TNB Newsletter - February 2021

Vol 41 Issue 2

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

February 2021

What keep brods and sisters with their families busy during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown

LUXURY AND SIMPLE PLEASURES

By Bro. Dan E. Nino I come across a topic about luxury in the social media which I want to propound further. What is luxury in the first place?

Our perception is that is luxury is the rare, expensive, exclusive, elusive, and everything that seemed unattainable or unreachable. It is further defined as a state of great comfort associated with opulence and extravagance. It’s very special and unique in many ways.

It is believed that luxury is only the exclusive domain of the ultra wealthy and well-connected and those who can afford it. We did not realize that luxury are those little things and pleasures that we did not know how to appreciate when we had them until they are gone.

According to pundits, “Luxury is not stepping into a hospital. It is being able to walk along the seashore. Luxury is being healthy. It is not stepping into a hospital. Luxury is going out on the streets and breathing without a mask. Luxury is meeting with your whole family and friends enjoying their company. Luxury are hugs and kisses. It is enjoying every sunrise. Luxury is the privilege of loving and being alive.”

Continued on page 3

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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Volunteerism and being of service is a way of life for APhiO members. We volunteer because we want to help others; we volunteer because we believe that our service, no matter how small, will have a positive impact to someone’s life. One of the quotes that is often written in a neophyte’s thicker says “the service we render in this world in the rent we pay for our room in earth”. Our chapter has put this quote several times in bookmarks we distribute in the campus during anniversary celebrations.

We feel happy, has a feeling of fulfillment after completing hours or a day being a service volunteer. In addition, a study found that long-term volunteers have longer lives, less disease and better overall health; Of Service na, Healthy pa! It also helps us to build a stronger relationship as Brother and Sister of APO; truly, we miss the fellowships, the chats, discussions, meeting of the minds during and after these services.

This coming March 20, we will be having a service project as volunteers with the Long Beach Community Table, a community organization that distributes produce, food and basic essentials to people in need in the community of Long Beach. This is a great opportunity for us to participate and learn from a small-medium scale community organization. We can assist in the loading of produce, food and basic essentials from the warehouse to their truck for distribution in a selected area and help give food to people coming to the warehouse/office. There need only 12-14 volunteers; we can have the area by ourselves decreasing risk for Covid-19.

The blood drive is temporarily scheduled on April 10, 2021. We are still currently looking for a place, preferable a gym, an auditorium, or church that can accommodate the Lifestream Blood BanK equipment, staff and donors.

Other places being considered are DJ Bibingkahan or a park in West Covina and a gym/auditorium in Eagle Rock.

We need to at least 30 blood donor for the service project.

We would like to thank Bro PVP Shane Miranda for initiating and leading the blood donation project.

Let us continue to be volunteers and agents of service despite the COVID-19 threat to our health. We can now see hope in the midst of pandemic. There are still limitations and challenges, but we will overcome. As Bro PP Manny Atienza’s slogan say – “We Can…We Shall…We will”.

In leadership, friendship, and service I remain, BroDomel

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 Sancho Sy Photos/Graphics by Boyet Martinez • FB page

“Looking Back, Moving Forward: Building A Future Worthy of Our Past”

Contributors Fely Montecillo • Dan Nino Edgar Ninofranco • Domel Evangelista Troy Agagon

Luxur y and Simple Pleasur es Pleasures

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By Bro. Dan Nino

Continued from page 1

Those are beautiful and edifying interpretations of a luxury which I absolutely agree and can relate to.

Because when I see my grand nephews and grand nieces and hug and kiss them, play with them and adore their innocence, I’m on top of the world and all my hang-ups and anxieties disappear on thin air.

As long as I can take a nap, have a soft bed to sleep on, it’s already a luxury. As long as I have my Koi pond, succulents, colorful orchids and exotic plants to enjoy and admire, it’s already a luxury for me. My garden is my refuge, my own Shangri-la and my paradise. These are my simple pleasures that no one can match in my opinion.

Luxury is having the privilege of being a member Alpha Phi Omega where we can fraternize without inhibitions and at the same time cultivating our leadership skills.

We just try to avoid basking in the warmth of that camaraderie to avoid discomfort because too much familiarity breeds contempt.

As long as there’s food on the table or wine to drink to reward myself after a hard day’s work, it’s already luxury.

By not having an argument with my spouse or loved one over trivial matters, is already a luxury for me.

When I was a young man, I dreamed of owning and driving a Mercedes Benz because it symbolized luxury.

I did not aspire to own one but got one just the same because a friend got sick and near death so he sold me his handsome Mercedes at an affordable price. However, after about 10 years, I got tired of it because what I bought was a diesel-powered behemoth of a machine. I was always passed by on the road because it accelerated slowly and honked upon, perhaps to irritate me. My ego was hurt so I sold it. I told myself, I don’t need Mercedes anymore. As long as my other car can bring me to my destination, I’m fine with it. It’s already a luxury and simple pleasure.

As long as I have my fruit-bearing trees and harvest their fruits, it’s already luxury for me. Because these living things are blessings and grace from God. By being comforted by my mother when I was sick and loved me unconditionally it’s is already a luxury for me.

By communing with nature, being able to travel, going fishing and admire the majestic scenery and enjoy the creations of God, it’s already a luxury.

Folks, don’t be sorry for yourselves. Being alive, healthy and kicking, it’s already a luxury for us. All these are luxuries and we did not know and we took them for granted.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR 2021

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CONTINUED COMMITMENT COMMITMENT,, SUST AINED GR OWTH GRO SUSTAINED Bro. Edgar Ninofranco APO-GLA President - 1988

When I left the Philippines 40 years ago, I remember talking to myself “Wow, now that I am leaving, perhaps my fraternity life and all my APO activities will be over.” Nope, I was wrong! I had no idea that a more intense involvement with APO awaits 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, 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 and wife team of Christian and 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 Califonia 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.

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 every one of us continue to live the tenets as Brothers and Sisters of Alpha Phi Omega we all loved.

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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FLASHB ACK FLASHBA

. . .

FR OM THE CALIFORNIA MANILA TIMES / DECEMBER 3, 1986 FROM

APO OFFICERS. The new set of officers of the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Southern California will be sworn in on Dec 5, at 6:30 p.m., in the Golden Sail Hotel, in Long Beach. They are from left: Sandra Marquez, treasurer; Bobbitte Picazo, chairman of the board; Christian David, president; Edgar Ninofranco, vice president; and Art Rivera, secretary.

Standing, from left: Geoffrey Arroyo, auditor; Doms Tunque, board member; Rey Castelo, board member; Lester Arevalo, public-relations officer; Toti A. Ayo, outgoing president (1985-1986). (Photo by Boyet Martinez)

ACN A UPD ATE: CNA UPDA

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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM

BY BRO. DAN E. NINO, CEO/COB, APOPGLA 501 C-3

2020 Tax Year Infomercial for 2021 Tax Season With these challenging times, I hope this income tax infomercial will find you well, safe and sound. Definitely, 2020 is a year that we would rather forget and should be relegated into the dustbin of history.

I empathize to those who have lost their loved ones especially our APO brods due to the pandemic. Please be aware that under the Tax Cut & Jobs Act of 2017, many itemized deductions have been eliminated.

However, it was replaced by standard deductions. Our tax software will choose which is more beneficial to the taxpayer for potential refunds or payments.

Here are some of the basic changes for Tax Year 2020: 1. A standard deduction of $14,050 for a taxpayer filing single.

2. A standard deduction from $24,800 to $27,400 for married filing depending on income.

Here are tax deductibles that are still in place: 1. A home mortgage interest is still tax deductible on Schedule A through 2026.

2. Personal property or real estate taxes.

3. A college tuition fee of your children can still be claimed under the American Opportunity Credit.

4. It’s good to be charitable including your donations to your church which is 60% deductible.

5. If you spent a home improvement including a wheelchair ramp for your elderly parents, the amount spent is deductible.

6. You can claim a home mortgage interest deduction on your existing home mortgage limited to $750,000.

7. If you are over 65, a qualified out of pocket medical expenses is surgery to treat a defective vision.

Here are non-tax deductibles: 1. Starting in 2018, meals and entertainment expenses for clients cannot be deductible.

2. The reimbursement payment on moving expenses made by taxpayer’s employer.

3. If you wish to rollover your current 401 (401K) into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA you may make a tax-free rollover within 60 days of the distribution from your retirement account.

4. A personal casualty and theft losses could no longer be claimed under the TCJA except for casualty losses suffered in a federal disaster area. The deductible percentage is 10%.

Basic Taxable & Non-Taxable Tax Laws in California and Federal Returns: 1. The Railroad Retirement Tier 1 is not taxable in California.

2. California unemployment compensation is not taxable on the California return but taxable in federal.

3. Federally, Social Security benefits are taxable but not taxable in California.

4. Bartering qualifies as taxable income in California?

5. An educator expenses are tax deductible in federal return but not in California 6. Refunds from self-employment are not taxable in California.

Here are other basic changes in the TCJA: 1. If you sell your home, the amount that you can exclude from the gain in order to avoid paying capital gains taxes is $250,000.

2. Qualified Business Income allows sole proprietors, shareholders in an S-Corporation, partnership and trust and estates to claim a deduction for up to 20 percent of qualified domestic income from that Sole Proprietorship, S-Corporation or Partnership.

3. Beginning in 2018, the TCJA expanded the definition of “dependent” to treat someone as your dependent for purposes of several tax benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit. A parent of the taxpayer although living apart could benefit from the credit of $500 for “Other Dependent Credit.”

4. A bank record receipt is required for each donation that shows the amount, date, and to whom it was paid. Just be ready to obtain a Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgment (CWA).

5. Considering the new CARES laws passed, they contain a large number of benefits and subsidies for individuals and small businesses due to the Coronavirus pandemic like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Certain requirements must be met in order to have this loan forgiven by the Small Business Administration. The loan cannot be used to refinance an existing business loan.

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IN MEMORIAM: BR O. JOSE EL GAR L. RAMIREZ BRO ELGAR March 9, 1954 - December 30, 2020

Dr. Jose Elgar L. Ramirez departed this earthly life and went home to be with God on the evening of December 30, 2020.

He was born on March 9, 1954 in Manila, Philippines to late parents, Atty.

Crisologo L. Ramirez and Mrs. Adoracion L. Ramirez.

El, as he was fondly called by family and friends, graduated from Manila Centra University with a degree in Dentistry. Thereafter, he joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines and served for a long while before opting to be reverted to a civilian status. He then moved to Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija to raise his daughters. There, he worked as a municipal dentist and later on moved to USA to join the mother of his children and to petition them as well so they could all be together. He was also a beloved member of the brotherhood called APO. One of El’s favorite thing to do at home is to cook for his family, making sure there is always a food on the table so his children won’t be hungry. He loved listening to music and sing along with his favorite songs as he relaxes. His delicious dishes and his voice that echoes around the house as he sings will surely be missed.

He was a great man and a devoted and loving father to his children, the life lessons he thought them will always be treasured and remembered.

He is survived by his children: Karen Joyce C. Ramirez, Karen Nina C. Ramirez, Karen Kaye C. Ramirez, Karen Tatiana C. Ramirez and their mother, Evelyn C. Ramirez; four grandchildren; and three sisters.

He will be deeply missed by his friends and family, especially by his children. Everyone who remembers him is encouraged to celebrate his life in a manner that is deemed appropriate.

FAMILY • Karen Joyce C. Ramirez, Daughter • Karen Nina C. Ramirez, Daughter • Karen Kaye R. Martinez, Daughter • Karen Tatiana Ramirez, Daughter • He is survived by his children,four grandchildren, and three sisters.

FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM Continued from page 6

6. The partnership must furnish copies of a Schedule K-1 to the partners by the partnership return due date (or extended due date). If a K-1 is not issued, a $270 penalty for each partner will be charged.

7. A domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), with at least two members, that does not file Form 8832 (Entity Classification Election), should be classified as a partnership.

8. In regard to calculating the Qualified Business Income of a shareholder of an S-Corporation, the best option is that an S-Corporation issues a K-1 form showing all the required information to calculate the QBI for the shareholder, shown in box 17. State, local property, and sales tax expenses were generally fully deductible on a federal tax return; and that amount was transferred to a California tax return. California will not conform to the federal tax law changes. The new federal rules state that beginning in 2018, the state, local property, and sales tax expenses are limited to: $10,000.

– denino1951@gmail.com

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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo It’s February once again, the month for lovers! How we wish we could go on loving every day of our lives! But that is what the Lord wants us to do right? “Love one another . . .”

Surely, we miss the Ladies’ Night, as it is one night we get very special treatment from our Romeos (ahem!). The night we all get extra romantic, the ladies wishing it would never end for we are all transported to cloud nine that special evening! But alas and alack! That did not materialize this year! Well, hope springs eternal . . . we’ll have one pretty soon. We wish! ************************* We gladly greet our Brothers and Sisters celebrating their birthdays this month, Happy Birthday!

Another year older, and you just keep on getting stronger, wiser, funnier, and more amazing!

People born between February 1 and 18 were born under the star sign Aquarius. Those born later in the month are under Pisces. Those under the sign of Aquarius are frank, original, unique, have strong will power, are devoted and fund of helping other people. Those under the sign of Pisces adapt to their surroundings. They are highly sympathetic, compassionate, self-sacrificing and unassuming. Those born under this sign are generous, overly emotional and impressionable.

So again, to all of you guys, we are all happy that you were born! ************************* It’s so exciting to be here in our adopted country while history unfolds. The attack on the seat of government is one for the books, shocking to say the least. Many are awaiting eagerly what would be the outcome of the continuing investigation of this shameful event. The pandemic where we all find ourselves to be in, is scary but we are aware that in this environment, we are luckier than others for at least vaccines are now available here. We just have to be careful and observe proper distancing and masking. It also reminds us of the flu epidemic of the early 1900s.

The present political scene is also very interesting. It is intellectually titillating specially to political students, professionals and enthusiasts. Imagine . . . we are in the midst of these all! ************************* Through these all, it is admirable that APOGLA continues to go on in high spirits. We may not have met physically but virtually, we do, thanks to technology. We may not be physically performing the activities we used to have but again, the magic of the internet has made us capable of continuing with some of our tasks. ************************* We are all saddened by the passing of our late Brod Raul David. I remember him as a real gentleman, soft-spoken, and dependable. I remember when we were both members of the board, he was full of bright ideas and would only speak when it was necessary to do so. My heartfelt condolence to his family and may Brod Raul now rest in peace.

Through our humble column, I would like to extend our condolence also to Brod Tony and Sis Ophel Amon on the recent passing of their nephew Joven Espiritu, due to Covid. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to you in this time of sorrow.

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TREASURER’S REPOR T By Bro. Troy Agagon REPORT 1.

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Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronald Amon, Tony Amon, Ophel Ang-Gayon, Melody Aralar, Eric Arevalo, Lester Arnaldo, Manuel Atienza, Oca Ayo, Toti Bonete, Maria Cajucom, Willy Carrasco, Danny Chin, Jun Clarete, Sam Conferido, Reuben David, Christian David, Betta David, Ramon De Leon, Malou Dulay, Alex Emperado, Rudy Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fernando, Ruby Flores, Glenda Flores, Rudy Gopez, Bernardo Guerrero, Jenny Rose Hermoso, Hazel Jaranilla, Ogie Jovellanos, Jobee Junio, Virgil

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Lara, Bobet Linsanagan, Jun Maiden, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Mejia, Francis Mendoza, Armand Ninofranco, Egay Pangilinan, Angel Paredes, Vic Petreaca, Petchie Picazo, Cesar “Bobbitte” Posadas, Rey Roberto, Marisol Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Justin Rosales, Cesar Serrano, Eric Sevilla, Bobby Somera, Herman Sy, Sancho Tecson, Edgardo Turallo, Silver Valera, Liza Ventura, Beth Zamora, Sammie

* - paid for 2 years Report as of 02/19/2021

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 FEBRU AR Y FEBRUAR ARY CELEBRANTS MEMBER: 02 - Marc Bundalian 03 - Armand Mendoza - Rebecca “bibic” Ford 04 - Jennifer Evangelista 11 - Alvin Nonato 12 - Bonjie Ingco (deceased) - Nestor Jove 16 - Christina Abad 18 - Caloy Enriquez 19 - Conrado Lazo 24 - Gerry Arante - Beatriz Ventura 26 - Dom Pascua 28 - Benito Morales 29 - Pete Sillorequez SPOUSES: 02 - Mercedes Cabral 05 - Rollygen Posadas 06 - Precy Marte 09 - Nida Nonato 21 - Roland Gayon, Allyn Pablo 24 - Jeanette Clarete 26 - Chiqui Ramos APO KIDS: 01 - Ardina Morallos, - Rheene Yambot 02 - Matthew Madrigal, - Mae Robles, - Janine Tarculas 04 - Bed Fisico 06 - Megan Ninofranco, - Jonathan Maddela 07 - Jeffrey Gomez, Jamie Bautista 08 - Dainty Amon 09 - Joseph Duldulao 10 - Elena Rondilla 12 - Janelle Alejandria 13 - Mikael Anton Ang-Gayon, - Daryl Amon 17 - Joevic Cobarrubias, - Josh Parayno 18 - KC Ingco, James Valentino, - Jay Henry Valentino 24 - Lean Noche 25 - John Howard Paras 27 - Kayla Williams, Nicole Ilagan

VIR TU AL FEBR UAR Y GMM VIRTU TUAL FEBRU ARY Join us this Saturday, February 20, 2021 starting @ 4PM via ZOOM TELECONFERENCE

MEETING ID# 882 6899 6241 Passcode will be posted on our EGROUP, FB page & Viber group INSTANT messaging CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Domel Evangelista CP# 323-302-3871

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK: https://www .f ace book.com/tribonibado https://www.f .face acebook.com/tribonibado