Vol 41 Issue 9
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
October 2021
Why We Need to Contin ue our Continue our Comm unity Community In volv ement Inv olvement
Lunch with visiting GNY Brods Lem Banaga, Soan Velasquez and Sis. Ving Adriatico at Tony’s on the Pier in Rendondo Beach, CA. The trio are extending their tour from Florida to the West Coast.
APO F lorida Shines as Florida A Con vention Host 15th ACN CNA Conv BY BRO. DAN E. NINO, CEO/COB, APOPGLA 501 C-3
My apologies for this anti-climactic column focusing on the tidbits about our 15th ACNA Convention in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After the confab, I stayed behind in Miami to visit my relatives and was toured around the sprawling Everglades National Preserves. Thereafter, I flew to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for R&R, only two hours flight from Miami. Then proceeded to Toronto, Canada to attend the long-delayed wedding of my nephew. Although there were too much hassles at the airports because of Covid-19 protocols, my two-week sojourn away from home is rejuvenating and refreshing. ******************** Now the meat of my story: Bro. Larry Receno of Gamma Rho (Ortanez University) who is based in Toronto and the incumbent ACNA 1st vice president, was rewarded as the incoming president for the year 2022-23. Out of 54 votes, Bro. Larry edged PP Bro. Art Rivera of APOPGLA who was highly touted as strong and the man to beat. I say this because Bro. Art is a tested leader and has served in many capacities whether in APOGLA, the Santa Clarita community, his Eta alumni association and his parish church. His leadership skills are like second nature to him. But as the proverbial saying goes, “bilog ang bola,” meaning, anything can happen to the ball because it rolls in any direction. Continued on page 7
One of the three cardinal principle of Alpha Phi Omega is SERVICE, with four fields of service APO are involved in – Service to the Campus, Service to the Community, Service to the Nation and Service to the Fraternity and Sorority. In our younger years, we were very active in practicing this guiding principle - it gives us a sense of happiness and fulfillment in helping others, brings us closer to brothers/sisters who we already know, meet other APO members from different chapters/alumni associations, while having a snack/meal and APO drink/juice. If there is a service project, “punta tayo, halika na, bilisan mo!”. As years passed by, we began to have families and careers; our priorities changed. Continued on page 2
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE Continued from page 1
It is understandable as it is still in the tenets of Alpha Phi Omega, in its hierarchy of loyalty – God, Country, Family, Fraternity/Sorority. However, despite the new priorities, we still try to do our duty to be of service with still the same reasons mentioned earlier. However, in the present circumstances of (COVID-19 pandemic, being at risk for COVID19, medical conditions, being grandfathers and grandmothers, less brothers and sisters attending community service project), there appears a decreased level of readiness to be involved in the community service projects. This is reasonable and understandable. However, there is a need to continue with our community involvement. Community service involvement uses the skill/s and talent/s of the volunteers (we, the men and women of APOGLA), mostly in helping the local community. In particular, service projects are events where we can come together to work on a project in the community. Community service brings positive results and changes that can we can feel and see. It strengthens our ties to the local community and its members and other organizations. Community involvement creates strong bonds resulting from collaborations within and outside the association. Trust is built, contributing to increased charity, confidence, and leadership skills. Hence, sustainability is achieved. Community service also ensures that the experiences brought in by the APOGLA brothers and sisters are relevant and responsive to the needs of the community. Hence, my brothers and sisters in APOGLA, let us do our best to be present and participate in our community service projects. Let us be healthy, let not our participation be dependent on others, let us be out there and let us shine, be the APhiO that we are very proud of. And if you cannot be out there for medical and/or personal reasons, call and encourage other brods and Tribo ni Bado Newsletter sisters to come and join our projects. Let us be is a monthly publication of the of service, let us be an asset. Alpha Phi Omega Greater Los Angeles And to thank everyone for their Alumni Association exclusively for its participation and support for APOGLA, we will members, families and friends. The opinions be holding our APOGLA’s Thanksgiving Party, expressed herein are those of the writers, free of charge to all APOGLA members. It will and are not intended to represent be held on November 13, 2021 at the Valencia APOGLAAA. Northbridge Clubhouse m 23804 Grandview Drive, Valencia, CA. Be prepared to give thanks Publisher on November 13, 2021. Sancho Sy We will have our Thanksgiving Party following our election for APOGLA Officers Photos/Graphics by 2022 and referendum on the proposed CBL Casey Mansilla • Dony Rondilla Amendments. See you all, mga Kapatid. FB page In leadership, friendship, and service I remain, BroDomel
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: Building A Future Worthy of Our Past”
Contributors Fely Montecillo • Jen Evangelista Troy Agagon • Dan Nino • Domel Evangelista Apol Soledad
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In Memoriam
Br o. Er nie Gar Bro Ernie Garrrovillas
January 13, 1956 - August 30, 2021 Delta Chapter ‘74 (ID# 05260) - Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila Member - APO Greater Los Angeles President - APO Delta Chapter (Philippines) Overseas Alumni Assn. Past President - Binangonan Association of Southern California Worked with the US Postal Service and a US Navy veteran
Br o. R amon Da vid Bro Ramon David
August 7, 1959 - September 10, 2021 Epsilon Psi Chapter - Batch 1984 - Holy Angel University Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Member - APO Greater Los Angeles
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE APOGLA CBL The following are the proposed amendments to the APOGLA CBL, as presented during the September 2021 APOGLA GMM, and for discussion at 6:00 PM on October 16, 2021 APOGLA Special Meeting to be held at the Rosemead Masonic Lodge located at 8637 Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770:
For a more orderly discussion of the pros and cons of the proposed amendments, we will only have 6 speakers from each side. Five speakers will have 5 minutes to present their cases, with the sixth speaker summarizing their position in 5 minutes. Please let me know if you want to present your position during the special meeting. You can also free to discuss your views here at our APOGLA email group - apogla@googlegroups.com The proposed amendments are to be ratified during the APOGLA Election on October 30, 2021. The APOGLA October GMM will follow after the special meeting, during which the candidates for the APOGLA President, Vice-President, Auditor and Board of Directors will be presented by the COMELEC.
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Meet our ne w member AD new member:: SIS SIS.. APOL SOLED SOLEDAD Chapter /Batch year:
Kappa Theta Chapter (Davao Doctors College) Batch: ‘93B (Special Diseases) Pledge Name: Potts Disease
Hometown:
Davao City, Philippines
Profession/field:
Nurse. Currently works as Apartment Manager
Family:
Eric Soledad (spouse), Elizabeth Cabarubbias (mother), 3 siblings (Phils)
How did you hear about APOGLA?
I happened to meet wife of Brod Rudy Flores while working. She informed Bro. Rudy who introduced me to APOGLA family.
Words of wisdom to share:
“A forced kindness deserves no thanks. Willingness to serve does not wait until he/she is asked for.”
Welcome to APO Greater Los Angeles, Sis. Apol!
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APOKIDS SCHOLARSHIP 2021
The APOGLA Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for APOKids Scholars 2021, check your email from APOGLA Egroup, Viber Group and FB page for the Scholarship Guidelines and Application form. Contact Bro./Pres. Domel for details.
APOGLA Hospitality: Lunc h with visiting APO GNY Br ods Lem Bana ga, Lunch Brods Banag Soan Velasque z and Sis tico (Incoming APO-A CN A VP) a Adriatico APO-ACN CNA elasquez Sis.. Ving Adria att Ton y’ sR estaur ant in R edondo R edondo Beac h, CA. ony’ y’s Restaur estaurant Redondo Redondo Beach,
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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM BY BRO. DAN E. NINO, CEO/COB, APOPGLA 501 C-3
APO Florida Shines as 15th ACNA Convention Host Cont. from page 1 Mind you, Bro. Art did not take this ACNA election lightly. He had two banner signs posted conspicuously on the second floor of the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton. His campaign flyers were spread out to the tables at the election venue – for everyone to see. I did not hear the two presidential candidates deliver their campaign speeches because only the voting delegates were allowed inside the voting hall. The so-called press was also barred. But Bro. Art did a good fight. During the counting of votes which was open to everyone in the hospitality hall, Bro. Art received all the first five votes. Slowly, Bro. Larry’s votes creeped in. Thereafter, the lead changed hands many times and became a virtual see-saw battle. In the final stretch, Bro. Larry was ahead by only one vote with one remaining ballot to count. The Bingo! The last ballot belonged to Bro. Larry. “Tabla-talo” was how an APOGLA pundit put it. After the counting was officially over and Bro. Larry was proclaimed, the APOGLA’s mood was somber. Several theories and analysis were put forward. But deep in me, I know that voting delegates rewarded Bro. Larry who is with the current ACNA Council team come hell or high water. And his presence was very visible on stage as executive officer. It was a great electoral exercise and Bro. Art’s razor thin loss did not diminish his personal standing and his sincere desire to serve. During the showtime on Friday, Sept. 3, Bro. Larry Receno revealed, “My vision is that come what may, I’d still serve in any APO organization, in any position or in any capacity. This is a great opportunity for me. I’d like to commend APO Florida AA and all their volunteers for a job well done.” After the counting was over, Bro. Larry made special mention of his ka-chap, APOGLA member, Bro. JR Bayani. He shared, “I feel for him and thank him for supporting me. He is caught between two rocks. We are both school mates and magka-batch. ******************** But what stood out as a stunning coup de Grace was the APO Florida Alumni Association’s handling of the 15th ACNA Convention despite the uncertain Covid-19 issues. APO Florida headed by Bro. Lito G. Cua did not leave any stone unturned in their astonishing preparation for a highly successful confab. The hospitality was remarkable, the food and drinks overflowed, the entertainment and program were impeccable, accommodation was smooth. And if there was any issue, it was addressed right away by no less than Bro. Lito Cua. Hail to the chief. You are a leader and a role model to reckon with brother. Too bad, I could not offer you a drink during the downtime because there was no bar at the hotel. Everything was provided free inside the hospitality room. LOL. In reminiscing the showtime ably emceed by Bro. Rocky Suzara, Bro. Lito gamely led his six cohorts to a ballerina dance cross-dressed. He joked, “This presentation has been in the making for three years.” It reminded me during my own initiation finals when I was dressed like a woman using my mom’s old duster.
Photo of APO-ACNA presidential hopefuls: Bro. Larry Receno and Bro. Art Rivera before the election. - Photo by Bro. Dan E. Nino
During his welcome remarks, Bro. Lito said, “It had been a journey. We’re very proud and happy. We’re glad that we can give justice to what you are expecting from us. I notice that you’re all enjoying. I applaud our APO Florida Team for their dedication and hard work. During the Showtime, APO Florida Bro. Eddie Lacson wowed the crowd with his mellifluous rendition of Louie Armstrong’s ‘What A Beautiful World.” He encored it with “Be My Lady,” made famous by Martin Nievera. I was smitten by his singing that I approached him, ‘Why don’t you participate in “American Idol or America Got Talent.” While Bro. Eddie was on stage performing, Bro. Art and wife Gie were spotted dancing cheek to cheek on the sidelines. A surprise ballerina sexy dancer introduced as Miss Venezuela performed a real belly dancing. After a couple of belly stunts, she egged Bro. Lito Tarculas to perform a simulated dance with her. Gamely, Bro. Lito did well. You are a real trouper Br. Lito. This Miss Venezuela also cajoled Si Irma Almazan to dance with her. Bro. Jun De Castro, ACNA President stated succinctly, “Although there are so many challenges and impediments in this convention, we we’re able to pull it off together with APO Florida.” It is worth mentioning that current ACNA 2 nd Vice President, Bro. Mac Lichauco, MD, who is also an active board member of APO Global Foundation ran unopposed as 1st Vice President. During the Gala Night on September 4, APO Global Foundation showcased video clips of four APO Philippines Alumni Associations for their service projects. Cash prizes were provided by APO Global as incentives. There were seven current and past ACNA presidents who were on hand, namely: Brods Lester Arevalo, Lito Tarculas, Dan Maines, Alex Garcia, Jun de Castro, and sisses Cora de Jesus and Irma Almazan. If I missed somebody, please let me know. If there’s any harbinger to expect, ACNA is here to stay with bigger things to come. – denino1951@gmail.com
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo It’s October, my dear Brods and Sisters, three months away from the happiest of all holidays - Christmas! But allow me first to greet our birthday celebrants for the month HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Remember, even if you have to get older, you never have to grow up! Live it up guys and gals! Ummm! Let’s see. A Libra is a person born between September 23 and October 23. Librans are known for being charming, beautiful, and well-balanced. They thrive on making things orderly and aesthetically pleasing. They also crave balance and they can be equally as selfindulgent as they are generous. Librans are some of the cleverest people around, and they have a lot to offer. They like making peace between others. This makes them great leaders, friends and partners, and they can apply these positive qualities to their personal and professional lives. So again, Happy Birthday to my fellow celebrants this month! *********************** October, too, has a lot to offer us. This month we have World Vegetarian Day, International Day of NonViolence, National Economic Education month, National Halloween Festivities, and International Day of Non-Violence. *********************** Our election is fast approaching. We have a great responsibility to choose officers who are bent on continuing the success of previous officials and to unite the members on achieving the goals set before them. Let us, therefore, vote wisely and elect officials we all can be proud of. *********************** Congratulations to PP Sis Emma Galang who will soon be a first time grandma! Her daughter, Erika and hubby Jonathan Martinez, are expecting a. visit from the stork early next year. We welcome such happy news and surely elate each and every one of us! *********************** If you notice, our humble column has been focusing on some virtues which many of us tend to overlook in the flurry of our busy existence. Virtue is moral excellence. A virtue is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. Therefore, it is a behavior that shows high moral standards: doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. The opposite of virtue is vice. This month we focus on Justice, which according to Aristotle is one of the 12 virtues. Justice is the most important and most discussed objective of the State, and Society. It is the basis of orderly human living. Justice demands the regulation of selfish actions of people for securing a fair distribution, equal treatment of equals, and proportionate and just rewards for all. *********************** Halloween is coming soon but have you ever thought where and when it started? Halloween as a tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick or treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats. So with that, we greet each and every one of you Happy Halloween!
TREASURER’S REPOR T By Bro. Troy Agagon REPORT 1. Agagon, Troy 2. Almazan, Alex 3. Almazan, Irma 4. Ambrosio, Ronald 5. Amon, Ophel 6. Amon, Tony 7. Anadilla Jr., Ariston 8. Ang-Gayon, Melody 9. Ansula, Bong 10. Aralar, Eric 11. Arevalo, Lester 12. Arnaldo, Manuel 13. Arroyo, Geoffrey 14. Asuncion, Ann 15. Atienza, Oca 16. Ayo, Toti 17. Bayani, JR 18. Blaza, Christine 19. Bonete, Maria 20. Cajucom, Willy 21. Calvario, Rene 22. Carrasco, Danny 23. Chin, Jhun 24. Clarete, Sam 25. Cobarrubias, Bob 26. Conferido, Reuben 27. Cristobal, Lope 28. David, Betta 298.David, Christian 30. David, Ramon 31. De Leon, Malou 32. Dime, Emmanuel 33. Dulay, Alex 34. Emperado, Rudy 35. Enguero, Pam 36. Evangelista, Domel 37. Evangelista, Jen 38. Fajardo, Marilou 39. Fernando, Ruby 40. Fisico, Teddy
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. 79. 80.
Flores, Glenda Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Franco, Rolly Gapido, Bodjie Gomez, Tony Gopez, Bernardo Guerrero, Jenny Rose Hermoso, Hazel Jaranilla, Ogie Javierto, Mandy Jove, Nestor Jove, Shirley Jovellanos, Jobee Junio, Virgil Lara, Bobet Layno, Mary Ann Linsangan, Jun Madella, Rene Madrigal, Jun Madrigal, Tess Maidin, Yusop Mamaril, Ferdie Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Mejia, Francis Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Montecillo, Fely Nguyen , Ruth Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Edgar Noche, Caesar Padua, Rey Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Paredes, Vic Pascual, Winston Pastores, Alex
81. Peneza, Jo 82. Petreace, Petchie 83. Picazo, Cesar 84. Posadas, Rey 85. Remorozo, Gerald 86. Reyes, Roehl 87. Rivera, Art 88. Roberto, Marisol 89. Romero, Ed 90. Rondilla, Dony 91. Rosal, Justin 92. Rosales, Cesar 93. Rubina-Galang, Emma 94. Sager, Limuel 95. Salvador, Buddy 96. Serrano, Eric 97. Sevilla, Bobby 98. Silva, Chris 99. Sipin, Perry 100.Soledad, Apol 101.Somera, Herman 102.Sy, Sancho 103.Tarculas, Josie 104.Tarculas, Lito 105.Tecson, Edgardo 106.Turallo, Silver 107.Valentino, Hero 108.Valdecantos, Henry 109.Valera, Liza 110. Ventura, Beth 111. Villaver, Eleonor 112. Villaver, Melvin 113. Vinluan, Jehiel 114. Yambot, Ferdie 115. Yenko, Rene 116. Zamora, Sammie as of September 15, 2021
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 - Rocky Suzara 03 - Tagumpay Navarro, Philip Ireneo 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 29 - Dony Rondilla, Rey Posadas, Nonot Rosales, Rey Manikad 30 - Romeo Martinez SPOUSES: 03 - Carisse Mamaril 04 - Tere Clavecilla 07 - Carol Rosales 09 - Thomas Ford 12 - Pilucci Franco, Mary Ann Peneza 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: 01 - Jose Garchitorena 02 - Nikki Rivera 04 - Francis Arnaldo 05 - Anthony David 08 - Eunice Galang, Paolo Somera 09 - Krystal Petrasanta, Ryan Petrasanta 10 - Nikko Rosales 11 - Jonas Montecillo, Mikaela Miranda 12 - Jeremy Paggao, Shawn Clarete, Ralph Imperial 15 - Jerome Gomez 16 - Kika Franco, Anton Tecson, TJ Adao 17 - Ian Gapido 18 - Angelo Evangelista, Juviel Vinluan 19 - Alec Gucilatar 21 - Mario Aure, Alvi Fisico 22 - Cliff Flores, Tara Reyes 23 - Cocoy Fisico 24 - Pamela Villaver 27 - Grace Rivera 28 - Christoffer Zamora 29 - Rainier Petrasanta 31 - Robert Francis Advincula
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OCT OBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OCTOBER Join us this Saturday, October 16, 2021 Blood Drive: 10am - 4pm GMM: 5pm IN PERSON: at Rosemead Masonic Lodge 8637 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Domel Evangelista - (323) 302-3871 Sis. Jen Evangelista - (323) 702-2272 See You At Our the GMM!
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK: https://www .f ace book.com/tribonibado https://www.f .face acebook.com/tribonibado