Vol 40 Issue 10 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
October 2020
A P O P G L A Provides “Care Packs” to PGH Frontliners
Bosom F riends Ar e This Year’ s Friends Are ear’s APO Kids Sc holar ship R ecipients Scholar holarship Recipients By Brod Dan Nino Good friends since their Middle School - Riley Posadas and Alexis Julie Hermoso Salas - are this year’s APO Kids Scholarship recipients. Riley and Alexis’ friendship was nourished whenever both tag along with their parents during activities like camping and Easter Egg Hunt organized by APOGLA. It was sustained till this period in their quest for higher education. Both recipients also have common interests in music. Riley was the vice president of the National Music Honors Society while Alexis sings in several choir groups as alto as well as plays the piano, ukulele and guitar. Riley Posadas, daughter of Bro. Rey and Rollygen Posadas is a freshman taking up Nursing at California State University, Fullerton. Riley considers herself studious and very dedicated as student especially in middle school wherein she was salutatorian at Saint Francis Xavier in Burbank. She took numerous Advance Placement and Honors subjects during her senior year at Providence High School also in Burbank where she obtained a 4.1 GPA. This propelled her to receive an AP Scholarship Award. “My parents have always instilled in me the core values of perseverance, compassion and optimism through faith in God which I abide by to this day,” she pointed out. She also recalled the challenges experienced by her parents as new immigrants in this country. “Because of earlier adversities experienced by my parents, I aspire to utilize the greatest gift and privilege they have given me, an education to the fullest.” Continued on page 4
After a fruitful and remarkable distribution of health and wellness goods to afflicted kids with disabilities recently, Alpha Phi Omega Philippines of Greater Los Angeles (APOPGLA), has followed through this Humanitarian Project with the turnover of “Care Packs” on Oct. 6 to the medical frontliners of the Philippine General Hospital’s Covid Ward-19. APOPGLA, a 501 C-3 public benefit, non-profit organization made this possible through its implementing arm on the ground, the APO (UP Los Banos) Theta Alumni Association. “ This is to s h o w o u r appreciation for the tireless effort of our Health Care providers in fighting this dreaded virus,” said Mar Garchitorena, an APO Theta Chapter alum and corporate secretary of APOPGLA. According to him, “This is the 6 th phase of our service in line with our continuing fight against this dreaded virus dubbed Continued on page 3
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Hello Brothers and Sisters, It’s already the tenth month of the year and once again we have to choose new set of officers However, you need to verify with our Treasurer if you are legal to participate and vote in the election. The Comelec will be announcing and presenting the list of brothers and sisters who want to serve the Alumni Association, APOGLA. May we have a set of officers who are dedicated to steer the Alumni Association to an even greater heights. Good luck to all! Thank you all so much! Bro./Pres. Tony Amon APOGLA 2020
“INFLUENCE OTHERS THROUGH POSITIVE LEADERSHIP” 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 Sancho Sy Photos/Graphics by Sancho Sy • Dan Nino Contributors Fely Montecillo • Tony Amon • Dan Nino Troy Agagon • Ruth Manalastas
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APOPGLA Provides “Care Packs” to PGH Frontliners with APO Ateneo Alumni Association, it distributed essential goods like rice, pampers, vitamins, prescribed medications and alcohol to 21 kids with disabilities like down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy that belong to Gabay Group based in Barangay Sangandaan in Quezon City on August 29.
Photo Caption: Pictured are the “Care Packs” received by the Philippine General Hospital on Taft. Ave., Manila. On the right panel shows Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) who also received assistance from APOPGLA.
Due to positive response and additional donations from supporters, this mission will be replicated on Dec. 16 coinciding with the international foundation day of Alpha Phi Omega which was founded on Dec. 16, 1925 in Lafayette College, Easton, Penssylvania.
Continued from page 1 In addition, APOPGLA also provided school as “THETA LABAN SA COVID” which started supplies to some high school students in Manila in their school preparation amidst this pandemic in March of 2020. under its BALIK ARAL 2020 Program. Each “Care Pack” contained masks, personal protective equipment (PPEs), scrubs, meals, vitamins and other items like spider plants that the Front Line Health Care providers needed. “There is joy in giving and in turn inspire the medical workers that we care for them,” added Dan E. Nino, the board chairman and CEO of APOPGLA. Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez, assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Administration of the University of the Philippines, Manila expressed his profound thanks to APOPGLA: “This is to certify that the undersigned has received for an on behalf of the Philippine General Hospital (DONEE), a public medical institution duly established and existing under the laws of the Philippines with address on Taft Ave., Manila, Philippines from Alpha Phi Omega Philippines of Greater Los Angeles and APO Philippines Theta Alumni Association, Inc. — received on Oct. 6, 2020 the following: 200 Care Packages (one set of scrub suit), vitamins and some snacks and 100 desk plants — in the form of a donation for the use of the DONEE’s front line medical workers and personnel currently handling confirmed and/or suspected COVID-19 patients.”
In a press statement, the executive officers and board members of APOPGLA expressed their heartfelt thanks to the many donors “without whom our humanitarian and educational mission and services would not have been possible. There are still so many of our brethren who are waiting to be helped and we can do much more if there are more kind hearted people like you to donate for these very worthy causes.”
Donations can be done by texting GIVE to 855276-1713 or mail your tax deductible donation to APOPGLA.org at 16413 Bubbling View Circle, Cerritos, CA 90703. You may also call APOPGLA has been serving the community in APOPGLA’s CEO, Dan E. Nino at 562-508-8099. the U.S. and the Philippines for over three decades. It has two other ongoing services in connection with its Humanitarian Mission. In collaboration By Bro. Dan E. Nino
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Bosom F riends Ar e This Year’ s APO Kids Sc holar ship R ecipients Friends Are ear’s Scholar holarship Recipients Continued from page 1 Riley added, “I firmly believe that attaining this APO Kids Scholarship Grant, it will not only aid my parents in their financial burdens but it shall also further motivate me to work harder to achieve both in my academic and life’s goals.” Alexis Julie, daughter of Sis Hazel Hermoso Salas is also a freshman taking up Public Health Sciences majoring in Microbiology and Immunology at University of California, Irvine. She graduated from Bishop Amar High School in La Habra as first honor with a GPA of 4.67. Alexis is a California Scholarship Federation Seal Bearer and a National Honor Society Lifetime awardee. She also belongs to the Honors Chamber Singers and Barkada Club, among others. Also an athlete, she is member of her high school’s Track & Field team. She adroitly balances her extra-curricular activities with her numerous Advanced Placement and Honors subjects. In 10 years, Alexis sees herself with a PhD. In Cellular and Molecular Biosciences with focus on Cancer and Cell Biology. She aspires to be a physician assistant at a hospital. “I would be working in a lab focusing on cancer research. She added, “I plan to host charity programs through my family’s voluntarism program with Alpha Phi Omega such as weekly visits to homeless shelters, providing food and other necessities and take part in the Operation Gratitude, helping the heroes in the military preparing care packages.” Alexis is proud with her two cultural backgrounds who was raised at a tender age in the Philippines. Although born in the U.S., she made adjustments when she came back at the age of six and exposed to unfamiliar lifestyles. She recounts, “All of my experiences have led me to who I am today and I could not have been more blessed. Having two languages at my disposal, I was able to have a deeper connection with my friends and teaches. Being bilingual helped me open up interesting cultural and social opportunities. I had gained greater confidence in what I can and will overcome. Expressing my Filipino pride, I was able to influence the people in my school. I serve as a model who lives and shares cultural traditions.” – denino1951@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE!
WHAT: WHEN:
WHO: WHY:
APOGLA HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY 2020
October 30, 2020 Friday Jobee and Sis Hazel’s home 20120 Diehl Street La Puente, CA 91789 APOGLA and FAMILY esp KIDS! Just Because We Miss You!
Party starts at 3pm. This is a potluck event. Don’t forget to bring your favorite dish to share! Please wear your costume. Go big or go home! Games and big prizes await y rreminder eminder kids and adults alike. Just a friendl friendly eminder::
NO MASK, NO ENTRY. Practice social distancing, if possible. If you have been sick and/or experiencing symptoms, please stay home! Hand sanitizers will be provided in various locations and we encourage frequent handwashing. RSVP to your APOGLA Team 2020: Hazel 626-97-3150 • Tony Amon 818-970-4214 • Ruth M. 818-800-6765
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM By Bro. Dan E. Nino
What’s Happening To Our Country (Author’s notes: This narrative is the gist or talking points of the author’s speech on Sept. 30 at his Eclectic Dialectics Toastmaster’s Club in Cerritos wherein his fellow club members voted for him as the best speaker among three entries.) Not too long ago, I stood in front of our peers to narrate how the United States of America had welcomed me, embraced me, sheltered me, fed me through the sweat of my brow and provided me the opportunity to realize my American Dream. Then, I expressed my admiration for this country as the greatest country on earth and the beacon of freedom. Yes, I was an ardent admirer of America despite being labeled as an Imperialist nation. My adopted country is considered the epitome of the world, the role model of the free world where opportunities are boundless. Lately however, I’m disillusioned. I’m appalled. I’m disappointed. I’m demoralized because we are polarized as a people, divided and fragmented. There’s hatred between certain sectors of our society. But we are greater than hate. We have many common denominators than what divide us. My speech tonight is not about politics. It’s about enlightenment and patriotism. There’s lack of decorum, lack of decency, lack of courtesy and lack of social grace in our political discourse and debates. That division is manifested by a talk of a red state, blue state and deep state. I hear the rumblings of a United Shades of America or Divided States of America. We are supposed to be the United States of America. What’s happening to our country? Are we becoming a banana republic? A developing country? A Third World country. We’re supposed to be greatest country on earth since I can remember! Our diversity makes us stronger and unique among the community of nations. We need to heal. We need to embrace as brethren under one flag, one umbrella, one nation. To make it in America, we work our butt off so everyone will thrive. We follow our laws. We follow our great traditions. We abide by our constitution and rules. We are not above the law. We pay our share of taxes. My fellow toastmasters, I’m not rich. I’m not a millionaire or billionaire but I pay the correct taxes by the thousands and not zero or $750 a year. – denino1951@gmail.com
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo Greetings to my fellow Librans who are celebrating their birthdays this month! Happy Birthday! Another year older, and we just keep getting wiser, stronger, funnier and more amazing! Most of all, we thank the Lord for another year of blessings. The Libra star sign is the seventh sign of the zodiac. They are considered the nicest and most charming personality in the world. Libras are also known for their diplomacy, for their idealism, and their love for beautiful things. Relationships are paramount for Libras, who find balance in companionship. They love harmonious partnerships with fashionable mates. Libras can navigate virtually any social situation, effortlessly resolving conflicts by simply turning on their charm. Special days for the month of October are: October 9 - World Vegetarian Day; October 3 - World Smile Day; October 5- World Teachers’ Day; October 16 - World Food Day; and October 31 - Halloween. So to one and all, have a wonderful October! ************************** This month we hold our election for the next set of officers for the year 2021. And more important, this November 3, we shall find out who will lead this country in the next few years. Indeed, these two elections will affect each and every one of us greatly. Because of this, I could not help but ponder and ask myself if God somehow says something about the chosen leaders of a nation. Out of my curiosity, I immediately proceeded to look into the Bible and indeed found the following verses about a nation and its leaders: A) Leaders are servants first - “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must first be a sworn SERVANT”. - Matthew 20:26 B) Fairness is a leader’s moral obligation - “If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever”. - Proverbs 29:14 C) Leaders see strength in their followers - “Don’t be selfish, don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves”. - Philippians 2:3 D) Great leaders are tactful - “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back!” -Proverbs 29:11 E) Good leaders are willing to take advice - “where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors, there is victory.” - Proverbs 11:14. F) Leaders uplift others and hear their constituents wishes. - “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:3-4 If all elected officials will follow these dicta , then it would make this world a better place to live in! Through our column allow us to extend our sincerest congratulations to all those to be sworn in to serve our organization. We shall watch you, we shall observe you and find out if you apply some of the ideals mentioned in the Bible about a good leader. We expect you to really work hard to be able to implement the programs of APOGLA successfully. We hope that you would be able to resolve issues that ought to be resolved. We look forward to good leadership! Good luck and cheers on your recent election!
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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.
Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronald Amon, Tony Amon, Ophel Anadilla, Jun Aris Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Aquino, Herman Aralar, Eric Arevalo, Lester Argonza, Arvin Ayo, Toti Baxal, Joel Bayani, JR Bolisay, Herome Bonete, Elena Cahapisan, Demitrio Cajucom, Willy Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Leonardo Chin, Jun* Chua, Michael Clor, Eddie Cobarrubias, Bob Conferido, Rueben David, Christian David, Betta De la Cruz, Renato De Leon, Malou Delmolin, Froilan Emperado, Rudy Enguero, Maria Pam Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fajardo, Marilou Fajota, Honeyboy Fernando, Ruby Fisico, Ted Flores, Rudy
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. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84.
Ford, Rebecca Franco, Rolly Galang, Emma Ganzon, Eleazar Gapido, Bodjie Garchetorena, Mar Garcia, Sammie Gomez, Tony Gopez, Bernardo Guerrero, Ging Hermoso, Hazel Imperial , Gloria Irineo, Philip Jovellanos, Jobee Junio, Virgil Lara, Bobet Layno, MaryAnn Lee, Marisol Linsangan, Jun Madrigal, Jun Madrigal, Tess Maiden, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie Manalastas, Ruth Manikad, Rey Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Martinez, Mulong Medina, Boy Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Monasterio, Michelle Nino , Dan Ninofranco, Egay Noche, Cesar Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Parayno, Julius Paredes, Vic* Pascual, Winston
85. Pastores, Alex 86. Peneza, Bobet 87. Petrasanta, Rene 88. Picazo, Bobbitte 89. Posadas, Rey 90. Remorozo, Gerald 91. Reyes, Roehl 92. Rivera, Art 93. Romero, Edgar 94. Rondilla, Dony 95. Rosales, Cesar 96. Salvador, Buddy 97. Serrano, Eric 98. Sevilla, Bobby 99. Somera, Herman 100.Sy, Sancho 101.Tarculas, Lito 102.Tarculas, Josie 103.Tavera, Glenda 104.Tecson, Edgar 105.Turallo, Silver 106.Valdecantos, Henry 107.Valentino, Hero 108.Valera, Liza 109.Ventura, Beth 110.Villaver, Melvin 111.Villaver, Eleonor 112.Vinluan, Jehiel 113.Williams, Rachelle 114.Yambot, Ferdie 115.Yenko, Rene 116.Zamora, Sammy as of September 28, 2020
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, Rocky Suzara 03 - Tagumpay Navarro, Sally Ambatali 04 - Alfred Serrano 05 - Jun Salinas 08 - Marc Barcelona 09 - Perry Sipin 10 - Gilbert Cabral 11 - Jade Torres Klugman 12 - Froilan Delmolin, Bobet Peneza 13 - Rachella Williams 14 - Fely Montecillo 15 - Doms Tunque+ 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 SPOUSES: 04 - Tere Clavecilla 07 - Carol Rosales 09 - Thomas Ford 12 - Pilucci Franco,Pia Naval 13 - Tess Pangilinan,Editha Masaya 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
SEE YOU AT THE HALL OWEEN CELEBRA TION HALLO CELEBRATION WHAT: APOGLA HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY 2020 WHEN: October 30, 2020 Friday Jobee and Sis Hazel’s home 20120 Diehl Street La Puente, CA 91789 WHO: APOGLA and FAMILY especially KIDS! WHY: Just Because We Miss You! CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Tony Amon CP# 818-970-4214
Tony Amon 22761 Eccles St. West Hills, CA 91304
Stamps Here
www.alphaphiomega.org