Vol 38 Issue 3
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
March 2018
Mile 13 Water Station volunteers from APO Greater Los Angeles took a pose for the camera after another successful service
LA MARA THON - MILE 13 WATER ST ATION SER VICE MARATHON STA SERVICE o . Bonjie Ingco) (Dedica ted to the Memor y of Br (Dedicated Bro By Bro. Eric Serrano The day started with crisp, chilly weather ranging from the mid30’s to the low 40’s, as is typical for this time of the year. The skies were clear after having experienced showers the previous days. At the Mile 13 Water Station, though, the mood was somber among the early arrivals APO-GLA member volunteers. The reason was obvious. The APO-GLA membership and the entire APO world had recently received the shocking news regarding the sudden and unexpected passing of one of its most beloved icons, a stalwart, a charter member, a past President of the organization and a Librado I. Ureta awardee. On March 14, 2018, after spending a short vacation in the Philippines, Bro. Isauro “Bonjie” Ingco arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport. Within minutes of leaving the airport, Bro. Bonjie suddenly complained of severe back pain associated with shortness of breath. He then suddenly became non-responsive. His daughter, Bayan, a Registered Nurse, immediately sprang into action; she stopped the vehicle and pulled Bro. Bonjie out, laid him flat on the pavement and initiated CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Paramedics were called in and Bro. Bonjie was transported to the UCLA Medical Center, where he was revived and transferred to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). Bro. Bonjie who belongs to Batch 1969, Alpha Eta (Philippine School of Business Administration) was 67. In spite of all the medical measures given, Bro. Bonjie expired a few hours later. The presumptive cause of death was Pulmonary Embolism, a blood clot which commonly comes from the legs (DVT
– Deep Vein Thrombosis) or basically from any part of the body. As a tribute to Bro. Bonjie, a short memorial service presided by Marathon Chairman Bro. Egay Ninofranco and Bro. Eric Serrano was offered prior to the start of the 32nd edition of the Los Angeles Marathon. They extolled Bro. Bonjie Ingco, who undoubtedly left a big void in APO-GLA that will be hard to replace. Bro. Bonjie’s son, Sergio, thanked everyone in attendance for the outpouring of love and affection for Bro. Bonjie. He stated that he considered members of APO-GLA as his second parents, having known most of them when he and his siblings were growing up. A banner was unfurled to dedicate the Mile 13 Water station in honor of Bro. Bonjie. A short prayer was then offered to beseech our Lord to open the gates of heaven and allow Bro. Bonjie to enjoy the eternal life that he so richly deserves. Concluding the services, balloons were released to send off Bro. Bonjieto his heavenly journey. Bro. President Casey Mansilla made a recommendation to henceforth name APO-GLA’s annual participation in the L.A. Marathon as the “Bro. Bonjie Ingco Memorial Service Day” - to everyone’s rousing approval. Bro. Bonjie left his earthly life so suddenly and without warning. The least the organization could do was to offer this service project in his honor. His unique brand of humor, laughter and presence will be sorely missed but his memory remains in the hearts and mind of his loved ones, fraternity brothers and sisters. VAYA CON DIOS, Bro. Bonjie … till we meet again.
2
PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Brothers and Sisters, A very sad week for everyone as we lost our dear Brother Isauro “Bonjie” Ingco. As we dedicated the just concluded 33 rd LA Marathon service to him, we saw long lost Brothers and Sisters who came for the service. But life must go on and we have to move on, Brod Bonjie may have left us, but his memories will last in our lifetime. The jokes, the poems and laughter will remain. Our 3 rd GMM and Easter Egg Hunt will be this coming Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Cameron Park and Recreational Center in West Covina. Bring the kids to enjoy the fun and games prepared by Sisters Hazel and Jen at 12:00 Noon. They will have some hotdogs, burgers and chips to start with and lunch will be serve at 2:00 PM. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM and fellowship will follow at Brod Bodgie Gapido’s residence. Come and share your memories with Bonjie as we start a new page without him. Your presence will be highly appreciated. At your Service, Brod Beeboy Mansilla “Working Together Will Make US Great as Ever”
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 Ed Romero • Hanigrace Zara • Nonot Rosales Shane Miranda • Roehl Reyes Contributors Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Art Rivera Eric Serrano • Casey Mansilla • Troy Agagon
3
Alpha Chapter Celebrates APO Philippines 68th Anniversary!
The ALPHA Chapter celebrated its 68th Anniversary with a bang! With a raucous party and a sumptuous dinner! Even the rain and cold did not dampen their spirit. The wine flowing of course, had a lot to do with it but the mood was indeed, high. Somebody forgot the sound system? Not to worry. Give it to Alpha Board member Brod Jham Jamero and wife Sis. Lynette to invent something and voila! Problem solved! It even gave birth to line dancing which majority of the women folk enjoyed to the hilt! This was followed by karaoke singing after the teen aged got tired with dancing. Held at Brod Tony and Sis Ophel’s residence, the gaiety had a “homey” environment but give it to the APO boys and gals to turn it into disco atmosphere. Seen wining and dancing were Alphan notables, Brod Tony and Sis Ophel Amon (the hosts), Brod Rene and Winnie Calvario , Sis Malou de Leon, Brod Carlos Ebalo, Brod Sancho and May Sy, Brod Pio Torneros, Brod Rudy and Liza Flores. From APOGLA the ff. lent their valued presence: Brod Eric and Beth Serrano, Brod Rey and Rollygen Posadas, Sis Emma Galang, Brods Tony Gomez and Roehl Reyes, Brod Art and Gie Rivera,
Brods Jo Peneza, Joar Rayala, Gerald Remorozo and surprise guest Brod Hero Valentino straight from Marshall Islands. The celebration continued till the next day, Sunday, with the hosts again having lunch with Brod Alex and Sis Irma Almazan, Brod Ferdie and Rene Yambot. And for the somber part of the celebration, the group included a visit to the resting place of the late APO Philippines founder Librado Inocencio Ureta at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Long Beach, CA that Sunday too. Brod Pio Torneros, current ALPHA President, at one point during the celebration, proudly announced that more activities are in store this year. So you see....when you put your heads together, everything just gels. That’s what happened. Everybody cooperated and did his part for this affair. It was one anniversary celebration to remember. It was hot! By: FELY LOGARTA- MONTECILLO
4
AR T ATT ACK ART TTA THE LA MARATHON Sunday, March 18 - The 33rd Annual Los Angeles Marathon, sponsored by Skechers Performance, attracted around 24,00 professional runners and casual enthusiasts from all over the world. Dubbed “From the Stadium to the Sea,” the 26.2 mile marathon course was a “backstage pass” to an energetic and diverse city and a trail of iconic landmarks. From Dodgers Stadium, the runners snaked through the city passing by West Hollywood, Hollywood, Beverly Hills into the City of Santa Monica just a few steps to the Pier and the Pacific Ocean. Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Dodgers gathered at the stadium with 3rd Baseman Justin Turner serving as the honorary starter. The race was divided into groups, those competeing in wheelchairs, those competing in handcycles, the elite women, the elite men and all other competitors including a barefoot runner and one running backwards. Weldon Kirui of Kenya, the 2016 winner, pulled away in the 24th mile to win his second title with a time of 2:11:48 and picked up the $23,000.00 prize money in the men’s division. Gebresadik Adihana of Ethiopia came in 10 seconds behind and grabbed 2nd honors while defending champion Elisha Barno of Kenya finished 3rd at 2:12:14. The women’s race was won by Ethiopia’s Sule Utura Gedo in 2:33:52, sprinting to the finish to break out from a pack race with countrywoman Tseday Desalogn, who came in 8 seconds behind and defending champion Hellen Jepkorgat of Kenya, 13 seconds behind. American Christina Vergara-Aleshina finished in fourth place. Gedo pocketed $23,000.00 for the women’s title. According to LA Marathon Officials, 19,536 runners completed this year’s race. For APOGLA, the marathon is an annual Family Fun Day, along Sunset Boulevard and Laurel St., gathering as early as 5:00 AM to set up the Water Station with for the thousands of runners and Wheelchair Racers. Mile 13 is located right at the doorsteps of the Laugh Factory, where legends of Comedy were born or discovered. The Karaoke and DJ Station care of Brod Chosy is on the footsteps of the theater while the Buffet line across is a gastronomic display of sumptuous and delicious Filipino dishes from Doughnuts, Arroz Caldo, Macaroni Salad, Dinuguan, Mongo with Bone-in Ham, Picadillo, Adobo, Hard Boiled Eggs, Pandesal, Cheese, Coffee and so much more. Of course, there was Chicharon being passed around, in honor of Brod Bonjie! Before all the runners started to pass by, we paused for a short prayer and an eloquent tribute to PP Bonjie led by PP Eric Serrano and the dedication of the Los Angeles Marathon as the “Bonjie Ingco Memorial Service Project” of APOGLA. Bonjie’s son Jiebon spoke on behalf of the family with daughter Bayan and grandkids also in attendance. After the elite runners led all participants, the throng of runners came passing by and Mile 13 and the other stations became busy handing out drinks and cheering every runner to “Go, Go, Go” When Jude Carbon, son of Joel and Lou, arrived, more cheers and photo opportunities with him became the order. Teamwork was the key as some filled the cups with water and Gatorade while the others passed them to the participants. It was about 12:00 noon when we started to pack, clean and head home for a most needed
By Bro. A. M. Rivera
respite from another wonderful day of service. Thank you APOGLA Family for the hard work, the food, the stories and the love of fun and friendship that bind us together. This is the 32nd year that APOGLA served in the marathon with PP Egay Ninofranco as the Main Point Man, so, we will all see you again next year! ISAURO Y. “BONJIE” INGCO Tuesday, March 13, Brother Bonjie arrived from his vacation to the Philippines and upon arrival at LAX, was rushed to the UCLA Hospital. Jun and Choy Linsangan, Egay and Tonette Ninofranco, Dony Rondilla, Troy and Caroline Agagon, Jerome Paggao, Sancho Sy with Kristin and Joseph, Valerie and kids, joined Bayan, Jiebon and relatives at UCLA when Bonjie bid farewell. Wednesday, March 14 at 10:41 AM, the news came that Bonjie has gone home to the great beyond. It was a sad day for APOGLA and we all went into mourning. We lost a Brother, who not only lived the guiding principles of A-Phi-O but also did it in style. He is well known for his jokes, funny stories, anecdotes, his laughter and everything that is synonymous with him. He is well loved by everyone, by the APO wives, APO Sisters and Brothers who savored in his own unique loving and caring ways. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his sons Sergio and KC, daughter Vaianne and husband Tommy, grandkids Collin, Ashton and Calista, his siblings. Till we meet again, Goodbye, Brother Bonjie! “Death leaves us pain that no one can heal, Love leaves us memories that no one can steal.” THE APO AND THE GENTLEMAN I have always believed that an APO is also a gentleman and that knighthood and chivalry is not dead. Thus, in this column I would like to share some thoughts on the ways of “The Gentleman.” In this crazy, busy, high-tech and modern world, it is easy to leave the good manners at home. We all need to be reminded that there is more to staying kempt and polite than just hair gel and a clean shirt. Here are some starters on style and etiquette to help you on the path to becoming a modern gentleman. “Loyalty - Loyalty is how you honor others and the bond you have between them. A gentleman knows the importance of loyalty.” “Patience - Even when a gentleman is in a hurry, he understand that patience is a virtue.” “Punctuality - A gentleman does his best to never keep people waiting. He makes sure to plan adequate time for travel and realizes he is not the only one with a schedule. It is in his nature to commit to being early for meetings.” “The Brown Pair - A gentleman should own at least one pair of black and one pair of brown shoes. Black shoes are formal and are acceptable in all occasions. Brown shoes are acceptable businessformal wear, but are not appropriate for weddings and funerals.” “Suit Care - Hang your suit upright to let the suit breathe and use cedar hangers to prevent moth damage. Hang your suit in the bathroom and run a hot shower to steam and remove unwanted wrinkles. Dry clean your suit only when absolutely necessary. To maintain color, always try to dry-clean your jacket and pants together.” There you go, until the next time. Cheers and “doo-bi-doo-bi-doo!”
5
PICTURES FR OM 2018 LA MARA THON SER VICE FROM MARATHON SERVICE
6
PICTURES FR OM THE 2ND GMM AT DJ BIBINGKAHAN FROM
FELL OWSHIP AT BR AVID’S PLA CE FELLO BRO SIS.. BETT BETTA DA PLACE O. CHRIS & SIS AD
7
FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM By Bro. Dan E. Nino
The Art of the Deal in Marriage There’s a saying that a marriage is like a thief in the night that if you are destined to get married, you’ll get married unexpectedly no matter how you try to avoid it. On the other hand, I had several girlfriends in my young adulthood but was not consummated in the altar of God because it wasn’t meant to be. God has already pre-determined the partner with whom we’ll spend the rest of our lives. Do you remember that when we’re still in our young adulthood, we were attracted to somebody but that person whom we fell in love with, didn’t reciprocate our amore? It’s unrequited love, plain and simple.Although I believe that love begets love, it doesn’t always come our way. I know it because I experienced it. I was rejected too! I subscribe to the plan of God for me. Whoever we got married with, it’s by design. Like when we were born, it’s not by accident, not a mistake or fluke but it was part of God’s plan for you and me. I am inspired by Rick Warren, a theologian and author of the best-selling non-fiction, “The Purpose Driven Life. He cited the scripture Isaiah 44.24, “I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.” God knew where we will be settled in. Take my case, after college in Manila, Philippines. I wanted to go back to my native hometown of Mangatarem, Pangasinan to run for a public office but martial was declared. There were no elections for decades. Later, when there were elections they were rigged in favor of the powers-that-be. Instead, I was destined to come to America. Take this into consideration: With millions of sperm cells and egg cells out there, those precious two cells of our parents were connected and we were conceived. It was meant to be because God loves us and God is love. We were created for a reason. Mr. Warren pointed out, “Your birth was no mistake or mishap and your life was no fluke of nature. Your parents may not have planned for you, but God did. He was not at all surprised by your birth. In fact, he expected it. Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God.” During the courtship stage, the two lovebirds put their best foot forward. However, it’s not their real selves. It’s like a mask that we hide our real selves. In marriage, you see the real person. The mask is cast away. You utter words that are unfiltered that hurts. Because you are already married, familiarity breeds contempt. Sweet words with nothings are already gone. To make marriage work, I still believe in a relationship that is a give and take proposition. You cannot have it all. I’m reminded when my parents celebrated their 50th wedding or golden anniversary. The officiating priest rattled off four rings that characterize a relationship. They are Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring, Suffe Ring, and Interfe Ring. If I may add, it also includes: Bicke Ring, Dominee Ring, Philande RingandPerseve Ring The so-called Engagement Ring and Wedding Ring are self-explanatory. I will dwell on the other rings of relationship or married life.. Let’s start with Suffe Ring. When the married couple are always arguing and fighting and no longer talking to each other, both are suffering. When the in-laws interfere because they think their son or daughter is aggrieved, it becomes interfering.Whensquabbling persists, it becomes bickering.When the husband felt that his wife becomes too argumentative, consistently loquacious, nagger and high strung and had enough, the wife becomes domineering. To console and comfort himself and becomes flirtatious with other women, the husband ends up philandering. The poor wife who considers herself as martyr just take the marital problem in stride sulking in the corner just for the sake of the children, ends up persevering. – denino1951@gmail.com
8
GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo It is March! March 11 is the start of Daylight Savings Time, the 17th is St. Patrick's Day, the 20th is the beginning of Spring and the 30th is Good Friday , Passover also begins at sundown on this day. The Zodiac tells us that those born during the period covering March 1st to the 20th fall under the sign of Pisces while those born after the 20th fall under the sign of Aries. Pisceians are selfless, always willing to help others without hope to get anything back. This sign is characterised by expressed emotional security. They are intuitive and have an artistic talent. Those born under the sign of Aries are incisive, spontaneous, courageous and energetic. They are the proverbial infants, and optimistic to a fault. So to all our Brods and Sisters celebrating their birthday this month, wishing you all a warm and wonderful Birthday and a bright and beautiful spring. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! ******************************* We welcome Brod Mar Garchitorena after a long vacation from the Philippines. Upon prodding him to give us the latest news from the Philippines. Brod Mar proudly informed us that the APO Ryder's Cup Series will be held February 7 to 14 next year between APO Golfers Philippines and APO Golfers USA. It will be a six game golfing competition. The trophy will go to the best team - the APO Phil. Golfers or APO USA. Brod Mar Garchitorena is the coordinator for APO USA while APO Golfers President Rey Talatala is the APO Philippines Coordinator. ******************************* All systems go now for the ACNA Spring meeting in Dallas, Texas which will be held from April 5 T0 8. ACNA President Sis. Irma Almazan, of course is very enthusiastic and just ready to go! She has urged those attending the meeting, to purchase their tickets already and make their hotel reservations for those who have not yet done so. Good luck and God bless all of of you!
9
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. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronald Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Roberto Aralar, Eric Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Babatuan, Junie Baquiran, Faye Bayani, JR Bonete, Ma. Elena Calajate, Candy Carrasco, Danny Chin, Jun Chua, William Clarete, Sam Cruz, Bernie David, Christian David, Betta Evangelista, Dommel Evangelista, Jen Fernandez, Victorin Flores, Rudy Franco, Rolly Gomez, Tony Jovellanos, Jobee Lee, Marisol Linsangan, Jun Maidin, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie
34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62.
Mansilla, Beeboy Mejia, Francis Mendoza, Armand Mendez, Daemma Miranda, Shane Ninofranco, Edgar Paggao, Jerome Pastores, Alex Posadas, Rey Raquel, Maybelle Reyes, Roehl Robles, Robby Robles, Jo Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Jet Rosales, Nonot Salas, Hazel Sipin, Perry Sta Rosa, Theodore Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Lito Tarculas, Josie Tavera, Glenda Tecson, Ed Tunque, Doms Valera, Lisa Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammy Zara, Hanigrace
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 MAR CH MARCH CELEBRANTS MEMBERS: 02 - Julius Pulido 03 - Rene Yenko 06 - Michelle Monasterio - Tess Madrigal 07 - Joel Carbon 08 - Mario Macalindog 09 - Gene Aure 11 - Jemma Miranda 13 - Dan Nino 19 - Josie Alvar 21 - Marisol Robert lee 25 - Virgil Junio 28 - Bien Alon 29 - Willy Cajucom, Rhoderick Aralar - Shane Miranda 31 - Josephine Santos SPOUSE: 08 - Carol Parducho 10 - Paul Bangsil 11 - Joey Franco, Jermelyn Miranda 12 - Marietta Siongco 13 - Tonette Ninofranco, Marissa Tecson 14 - Amalia Romero 17 - Leila Felix, Lilibeth Robles 19 - Josephine Alejandria 21 - Maricar Ansula, Evelyn Salinas 29 - Betty Chatto 31 - KC Picazo APO KIDS: 02 - Maria Danelle Blancada 05 - Theo Barcelona 06 - Justine Agagon, Theo Barcelona 07 - Gracie Lara, Shannen Cadavez - Daryll Arucan, Richie Villanueva 08 - Emil Bacalia, Beilyne Lautchang 09 - Ping Franco 10 - Sheila Jove 12 - Samantha Arevalo 14 - Ed Robert Tecson 15 - Abigail Paredes, Genn Clarete 18 - Marcus Yambot 19 - Edgar Joseph Tecson 20 - Patrick Robles, John Peneza 21 - Peter Villaver 22 - Jessamine Alejandria 24 - Patrick Jayoma, Melvin Morallos 26 - Caitlyn Panganiban 27 - Gerard Rivera 28 - Sheryl Arucan 30 - Mai Noche, Xurshia Pepino 31 - Sierra Lara, Pinky Arucan
EASTER EGG HUNT & 3RD GENERAL MEMBERSHIP M EE TIN G MEE EET ING
WHAT: EASTER EGG HUNT 12 Noon - Saturday, March 24, 2018 3RD GMM start at 4 PM WHERE: Cameron Park 1363 - 1399 E. Cameron Ave West Covina, CA 91790 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Beeboy Mansilla
CP No. 818-645-8573
Casey Mansilla 918 S. Kingsley Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006
Stamps Here
www.alphaphiomega.org