Vol 40 Issue 3
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
March 2020
APOGLA brothers & sisters with their spouses celebrating Valentine’s Day at Noypitz Bar and Grill in Downtown Los Angeles last February 15, 2020
LA MARA THON SER VICE @MILE 13 MARATHON SERVICE By Alexis Julie Salas For the past 10 years, I have attended the LA Marathon. As a volunteer, I feel that my experience has enabled me to see how such an important event brings in people, all from different backgrounds. I feel that volunteering is an important task for me, but also to my family because we can pass on our experience to our next generation. There is nothing better than having a kind heart and passing it on. My mother encourages me to help out to the community in any way that I can. With the help of the Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles Alumni Association, I am able to participate in such an outstanding event. Their mission of influencing and to “develop leadership, promote friendship and provide service” makes me proud to be part of an amazing organization. As a high school student, taking part in the LA Marathon has helped me complete the mandatory volunteer hours needed for my graduation. I remember the first time I attended the LA Marathon, I was 7 years old. At first, I was a bit nervous, but with my friends, I soon realize that it would be really fun. I have fond memories of volunteering with them, bonding, and just having a good time. I remembered my mother teaching me how to hand out the cups of water to the runners. It was really difficult at first, but I soon got the technique. Every time the runners would say something as simple as “Thank you for volunteering!” or “Good Job for your hard work!”, it fills me up with joy. It is crazy how they are so thoughtful to complement my simple service, especially when you think about how they feel after running 13 miles. I find it so inspiring the dedication the runners put forth towards the marathon. I love how I get to experience a close connection with the runners, even though it is only a moment. In those few seconds, I can witness all the hard work they had to endure to prepare themselves. Cheering for the runners was also really fun, as I see them run past me, with bright smiles across their faces. Every year since 2010, I have attended the LA Marathon. Each new year offered a new experience in which it has impacted my life. More Pictures on Pages 6
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Folks, this is a very exciting moment . Alpha Phi Omega Philippines is now 70 years old. Happy Birthday Everyone! On March 2, 1950, at the Nicanor Reyes Hall, Room 214, Far Eastern University, Manila Philippines; the first organization of Alpha Phi Omega outside of the United States of America was established. It is now known as the ALPHA Chapter. Alpha Phi Omega rapidly and healthily grew in the Philippines. Now, Alumni Associations of Alpha Phi Omega Philippines are all over the world.
In Alpha Phi Omega foremost are our principles, to be a leader, to be a friend, and to be of service. It’s true that, “No one can be a great leader unless they genuinely care about the success of each person on their team”. With this in mind we will continuously care and motivate everyone in our team to be someday become great leaders. Due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic and to follow orders from the Governor of California and the safety of everyone our scheduled 3rd GMM on March 21, 2020 in Eagle Rock is CANCELLED.
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
Thank you all so much for your understanding! Fraternally yours, Tony Amon APOGLA President 2020
Contributors Fely Montecillo • Tony Amon • Eric Serrano Troy Agagon • Alexis Julie Salas • Dan Nino Michael Chua • Jen Evangelista
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Spotlight on One of our Newest Members Brother Bernardo Gopez Jr. is one of our latest and very enthusiastic addition to our beloved APOGLA. He has already volunteered to be one of our 2020 Sports Fest co-chairs, promising a variety of events for all members throughout the year. If you haven’t yet, please welcome him the next time you see him at our next GMM or service project. CHAPTER: BATCH NAME & YEAR: HOMETOWN: PROFESSION/FIELD: FAMILY MEMBERS:
Alpha Sigma (San Pablo Colleges, Laguna) D’Assasins – August 21, 1983 Born in Pampanga, grew up in San Pablo City Shipping Industry & Money Remittance Wife: Maricar and Children: Brennan, Robie Ann, Marnaryd, Kyle, Keisha & Kimi HOBBIES: Playing basketball, watching sports and documentaries, singing and reading Businessweek HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT APOGLA: Brothers/sisters from Alpha Sigma Chapter told me to look for one of our chapmates, Sis Emma Galang, when I got to Los Angeles. MOST MEMORABLE AMUYONG DUTY/MOMENT: A sister from Chi Chapter shaved off all my hair. WORDS OF WISDOM TO SHARE: Always listen to others’ IDEAS because it’s hard to ask for others’ IDEAS. You cannot buy IDEAS and IDEAS are priceless.
2020 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
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Pictures from February GMM @Palm Springs Thank you to our very generous hosts Bro Nestor (Xi ’76) and Sis Shirley Jove (Xi ’76) for opening their home to APOGLA for our February GMM. Thank you to Brothers Arvin Argonza (Kappa Beta ‘91), Nato De Guzman (Eta ‘77), Joel Baxal (Eta Iota ’91) and Eliazar Ganzon (Theta Epsilon ’93) for the warm welcome. Brothers and Sisters braved the rains and winds to attend. Here are some highlights: · Proposal by Sis Irma Almazan to have our very own Facebook Marketplace. · Parliamentarian to be consulted by the Board of Directors to talk about Article 7.7 of our Constitution and Bylaws. · ACNA and ARNA = broken dream (read the GMM Minutes for more details)
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Pictures from February GMM @Palm Springs
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Pictures from Los Angeles Marathon Service
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A LA YMAN’S GUIDE TO THE CO VID-19 LAYMAN’S COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Bro. Eric Serrano, MD-RN ORIGIN The Severe Adult Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2), more commonly known as the novel Coronavirus-19, originated in Wuhan, China in November 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of zoonotic viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases. Zoonotic means these viruses are able to be transmitted from animals to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers bats as the most likely natural reservoir of SARS-CoV2. The virus spread rapidly to all provinces of China, causing the commonly known Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID19) and subsequently to more than a hundred countries in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa. Human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 occurs primarily via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes within a range of about 6 feet. Indirect contact via contaminated surfaces is also another possible cause of infection. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it to be a Global Pandemic. As of March 18, 2020, there were over 198,000 confirmed cases of infection, of which more than 81,000 were in mainland China. The current number of deaths total 7,948 and close to 82,000 have recovered. In the United States, the official number of cases has topped 7,800 and accounted for 140 deaths so far. Countries experiencing the greatest number of cases include China, Iran, Italy, and the Republic of Korea. EPIDEMIOLOGY The virus is fairly large measuring approximately 50200 nanometers in diameter. The virus has 4 structural proteins, known as the S (spike), E (envelope), M (membrane) and N (nucleocapsid) proteins; the N protein holds the RNA genome, and the S, E and M proteins together create the viral envelope. The S protein is responsible for allowing the virus to attach to the membrane of a host cell.
Common signs of COVID-19 infection are similar to the common cold and include respiratory symptoms, such as dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and death. Initial testing when the disease broke was to detect the genetic material of the virus using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab. In the beginning, the test gave inconclusive results due to faulty test components. Laboratories have been able to correct the cause and therefore they have been conducting the tests in earnest in early March based on the RT-PCR Quest Diagnostic kits but still took days to deliver results. On March 13, 2020 Roche Diagnostics received Food and Drug Authority (FDA) approval for a test which could be performed within 3.5 hours, allowing for one machine to approximately perform 4,128 tests in a 24-hour period. INCUBATION PERIOD AND WHO ARE AFFECTED – The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically 5-6 days, but may range from 2-14 days. Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at a higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. The disease affects mostly the elderly population and those that have underlying conditions and co-morbid diseases. Some of the high risk and vulnerable groups are those who are over 60 years of age, have conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, chronic Respiratory illnesses such as Asthma, Liver and Kidney Disease, those under Cancer treatments, Immuno-compromised or Immuno-Suppressed, or similar illnesses. However, as recent as a few days ago, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that 40 percent of patients in the US that required hospitalization were between the ages 20 and 54. Therefore, according to health experts, it would be prudent for people in every age group to be extra cautious based on this new information. Older people still remain Continued on page 8
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A LA YMAN’S GUIDE TO THE CO VID-19 P ANDEMIC LAYMAN’S COVID-19 PANDEMIC Continued from page 7
more likely to develop a severe case and/or die from the disease, however increasing number of younger people are shown to be vulnerable as well. CURRENT ACTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS Several vaccines and medications have shown promise in treating specific stages of the disease, however, there is no singular treatment that will effectively prevent and cure active COVID-19. Since a vaccine is not expected to become available until 2021 at the earliest, a key part of managing the COVID-19 pandemic is to try to decrease the epidemic peak, known as “flattening the curve” through various measures seeking to reduce the rate of new infections by preventing the spread. Slowing the spread helps decrease the risk of health services and/or healthcare workers from being overwhelmed, allowing for better treatment of current cases and provides more time for a vaccine to be developed. To this end, the CDC recommends the following precautions to be performed: a. Proper Hand Hygiene - Wash hands with soap and warm water often and for at least 20 seconds (refer to attached CDC handout) b. Social Distancing – Avoid contact with large groups or gatherings; staying at least 6 feet away from others; Travel restrictions; School and Workplace closures c. Practice good respiratory hygiene – Cover mouth and nose with a tissue during any cough or sneeze or sneezing inside the elbow if no tissue is available followed by proper hand hygiene after any cough or sneeze d. Avoid touching the face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands e. To prevent transmission, the general public is recommended to stay home except to get medical care and avoid sharing personal household items f. Currently ill and infected individuals should consult with their Primary Physician to possibly get evaluated and tested and subsequently hospitalized, if necessary g. Cleaning & Disinfecting Environmental Surfaces – · Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial activation. The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and surfactants and rinsing with water removes substantial numbers of microorganisms. Cleaning involves mainly using soap/ detergent and water. When a surface cannot be cleaned adequately, it should be protected with barriers. · Disinfection involves the use of chemical agents and destroys most pathogenic and other microorganisms and employs the use of common household disinfectants, such Lysol or Chlorox bleach Everyone must comply with the CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease. Individual actions may not account for much, but collectively, we can, in significant ways, help contain this virus and mitigate the spread until a definitive cure is realized. For further information, please refer to this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/ control-recommendations.html Remember that WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. Stay safe and may the Lord Almighty continue to bless us all. Eric Serrano, MD-RN
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In Memoriam WILLIAM CHUA May 10, 1955 - March 10, 2020
William was born in Lucena City on May 10,1955. He went to Luzonian University (Chi) and became a member of Alpha Phi Omega in 1976. Also in 1976, he was one of the organizers of the Scout Royale Brotherhood of their chapter. Since then, he devoted his life to Alpha Phi Omega. He was the second eldest among his siblings, three of his brothers are also members of Alpha Phi Omega: George (Gamma Omega), Nelson (Chi) and James (Chi). At a young age he became the pillar of the family. He worked abroad in Saudi Arabia from 1979-1985. He was able to help his siblings and parents financially, and later on, the family was able to build their house. In 1987, he flew to Los Angeles to give his wife and 2 kids a better life. Around this time he met his brothers and sisters in Alpha Phi Omega and became a member of APOGLA. His loyalty to APOGLA was observed and later on he received the Dr. Librado I. Ureta award in 1988. Along with his continuous services, he is also known as the Emeritus Master Chef of our APOGLA annual campings. To his wife Florenda and 2 sons, Michael (Mu Lambda) and Mau, he will always be remembered for his father's and husband’s love and for his great sacrifices. To his fraternal brothers and sisters, he will be always be carved into their hearts for his loyalty. To his siblings and mother, he was a loving, caring and responsible brother and son. To all the people he blessed and blessed him, he will be remembered for his kindness. A job well done to William for he finished all his tasks. His smile and laughter will be greatly missed.
OBITU AR Y OBITUAR ARY On behalf of the whole APOGLA family we offer our Our deep heartfelt condolences to the CHUA FAMILY, especially s y m p a t h i e s BRO. MICHAEL CHUA (son) and BRO. GEORGE and prayers (brother) for the untimely loss of our beloved Bro. goes to BRO. William Chua last March 10, 2020. M A R C Below are the schedule of services: BARCELONA Viewing: April 3, 2020 (4:00 - 9:00 pm) and family for Mark B. Alem Chapel the passing of 8127 San Fernando Rd., Sun Valley, CA 91352 his mother CARRIE BARCELONA. Mass: April 4,2020 (10:00 am) St. Francis Xavier Church Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and 3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA 91504 let perpetual light shine upon her. Followed by the Funeral at Forest Lawn 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Hollywood Hills, L.A., CA 90068 To follow, Lunch at Fuji Buffet & Grill May their souls and all the souls of the faithful 300 Harvey’s Drive, Glendale, CA 91208 departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Tel#818/553-1688
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM
By Bro. Dan E. Nino
Tips and Benefits of Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Organizations As a tax preparer and consultant, I’d like to provide our thriving community some tips and nuances about non-profit community organizations. There are various kinds of non-profit organizations like public benefit (501C3), social organization (501-C7), Chamber of Commerce or business leagues (501C6) and other organizations established for educational, religious, literary, charitable and scientific purposes. They are usually incorporated with California’s Secretary of State if organizations are based within the State. If you don’t apply as a non-profit, these corporations are obligated to pay the minimum $800 franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board. What are the advantages and benefits of these non-profit corporations if they are designated as 501-C3s. Let me count the ways. 1. They are allowed to seek unlimited funding from outside sources including government agencies, philanthropists, private foundations and major corporations. Such donations are considered tax deductible for the contributors. 2. They become tax-exempt organizations. 3. They are supposed to work for public purposes, refraining from allowing individual members to benefit financially and from engaging in political activism or lobbying. 4. These organizations can raise funds through donations, fund-raising events and sponsorships as well as donate money to programs and projects that mitigate or alleviate sufferings of marginalized sectors of society. 5. The Board of Directors may allow the chief executive officer or executive director, employees and non-profit managers salaries. However, no board members or officers may derive financial benefits other than salaries of officers as agreed upon by the Board. Officers though must carefully guard against the appearance of business or financial conflict of interest like taking out loans from these non-profit organizations without repaying them or got paid without doing any work. 6. These organizations may or may not have members that are actively involved in the organization’s affairs. The 501 C-3 exists to ensure that the organization is operating in a way that best meets the needs of its mission. 7. The officers of these 501 C-3 organizations coordinate with and carry out the decisions made by the organization’s board of directors. The organization may consist of paid and volunteer workers. Volunteer workers are not paid for their services. 8. Certain states may require a minimum of three people to serve on the organization’s board of directors. 9. Other social or business clubs can affiliate with a 501-C3 organizations to seek funds so they could continue community development programs without impediments or restrictions as long as they are intended for the socio-cultural amelioration of our society like job-placement, scholarship and disaster-relief programs, among others. What Are The Responsibilities Of A Non-Profit Organizations In California? These organizations shall e-file FTB Form 199-N e-Postcard with the Franchise Tax Board, Form 990-N ePostcard with the Internal Revenue Service, Annual Registration Renewal Fee Report to Attorney General of California (Registry of Charitable Trust) and Statement of Information (SI-100) renewal with California’s Secretary of State every two years. – denino@summitbusinesscounselors.com
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Despite the fear and panic of Coronavirus, the TNB goes on! Can Goings-On be far behind? Let us greet all the March born A Happy Birthday! May you all receive more blessings from above! The zodiac signs associated with March are Pisces and Aries. Those born March 1 to 20 fall under the Pisces sign. From March 21 to March 31 are of Aries sign. Those under the Pisces sign are generous, amiable, positive matured people with a deep sense of kindness and compassion. They are sensitive to the feelings of others. Those under Aries are passionate, motivated, and confident leaders who build communities with their cheerful disposition and determination. They are uncomplicated and direct in their approach. There are many events scheduled all over the US this month but because of this pandemic, they have either been cancelled or postponed. ******************** Brod Pres. Tony Amon’s immediate action on the cancellation of our GMM this month was quick and decisive. We will miss each other but it is all for our own good! See you next time! ******************** This COVID 19 has become a world phenomenon. In this country, the President said that the US is in a state of war now. We, who are here, therefore, have become a part of its history. We are experiencing it, and we share it! Many years from now we can look back to these days. I pray though, that we come out of this unscathed. ******************** I’m sure that we are all following government directives being law abiding citizens and residents. And being a civic minded organization, don’t you think we can come up with an idea of how we can be of help to the community we are in during this pandemic? ******************** Congratulations to Brod Caloy Ebalo, Batch ‘78, for having been elected Interim President of the Alpha Chapter Alumni International (ACAI). His term will be up to December 31 this year. With him at the helm, we are sure the Alpha Chapter can look forward to more activities soon! ******************** Talking of the Alpha Chapter, their celebration of the APO 70th Founding Anniversary was quite simple, attended by a few loyal members but was quite a riot! One can feel the joy in the air, the warm camaraderie, the pleasantries! Thanks to Brod Tony and Sis Ophel Amon for opening the doors of their abode to us. ******************** Be safe dear brothers and sisters and stay healthy! Till we meet again!
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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. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Amon, Tony Amon, Ophel Anadilla, Jun Aris Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Aralar, Eric Argonza, Arvin Ayo, Toti Baxal, Joel Bayani, JR Bejasa, Arnold Bolisay, Herome Bonete, Elena Cahapisan, Demitrio Cajucom, Willy Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Chin, Jun* Chua, Michael Cobarrubias, Bob Conferido, Rueben David, Christian David, Betta Dela Cruz, Renato Delmolin, Froilan Emperado, Rudy Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fajota, Honeyboy Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Galang, Emma
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. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70.
Ganzon, Eleazar Gapido, Bodjie Garchetorena, Mar Gopez, Bernardo Guerrero, Ging Hermoso, Hazel Imperial, Gloria Irineo, Philip Jovellanos, Jobee Junio, Virgil Lara, Bobet Layno, MaryAnn Lee, Marisol Linsangan, Jun Madrigal, Jun Madrigal, Tess Maidin, Yusup Mamaril, Ferdie Manikad, Rey Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Martinez, Mulong Medina, Boy Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Parayno, Julius Paredes, Vic* Pascual, Winston Pastores, Alex
71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93.
Peneza, Bobet Picazo, Bobbitte Posadas, Rey Reyes, Roehl Rivera, Art Romero, Edgar Rondilla, Dony Rosales, Cesar* Salvador, Buddy Serrano, Eric Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Lito Tarculas, Josie Tavera, Glenda Tecson, Edgar Torallo, Silver Valdecantos, Henry Valera, Liza Ventura, Beth Vinluan, Jehiel Williams, Rachelle Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammy
* - paid for 2 years Report as of 03/20/2020
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 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
MAR CH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MARCH WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020 GMM CANCELLED DUE TO CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC AND CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S ORDER FOR STATEWIDE “STAY-AT-HOME” ORDER
CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Tony Amon CP# 818-970-4214
Tony Amon 22761 Eccles St. West Hills, CA 91304
Stamps Here
www.alphaphiomega.org