Vol 41 Issue 4
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
April 2021
APOGLA starting to get back to normalcy with caution. Only those who have been vaccinated were allowed to participate, this was after the blood drive service in West Covina, CA hosted by Bro. Bodgie Gapido.
We Dar e To Mak e A Dif ence Dare Make Difffer erence
By Bro. Art Rivera This was the theme adapted for the year 1994 to inspire us to work hard and forge ahead in our association’s goals and objectives. The induction program and Christmas Dinner Dance ‘93 was held at the Renaissance Hotel LAX with Carson City Councilman Pete Fajardo and APO Philippines National President Chato Marinas as Guest Speakers. January saw the first Meeting of the Past Presidents with the Officers and Directors to listen, ponder and learn from the thoughts and wisdom of the past leaders. Then, the Northridge Earthquake struck during the early morning of Monday, January 16 which reminded us of life’s challenges and uncertainties. Los Angeles rebuilt and recovered. Ladies Night, a tradition after its introduction in 1987, was held in February with fun and fanfare for all. APO Southern California became a fixture at the Los Angeles Marathon, April was our Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, May was the Annual Car Rally and Camping. The Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles invited Filipino American Associations to participate in the Philippine Independence Celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm and APOAASC joined in the Santacruzan with Lauren Trinidad as Reyna Elena. Jennipher Picazo, April Rivera and Christible David as our Zagalas and Gabby Magno as Angel. ACNA President Toti Ayo and I traveled to Toronto for the APO ACNA Semi-annual meeting then APOAA Southern California flew in the most delegates to Chicago, IL for the ACNA Convention in September. We also brought home the Sportsfest Champion Trophy. Continued on page 3
2
PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE I would like to salute Bro Art Rivera for filing his candidacy for the position of ACNA President. He simply exemplified the early teaching we received from our APO collegiate days – PAY DUES. We have mostly associated dues with financial obligations and responsibilities such as membership fee, annual dues, donations for services, projects and assistances to fellow members. This is very much true and I strongly believe that an organization with strong financial health will simply function more smoothly. I would like to thank all members who have paid their annual dues, you have made APO-GLA enduring. Dues, however, do not solely relate to financial contributions. Citing a brother’s message during an APOPhilippines Biennial Convention, he stated it best when he said “Paying our dues to Alpha Phi Omega is offering the totality of our personality, our abilities and talents for the betterment and greater glory of the organization. If we withhold a personal asset in the service of our organization, then we have not paid our dues to Alpha Phi Omega.” Bro Art’s candidacy to be the ACNA President is best example of a brother offering himself, with his vast knowledge and experience in and out of Alpha Phi Omega, to the furtherance of Alpha Phi Omega thru ACNA. And I would say that it is only with loyalty, commitment and dedication that one will pursue this duty despite the possible financial and emotional exhaustion that can be attached to campaigns and being ACNA President. To Bro Art, and all the past ACNA Presidents in APO-GLA and other alumni associations, I applaud you. Let us follow their examples. In our simple ways, let ourselves be a spark, let ourselves be a means in making our APO-GLA better, stronger, united in one goal. Each and everyone of you, my dear brother and sisters, have knowledge, experience, talents, resources that you can share to APO-GLA; I know this, I believe in this, because you are an APO. Let it be now, my brothers and sister; we are not getting younger. Sabi nga – Kung hindi tayo, sino?! Kung hindi ngayon, kailan?! Hindi pa tapos ang laban, I would like to thank Bro Shane for stepping up and organizing the blood donation project. He was very diligent and meticulous in the preparation, and engaging in inviting volunteers to the service project. We only need 30 volunteers but more came. With the volunteers’ safety as his primary concern, he agreed to cancel the service per recommendation of the blood bank staff and after his assessment/evaluation of the blood donation bus. Thank you to all the volunteers who went to the service project. Thank you Bro Bodjie for being a generous host to the volunteers after the project. Thank you to all who shared their dishes and beverages, especially to Bro Jobee and Sis Hazel for the lechon fiesta . Looking forward to seeing you at our next GMM’s and service projects. In leadership, friendship, and service I remain, BroDomel
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: Building A Future Worthy of Our Past”
3
We Dar e To Mak e A Dif ence Dare Make Difffer erence
By Bro. Art Rivera
Continued from page 1
We partnered with Tree People and the brothers and sisters rolled up sleeves and planted over a hundred trees in the program of keeping LosAngeles green. Through Children International, we adopted Francia Barra Bequillo, a nine year old daughter of a fisherman and a housekeeper from Barrio Sagurong, Camarines Sur, with monthly financial support for her education. The “Best of Times” Dinner-Dance Fundraiser, held at the former Hilton Midtown Plaza Hotel, was a big hit as we dined and danced to the music of the Legacy Band. We celebrated the 14th Foundation Anniversary at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys on December 3, 1994 with another fun-filled entertainment dubbed “Eto Na!” The Honorable Brother Emmanuel Fernandez, Epsilon Chapter and then Consul General of the PCG Los Angeles was Guest of Honor and Speaker. It was a privilege to have served alongside these equally dedicated brothers and sisters; Geoffrey Arroyo (Vice President), Melody Ang-Gayon (Secretary), Emma Rubina-Galang (Treasurer), Gener Trajano + (Auditor), Henry Vladecantos (PRO), Dan Nino (Chairman of the Board), Lester Arevalo (Director), Joel Carbon (Director), Jimmy Magsino (Director), Mayo Monilla + (Director) and Bobbitte Picazo (Director). We bid adieu to 1994, “the year we dared to make a difference” and welcomed “1995...The Beginning of a New Vision” and the change of name from APO Southern California to APO Greater Los Angeles. Fast forward to 2021, a year after Covid 19 disrupted our lives, we pledge to support the programs of the administration of President Domel, VP Jen Evangelista, COB Casey Mansilla and all the incumbent Officers, Directors and Area Coordinators. This will be our distinctive way of keeping the legacy of our beloved Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles as we move on to new adventures. This coming September Labor Day Weekend, we will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the Alumni Council of North America Convention. It will also be the time when we will elect the new leaders of The Council who will serve for the next two years. I have decided to throw in my name in the ring and run for the Presidency of ACNA and continue our journey of service. Together with you, the members and families of APOGLA, we will join hands to make a difference in the lives of others and “Build Bridges of Friendship, Hope and Goodwill.”
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 Sancho Sy Photos/Graphics by Shane Miranda • Lester Arevalo Contributors Fely Montecillo • Dan Nino Art Rivera • Domel Evangelista Jen Evangelista • Troy Agagon
4
BL OOD DRIVE SER VICE BLOOD SERVICE
5
Pictur es fr om Blood Dri ve Ser vice in West Co vina, CA Pictures from Driv Service Covina,
Meet our ne w member O. HER OME BOLISA Y new member:: BR BRO HEROME BOLISAY Chapter /Batch year:
Epsilon Omicron, Batch 2009 Wesleyan University, Cabanatuan City
Hometown:
Cabanatuan City
Profession or field: Professional Chef, Musician, Businessman How did you hear about APOGLA?
I saw Brother Jo Peneza at the Seafood City in Carson. He was wearing an APO cap. I whistled and he heard it. He invited me to the next GMM.
Most memorable amuyong duty:
My lords asked me to approach female students to get their phone numbers. I got hundreds of phone numbers during my amuyong period. All the girls thought it was me calling them but it was the lords.
Words of wisdom to share:
I got an obsession of spending money but I also have a bigger obsession of making it.
APO ID number:
0515-2009-46477
Welcome to APOGLA, Bro Herome! If you are in the Orange County Area, make time to visit and experience his culinary expertise at the Nova Kitchen by Hyatt Garden Grove.
6
FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM BY BRO. DAN E. NINO, CEO/COB, APOPGLA 501 C-3
How Many More Peace-Loving People Will Be Shot? I’m appalled that peace-loving Americans are shot at or murdered without provocations. I never imagined that some people in our adopted country are full of hatred. From a distance before coming to America, I admired the United States as an advocate of peace; a shining beacon of freedom, democracy, decency and tolerance irrespective of the color of our skin, creed and nationality. America welcomed and embraced us where we can chase or realize our American Dream. After all, America was built by immigrants. I grieve whenever I hear that innocent and unarmed civilians are shot at with impunity. Civilians and some of them are schoolchildren are shot at in schools, university campuses, grocery stores, churches, synagogues, during concerts, movie houses, massage parlors, bars, nightclubs, newsrooms, airports, festival ground, etc. I ask myself. Are we safe? We are like a failed state like Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, etc. where high-powered guns are used to kill people. The recent gun violence took place near Atlanta, Georgia majority of them Asians, Boulder, Colorado and FedEx Facility in Indianapolis. The U.S. has reported at least 45 mass shootings in the last month alone. We also hear hate crime in this country. Although not a victim of gun violence, a Filipino-American by the name of Vilma Kari was mauled while on her way to church in Manhattan, New York by a Black man who was a parolee for killing his own mother. And mocked her, “You don’t belong here.” Another Filipino, Noel Quintana was slashed on the face in a subway in New York. In Torrance, CA last year, a Filipina while exercising was chastised with expletives and ordered to go back to where she came from. There are many more incidents to cite but due to space limitation, we won’t be able to print them all. In every society, the U.S. included, there are people suffering from mental disorder who are ready to kill. It’s like the proverbial, “There are snakes in every forest” – ready to bite. This is where religion kicks in. If we only follow God-inspired scriptures, we won’t have these issues. If we only adhere to God’s teachings of “Love thy neighbor, Love one another or Thou shall not kill,” we will not suffer these abomination in America. Most of the weapons used in these mass killings are high-powered used in wars. Firearms are used to protect oneself from criminals but not to kill people at random. They also used in sporting events like hunting. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” I interpret this amendment using the word Militia as the right of the people to bear arms in the defense of this country from foreign and domestic terrorists but not to kill its own law-abiding and peace-loving citizens. During the early founding of this country, settlers used firearms for hunting, self-defense and thereafter the fight for independence from British rule. This is not about politics, Republican, Democratic, Progressives, Rightist or Leftist issues. It’s about preserving the sanctity of lives because lives are so precious. The media don’t magnify this aversion? They report and analyze the news. That’s their job as members of the Fourth Estate. Their role is important to a functioning democracy as watchdogs. I’m already tired of hearing “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.” Is the National Rifle Association complicit for its inability to reign in these mass murderers? When will this carnage end? denino1951@gmail.com
7
ACN A CONVENTION UPD ATE CNA UPDA
OBITU AR Y UA RY This month the APOGLA Family lost a few more loved ones. As a family we share your sadness and we join you in prayers for the eternal salvation of the souls of: BENJIE DAVID - brother of Sis. Josie/Bro. Lito, Bro. Ramon and Bro. Jayde. Our condolences to the whole DAVID family. May he rest in peace. MANUEL BRAVO (November 15, 1936 - April 5, 2021) - father of Oyet/Bro. Francis Mejia. We are sorry for your loss. JOSEPHINE SY - sister of Bro. Sancho/May Sy. Died due to cardiac arrest last March 28, 2021 in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. She was 68 years old. LEONIE ROSE MARIANO-FELIPE - sister of Bro. Marlon Mariano, Alpha Chapter from APO Toronto. Bro. Marlon has been in LA this past few weeks to take care of his sister’s funeral. Our condolences to the family.
And to all APOGLA Kapamilya who lost a loved one, our deepest sympathies. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
8
GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Wow! It’s now the fourth month of the year! It’s April, known for the beautiful spring weather, the start of warmer weather. This month is also known as a time of growth and moving forward in new and positive ways. Psychic energy is abundant at this time so it is the ideal month for meditating for the purpose of healthier living and raising consciousness. It’s no wonder then we have the songs “April Love”, “April in Paris”, “April Come She Will”, “April Showers”, “April Fools”, “April Lady” and “Deep Purple-April”. *************************** The two Zodiac signs connected to the month of April are Aries and Taurus, People born from April 1 to April 19, fall under the sign of Aries. Those born from April 20 to the 30th are born under the sign of Taurus. Those under the sign of Aries are courageous, competitive, honest, driven, generous and energetic while those born under the sign of Taurus are reliable, patient, devoted, responsible, stable, stubborn, possessive and uncompromising. So to our Brothers and Sisters born this month, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of you! May your blessings from the Lord multiply a hundred fold! *************************** We can say that through it all, and by God’s Grace, APOGLA persisted and continued doing its job even if Covid-19 continued its evil deed. Some pockets of meetings did take place, a social gathering here and there, some service for humanity became a realization! The spirit of brotherhood rolled on and I’m proud to say, “We did it!” *************************** Despite the pandemic, friends and Brothers and Sisters of Brod Bobet Peneza joined him in celebrating his natal day in his residence. Some APO members from other chapters were just glad to make merry with him. It was really quite a celebration! *************************** Hopefully, we shall meet again as most of us have been vaccinated already. It’s about time to have our GMM so we can sit down and talk about serious business (ahem!). But truly, we do miss each other don’t we? For the meantime however, take care of yourselves and don’t let your guards down. Till we meet again and may the Lord protect you and give you more blessings!
9
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. 44. 45. 46.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronald Amon, Ophel Amon, Tony Anadilla Jr., Ariston Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Aralar, Eric Arevalo, Lester Arnaldo, Manuel Arroyo, Geoffrey Atienza, Oca Ayo, Toti Bayani, JR Blaza, Christine Bonete, Maria Cajucom, Willy Carrasco, Danny Chin, Jun Clarete, Sam Cobarrubias, Bob 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 Jove, Nestor Jove, Shirley Jovellanos, Jobee Junio, Virgil
47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 69. 70. 71. 72. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 82. 84. 85. 86. 88. 89. 90. 91.
Lara, Bobet Layno, Mary Ann Linsanagan, Jun Madrigal, Jun Madrigal, Tess Maidin, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Mejia, Francis Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Nino, Dan Noche, Caesar Padua, Rey Pangilinan, Angel Paredes, Vic Peneza, Jo Petreace, Petchie Posadas, Rey Remorozo, Gerald Reyes, Roehl Roberto, Marisol Rosal, Justin Rosales, Cesar Rubina-Galang, Emma Serrano, Eric Sevilla, Bobby Sipin, Perry Somera, Herman Tarculas, Josie Tecson, Edgardo (Balot) Turallo, Silver Valentino, Hero Ventura, Beth Yambot, Ferdie Yenko, Rene Zamora, Sammie as of 4.16.2021
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 APRIL CELEBRANTS MEMBER: 01 - Chito Atangan, Bobby Sevilla 02 - Bobet Peneza 04 - Dimples Vallesteros 06 - Julius Parayno, Mark Sabalburo 09 - Melody Ang-Gayon 12 - Jet Rosal, Vic Fisico+ 13 - Herman Somera 15 - Troy Agagon 16 - Butch Alo, Raul Tecson, Chris Silva 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 12 - Maricar Gopez 15 - Nellie Parayno 22 - Jennifer Valdecantos 25 - Lulu Somera 27 - Babeth Jayoma 28 - Josie Likwong, Cherrie Rosal 30 - Beth Capulong APO KIDS: 01 - Jaybe David, Dimples Serrano 02 - Jon Andrei Arciga, John Paul Turallo 04 - Alezza Pagdanganan 06 - Christopher Ayo, Zanie Zamora 09 - Chowee Sy, Virgil Junio, April Rivera 10 - Samantha Cajucom, Ajay Pangilinan 11 - Kingston Argonza 13 - Maurice Chua 16 - Paco Franco 17 - Nelia Barcelona, Laura Bautista Cameron Valdecantos 18 - Erica Galang, Helena Marte 20 - John Paul Languisan, Jean Valdecantos, Jestie Villanueva 22 - Dashiell Samoy, Maryann Nonato 23 - Sebastian Tavera 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
VIR TU AL APRIL GMM VIRTU TUAL Join us this Saturday, April 17, 2021 starting @ 4:00 PM via ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
MEETING ID# 321 950 1216 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