Vol 38 Issue 7
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
July 2018
California APO brothers from Team North and Team South after a grueling 2-day Ryder Cup style golf competition
SoCal R etains Ann ual APO Nor th vs South F riendship Cup Retains Annual North Friendship By Bro. Art Rivera Amidst the sweltering 99 degree weather, SoCal Golfers from San Diego, South Bay and GLA retained the bragging rights to the annual golf tournament. Set in the beautiful property of Meridian in the Lincoln Hills Orchard and Hills Courses, the battle for supremacy on the links began on Friday, July 13 with the Best Ball competition. Twenty elite players, from each side led by NorCal Captain Jojo Espiritu and SoCal Captain Ferdie Lacurom, teed off at 2:00 PM matching ten teams. When sundown came, the score was North 3 ½ and South 5 1/2 points as one match was not completed due to darkness. With the South leading by a slim margin, the players proceeded to the Thunder Valley Casino for a sumptuous Buffet Dinner and Fellowship. We all retired for the night knowing that Saturday will be a different format which will depend on individual plays and considering the unrelenting heat and exhaustion on the fairways, anything can happen. Saturday, July 14 looked more promising and refreshing as tee time began at 9:14 AM for the first foursome. North was given to privilege to match their players against the South golfers. As the day wears on, the heat and humidity continue to challenge the players but camaraderie and sportsmanship were still the order of the day. As the matches were slowly completed, the second day score went 10 points North and 10 points South for a total aggregate score of North 13 ½ and South 15 ½ and the right to keep the perpetual cup for another year. Dinner, Awards and Fellowship was hosted by Brod Oliver in nearby Roseville, whose home features a well manicured putting green in the backyard. We dined on delicious Filipino foods, fresh fruits, beer, whiskey and cognac. Then we watched the Pacquiao vs. Matthysse Title bout to the cheers of the partisan crowd. Continued on page 5
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Greetings Brothers and Sisters!!! We have the hottest recorded weather in Los Angeles so far this month. But first, let us take a moment and pray for Sis Gloria Imperial and Brothers Troy Agagon, Bobet Lara and Mar Garchitorena’s speedy and full recovery from the procedures done to them. Next Saturday, July 28 will be our Blood Drive Service. Please support this noble endeavor headed by Brod Eric Aralar by signing up, bring a family member or a friend who will be able to donate. Fellowship will follow (TBD). August will be our busiest month as we will be having our Summer Beach Picnic (TBD) spearheaded by Sis Marisol Lee and the Sisters. Let us take a break and join this event before the start of school. We encourage everybody to bring food and drinks to share. State beaches does not allow alcoholic drinks. Next will be our Pechanga Buscapade chaired by Brod Christian David on August 11. We still need more participants/ players as the bus capacity is 56 persons. Let us enjoy and support this first APOGLA fundraising event. We have been receiving visitors looking forward in meeting APOGLA Brothers and Sisters. We had visitors from New York, Ireland, Philippines and new members getting the feel of APOGLA hospitality. Let us continue to enjoy and have fun in our Services, GMM’s and fellowship. The GMM will be held at Brod Buddy Salvador’s Home on July 21, 2018. Meeting will start @ 6:00 PM 19607 Ellis Henry Court, Santa Clarita, CA 91321. Fellowship will follow. May We Always Be, BrodBeeboyMansilla “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 from Jo Peneza • Sancho Sy APOGLA FB Page Contributors Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Toti Ayo • Art Rivera Troy Agagon • Casey Mansilla • Irma Almazan
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BO ARD OF DIRECT OR’S CORNER BOARD DIRECTOR’S A Message from your Board of Directors by Bro Toti Ayo, Chairman of the Board
Greetings everyone! One of our objectives as your BOD is to function effectively in the ‘Board Room’. We have our Executive Officers to lead us. We trust they will deliver - when we give them our vote of confidence during our Election of Officers in October of each year. In a meeting we had last November, 2017, in preparation for the upcoming year, we had to make sure that we forge a proper perspective and a healthy mindset as we continue to establish a conducive atmosphere that our APOGLA family deserves. We all give our ‘samahan’ our gift of time. Too precious. It is our objective and our resolve to simplify whatever work there is and make it fun and gratifying. Always, for the greater good of our organization. One of the more important questions we had to ask ourselves is: Is there a better system that may work for us so as to ensure a less difficult and a more effective process when we seek to find members who are willing and able to step up and fill the handful elective positions we have to fill comes October of each year? Obviously, there are no easy answers. But our collective minds will not fail us. As ever, your ideas are most welcome. How about your thoughts on the following: a) Just as we nominate members when we create our Comelec, should we do the same process when we seek willing and able members to run for office? We pass this on to you for consideration. Whether we agree to make these changes or not, it won’t take effect this year, but the following year. Yes, we want our leadership structure to be on solid ground, year after year. b) We also considered the thought to excuse our Officers from paying our Membership/Annual Dues - just as a token of appreciation for the service and the gift of time they provide. It was argued however, that a member’s annual dues are every member’s basic share of responsibility and an integral part of one’s membership in an organization. However, possibly, we may consider to waive payment for our December Affair Celebration. Or maybe something else? Again, whether we agree to make these changes or not, it won’t take effect this year, but the next. c) Effective immediately though, is changing the practice of requiring immediate payment of annual dues from a new member for his/her first year of participation in the functions of the organization during the current year. While one is unable to exercise his/her right to Vote during the first year, payment of the longstanding one-time membership (commitment) fee of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) makes one a bona-fide member of APOGLA. d) On regular BOD meetings, ever since we ratified our initial bylaws in July 1986 at the residence of our honorary GLA brother Benjie Silao, the same practice then is still the same practice as our CBL today requires. Back then, we had no computers, no cell phones - no text, no emails, no conference call capabilities. Back then, was ‘the olden days’. We therefore want to make such an amendment process as our CBL requires: Regular Meetings of the BOD shall be every other month. The BOD Chair may call for a Special Meeting anytime when necessary. Continued on page 4
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A Message From Your Board of Directors Continued from page 3
e) On our December Affair: Crowd Control - rowdy and noisy/deafening members/attendees - especially when basic respect and courtesy is expected and a must . . . We had a lengthy discussion on this. However, our Prez Beebs and VP Shane will create some measures to improve and rectify the situation. Yes, it is that important! Once again, APOGLA, a progressive and dynamic organization that we are, doesn’t impose boundaries on ideas when it comes to improving who we are and what we are. We look forward to the years ahead as we respond and meet our present needs and demands. As Albert Camus, writer and French philosopher puts it: “If I do not burn, if you do not burn, if we do not burn, how can the shadows become light? Yes, we all make a difference, however small, however great! Nothing is insignificant. We thank and appreciate those who offer the privacy of their homes to host our GMMs. It becomes everyone’s responsibility to help in its upkeep. We cannot be too comfortable and not recognize the fact that hosting becomes easier only with everyone’s conscientious effort and consideration. On a more personal note to my/our dear Brother Bobet, our fervent hope and prayer for your quick recovery and healing. Our love goes to our dear Grace, Grazie and Sierra as well! Thank you and see you all during our July 2018 GMM! For and on behalf of your Board of Directors, I remain Very sincerely, Brother Toti
O B I T UA R Y RY On behalf of the whole APOGLA family, our condolences to Grace and Bobet Lara for the passing of Grace’s brother in the Philippines. May he rest in eternal peace.
in the
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SoCal R etains Ann ual APO Nor th vs South F riendship Cup Retains Annual North Friendship Continued from page 1
There were trophies at stake for the Orchard Course, Closest to the Pin on Holes 4, 7, 11 and 16, Most Accurate Drive on Hole 5, Longest Drive on Hole 17 whole the Hills Course had Closest to the Pin on HOles 5, 7, 12 and 16, Most Accurate Drive Hole 18 and Longest Drive on Hole 6. Southern players who pick up honors include Doc Rolly Franco Closest to the Pin, Art Rivera Closest to the Pin, Nards Castillo Longest Drive and Rene Naval Most Accurate Drive. In the most anticipated match-up, South Tony Gomez dominated top seeded Rudy Ruan of the North in a battle of drives, pitches and putts and earned a challenge of a rematch next year to be hosted by South. Team South included Captain Ferdie Lacurom, Vinz Argonza, Jimmy Magsino, Tony Gomez, Mike Melendez, PJ Aclan, Angel Pangilinana, Stephen Castro, Nards Castillo, Raul Sambitan, Patrick Afan, Mar Garchitorena, Rolly Franco, Rene Naval, Bobet Peneza, Raul Medina, Mike Medina, Rocky Martte, Oca Atienza and Art Rivera. At the end of the day, we were all winners as we celebrated brotherhood, friendship and the great love for the game of golf. So until next year, here’s to all the players! Fore!
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APOGLA HOSTING VISITING BRODS AND SISTERS
Sis MaBic Aradani from APO-GNY
Sis Cora De Jesus from APO-Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Brod Melvin Calivoso - President of APO Hawaii
Brod Mike Abono, Sis. Lei Strickland & Sis. Amy Ona de Jesus from APO Ireland
Brod James Makasiar (Beta Nu) from Zamboanga City with Brods Bong Regino (Gamma Kappa) & Jun Cahapisan (Beta Nu)
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PICTURES FROM JUNE GMM & “HIMIG NG KALAYAAN” DOCU-MUSICAL
ACNA CONVENTION 2018 - MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA Schedule of Fees and Convention Business Activities ACNA Convention 2018 hosted by APO Montreal August 30-31; September 1-2, 2018 REGISTRATION FEES • Voting Delegates $ 250.00, fees cover the following for ALL Convention days: Convention Kit (bag, t-shirt, mug, pen, name tag & more), Souvenir Program August 30 - Thursday - Whole Day Check-in and Registration Thursday - Lunch, Dinner & Thursday Night Fellowship August 31 - Friday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, BOD Meeting (with afternoon snacks in the mtg. room), Parade Assembly & Awards Night September 1- Saturday Breakfast, General Assembly – (with morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack – lunch to be set up outside the meeting room), General Assembly – 1 (one) Vote, Gala night September 2 - Sunday Brunch to be served in Beaver Lake (a known tourist destination in Montreal) • Non-Voting Delegates $ 200.00, fees cover the following for ALL Convention days: Convention Kit (bag, t-shirt, pen, name tag & more) Souvenir Program Thursday - Lunch, Dinner & Thursday Night Fellowship Friday – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Friday – BOD meeting (w/ afternoon snacks in the mtg room) Friday – Parade Assembly and Awards Night Saturday – Breakfast Saturday General Assembly – (with morning snack, lunch,
afternoon snack – lunch to be set up outside the mtg. room) Saturday - Gala night Sunday – Brunch to be served at Beaver Lake (a known tourist destination in Montreal) • Visiting Foreign-based, Non-delegate Bro/Sis $150.00 fees cover the following for all Convention days: Thursday Night Fellowship Friday – Parade Assembly and Awards Night Saturday - Gala night Sunday – Brunch to be served in Beaver Lake (a known tourist destination in Montreal) • Saturday Gala Night only – Families & Friends $99.00 Note: • A surprise gift will be given on the day of registration for those who have ACNA ID (2017-2018) To those who need a Letter of Invitation, please direct your request to Brod Pres Norman Fernando at fernando_norman@yahoo.com · For added details visit our Facebook page by following the link: https://www.facebook..com/groups/139135613509015/ · For direct phone contact: Bro Jose Lyndon Reguyal - (514) 8136474; Bro Norman Fernando - (652) - 1925; Bro Anthony Francisco - (613) 884 - 7575
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CELEBRATING 4TH OF JULY @ ZUMA BEACH
CERRITOS 4TH OF JULY IS ALL TOO FAMILIAR REFRAIN By Dan E. Nino Cerritos, California – As in previous years, every 4th of July on Bloomfield Ave. between Center Court Dr. and 183rd Street in the City of Cerritos is filled with people from all walks of life and culture to witness the fireworks display zoom into the sky while patriotic songs blare in the background. It’s all too familiar refrain. Bloomfield Ave. fronting the City Hall and Library is closed for the revelers to enjoy an array of rides, game booths and food from catering trucks with diverse menus. A brief program participated in by city officials and distinguished guests preceded the revelry. An electrifying band providing danceable music that’s irresistible to ignore, added spice of the evening of fun. T’was capped by the glowing fireworks that elicite daahs and oohs from the multitude.It seemed eternal. Revelers didn’t mind if they took them awhile to drive out of the surrounding parking lots. Members of the Let Freedom Ring Committee, Cerritos Council members minus Frank Yokoyama, keynote speaker Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnel as well as two representative of the Sons of the American Revolution took turns ringing the freedom bell, a symbol of the 13 original colonies of the Union. Sheriff McDonnel in his brief speech touted and provided statistics and report that crimes in Cerritos like burglary were reduced. Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido emceed the program. Thereafter, he cajoled and led the dancing crowd to let their hair down and dance to the beat of the band. Former Mayor Grace Hu took the cue and joined the fun. The beauty of this 4th of July celebration is the socialization aspect. Friends and neighbors with divergent political views that you don’t usually meet in our daily grind, show up at the venue. It’s fleeting, It’s awesome. Our Cerritos of July is one for the book.
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM By Bro. Dan E. Nino
Filipino-Americans: The Fastest-Growing Market In the 1940s and 1950s, most Filipinos came the United States to serve in the military service with preferential treatment because of the U.S.-Philippine negotiated treaty. In exchange, U.S. military bases in Clark, Pampanga, Subic in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite and Poro Point in La Union were established. These Filipino servicemen served in World War 11 in Philippine theater, in Europe, Korea Vietnam. Although the Philippines declared itself as independent nation on June 12, 1898 from Spain for almost 400 years as a colony, the latter ceded the Philippines to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. That independence did not last long as Americans took over the Philippines until the Philippines regained its independence on July 4, 1946. This dateis now known as American-Friendship Day. A few came to supply the labor force particularly in the farmlands of Hawaii and California. Some came to America as government pensionados to study in various colleges and universities in the U.S. and went back to the Philippines as college mentors and professors.
reports that there are now over 4 million Filipinos living in America. And according to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau survey, the median Filipino household income is $85,000, the second highest in the State of California. The Filipinos have the highest proficiency in English at 82% in contrast to all Asian Americans at 70%; among the Fil-Am population, 37% of them attained a Bachelor’s degree. In contrast, the general American population is only 19%. In fact, according the Swedish economist and sociologist Karl Gunnar Myrdal in his book Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations published in 1968, the Philippines has the highest literacy rates in Asia. The Philippines has adopted the U.S. system of education. There’s an unwritten tradition in the Philippines that a family will sell its last carabao, the beast of burden of the country or sell the last inherited family land in order to send a child to college. Another survey says that 58% Filipino-Americans own their homes and have the lowest rate of poverty at 7.5%. In contrast, 12% of Asian Americans live in poverty.
However, in political mainstream, Filipinos lag behind. It has not produced a Filipino U.S. senator or U.S. congressman. In fairness, it produced a governor in It is interesting to note that since the U.S. government Hawaii. A few Filipino-American U.S. congressmen opened the floodgates for professional immigrants in the have Caucasian American fathers with Filipino mothers. 1960s, the Filipino-American presence in the country had increased. These Filipinos who were vetted by the With this backdrop, I’m happy to note that a sleeping U.S. Embassy in Manila before they could become giant has awaken. Three companies have banded immigrants to the U.S. were mostly nurses, doctors, together: E.C. Ferrer CHB, Inc., Asian Journal Media accountants and teachers. Group and Planet63 to stage a TRAVEL, TRADE, TOURISM & CONSUMER ROADSHOW on Aug.4-5, In the 1980s, the Filipino-Americans have changed their 2018 at the Southbay Pavilion in Carson, California with mindset. Some of them were not contented to be just “the goal of connecting the U.S. and Philippine markets ordinary employees or middle executives. They aspired together in cooperation with the Philippine Department more than that. They became entrepreneurs. As the of Trade and Tourism population grew, they set up their own businesses to cater to the growing population unsure whether their enterprise Philippines manufacturers, producers and suppliers will would prosper or fail. But most of them persevered and showcase their products in this roadshow. “The future is are now reaping the fruits of their labors, business bright for Philippine products. You just need to continue acumen, enterprising spirit and management knowhow. chipping away and make steady and measurable progress,” said Ferdinand B. Soriano, Marketing Director Asian Journal, a leading Filipino newspaper in the U.S., of E.C. Ferrer CHB, Inc. - denino1951@gmail.com
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo It’s July....the month of those born under the Zodiac sign of Cancer. To all of you celebrating your birthday this month, may this be the beginning of a wonderful year ahead, may you have all the joy your heart can hold, and all the blessings a life can unfold! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you all! Those born under the sign of Cancer are known for their moodiness. They feel things very deeply. They are tender-hearted and capable of great loves. *************************** Let me remind you, the readers, of the purpose of this column. It aims to INFORM our members of some events that fail to make it as a full blown item in the TNB. Since this is its purpose, it therefore aims to SERVE. Without preparation, this will not be able to occupy an iota of space in our TNB. We are glad to be of service in our own Little way. *************************** Here’s a bit of good news! Team South (that’s us!) won in the two-day Ryder Cup Style Golf tournament between Southern and Northern California brethrens held recently in Sacramento, California. The 22 -man Team South led by Brod Tony Gomez (Theta ’77), the top seed of Team South, garnered a score of 15 1/2 as against 13 1/2 of Team North led by their top seed Brod Rudy Ryan. The North-South Ryder Cup is held every year with each region alternating the hosting of the event and in turn showcasing the state’s beautiful golf courses. In 2007, then APOGLA President Bro. Sancho Sy and his NorCal and San Francisco-Silicon Valley counterparts agreed to revive the North-South Sportsfest in the 90’s to a smaller event which eventually became the North-South Ryder Cup Style Golf tournament. Congratulations to all our Brods who displayed their best in golf! *************************** An interesting thing is going on with the Sorority Sisters. Serious in their intent on genuine bonding, they have been meeting almost every week for various reasons. I was lucky enough to join them in one of their jaunts and boy! We all did have fun! Wish this could go on and on! The night swimming was just a sample. There was indeed fun, food and so much friendship! Am looking forward to the coming events already!
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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. 38. 39.
Agagon, Troy Alcantar, Maryann Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronald Amon, Ofel Amon, Tony Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Roberto Aquino, Hernan Aralar, Eric Arevalo, Lester Argonza, Vinz Arroyo, Geoffrey Atienza, Oscar Ayo, Toti Babatuan, Junie Baquiran, Faye Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Blaza, Christine Bonete, Ma. Elena Calajate, Candy Calvario, Rene Cardenas, Mike Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Leonardo Chin, Jun Chua, Michael Chua, William Clarete, Sam Cruz, Bernie Cuenco, Petchie David, Betta David, Christian David, Ramon David, Raul De Leon, Malou
40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78.
Delmolin, Froilan Evangelista, Dommel Evangelista, Jen Fernandez, Victorin Fisico, Teddy Flores, Rudy Franco, Rolly Galang Rubina, Emma Gapido, Bodgie Gilbuena-Ford, Bicbic Gomez, Tony Imperial, Gloria Javierto, Mandy Jovellanos, Jobee Lara, Bobet Lee, Marisol Linsangan, Jun Maidin, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie Mansilla, Beeboy Martinez, Romeo Medina, Boy Mejia, Francis Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Nino , Dan Ninofranco, Edgar Padua, Rey Pagdanganan, Toots Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Paredes, Vic Pascual, Winston Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Petrasanta, Rene Posadas, Rey
79. Querubin, Ruben 80. Raquel, Maybelle 81. Remorozo, Gerald 82. Reyes, Roehl 83. Rivera, Art 84. Robles, Jo 85. Robles, Robby 86. Rondilla, Dony 87. Rosal, Jet 88. Rosales, Nonot 89. Salas, Hazel 90. Salvador, Buddy 91. Serrano, Eric 92. Sipin, Perry 93. Somera, Herman 94. Sta Rosa, Theodore 95. Sy, Sancho 96. Tarculas, Josie 97. Tarculas, Lito 98. Tavera, Glenda 99. Tecson, Ed 100.Torneros, Pio 101.Tuazon, Mon 102.Tunque, Doms 103.Valera, Lisa 104.Ventura, Beth 105.Verdadero, Pamela- new 106.Villanueva, Erna 107.Yambot, Ferdie 108.Zamora, Sammy 109.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 JUL Y JULY CELEBRANTS 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
JUL Y GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING JULY WHEN: Saturday, July 21, 2018 6pm to 8pm - Meeting (Fellowship after meeting) at Bro. Buddy & Eva Salvador’s Place 19607 Ellis Henry Court Santa Clarita, CA 90321 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Beeboy Mansilla CP No. 818-645-8573
Casey Mansilla 6711 Haskell Ave. #2 Van Nuys, CA 91406
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