TNB Newsletter January 2019

Vol 39 Issue 1

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

January 2019

ACNA Pres. Sis. Irma Almazan conducting the Induction of incoming 2019 APOGLA Executive Officers and Board of Directors headed by Pres. Brod Mishael “Boy” Medina during APO 93nd and APOGLA’s 38th Anniversary celebration at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Baldwin Park, CA last December 15, 2018.

Right photo: Bro. Dan Nino was presented the Dr. Librado I. Ureta Award by the association during the occassion.

APOGLA w Pr esident Sw or n In, Highest Awar d Pr esented APOGLA’’s Ne New President Swor orn ard Presented

By Bro. Dan Nino Mike Medina, a vascular therapist, was formally sworn in as president of Alpha Phi Omega Alumni (Philippines) of Greater Los Angeles (APOGLA) by outgoing president of Alpha Phi Omega of North America (ACNA) Irma H. Almazan at Marriott Hotel in Baldwin Park on Dec. 15, 2018.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Medina told the audience of over 200 attendees, “I would like thank our APOGLA members for their trust and confidence in electing me as their leader for 2019. I would also like to thank my family: wife Veronica, my daughters Jerelle and Celeste for their much-needed support in this journey. APOGLA is a family. I want you to know that I am here to serve you to the best of my ability and to implement 100 % of our time-honored programs. I will continue to create a family atmosphere. I believe this will develop, evolve and move this organization forward with a strong membership base. I will listen to members and address their concerns.

All we need is, to look forward and keep re-inventing ourselves. We will start fresh for an effective, transparent and ethical governance. I know this is a challenge but together, 2019 will be a success.

On the other hand, 2018 outgoing APOGLA President Casey Mansilla told the members, “Thank you for this opportunity to serve this great organization. I was humbled with all your support during my tenure. We were able to achieved what we envisioned and never thought or dreamed that we could achieve them. We had fun and did a lot of service to our community.”

On the same occasion coinciding with the 38th anniversary of APOGLA and 93rd anniversary of APOUSA (founded on Dec. 16, 1925), APOGLA’s former president and board chairman, Dan E. Nino was awarded the Dr. Librado I Ureta award, the highest award that embodies the three tenets of the fraternity: Leadership, Friendship and Service.

Mr. Nino was vetted and voted by past honorees. Dr. Ureta was the founder of Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) that was first established at Far Eastern University and bears the first alphabet of the Greek letter Alpha.

In his emotional remarks, the surprised Mr. Nino said, “This is the best gift I ever received this Christmas. Whoever nominated me for this special award, I’m forever grateful. Whoever voted for me, I’m eternally thankful. I hope, I deserve this honor. I am honored yet humbled. The beauty of our APOGLA is we highlight the positive in us. We bring out the best in people. We nurture them.” He also waxed poetic when he, said “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Continued on page 3

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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE New Year, New Beginnings As we begin 2019, I look forward in working together to achieve our goal. Let us plan carefully and use our resources wisely. We should look after the long-term health of our organization by ensuring that our membership is strong, engaged, and healthy.

Our first activity for the year is our Annual Ladies night to be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Noypitz Cerritos. Next will be our first Service to our community “LA Marathon” on Sunday, March 24, 2019.

To get all the details of our program, I would like to encourage everyone to attend our first meeting of the year on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Rosemead Masonic Lodge.

Respectfully your servant, Bro. Mike “Boy” Medina

APOGLA’s contingent to the APO ACNA, APO-SFSV AA and APO-FYI AA joint Induction of Officers held at Pleasanton (CA) Marriott Hotel last Saturday January 19, 2019.

SAVE THE DATE

ANNU AL L ADIES’ NIGHT ANNUAL LADIES’ Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the

Tribo ni Bado Newsletter is a monthly publication of the Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles Alumni Association exclusively for its members, families and friends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers, and are not intended to represent APOGLAAA. Publisher/Editor Sancho Sy Editorial Staff Fely Montecillo • Toti Ayo Photos/Graphics by Marc Barcelona • Shane Miranda • Casey Mansilla APOGLA FB Page

11165 183rd St., Unit A 165, Cerritos, CA 90703 For more info, contact: Bro. Dan Nino (562) 508-8099 Sis Daemma Mendez (714) 609-2878

Contributors Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Tony Amon Rudy Flores • Irma Almazan • Mike Medina

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APOGLA w Pr esident Sw or n In, Highest Awar d Pr esented APOGLA’’s Ne New President Swor orn ard Presented Continued from page 1 Then he quoted the heartfelt lyrics of singer Bette Meddler’s song as tribute to past awardees, “You are everything I’d like to be. You are the wind beneath my wings. I’ll be nothing without you.”

He also dedicated the special award to his wife Myrna who had to put up with his myriad activities as freelance journalist, civic and community leader. Mr. Nino who pledged from Centro Escolar University (Psi) in 1970 and co-founded the Gamma Kappa chapter (Ateneo de Manila University) in 1973 joined APOGLA in 1983 and became its secretary general in 1984. He consistently served APOGLA in various capacities.

APOGLA boasts of its various service projects like its involvement in L.A. Marathon, Heal The Bay, Blood Bank Donation, Operation Gratitude, Food Bank, sending of relief goods and Medical Mission in the Philippines, among others.

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Pictures from 2018 December Affair and Going Away Brunch

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ACNA President Outgoing Message Merry Christmas to all my Brothers and Sisters of Alpha Phi Omega. May the holiday season bring you more joy and happiness to your home and to your alumni association.

Happy 93rd founding anniversary to our beloved APO! Two winters ago, I began my journey leading our alumni umbrella association, The Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Council of North America.

Along the way it was not always a smooth ride. There were a few bumps and turns, but overall the council has blossomed to what it is today, a better and more vibrant organization worthy of being proud of. The growth and successes were all possible because of the dedication and support of the loyal men and women of Alpha Phi Omega. Thank you all for the wonderful support you have all bestowed upon me during my administration.

From humble beginnings, we began my term with almost nil funding to start with and at the first Spring meeting in Chicago, we had to strategize how to fund our medical, dental and humanitarian mission in May 2017. We had to roll up our sleeves, pay our own registration, and raise funds through our generous friends and colleagues. My executive officers have done their share too and collectively we were able to provide the much-needed help to the people who live in Lake Sebu. More than 2,000 people benefited from this mission, including the indigenous people that live nearby. With the continued strong collaborative AA support, ACNA had extended more services: mini medical missions, back to school aides, water ramp pump, charging solar panel for fisherman, chess youth competition, financial aide to calamity victims here and back home. Thank you to our Brothers and Sisters who personally extended their supervision with these services.

Growth is eminent in this organization. The addition of 2 alumni groups, APO Metro San Diego and APO Virginia Beach, is testament to that. ACNA meetings are more lively and well attended. Thanks to the active participation among members as well as to our Past ACNA Presidents. Our founding fathers had this vision in mind when they were just starting the council and who would have thought that someday we would be ready to go global. Foreign-based Alumni groups regularly attend our conventions for social mingling and express great regard toward our hospitality and camaraderie.

We have just concluded our convention last September in Montreal. It was a huge success. What would be a better way to conclude my term with an exclamation point! Thank you APO Montreal! Together with all their members they have shown the world what Friendship means to all of us and to top it all off, they shared some of their revenues by donating to ACNA’s coffer.

During the ACNA convention we have chosen our new leaders and I am confident that they will all lead us to an even better and more progressive Alumni Council of North America, free from political outside pressure. Let us concentrate on our own domain and rule ourselves to the best of our ability. It is my hope that this tradition will continue on and on.

In every organization financial status is always critical. I have always advocated transparency. Without truth there can be no trust. As your President I assured you that my administration and I would be honest on all matters. Thanks to Treasurer Sis Ophel Amon who tediously made sure, guarded every dollars of our finances. I promised absolute transparency and absolute truth. We maintained the 2year monthly statements for the records. On these statements you can see the bank transactions and all the in and out entrees.

I am happy to turn over $26,228.48 to the next administration. What a difference an administration makes!

Special thanks to my “To Go Guy” ACNA 1st VP the very dynamic leader Lem Banaga, to ACNA PRO Henry Astorga who promoted strong ACNA forever. Thank you to the love team Ferdie and Rene Yambot for their committed support.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It’s been my privilege serving you.

HAPPY AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!

Sister Irma H. Almazan Outgoing ACNA President Administration 2017-18

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North-South: Simultaneous New Year’s Eve Celebration

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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM

By Bro. Dan E. Nino

A Sinking Feeling - When Your Own Ancestral Home Was On Fire While watching the raging wildfire that razed many homes in California last November on TV news, I was horrified by the helplessness of the fire victims whose personal possessions had vanished in thin air. I had to change channels because I felt a sense of loss. I could not take it.

Then one mid-morning on Nov. 12, I was jolted by a phone call from my sister Mila from Fresno, CA that our second ancestral home in GSIS Village, Quezon City was on fire at 2 a.m. (Philippine time). Upon learning about this dreaded news, my first reaction was outrage. It was like a bad dream — a nightmare.A sinking feeling and selfpity had overcome me. Then another sibling, Ramon from Canada confirmed it. That evening, another sister Thelma from Fresno called after her duty at a nursing home and we both burst into sobs like we suffered death in the family.

In the aftermath for three weeks, I woke up every now and then in unholy hours of the night and cried like a child. Crying and grieving perhaps are part of our humanity. Then while alone or driving by myself, I gazed nonchalantly beyond the horizon and asked myself, ‘why us.’?I thought I would lose my marbles. My brother, Amor, hisdaughter Cherry and her husband Nick were left unscathed and survived and was able to escape only with their clothes on sans their keys. I’m glad my brother’s car was parked on the street and his son-in-law’s SUV was at a shop for routine services.

This episode had lingering effects on me in that I could not sleep and it weakened my body as a result. I even sought counseling from our Filipino parish pastor, Rev. Fr. John Cordero of the Holy Family Church of Artesia — to seek answers, spiritual guidance, life’s wisdom on how to deal with this misfortune. And be consoled me. In the process, I was comforted by a verse in the Bible in Job 1:21, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

The irony was that the source offire had originated from our immediate neighbor as evidenced by a CCTV footage installed by my brother on our border postin early 2018. According to witnesses’accounts, four carpenters of our neighbor had finished their drinking bout after midnight and did not douse water on the embers from where they cooked their barbecues and food. The sparks flew on some lumber stacked against their wallbordering our home and the fire had spread into our house. Our neighbor’s house was being upgraded into three-storey but was spared.

I was full of anguish because I was the first sibling who first occupied this home with dad in 1968during my early college years in Manila. My other younger siblings were still in Mangatarem in Pangasinan province with mom until they were uprooted one by one from our first ancestral or boyhood home. Our province was a three-hours drive from Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

This bungalow home, a 420 sq. meter was acquired by my dad being a Philippine government bureaucrat, an affordable housing track under the presidency of the late Diosdado Macapagal. Through the years, we made improvements and upgrades from four bedrooms to fiveand from one bathroom to two. It was not fancy but we were comfortable.

This home was welcoming to both relatives and friends alike. Cousins from both mom and dad side stayed in this house during their college years. Dad’s clients, and family friends stayed here temporarily. It had lots of memories butour family photosand memorabilia are now gone. We’ll also miss the enlarged photos of my four nieces who all graduated from college with varying degrees hanged in our living room. However, I was told that my brother’s washing machine, water reservoir, steel cabinet, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our Rambutan tree fronting our home were saved.

In hindsight, we won’t see anymore the college diplomas of my dad and mom with their togas and robes hanged on the wall facing our dining room. I won’t see anymore the Bar license certificate issued by the Philippine Supreme Court when dad passed the bar in 1951.My mom was elementary school teacher. My parents were simple and humble who just instilled in us the value of education and work ethics and how to mingle with all kinds of people irrespective of their stations in life.Both were the first to graduate fromcollege from their respective families.

I consoled myself that perhaps, there’s a bigger and better plan for us by our Creator out of this man-made disaster. Some relatives and friends had either called, e-mailed and made their words of solace known to us on Facebook with hopes of silver lining — moving forward.

A personal enjoyment that I cherish to lighten my yoke is savor my orchids and succulents which are arrayed in my greenhouse.

This is my refuge when things go awry. I’m also pleased that my fruit trees like horse radish, papaya, oranges, lemon and persimmon bear fruits in abundance. My avocado is just blossoming.

I’m also comforted by my grand nephews and grand nieces although they all reside in Canada. They provide sheer joys, relief from anxiety and laughter like no other.

We just count our blessings. My family had an enjoyable tour to exotic tourist destination in Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Gibraltar for 20 days in August-September and learned rich historical insights from these countries.

I’m still very thankful that our Lord has given me the gravitas and energy to practice my trade as freelance writer, notary public, tax practitioner and business consultant – for the last eight years after retirement.

Be well yourselves. Please include us in your prayers so we can surmount whatever challenges that await us.

– denino1951@gmail.com

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Inspir ational Speec h By Bro. Rudy Flores Inspira Speech (Inspirational speech by Bro. Rudy Flores during the APOGLA 38th Anniversary Celebration and Induction Ball)

Good evening, Brothers, Sisters, family members of one of the best if not the best Alumni organizations I have ever been a part of . . . the Alpha Phi Omega of Greater Los Angeles Alumni Association. I am very pleased to be speaking to you today on behalf of all the rest of the old timers. I hope that you feel as excited as I am to be part of this great moment. I’d like to draw your attention for a few minutes to share with you how important this day is to all of us.

I was asked by our VP Brother Shane a few weeks ago to come up here and say a few words and asked myself why? I was really hesitant to do this speech but through his persistence, he has encouraged me to tell you of my humble beginnings in this prestigious organization, our beloved fraternity which is Alpha Phi Omega.

In 1958, many of you were not born yet. I was a pre-med freshman at the Far Eastern University in Manila as my father wanted me to be a doctor. I was also in the boy scouts during my elementary days and while walking around campus, I stumbled upon bulletin board of a group which caught my attention and I read an announcement that they were accepting applicants and one of the requirements was being a boy scout. That announcement was from the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and as we all know, the scouting movement was the basis of this organization. There were 30 applicants that day including myself.

Does anybody here know what the Scout Law is ? I know those of you here now who were boy scouts or girl scouts would know that by heart.

But most of us here may know the Scout Law and may recognize it under another name . . . which is what we have come to know as the “12 jewels” of Alpha Phi Omega. If you do not know a certain individual named Dr. Librado I. Ureta then you have no business calling yourself an APO … and yes, he was around in those days. It was the late 50s, and Alpha Phi Omega was still in its infancy and back then it was way much different than the APO we know today but it had its similarities.

Out of the 30 applicants, only 20-25 survived the pledgeship period and initiation process that we went through. Our APO chapter president or Grand Chancellor at that time was Brother Dimitri Korionoff and batchmates were, to name but a couple were Bro Tagumpay Navarro and Bro Rey Manikad.

Honestly speaking, there was not much going on with APO back in those days, yes, we would have fellowships and we would be invited by other fledgling APO chapters such as EPSILON (UE) and DELTA (Mapua) to assist them with initiations and indoctrinations of their applicants.

I left FEU in 1960 after deciding I did not want to become a doctor and as I enrolled at another school, St Louis University in Baguio City, initially I would keep in touch with my APO brothers but as time went by I seemed to have lost communication with them.

In 1973 I migrated to the US and from 1973 to 2007, I was out of the APO circle for 34 years. It was not until one high school reunion for the St Louis HighSchool Alumni reunion in Las Vegas in 2007, that I was discovered by one our own APOGLA Past Presidents that being Brod Lito Tarculas. When he found out that I was an APO brother from 1958, he was overwhelmed with joy and immediately hugged me. He gave me contact numbers to Alpha Chapter Alumni members such as Sis Ophel Amon, Bro Tony Amon to name a few. I was invited to one of the meetings for ACAI. Since then I have never looked back when I became a member of APO GLA. I have enjoyed every single time in APOGLA and I am still enjoying every minute, the experiences of rendering services with your APO brothers is second to none. The spirit of friendship and camaraderie is exemplary not to mention the constant ribbings from Bro Geoffrey Arroyo and Bro Joel Pablo just to name but a few.

What I would like to do is leave you this message, if I may. It is something that we sometimes take for granted and most of the time forget … and that is … we must really go back to the basics … go back to the beginning to understand why we are here as members of Alpha Phi Omega … We must never forget where we came from … When I mean go back to the basics … I mean we should learn and re-learn what it is to be an APO . . . We have these Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service … we also have the Scout Law or 12 jewels to live by.

We must always remember these and that is what I mean about going back to the basics. These principles are all perfect but as men and women we are only human and are flawed. We may not be perfect but we can always strive become as such …

I would like to thank each and every one of you here in APOGLA for giving me a chance to speak before you. Happy 93rd Anniversary to All APO members!

May We Always Be !!! My name is Brother RUDY FLORES, Alpha Chapter Batch 1958. Mabuhay ang Alpha Phi Omega ! Mabuhay ang APO GLA !!!

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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo On this, the maiden issue of TNB for the year 2019, we greet each and everyrone of you a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

This coming February 5 is also the celebration of the Chinese New Year! This coming year is the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. The pig is the 12th of all zodiac animals. It is associated with the earthly branch and the hours 9 to 11 in the night. In terms of yin and yang, the Pig is yin. In Chinese, culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. Those chubby faces and long ears are signs of fortune as well. Pigs may stand out in a crowd. But they are realistic. They let themselves enjoy life. They love entertainment and will occasionally treat themselves.They are a bit materialistic but this is motivation for them to work hard. So to one and all "Gong Hei Fat Choy!" ************************************************************** And to the January born, we wish you all a Happy Birthday! You deserve everything HAPPY! ************************************************************** The Alphans head off to Vegas recently for a bonding session with one of 3 their senior members Brod Doc Tagumpay Navarro. Due to distance (he lives in Chicago) and he is already retired, make it difficult to contact him. So when. Brod Tagumpay and his wife went to Vegas, Alphan Brods and Sisters immediately hatched a plan to bond with him once more.

Noted Alphans who went were: Brod Tony and Sis Ophel Amon, Sis Doc Malou de Leon, Brod Rudy Flores and Nanding Lim and others. ************************************************************** Our deepest condolence to Sis Emma Galang who lost her beloved mother recently. Somehow it might ease your feelings that she is now in the company of angels and the Lord.

Another sister who lost a loved one is Sis Rubilyn Fernando. She lost her father and we are aware it happened suddenly but be happy in the thought that now he is gazing at the face of the Lord.

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2019 APOGLA APOkid Sc holar Scholar

From left: Bro Pres. Casey "Beeboy" Mansilla, Justin A. Pastores, Bro Tony Amon, Chairman, and Bro PP Ferdie Yambot. Background is Emcee Bro Rocky Marte.

Our 2018 APOGLA Kids Scholarship Awardee is Justin A. Pastores, a graduate of Trabuco Hills High School at 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

He was born in Mission Viejo, California and now residing at 34 Via Joaquin, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92088. His proud parents are both immgrants of the USA. His mom, Gabrielle Pastores is from Peru and his dad Bro Alex Pastores, 2019 APOGLA BOD Member, is from the Philippines.

HAPPY BIR THD AY BIRTHD THDA JANU AR Y ANUAR ARY CELEBRANTS MEMBER: 02 - Domel Evangelista 03 - Ellen Apura 06 - Richard Villamin 07 - Mike Chua 08 - Jun Madrigal 13 - Oscar Angeles, - Ernie Garrovillas 14 - Wilson Lautchang 20 - Bobet Lara 21 - Wilson Arucan 24 - Gil Magno 25 - Lino Chatto, - Albert Peralta, - Leonardo Caldoza, - Sammy Clarete 28 - Vinz Argonza 30 - Rico Lainez

SPOUSE: 11 - Andrew Millano 13 - Ella Gomez In high school Justin got an intensive training in TV/Film Production where 20 - Minda Chin he learned what it was like to be on the set and work on a live broadcast 24 - Myrna Nino along with the technical work of editing and filming with cameras. Film 26 - May Sy, - Alma Delmolin production motivates Justin, reason why his aspirations and hopes after 27 - Nel Lautchang college is to motivate people thru Film Production.

As scholar of APOGLA, he will receive financial grant from the alumni APO KIDS: 01 - Michale Arevalo association to help him transition thru college.

- Matt Emperado

By Bro. Tony Amon, APOkids Scholarship Chairman 04 - Celeste Medina 05 - Don Adriano 07 - Lindsey Mejia 09 - Alexa Reyes - Aileen Talabis Please send your 10 - Andrew Evangelista $50.00 Membership Dues to: - Jan Arciga TROY AGAGON 12 - Grant Gomez 27447 Elder View Dr., 22 - Chinggoy Serrano 24 - Clarissa Tecson Valencia, CA 91354 27 - Maria Rica Serrano - Hazell Arucan All checks must be made payable to:

APOGLA

1ST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, January 26, 2019 - Assembly @ 5pm - GMM 6pm to 8pm - Fellowship follows ‘til midnight WHERE: Rosemead Masonic Temple 8637 Valley Blvd.

Rosemead, CA 91770 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Mike Medina CP# 909-214-4737

Mishael Medina 13831 Portofino St. Fontana, CA 92336

Stamps Here

www.alphaphiomega.org