Vol 39 Issue 10 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
October 2019
Volunteers from APOGLA at the BEACH CLEANUP SERVICE at Seal Beach, CA last September 21,2019.
PRESIDENT’S MESSA GE MESSAGE By Mike “Boy” Medina I would like to thank members who participated in the Beach Clean-up at Seal Beach on September 21, 2019 which is most likely our last service program for the year. I would like to thank Bro. Danny Carrasco and his wife Norma, for accommodating the group on our 9th GMM, and to the September birthday celebrators for sharing your birthday celebration with APOGLA. As presented by the Comelec, the Candidates for 2020 APOGLA Officers are: President, Bro. Tony Amon; VicePresident, Bro. Jobee Jovellanos; Treasurer, Bro. Troy Agagon and Auditor, Sis. Emma Galang. For Board of Directors, they are Sis. Hazel Salas-Jovellanos and Bro. Roland Parras. On Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 12:00 noon will be our Election, at 4:30 PM, will be our 10th General Membership Meeting, followed by Halloween at 6:00 PM till 10:30 PM to be held at 412 Canestoga, San Dimas, CA 91773. This occasion will also serve as APOGLA’S History presentation. Please bring history items for display. For more info on this event please contact Bro. Domel Evangelista. On Saturday, November 23, 2019 will be the groups Thanksgiving and Appreciation day. The Theme for the occasion is Western! So wear your cowboy hat, jeans and boots. This occasion is hosted by Team Sta. Clarita. Check out events flyer. Then, on Saturday, December 14, 2019 is our last event of the year, Induction of our newly elected officers and Christmas celebration. Further details and information please contact our Chairperson Bro. Domel Evangelista. Continued on page 2
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Continued from page 1
This is just a reminder that APO Hawaii is ready to accommodate members who would like to attend the ACNA Spring Meeting to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii from March 25-29, 2020. Start checking flight tickets to Honolulu to avail a good fare. For details check out their website: https:// www.apohawaii.org Then, on September 4-7, 2020, will be 15th ACNA Convention which will be held at Bahia Mar, Fort Lauderdale Beach a Double Tree by Hilton, Hosted by APO Florida. Website: https://www.apoflorida.com/acna2020. If you are able to attend, these are 2 events you don’t want to miss, so mark your calendar. Have you updated your recent info? Contact Bro. Domel Evangelista, Our Vice-President and Chairman for membership will update your info on our membership directory. It’s not too late to send your annual dues payment to Bro. Troy Agagon, your dues helps the operation of our organization. Make checks payable to APOGLA, 27447 Elder View Drive Valencia, CA 91354. For more details on our Thanksgiving and December Affair events, I would like to encourage everyone to attend our 10th General Membership Meeting. Respectfully your servant, Bro. Mike “Boy” Medina
Evolve to Fraternal Excellence ACN A Sc hedule of Acti vities ffor or 2020 CNA Schedule Activities ACNA 2020 Spring Meeting Host: APO Hawaii AA Date: March 25 to 29, 2020 (Wednesday to Sunday) Venue: Waikiki Resort Hotel 2460 Koa Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808 ) 922-4911 Website: https://www.waikikiresort.com Note: Detailed program to follow soon! ACNA 2020 Fall Meeting and Convention Host: APO Florida AA Date: September 4 to 7, 2020 ( Friday to Monday) Venue: Bahia Mar Ft. Lauderdale Beach a Double Tree by Hilton 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Phone: (954) 764-2233 Detailed schedule of program can be found at the Convention Website: https:// www.apoflorida.com/acna2020
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 Editorial Staff Fely Montecillo • Toti Ayo Photos/Graphics by Mylene Zamora • Sancho Sy Contributors Mike Medina • Fely Montecillo • Dan Nino Troy Agagon • Jun De Castro • Tony Amon
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Pictur es fr om Beac h Clean up Ser vice @ Seal Beac h, CA Pictures from Beach Cleanup Service Beach,
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Br o. Ton y Amon ffor or APOGLA Pr esident 2020 Bro ony President APOGLA - a well oiled machine!!! APOGLA an alumni association that is already well established. Established that we don’t have to change anything anymore rather improve if there are spaces that will allow us to improve. My intentions are to develop more leaders! As Mahatma Gandhi said, “A sign of a good leader leader is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you create”. Thru successful recruiting we can increase the number of members hence we will be able to develop more leaders. Quality leaders are from quantity of members! With the proper use of our resources we will reach out to all members, active and inactive, new members and potential new members. With the help of our Chairman of membership committee, I will fully utilize the help of our area coordinators. Our standing service projects will continuously be successful with the total commitment and participation of our members and family members! We will work doubly hard to make our Fund Raising projects very fruitful I will continously monitor performance execution of our tasks! Because of our motto: “Leadership is Influence” we will always be the example! And lastly, with the help of GOD, APOGLA will continuously be very much alive!!! GOD Bless us all! Maraming salamat po! Ang inyong abang lingkod! Bro. Tony Amon - sa pagka pangulo ng APOGLA 2020
Bro. Tony Amon Alpha Chapter - Grand 24 0001-1964-1604
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM By Bro. Dan E. Nino
Education Is the Equalizer, Knowledge is Power (This opinion was delivered by the author as inspirational guest speaker of Bani, Pangasinan California Association’s 41st anniversary held recently at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Anaheim, CA. – Editor). I submit unequivocally that education is the equalizer on our path to success that levels the playing field. I also submit that knowledge is power. I’m reminded of the exhortation of the late President Nelson Mandela that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Before I proceed with my inspirational speech, this is to re-inform you all that my roots can be traced from Bani, Agno and Alaminos City in addition to Mangatarem where I was born — all in Pangasinan province. There was this little boy who is from Centro Toma, Bani then known as Sang-at (Upland) in the 1920s. He was entrusted to a relative in a remote village in Bolinao to be enrolled for his elementary education. His dad had to go Hawaii to work. But instead of going to school, this young boy was given a chore to pasture a carabao the whole day. He soon realized that he should not have agreed to be left under the care of his grandfather. He cried the whole day while riding on the carabao. After two years, this little boy was plucked from his miserable situation and transferred back to his ancestral home in Centro Toma. However, in a nearby village there was only one classroom combining two classes: grade one and two with only one classroom teacher. He could not be accommodated so he had to go to town. In those days in 1920s, there were no barrio roads and public transportation. They had to walk barefooted early dawns on Mondays and back on Fridays — after classes on muddy trails, rice paddies and hills with their provisions for the week for 14 kilometers rain or shine. He was underestimated and denigrated because he lived in a remote barangay. He developed inferiority complex. He remembered the admonition from his father who wrote that he had to study hard no matter how difficult it is and promised to support his children if they make good in school. This word of advice inspired this little boy. He studied hard and regained his self-confidence. With dogged determination and perseverance, he eventually graduated valedictorian. The salutatorian is the mother of my relative Louie Nafarete Palacpac who is also here tonight. He moved to the capital town of Lingayen for his high school education with a privilege of a free tuition at the Pangasinan Academic High School. He was the classmate of the late congressman and Pangasinan Gov.Aguedo Agbayani. After high school, he took up law. He was underestimated again because he came from a remote village. But because of his perseverance and determination, he passed the Philippine bar and became a trial lawyer. In his first court case, he defended a man accused of murder. He was underestimated and derided again that he will not win his first case. The plaintiff or opposing lawyer even proposed a bet that he would go to church naked to prove his point. True enough because Knowledge is Power, that little boy who became my father won his first case. His lawyer’s fee was a seven-hectare land in Surip facing the Western Philippine Sea, another remote village of Bani, Pangasinan. I had fond memories of Surip when I was growing up planting mango and banana trees. My dad built a small farm house there with ample spring water. My dad ran for councilor of my mom’s hometown of Mangatarem. He was again underestimated because he is not from this town. He proved his detractors wrong. He won as councilor. Eventually, my dad rose from the ranks and became the chief of Prosecution Division of the Bureau of Internal Revenue at the National Office in Quezon City. He left us a legacy of honesty and integrity not to enrich oneself while in government. He said and I quote, “I want you to maintain your integrity and not to commit graft and corruption in the service of the country and people because I want you to go back to your roots with heads up high unashamed.” He also related to me his eldest child, an anecdote of a bird that I caught. “Son, he said, “If you squeeze the bird with your palm, the bird will die. If you release the bird, it will fly freely again to find its destiny and its own nest unfettered. The fate of that bird is in your hands. In the same vein, in this life’s journey that we choose, our fate and destination depend on us.” Ladies and gentlemen, If this little boy with humble beginnings from a remote village from Centro Toma can make it, you and I can also make anywhere. – denino1951@gmail.com
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Br o. Dan ba gs Outstanding Fil-Am Comm unity Leader Awar d Bro bags Community ard
Outstanding Filipino American Nurses, front row from left: Henry Yaranon, Joseph Albert L. Melocoton, Rochelle Lacuesta Galeon, Dorianne Tillano-Lebrette, Lourdes Garcia, Noribel Dela Cruz Taguba, Betsy Cruz, Faye Christen, Catherine Rubio, Christine Natividad, Marietta Hebreo Salcedo, and Evelyn McLaughlin. Back row, from left: Angel Calub, founding president of the San Fernando, La Union Association USA, Founder’s Awardee; and President’s Awardees Archerie G. Calunod, Sheila Melanie Berrei, Dan Estabillo Niño, and Dr. Nové Deypalan. Photo by Romy Lara (Not in picture is nurse awardee Josefina (Fe) Casabar, who had to leave early because of family illness.)
On Oct. 12, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, chaired by one of the first nurse awardees (1999) Josie E. De Jesus, PHII celebrated the White House Millennium Council Initiatives: the 21st Annual Award to Outstanding Filipino American Nurses; the 13th Annual President’s Award: “Profiles in Service, Pillars of Community”; and the 3 rd Founder’s Award, a quinquennial recognition for an “Outstanding Filipino American Organization,” bestowed to San Fernando, La Union Association USA and accepted by its president Victoria Balcita-Neri, husband Mario Neri, and the association’s founders Angel and Remedios Calub.
Elementary School; fundraisers for the Pearl S. Buck Foundation for Amerasians and for the first Philippine float at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, among many other humanitarian accomplishments and outreach to various community organizations. PHII founder Naomi Palma-Armada’s legacy lives on, perpetuated by her children, Executive Director Dr. Anna Lourdes Chickey, Trustee Amelia Carpio, and Vice President Arthur ‘Jojo’ Armada and their families.
Keynote speaker was Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, who shared a message from Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz: “The Institute’s dynamism since its founding in 1989, by the late Naomi Palma-Armada is proof of how Filipinos in Southern California continue to be a significant and positive force in mainstream American society. Having been able to sustain the Institute’s mission to improve the quality of life of FilipinoAmerican communities through research, health and education is testament to your dedication to service and to the sense of community and solidarity among the overseas Filipinos in Southern California.” ConGen Cruz was in the Philippines on an official mission.
PHII officers: Josie Estaris De Jesus, President of the Board; Evangeline T. So, Secretary; Lily Lara, Treasurer; Tessie Lightholder, Assistant Treasurer; and Eddie Ronquillo, Auditor. Trustees: Victoria Perez De Leon, Francisco Enverga, D.D.S., Willie Manacsa, and Virginia B. Vivas. Dr. Ludy A. Ongkeko serves as Senior Executive Advisor; Advisors are Mon’Chito’ G. Mandap and Violeta O. Unabia. (Lydia V. Solis, PRO)
The early focus of PHII, from 1989 to 1999, was to promote Philippine culture and bridge cultural gaps for more understanding. Its projects for the past 29 years included sponsorships for: media symposium with Fr. James Reuter on ‘The Philippines: Post Martial Law’; cultural events, art exhibits and book signings at the Philippine Consulate General; Kultura Philippine Folk Arts maiden performance with Bayanihan dancers which benefited the Pinatubo victims through the Pampanga Rotarians; summer classes teaching Tagalog and Filipino songs by ASEAN members at LA’s Atwater
Past APOGLA President Bro. Dan E. Nino (center) received his President’s Award as Outstanding Filipino-American Community Leader (Profile in Service, Pillars of Community) from the Philippine Heritage Institute International, Inc. (PHIII) on Oct. 12 at the Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove. Flanking him from left: Executive Director Dr. Anna Lourdes Armada Chickey, former awardee and Fil-Am Tarlac Association President Cheody M. Fortunato who nominated Brother Dan, former awardee and incumbent President of Assn. of Mangatarem Overseas Residents (AMOR) of Southern California Danny P Tejada who served as witness and former awardee and PHIII President Board of Trustees Josie Estaris De Jesus. Photo by Teri Fortunato
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Best wishes to all my fellow Octoberians celebrating their birthday this month most of whom fall under the sign of Libra. October comes from the Latin word Octo which means eight. There are so many special holidays this month. To mention a few, there are the American Pharmacist Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Eat Country Ham Month, National Pizza Month, Sarcastic Month, and Seafood Month. Those. born between September 23 and October 22 belong to the air element of the zodiac. They fall under the zodiac sign Libra. Air signs are cool, calculating, cerebral and charming. They possess a natural surface cleverness and a swift humor that make them all fantastic company. So to all of you born this month, may your birthday be sprinkled with fun and laughter and may the Lord bless you now and every day of your lives! **************************** Congratulations to all the incoming officers of APOGLA led by incoming President, Tony Amon. I have no doubt Brod Tony will steer this organization towards greater heights! I have seen him work for the success of TOFASS. Personally, I knew the organization earned so much on that project PR wise. It was, I should say, a slam dunk in Public Relations. If Brod Tony was able to handle TOFASS successfully, I have no doubt he will be able to tackle the challenges of the presidency of this beloved organization. And to the outgoing officers, thank you so much for your dedication and the great performance you have shown in the past year. You have worked so hard that the activities happened one after another without a hitch. For that, you all deserve a pat on your backs! **************************** I was so elated to hear from former Congressman of Zamboanga del Sur, Antonio Cerilles, a nephew and also APO honorary member., recently. In our communication, I was so proud to inform him that I am a member of APOGLA . Upon learning this, he requested me to extend to one and all his warm greetings! On the other hand, I extended an invitation that if ever he comes to LA, he could join us in one of our meetings. **************************** Most of the sisters are all agog over the coming conventions to be held in Hawaii and Florida next year. They are burning the wires making reservations and everything else to ensure their attendance to the two affairs. This is really a good sign for the attendance to the two affairs. This should be encouragement enough to those who have not made up their minds yet. Let’s go!
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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.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Anadilla, Aris* Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Aralar, Eric Argonza, Arvin Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Bonete, Malene 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 Fajota, Nestor Fisico, Teddy Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Franco, Rolly Gapido, Bodjie Garrovillas, Ernie
39. 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.
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 Medina, Raul Mejia, Francis Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Mendoza, Arnold* Miranda, Shane Monasterio, Michelle Montecillo, Fely 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
77. Raquel, Maybelle 78. Rayala, Joar 79. Reyes, Roehl 80. Rivera, Art 81. Roberto, Marisol 82. Romero, Ed 83. Rondilla, Dony 84. Rosal, Jet 85. Rubina-Galang, Emma 86. Sabalburo, Mark 87. Salas, Hazel 88. Salvador, Buddy 89. Serrano, Eric 90. Sevilla, Bobby 91. Sipin, Perry 92. Somera, Herman 93. Sy, Sancho 94. Tarculas, Josie 95. Tarculas, Lito 96. Tavera, Glenda 97. Tunque, Doms (dec.) 98. Turallo, Silverio Jr. 99. Valentino, Hero 100. Valera, Lisa 101. Ventura, Beth 102. Venturina, Jimmy 103. Villaver, Eleonor 104. Villaver, Melvin 105. Vinluan, Jehiel 106. Yambot, Ferdie 107. Yenko, Rene 108. Zamora, Sammie 109. Zara, Hanigrace as of October 23, 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 OCT OBER OCTOBER CELEBRANTS 01 - Francis Franco, Angel Pangilinan 02 - Lea Bangsil-Siangio 03 - Tagumpay Navarro, Sally Ambatali 04 - Alfred Serrano 05 - Jun Salinas 08 - Marc Barcelona 10 - Gilbert Cabral 11 - Jade Torres Klugman 12 - Froilan Delmolin, Bobet Peneza 13 - Rachella Williams 14 - Fely Montecillo 15 - Doms Tunque (deceased) 18 - Lito Del Mundo 24 - Jehiel Vinluan 26 - Eduardo Clor 27 - Bob Cobarrubias, Jhun Chin, Virgie Jalago 29 - Dony Rondilla, Rey Posadas, Nonot Rosales, Rey Manikad 30 - Romeo Martinez Spouse: 04 - Tere Clavecilla 07 - Carol Rosales 09 - Thomas Ford 12 - Pia Naval, Pilucci Franco 13 - Editha Masaya, Tess Pangilinan 14 - Sophia Alvarado 16 - Evelyn Aure 17 - Margo Rivera 18 - Becky Emperado 19 - Laura Daroya 20 - Rene Yambot 24 - Mary Ann Arevalo 26 - Estrelle Ganzon 30 - Gladys Ramos 31 - Marie Toni Aralar APO Kids: 02 - Nikki Rivera 05 - Anthony David 06 - John Ramos 08 - Eunice Galang, Paolo Somera 09 - Krystal Petrasanta, Ryan Petrasanta 10 - Nikko Rosales 11 - Jonas Montecillo, Mikaela Chloe Shailynn, Reynaleen Grace Apura 12 - Jeremy Paggao, Shawn Clarete 15 - Jerome Gomez 16 - Kika Franco, Anton Tecson 17 - Ian Gapido 18 - Angelo Evangelista 19 - Alec Gucilatar 20 - Alison Tibangin 21 - Mario Aure 22 - Cliff Flores, Tara Reyes 23 - Cocoy Fisico 24 - Pamela Villaver 27 - Markus Leon Estrada, Grace Rivera 29 - Rainier Petrasanta 31 - Robert Francis Advincula
ELECTION OBER GMM & HALL OWEEN P AR TY ELECTION,, OCT OCTOBER HALLO PAR ARTY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 ELECTION - 12Noon OCTOBER GMM - 4:30 PM HALLOWEEN PARTY - 6:00 PM VENUE: 412 Conestoga Rd. San Dimas, CA 91773 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Mike Medina Bro. Domel Evangelista
CP# 909-214-4737 CP# 323-302-3871
Mishael Medina 13831 Portofino St. Fontana, CA 92336
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www.alphaphiomega.org