Tribo ni Bado Newsletter - November 2017

Vol 37 Issue 10 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION November 2017

Incoming President Brod Beeboy Mansilla (in the middle) getting a victory pose after the elctions last October 28, 2017 at the Cerritos Clubhouse

APOGLA HAS NEW GUY S AT THE HELM FOR 2018 GUYS

By Bro. Dan E. Nino Cerritos, Calif. – No doubt, the result of the recent APOGLA’s election of executive officers and two members of the Board of Directors is predictable. The COMELEC just went through the motion of reading out loud one ballot and presto! -- the election proceeding was over in one hour and five minutes.

The exercise of suffrage was a symbolic gesture to fulfill APOGLA’s constitution that an election be held to elect its new set of officers for 2018. Sixteen brothers and sisters cast their ballots from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 preceding the Halloween Party for the APO kids and grandkids at the Clubhouse in the park-like City of Cerritos.

After the hour-long election, the shortest in the history of APOGLA, COMELEC members composed of Brods Dan E. Nino (Chairman), Christian David and Raul David just read out one ballot then declared all candidates winners by default.

Brod Casey“Beeboy”Mansilla of Sigma Chapter (Adamson University) Batch 1976-C who ran unopposed like the rest of the candidates, will succeed his fellow Sigmanian Sis Betta Martinez David as president.

The other candidates who ran and automatically won were Bro. Shane Miranda (Kappa Beta 1994), vice president and Brod Armand Mendoza (Alpha Eta1975-A), auditor. Brod Toti Ayo (Beta Kappa 1972) and Brod Art Rivera (Eta, 1972-A) were automatically elected as members of the Board. As of

press time, Brod Dan E. Nino (PSI 1970-B) was re-appointed as PRO. The positions of secretary and treasurer have yet to be filled out. Sis Hazel Salas (Kappa Beta) and Brod Troy Agagon (Gamma Epsilon (1981) are this year’s current secretary and treasurer, respectively. The new officers will be sworn-in on December 16 at the Knotts Berry Hotel in Buena Park coinciding with the fraternity’s foundation anniversary.

Brod Beeboy became an active member of APOGLA in 2006, In 2009, he served as vice president, then as member of the Board in 2012. In 2013, he was the overall chairman of the December Affair. This was followed by his stints as auditor in 2015 and 2017.

In 1982, Bro. Beeboy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce major in Accounting from Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, Philippines. The following year, he passed the grueling CPA Board exam.

Bro. Beeboy is still assembling his team to serve with him next year. In due time, he will spell out his platform of governance. A glimpse of his presidency came to the fore during the presentation of candidates in October. He emphasized, “I’m only as strong and effective with the full participation of the entire membership. The success of our organization doesn’t depend on me alone. I need everyone’s contribution to achieve our goals.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSA GE MESSAGE

BY SIS AD SIS.. BETT BETTA DA AVID

It’s a privilege to serve this great alumni organization. To many, APOGLA is a cornerstone and the cutting edge among the alumni association. We are looked up to, and respected. It has serve well and we thank our good Lord for all the blessings that He has bestowed on our organization. I thank all our Members, whose dedication, participation and love for the Organization has kept it strong and after 37 years since its inception, it continuous to grow and prosper. The dedicated brothers, sisters, better halves and children and now the grandchildren had far surpassed our cohesiveness as family. Consistent to this too are challenges we face as family.

But through it all, the drive of being resilient as most characteristics of Filipinos are, any obstacles are overcome.

Thanksgiving is acknowledging the many splendor of God, its magnificence; it’s omnipotence and awe. May this prayer of thanksgiving inspire us all to thank our Almighty God. In this we pray: God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace: We thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life.

We thank you for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that the eye can see, for the joy that the ear may hear, for the unknown that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder, for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves.

We thank you for setting us in communities: for families who nurture our becoming, for friends who love us by choice, for companions at work, who share our burdens and daily tasks, for strangers who welcome us into their midst, for people from other lands who call us to grow in understanding, for children

who lighten our moments with delight, for the unborn, who offer us hope for the future.

We thank you for this day: for life and one more day to love, for opportunity and one more day to work for justice and peace, for neighbors and one more person to love and by whom be loved, for your grace and one more experience of your presence, for your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation.

For these, and all blessings, we give you thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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WORDS OF WISDOM

Shared by Sis. Betta David

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

By Simone de Beauvoir “ Love all, trust a few, do wrong to no one.”

By William Shakespeare “ It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it”.

By Denis Diderot “ Do not love leisure. Waste not a minute. Be bold.

Realize the truth, here and now.”

By Swami Sivananda “I know of only one duty, and that is to love.”

By Albert Camus

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”

By John F. Kennedy “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

By Maya Angelou “Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”

By OgMandino “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”

By William Shakespeare “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

By Albert Einstein “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

By Confucius

“ Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”

By Oscar Wilde “The most powerful warriors are patience and time.”

By Leo Tolstoy “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential…these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”

By Confucius “Life is a journey. When we stop, things don’t go right”.

By Pope Francis “ Learning never exhausts the mind.”

By Leonardo da Vinci “Virtue has a veil, vice a mask.”

By Victor Hugo

“ Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.”

By Rene Descartes “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”

By Saint Augustine

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 • Betta David Photos/Graphics by Ed Romero • Sancho Sy • Lester Arevalo Contributors Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo Betta David • Troy Agagon • Lee Roy Aquino

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EUL OGY FOR FIDEL R OBLES AQUINO EULOGY ROBLES UINO,, JR. Thank you Everyone who has joined us in the celebration of Fidel Robles Aquino, Jr’s life.

Thank You family and friends for your support. From listening to us to simply being here today. Shout out to my sister who has done so much for our dad before and after he passed away. Fidel was a father, uncle, brother to many of you. Many of you know him as TiyoBoyto or Pungay aka Stare.

Growing up, my father and I had a unique relationship. We were close but we did not have the typical father son relationship. As a child, I remember him buying all the toys and video games I wanted. With all these toys, this allowed me to have a strong bond with my family members. I remember being a sore loser playing video games, the water balloon and water gun fights we had growing up in London St in the Silverlake area.

During my elementary, middle school and high school years, I would see my dad as often as I can. Mostly during the weekends. There were times when he would pick up my friends and I from school in his Nissan 240sx with his Alpha Phi Omega Pungay License plate.

My relationship with my dad improved in my early college years due to his health conditions. I was able to spend more time with him on a daily basis and my dad devoted himself to healthier eating and lifestyle in his early 50s. After graduating with my bachelors’ I eventually landed a job in Kaiser Permanente. A few years later with the support from my mom and dad, I got my master’s degree.

After my father’s unexpected passing a few weeks ago, I have been fortunate to hear stories from family members here and in the Philippines. Stories of how my dad was with his Alpha Phi Omega family brings smiles to my face. From maxing out his 1st credit card at Shatto bowling to helping them get their first house. Facebook conversations and face to face stories include how he helped family and friends with getting their first job. He even put family members that I did not know about through college in the Philippines.

My dad helped family and friends as much as he can. My dad was passionate with his family. This is the type of man my dad was. He helped because he wanted to help. He gave because he wanted to give. Not because he was forced to do things or to be liked.

Our dad had a certain set of values in him. When you see him in gatherings, he spoke what was in his mind. And as you know the truth sometimes hurt. My dad was very vocal and a very passionate man. Our dad was a stubborn yet he was a selfless, simple man. He cared more for others than his own health and well being. My dad cherished his family, Alpha Phi Omega family, and friends.

He showed his love by simply wanting many of us to succeed. He helped many of us with knowledge/advice, our college tuition and planted the seeds for success for my sister, myself, family, friends and others to succeed.

Dad, Your legacy will Live forever within the hearts of my sister, me and for those who you cared for. We will be forever grateful and thankful. Thank you, dad, for the good and the bad, you gave us everything you had. You left us way too soon but you Lived your Life, Your Way.We know you will be watching and guiding us from above.

Thank you everyone for being here. After the funeral services, we will be having lunch at New Town Buffet in Burbank, California.

By: Lee Roy Aquino, MPH Project Manager II, Kaiser Permanente Center for Healthy Living (Formerly known as Health Education) SCPMG, Panorama City

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FIN AL RITES AND FUNERAL SER VICE PICTURES FINAL SERVICE

APOGLA RENDERING SER VICE AT THE SERVICE

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AT THE HALL OWEEN P AR TY OCT OBER 28, 2017 @ CERRIT OS CL UBHOUSE HALLO PAR ARTY OCTOBER CERRITOS CLUBHOUSE

AT THE 10TH GMM OCT OBER 22, 2017 OCTOBER

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FR OM MY POINT OF VIEW FROM

By Bro. Dan E. Nino

I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO THANK AND REFLECT FOR THIS THANKSGIVING I want to reflect on the many things and blessings that had sustained me for what I am today. In fact, we should thank our Creator for the many blessings that we receive and enjoy everyday upon waking up — that we are still alive, breathing, kicking and continue to navigate our life’s journey.

We thank the Lord for the food on the table, the roof above our heads, the clothes behind our back, our livelihood, our gifts of friendship, our families who love us unconditionally and everything thatmake our lives worth living.

I had some failures and pain in life but was able to bounce back everytime I fell. I’d rather not dwell on them but prefer to reflect on the love of God for me and miracles that I’ve experienced that keeps me alive and sane until today.

After all, there is God and guardian Angel that continues to safeguard and protect me from harm and imminent death.

In Isaiah in the scripture 44:2A, “I am your Creator.

You were in my care even before you were born.”

Here’s my story: When I was about eight years of age, I was carried away by a raging river current in my province of Pangasinan, Philippines. Although I knew how to swim but not as good compared now as an adult, the swift current of the river which cascaded from Zambales Mountain swept me downstream and my head was bubbling up and down. My wild thoughts then was just to surrender to the will of God. All of a sudden, the adult guy in our swimming party grabbed my neck and pulled me out to safety from imminent downing. I thank God for this first miracle of my young life.

After finishing college, Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972. Our home in Quezon City was raided by the Military Intelligence Service Group (MISG). Armed with armalites, the military squad picked me up one early dawn and detained me temporarily at Camp Crame on suspicion that I was a leftist. Thereafter at mid-morning I was brought to the military’s safe house blindfolded. Inside, I was interrogated while my hands were tied to a chair, then tortured me with impunity. I never lost hope. I knew God was watching over me. Starving, weak and in pain with my lungs collapsing because of the punches and kicks I received, I survived. As a result, my lungs were in pain whenever I breathed or coughed. Finally before I was released, I was asked to write an essay under duress extolling the virtues of martial law; that it was a smiling martial law and good for the country. They brought me home and warned me not to report the matter to the police or authorities.

Otherwise, my whole family will be executed one by one.

After this dreadful episode in my life, I became a budding and freelance journalist, with stints as a movie and entertainment writer then as a sportswriter and Public

Relations Practitioner. I finally found a permanent job as Public Relations Assistant for an oil exploration company, then as Community Relations officer and editor of our corporate newsletter. After two years with this cellophane manufacturing company in the province. I was laid off because of company retrenchment. I was not surprised because my department spent a lot of money in its PR campaign to various publics around the community where our plant was located.

This was a perfect job for me. It suited me well with my training and outgoing personality.

I went back to Manila distraught and downcast. After a week licking my wounds, I received a call from a fraternity brother offering me a job. He said that he personally went to our plant in the province looking for me who wanted to offer me a job as Personnel and Administrative Manager, this time at a steel company. I realized anew that God had plans for me. It’s akin to another bible verse, “God doesn’t close one door without opening another.” This job fits me well again as I did the hiring, firing, disciplining errant workers, computing salary raises, negotiating collective bargaining with the work force and dealing with the Department of Labor & Employment for labor disputes. As my perk, I had my own secretary replete with free board and lodging.

However, after a year, our workers staged a labor strike. This was another blow to my senses. My agony did not last long, however. After a month, I was granted a visa to move to America.

After a brief stint as electronics worker at an Atari manufacturing plant in Mountain View, CA, I moved to Los Angeles for greener pastures. I found a job as account executive and writer for a pioneering Filipino-American newspaper. Quite despondent because of the low pay and no benefits, not long after, my prayers were heard. I believe that God used a man that I didn’t know, handed me an application form to take a civil service exam with the State of California.

Lo and behold with the grace of God, I passed it.

Certainly this scripture, “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. The experiences we have in life make us stronger,” is another example of God’s presence in my life.

To make a long story short, I worked with the State Board of Equalization (now Department of Tax & Fee) for 27 years. I retired seven years ago. Now I’m enjoying my retirement writing, gardening, travelling, motivational speaker and preparing income, sales and non-profit organization tax returns — for supplemental income so my mind won’t get rusty.

My God and my Lord, I thank thee for my these blessings. These would not have taken place without you.

You are always there lifting me up, empowering me, nurturing me, embracing me, cheering me up when things look bleak.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

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GOINGS ON

by Sis. Fely Montecillo

The month of November is here once again when two exciting events take place.

It's time to pause and pay homage to the ones who fought for us that we may celebrate the freedoms we enjoy nowadays.

The ALPHA Chapter is quietly preparing for their annual reunion which will be held at Brod Tony and Sister Ophel's residence on the 25th.

Members from all over are expected to join in on the fun. Pres.Jham Jamero is preparing a lot of surprises for the members as he wants to make this a very memorable one. If you're an Alphan and are interested to be with us please November 11, Saturday, is the day we celebrate call OPHEL AMON, Tel. No.818-970-4614.

Veterans' DAY., a very important day. See you there?

Personally, I think we should make everyday Veterans day......to show our appreciation for ****************** what they have done for us.

These days have seen a lot of comings and Meantime, November 23 happens to be goings among our members. Brod Buddy THANKSGIVING Day. We should always Salvador and wifey have gone on a cruise. thank the LORD for the blessings we receive Maybe by press time they would have already from Him. Our organization always celebrates arrived. Sis Emma Galang left with daughters this every year which is but proper. in tow for Cabo San Lucas . . . some bonding time Huh? Brod Lito and Sis Josie Tarculas in Those born during this month are born under Asia, Brod Alex and Sis Irma Almazan in the sign of Scorpio. They are known for their Spain and lately Sis Ann Asuncion catching a ability to focus and for their bravery. They are plane for gay Paree! But whatever it is, we shall also jovial and passionate but not immature and see you soon and we love to hear from all of careless. They are known to be ambitious, you again! faithful, intuitive, jealous and secretive.

To our Brods and Sisters who are celebrating their birthdays this month - HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may your blessings multiply,! ****************** Congratulations to all incoming officers to be headed by Brod Beeboy Mansilla, President.

Please accept our reminder and wish that for every move you take, let the CBL be your guide and your pride. ******************

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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

Agagon, Troy Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Ambrosio, Ronaldo Amon, Ofelia Amon, Tony Ang Gayon, Melody Angeles, Oca Ansula, Bong Antonio, Bobby Aralar, Eric Arevalo, Lester Argonza, Vince Arroyo, Geofrrey Ayo, Toti Banayos, Felipe Bautista, Jimmy Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Castillo, Leonardo Chua, Michael Clarete, Sam David, Betta David, Christian David, Raul Delmolin, Froilan Dime, Nino Evangelista, Domel Evangelista, Jen Fisico, Ted Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Franco, Francis Franco, Rolly

36 37 38 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

Galang, Emma Gapido, Bodjie Garchitorena, Mar Garrovillas, Ernie Gomez, Tony Hanigrace Zara Ingco, Bonjie Jobellanos, Jobee Languisan, Paul Lara, Bobet Lauchang, Wilson Linsangan, Jun Madrigal, Jun Magsino, Jimmy Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Martinez, Mulong Medina, Boy Mejia, Francis Mendez, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Miranda, Shane Montecillo, Fely Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Noche, Cesar Nonato, Alvin Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Paredes, Vic Pascual, Winston Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Petrasanta, Rene

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

Posadas, Rey Querubin, Ruben Remorozo, Gerald Reyes, Roehl Rivera, Art Rivera, Larry Romero, Ed Rondilla, Dony Salas, Hazel Salvador, Buddy Serrano, Eric Somera, Herman Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tavera, Glenda Tecson, Ed Tuazon, Ramon Tunque, Doms Valdecantos, Henry Ventura, Beth Villanueva, Erna Villaver, Eleonor Villaver, Melvin Vinluan, Jehiel Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammie

Members with paid annual dues as of November 14, 2017

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

No vember Cele br ants!

Nov Celebr brants!

01 - Cesar Noche - Ed Tecson - Noel Capulong 02 - Vic Paredes - Bayani Valentino 03 - Bob Bacalia 09 - Joel Pablo 10 - Nelson Pante - Ann Asuncion 11 - Rene Jayoma - Junn Aquino - Cris Ariate 12 - Bobby Antonio 13 - Emma Galang 14 - EJ Panganiban - Hope Arante 19 - Liz Brillo 21 - Rodolfo Dimatulac 24 - Manny Tibagin - Jojo Sarao 28 - Beeboy Mansilla 30 - Mark Guerrero SPOUSES: 01 - Jeanette Pascual 03 - Beth Alon - Vilma Clor 05 - Mark Ventura 06 - Maila Marasigan 09 - Ellen Bacalia 13 - Lou Carbon 16 - Lorrie Pagado - Cynthia Aquino 19 - Yasmin Magno 24 - Loida Atienza 25 - Sherryl Baxal 27 - Myla Grace Pepino 28 - Eva Salvador APO KIDS: 01 - Liza Alon 03 - Alexis Salum 04 - Jovelle Jove 05 - Leslie Noche 10 - Janice Rosales 11 - Monica Therese Aquino 12 - Alexander Exconde 13 - Paula Emperado, Bro.Glenn Rivera 16 - Immaculate Villanueva 17 - Patrick Ayo, Luke Jonart Caldoza 21 - Reece Aralar - Renee Aralar - PJ Emperado - Eejay Ramos 25 - Madison Erin Aralar - Coby Ramos - Paul Michael Milano 26 - Jude Carbon - Francis Talabis 29 - Paolo Adriano - Jiebon Ingco - Jove Yambot 30 - Jason Maddela

THANKSGIVING DINNER AND APPRECIA TION D AY APPRECIATION DA WHEN: Time: Mass:

Saturday, November 18, 2017 4 pm 5pm sharp (anticipated Mass for Sunday)

WHERE: Cerritos Clubhouse For direction, Google Map or Waze address below: 16413 Bubbling View Circle Cerritos, CA 90703 (Clubhouse is at corner 166th St. & Redwood drive)

CONTACT PERSONS: Sis. Betta David

CP (714) 458-8496 HP (714) 776-4528 Bro. Christian David CP (714) 721-9088

Betta David 1345 S. Empire Street Anaheim, CA 92804

Stamps Here

www.alphaphiomega.org