Vol 41 Issue 3
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
March 2021
Community service by APOGLA volunteers at the Long Beach Community Table - warehouse food preparation and distribution last March 20,2021. See story and more pictures on page 4-5.
GET INV OL VED INVOL OLVED By Bro. Christian David
“Get involved” that is the slogan I used during my presidency (1987) that best epitomized what we wanted to accomplish during our formative years as Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (then known as APO AA of Southern California.) At that time after Brother Toti’s term (1985-1986), we just had less than 30 members. It is in this period that we tried to revive and re-establish our APO alumni association, the first outside of our homeland, the Philippines. To build up our membership, this mantra of getting involved was essential. We were not disappointed. Most of our APO brothers and sisters responded to our call. They were oozing with renewed enthusiasm and excitement. They hungered for activities. After two months, our roster surpassed with more than 30 members. The rest is history. Getting involved is so straightforward with no frills: Paying our dues, engaging in our services such as L.A. Marathon, attending our general membership meetings and joining us in our bigticket activities such as annual camping cum Treasure Hunt Car Rallye and December Affair which Continued on page 3
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE March is almost over. Time is fast. But before March goes, let us greet each other Happy 71st APO-Philippines Anniversary, let us greet Alpha Chapter Happy 71st Anniversary! Congratulations! As we all read and know, let us continue to remember that the founding of APOPhilippines was preceded by a service project; we were born out of service and we continue to grow to be of service. We are going to our first service project this year. It has been since March 2020 during the LA Marathon that we had a face-to-face meeting for volunteer activity. This will also be, I believe, the first that we will conduct outside of our customary places such as the LA Regional Food Bank and Operation Gratitude. I am really happy and excited that we will be again out in the community, doing what we do best – to be of service. We also are holding the blood donation service project on April 10, 2021. Thank you Bro. Shane Miranda for leading this service activity. We are also now planning on a wetland reserve clean-up at the City of Gardena on April 17, 2021. Bro Bobet Peneza will be chairperson for this service activity; thank you, Bro Bobet. Now, let us all help Bro Shane and Bro Bobet make these service events well attended, safe and fun and rewarding. Let us continue to be active and involved in Alpha Phi Omega and in APO-GLA, my Brothers and Sisters; you are the greatest assets of the organization. Nonetheless, my Brothers and Sister, we should and we would still to continue to practice safety measures to minimize risk for COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine is reported to be effective at protecting us from COVID19 but also mentioned that the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others. Let us remains cautious in various Tribo ni Bado Newsletter circumstances to protect ourselves and others from is a monthly publication of the COVID-19; observe safety measures such as wearing Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others and Alumni Association exclusively for its avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces members, families and friends. The opinions especially when in public and gathering with expressed herein are those of the writers, unvaccinated people from more than one other and are not intended to represent household. Let us be safe, for us and for others. APOGLAAA. Publisher Sancho Sy Photos/Graphics by Reuben Conferido • Lester Arevalo
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: Building A Future Worthy of Our Past”
Contributors Fely Montecillo • Dan Nino Christian David • Domel Evangelista Troy Agagon
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GET INV OL VED INVOL OLVED
By Bro. Christian David
Continued from page 1
were exhilarating, enjoyable and delightful. It became a family affair. These were some examples of our involvement. When we participated in these simple pleasures, they became huge because of our sheer numbers. APOGLA was on the road to a well-cohesive fraternal organization. All we needed was a good leader to implement our programs. Cooperation and positive response from our members will follow. The desired result will come into play like a well-oiled machine. As we all know, our beloved organization is still growing. Let us not rest on our laurels. Let us all press on and motivate one another. Let us continue our involvement and support the leadership of Brother President Domel Evangelista and his officers. Together we can lift APOGLA to the next level. Let us all get involved. It’s that simple.
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR 2021
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SER VICE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICE
By Bro. Domel Evangelista
On March 20, 2021 fourteen brothers, sisters and familial members represented our beloved APOGLA in its first service to the community for the year 2021 at the Long Beach Community Table (LBCT). Fueled by Dunkin Donuts, brothers Domel, Tony Amon, Geoffrey Arroyo, Reuben Conferido, Beeboy Mansilla, Joel Pablo, Bobet Peneza, Gerard Remorozo, Joar Rayala, Rennel Atienza, Sisters Jen, Daemma Mendez, Ofel Amon, Imelda Conferido began sorting food items at 10:00 AM. At approximately 11:00 AM, the non-profit opened its doors to recipients who are food and housing-insecure residents in the greater Long Beach area. For the next hour and a half, APOGLA volunteers worked in pairs and were tasked with fulfilling approximately 40 recipients’ grocery lists. We gathered a variety of organic produce, nutritious foods and basic essentials from the warehouse and packed these for the recipients to take home to their families. The last hour and a half saw us repacking frozen meats, sorting and restocking shelves for the next distribution. Our efforts today provided much needed assistance to the LBCT to prepare their warehouse for the 3,000 families that they support per week. LBCT staff were very grateful and commented that APOGLA members were able to accomplish a lot of tasks in the amount of time we spent at the warehouse. They are definitely looking forward to our return! After rendering service, APOGLA volunteers gathered responsibly with social distancing at a nearby Denny’s restaurant to refuel and celebrate.
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Pictur es fr om ser vice @Long Beac h Comm unity Table Pictures from service Beach Community
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM BY BRO. DAN E. NINO, CEO/COB, APOPGLA 501 C-3
Additional Updates On Income Tax Year 2021 As I anticipated, the filing of our income tax returns for tax season 2021 was extended to May 17, 2021. And If you’re not ready yet for some reason, you can further request by extending it to October 15, 2021. You may extend it online if you know how to do it. Here are several tips or information that might help you navigate your tax return preparation: 1. If you did not receive stimulus refunds last year because you were a dependent on somebody else’s tax return, then this year, you can be eligible or qualified if you file your return under the “Recovery Rebate Credit” - if you only received less than $75,000 if filing individually or $150,000 or below married filing jointly last year. 2. Only 10% are deducted on your charitable or church donations. If you donated $3,000, only $300 is deductible. 3. For each dependent child from 17 to 24 years old while still going to school or college, a $500 deductions is still in place under the Child Tax Credit. 4. For each dependent child 17 years old and below, $2,000 is deductible under Earned Income Tax Credit. 5. If you received unemployment check (1099-G) from EDD, it’s taxable in federal or IRS but not taxable in the State of California. 6. Medical expenses like out of pocket medical insurance premiums, prescription medications, eye glasses, doctor’s, dentist’s or optometrist’s visits is usually 7.5% tax deductible. 7. Day Care expenses for babysitting is tax deductible. However, if box 10 of your W-2 shows the total amount of dependent care benefits that your employer paid to you or incurred on your behalf by your employer, it’s taxable. 8. Even if your qualified dependent relative like parents or sisters/brothers are not living with you, they are still deductible. 9. Generally, if you earn only $4,000 a year, you don’t need to file tax return. That’s the poverty threshold. 10. If your child earned $4,300 a year and is attending school fulltime for at least 5 months, you can claim that child as dependent. 11. Qualified Closing Points or some Costs for refinancing are tax deductible. 12. If you are self-employed and use your home or rent an apartment as your place of work, you can deduct your expenses. Example: if you rent $1,000 a month, 25% of rental or $250 a month is equivalent of $3,000 a year is deductible. 13. Any costs maintaining your office like desks, computers, printers, ink, software, etc. are deductible. 14. If you hire you children, the child doesn’t need to pay any tax until he or she earns more than the standard deduction to $12,000. 16. However, If you are an employee of a company or government agency and receive W-2s and you work remotely at home, it’s not tax deductible. 15. Many itemized deductibles have been eliminated in the so-called Tax Cut and Job Act of 2017. But in the State of California, they’re still deductibles like tax preparations, out of pocket employee expenses like uniforms, union dues, continuing education, job supplies PPEs, car registration renewal, etc. I hope you have an easy tax filing this year. Remember, a well-organized tax documents like W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, Social Security pension, dividends, bank interest statements, stocks distributions statements, mortgage interest, property tax statement, mortgage interest premium, etc. cannot be over-emphasized. – denino1951@gmail.com
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OBITU AR Y OBITUAR ARY
Last month we lost another dear brother in Bro. Rico “Koreeks” Lainez due to an Autoimmune disease. Brod Rico is one of the pillars of APOGLA in its early years of the organization. He is one of the legal minds who authored our original By-Laws and Policies and Procedures. Our heartfelt condolences, our thoughts and prayers to Sis. Au (Alpha Theta), daughter Rea and son Bro. Senen (Gamma Epsilon - 2008). May he rest in peace.
BRO./ATTY. RICO “KOREEKS” LAINEZ (January 30, 1953 - February 24, 2021) Eta Chapter, 70A (Hilltop 4-11 Batch) Past Recipeint: Dr. Librado I. Ureta Award (1990) Past President: APOGLA - 1992 (Moving On To A Greater Tomorrow) Our condolences also goes to Veronica and Brod Boy Medina for the passing of Veronica’s mother BENITA TOBIAS, in Manila last March 18, 2021. And to all APOGLA Kapamilya who lost a loved one. We pray for the eternal repose of their souls and may they rest in peace.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Oh la la! At the wink of an eye it’s March already! Can I safely say we have not seen each other for more than a year? I have to admit I miss you guys already. But hopefully, sooner we might have a chance to meet face to face during our GMM. Right? But indeed, absence makes the heart grow fonder. That, I can say to all of you! ************************ Let me greet all those born during this month, a very HAPPY BIRTH DAY! Wishing you all the best for you in the year to come! Those born from February 18 to March 20 fall under the Zodiac sign of Pisces and those born after March 21 fall under the Zodiac sign of Aries. Those born under the sign of a Pisces have a complex personality, are incredibly creative, are generous, sometimes overly emotional, and are impressionable. On the other hand, the Aries men and women are courageous, competitive, honest, generous and energetic. So, to our Brods and Sisters celebrating their natal day, cheers! ************************ With March comes spring! It’s the season of new beginnings, fresh bud blooms, animals awaken and the earth seems to come back to life again. Planters and gardeners use their green thumb to the delight of people. The sunlight March brings cheer us up. Flowers bloom, trees turn oh! So green! Don’t we just need these during these terrible times? And yes, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. March brings hope! ************************ March 8 marks the International Women’s Day. This is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is “ Choose to Challenge”. I would like to congratulate the womenfolk in APO GLA in connection with IWD. Everybody will agree with me that the women in this organization have contributed much to its great accomplishment through the years. So we salute the Sisters and wives who have worked so much for our beloved organization to reach the apex of its success. Hep! Hep! Hurray! ************************ Would you believe March 13 is Smart and Sexy Day? Gosh, I wish I could say that’s my day! March 17 is also St. Patrick’s Day. It is, of course, the National Nutrition month, Optimism month, and a National Ethics month. ************************ There are two popular terms associated with the month of March. One is the “Ides of March”. The other, since this month brings forth spring, is “spring cleaning.” Shakespeare popularized the statement the “ides of March” in his play “Julius Caesar”. A focal point in the play, based on historical records, was the treacherous murder of Julius Caesar by the members of Rome’s senate. This happened on the 15th of March. Since then, the middle or the “ides” of the month is considered an unlucky date for people who believe in superstitions. Meanwhile, some researchers noted the origin of spring cleaning to the Iranian Nowruz, the Persian New Year which falls on the first day of spring. It is traditional to clean the house very well either right before or during the first week of Great Lent which is referred to as Clean Week. The tradition of spring cleaning dates back to centuries and is considered a hall mark of Iranian and Jewish tradition. ************************ Hope we all get vaccinated already Brothers and Sisters ! Thus we all can say, “See you soon!”
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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. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronald Amon, Ophel Amon, Tony Anadilla Jr., Ariston Ang-Gayon, Melody Aralar, Eric Arevalo, Lester Arnaldo, Manuel Arroyo, Geoffrey Atienza, Oca Ayo, Toti Bayani, JR Bonete, Maria Cajucom, Willy Carrasco, Danny Chin, Jun Clarete, Sam Conferido, Reuben David, Betta David, Christian David, Ramon De Leon, Malou Dulay, Alex Emperado, Rudy Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fernando, Ruby Flores, Glenda Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Franco, Rolly Gomez, Tony Gopez, Bernardo Guerrero, Jenny Rose Hermoso, Hazel Jaranilla, Ogie Jovellanos, Jobee Junio, Virgil Lara, Bobet Linsanagan, Jun
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. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79.
Maidin, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Mejia, Francis Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Ninofranco, Egay Noche, Caesar Pangilinan, Angel Paredes, Vic Peneza, Jo Petreace, Petchie Picazo, Cesar Posadas, Rey Remorozo, Gerald Reyes, Roehl Roberto, Marisol Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Justin Rosales, Cesar Rubina-Galang, Emma Serrano, Eric Sevilla, Bobby Somera, Herman Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tecson, Edgardo (Balot) Turallo, Silver Valentino, Hero Valera, Liza Ventura, Beth Yambot, Ferdie Yenko, Rene Zamora, Sammie as of 3.18.2021
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 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
VIR TU AL MAR CH GMM VIRTU TUAL MARCH Join us this Saturday, March 20, 2021 starting @ 4:30 PM via ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
MEETING ID# 899 3470 2418 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