Vol 37 Issue 4
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
May 2017
Pec hang a Busca pade: ANO THER BLAST! echang hanga Buscapade: ANOTHER By Bro. Ferdie Yambot
With all 53 participants’ jubilance in our Pechanga Buscapade, we had another experience to brag about! Brothers, Sisters, Families and Friends gathered up early at the two pick-up points (Panorama City and West Covina) and with the bus coming on time, the fun started even before boarding (drinks, and munchies being shared especially at West Covina, where we waiting was about 45 long minutes). When the 2nd group boarded the bus, it was plain chaotic as even the drop of a crow-bar (as against a pin drop) can’t be heard. HAIST! The exotics (hors-d’vours), baluts, empanadas, corn-on-the-cub, puto, chicharon, fruits(even tamarind malasebo), veggies… and of course, the Back-seat BOYZ knew all the tricks, as usual. What a LIFE! . . . to the FULLEST! For the traditional $20 per share pool with 35 risk takers, the $700 total was split for Paigow ($400 played by DanN) and Hold Em($300, 50% chop played by TonyA and FerdieMY), but most card-flips did not end up our way, hence, our hope for big money kinda fizzled, though we had a remaining $280 in the end… all in $20 bills. $280 divided by 35 computes to $8, which for all practical purposes is tough to apportion amongst 35 people, hence, with everyone concurring, the decision was to donate the amount to GLA/Sis Prez Betta.
The drive way home was a little gloomier, not just because not many people won but that the operating condition of the bus was uncomfortable; with no aircondition (inside temperature reaching 90 degrees F), the toilet is not useable and to make it even worse, its smell was somewhat punishing. We brought it to Pechanga charters attention verbally, then officially through FerdieMY’s email message. For that, I got an apologetic phone call from Pechanga’s Ms. Estanque (our coordinator) committing to not ever deploying that bus company and driver, if ever APOGLA has a next time. I also requested for an expedite of our points summary, and a most positive feedback came….” We surpassed 15K points way over at . . . TADAH . . . 31,000 points, hence our $600 deposit refund is on its way back. By the way, our total net proceeds is not too lousy either at $1,785.00 and that is not even counting the $25 donation committed by Bro BeeboyM. The raffle, the Bingo, the pool left-over and donations from three people namely, Bro JimmyB, Bro BodgieG and BongY (FerdieMY’s nephew) augmented the basic $25 per participant, minus some minor expenses lead the tally to the above net amount. Not bad for an easy full day’s work! Continued on page 3
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA GE MESSAGE
BY SIS AD SIS.. BETT BETTA DA AVID
Three days from now, I am bound for the Philippines and will be gone for a month. I look forward for this long awaited vacation and a tour of duty in attending the”Alpha Phi Omega’s 29th National Biennial General Assembly.” It sounds like it is grand & well organized affair.A week long schedule of activities starts with the services of the blood letting, medical mission, the joy ofgolf,followed bythe opening ceremony with an array of parades from different alumni and sectors of society and then culminating with the election of the new National President. There’s also a planof two major concerts that will be celebrated courtesy of the Sorority and the following night sponsored by Pacman.So many exciting activities pack into one. You can’t help but awe inspire by the magnificence of APO Philippines. On the contrary, rumor has it that another convention will be going on simultaneously in Davao. I don’t know much about it and what is going on but would like to share with verses that I came across. Read on:
BUILDERS AND WRECKERS I watched them tearing a building down, A gang of men in a busy town. With a ho, heave, ho and a lusty yell They swung a beam and a wall fell. I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled? Like the men you’d hire if you had to build?” He laughed as he replied, “No, indeed. Just common labor is all I need. I can easily wreck in a day or two What builders have taken years to do.” I asked myself as I went away, Which of these roles have I tried to play? Am I a builder who works with care Measuring life by rule and square? Or am I a wrecker who walks the town Content with the labor of tearing down? A builder sees problems as challenges arises and seeks solutions; a dismantler sees problems in every solution. A builder sees flaws and tries to fix them; the dismantler sees flaws in every fix. WE NEED MORE BUILDERS …
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Pec hang a Busca THER BLAST! echang hanga Buscapade pade:: ANO ANOTHER pade
Continued from page 1
Many thanks to gift/prize donors (Ka EdR for the sarongs, Kulit Sr for the Lakers stuff and additional cash bingo prize from ka Eric and ACNA Prez Irma) without whose unconditional caring, the ride would have been less lovelier. And of course, the lovely, vibrant and tireless PI Wives… Swirti na sa Pag-ibig, Swirti pa sa jugar! ha ha ha. And the next Buscapade is . . . sometime in August…. date to be announced later. COME and JOIN US AGAIN!
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 • Betta David Photos/Graphics by Rene Yambot • Avel Manasala • Precy Marte Contributors Fely Montecillo • Ferdie Yambot Betta David • Troy Agagon • Precy Marte
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APOKID: KEEPING TRADITIONS I’ve never imagined that I was capable of jumping in between two bamboo sticks in the popular traditional Filipino folk dance of Tinikling. These past four months have been quite difficult to me, with our team’s practices starting from sundown to sunrise. In the end, I knew it was all worth it. We practiced throughout the night in the rain and in the cold weather. It was almost a fourteen minute routine that we had to practice and perform, but I’m glad that I was there to do it with a team like mine -Fresh Off Tiniks. “I joined University of California Riverside’s Katipunan not expecting anything. However, I’ve made countless friends, memories, and even a group of people I could call my second family. Together, we performed for their annual Philippine Cultural Night. I loved every moment of the story that was written, traditional dances, and the culture of the Philippines that I never knew anything about. From the beginning, until the end, where we all hit our final poses for the very last dance. It was a great experience. Hannah Angelica Ilao Marte Miss Philippines USA 2014
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ACN A IN 2017: A VERB AL SN APCHA T CNA VERBAL SNAPCHA APCHAT by Bro. Henry H. Astorga, ACNA PRO Admin Period: 2017-2018 ACNA is a thriving organization and has been steadily growing these last two and a half decades. It was a brainchild of three APO Brothers who had nothing but pure and honest intent to grow the APO Philippine brand in their new land. Proudly, and as we openly declare, they were: Brothers Danny Nagrampa, Egay Ninofranco, and Joey Makayan. To the founders, ACNA was a formative concept borne out of an enduring idealism of the Pinoy APO brotherhood. It was an innocent, quintessential creation of boldness whose basic resolve was to be of service to the community while building the APO Pinoy alumni presence in this part of the world and hopefully, beyond.
would bring ordinary-willed organizations to their knees. Events that tried to pull ACNA back to the "old ways" -- subjugated, engulfed and controlled. But, ACNA stood tall. Along with its steadfast cadre of AAs who blocked, tackled and ran for her, it weathered the test. Like a quarterback, ACNA was not built for the heavy rough-and-tumble assaults, or secondary rough ups, or special team onslaughts as other players. In ACNA-land it's the AAs that do all such rough and tumble stuff. ACNA, as conceived, was meant to pass, direct, and execute. It was meant to shepherd the fray and lead the way. More importantly, ACNA was meant to be its own franchise -- a stand alone organization in service of APO principles under the aegis of its AA constituents. Although it stands on its own, it is still mindful of its ties to its past, its loyalty to the motherland and affinity to a wider body.
Perhaps unbeknownst to them (the originators) – theirs was an experimental enterprise - just like the American democracy. ACNA was aimed to be a subsequent step of a process. Like the democratic model ACNA was an open-ended and idealistic endeavor anchored in the APO principles of LFS, with the hope, in spite of its open and fluid parameters, that future leaders will be guided by the APO moral compass of LFS . Just like the U.S. democracy, they viewed ACNA as an organic body that will grow, develop and adjust to the demands of the times of its AA membership (as opposed to a Obviously, the founding trio of ACNA did not foresee closed communal ideology laden with bureaucracies, all the inevitable challenges of the organization they conceived. But one thing was clear: they had faith censorship, and choking red tape). in the APO brotherhood. A faith they blindly held However, for years now, ACNA leaders have slowly that each APO leader will do the right thing. Who pushed ACNA into an arena for which it was neither among us wants to prove them wrong? Anyone? designed nor even imagined, much less conceived by its forebears. An arena that although reminded Gladly, the original ACNA ideals have held true for them of days of old, was no longer the theater within a good number of years. To date, 2017, it can be said, which they wished to perform their present lives -- and quite proudly so, that ACNA still holds the ideals this arena, meaning the "old ways of doing business" of its founding closer than ever before. administratively. These past ten years have seen ACNA go through one of its most tumultuous phases. It was battered, bothered and bewildered by events that normally
Scene2 s ¢ENTS MY from WOR WORTH theTH By Bro. Ferdie Yambot
FebruaryUNITED(?) APO .GMM . . NOT
What is happening in the Philippines with our beloved APO is not exactly perflexing, but more like CONFUSING. A decent number of members, who as a group, call themselves APO United is alleging administrative and management irregularities, and is calling for CHANGE; feeling powerless, instead of doing it INSIDE the organization, they opted to do it OUTSIDE, in essence declaring competition with APOPhilippines. (Done internally, my very own tendency would have been to support the cause, if solid proofs are made available.) Divisiveness, at the highest level is unfortunate and is maybe a sign of the dreaded "crab-mentality". In fact, coincident with the upcoming GenSan Biennnial Convention, the renegade bloc is holding a gathering of its own in a too-close-for-comfort Davao City; competing for attendance. Though they don't have the benefit of a time organized planning, our plain instinctive character of being curious (and sometimes sympathy blind at times) can prove to be a DISTRACTION. For the curious minds, one thing that must not be ignored is the fact that their self-proclaimed leader is a previous loser in the APO-Phils presidential election. What does this tell me, personally(?), one may ask . . . personal frustration, disgruntlement and failure to become the top honcho is one main reason for the break-up initiative. HAIST. Did I hear someone whisper . . . "This is not entirely NEW to me!". One piece of logical advice though . . . "Never add fuel to the FIRE!
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Words of Wisdom “ON COURAGE AND FAITH” Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain… by Ralph Waldo Emerson Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The “sure thing” boat never gets far from shore… by Dale Carnegie In actual life, every great enterprise begins with and takes its first forward step in faith … by August Von Schlegel FAITH. You can do very little with it, but you can do nothing without it… by Samuel Butler Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality, which guarantees all others… by Winston Churchill If you want to develop courage, do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it until you get a record of successful experiences behind you. That is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear… by Dale Carnegie Self Confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings… by Samuel Johnson The courage we desire and the prize is not the courage to die decently, but to live manfully… by Thomas Carlyle He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because of his fear… by Michel Montaigne Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action… by Benjamin Disraeli It is very much better sometimes to have a panic feeling beforehand, and then be quite calm when things happen, than to be extremely calm beforehand and to get into panic when things happen… by Winston Churchill As wisdom without courage is futile, even so faith without hope is nothing worth; for hope endures and overcomes misfortune and evil… by Martin Luther Face the thing that seems overwhelming and you will be surprised how you fear will melt away… by Dale Carnegie Faith in oneself is an important part of all other faiths. The lack of it can paralyze a life … by Robert Hillyer Faith is one of the forces by which men live, and the total absence of it means collapse… by William James
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Are you self-motivated? Do you attract the attention and affection of people? Do you love to dream but have yur feet on the ground? Do you have the systematic but stubborn approach in solving problems? Do you like literature, the arts and financial management? Are you restless most of the time? If you are, then , you must be a Taurean! So to all our brothers and sisters celebrating teir birthdays this month......Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! *********** And here's a bit of good news! Brothers Tony Gomez and Rolly Franco brought home the bacon for APOGLA lately in their winning in the 2nd Golf Tournament sponsored by the APO Metropolitan San Diego Alumni Tournament held at the East Lake Golf Course at Chula Vista last May 20. BROD TONY GOMEZ won the longest drive and was the over-all champion in the tournament while winning the closest pin trophy was BROD ROLLY FRANCO.
May 25 - 27 - APO Phil Conv & ACNA Mission Service, General Santos, Philippines
Aside from Brods Tony and Rolly, the other participants from APOGLA were ROCKY MARTE and BOBET PENEZA. The South Bay AA was represented by Brods MIKE MELENDEZ, PATRICK AFAN, and RAUL SAMBITAN, Thank you Brothers and congratulations! *********** All eyes are now on the camping activity preparation for which is now in full swing . Camping Chairman BROD ALVIN NONATO is just so fired up and so positive that it affects every one with so much enthusiasm. Every one looks forward to the games, the fun, the camaraderie and of course the food! Wow! Yummy!You can be sure we are all looking forward to a week-end of fun Brod! *********** Those who stayed behind for the ACNA Convention feel so abandoned what with so many of our brothers and sisters leaving for GenSan to attend the said convention recently.We all wish them well and we're praying for their great success. But with Sis IRMA ALMAZAN at the helm, there's nothing but triumph! Here's praying for your safe return borthers and sisters to the APOGLA fold.
August 12 - Pechanga Buscapade2 (Fundraiser)
May 26 - 29 - APOGLACamping & GMM @ Lake Perris, Riverside, CA June 17 - GMM @Brod Danny Carrasco’s place, Lakewood, CA July 22 - GMM @Brod Buddy Salvador’s Place, Santa Clarita, CA July 29 - Blast From The Past (Fundraiser) Days Inn, Glendale, CA
August 19 - GMM/Picnic, Mojeska Park, Anaheim, CA September 2-4 - ACNA 2nd Quarter Meeting, Houston, Texas September 16 AM - Heal The Bay (TBD) PM - GMM @Brod Jimmy Bautista’s Place, Presentation of Candidates. October 21 AM - Operation Gratitude, Chatsworth, CA PM - GMM (TBD) October 28 - Election/Halloween
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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.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Ang Gayon, Melody Angeles, Oca Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Leonardo David, Betta David, Christian David, Raul Dime, Nino Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fisico, Ted Franco, Rolly Gapido, Bodjie Garchitorena, Mar Gomez, Tony Languisan, Paul Lara, Bobet Lauchang, Wilson Madrigal, Jun
32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58.
Mansilla, Beeboy Martinez, Mulong Medina, Boy Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Nonato, Alvin Paggao, Jerome Paras, Roland Paredes, Vic Peneza, Bobet Remorozo, Gerald Reyes, Roehl Rivera, Larry Rondilla, Dony Salvador, Buddy Serrano, Eric Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tavera, Glenda Tecson, Ed Tunque, Doms Valdecantos, Henry Villanueva, Erna Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammie Zara, Hanigrace
Members with paid annual dues as of May 24, 2017
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 Ma y Cele br ants! May Celebr brants! MEMBERS: 01 - Glen dela Cruz 02 - Levis Oliver, Ted Ramos 03 - Tony Amon 05 - Daemma Mendez-Yazon 06 - Raul David 07 - Art Rivera 08 - Alyson Rondilla 10 - William Chua 14 - Winston Pascual 15 - Sammie Zamora 18 - Filomeno Alcaide 19 - Daff Jorda - Celso M. Uy 24 - Joe Daroya 26 - Mar Garchitorena 27 - Ramon Tuazon 30 - Ferdie Yambot 31 - Oscar Atienza - Jaime Bautista SPOUSE: 01 - Joycee Alo - Kimberly Mamaril Ayo 02 - Beth Garchitorena - Matthew Rondilla 03 - Ofelia Maddela 07 - Merryshun Cadavez 10 - Mylene dela Cruz 12 - Edna Tagumpay 17 - Gloria Arucan 19 - Nenita Atangan 20 - Evelyn Languisan 21 - Estela Mendoza 22 - Melita Sacro 23 - LC Jane Caldoza 25 - Leticia Milano 27 - Marissa Rivera 28 - Gail Villamin APO KIDS: 07 - Dana Peninong 15 - Angelica Fajota 16 - Katrina Cajucom 18 - Kevin Mendoza 19 - Rodrigo Pepino III 21 - Hanna Grace, Mark Tunque, Micaela S. C.Miranda 22 - Natasha Ninofranco 23 - Megan Agagon 24 - Megan Pagado 29 - Jane Javierto, Byron Atienza
5TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Sunday, May 28, 2017 - GMM starts after lunch WHERE: Lake Perris Campground #6 Lake Perris State Recreation Area Campground Rd. Moreno Valley, CA 92555
CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Alvin Nonato CP (714) 381-3539
DIRECTIONS: Take 60 Fwy - East to Moreno Valley, CA Exit Moreno Beach Drive, turn right Turn left onto Via Del Lago Turn right onto Campground Rd. Look for APOGLA camping signs to Camp#6
Betta David 1345 S. Empire Street Anaheim, CA 92804
Stamps Here
www.alphaphiomega.org