TNB Newsletter April 2019

Vol 39 Issue 4

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

April 2019

LA Mar athon 2019: APOGLA Connects Mara

By Bro. Domel Evangelista

The Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon is a mammoth occasion, an event that consumes a large portion of Los Angeles on race day. That's 26.2 miles of carefully plotted course, strewn together with cheering fans, food and hydration stations, and blaring music that keeps a runner blood flowing.

The unsung heroes in the Mayhem of the Marathon? Volunteers.These kinds of individuals provide those on race day with a smile and some help, giving their free time for a good cause. - Sometimes that free time can equate up to 33 years of one's life. Just ask Edgar Ninofranco.

Ninofranco has been a volunteer with the marathon since its first years, an ad in in the LA Times spurring him and his college alumni network into action.

Excerpts from the Volunteer Spotlight: It Takes a Village‌and Some Special Volunteers, 2019 Skechers Los Angeles Marathon From the very beginning, Alpha Phi Omega – Greater Los Angeles (APO-GLA) has been a part of the Los Angeles Marathon.

It is one of the established APO-GLA service projects and event that every member is looking forward to volunteering every year.

Volunteering for the LA Marathon appears undemanding but is one of the vigorous undertaking for APO-GLA. Preparation for the members begins the day or night before when they cook meals so that every volunteer at the Mile 13 Water Station will not go hungry.They wake up early so they can be at the designated station before 5:00 AM; several are even present as early as 4:00 AM. And they travel coming from distant places.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Easter is the day on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Sunday, April 21). On Saturday, April 20, 2019, APOGLA will provide Easter Egg Hunt for member kids and grandkids. Sis. Daema Mendez will chair the event, so have your kids join the fun.

I would like to thank PP Sis. Emma Galang, for accommodating the group on our 3rd GMM. Thanks again, To PP Bro. Egay Ninofranco and to all Volunteers for a successful community service, the yearly L.A. Marathon.

Another successful event is the Spring Meeting of the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA) in Chicago, hosted by APO-Midwest. A well attended meeting from different alumni association in North America. There are 2 major events that transpired: 1.

The acceptance of APO Alumni Association of Quebec and APO de Montreal Alumni Association.

Both Alumni Association will have 1 year probation.

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Bro. Marc Barcelona of APO FYI as Chairman of the Board and Sis. Esther Damiel of APO Midwest-Chicago as Board Secretary.

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, this will fund our yearly service project, the Food Bank which will be on June 15 and Operation Gratitude, on July 20, for more details about the Buscapade, please contact our project coordinators, Bro. Ed Romero or Bro. Alex Pastores.

Another big event is fast approaching, the yearly APOGLA Family Camping on Memorial Weekend, May 24, Friday to 27, Monday.

For more details on these events, I would like to encourage everyone to attend our 4th General Membership Meeting this Saturday, April 20, 2019 @ 6:00 PM at Bro. Bodjie Gapido’s Residence. Assembly time for Easter Egg Hunt will be at 12 Noon.

Your opinion and suggestions are always welcome.

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 Ed Romero • Daemma Mendez • Boy Medina Brod Marc Wilson Barcelona (APO-FYI president) elected chair of the APO-ACNA board of directors for 2019 and Sis Estrella “Esther” Suico Daymiel (APO Midwest-Chicago president) BOD secretary. Brod Juanito “Jun” V. de Castro Jr., APO-ACNA president for 2019-20, administers the oath-taking

Contributors Mike Medina • Ed Romero • Fely Montecillo Toti Ayo • Domel Evangelista • Andrew Evangelista Troy Agagon • Edgar Ninofranco • Vic Paredes

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BO ARD OF DIRECT BOARD DIRECTOR’S OR’S CORNER A Lenten Reflection by Bro Toti Ayo, Chairman of the Board Since we are in this season of Lent, I’ll take this opportunity to share a brief reflection.

So timely to reflect on our personal, as well as organizational experiences as we go thru the liturgical drama that is played out year after year - where we are reminded that although suffering and death are part of the human experience, our gift of faith gives us hope and the promise of a resurrection in the risen Christ.

When I was watching my brother struggling, trying to go thru the hoped-for earthly healing process, knowing that sometime soon his physical being will give up, I tried to imagine him in his glorified state, the way he will be when he goes up to heaven when he leaves his earthly life - as he did so soon thereafter.

With all the grandeur and the beauty that our earthly life has to offer, there’s so much that we go thru, especially later in life when afflictions come to pass.

There comes a point however, when we are made to reflect on the hurts and the pains when we grieve the passing of our love ones. We experience, we live thru, we enter into the Paschal mystery - the passion, death and the Resurrection of our Lord.

When we do that, our pains and suffering is given a more profound meaning as we struggle thru life’s journey, with our profession of faith.

With the promise of the glory of Easter, we continue life’s journey, reminded by this season’s Stations of the Cross - that we too, shall carry the Cross and follow Him. That way, we no longer focus on the world as it is. We imagine the world as it can be.

This brings me to reflect, on an APOGLA as it is and what it can be - in many ways a transformational growth, after going through a Lenten process.

With our leaders, with its constant effort and commitment to making a positive contribution to a healthy GLA family, with all that it’s been thru, with all its triumphs and its glories, with all its challenges and imperfections, not only the way that it is, but a GLA that it can be.

Beyond all these, our human experiences, let’s do more. Let’s continue to work together to be more. May we be ever inspired, ever an inspiration to others, as we look beyond the celebration and the glory of Easter.

TA, 11Apr19

OBITU ARIES OBITUARIES On behalf of the whole APOGLA family, we extend our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Bro. Carlos “Caloy” Caliwara. Brod Caloy who is from Alpha Chapter Batch ‘76-E, served as APO Philippines National President in 1987-1989. He is the Chair of the Technical Working Group/ConCon that drafted the 2017 APO Code of Bylaws ratified in the Gensan NBGA. He is a lawyer by profession and served as the Secretary General of the APO National Presidents League. He was the Asst. Secretary of the Dept. of Information and Communications Technology at the time of his passing. May perpetual light shines upon him. May he rest in peace.

Our condolences also goes to the whole Alpha Chapter for the passing of Bro. Ryan Jay Litao, Alpha Chapter, Batch 2001 last April 7, 2019 due to heart failure. May he rest in peace

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Pictures from Los Angeles Marathon 2019 Service

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Pictures from Los Angeles Marathon 2019 Service

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FROM THE LOS ANGELES MARATHON

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Volunteering at the LA Marathon

By Angelo Evangelista The 2019 LA Marathon was spectacle to behold, with thousands of people of all shapes and color participating to truly test themselves. At this event, APO was positioned at mile thirteen, just like every year, to volunteer.. Our objective was to rehydrate and re-energize those running in the marathon. The volunteering event began at about five in the morning.

One of the first tasks to be completed was to set up the tables and distribute supplies to each table for water and gatorade. We brought tables to both sides of the street along with the supplies each station required. This allowed APO and other volunteers to be on both sides of the runners as they persevered through making it easier for them to grab the replenishment they needed.

The many tables set up were to have water and gatorade setup in multiple layers, ensuring that there would be enough to pass out to the runners. A very simple task, yet it took time and efficiency. But that time flew as friends chatted and joked around. After the cups were all ready to be passed out, the last thing to do was to wait for the runners and offer any hydration that they needed. Our job was to rehydrate them, but we also cheered for the runners that zoomed by. It would be awhile before any of the runners came by, so many volunteers took a break. Many of the APO volunteers contributed food to the overall potluck and it was highly appreciated by every volunteer there. Whether it was donuts or soup, all the food there was brought to provide for friends and family. After many of us were finished eating, some runners began to make their way through mile thirteen, but they didn’t stop for a single drop of water, but our cheers of encouragement seemed to replenish them all the same.

As more and more people began running through, the spectacle was just about to start. People that had been through different walks of life began to steadily run through. It was amazing to see thousands pass by, all with their own reason to push themselves through this test of life. Most of the volunteers started to grab the cups they set up and stretched their arms out towards the runners. The higher the sun rose, it seemed like the livelihood of our stationed began to rise as well with music blasting, adding a rhythm to the stride of the runners. All of the volunteers screaming, “Gatorade!” or “Water!” only added to the energy that mile thirteen was radiating.

This went on for about three to four hours as volunteers stood throughout the whole event passing water. It was a very heartwarming sight to see, volunteers stretching their arms out to offer nourishment that the runners would need for the rest of the marathon. The amount of determination that passed through mile thirteen was astounding and we, the volunteers, witnessed it every year, but that amount of resolve remains timeless. As the last of the runners began to push through, we began to clean up, returning the tables and supplies back to the truck it came from. As the volunteer event started to end, friends and family gave their goodbyes with tired, but cheerful smiles. Everyone would go home that day with an experience with their friends and an experience that helped people reach their dreams.

LA Marathon: APOGLA Connects Continued from page 1

Despite the challenges of volunteering for the LA Marathon, APO-GLA members continue to participate every year.

Regardless of the hard work, the smile and laughter can beheard all over the place. In one way of the other, APOGLAdisplays a connection to theevent and can be seen in the happiness and joy that radiates among the brothers and sisters, family members and their friends. It is one of the reasons why more friends come to volunteer for the LA Marathon.

The enthusiasm serves as an invitation that is simply difficult to ignore. This year, more than 150 volunteers participated at APO-GLA’s designated water station at Mile 13. More friends of APO Kids came to help give water and cheer the runners.

The merriment did not stop after the LA Marathon. It ended only after more stories, anecdotes and tales were told and more laughter were heard over a hearty lunch and smooth drinks at Bro. Paul Languisan’s residence.

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Amazing APO kid

Picture: Prom King Brandon Park, Ms. Sabbagh, Teacher/ Chaperon and Prom Queen Celeste Medina.

Congratulations to one of our amazing APO Kids, Celeste Medina! She was crowned Etiwanda High School 2019 Prom Queen.

Celeste is the daughter of our Incumbent President Bro. Mike “Boy” Medina and Veronica Medina.

Pictures from March GMM at Sis. Emma Galang’s Place

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PICTURES FR OM ACN A 1ST Q UAR TERL Y MEETING IN FROM CNA QU ARTERL TERLY CHICA GO WEST -CHICA GO AA CHICAGO GO.. HOSTED BY APO MID MIDWEST WEST-CHICA -CHICAGO

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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo April is here once again . . . a breather from the cold winter!

How much do we know about April anyway? April love? April fools? For starters, April is derived from the Latin word “aperit” which means to open. April, thus, is the month of the growing season and when trees and flowers begin to open. It is also believed that the months name is named after the Greek goddess, Aphrodite. In old English Apri.

This month, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 21. This is a joyous celebration in the whole Christian world. Families gather to enjoy the occasion. So allow me to greet each and every one of you an advanced Happy Easter! ************************ And to all the birthday celebrants this month . . . Happy Birthday! May more blessings come your way!

Did you know that those born during this month are sensitive and sensible? They are also particular about things around them. They follow their heart, but take their brain in doing so. They are also brave, bold, creative and kind. The April born are also very brave and courageous. They are not afraid to deal with problems and obstacles. They also prove to be real good friends.

Well, am not surprised at all why there are many April born in APOGLA! ************************ Alphans are mourning the passing of two beloved brods recently. Brods Carlos Mayorico “Caloy” Caliwara and Ryan Litao who have joined the great Creator. But what is heartening is the way how the Alphans worked like a well-oiled machine to come to the aid of the families left behind. Also, Brod Jham Jamero , Alpha board member, to immediately move for the creation of an Emergency Fund so the group can immediately assist the bereaved families left behind.

At this point, allow us to extend our condolences to the families of Brods Caloy Caliwara and Ryan Litao. ************************ HAPPY BIRTHDAY and congratulations to our beloved Erika Galang on her 30th birthday, her recent graduation and her new-found career! Mother Sis Emma is beaming with pride and joy and who wouldn’t be? We all wish you the best Dahling!

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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, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Argonza, Arvin Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Nards Clarete, Sam Conferido, Ruben* Delmolin, Froilan Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fisico, Teddy Ford, Rebecca Gapido, Bodjie Garrovillas, Ernie Gomez, Tony Guerrero, Jing* Jovellanos, Jobee Lautchang, Wilson Layno, MaryAnn Linsangan, Jun Magsino,Jimmy** Maidin, Yusup Manalastas, Ruth Mansilla, Beeboy

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Marte, Rocky Mendez, Daemma Miranda, Shane Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Noche, Ceasar Padua, Rey Paggao, Jerome Parayno, Julius Paredes, Victor Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Posadas, Rey Reyes, Roehl Roberto, Marisol Romero, Ed Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Jet Salas, Hazel Sevilla, Bobby Sipin, Perry Somera, Herman Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tavera, Glenda Tunque, Doms Valera, Lisa Ventura, Beth Venturina, Jimmy Vinluan, Jehiel Yambot, Ferdie Yenko, Rene as of April 10, 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 APRIL CELEBRANTS MEMBER: 01 - Chito Atangan 04 - Dimples Vallesteros 06 - Julius Parayno, Mark Sabalburo 09 - Melody Ang-Gayon 12 - Jet Rosal 13 - 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, - Maegan Marie Serrano

4TH GMM & EASTER EGG HUNT WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2019 - Easter Egg Hunt - 12pm - GMM 6pm to 8pm - Fellowship follows ‘til midnight WHERE: Bro. Bodgie Gapido’s Place 1648 S. Grenoble Ave. West Covina, CA 91791 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Mike Medina CP# 909-214-4737 Bro. Domel Evangelista CP# 323-302-3871 Bro. Bodgie Gapido CP# 626-340-5124

Mishael Medina 13831 Portofino St. Fontana, CA 92336

Stamps Here

www.alphaphiomega.org