Tribo ni Bado Newsletter - April 2018

Vol 38 Issue 4

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

April 2018

ACNA Pres. Sis. Irma Almazan conducting the Induction of incoming 2018 APOGLA Executive Officers and Board of Directors headed by Pres. Brod Casey Mansilla during APO 92nd and APOGLA’s 37th Anniversary celebration at Knott’s Berry Hotel last December 16, 2017 APOGLA Brothers and Sisters celebrating the life of Bro. Isauro “Bonjie” Ingco

A Dear F riend Travels to the Gr ea yond Friend Grea eatt Be Bey

By Bro. Toti Ayo Brother Isauro Ylagan Ingco, a dear friend, a brother in Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines), Alpha Eta Chapter ’69, a staunch defender and a strong pillar of APOGLA, has come to pass at the age of 67.

Brother Bonjie as we all know him, is a beloved brother to his siblings, a dear father to his children and a loving grandpa to his grandchildren. Basically, we grew up together in this North American land - emigrating from the Philippines in 1979 and 1980. We were young and naïve, so to speak - but ready to venture into a new land of opportunity and optimism.

We had fun, together with some of the older folks (literally and figuratively J) whom we mingle with today in Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles. We had fun, even boisterous at times, especially during our Hobart Days which we shall long remember. We shared many of the best of our dreams. We embarked on the same journey on this land knowing we had a fighting chance to thrive. We celebrated many triumphs and milestones. There wasn’t a moment where we renounced or gave up our fraternal bonds - especially when times were tough and the tides were rough. We had quite a few hurts and disappointments if only to test our resolve. But it only made us stronger. No second thoughts about our commitment.

Together, unbowed and unashamed, we shed a tear or two and sometimes quite a few. But we never let go of our friendships.

We never wavered. We sealed it tight and for good reasons.

Whatever there is in an organization we were a part of, our fraternal brotherhood brought us together on a life long journey in a foreign land, which turned out not to be that foreign after all. He was my VP when we, the Alpha Phi Omega of Southern California, now our APOGLA reorganized in August, 1984.

Continued on page 3

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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Brothers and Sisters, March 2018 is in the books. April GMM will on the 21st @ Brod Bodjie Gapido’s Home. Birthday celebrants are encouraged to bring food and drinks to share.

April started with the viewing and the funeral of Brother Isauro “Bonjie” Ingco. He may be gone, but his memory will stay with us forever as we move on. As I am very sure that is what he wants for his beloved APOGLA. LA Food Bank service will be next on our plate, as we will have it this April 28, 2018 at 6055 Randolph Street, Commerce, CA 90040 at 8:30 – 12:00 Noon. Our chairperson for this service project is Sis. Marisol Lee. Hope to see you Sisters, Brothers and Familial members on this date.

Operation Gratitude is tentatively scheduled on May 19, 2018 at its headquarters at 21100 Lassen St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. This will be chaired by Brod Geoffrey Arroyo. Postings for this service will follow.

Last Saturday, April 14 some Brothers went to Brod Bonjie Ingco’s home for a clean-up service headed by SUP Brod Jun Linsangan as the grass and trash were unattended for the last 2 months. It was fun as we watch Brod Lito Tarculas single-handedly finished the job. We proceeded to Brod Troy Agagon’s house to check on the storage and was surprised that the following day, April 15 is his birthday. An impromptu celebration as the 1738’s were shared and food were prepared by Brod Jo Peneza assisted by Brod William Chua.

Hope to see you all this Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Brod Bodjie Gapido’s place - 1648 Grenoble Avenue, West Covina, CA 91791 May We Always Be, 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 Hazel Salas • Hanigrace Zara • Roehl Reyes APOGLA FB Page Contributors Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Art Rivera Toti Ayo • Troy Agagon • Casey Mansilla

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BO ARD OF DIRECT OR’S CORNER BOARD DIRECTOR’S

A Dear Friend

by Bro Toti Ayo, Chairman of the Board

Continued from page 1 Many have come and gone through the years. We fondly and lovingly remember - with grateful thanks for all that they did and for all that has been.

Brother Bonjie became our President in 1990, the year that the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA) was born in September of the same year. Though we’ve shared many years in Alpha Phi Omega, we were always reminded that people don’t remember the days nor the years. We remember moments. And yes, they were precious. How can we forget?

But our early days were not as gratifying and as rewarding as when we made a value shift and made our commitment that our APOGLA shall move on forward and become a gathering of families to form that fellowship circle. Thus, we worked as we continue to work with our families by our side. So well we did since 1984. It was a commitment we knew could not go wrong. Our friendships, our covenant; our APOKIDS, our living legacy. Before long, our grandchildren will come into the picture. Life unfolds, and a new landscape lies on the horizon.

We know for a fact, however, that it’s not the position that brother Bonjie held nor the accolades he received that made him the Bonjie Ingco that we came to know. It is the fact that wherever he was, he brought joy and laughter to others. A rare quality indeed.

As personal as this personal account is, I might add once again, as we all know, that when someone close to your heart passes and travels to the great beyond, it takes a while for us, for people to heal and ease the pain.

To the dear family whom Brother Bonjie has left behind, especially to Jiebon, Valerie and KC, allow me, allow us to once again express and share in the pain and the anguish of his passing.

A pillar in APOGLA has fallen. But it doesn’t make us weaker. No uncertainty; no doubt. With our constant effort to improve and develop - not only our organization and ourselves, but our inter-personal relationships above all, we shall be stronger than ever.

Just as when death and dying hits home, his passing provides us with a deeper meaning and a significant afterthought, a pleasant reminder of what we are really here for in our earthly life. Somehow, we are reminded to focus on some greater purpose. Every now and then, we are called upon to re-focus and reconsider our values and our culture. After all, we have a storied past - profound and far-reaching.

While we have seen the glory days of APOGLA, the world unfolds, and we know, the best is yet to come. We didn’t claim its glory. The glory is His, the Almighty. We can only claim APOGLA as a home away from home. A sanctuary for peace, comfort, joy and laughter for our soul. At least, that’s our hope. That’s all we want. We need it. It makes us even more . . .

As we move on along, we do not forget, as we always remember and recognize our dear friends who were and are with us in our journey. Just like brother Bonjie, let’s make a difference on our earthly life. Let’s touch as many lives as we possibly can. It will be a beautiful world as it is.

When all is said and done, it will be fair to say, that APOGLA, with all its triumphs and its tribulations, has thrived. It will continue to thrive, with our families by our side.

Nevertheless, regardless how great or how small or its seeming insignificance, our contribution to our APOGLA is a worthy endeavor and we can only be sure, we do make a difference.

On a more personal note, in our twilight years, we are tasked with a greater responsibility. Just as important as sharing our time, talent and treasure, is sharing with the younger generation the wisdom that only time and experience can bring. As we slow down during our retirement years, may we be more blessed with the precious gift of time. May His bountiful blessings provide us with the capacity to reflect on what’s true and real, and on things that really matter most. 12Apr18

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PICTURES FROM BROD BONJIE’S FUNERAL SERVICE

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PICTURES FROM EASTER EGG HUNT & 3RD GMM

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FELLOWSHIP @ BROD BODGIE’S PLACE AFTER 3RD GMM

Remembering Bro. Eric Galang - 10th Year Anniversary

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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM

By Bro. Dan E. Nino

HEALTH IS WEALTH This old expression no matter how overused, is still one of my favorite maxims. It still rings a bell because it’s absolutely true in many ways that health is wealth. If you are unhealthy, it sets you backward. You become unproductive to the point of useless and pain in the neck for your family care givers. They cannot do their normal chores because they either accompany you to your doctor, Emergency Care or Urgent Care or watch over you and the world stands still.

Before I had that quick burst of chest pain and was brought to Downey Kaiser by ambulance, I accompanied my wife Myrna a few days earlier to Kaiser Downey for severe stomach pain. It was later diagnosed that she had acid reflux. Her attending doctor figured that she ate too much spicy food, drank too much pop soda and too much coffee. After overnight stay at ER, I brought her home in the morning. In the afternoon however, she had stomach pain again and brought her back to ER. The real story why I chose this topic was that in the first episode when I brought her to Urgent Care at Kaiser, there was a long wait. And while waiting in the packed lobby, patients to my right, to my left and front were constantly coughing. After an hour wait, I decided to just wait in my car anticipating that I might be infected myself. True to my hunch, the following day it was my turn to cough with runny nose — a case of bad cold. It was not flu but bronchitis. I temporarily lost my voice that became raspy and weak After a week, I went to my primary physician. She administered anti-pneumonia shot as a precaution.

According my research, bronchitis causes an inflammation of the air passage while pneumonia causes fluid in the lungs due to an infection.

My cough is off and on. I took all possible remedies liketaking food supplements like Vitamin C, Robitussin DM, Airborne chewable gummies, Emergen-C granular tea spiked with lemon, accompanied with exercise— to help support my immune system.I’m well now.My point here is getting sick is not fun at all.

I hear so many medical advices like avoid the crowd. But hospitals are always filled with people. Churches are also packed with some church goers coughing. I bet, this is the worst Flu Season that I can remember with a record number people who died.

This Season brings to mind my nephew who was afflicted with flu but transitioned to pneumonia, died at age 47 last Jan. 8. John Anthony Eriguel, a former marine, a Customs Homeland Security employee, a gym habitue who died unexpectedly. – denino1951@gmail.com

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AR T ATT ACK ART TTA

BY Bro. Art Rivera

EULOGY DELIVERED DURING THE WAKE OF BROD BONJIE INGCO (It was an honor to share a few thoughts and words on the passing of a good friend and fraternity Brother and so, may I share them with you in print.)

Good evening, magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. My name is Art Rivera an APO Brother from Eta Chapter UP Diliman.

Many years ago, when we were starting our lives in this adopted country of ours, most of us were neighbors in the city of Los Angeles. Bonjie lived in Mariposa Street, we lived in Alexandria Ave., others in Harvard, Hobart or Normandie and other streets along Wilshire Blvd. and until now, we are still neighbors in Santa Clarita.

APO is the common tie that binds us fraternity brothers and our families. Bonjie was one of the charter members of APO Southern California until we’ve grown so big and are now called the APO Greater Los Angeles. There was a time when Brothers were raising our children almost at the same time, babysitting them with milk bottles in our back pockets. Our children grew up in the APO environment and formed themselves into the APO Kids. It is but natural that most of our children have also joined Alpha Phi Omega in their college years.

Those days are over, yet the cycle has come around, we are now caring for and looking after our grandchildren. And today, there are more than 30 APO families who call Santa Clarita home.

During APO meetings when the President would say, please refer or read your emails. Bonjie would be quick to answer, “pasensiya na kayo at kaming mga taga Batangas ay walang email, ang meron kami mail-eh!” Nowadays, in the advent of twitter and facebook, make sure that when Bonjie takes selfies, be there dahil in a few minutes nasa world news ka na!

When Island Pacific opened its newest branch in Santa Clarita, Brother Jun Linsangan organized a Saturday breakfast, so we all rushed to Phil House and occupied a long table to accommodate the more than ten of usl. At about 9:00 am, we were all having our breakfast, everything from tocino, daing na bangus, beef tapa, itlog, fried rice, suka na may sili at kape. Bonjie stood up and when he came back he was carrying a brown paper bag, he opened the bag and voila, Chicharon Bulaklak! It is just one of Brother Bonjie’s snack or pulutan of choice. After dining, we just sat there sharing stories, listening to Bonjie and Jun’s jokes or talking with the employees on lunch breaks until 2:00 in the afternoon. Wala naman kaming iniinom! When we stood up, we all walked inside the Hope of the Valley Thrift Store and started to browse. Then we saw a box of psychedelic printed long sleeved shirts still in their plastic wrappers $1 each! We all bought one or two shirts so we can give the extras to other brods and wear them during one of our parties looking like the Jersey Boys in a Blast to the Past! Hangga ngayon hindi pa rin namin na isuot!.

Every year during Simbang Gabi at Saint Kateri, Saint Clare and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bonjie and the rest of the Brods and spouses from Santa Clarita were always there to support this tradition and other events of the Filipino Ministry. Of course, fellowship would follow after the masses.

The last time we broke bread with Ka Bonjie was during the Super Bowl at April and Victor’s house, a few days before he would fly to the Philippines. Brod Chosy would always prepare the Super Bowl Pool and each one would place their bets on the boxes. After each quarter, a winner would received a portion of the pot. Brod Beeboy was holding on to the prize money and when Armand Mendoza won the big one, Jun called to inform him of his winnings. Brother Bonjie then interrupted and asked “Ka Armand, pahiram muna ng bente!” to which Armand obliged. Bonjie took the 20 dollar bill, stood up and walked to our 3 year old grandson and said “Zack this is for your birthday” and handed him the 20 dollar bill. Brothers, Sisters, friends, that is the classic, caring, thoughtful, Bonjie!

“Death leaves us pain that no one can heal, Love leaves us memories that no one can steal.”

Yes, Love is what Brother Bonjie left for us, his compassionate, caring, funny yet sincere love for humanity. He loved and cared for his family, his APO brothers and sisters, the APO sisters loved him, the APO wives loved him and the APO kids loved and looked up to Continued on page 7

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AR T ATT ACK ART TTA

BY Bro. Art Rivera

Continued from page 6

him. Grace, Ruth, Hazel, your favorite Senior Brod will sorely be missed. The ladies of Santa Clarita, (Caroline, Choy, Elsa, Estela, Florence, Grace, Pilucci, Fe, and my wife Gie), would specifically remind us not to forget Bonjie whenever there is an event or gathering, saying “si Bonjie huwag ninyong kakalimutan.” Ngayon, wala nang kakulitan sina Egay, Jun, Bobet, Willy and the rest of us. From now on, we will settle with the stories and the midnight jokes of Jun Linsangan, Brod Jun, nasa primetime ka na.

The loss of a loved one is always difficult to comprehend. We can never explain the phenomenon. Life is a gift from God, so beautiful, so wonderful, so precious yet so fragile. Some die young, some die older yet some may not even see the light of day. Such is the mystery of life, and yes, we are in this earth for a purpose. Take care of the important things that matter most, for if they are the only things left, our lives would still be complete. Take care of the Family, our Faith, our Friends, our passion and purpose. Find time to play with the grandkids, volunteer at church or at the hospital, take time to play your favorite sport, like golf, fishing, cycling, attend reunions, find time to have a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a bottle of beer with your friends or anything that which make you active and well. Most of all find time to show you care and tell your loved ones that you love them.

Therefore, we should aim to do our part in life to make this a better world for our children and the next generations to come. Remember, We are here to give to each other and to help each other in this journey we call life.

Jiebon, KC, Vaianne and Tommy, you lost a loving, caring, understanding and funny Dad, Collin, Ashton and Calista may not know it yet but Bonjie did have a wonderful time with them. APO lost a funny, dear friend, and fraternity brother. We all weep and mourn the loss of a wonderful human being.

In closing may I share a few lines from the pen of William Wordsworth when he wrote Ode to Intimations of Immortality: “What though the radiance that once shine so bright, be now forever taken from my sight, though nothing can bring back the hour of the splendor in the grass, the glory in the flower, we will grieve not, but rather find strength in what remains behind…”

Now, may I request all those whose lives have been touched, have been influenced, have been at the receiving end of Bonjie’s affection and those who enjoyed his jokes, to please stand. Let us express our gratitude, love, warm farewell to a beloved Father, Uncle, Grandpa, Friend and APO Brother by giving Bonjie the biggest round of applause and ovation!

On behalf of APOGLA, President Beeboy, Board Chairman Toti, our spouses, our families, we are grateful to be part in the celebration of the life of Bonjie and we express our profound condolences to his family.

Brother Bonjie, Godspeed and until we meet again, hopefully not so soon. Maraming salamat po, and I love you, too.

THE GENTLEMAN #2 Here are a few more thoughts to ponder...

“A-Ten-Hut! - A gentleman stands when a lady enters or exits a room or sits on your table.”

“Hats Off - A gentleman knows that he should always remove his hat indoors, when greeting a lady, when being introduced and while at the table.”

“Side-Walking - When walking with a lady, a gentleman knows to always walk on the side of traffic.

“Stairs - A gentleman should always follow behind a lady when walking up stairs and leading in front when walking down.”

“The Revolving Door - When a revolving door is in motion, a lady should always enter first. If however the door is at a standstill, a gentleman should enter first to set it in motion.”

There you are, until the next time. Cheers and “doo-bi-doo-bidoo!”

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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo It’s April and spring is on its way. The days get longer and rain begins to trickle in the sky, misty mornings will welcome peaceful attitudes.

It also means warmer days and wildlife viewing opportunities all in the horizon.

And in the midst of this beautiful weather and nature displaying all its charms, we would like to greet our Brods and Sisters celebrating their birthdays. I hope you are not only blessed on your birthday but that you are also surprised by blessings. So to you all April born . . . Happy Birthday!

It would be good for you to know that those born in April are curious, adventurous, assertive, passionate, bold, active, creative and independent. *************************** ALPHA President Brod Pio Torneros is bent on keeping track of members based not only in the US but also those residing in other countries. He is currently in contact with the family of Sis Ruferda Mariano nee Coloma (batch 60s) who was hospitalised in Malaysia. She’s recovering now and is back with her family. Yeah, it takes extra effort but Brod Pio is just willing to do it among the so many things he has to do. *************************** This month has been a month of celebrating the lives of two APOGLA Brods who have passed on. We bade goodbye to our beloved Brod Bodjie Ingco who was snatched away from us all too soon. In a ceremony held recently at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, the rites were so solemn and touching not a few shed tears. Aside from APO Brods and Sisters, friends and relatives from all over came to pay their respects.

Those who gave their share of the eulogy vividly described our beloved Brod. We shall forever treasure him in our hearts.

The Galang family led by Sis Emma Galang invited one and all in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Brod Eric’s passing. It was almost a day celebration which started with the visit to Brod Eric’s resting place and ending with the gathering of his friends and relatives at the Galang residence. A beautiful video showing the highlights of his life was artistically crafted by his loving daughters.

All in all the celebration of two Brothers who were once part of our daily lives touched us to the core. They may no longer be with us but they continue to live on in our hearts and in our minds. *************************** The ACNA quarterly meeting in Dallas, Texas, we understand, was well-attended and was a great success.

According to ACNA Prez Sis Irma Almazan, the objectives of the meeting were met.

Allow us to congratulate Sis Ophel Amon who won a laptop during the raffle. An office mate of Sis Irma won a huge TV set and she bought only one ticket! So, a piece of advice ...buy your raffle ticket for September when the car would be raffled. Who knows we might be congratulating you later? Also, it might be good to prepare for the Montreal convention come September. Right? *************************** Congratulations to Aileen Ventura Andrade who graduated recently from Capella University in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a Master of Science degree in Psychology with Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Aileen is the daughter of Sis Beth Ventura, Beta Chapter, Batch 74 and currently APOGLA board member.

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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 Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Roberto Aralar, Eric Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Babatuan, Junie Baquiran, Faye Bayani, JR Bonete, Ma. Elena Calajate, Candy Cardenas, Mike Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Leonardo 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 Mansilla, Beeboy Mejia, Francis Mendoza, Armand

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Mendez, Daemma Miranda, Shane Nino , Dan Ninofranco, Edgar Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Pastores, Alex Posadas, Rey Raquel, Maybelle Reyes, Roehl Robles, Jo Robles, Robby Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Jet Rosales, Nonot Salas, Hazel Sipin, Perry Somera, Herman Sta Rosa, Theodore Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Lito Tarculas, Josie Tavera, Glenda Tecson, Ed Tunque, Doms Valera, Lisa Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammy Zara, Grace

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 APRIL CELEBRANTS MEMBER: 01 - Chito Atangan 04 - Dimples Vallesteros 06 - Julius Parayno, Mark Sabalburo 09 - Melody Ang-Gayon 12 - Vic Fisico, - Jet Rosal 13 - Art Parducho, Herman Somera 15 - Troy Agagon 16 - Butch Alo, - Raul Tecson 17 - Alan Orbe 19 - Willy Alejandria, Danny Carrasco - Mac Lichauco 20 - Paul Languisan 22 - Ryan Abaigar 24 - Christian David, Lester Arevalo 25 - Oca Brillo, Karim Azar Grajo 27 - Mike Cardenas, Egay Ninofranco 28 - Ellery Atienza 30 - Pete Villaver SPOUSE: 05 - Luzviminda Vinluan 06 - Christa Paredes 07 - Veronica Medina 08 - Fatima Medina, Teresa Paras 11 - Rose Lichauco 15 - Nellie Parayno 22 - Jennifer Valdecantos 25 - Lulu Somera 27 - Babeth Jayoma 28 - Josie Likwong 30 - Beth Capulong APO KIDS: 01 - Jaybe David, Dimples Serrano 02 - Jon Andrei Arciga 06 - Christopher Ayo, Zanie Zamora 09 - Chowee Sy, Virgil Junio - April Rivera 10 - Samantha Cajucom 13 - Maurice Chua 16 - Paco Franco 17 - Nelia Barcelona, Laura Bautista 18 - Erica Galang, Helena Marte 20 - John Paul Languisan, Jean Valdecantos, Jestie Villanueva 22 - Dashiell Samoy, - Maryann Nonato 24 - Joenille Baxal, Christibel David - Carmina Lichauco 25 - Marialita Estrada 26 - Arianne Posadas, Jenevie Amon 27 - Cynthia Bautista 29 - Melvin Villaver Jr. 30 - April Johanne Ang Gayon, - Maegan Marie Serrano

4TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2018 - Assembly @ 5pm - GMM 6pm to 8pm - Fellowship follows ‘til midnight WHERE: Brod Bodgie Gapido’s Place 1648 Grenoble Avenue West Covina, CA 91791 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Beeboy Mansilla

CP No. 818-645-8573

Casey Mansilla 918 S. Kingsley Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006

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www.alphaphiomega.org