Vol 39 Issue 8
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
August 2019
Brods and sis posed for the camera while waiting for the start of the General Monthly Meeting and July birthday celebration. Hosted by Bro. Mandy and Naty Javierto at their house in San Bernardino, California.
IN SEAR CH OF LEADERS SEARCH By Toti Ayo
Greetings fellow brothers and sisters! We are once again in that time of year where we may be asked to lead us into the new year 2020. Always, we urge everyone to consider giving their time, talent and all that may be necessary for an effective leadership in APOGLA. Come 2020, we shall be five years since we voted and created two distinct organizations. On behalf of your Board of Directors, we ask the question: Is there a need to revisit the past, five years later? Is it wise to create maybe a five or seven-member separate and independent body to review, reassess, recommend or reinforce what we have? Is there a need for a ‘Vision Audit” and for our leaders to know and understand what is in store for us in the next five years or the next decade? In his book, Visionary Leadership, Burt Nanus writes and I quote: “Many organizations are driven by visions of a more desirable future, but even if no vision has ever been consciously stated, every organization has its own momentum. An organization may move slowly, or more quickly, but it does move, and if we chart that movement, we get a sense of where the organization may end up in the future if it keeps going as it is. . . Continued on page 3
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Summer is not only about hot temperatures and school vacations, it’s a season experienced. On Saturday, August 17, 2019, we will be having our annual family picnic from 12 noon to 4:00 PM at Fontana Aquatic Center, 15610 Summit Ave., Fontana, California 92336. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suits and swimming trunks (speedos). So, old and young join the fun. Right after, will be our 8Th General Membership Meeting to be held at Bro. Vic Paredes Residence, 7104 Oregon St., Fontana, Ca 92336. Expect Bro. Dommel Evangelista’s announcement on our group email and facebook. I would like to thank Bro. Mandy Javierto and his wife Naty, for accommodating the group on our 7th GMM. The COMELEC for this Administrative Year are: Bro. Christian David, Bro. Dan Nino and Bro. Roehl Reyes. Members, who would like to serve, please submit your application as soon as possible. Reminder for everyone! This month (August) is the last month to pay your dues to be eligible to vote. Send your annual dues payment to Bro. Troy Agagon. Check payable to APOGLA, 27447 Elder View Drive Valencia, CA 91354. ACNA Summer meeting will be held on Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1st at Holiday Inn Gateway-Torrance 19800 S. Vermont, Torrance, Ca 90502. Please check our group email and facebook for further announcement. For more details on these events, I would like to encourage everyone to attend our 8th General Membership Meeting. Please regularly check our calendar for future events. Your opinion and suggestions are always welcome. Respectfully your servant, Bro. Mike “Boy” Medina Evolve to Fraternal Excellence
Don Don’’t miss . . .
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 APOGLA AA. Publisher/Editor Sancho Sy
at the Holiday Inn Los Angeles Gateway - Torrance August 30 - September 1, 2019 Hosted by APO South Bay Alumni Association https://acnafall2019.website/
Editorial Staff Fely Montecillo • Toti Ayo Photos/Graphics by Shane Miranda • Lester Arevalo • Mylene Zamora Dominic Espejo • Sancho Sy Contributors Mike Medina • Toti Ayo • Fely Montecillo • Dan Nino Troy Agagon • Anthony David • Domel Evangelista
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BO ARD OF DIRECT OR’S BOARD DIRECTOR’S
by Br o. Toti Ayo Bro
Continued from page 1
Leaders, like artists, attempt to create extraordinary new realities out of ordinary materials through the force of vision. The choreographer has dancers and a stage; the painter has a canvas, brushes and colors; the composer has musicians and instruments; but the only dance, painting, or composition that is noteworthy and successful is one that is informed by an exceptional vision. Just so, the leader creates an enduring institution out of ordinary resources - human, physical, and financial - through a unifying and compelling vision, for leadership, too, is an art form.” Having said this, we invite those interested, especially those who’ve been familiar with the past, and of course, the present realities, to once again assist on building us on to the future. We invite you to be a part of a working committee. Do we keep two organizations going? Or is there a need for a change? We are always presented with an invitation for change. Change is all around us. Change transforms us, our GLA. In our effort, how do we factor in the ‘graying’ of APOGLA? Relative to what I mentioned at our July GMM at brother Mandy and Naty’s residence, please read through our minutes of the meeting. As ever, we want our leadership structure to be on solid ground year after year. On behalf of your Officers, in fact, I must say, the 2018 and 2019 Officers and Board of Directors, that it is our objective and our resolve to simplify our work and make it fun, gratifying and rewarding. Always, for the greater good of APOGLA. Be a part of it. Don’t inhibit yourself. Always, we want to encourage you to step up and be a willing and able participant. TA081119
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Pictur es fr om J ul y GMM @ Br o. Mand yJ avier to’ s Place Pictures from Jul uly Bro Mandy Ja vierto’ to’s
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Ha pp y 60th Bir thda y Br os un Linsang an and R amon Da vid Happ ppy Birthda thday Bros os.. J Jun Linsangan Ramon David
Bro. Tony “Jun� Linsangan celebrating his 60th birthday last August 3 in Santa Clarita
Bro. Ramon David celebrating his 60th birthday last August 11 at Hibachi Grill in West Covina, CA
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Welcome ffello ello wship ffor or Br o. J ojo Bina y in Sta. Clarita ellowship Bro Jojo Binay
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 3-Day Conference Schedule August 29 - September 1, 2019 at Holiday Inn Los Angeles Gateway Torrance, California FRIDAY August 30, 2019 Friendship Cup Golf Tournament (South Vs North) Lakewood Country Club Registration Starts at 11am (at the Golf Course) Hotel Check-In/Registration 2pm - 5pm Workshops 3pm - 6pm Librado I. Ureta Foundation Meeting 6pm - 9pm Welcome Reception 7pm - 12 midnight SATURDAY August 31, 2019 Breakfast (hosted by South Bay) Hospitality Suite 8am - 10am APO South Bay / Friendship Cup Golf Tournament Skylinks Golf Club Registration Starts at 11am (at the Golf Course) ACNA BOD Meeting 9am - 1pm Working Lunch (Delegates) 12pm - 1pm Lunch (Non-Delegates) Hospitality Suite 11pm - 1pm ACNA Meeting Session 2pm - 6pm Surfin' in South Bay Dinner/Dance Party Awards & Recognition 7pm - 12am SUNDAY September 1, 2019 Hotel Check-Out 9am - 12pm Optional Service Redondo Beach Cleanup & Farewell Picnic 12pm Optional Excursion to San Pedro's Fleet Week https://www.lafleetweek.com/ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AdA9jv4ar9g&feature=youtu.be 12pm
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Make Room For Grace Make room for "being wrong," "falling short," "not being quite enough." Make room for that. Because that "room" that fills that space, could very well be Grace. And if you don't believe in Grace, that's ok. Just call it "Humility." Make room for Humility. Make room to be Humbled. But to me, that IS making room for Grace. We can't know everything, control everything, know what's going to happen, we cannot not replace uncertainty with certainty, it just isn't in our DNA. We are DNA'd to fall short of being perfectly PERFECT every single time. So in that space of imperfection, why not allow that space of imperfection to humble you and put you in a space of love. That even though there will always be a level of insecurity in our lives, that we are taken care of some way, some how. It is arguable, this doesn't work because of all the suffering and evil in the world. But I argue, all the evil is done out of CONTROL. There is no room for Grace in evil, because it would be making room for Humility, and those that are evil are not humble, but quite the contrary. In the desolate places in the world, the 3rd world countries and war torn countries, these people are so displaced and disregarded, that Grace may be the only thing that they have. And making room for that Grace, to flower them into being grateful for what they do have, whether it be family or that bowl of rice that they've been blessed with. I know. I know. It's a hard argument to make. This Grace. This G word. But I promise you, if you allow it to take a place in your decision making and considerations, that your life will become more peaceful and agreeable. Even in the most tumultuous and unagreeable times in your life. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is probably right. But in that triangle is lots and lots and LOTS of Grace. But I digress. Make room for Grace means trusting in Humility, to me, TRUSTING IN GOD. Being thankful for every Protective Factor you have in your life. All God wants to do is Love you and be Loved by you in return (there are rules, but again, let's not get into that). Another monicker would be, "Expect the unexpected." So just remember we are not in FULL CONTROL of our lives, there are many, many things we are not in control of. And in that space of lack of control, put Humility there. And I promise you, Grace will find a way to take care of you in ways you can never have dreamed of. God bless. By Anthony James David
5 Duties of APO One of the indoctrination given to us when we are pledging to Alpha Phi Omega was the FIVE DUTIES of an APhiO. I would like to share the thoughts of a brother that he wrote during the 16th National Biennial Convention . For this month, let us look at one of the duties of an APhiO - Pay Dues. This is very timely to us in APO-GLA, as we will understand as we finish reading this short message. Excerpts from the "Letter from the Convention Chairman, The 16th National Biennial Convention, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila, May 1991" PAY DUES An organization can function smoothly if it is supported by a sound financial system. Each brother or a sister or a chapter for that matter should see to it that they contribute fund for the smooth functioning of the Alpha Phi Omega. (in our situation, APO-GLA) Dues means something owing a person. Dues, therefore, should not be encapsulated as to pertain only to financial contributions. Paying out 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 dies to Alpha Phi Omega. We must remember our hierarchy of values. Nevertheless, once we have entered the sacred rites of our organization, we have dedicated our lives to the following of its ideals and principles. If we are less that true to ourselves and to others, then we have been unfaithful to our pledge of loyalty to our organization. In the long run we will be judged not on the basis of what services we have done in the name of Alpha Phi Omega, but rather on how well we have lived up to the essence of being an APhiO. Shared by Bro. Domel Evangelista
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM By Bro. Dan E. Nino
Gibberish Gibraltar When I was a young man, I often read and heard about the Rock of Gibraltar. It’s either used in a figure of speech called hyperbole and quotations. It usually connotes formidable strength like, “You are like a rock of Gibraltar” or as “You are as safe as the Rock of Gibraltar.” So when we travelled to Spain last summer, I didn’t hesitate together with my family to make a side trip to Gibraltar. There was that aura of mystery why the Rock of Gibraltar was often used in quotations. What was its significance in world history in connection with Spain? This small but formidable piece of fortress was part of geo-politics. There was power struggle during the War of Spanish Succession during the early history of Spain as narrated by our tour guide. Spain lost the territory because the heirs of Spain’s monarchy (1702-1713) failed to protect and defend this Spain’s southeast frontier. In hindsight, I also used the adjective gibberish to describe Gibraltar in this column because others believe that the word gibberish comes from the island of Gibraltar, where residents speak an interesting mix of English, Spanish, Hebrew, Andalusian, Hindi and Arabic. Non-residents often believe the natives are simply speaking gibberish which seemed nonsensical. According to my research Gibraltar became a British Overseas Territory on Spain’s south coast. It’s dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge. First settled by the Moors in the Middle Ages and later ruled by Spain, the outpost was ceded to the British in 1713. Layers of fortifications include the remains of a 14th-century Moorish Castle and the 18th century Great Siege Tunnels which was expanded in WWII. Gibraltar is about one-hour drive from the resort destination of Marbella along 79 kms.of beautiful highways. Gibraltar is inhabited by a mixture of Spanish and British descendants but formed their own autonomous government. Its population in 2017 was 34,571. Passports are required except nationals from the European Union. Its currency is called Gibraltar Pound. Catholicism is still the predominant religion accounting for 76.9% while church of England has 6.9% and Jewish 2.3%. The residents are fiercely loyal British citizens. Although a British overseas territory, Gibraltar known colloquially as The Rock or the Gib is not a subordinate to the government of United Kingdom. It has full internal self-government under its 2006 Constitution but the British government is responsible for its defense and external affairs. We explored Gibraltar for half a day covering an area of 6.8 sq. kms. in smaller buses because the streets are narrow. We were greeted by Barbary Macaque monkeys in the mountain ridges. How did they get to this island fortress? They could have been brought by the Moors during centuries-long occupation of the Iberian peninsula. Another theory is they were introduced by the British as pets and later were released to the wild. When their numbers dwindled, Prime MinisterWinston Churchill ordered to replenish these tail less apes. We capped our day shopping and had lunch at Gibraltar’s food court mall on Main Street and Town Center. I rewarded myself with the iconic Philippine San Miguel beer which is also sold here. Nearby, we walked to the Post Office so the postal clerk could stump our passport. It will be noted that Gibraltar’s Immigration officers did not stump our passport. We just waved our passport and they just motioned us to proceed.
Continued on page 9
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM
By Bro. Dan E. Nino
Continued from page 8
We viewed the St. George’s Hall at the labyrinth of Great Siege Tunnels. St. Michael’s Cave is the most popular spot for tourists with its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. The cave with natural acoustics is occasionally used for concerts and orchestral shows. The topmost part of the Rock is still a British military installation, and off-limits to the public. According to Greek mythology Gibraltar’s first known name was Calpe, derived from the verb “kalph”, meaning to hollow out. It is also called one of the Pillars of Hercules. In 711 Tariq ibn Zeyad, a Berber and a Muslim governor of Tangier, Morocco, landed at Gibraltar to launch the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock took his name, Jabal Tariq, a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik (Tariq’s mountain) which eventually became Gibraltar. He ordered some fortifications but no town was established. The Romans also occupied Gibraltar since it was attached to Spain and named it “Mons Calpe” but they didn’t establish a town here too. The decline of the Roman Empire around 400 AD led to the invasion of the barbarian races of the east. For six centuries (1309 to 1333), Gibraltar remained under the Moorish occupation. It was not until 1160 when a town was established in Gibraltar when Abdul Mamen, a Caliph of Morocco ordered a city to be built here including a Moorish castle. According to my readings, Gibraltar was reconquered from the Moors by Spanish forces in 1462. When Queen Isabella was installed as Queen of Spain in 1474. She vowed to get Gibraltar back which was achieved in 1501. Gibraltar remained a Spanish possession till early 1700. During the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), Gibraltar became a pawn in the struggle between the two rival claimants to the Spanish throne, the Frenchman Philip V and the Austrian Archduke Charles 111. Held by forces loyal to Philip V, Gibraltar fell to a combined Anglo-Dutch force supporting Charles 111 in 1704. Gibraltar then had been captured on behalf of one of the claimants to the Spanish throne. However, as the war ended, Gibraltar by the Treaty of Utrecht, was yielded back to the Crown of Great Britain.
Brod Dan and wife Myrna on the south side of the Rock of Gibraltar shown as the backdrop. - Photo by Brod Denver E. Nino
Spain continued to hassle and harass Gibraltar in its effort to grab this territory but was fruitless. It has been loyal to the British crown for more than 300 years. In referendums held in 1967 and 2002, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to stay a territory of the United Kingdom. In recent times, Gibraltar’s status arose in the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization. Spain took the opportunity to claim this fortress as part of Spain. There were tensions and restrictions between Gibraltar and Spain that resulted in closure of the frontier with no direct communications in 1969. There was a time when Spain’s Dictator Francisco Franco had ordered factories near the border to create pollution and to annoy the Gibraltarians which by then had achieved self-government in domestic affairs. During our visit to this impregnable Rock, everything seemed normal, thriving in tourism, throbbing with tourists and getting along with its big neighbor on the North, which is the imperial Spain. denino1951@gmail.com
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Focusing now on the month of August, it is the 8th month of the year originally named Sextillis. which means sixth. Eight years before Jesus was born, the name of the month was changed to Augustus in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, because many of the important events in his life happened. August is known for many things, including the dog days of summer, National Watermelon Day on Aug. 23, Family Fun Month, National Girlfriends Day, National Mountain Climbing Day and International Beer Day among others. ****************** Welcome home to Brod Lito and Sis Josie Tarculas who went on a 25 day trip to Amsterdam, Brussels, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Copenhagen, Sweden, and Budapest. The beloved couple stepped on American soil only last Aug, 10 and Brod Lito explained today that they are still groggy and that both still have Jet lag, A 25 Day sojourn is really quite physically demanding. Most of their trip were mostly by planes and by trains. While in Amsterdam, the couple celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary and Brod Lito’s birthday. There, the local APO AA gave them a tremendous welcome party bringing with them food and other goodies! It was in Oslo, on the other hand, that Sis Josie celebrated her bday. There are two existing AA’s. Their members also threw a party surprising Sis Josie. The party was held in a park facing a beautiful bay. There, they had a bar-b-q and most of the members brought some gifts for the couple. Wow! The perks of being an APO member! ****************** Good luck to all the participants in the Friendship Cup Golf Tournament (South vs. North) to be held at Lakewood Country Club on Friday, Aug, 30, 2019. Let’s try to be there to give them moral support ok? ****************** Here’s wishing Brod Mar Garchitorena speedy recovery. Take care of yourself Brod!
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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. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Aralar, Eric Argonza, Arvin Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Nards Chua, Michael Chua, William Clarete, Sam Conferido, Ruben* David, Betta David, Christian De Leon, Malou Delmolin, Froilan Emperado, Rudy Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fisico, Teddy Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Gapido, Bodjie Garrovillas, Ernie Gomez, Tony Gopez, Bernardo, Jr. Guerrero-Adao, Jenny Rose* Hoffer, Jean Jovellanos, Jobee Lara, Hadrian Lautchang, Wilson Layno, MaryAnn Linsangan, Jun Magsino,Jimmy** Maidin, Yusup Mamaril, Ferdie Manalastas, Ruth Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Medina. Mishael
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. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98.
Medina, Raul Mejia, Francis Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Mendoza, Arnold* Miranda, Shane Monasterio, Michelle Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Noche, Ceasar Padua, Rey Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Parayno, Julius Paredes, Victor Pascual, Winston Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Petrasanta, Rene Picazo, Bobbitte Posadas, Rey Raquel, Maybelle Reyes, Roehl Rivera, Art Roberto, Marisol Romero, Ed Rondilla, Dony Rosal, Jet Rubina-Galang, Emma Sabalburo, Mark Salas, Hazel Serrano, Eric 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 Zamora, Sammie Zara, Hanigrace as of August 12, 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 AUGUST CELEBRANTS 01 - Bobbitte Picazo 03 - Gerry Martinez 06 - Josie Tarculas Mervyn Gucilatar Jun Linsangan 07 - Tony Gomez Ramon David 10 - Larry Alvarado 11 - Marilou Tayson 12 - Jobee Jovellanos Reggie Martinez 13 - Davy Potot 15 - Elizar Cabarles 17 - Ruben Querubin, Carl Edwin Milano 19 - Eric Serrano, Luis Robles 21 - Noel Rivera 22 - Jesus Reyes 23 - Cathy Cari-Samoy, Jaime Protacio 24 - Antonio Luciano, Amy Martinez, Au Lainez, Rosemary Schwartz 25 - Rene Maddela 30 - Jun Beltran SPOUSES: 02 - Lucy Magsino 15 - Shawn Cobarrubias 23 - Aileen Martinez 24 - Florence Chua 25 - Lorna Serrano 27 - Mary Ann Sayson 30 - Liza Flores APO KIDS: 01 - Alexis Julie Salas, Elaine Villaver 03 - Aris Oris 04 - Michael Rondilla, Rex Petrasanta 05 - Spencer Ninofranco 08 - Kaylee Lauren Argonza, Melissa Villaver 09 - Jophiel Oliver 10 - Maricel Blancada 11 - Ami Barcelona 13 - Betram Amon 14 - Mikhael Madrigal, Gabriel Peneza 15 - Glenn Clarete 16 - Angelica Amon, Jason Valentino 17 - Marc Likwong 22 - John David 24 - Kristopher Aure 25 - Rachel Clare Aquino 29 - Leah Jean Caldoza 30 - Bo Jish Ludovico, Alyssa Gabriel 31 - Atom Fisico
8TH GMM & ANNU AL F AMIL Y PICNIC ANNUAL FAMIL AMILY WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2019 - 12N - 4PM Picnic @ Fontana Aquatic Center 15610 Summit Ave., Fontana, CA 92336 8th General Membership Meeting 5PM - 12MN @Brod Vic & Christa Paredes’ Place 7104 Oregon St., Fontana, CA 92336
CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Mike Medina Bro. Domel Evangelista
CP# 909-214-4737 CP# 323-302-3871
Mishael Medina 13831 Portofino St. Fontana, CA 92336
Stamps Here
www.alphaphiomega.org