Vol 37 Issue 6
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
July 2017
TEARS OF JO Y AS I CELEBRA TE 4TH OF JUL Y JOY CELEBRATE JULY By Bro. Dan E. Nino
Cerritos, California — I’m reminded again of my winning speech at the Eclectic Dialectics Toastmasters Club when I witnessed anew this year’s celebration of the 4th of July Independence Day in the City of Cerritos. Here’s an excerpts of that stirring speech,”My Abiding Faith in America.” “Whenever I watch the display of fireworks every 4th of July, I’m overwhelmed with emotions, great joy and pride. I get goose bumps. Tears of joy stream down my cheeks because of that pride and abiding faith in America. And because America had welcomed me, nurtured me, sheltered me, nourished me and cradled me that transformed me for whatever I am today.” “Yes, tears cascade down my cheeks whenever I hear the patriotic songs God bless America or America, the Beautiful while the fireworks zoomed into the sky.” “Yes, whoever I am today, whatever I possess, whatever I have achieved, I owe it to my adopted country, the United States of America. I feel that America made me who I am. I feel that I have achieved my American Dream. I feel that I’m nothing without America because I started with nothing. Only my determination to succeed had sustained me.” Although I’m a true-blooded Filipino by birth, history repeated itself again when the patriotic song blared, “I’m proud to be an American,” I was taken by emotions once more. I’m truly grateful that this welcoming country cradled me through thick and thin, come hell or high water, despite its recent toxic politics that divide and polarize this nation. The celebration debuted with my good friend and newly-elected Cerritos Mayor Grace Hu delivered opening remarks, followed by other remarks and acknowledgements by four other council members Mark Pulido, Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, James Edward and Naresh Solanki. Thereafter, members of the Let Freedom Ring Committee took turns in ringing the bell 13 times symbolizing the 13 original colonies of the young American Republic. Then about a dozen uniformed militias of the American revolution marched. One militia played solemnly the “Star-Spangled Banner” with his flute. After 30 minutes of ceremony, the so-called Remystified seven-man band performed pop music including songs from The Beatles, John Legend, Adele, Bruno Mars, Journey and Earth Wind & Fire. Then came the fantastic fireworks that flew towards the sky in wild abandon. Then came my tears of joy!
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA GE MESSAGE
BY SIS AD SIS.. BETT BETTA DA AVID
We lived in an era where everything is instantaneous. Communication and information is within a snap of our fingertips. I remember back in the ’70’s, when Chris was in the Navy, we communicated through writing letters. It takes a minimum of two weeks before each one of us get a response back. Long distance call cost about $12 for the first 3 minutes but that was then, and this is now . . . Facebook, Tweeter, flicker, emails, Viber, Facetime and Skype are just few gadgets used to communicate and it is free. The fallout is, when we are eating at the table, driving our cars, on vacation, these gadgets are so much a part of us that it consumes us. Technology gave us tools and equipment to help us and make our lives easy but it also clogged a lot of our time. So what’sthe point?Why, with all this technology that make our life easier we are bogged down and finds very little time to relax and take it easy. Stress seems to be a big factor in our everyday life in the last decades. It builds up to the point that it takes a toll. Many are sick due to stress. It might not be physically but mentally draining. I find balancing our time is what helps.We should set our priorities that are essential to our lives. What is ideal is balancing time for work, our family and ourselves. If any of this is tilted, we fail on our health, our family and finances. Let us take time to retreat and have some kind of discernment. How can anybody make the right decision if we don’t take the time to discern. Discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions so that we can make the right decision. Let’s take time to ponder and have a sip of coffee, a tea or an ice cold beer.
Now, read this: The following story is one that’s been circulating for a while. I believe it holds a very important message regarding appropriately setting priorities in our lives. A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was full. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full. They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions. If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are trulyimportant. Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical check-ups, play with your children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
MY 2¢ENTS WOR TH WORTH By Bro. Ferdie Yambot
No one except the GLA body can claim authority and expertise in defining the affairs of APOGLA! The BODY elects the leaders and influences the management team, especially the President, on how the organization operates for the administrative year; one may wonder why I am even making this statement. As a concerned lowly member, I could not help but share this little sentiment as during the June GMM, an unfortunate issue was officially brought out in the open, i.e. “that the Executive Committee is subordinate to the Board”. While I took the courage to say that the matter is sort of irrelevant in the manner APOGLA operates due to the fact that they have clearly defined functions (the Board to make rules and policies and the President to execute them), the issue was tabled with the COB and the President to make further research. From my very own personal perspective, the issue is moot and academic, not deserving any further discussion(and/or research) and the following is mainly WHY….”The APOGLA supreme BODY, chooses the President as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the management team and the entire body”. She/He makes crucial decisions (within bounds, of course) and presides in the GMMs. Hence the President is whom the BODY rightfully consider as it’s top leader! This is the way APOGLA does it and in my humble opinion, there’s nothing further to research about. Let’s put the issue to rest, please.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 22 - GMM @Brod Buddy Salvador’s Place, Santa Clarita, CA July 29 - Blast From The Past (Fundraiser) Days Inn, Glendale, CA August 12 - Pechanga Buscapade2 (Fundraiser) August 19 - GMM/Picnic/APOkids Reunion, Mojeska Park, Anaheim, CA August 26 - Feeding America Service September 2-4 - ACNA Fall ‘17 Meeting, Houston, Texas September 16 AM - Heal The Bay (TBD) PM - GMM (TBD) Presentation of Candidates. October 21 AM - Operation Gratitude, Chatsworth, CA PM - GMM (TBD) October 28 - Election/Halloween
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 Daemma Mendez-Yazon Contributors Dan Nino • Ferdie Yambot • Betta David Troy Agagon
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM
By Bro. Dan E. Nino
A Dream European Journey: Hello Vienna, Salzburg Rewarding myself after a hectic tax season as tax consultant and taking a brief vacation frommy journalistic commitments, I journeyed with my wife Myrna to three countries in Europe: Austria, Switzerland and Germany. I got my round-trip tickets from Expedia but obtained my detailed itineraries, train odysseys, group tours, hotel accommodations from Norwalk-based Where Else Travel. From Los Angeles aboard Air Berlin, our first destination was Vienna, Austria’s capital with an hour layover in Dusseldorf, Germany. With a maze of airport corridors in Dusseldorf, we barely made it to our next plane bound for Vienna. In fact, I heard my name being announced in the airport terminal as the last passenger being waited on. The delay of the shuttle bus to bring us to a smaller airplane on the tarmac, a distance away, saved us from being left behind by a whisker. Traveling to a new albeit marvelous countries for the first time can be nerve-wracking and stressful. Remember, we travelled on our own without the benefit of a tour guide. Upon arriving atthe Vienna Airport, our first agenda was to exchange our dollar bills to Euro. To my chagrin $100 was only equivalent to 61 Euro. Unbelievable! Service charges and commissions were charged.That’s why our dollar currency was reduced to 61 Euro. After paying the taxi of 40 Euro, I was left with only 21 Euro. I felt it was better to exchange our dollar currency to Euro in downtown Vienna which I found out later was larger in value (73 Euro). On our way out, my name was heard again on the PA system. Although delayed, the taxi driver assigned to us waited patiently at the Information Desk. She was a Serbian married to a Bosnian. My journalistic instinct came into play asking many questions whenever possible. It only took us 20 minutes from the Schwechat Airport to Hilton Garden South, a quiet suburb south of the Vienna city center. While being driven to our hotel, I was amazed by the cleanliness and verdant landscape on both sides of the highway. On our first day, noticeably, my wife was anxious yet worried what to expect in the next few days since we were travelling on our own. Our prayers were answered. My townmate from Mangatarem, Pangasinan, Neptune Estrada-Clemente called suggesting if we are interested to be booked at a downtown hotel to be closer to themwhere they can pick us up in quick fashion to tour us around Vienna. When they showed up, they offered instead if we’d like to stay at their home near the city center. That sounds even better. It didn’t matter for us if we already pre-paid Hilton for three nights.We felt it was boring to stay in the hotel just the two of us after a day’s tour. With them, we have somebody to relate to and answer inquiries
The author, Bro. Dan E. Nino and wife Myrna aboard a ship cruising along the Danube River in Vienna, Austria.
about Vienna. They were God-sent. Voila! Neptune and her husband Bong were all-out as our tour guides. With their warm Filipino hospitality, Neptune and Bong brought us to interesting and historic tourist destinations by train and on foot around Vienna including the Parliament building, museums, opera houses,the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral, architectural marvels and theimposing building where former First Lady Imelda Marcos used to party among royalties of Europe. Vienna that stretches over 415 kms.,sits on a bank of Danube River. Within three days here, wehad a river cruise on Danube River which was romanticized as a Blue Danube waltz. Actually, the river’s color is not blue but brownish green because of the trees around thewaterway.This musical masterpiece was composed by Johann Strauss11. Weather in Europe is unpredictable. It usually rains here every afternoon. We also visited the historic SchoenbrunnPalace which includes the formal gardens, the original container ferries wheel which apparently copied by London Eye and a similar huge ferries wheel in Singapore. While reading a bit about the history of Austria, I learned about European aristocracy marrying their first cousins. A case in point: the future Empress and queen of Austria,Elizabeth married her first cousin Franz Joseph 1. I also learned that the Austro-Hungarian Empire includedHungary, Croatia, Bosnia, Czech Republic and Serbia but collapsed after the death of Franz Joseph 1 in 1916. They were part of the Hapsburg dynasty who lived at the Schoenbrunn Palace. Thereafter in 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. After the Nazi’s defeat, Austria was occupied by Allied powers then recovered and became independent in 1955. Austria is known for producing classical musical masterpieces. Some of the great composers were born and raised in this country like Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert Continued on page 5
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A Dream European Journey Hello Vienna, Salzburg Continued from page 4
Ways to Reduce Stress 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. 11. The author, Bro. Dan E. Nino and wife Myrna in front of the Gazebo where Capt. Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) proposed to Fraulein Maria Kutschera (Julie Andrews) in the Hollywood movie, "Sound of Music” filmed in Salzburg, Austria.
and renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud and actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. On our fourth day, we travelled to Salzburg by train, a two-hour journey. Our hotel was near the train station of Salzburg. It’s a walking distance from Mirabell Palace andGardens where we joined the Sound of Music Group Tour. It was a lifetime dream to join this tour because the Sound of Music wasmy favorite musical film. The next day, we traced the scenes where this movie was filmed like the Gazebo where Baron. George Ritter von Trapp (played by Christopher Plummer) proposed to MariaKutschera(Julie Andrews) and where Lisl met the postman at night and sang “Sixteen Going On Seventeen; the Mondsee Cathedral where it served as the wedding church in the movie production of Capt. Trapp and FrauleinMaria; the lake where the Von Trapp’s children and Maria fell from a boat, the Benedictine NonnbergAbbeywhere Maria had entered to become a nun, the MirabellGardens where some of the popular choreographed singing scenes like “Do Re Mi” were filmed, the Von Trapp Mansion, etc. On our way to Mondsee Lake, a 25-kilometer east of Salzburg, I was awed by the spectacular countryside of green meadows and majestic Austrian alps still filled with glacier. We were also asked to sing the songs in the movie like “The Hills Are Alive”, “ Do Re Mi,” It’s time to say goodbye to alluring Vienna and Zalzburg, Austria. If it was only a dream to see first hand these beautiful and charming tourist destinations, I wish not to wake up. Next stop is Switzerland. – denino1951@gmail.com
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Pray Go to bed on time. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health. Delegate tasks to capable others. Simplify and unclutter your life. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.) Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. Take one day at a time. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. Do something for the Kid in You everyday. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. Get enough rest. Eat right. Get organized so everything has its place. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. Write down thoughts and inspirations. Every day, find time to be alone. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. Make friends with Godly people. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus." Laugh. Laugh some more! Take your work seriously, but not yourself. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). Sit on your ego. Talk less; listen more. Slow down. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAYOF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
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Come and Join the FUN! Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles is hosting a one of a kind dance party themed "Blast From The Past" on Saturday, July 29,2017 at the Days Inn Hotel. DJ Luigi will be spinning disco tunes of the late 70's and 80's. "Blast From The Past" is one of APOGLA's fund raising projects to aid calamities and support communities in need in the Philippines. Project chairperson Dae Mendez promised a fun filled night and all night long dancing. Early Bird special is $30 and at the door $35.
ACNA Fall Meeting in Houston, TX is getting near! Hotel accommodation is discounted for this ACNA APO event. See more details below 2017 APOACNA Fall Meeting in Houston Dates: September 1 – 3, 2017 (Friday to Sunday) Venue: HYATT REGENCY North Houston 425 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, TX 77060, USA Tel. 281 310 2309
For ACNA Registration: Early Bird Special ACNA Delegates:$200/person if paid before August 1, 2017(Early Bird Special), $250/person(Regular Price) (Includes Meeting Room, Fellowship, Luncheon and Dinner Dance).
Non-ACNA Delegates/Guests:$120/person if paid before August 1, 2017(Early Bird special), $150/ person ============================================================= Attention: Regular Price Includes Fellowship and Dinner-Dance ============================================================= Send Check payment to Sis Nini Sabino - 9314 Danforth Way, Houston, TX 77083 Pay to APO METRO HOUSTON (please indicate ACNA Reg). For payment confirmation, please e-mail: pvs72@yahoo.com
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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.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Ang Gayon, Melody Angeles, Oca Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Arevalo, Lester Argonza, Vince Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Leonardo Chua, Michael David, Betta David, Christian David, Raul Dime, Nino Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fisico, Ted Flores, Rudy Franco, Rolly Galang, Emma Gapido, Bodjie Garchitorena, Mar Gomez, Tony Hanigrace Zara Jovellanos, Jobee Languisan, Paul Lara, Bobet
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Lauchang, Wilson Madrigal, Jun Mansilla, Beeboy Martinez, Mulong Medina, Boy Miranda, Shane Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Nonato, Alvin Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Paredes, Vic Pascual, Winston Peneza, Bobet Querubin, Ruben Remorozo, Gerald Reyes, Roehl Rivera, Larry Rondilla, Dony Salas, Hazel Salvador, Buddy Serrano, Eric Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tavera, Glenda Tecson, Ed Tuazon, Ramon Tunque, Doms Valdecantos, Henry Villanueva, Erna Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammie
Members with paid annual dues as of June 11, 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 Jul y Cele br ants! uly Celebr brants! MEMBERS: 07- Geoffrey Arroyo, Boy Ramos, Joel Baxal, Kokoy Conopio 08- Gil Pagado 09- Louie Serrano, Rodrigo Pepino 17- Betta David, Rene Petransanta, Larry Rivera 18- Lito Tarculas 20- Rudy Flores 22- Ruth Manalastas 24- Danny Blancada 26- Ferdinand Mamaril 27- Mandy Javierto 30- Roland Paras SPOUSE: 03- Eva Lagasca 05- Ghie Ghie Paras 06- Julie Tecson 12- Josefina Sillorequez, Carmelle Venturina 13- Emy Fisico 15- Evelyn Languisan 17- Winnie Calvario, Josie Masocol 25- Ruby Morallos, Ching Salinas 28- Araceli Petrasanta APO KIDS: 02- Pamela Jayoma, Aubrey Rivera, Pocholo J. Serrano 03- Marianne Lacsamana, Jan Tarculas 04- Carlo Aure 08- Genelle Arroyo 10- Chelsea Agagon 14- Justin Armand Javierto 18- Aileen Ventura 22- Bryan Cajucom 23- Chuckie Yenko, Paola Villaver 24- Mara David 29- Desiree Arante
7TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Assembly Time: 6pm Meeting starts at 7pm WHERE: BRO. BUDDY SALVADOR’S PLACE 19607 Ellis Henry Court Santa Clarita, CA 91321 Gate Code: #0969
CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Buddy Salvador CP (661) 219-4908 & (661) 373-2993 Sis. Betta David CP (714) 458-8496 HP (714) 776-4528
Betta David 1345 S. Empire Street Anaheim, CA 92804
Stamps Here
www.alphaphiomega.org