TNB Newsletter March 2019

Vol 39 Issue 3

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

March 2019

LADIES’ NIGHT 2019

By Sis. Daemma Mendez Let me first congratulate APO GLA for the success of the APO Ladies Night '19 held at the La Mesa Bar and Restaurant in West Covina, CA last February 23, 2019 . The unwavering support of all those who have attended, the guests and even the brothers and sisters who were not avail to make it made it another successful event.

A post valentine night that was filled with joy and laughter. The dance floor crowded by those who can really dance, those can pretend to dance and those who can shake the only way to shake....the APO way.

But of course, the abundance of food and alcohol were also icing to this event especially when shared with the brothers and sisters of APO. From me and Josie, we would like to again give our warmerst thanks to all those who attended, those who donated and to APO GLA. MWAB, Daemma Mendez, Theta Sigma Batch ‘92

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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Happy 69th Founding Anniversary APO Philippines March 2, 1950 - March 2, 2019.

I would like to thank Bro. Domel Evangelista, our Vice-President for presiding our 2nd General Membership Meeting on my absence. To Bro. Jobee and Sis. Hazel, thanks for accommodating the group in your residence, in a last minute request.

I would also like to thank Sis. Dae Mendez and Sis. Josie Tarculas for a very a successful Ladies Night Event. The well attended event shows the hard work and perseverance of ours sister.

LA Marathon, Our first Service project is just around the corner. This will be on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Mile 13. If you were not able to sign up through on-line registration, please message or contact Sis. Jen Evangelista in order to be included as registered volunteer. At the same time, Bro. Lito Tarculas, Sis. Irma Almazan, Bro. Alex Almazan, Sis. Jing Guerrero and I will be representing APOGLA for the Spring Meeting of the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA).

Next will be our first fundraising project which is a turnaround excursion to Pechanga Resort and Casino slated on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Please sign up now, for more details please contact our project coordinator Bro. Ed Romero or Bro. Alex Pastores.

Your opinion and suggestions are always welcome. I would like to encourage everyone to attend our 3rd General Membership Meeting this Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Sis. Emma Galang’s Residence.

Respectfully your servant, Bro. Mike “Boy” Medina

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 Roehl Reyes • Sancho Sy • Casey Mansilla Contributors Mike Medina • Jen Evangelista • Fely Montecillo Toti Ayo • Daemma Mendez • Dony Rondilla Dan Nino • Ed Romero

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BO ARD OF DIRECT BOARD DIRECTOR’S OR’S CORNER Greetings, dear brothers and sisters!

We have consistently published our TNB every month for twenty-four years now. For a few times, we wondered about its long-term sustainability. On the history portion of our March GMM, brother Art Rivera will discuss the history of how our monthly publication has evolved through the years.

In the meantime, for as long as we find relevance and can continue to draw out willing contributors on a monthly basis, we shall forge ahead and keep it alive.

I have promised our EdChief Brother Chosy that I’d contribute something this month. In the absence of a specific subject that I can think of, I thought, maybe, my invocation delivered during our Induction of Officers last December 2018 may be appropriately shared: Heavenly Father, we pray that your presence be with us tonight. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to celebrate and capture special moments like these. We are blessed with dedicated men and women in this organization who willingly and graciously give their precious time to make this experience happen, year after year.

Lord, we pray for our Leaders, that they may be inspired by some greater purpose and lead us, with effectiveness and enthusiasm, to do and spend more time only on activities that really matter.

While many among us mellow with age, we trust in the footsteps that follow. Grant us the staying power, the stamina, and the courage to carry on through the years - in wisdom and dedication.

May we continue to be ever mindful of each other's needs and concerns that many times go unsaid. At times, when we offend, may we be quick to make amends and rectify - understanding and forgiving.

In the words of an English Poet: "All friendships of any length are based on a continued mutual forgiveness. Without tolerance and mercy all friendships die.". In APOGLA, understanding and tolerance keep our friendships strong and last for a lifetime.

Lest we forget, we remember our dearly departed members of our families who are gone before us.

We remember the sick and those who cannot be with us tonight. We remember our fallen brothers. We mourned their passing. Difficult moments as they are and have been, we remember. We are grateful. We recognize - just as we recognize and appreciate a culture we create, where familial membership in our organization is of the essence. Something we hold dear.

On a more personal note, please allow me and join me in prayer for my brother in Texas, a priest for 39 yrs now this December, Fr Tito Ayo - whom many of you have personally known. His Doctors have now given up on any possible cure for his medical condition. Lord Jesus, the Ultimate Doctor, we trust, you will do what's best.

For all this and all that we are, we behold Your Name. Amen.

by Bro Toti Ayo, Chairman of the Board

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT FOR FR. TITO AYO, SOLT

All services will take place at St. Joseph Parish Church at 710 South 19th St., Corpus Christi, TX, 78405.

• VIGIL: March 14.2019, Thursday, 5pm: viewing 6pm: Mass (Regular scheduled Mass) Followed by the VESPERS, LITURGY OF THE WORD AND ROSARY. •

FUNERAL MASS: March 15, 2019 (Friday) @ 10 am.

Main celebrant: Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL, DD

•

COMMITTAL: after the Funeral Mass at St. Anthony Catholic cemetery in VIOLET, 3918 Co Rd 61, Robstown, Texas 78380.

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OBITU ARIES OBITUARIES Our deepest condolences to Bro. Jun Linsangan and family for the passing of his father ANTONIO DE JESUS LINSANGAN, SR. last February 20, 2017. He was 98 years of age. May he rest in eternal peace.

Heartfelt condolences to Brod Mel Gonzales and family for the passing of GRACE SAN ANDRES MIDEM, last March 4, 2019 from end-stage renal disease complications. She was 73. Our loving thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family.

FR. TITO AYO, SOLT September 21, 1952 - March 4, 2019

May we also include in our prayers eternal repose of Brods Dom & Ric Pascua’s mother MRS. GENING PASCUA and sister ROSALIA PASCUA respectively. The remains of their bodies lie in their hometown Ilocos Sur, Philippines. May their souls rest in eternal peace with our Creator.

LASTLY, may we continue to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of our dear Brother Isauro “Bonjie Ingco as we commemorate his 1st Death Anniversary on March 9, 2019.

From 1980 until 1996, Fr. Tito served in several parishes in the Philippines, including: Sacred Heart Mission, Cabasan; St. Michael the Archangel Parish, San Miguel; and Holy Cross Parish, Amparo Village.

Fr.Terencio “Tito” Matthew A. Ayo, a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), was born to Antonio Rivera Ayo (+) and Prudencia Bautista Agbay in Canaman, Camarines Sur in Bikol. As an infanthe endured a lifethreatening illness and his now 95-year old mother had prayed very hard for his well-being.

In 1996, Fr. Tito was asked by the General Priest Servant to move to Texas in order to serve as the Procurator for SOLT, a position he held for one year. After his period as Procurator, Fr. Tito returned to the Philippines where he served first as a parish priest in Mary the Queen Parish, Quezon City, and then in San Antonio Parish, Cuyapo.

During this same time, Fr. Tito completed his studies for an advanced degree in Philosophy at Araullo University in Cabanatuan.

He was the eldest of seven children--six boys and a girl. His siblings are:Florencio Thomas (Toti), married to Racquel Subida; Antonio Camillus (Junet), married to Noni Salvador; Ramon Nonito, married to Asela San Andres; Arnold Amancio (Anot), married to Cynthia Napay(+); Reino Stephen (Ray), married to Maria Vivian (Bing) Imperial; and, Mariebeth Corazon, married to Juanito (Jiggs) Gegajo. Fr. Tito had a special place in his heart for his many relatives, including over 30 nephews, nieces, and grand nephews and nieces.

In the year 2007, Fr. Tito was asked to return to the American Region to become the administrator of a parish in San Pedro, Belize.

He continued in that position until 2009 when he was assigned to serve in the SOLT Development Office in Robstown, Texas. After serving as head of the Development Office for several years, in 2011 Fr. Tito was assigned to be the pastor of St. Michael Parish in Banquete, a position he held for five years. In 2016, Fr. Tito was transferred to St. Joseph’s as associate pastor, where he remained until his passing from this life.

He started his seminary formation at the early age of twelve when he entered the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in the Archdiocese of Caceres in Naga City after finishing 6th grade at the Naga Parochial school in 1965. After four years at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, he finished his philosophy education in 1969. True to his dedication to priestly formation, he advanced to his theology studies. After a couple of years in theology however, he left seminary and beganto assist as a lay man in a parish in Albay, Diocese of Legazpi, where in 1975 he met Fr Tom Gier, SOLT. His time spent with Fr Tom renewed his calling to the priesthood. Fr. Tito joined the Society and completed his theology education at the Tahanan Ng Mabuting Pastol Seminary in Tagaytay City. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 18, 1979, and was one of the first SOLT priests of the Asia-Pacific Region.

In addition to his work in parishes and in administration, from 1988 until 2004, Fr. Tito served in various capacities with the Child Sponsorship for Community Development, Inc, Children International. From 1993-1996 and again from 1998-2004, he was the Charmain of the Board of Directors of that organization.

Fr. Tito also earned several degrees from various colleges, including a degree in Theology from Divine Word Seminary (1980), a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Aquinas University (1994) and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Araullo University (2006).

For a number of years, Fr. Tito struggled with cancer. His patience and trust in God were an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow community members.

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Pictures from Viewing/Funeral of Antonio Linsangan, Sr.

At Bro. Bonjie Ingco’s 1st Death Anniversary Commemoration

Happy Anniversary APO Philippines!

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You are cordially invited to

ACNA Spring Meeting 2019 and 17th Induction of Officers of APO Midwest-Chicago AA at the DOUBLETREE by Hilton 5460 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018-5232 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Registration: ACNA Delegates: $250/person (Includes Meeting Room, all Fellowship, Luncheon and Dinner Dance); Non-ACNA Delegates: $150/person (includes all Fellowship, Breakfast & Lunch at Hospitality Suite and Dinner Dance); Guests/Non-APO: $90/person (includes all Fellowship and Dinner-Dance). Hosted by APO Midwest-Chicago Alumni Association

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“APO Delta Raffle Extravaganza”

By Bro. Dony Rondilla

A special thanks to the brothers and sisters of Alpha Phi Omega, their families and friends for supporting the APO Delta Overseas Raffle Extravaganza. This fund-raising event helps support Delta’s scholarship program and service projects.

The raffle drawing was held at the Angel’s Gate Masonic Lodge in Lomita, California on March 9, 2019. Delta Overseas AA hosted a free buffet dinner with DJ music, dancing, entertainment, games and raffle prizes to give back to our members and supporters who made this Raffle Extravaganza a success. Drinks of Corona and Remy 1738 was also on the house. Everyone who purchased tickets was invited to this triple-event celebration - - Delta’s 67th Anniversary, Induction of Officers, and the drawing of winning tickets.

The grand prize of a Solar Home Panel system with cash option of $12,000 went to Romeo Receno from Fontana, CA. (#772). The second prize, a top of the line HP Elite computer went to Loida Atienza from Chino Hills, CA (#1983). The third prize, a 55inch Samsung TV went to Virgina Sethna from Sierra Madre, CA. (#585). There were also 10 raffle tickets that were awarded $50 gift cards.

It was not surprising that two of the major prize tickets were sold by Brod Wilson Lauchang and Brod Ray Villegas who tirelessly went above and beyond their duties to sell a large number of tickets. A special mention to Brod Robert Mangayan who, unable to sell tickets, out rightly purchased the block of tickets assigned to him.

The theme for the event was “Casino Night” as the organizers were anticipating hosting a Poker tournament. The permit for the tournament did not arrive in time to invite a number of players. As an alternative, in the spirit of fun and games, we engaged the audience to poker-theme games for gift card prizes. The casino theme that started with Deltan’s in black and white attire metamorphosed into a sea of color as Deltan’s, together with their spouses, perform their rendition of Mamma Mia on their colorful 70’s attire.

Again, on behalf of all Deltan’s here in the US and around the world- - Thank you for all your support and generosity.

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Pictures from Ladies’ Night 2019

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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM

By Bro. Dan E. Nino #PRIDE 58. Photo shows Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia of California's 58th Assembly District awarding #PRIDE 58 plaque to former APOGLA President Dan E. Nino in recognition of his " positive impact and civic engagement" in the 58th Assembly District -- at her Downey District office on March 7.

The 58th Assembly District encompasses parts of southeast Los Angeles County including the City of Cerritos since 2012 where APO brother Dan resides. Assemblywoman Garcia's spokeswoman Rida Hamida who took this photo informed Brod Dan thru e-mail, "I'm602 humbled to inform you that you will be awarded by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia for your tremendous and selfless service to the community." Witnessing the presentation is Myrna E. Nino, Brod Dan's wife. Brod Dan was nominated by former awardee, Cerritos City commissioner Doris Iglesias.

Government Shutdown Should Be The Last Resort In my Toastmasters Club winning speech a year ago entitled, “Why I Love America”, I extolled its ideals and virtues of the United States of America andthe diversity of its people from various cultures and backgrounds.

That America had welcomed me, embraced, sheltered, fed, and provided me with a stable job that made my American dream come true.

But with the recent federal government shutdown, I was appalled and brokenhearted watching teary-eyed furloughed government workers not receiving their paychecks, eating at food pantries and food banks where good Samaritans donated food, worried where they could pay their bills, gas, medical treatment and hardly make ends meet because these government workers and sub-contractors live paycheck to paycheck. Some nearly got evicted from their rented apartments.

I hope there won’t be anymore shutdowns.

When the president could not get his funding for his $5.7 billion wall, these government workers were used as pawns or hostage. The Democratic Republican form of government such as the United States of America has three equal branches of government. The power of appropriation or the purse belongs to the Lower House of Congress then goes to the U.S. Senate for deliberation and concurrence. If there are differences, a bipartisan bicameral conference committee will convene to thresh out the omnibus spending bill. If both Houses approved the budget measure, the spending bill goes to the president for signature or veto.

The foregoing is enshrined in our U.S. Constitution Article 1 Section 7 and 9. Paragraph seven of section 9 states: “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriation made by Law, and a regular Statement of Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.”

This country was founded on democratic principles and not a totalitarian, authoritarian, autocratic, monarchial or dictatorship where the decisions and whims of a leader is arbitrary or unchecked. There’s a check and balance in our political system.

I didn’t expect the shutdown for 35 days especially for a First World industrialized country like the U.S. In the Philippines -- a developing country -- when the budget is not approved on time, the old spending bill is re-enacted so as not to disrupt government function while negotiations are on-going. In the U.S. Congress, it is called Continuing Resolution to eliminate government shutdown.

In the State of California where I used to work, the Legislature passed a law that when it failed to pass the budget on time, the legislators won’t receive their salaries. I remember then Controller John Chiang did not release the salaries of State senators and assemblymen until the budget was passed. From then on, Sacramento had been passing the spending bill on time. Lesson learned.

The government workers don’t deserve this government shutdown. The air traffic controllers and TSA inspectors cannot compromise our safety and security. The Internal Revenue Service has the obligation to process our tax returns for possible refunds or accept our tax payments, among others. The Food and Drug Administration has to function to safeguard the efficacy of our pharmaceuticals and inspect the safety and viability of our food especially those coming from other countries.

We are better than this. We don’t deserve this treatment. I don’t want to be on the shoes of our federal workers. I felt their pain. Our president and government are supposed to protect them not hurt them.U.S. residents and/or citizens should not suffer because of man-made recklessness and policies as well as natural disasters. The president cannot employ temper tantrums to obtain his funding. I’m glad the second shutdown was averted with the signing of the spending bill.

And government shutdown should be the last resort. – denino1951@gmail.com

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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Our sincere birthday greetings to all those born this month, March. We love to remind you to be safe, have fun, take pictures and enjoy every minute of this exciting time in your life!

Outstanding traits of people born in March: 1) They are highly intuitive 2) They are generous 3) They are devoted 4) They prefer peace and quiet 5) They are good philosophers 6) They are talented 7) They are enthusiastic and 8) They adapt to any situation. Whew! That’s a lot!

March 20 marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken and the earth seems to come to life again. Spring in many countries with a strong Christian tradition is marked by Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his triumph over physical death. ******************** Congratulations to our Brod Edgar “Egay” Ninofranco who was a recipient of a plaque of appreciation awarded by the organizers of the Los Angeles Marathon last March 3. The organizers recognized our brod’s sacrifice, effort and contribution to the success of the world-renowned marathon. Brod Egay has successfully steered the handling of APOGLA’s participation in the LA Marathon for the past thirty years and intends to do so in the future.

I can safely say that no one can equal his enthusiasm, vigor and victory when the LA Marathon is concerned. Again, congrats Brod! More power to you! ******************** We are proud to inform you that FEU students coming from the colleges of Nursing, Medicine, Med Tech, and Physical Therapy are now rendering medical missions to different local communities under the banner of APO. This chapter is now known as the FEU-NRMF Pet chapter. This group was first organized in 2006 by three brods from Theta Sigma (Fatima College of Medicine) Alpha, and Mu Pi ( OLFU Lagro). There were eight in the batch who became the pioneer of this chapter. This group, however, encountered different obstacles which stymied it’s progress. In 2016, a revival was attempted through the efforts of Nino Neil who became the GC at that time. Incidentally, we met Brod Nino Neil in the 2nd GMM. At present, this group has 22 residents (14 brothers and 8 sisters). The FEU -NRMF Pet chapter is now active in medical missions, surgical missions (circumcision) and feeding program services. They are currently finishing their blue book as the main requirement for recognition as an official chapter of APO. They are hoping that this year will be fruitful for them. Good luck guys! (Source: Brods Nino Neil and Ralph) ***************************************** Brod Ed Romero is positive about the outcome of the coming Buscapade. He’s requesting the members to register as early as they can. Indeed, this is one activity everyone looks forward to joining. So what are you waiting for?

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

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Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Argonza, Arvin Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Cesar Noche Clarete, Sam Conferido, Ruben* Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fisico, Teddy Ford, Rebecca Gapido, Bodjie Gomez, Tony Guerrero, Jing* Lautchang, Wilson Linsangan, Jun Magsino,Jimmy** Maidin, Yusup Manalastas, Ruth Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Miranda, Shane Ninofranco, Egay

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Paggao, Jerome Paredes, Victor Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Posadas, Rey Reyes, Roehl Roberto, Marisol Romero, Ed Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Jet Sevilla, Bobby Sipin, Perry Somera, Herman Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tavera, Glenda Tunque, Doms Valera, Lisa Venturina, Jimmy Vinluan, Jehiel Yambot, Ferdie as of March 12, 2019

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 Roberto 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, Glenn 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

3RD GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 2019 - GMM 6pm to 8pm - Fellowship follows ‘til midnight WHERE: Sis Emma Rubina-Galang’s Place 15844 Londelius St. North Hills, CA 91343 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Mike Medina CP# 909-214-4737 Bro. Domel Evangelista CP# 323-302-3871 Sis. Emma Galang - CP# 425-9934

Mishael Medina 13831 Portofino St. Fontana, CA 92336

Stamps Here

www.alphaphiomega.org