in the past, it is that endless effort in making every ACNA-member Alumni Association organizationally strong. With strong member-AA’s in ACNA, we have no doubt, ACNA will be stronger than ever.
Whatever problems we have as AA’s in this North American Continent will have to be resolved under the rules and procedures set by this Commission, which is subject to the Federal and State Laws of the land. Emphatically, ACNA should have a tooth to bite when a member AA doesn’t toe the line. If ACNA can’t do it, its effectiveness is in question. All these years, we expect every local AA to find its rightful way to resolve issues that need resolving. Sometimes, an AA falls short of this expectation. But they should be able and capable of doing so, otherwise, they don’t deserve to exist as an organization, more so, a member association of ACNA. In the meantime, in the absence of this Commission, on the issue where ACNA accepted and is due to consider “APOHA’s” application, with facts to be presented to the ACNA Board this upcoming meeting in Hawaii - why APOGLA stands on its way; it becomes obvious, that any favorable justification given to “APOHA”, shall have a gross negative effect on ACNA in the long run. Undeniably true, anything less than responsible membership in ACNA destroys the trust, credibility and respect in our efforts to strengthen the structure we long to build. We owe this to all ACNA-member Alumni Associations and to all members of Alpha Phi Omega who finds some inspiration on what we do. It is a greater task and a greater responsibility for us not to fail them! To all the members of the Board who will spend their personal time and provisions in Hawaii for this semi-annual board meeting, we applaud you. To all the members left behind in their respective Alumni Association locations, may we all share in the effort and the commitment as we seek perfection of the Strong Circle we want to be, and with our head held high, let’s sing to the tune of the Toast Song we call our own. - TA
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APO BRITISH COL UMBIA AA NEWS COLUMBIA Congratulations to Bro Aldous Enciso of Delta Omicron Chapter , Batch 1990 and of APO British Columbia AA for winning the BC2010 logo-making contest with the score of 5 out of 7 from our panel of judges. He will be awarded $100 USD thru paypal or western union for his effort and talent. The winning entry was used as official logo for the Balik Chapter 2010 Project held simultaneously in Metro Manila and various chapters in the Philippines in commemoration of the 60th Foundation Anniversary of APO Philippines last March 2, 2010 . It will be printed in calendars, tarpaulins, banners, flyers and other items The organizers wish to thank all the participants of the BC2010 logo-making contest and also the judges. Submitted by: Bro Aldous Enciso Chapter: Delta Omicron Batch: 1990
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ACN A NA TION GIVES TO BRING CNA NATION LIGHT TO BABY MA TTHEW’S MATTHEW’S VISIONS by Bro. Ferdie Yambot Thanks a million… ACNA Brothers and Sisters!!!From deep in the heart of Sis Rhoda Santos Carandang, her very own words follow: “Thank you so much for helping my little angel Matthew...It would not have been possible for me to seek help without your full effort. I will never forget your kindness for even though you dont know me personally indeed you have pushed the fund raising to help us in proceeding with the transplant for my baby. I will keep everyone updated with pictures of Matthew as soon as they the transplant is done... In return I will always include all of you in my daily prayers. God Bless your good heart . . . May we always be!!!” As a mother, she could have begged openly on the streets and/or given her own life for baby Matthew but she didn’t need to because her caring brothers and sisters in ACNA poured, not only their wallets, but more importantly, their prayers, for the wellness of APO baby Matthew. Our collective effort is going a long way as baby Matthew is getting the needed medical care. In one private conversation during solicitation, one astig brother was almost teary eyed in saying….. “ this is what being APO is about.. caring and loving!”. Bro. Prez Ben Castro and Treasurer Bro. Jesse de Leon were quick in running the ball when Matthew’s need was published but hardly being noticed. Once sanctioned, it gained momentum and pledges from all corners of ACNA started coming in. The overall running total at the time of writing is more than $2K (and still growing), and they have been timely reaching the hands of Sis Rhoda in time for the actual need. “And still growing” as declared earlier, Matthew’s guardian angels remain to be in BEGGING mode, so just look Prez Ben and Bro. Jesse straight in the eyes and without saying anything, pour even you coins in their pockets. The APO-ACNA magic continues on!!! - FY
AN OPEN LETTER TO ACNA MEMBER ASSNS Continued from page 8
that you can’t avoid reading in various posting in all APO egroups. Do these Brods & Sis have the chance and opportunity to meet and mingled with their other brethren on the other side? Of course NOT!!! It is sad and this is just because of the wrongdoings of a small group and their spiteful scheme. What happened to truth & honesty? What happened to honest discussions, consultations and dialogues? What happened to owning to our mistakes and accepting the consequences of our actions? What happened to saying simply “I am sorry”? Yes, all of these are out of the window APOkids @ to because the other alternative is easier to do. It is easier just form another AA even it g infringes W aifn oTon ageographical ngo territory of others. It is easier because we memberCon associations and our members condone it. Why? because it does not affect you directly and does not know the permanent “hurt” it creates. Let’s STOP condoning and allowing these grandstanding and attacks by bad apples within our organization as if it is okay. Let us stop these bad attitudes that corrode and eat away the moral and ethical value of our brotherhood. Let us make a stand to prevent this split-up from happening with other member-associations once and for all. Let us stand up with what our constitution and brotherhood demands. And let’s make sure that we are not rewarding bad and ethical misdeeds. HOW??? Let us not make a mistake again of endorsing aspiring AA unless the existing member-association directly affected and nearest to the area gives their permission and approval. Let us not allow ACNA to be used as an instrument of division and facilitator of split-ups but instead let us make it as a vanguard for growth and development of member-associations as envisioned in our ACNA CBL. In Leadership, Friendship and Service, MAR GARCHITORENA, Theta ‘62
APO-GLA LA MARA THON SER VICE PR OJECT MARATHON SERVICE PROJECT
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March 21, 2010 - Sunset Strip Los Angeles The LA Marathon Service Project has been a highly anticipated event by both veteran and novice APOGLA volunteers. Manning the water station for the past 24 years of the event’s 25 years of existence, this year’s event is another fun-filled experience headed by Service Project chairman emeritus Bro. Egay Ninofranco and at least 150 or so volunteers this time at Mile 13 in the heart of Sunset Strip in West Los Angeles.
The APOGLA water station crew serving for the 24th time out of LA Marathon’s 25 years of existence.
The Vaseline boy
Pres. Lito Tarculas & Event chair Egay Ninofranco
Rene Yambot and Co. hands water to runners
Elite women runners
Los Angeles Marathon runners
The Music Crew: DJ Chosy & Jerome P
It started in 1986 which was inspired by the Summer Olympics of 1984. The LA Marathon was created to benefit a lot of charitable institution and organizations in the spirit of sportsmanhip. This year it will benefit 38 Charitable Institutions and Organization and two Affiliated Charities with HONDA and K Swiss as the Major Sponsors which provided t-shirt for the volunteers and prizes for the runners. As a first time volunteer, it is amazing to note the sincerity of the brothers, sisters and their family to render service. Let’s start the night before the LA MARATHON. It was the 3rd GMM hosted by Sis. Emma Galang at her residence in North Hills, CA. In the meeting, the LA Marathon was discussed and wrapped up by Bro. Roehl Reyes in behalf of Bro. Egay Ninifranco. Final instructions, directions, were provided and advised to come in early before 6 AM to avoid street closures. The GMM ended up with the Toast Song then of course a long lasting Fellowship. Some brothers, sisters and family members went home early to have a goodnight rest, just to be able to wake up early and be at MILE 13 on time to provide and render service, but others stayed not just to socialize, drink, spent ample time with their brethren but to listen to APO stories that are both meaningful and educational to a young brod like me. It was already 12:30 AM and although there were still lots cold thirst quenching beer to drink and quite a few brothers showing their dedication to finish them we decided to head for the APO Fraternity House in Duartte, CA. We managed to arrive in the residence of the brother and kill more time and so we decided to play some cards and drink a bottle or two and so it is 3:00 AM and we had a nice almost two hours sleep an excellent much needed rest. Its about 05:30 AM Sunday morning and luckily we managed to weave thru street closures and park safely at a gasoline station. There were already brothers and
Brods Lester, Toti, Sis. Ophel, Tony, Christian & Henry
The Music Crew: DJ Chosy & Jerome P
Continued on page 6
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APO-GLA LA MARA THON SER VICE PR OJECT Cont. from page 5 MARATHON SERVICE PROJECT sisters ahead of us and Chairman Egay started giving clear orders and directions like a Team Leader during a Code Blue everything is precise, clear and concise and most of all with respect. At 0615, the strong men of APO started unloading the more than 18 tables and water bottles from the truck and setting up the tables on both sides of the streets, by 07:00 brothers and sisters started mixing Powerade juice to the Powerade container which is like a keg and others started putting the hundred of cups in the table to be filled with water and Powerade. It was nearly 08:00 and food started coming in full blast such as Dinuguan, Puto, Spaghetti, Puto, Pandesal and of course the famous “Lugaw/Arroz Caldo” cooked Under the Influence assisted by Master Chef Joel Pablo, that is why the poor chicken looks like been slaughtered when put in the LUGAW but at least it is not a Road Kill and honestly it really taste good and everyone is having an excellent breakfast . Then you hear camera’s clicking and flashes catching our attention, Madam Caroline and Ka Bonjie were busy distributing the LA Marathon T shirts. Everything is all set and everyone’s ready to provide water and Powerade to the LA MARATHON runners. Now, it was waiting time, a couple of minutes passed by and still no runners, so to kill time and break the ice, brothers and sisters started a cheering competition with a Hep hep hooray on both sides of the Sunset Boulevard while listening to the sounds provided by the best DJ in town APOGLA’s very own DJ Chosy.
Sis. Rachella William giving water to a marathoner
Then the LA Marathoners started coming with hand cyclist participants first to pass by then the elite runners and finally a big wave of Los Angelenos, in all walks and forms, some are running some are walking. By 11:30 the last mixed of Powerade is running out but there are still runners swamping in and was overwhelming until there is none left of Powerade but there’s still plenty of water for the runners but some of them were just walking already. At 12:00 PM , Chairman Egay instructed everyone to start cleaning up and pack up and load the tables and containers to the truck. Exhausted Brothers, Sisters and Family Members started cleaning up though tired and weary you can still see to their face the dedication and loyalty to APOGLA as everybody helps in every task even sweeping the street because of the massive trash in the streets full of drinking cups then after that it ended up with picture taking again. After the clean up some of us decided to leave, including yours truly to rest but other brothers, sisters and family members stayed to attend a FELLOWSHIP.
APOGLA spouses (from L to R): Winnie Calvario, Racquel Ayo, Maricar Ansula and Pilucci Franco
It was another very successful APOGLA SERVICE PROJECT. Thank you very much Bro. Egay Ninifranco for a colossal but well coordinated service. Just imagine about 25,000 runners for this 25th LA Marathon which is a 26.2 miles trek and for everyone’s information, won by Kenyan Runners, Wesley Korir for the Men Division, who is also the winner in last year’s LA MARATHON and Edna Kiplagat for the Women Division. I am proud not just to be part of this Service Project but most of all to be there to render it the APOGLA WAY. Glad to be of SERVICE. By: Eric Aralar, Delta Nu
APOGLA brods (from L to R): Troy Agagon, Joel Pablo, Joar Rayala, Bodgie Gapido, Jbee Ramos, Henry Valdecantos, Francis Mejia and Shane Miranda
2010-2011 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS COY BLANCO, Epsilon Beta President RAY ELIDO, Alpha Phi Vice-President JOCIEL DOMINGO, Beta Phi Secretary GIOVANNI DEL ROSARIO, Beta Lambda Treasurer/E-group Keeper MARC LAGPACAN, Delta Alpha PIO/Historian MELVIN CALIVOSO, Beta Lambda Business Manager MARIA VICTORIA CRUZ, Delta Auditor
APO HA W AII AL UMNI ASSOCIA TION HAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WEL COMES ALL THE DELEGA TES WELCOMES DELEGATES FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO THE 3RD Q UAR TERL Y COUNCIL MEETING QU ARTERL TERLY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS DANILO ABADILLA, Gamma Beta Chairman of the Board ISRAEL CRUZ, Delta - Director SONNY BELARDO, Theta - Director COY BLANCO, Epsilon Beta - Director JOHN JACINTO, Gamma Beta - Director RUBEN PAULINO, Gamma Beta - Director THOM PASCUAL, Beta Lambda - Director
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DALLAS-FOR T WOR TH AA NEWS ALLAS-FORT ORTH APO DFW 10th Year Anniversary: Celebrating A Decade in the Tradition of Leadership, Friendship and Service The year 2010 marks a momentous event for APO-Dallas Fort Worth. A decade ago six organizing members namely Bros. Bong Coronel, Jun Tapay, Ivan Reyes, Don Armamento, Sis.Tess Reyes and twelve charter members instituted what is now known as APO-DFW. Today, APODFW continues to thrive with numerous service projects and community projects. As part of our year long celebration, APO DFW will launch the APO DFW Commemorative Badge. This badge symbolizes the continuous tradition of Leadership, Friendship and Service in the Texas state. This is a limited edition badge and worthy of a collectors item. To learn more on how to avail our badge kindly email apodfw@yahoo.com.
AN OPEN LETTER TO ACN A CNA MEMBER ASSOCIA TIONS ASSOCIATIONS by Mar Garchitorena, Theta Chapter Mga mahal kung kapatid, Over the years some of our member-associations had encountered problems and tribulations brought about by a clique of members seceding and forming their own group within the same geographical area where an established Alumni Association exists. We as ACNA had failed to prevent this from happening although our CBL has safeguards that could avoid this circumstance. We have failed to act and instead condone acts detrimental to the best interest of our member-associations and the Council as a whole. We have the opportunity to correct something that is gravely wrong and implement what our CBL has called for. The law is on our side. The present ACNA CBL clearly states under Article 6, section 6.1 A member association shall be suspended by a majority vote of the the Board of Directors on grounds prejudicial to the best interests of the Council. Any action, conduct, or deliberately induced circumstance that willfully violates any provision of this Constitution and By-Laws, or otherwise strikes at the vital interests of the Council, induces paralysis of the Council government, impugns the Council as an institution, fragments the general assemblies of the local associations, and impairs the morale of the local membership is deemed prejudicial to the best interests of the Council. Any prejudicial action by an individual member which is condoned, sanctioned, countenanced, or otherwise approved by his alumni association, either by direct affirmation or silence, is deemed an action by said alumni association. This shall subject said alumni association to the provisions of this article. Although this may apply to present member-associations but why should we allow those applying for membership and those people who had shown bad faith and behavior from the very start be admitted in this August Body? ACNA should put a STOP to this nonsense so that no other AA will ever experience again this unpleasant and appalling situation. Let’s STOP rewarding and tolerating bad faith and bad behavior by giving these people free pass!!! Why reward those who want to tear down the brotherhood which we all value dearly? I know some member-associations would argue that it is good to get rid of bad apples in their own organization. Some would also say that spreading our tenet of Leadership, Friendship and Service is a noble cause. Yes, I agree. Propagating our ideals to others is laudable except when it means destroying and attacking the very fiber of the strong bond that connects us as brothers and sisters. BROTHERS FOREVER!!! Ask yourself, is it worth creating a divide amongst us??? Ask any memberassociations that had experienced splitting-up, if they still have fellowships and gettogethers with members on the other side. Ask any members who at one time or another were very closed with each other, as if their day was not complete without seeing one another, if they still see each other after the split-up. Ask if their relationship have blossomed or has it deteriorated? This is sad because our sacred vow as brothers and sisters go down the tube once they belong to different sides. Say goodbye to friendship, brotherhood and camaraderie, and let’s welcome lasting animosity that permeates between members of these two groups once these split-ups happen. Even real “kumpadres and kumares” relations sour and gets affected. Brods & sis living close by no longer see each other. Why??? Because they belong to different sides. This happened too many times and it is about time that we address and put a stop on this uncalled for split-ups. This completely disregards and goes against the very nature of which we as APO stand for. Disenfranchisement of newly arrive Brods and Sis in the area. Yes, how about them??? And we are not even talking about those visiting Brods & Sis. They are put in an uncomfortable and difficult position of being thrown in the middle. Surely they are in the losing end. They become victims trying to balance these malicious exchanges Continued on page 4
ALPHA PHI OMEGA (Philippines) ALUMNI COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA (ACNA) www.apo-acna.org 2009-2010 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Bro. ENGR. BEN CASTRO - President Sis CORAZON DE JESUS - 1st VP Sis BELLE TUMBOKON - 2nd VP Bro PAUL VILLAFUERTE - Auditor Bro JUN CAHAPISAN - Secretary Bro SANCHO SY - 1st PRO Bro JUN DE CASTRO - 2nd PRO Bro Dr. JESSE DE LEON - Treasurer Bro WINDELL DELOS REYES - Webmaster Bro ART LIBOT - Ambassador & Liason Officer Bro BONG ESTRADA - Membership Commissioner Bro ALEX DULAY - ID Commissioner ALL PAST ACNA PRESIDENTS - Council of Elders
2009-2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bro TOM FERRERAS - British Columbia Bro BUTCH GARCIA - Central Valley of CA Bro BEMS DOMINGCIL - Dallas-Fort Worth Bro ROMY VALLE - District of Columbia Bro LITO TARCULAS - Greater Los Angeles Bro CAESAR MITRE - Greater Washington Bro GERRY ARANTE - Las Vegas Bro DAVID LLACUNA - Metro Houston Bro LITO PIER - Midwest Bro LARRY RECENO - Mississauga Bro EDUARDO VASQUEZ - Montreal Bro ANDY CORDERO - Northern California Bro EDWIN APOSTOL - San Diego Bro ARNOLD ABAYA-Sn Francisco-SiliconValley Bro PJ ACLAN - South Bay Sis LEA TUAZON - Southern Ontario Bro TOLENTINO ARELLANO - Toronto Bro DING BORILE - Washington State Bro RUEL CRUZ - Alberta, Canada Sis COY BLANCO - Hawaii Bro RAMON BARRAMEDA - East Coast Bro FRANK SUZARA - Florida
ACN A 3r d Q UAR TERL Y COUNCIL MEETING CNA 3rd QU ARTERL TERLY Hosted by: APO HAWAII ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Venue: Waikiki Resort Hotel 2460 Koa Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Please visit APO-HI website or see registration team for all event prices: www.apohawaii.org
Schedule of Activities Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - Registration: Delegates/Non-delegates, Tour Guides, Golf Tournament, Poker, Karaoke, and Luau 3:00 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Entertainment: Pupus and Refreshment will be served 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Golf Tournament Venue: Navy Marine Corps Golf Course, Pearl Harbor. 9:30 am: Departure from Waikiki Resort Hotel 10:00 am: Golf Course Check-in 11:00 am: Tee-off 5:00 pm: Departure from Golf Course - North shore Tour: Guided tour for an all day event to North shore. 8:30 am: Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel 5:00 pm: Bus arrives at Waikiki Resort Hotel - Polynesian Cultural Center: This tour package includes only transportation, not entrance fees to the center. 11:00 am: Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel 9:00 pm: Bus departs from Polynesian Cultural Center right after dinner show - Entertainment: Pupus and Refreshment will be served 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua room Friday, March 26, 2010 - Golf Tournament Venue: Klipper Golf Course, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay 9:15 am: Departure from Waikiki Resort Hotel 10:00 am: Golf Course Check-in 11:00 am: Tee-off 5:00 pm: Departure from Golf Course - Pearl Harbor / City Tour: Tour to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites followed by visiting Historic Honolulu City 8:00 am: Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel - Poker Night: US currency only. Winners will be awarded at the Luau Party on Saturday 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Karaoke Night: 8 pm – 11:30 pm, Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Entertainment: Pupus and Refreshment will be served 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua room Saturday, March 27, 2010 - ACNA Meeting: Breakfast and lunch will be served for delegates and non-delegates 8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Hanauma Bay tour: Oahu’s best spot for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and a great picnic, 7:00 am – Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel 2:00 pm – Bus departs from Haunama Bay - Luau Party: The awards presentation and induction of officers will be concurrent with the Luau dinner. 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Ballroom Sunday, March 28, 2010 - Brunch: 10:00 am, Brother Pin Cruz, Waikiki Condo
Pictures from 2nd ACNA COUNCIL MEETING hosted by APO Greater Los Angeles August 21-23, 2009 at the Marriott Residence Inn, Stevenson Ranch, California
Sis. Cora receives certificate from Pres. Ben C.
Delegates pose before the meeting
Brods Troy, Dony, Ben & Sis. Cora
Group picture with Pres. Ben Castro
Brods Butch G, PaulV, BongE & AndyC
Dancing time during Luau Night
APO Ladies @ Luau Night
Bro. Andy & spouse, Bro. Art, Precy & Bro. Butch
Bro. Bonjie entertains the crowd @ Luau Night
GLA Raffle winners Bro. Art & Gie Rivera
Bro. Cesar G leads square dance
Karaoke time with Bro. Andy C.
Group picture
Sunday going home brunch hosted by Bro. Dony & Elsa Rondilla