TNB Newsletter - May 2023 Edition

APOGLA GOES APOGLA GOES APOGLA GOES APOGLA GOES GOES T T T T TO O O O O T T T T TA A A A ACL CL CL CL CLOB OB OB OB OBAN AN AN AN AN

By Fely Logarta-Montecillo

APOGLA will be sending a delegation of 18 officers and members to be led by Sis VP Ofel Vita Amon to the 34th APO National General Assembly from May 18 to 22 in Tacloban, Leyte. Others attending the convention are: Brods Beeboy Mansilla, Dong Sager, Bodgie Gapido, Domel Evangelista, Reuben Conferido, Joel Pablo, Sancho Sy, Egay Ninofranco, Jerome Paggao, Roland Paras, Jun Linsangan, Geoffrey Arroyo, Ver Ramos, Hero Valentino and Sisters Beth Ventura and Malene Bonete.

Highlight of the delegation’s participation during the convention is the APO-ACNA International Humanitarian Medical, Dental and Optical Mission-Mega Service which will take place on May 18 in Abuyog, Leyte. There will also be an election of 10 Trustees during the convention and those 10 will then be the one to elect the President.

Our sponsorship for the “Pakain” continues in this General Assembly as it has been in the past eight Conventions. According to Brod PP Roehl Reyes, he heard about a Tent City in the 2007 Convention in Tagaytay. It was Brod/PP Manny Atienza who informed him of the need for a food sponsor for the volunteers. This need was relayed by Brod Roehl to brods from the San Fernando Valley area and just like true blue bloodied APOs, the Brods immediately responded with the late Brod Fidel “Pungay” Aquino and Bro. Tony Gomez as the first donors. Other GLA brods followed suit and continued on to the Boracay Convention and now a GLA tradition.

“Be Courageous, Reach Out! Everyone Matters”

PRESIDENT’S MESSA PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE GE

Sending you greetings from the middle of Glacier Bay as we make our way to Juneau, Alaska. This will be short and sweet as my motion sickness is acting up:-).

We are fully booked in May as our large GLA delegation heads to Tacloban to represent us in the APO Philippines 34th General Assembly led by our Vice President Sis Ophel A. This continues our traditional “Pakain” for the hardworking volunteers and organizers of the convention. Many thanks to the donors and Siempre to Bro Beeboy and Bro Roehl for soliciting to fund this activity. Safe travels to our dearest GLA delegation!

We would also like to recognize those who donated to the APO Trekkers through the appeal of Brod Bodgie, as he participates in the pre- convention community service in Brgy Cabintang in Ormoc City.

Of course, our APO GLA annual camping is in the minds and hearts of many. Headed by chairmen, Bro Bernard Gopez and Bro Art Rivera, this much awaited one circle fellowship, bonding and family gathering has become a highlight for a lot of our GLA members, families and friends. Let us show our full support and cooperation for a successful, safe and enjoyable camping experience!

Tribo ni Bado Newsletter

Let me sincerely greet all our APO GLA mothers, a very wonderful Happy Mothers Day! You deserve only the best!

Fraternally Yours, Bro. Rene Calvario APOGLA, President 2023

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.

Editor in Chief

Fely Logarta-Montecillo

Publisher

Sancho Sy

Photos/Graphics by Rene Calvario • Jham Jamero

Dan Nino • Photos from FB/Viber pages

Contributors

Fely Montecillo • Rene Calvario • Dan Nino

Jen Evangelista • Emma Rubina-Galang • Bernard Gopez • Tim Almazan • Hanna Marte • Alexis Salas

Janine T. Acoba & Jan Tarculas • Jamero Kids

“Be Courageous, Reach Out! Everyone Matters”

AMAZING APOKid!

Congratulations to proud grandparents Brod Lito and Sis Josie Tarculas for the amazing feat of their grandson Roman Acoba making his first Hole-in-One at The Lakes Golf Course in El Segundo, CA. Roman is the son of Janine and Reyno Acoba. Congratulations!

the Mouth of om the Mouth of om the Mouth of om the Mouth of om of Ba Ba Ba Ba Babes bes bes bes bes

(Editor’s Note: In celebration of Mothers’ Day we requested some APOkids to share with us their thoughts about their Moms. We are the printing here to share with you those who responded to catch up with the TNB deadline.)

Truly a special person, my mom, Irma Hermosura Almazan, is ONE OF A KIND. I am so lucky to be her son! Spend just one minute with my mom, and you can instantly see just how wonderful of a human being she is. She is kind, caring, compassionate, funny, and is a natural leader who lifts others up. She is a fierce advocate for her friends, family, and community. She protects her loved ones at all costs. She knows the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. She is inspirational.

I have always looked up to my mom and whenever I'm in a challenging situation, I ask myself, "what would my mom do?" Growing up, I watched as she worked tirelessly in order to provide for her family, waking up at 3AM (or earlier) to prepare to go to work as a dialysis nurse at Harbor UCLA, one of the busiest county hospitals in the country. She always did this with enthusiasm and pride, never with complaint. Her dedication to both patient care and to her craft of nursing was the inspiration behind my career as a physician.

My mom has also been through a lot of adversity, as many of you know, but she uses these experiences to bring out the strength in others and to spread joy to all she crosses paths with. This Mothers Day, words cannot express how proud I am of my mom, and just how much I love her! She deserves all the recognition in the world!

I love you mom!

Dr. Tim Almazan

-

Mom! Mommy! Nana (what her APOs call her)! You define what a mother is and should be. You are one of the most loving, caring, God fearing, and generous person I know. You have taught us that life is too short to dwell on negativity and that we should truly enjoy life. Thank you for always giving us great life lessons and advice even though we get stubborn and don’t follow them. We love you so much mom! You deserve all God’s Blessings.

-

Janine Klair Tarculas Acoba

Happy Mothers’ Day Alpha Phi Omega Mothers! Each one of you is very special, however, there is one among you who shines the brightest and that’s my Mom, Josephine Tarculas. No word can ever describe the sacrifices she has made for my sister and me, nor the unconditional love she has for us throughout the years. I can only imagine what it is like to give up up your home, your sense of security, in order to pursue a prosperous life for someone else.

Without my mother, my sister and I would not be where we are today. I have seen her share her love and generosity with strangers and even with those who have caused her pain, showing us to follow the examples of our Lord Jesus. I hope I can live up to the legacy she has fought so hard to build for the Tarculas and David family. I love you very much Mom! Happy Mothers’ Day! - Jan Karl David Tarculas

PRECY MARTE

Mothers have an immense impact on our lives, shaping us into the people we become. They are often our first teachers, caregivers, and role models, instilling in us values, morals, and a sense of empathy. Their unconditional love and support give us the confidence to pursue our dreams and face life's challenges. A mother's influence can be felt in every aspect of our lives, from our personality traits to our relationships with others. On Mother's Day, we celebrate the irreplaceable role that mothers play in our lives and express our gratitude for all that they do. Happy Mother's Day to all the motherly figures. -

Hannah A. Marte

HAZEL SALAS

Mama is the most loving and supportive person I know. She has always been there for me, my Kuya and Elijah. My mama also supports me in everything I do. Whether it's a school project or a hobby, she always shows an interest and helps me in any way she can. Her encouragement and belief in me give me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

I feel so lucky to have a mother who loves and supports me unconditionally. I know that no matter what happens in life, she will always be there for me. She is my rock, and I am grateful for her every day.

But my mother's love extends beyond emotional support. She also shows her love through the delicious meals she makes for me. I can always count on her to cook my favorite dishes. I love her kare-kare and chicken sotanghon!

I cannot express how much I love the meals she makes me. They are not only tasty but also made with love, which makes them all the more special to me. I know that she puts in a lot of effort and time to make sure that I have a nutritious and delicious meal every day. Thank you so so much ma! I love you will all my heart!

- Love, Alexis Salas (your baby jo)

Thank you for being an amazing person that we can look up to and be proud to call our mother. Although we have all grown taller and bigger than you, you still are someone we could look up to for support.

The sacrifice you made to bring us to America leaving the rest of your family is something we will never forget. You are a strong woman who left the Philippines and came here to ensure a better future for your family. We are so proud to call you our Mother. You do everything at home to make our lives better - something very difficult if not impossible to repay.

We really do appreciate what you’ve done and continue to do. Thank you Mama! We love you! - Rigel, Regent, Rienzi and Red

SIS.IRMA ALMAZAN

SIS. JOSIE TARCULAS

SIS.

SIS. LENET JAMERO

In conjunction with Prez. Rene Calvario’ s goal of reaching out to members, the Alphans went out of their way to visit Sis Letty Esquivel last April 25. Sis Letty is recuperating from an ailment.

Sis Letty is presently staying in Castaic with Sis Jasmine Ipapo and her family, daughter Jill who is married to Brod Nards Castillo. Sis Letty was in high spirits upon meeting her fellow Alphans while everyone became nostalgic of good ole days in college.

Aside from Brod Prez Rene Calvario, the following also joined the group: Sis VP Ofel Amon, Sis Fely Logarta-Montecillo, Brod Sancho and May Sy, and Brod Jham Jamero.

Easter Egg Hunt Easter Egg Hunt Easter Egg Hunt Easter Egg Hunt

By Sis. Jen Evangelista

APOGLA’s Easter celebration was held last April 15 after a morning hike and picnic lunch at the Galster Wilderness Nature Park in West Covina. Sis Hazel Salas, armed with a bubble machine, Easter decorations and cool prizes, provided a post-Easter eggstravaganza for our APOkids.

Our APOkids, with the help of APOGLA moms and members, participated in eggciting games: pass the bunny, egg relay, balloon relay, jelly bean sorting races.

The highlight of the event was the Easter Egghunt. Our APOteens Elijah Jovellanos, Vince Mamaril and Aiden Fajardo provided assistance by hiding more than 100 treat-filled eggs in the grassy area by the pavilion that Bro Bodgie had reserved for this special day.

Thank you for coming APOkids Rykko, Israel, Amber, Liam and Makenna! We hope to see you again next year.

Thank you Sis Hazel and everyone who helped make this another fun and memorable event for our APOkids.

• Please pay your camping fee’s ($60.00), as we need to buy & prepare all our camping needs. Please pay via Zelle directly to APOGLA at apogla.info@gmail.com

• For camping T-shirt please pay Zelle directly to: Bernard Gopez Jr. at 818-266-1800

• 12 years old below are FREE

• Bring your lunch to share on Saturday, we will have POTLUCK FIESTA….first meal will be served on Saturday dinner.

• Bring your own water, soda & toiletries, also bring wood for our bonfire party. ALL APOGLA DRINKERS, don’t forget your favorite drinks to share

• Don’t forget all your essential camping gear, don’t leave without it.

• Check in time is Friday at 2:00pm, once you check in please drive 15 mph to group camping site 2 & 5

For more details, contact Camping Co-chairmen: Bro. Bernard Gopez (818) 266-1800 Bro. Art Rivera (661) 433-4057

On behalf of the whole APOGLA family, our condolences to Krissy Aquino (daughter of our late Brother Fidel Aquino) and family for the passing of his brother Lee Roy. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

To those who are able to attend his funeral arrangements please check schedule below:

A Tribute to My Mother This Mother’s Day

By Bro. Dan E. Nino

In my book, mothers are the great heroes of humankind. We are nothing without mothers who bear their children as potential hopes of every nation and as future heroes for their heroic deeds. Mothers carry their child for nine months in their wombs. And when they finally give birth, they suffer labor pains and risk their lives for us – their children. And when for extreme medical reasons, they miscarry their unborn child, they suffer mental anguish for that loss. Such is the agony of mothers. And during our formative years, our mothers nurture us relentlessly until we can stand on our own.

I’m reminded of our Lord Jesus when he saw His Mother Mary near the cross said, “Woman behold your son!” In turn, he said to his disciple, “Behold your mother! And from that hour the disciple took her into his care. (John 19:25-29. I can just imagine how Mother Mary had agonized when she witnessed the suffering of her own son during His crucifixion and death.

Since we are celebrating Mother’s Day on May 14, I pay tribute to my own mother, Silvina Ramos Estabillo-Nino whose unconditional love and sacrifices for her children knows no bound. My mother, a daughter of a Landlord from Mangatarem, Pangasinan was the second child in a brood of eight. Born on Feb. 18, 1921, she was the first sibling to graduate from college at Dagupan Junior College, now University of Pangasinan. From stories I hear from the elders, her paternal grandpa did not really push his grandkids to be college educated because they have large farmlands anyway to be cultivated to get their rice and produce. Still, my mother and her five siblings attended college. Two were not interested to pursue college education because of that idea that they won’t get hungry after all because of the land they till. Spanish colonizers did not encourage education in the 19th century because of fear of turning the subjugated population rise up against Spain if they are well-enlightened. It was only the turn of the century when American Thomasite teachers inculcated the value of education to their new subjects.

My mother met my father when she was in high school in Lingayen Provincial High School. That was the only high school then in those years in our province. They both pursued their education through college and became professionals: my mom became an elementary teacher and dad a lawyer and eventually a Chief Prosecutor of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at the National Office in Quezon City.

Mothers are paramount to our well-being while fathers have other pivotal roles. Let me count the ways:

My mother’s presence when I was in distress was magical. When I had my first dental extraction in my boyhood, I held her hand while my tooth was being extracted. She was there all throughout the ordeal. I survived the pain and agony with her comforting and reassuring presence. Second, when I suffered Urticaria with severe stomach pain accompanied by skin rash and welts due to allergic reaction during my elementary days, I asked somebody in the household to summon my mother from the school she was teaching nearby that I was in pain. She immediately rushed home. Her presence, comforting words and empathy were therapeutic. Miraculously, the pain disappeared. Third, when I was picked up by a squad of military men from Military Intelligence Security Group (MISG) headed by new PMA graduate Lt. Arturo Lomibao under then Col. Rolando Abadilla (now deceased) from our Quezon City home at 2 a.m. My beloved mother held my hand tightly before I was escorted to the military jeep in the dead of the night. The next morning, she went to Quiapo Church accompanied by my kid brother Ramon and kneeled her way to the altar to pray for my release from custody in Camp Crame. I was brought to a safehouse blindfolded somewhere in the East, most likely Mandaluyong, Pasig or Marikina where I was physically and mentally tortured while my hands were handcuffed and tied to a chair for 10 hours. They tried to feed me but did not have the appetite due to so much body pain, stress and agony.

I believe, my mom’s fervent prayers saved me. Because at 8 p.m. I was released and survived the torture and drove me back to our home. For four months, my lungs were in pain and had a hard time breathing. She also accompanied me to Camp Crame once a week to report. After one month I stopped reporting.

My dear mother never scolded me, uttered harsh word nor laid her hands on me. She was so patient and nurturing despite my annoying ways, imperfection and going out of bounds.I still vividly remember when I was 5 years old, she brought me to her classroom. Perhaps, due to boredom, I made paper planes and threw them to fly while her class was on-going. But I didn’t hear any harsh words. She just admonished me gently to stop.

Perhaps to be disciplined, I found myself enrolled at an exclusive Catholic school to start my kindergarten in Dagupan City, about an hour by bus from our native town of Mangatarem. The school, Blessed Imelda Academy now named Dominican School was run then by American nuns. I stayed in the city five days a week and go home to our town every Friday afternoon aboard a Pantranco bus. I stayed in a boarding house with 12 rooms owned by my parents but mostly rented by college students.

My mom also taught me how to read, write and type using all my fingers. My favorite comic strips then were “Nancy, Mutt & Jeff and Tarzan. I also read Pilipino Komiks to hone my Tagalog.

My dear mother was so thrilled and delighted to see me after five years in California when I visited her for the first time. She was already in front of our Quezon City home with her hands stretched to hug her eldest son with tears of joy streaming from her cheeks.

Despite my faults, my dear mother did not give up on me. She was my protector, savior, refuge, consoling person. I can still feel her presence in my dreams. – denino1951@gmail.com

GOINGS ON GOINGS ON GOINGS ON GOINGS ON GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Logarta-Montecillo

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY to ALL The MOMS of APOGLA! But how did the celebration start? The honoring of mothers and motherhood go back to the ancient Greeks and Romans as they held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.

The clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” This celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church” for a special service.

As time passed, the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. So once again, to all the amazing Moms in APOGLA, Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Birthday to all of Taurians (April 20 to May 20) and to all Geminis (May 21 to June 21) out there! Cheers to you for another trip around the sun!

The Taurians have a regal air about them. Most of them are stubborn, bull-headed, and set in their ways. They can be, however, great listeners and very dependable. They are also thorough and trustworthy.

The Geminis are intellectually curious and are the social butterflies of the Zodiac. A fearless thinker, Gemini is always out to try something new.

So, to the Taurians and Geminis in our fold, here’s wishing you all the love, happiness, and blessings you deserve on your special day!

Born voyage to our globe trotters - PP Brod Lito and Sis Josie Tarculas, PP Sis Emma Galang and Daemma Mendez as they leave Saturday May 8, on a 12 day tour of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Herzegovina, Medjugorje, Dubrovnick, and Montenegro. We wish you all safe travels and enjoy!

Sis Melody Ang-Gayon and hubby Roland are in cloud 9 nowadays as the stork will be bringing a new bundle of joy to their family soon! They already have their beloved granddaughter, Emmy Gabrielle, who fills their hearts with so much joy, and the coming one is a boy! That’s really a reason for a celebration! Parents April and Joseph Saranglao are of course ecstatic. We wish you all the joy in the world guys! And congratulations on the new addition to your family.

For the first time in our TNB, I pay tribute to my beloved Mother who left us many years ago. She was from Toledo City, Cebu and was named Asunción Evangelista. During her time, she was popular for her beauty and intelligence. At first, she wanted to become a nun but when my father, Atty. Antonio A. Logarta met her, he never let her go. Because of her kindness to us, her friends and relatives, growing up, I thought all women were just like her. Later on, of course, I realized this was not so. I’m proud to share with you that my mother was a kind, loving, patient, compassionate, protective, extraordinary, warm and a beautiful woman! Palangga ta Ka Mama! (I love you Mama!)

HAPPY

1.Almazan, Alex**

2.Almazan, Irma**

3.Alvarado, Larry

4.Amon, Ophel

5.Amon, Tony

6.Angeles, Oscar

7.Ang-Gayon Melody

8.Angsula,Bong

9.Antonio, Bobby

10.Aralar, Eric

11.Arevalo, Lester

12.Arroyo, Geoffrey

13.Atienza, Oscar

14.Ayo, Toti

15.Baltazar, Jay

16.Bayani, JR

17.Bonette, Malene

18.Cajucom,Willy

19.Calvario, Rene

20.Carbon, Joel

21.Carrasco, Danny

22.Castillo, Nards

23.Cervana, Paul*

24.Chin, Jhun

25.Clarete, Sam

26.Cobarrubias, Bob

27.Conferido, Ruben

28.Cordova, Jaime

29.Cristobal, Lope

30.David, Betta

31.David, Chris

32.Dime, Emmanuel

33.Evangelista, Domel

34.Evangelista, Jen

35.Fajardo,Marilou

36.Fernando, Rubilyn

37.Ferrer, Jojo

Rudy

A A A AY Y Y Y Y

39.Ford, Bicbic

40.Galang, Emma

41.Gapido, Bodgie

42.Gopez, Bernard

43.Imperial, Gloria

44.Jaramilla, Ogie

45.Junio, Virgil

46.Jusay, Nelson

47.Languisan, Paul

48.Lara, Bobet

49.Lautchang, Wilson

50.Layno,Mary Ann

51.Linsangan, Jun

52.Lumague, Framel

53.Lumague, Ginalyn

54.Magsino, Jimmy

55.Maidin, Yusup

56.Mamaril, Ferdie

57.Mansilla, Beeboy

58.Marte, Rocky

59.Maskarino, Ronelle*

60.Medina, Mishael

61.Mejia, Francis

62.Mendoza, Armand

63.Mercado, Bebot*

64.Miranda, Shane

65.Montecillo, Fely 66.Nino Dan

67.Ninofranco, Edgar 68.Pablo, Joel 69.Paggao, Jerome 70.Pangilinan, Angel 71.Paras, Roland 72.Paredes, Vic 73.Pascual, Winston 74.Pastores, Alex 75.Peneza, Bobet 76.Perez, Aldren

77.Picazo, Bobitte

Rey

Gerald

CELEBRANTS CELEBRANTS CELEBRANTS CELEBRANTS CELEBRANTS

MEMBERS:

01- Jimmy Magsino, Glen dela Cruz

02- Levis Oliver

03- Tony Amon

05- Daemma Mendez

06- Raul David+

07- Art Rivera

08- Alyson Rondilla

10- William Chua+

14- Winston Pascual

15- Sammie Zamora

17- Marilou Fajardo

18- Filomeno Alcaide

19- Daff Jorda, Celso M. Uy

24- Joe Daroya+

26- Mar Garchitorena

27- Ramon Tuazon

30- Ferdie Yambot

31- Oscar Atienza, Jaime Bautista

SPOUSE:

01- Joycee Alo

02- Beth Garchitorena

03- Ofelia Maddela

07- Merryshun Cadavez

10- Mylene dela Cruz

12- Edna Tagumpay

17- Gloria Arucan

19- Nenita Atangan

20- Evelyn Languisan

21- Estela Mendoza

23- LC Jane Caldoza

25- Leticia Milano

APO KIDS:

01- Adrial Salas

02- Matthew Rondilla

As of April 29, 2023

*New members

**Paid extra year/s

05- Helen Pastores, Mikie Imperial

07- Dana Peninong

- Philia Antonio-Millitante

10- Meggan Enguero

15- Angelica Fajota, Sarah Tuazon

16- Katrina Cajucom, Liana Gopez

- Sweet Apura

18- Kevin Mendoza

19- Rodrigo Pepino III

21- Hanna Marte, Mark Tunque, - Micaela S. C.Miranda

22- Natasha Ninofranco

23- Megan Agagon

24- Megan Pagado

27- Juliana Louise Enguero

29- Jane Javierto, Byron Atienza

31- John Jaranilla

BIR HAPPY BIR HAPPY BIR HAPPY BIR HAPPY BIRTHD THD THD THD THDA