Vol 40 Issue 1
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
January 2020
A J oyful 39th Anni ver sar y Ball and December Af Jo Anniv ersar sary Afffair By Bro. Dan Nino As in previous APOGLA December Affairs, the 2019 Induction and 39th Anniversary Ball was replete with excitement, surprises, entertaining dance exhibitions, non-stop dancing and buffet gourmet food. Not to mention speeches that were relatively brief and straight to the pointplus our traditional APO Toast Song. New faces of brods and sis from far and near including those from Ontario, Canada, New York and San Diego joined the celebration. Amid this joyful bash however, there were a couple of unforeseen kinks that became obvious to those discerning attendees. First, the oath of office to the executive officers and board of directors was delayed while they were already on the stage. Inducting officer and ACNA Board Chairman Bro. Marc Barcelona who proxied for ACNA President Bro. Jun de Castro did not have a copy of the oath. A text of the oath was handed to him from a cell phone eventually. Thereafter, Brod Marc read an e-mailed message from Brod Jun. Second, the inaugural speech of incoming APOGLA President Bro. Tony Amon was not delivered after he was handed the symbolic presidential gavel by outgoing President Bro. Mike Medina. Bro. Mike delivered a brief narrative and Bro. Tony acknowledged the presentation. That could have been the signal for Bro. Tony to deliver his speech but nobody formally introduced him. There was no mention either in the souvenir program for Bro. Tony to speak. Oh well! Past President Bro. Vic Paredes presented supplemental scholarship grants — on behalf of APOGLA— to two APO kids for 2019 namely: Lindsey Bravo Mejia and Celeste E. Medina. They are the daughters of Bro. Past President Francis Mejia and wife Oyet and Bro. Outgoing President Mike Medina and wife Veronica respectively. An anniversary celebration cum Christmas Party is not complete without the surprise entertainment. Led by dance instructor Sis Melody Ang-Gayon and bannered by Sisters Betta David, Daemma Mendez (Olivia NewtonJohn), Irma Almazan (John Travolta), OphelAmon, Hazel Salas, Josie Tarculas, Bic-Bic Gillbuena-Ford and Malou De Leon to the tune of “Grease Lightning” from the movie Grease. Continued on page 8
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Message from the Incoming President (During APOGLA’s 39th Anniversary Ball and Induction of Officers at Courtyard by Marriott - Baldwin Park, California last December 14, 2019) Brothers and sisters, friends, guests and familial members, good evening! Indeed, it is a beautiful evening because we are celebrating the 94th founding anniversary of our fraternity, ALPHA PHI OMEGA and the 39th anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles Alumni Association and I welcome everyone. Folks, tonight I would like to share with you two great questions: 1. Why APO? 2. Why APOGLA? Because of LOVE, I joined the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. When my wife became my girlfriend, she was already a member of APO as well as many of my friends. Every time they would have jam sessions and parties, I was not invited to attend because they said it is exclusive to APO only. They had parties twice a month. Imagine, I cannot be with my girlfriend simply because I am not an APO. Then I was convinced by my friends who are members to join the fraternity. As time went by, friendship in the fraternity became deeper. I experienced attending service projects to the community conducted by the fraternity which, at first, I did not really understand why. However, later on it became a part of my life. The leadership training I got from the fraternity prepared me to tackle challenges in life. At first working with big corporations then running my own company. Life became harder having to raise three children in the Philippines. This is when we decided to immigrate to the USA. My three kids, my wife who was pregnant and I started life in West Virginia where our 4th child was born. Because of the recession, we moved to Los Angeles where my eldest sister was residing. It was 1984 when I was recruited by Bro Geoffrey Arroyo to join APOGLA (previously known as Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Southern California). My wife and I became members of the alumni association. Because of my business, I was not so involved in the beginning but my wife was. Again, I said to myself that I have to get involved because I have to be with my wife whom I dearly love. I got involved so much with all services of APOGLA. What I admire so much with our alumni association is the fact that the whole family of a member is involved. It is already a lifestyle to all members and their families. Because of what is going on in the association, I decided to become a big part of APOGLA by becoming an officer. First as a member of the Board of Directors, second as Chairman of the Board. With my experience, I decided to chair a very great project called “TOFASS” (The Outstanding Filipino American Senior Students). A scholarship program that recognizes and awards deserving Filipino American high school senior students. For three consecutive years, no funds from the Association’s treasury was allocated. As chairman, I had to look for funds outside the Association and it was very fruitful. I experienced that APOGLA recognizes outstanding performance and commitment to the Association because my wife and I were given the highest award in the Association, the LIU Award – the Dr. Librado Inocencio Ureta Award. My conviction to APOGLA was inspired by great leaders of the Alumni Association.To mention some names like Bro Egay Ninofranco, Bro Eric Serrano, Bro Lito Tarculas and many others were examples of our 3 guiding principles of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity which are to be a leader, to be a Friend and to be of Service were exemplified by leaders ahead of me. Now, I want to continue what they have done. I am accepting the challenge of becoming a leader like they have been. I know it will not be easy but with all the support of the newly elected officers and the general membership, we will reach the top. Mahatma Gandhi said “The measure of the true leader is the number of followers he has but rather the number of leaders he has created.” Our goal is to create many more leaders. Folks, enjoy the rest of the evening! Thank you all so much! Maraming salamat po! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Fraternally yours, Tony Amon APOGLA President 2020
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S! U N JOI
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. Editor-in-Chief Jen Evangelista Publisher Sancho Sy Photos/Graphics by Jen Evangelista • APOGLA FB Page Daemma Mendez Contributors Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Tony Amon Troy Agagon • Roland Paras • Domel Evangelista
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Pictures from 39th APOGLA Anniversary Ball
Sis. Betta David was presented the 2019 Dr. Librado I. Ureta Award by LIU Award Chairman Bro. Dan Nino with her family in attendance.
Bro. Art Rivera and raffle elves Sis. Marisol Robert, Sis. Glenda Tavera and Sis. Liza Valera giving away raffle prizes to winners.
2019 APOkids Scholarship Award recipients Celeste Medina and Lindsey Mejia with their parents Bro. Boy & Betsie Medina and Bro. Francis & Oyet Mejia.
APOGLA Sorority Sisters performing Grease Lightning.
Bro. Tony Gomez leading the invocation with emcees.
Jo Awayan entertained the group.
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APOGLA Welcomes 2020 APOGLA welcomed 2020 with not one, but two simultaneous celebrations! Countdowns were held in North Hills at the residence of Sis Emma Galang and at Bro Jobee and Sis Hazel’s home in Walnut. Both celebrations were well attended and featured delicacies and food items that everyone truly enjoyed. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales at the 39th Anniversary December Affair mostly funded these New Year’s Eve revelries. Thank you to Bro Art and Gie Rivera for spearheading our annual raffle and to the hardworking sisters Liza Valera, Glenda Tavera, Mary Ann Layno and Marisol Roberto who diligently sold raffle tickets. Special thanks go to our generous donors for the numerous prizes that winners eagerly took home.
Celebration @North Hills
Celebration @Walnut
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PR OJECT B ARANGA Y CUY O PROJECT BARANGA ARANGAY CUYO
By Bro. Roland Paras
Another blast of an international service project was spearheaded and conducted by Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Greater Los Angeles Alumni Association (APOGLA) in coordination with the Beta Tau Alumni Association International Incorporated (BTAII) and supported by Alpha Phi Omega Roxas Palawan Alumni Association (APORPAA). Last November 15, 2019 we conducted an outreach program at Barangay New Cuyo, Roxas, Palawan. We adopted a school by donating books, providing raincoats, umbrellas, electric stand fans and fed the students during turnover ceremonies. The noble service project of the fraternity benefitted about 150 pupils. Many thanks to those who stepped forward in supporting this much-needed project. I would like to personally thank Brothers Lito Tarculas, Domel Evangelista, Tony Gomez, Geoffrey Arroyo, Dony Rondilla, Alex Pastores, Jerome Paggao, Bobet Peneza, Tony Amon, Bernard Gopez, Bodgie Gapido, JR Bayani, Beeboy Mansilla, YuspMaidin Jr. and Beta Kappa for their generosity and willingness in providing financial assistance. I would also like to thank Brother Geldy Duldulao for a huge discount on the price of sending LBC balikbayan boxes. And of course, the leadership under President Boy Medina, the Board of Directors and the general membership for trusting this project. The endeavor was executed and concluded as a successful service project overseas. I am looking forward to continuing to provide support to our less fortunate kababayans in the Philippines. The happiness on the faces of the many children cannot deny that they will cherish this moment for the rest of their lives.
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PR OJECT KRIS KRINGLE 2019 PROJECT By Bro. Domel Evangelista Alpha Phi Omega – Gamma Pi Chapter’s Kris Kringle 2019 was held last December 10, 2019 at Botic Elementary School in Itogon, Benguet. The Kris Kringle is an annual service project of APO-Gamma Pi, adopting a child for a day and sharing with him or her something to smile about for Christmas. Forty kids, from first to sixth grades, were adopted for this year’s Kris Kringle 2019. APO Brothers and Sisters led the children in singing and played different games with them. Meals were served and gifts were given to the children. Among the gifts shared with the children were toys, school shoes, sandals, school bags, coloring books and crayons, basketballs and clothes. It was an amazing day for the children and the APhiOs, as well. “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!” -George Elliston APO-GLA members volunteered to be Ninongs and Ninangs for Gamma Pi’s Kris Kringle 2019. Their kindness and generosity ensured the success of the project last December. Thanks to Bro. Domel and Sis Jen Evangelista, Bro Armand Mendoza, Bro Jerome Paggao, Sis Rebecca Ford, Bro Lito Tarculas, Sis Josie Tarculas, Sis Melody Ang-Gayon, Sis Malou de Leon, Sis Ofelia Amon and the APO-Greater Los Angeles AA Friday Night Club.
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A J oyful 39th Anni ver sar y Ball and December Af Jo Anniv ersar sary Afffair Continued from page 1 This author who incidentally was the chairman of the search for the 2019 Dr. Librado I. Ureta Award provided a brief background that in world annals since time immemorial, various entities had recognized and rewarded individuals for their outstanding deeds in all areas of human endeavors like the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize and becoming a Member of the British Empire, among others. He said, “APOGLA has its own equivalent in the LIU Award. The awardee did not only shine in one year but through the years of his/her active involvement with APOGLA and his/her sterling relationship with fellow fraternal brothers. Bro. Dan presented a huge plaque to past President Sis Betta David. The new awardee was totally surprised and was joined on the stage by her children and hubby past President Christian David. In his message contained in the souvenir program, Brod Mike Medina waxed nostalgic. “As I end my term as president, I am pleased to maintain the organization’s regular activities. These accomplishments could not have occurred without the hard work of our officers and members.” For his part, Brod Tony Amon refrained, “APOGLA is a well-oiled machine, an established organization and nothing has to be changed anymore! Though if there are spaces to be improved on, we will improve it.” Additional entertainment was provided by the energetic Jo Awayan, a Philippine rock singer now based in California. Guests enthusiastically danced to local hits that Jo brought back with her punk style. The celebration was made more exciting by the raffle drawing of prizes by Bro Art Rivera and successful selling of raffle tickets by sisters Liza Valera, Glenda Tavera, Mary Ann Layno and Marisol Roberto. Prizes were provided by our generous donors. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to fund our New Year’s eve bash. In closing, together with my wife, my Family, we wish each every one of you and your families... Peace, Love and Understanding during the Christmas Season and in the coming year 2020. – denino1951@gmail.com
Induction of incoming 2020 APOGLA Executive Officers and Board of Directors conducted by ACNA COB Bro. Marc Barcelona
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM
By Bro. Dan E. Nino
APOGLA’s 39th Anniversary Inspirational Message by Bro. Edgar “Egay” Ninofranco In recent years, inspirational speakers were mostly APO alumni members. This time around was no different. Past President Bro. Egay Ninofranco, an Industrial Engineering graduate of Beta Chapter (National University) was the inspirational speaker. He had a story to tell worthy of emulation for the younger APO members. Even while he was already working at Elizalde & Company he pursued his engineering degree and decided to migrate to the U.S. in 1979. He related, “Like many of us, we came to this country to pursue a better life and the American Dream. With that in mind, I really pushed myself to work hard to realize that much-hyped dream. I worked in countless manufacturing companies that dealt with Navy defense projects, oil and gas and the last 10 to 12 years with an aerospace company. All those years, I faced numerous challenges holding diverse positions such as Systems Analyst, Contract Administrator, QA Engineer, Program Manager, Director of Materials and as a Senior Procurement Officer until my retirement last year.” Although Bro. Egay has retired, the aerospace company he worked with in Santa Clarita, had summoned him to work this time on an interim basis. “They wanted my no-non-nonsense style of management, I guess,” he jested. He is working once again as a consultant, managing several local Machine Shop suppliers that are not performing or are not meeting the company’s expectations. APOGLA INVOLVEMENT He continued: “When I left the Philippines 40 years ago, I remember talking to myself… wow, now that I am living, perhaps my fraternity life and all my APO activities are over. Nope, I was wrong! I had no idea that a more intense involvement with APO awaited me here in the US. In 1980, my new APO adventure here in the U.S. began. For the first time, it was an honor meeting our Philippine APO Founder, Dr. Librado I. Ureta, who we fondly called Bado and the other brothers and sisters who eventually became the Charter Members of the Alumni Association of Southern California, which is now Greater Los Angeles. The likes of…Toti Ayo, Gil Magno, the husband & wife team of Christian & Betta David, along with our departed brothers Bonjie Ingco and Doms Tunque. Brothers and Sisters, we should all be proud knowing our Alumni group is the first recognized Alumni Association established outside the Philippines. And even to this day, we are considered the biggest and the most organized Alumni Association in the whole world. But, I must also confide that during the early years of organizing our group, it was not an easy task. Just like any other new organization, we have experienced discords, ups and downs, ran into roadblocks but the good thing was… nobody got discouraged and everyone persevered. It was an amazing experience, a true story of group effort with just one common goal: to organize and nothing more. In 1988, I became the 4th President of the Association and during my term, I introduced several activities that became memorable to many of us. I organized the first North/South Sportsfest that was held in San Francisco. That same year, we worked with the Philippine Consulate and other Filipino organizations, and celebrated the June 12 Philippines Independence Day in LA. But the most important milestone I believe I contributed to our group was the eventual formation of the Alumni Council of North America or ACNA. In collaboration with two other brothers, Danny Nagrampa of Northern California and Joey Makayan of New York, we had initiated the historic Ad Hoc Committee meeting in San Francisco, which resulted in the formation of ACNA in 1988. Another project I started many years ago is our group’s yearly participation with the LA Marathon as Volunteers. On Sunday, March 08, 2020, will be the 34th year of the LA Marathon. Which means, it will also be 34 years for me, and 33 years of uninterrupted service by APOGLA to the City of Los Angeles. If it is not considered a big accomplishment for our group, I don’t know what to call it, folks… So my words of wisdom Brothers and Sisters, what divides us in beliefs and in principles sometimes, is far from what unites us together. We are better today because as a group, we continue to Dream Big, Work Hard, and above all, we remain respectful towards one another all the time. I therefore request once again that each and every one of us continue to live the tenets as Brothers and Sisters of Alpha Phi Omega we all love. Let us continue to support what we had started as I truly believe, not only a few, but it will be everyone’s legacy… for APOGLA and ACNA to remain strong, successful and united for many, many years to come.
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo It’s now 2020 and everybody has grown a year older . . . no exceptions. We hope that this year will be a better year for all of us physically, mentally, emotionally and financially! Of course, we also welcome you all to the maiden issue of TNB for this year! And this year is a leap year! A leap year is a year with an extra day (February 29) added nearly every four years to the calendar year. Because of this extra day, a leap year has 366 days instead of 365. *********************** Happy birthday to all our January celebrants! May you have all the best for this coming year. People born before January 20 are Capricorns, while people born towards the end of the month have the sign of Aquarius. Capricorns are said to be very independent, disciplined and organized, often making strong leaders. Aquarians are reportedly in touch with their emotions and have strong humanitarian instincts. The January born also have a good sense of humor. They are so charismatic that you will instantly want to be like them. In all ways, they are mentally strong, philosophic and scientific in nature. They all love to lead. *********************** I had a chat with Sis Girlie de Tagle last night and my! She really had a lot of info to give us. One of them is the fact that now, before anybody could apply for a job, one must undergo trainings in different qualified programs of Tesda. These programs are also offered in senior high school. After training, they will be assessed by accredited assessors per qualification program in their accredited assessment centers. Even those who are in the US can have a national certificate if they so-wish. So, to those interested, get in touch with Sis Girlie De Ramos Tagle. *********************** Well, the Chinese New Year is coming soon. This will be on Saturday, January 25, the year of the white metal rat. The Chinese New Year Day is the first lunar day of the first lunar month, which is Tiger month. 2020 is the year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Metal Rat will be a year of good beginnings! New opportunities for finding true love and earning more money. 2020 is going to be a successful one! *********************** We welcome Brod President Tony and Sis Ophel Amon from their month long vacation in the Philippines. Their entire brood went home to join the reunion of the Amon family last December 25 and for the Vita family last January 1. After so many years of absence, their children, together with the husbands and kids, once again savored the beauty and experienced the joy of their native land. *********************** To all our readers, if there is any event or important occasion you would like to share with our reading public, kindly inform yours truly and we would be so happy to be of service to you. Thanks!
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TREASURER’S REPOR T By Bro. Troy Agagon REPORT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.
Agagon, Troy Aralar, Eric Ayo, Toti Cajucom, Willy Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Chin, Jhun* Cobarrubias, Bob Conferido, Reuben David, Betta David, Christian Emperado, Rudy Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fajota, Honeyboy Flores, Rudy Gapido, Bodgie Gopez, Bernard Imperial, Gloria Irineo, Philip Junio, Virgil Lara, Bobet Layno, Mary Ann Linsangan, Jun Madrigal, Jun Madrigal, Tess Mansilla, Beeboy Martinez, Romeo
29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45.
Mendoza, Armand Ninofranco, Edgar Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Parayno, Julius Paredes, Vic* Pascual, Winston Posadas, Rey Roberto, Marisol Rosales, Nonot* Salvador, Buddy Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tecson, Ed Valera, Liza Williams, Rachelle
* - Paid for 2 years until 2021 Report as of January 16, 2020
Please send your $50.00 Membership Dues to: TROY AGAGON 27447 Elder View Dr., Valencia, CA 91354 All checks must be made payable to: APOGLA
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 20 - Minda Chin 24 - Myrna Nino 26 - May Sy, - Alma Delmolin 27 - Nel Lautchang APO KIDS: 01 - Michale Arevalo - Matt Emperado 04 - Celeste Medina 05 - Don Adriano 07 - Lindsey Mejia 09 - Alexa Reyes - Aileen Talabis 10 - Andrew Evangelista - Jan Arciga 12 - Grant Gomez 22 - Chinggoy Serrano 24 - Clarissa Tecson 27 - Maria Rica Serrano - Hazell Arucan
JANU AR Y GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING ANUAR ARY WHEN: Saturday, January 18, 2020 - Assembly @ 5pm - GMM 6pm to 8pm - Fellowship follows ‘til midnight WHERE: Rosemead Masonic Temple 8637 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Tony Amon CP# 818-970-4214
Tony Amon 22761 Eccles St. West Hills, CA 91304
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www.alphaphiomega.org