Volume 34 Issue 07
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES
July 2014
PECHANGA B USCAP ADE 2014 BUSCAP USCAPADE
by Bro. Ed Romero Our buscapade to Pechanga fund raising last July 12, 2014 Our favorite empanadas, boiled eggs, baluts and bottled (Saturday) generated a decent Net Income of $1,176.39 excluding waters were served during the Buscapade trip to Pechanga. an Accounts Receivable amounting to $75.00 which comprised The front section of the bus conducted a separate activity. of one outstanding payment and two pledges respectively. Sis Irma Almazan, Bro Geoffrey and my-self were very busy with the Raffle games where Summer Sarong skirts and The perennial support shown by our caring Brothers and Sisters, crazy pants have been given away to the lucky winners. their families and guests have translated and resulted into savings to our general fund. The Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) Raffle games lightened the mood of the participants during refundable deposit previously made to Pechanga Resort & Casino our way to Pechanga with the intent to generate extra sum will be refunded as we have already properly met all the new of money to cover the usual tip given to the Bus driver. We guidelines and requirements imposed by the Hotel Management. were able to raise a respectable sum of $121.00 all in all. We had a fantastic trip and another joyous experience amongst Furthermore, several Bruno Mars inspired hats have been APOGLA’s members, family and guests. raffled through the courtesy of Bro Alex & Sis Irma Almazan. Many thanks for the hats and baluts provided There was no dull moment starting from the very 1st pick up at by the generous couple indeed! Panorama City up to the 2nd pick up at West Covina locations up to our final destination at the Pechanga Resort & Casino Hotel. The moment we arrived at Pechanga, a lady representative As soon as we picked up the remaining participants at West from Pechanga Resort & Casino Hotel went up to our bus Covina, Bro/Prez Jerome Paggao, my-self being the Buscapade and greeted us all and reminded everyone about our Chairman, Bro/VP Dan Nino and Bro/COB Eric Serrano delivered departure time going back to L.A. After disembarking from a short messages and thanked all the participants and wished them B u s # 5 6 0 2 , o t h e r h o t e l r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s c h e c k e d o u r luck and all the best. necessary identification cards. After all passengers cleared, we took a group picture in front of the main gate of the Just right after the Prayer of Protection led by Bro Eric Serrano, Pechanga Hotel and we proceeded to the desk information fellowship and laughter ensued at the back crowded by the “Back- in order to register and claim our “The Club at Pechanga” Street-Boys” wherein obviously, the APO juice and variety of loyalty cards. pulutan were situated. Continued on page 4
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE The heat is on! July’s weather is keeping us hot and dry. But it’s nothing compared to the heat that APOGLA is planning. Summer Sportsfest for our APOGLA members and family is set-up for this Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm, at the Midnight Mission Gym in Los Angeles. Our co-chairpersons for this event are Bro Kusay Bundalian and Bro Ferdie Mamaril. Be there to see and be seen for our muscle men stretching their wares for this competition. We hope to achieve thousands of calories loss after the end of the games. After the Sportsfest, our monthly GMM will follow at Bro Tony and Sis Ophel Amon’s residence at 5:30 pm. Make sure to direct your GPS to San Fernando Valley, city of West Hills. July started with a Big Bang! at Bro Lito and Sis Josie Tarculas’ abode to watch the 4th of July fireworks. The spectacular fireworks from their neighboring park lived up to our expectations! Our thanks to Bro Lito and Sis Josie for a wonderful time sharing food and stories on this national holiday. We also welcomed 2 traveling Sisters from Australia, Susan Laset De Ono, and from Dubai, Julie Banagua of Delta Nu ’97. Last week we had a Blast with our first Buscapades fund raising for 2014. The drive to Pechanga Casino & Resort was already a test to everybody’s lucky charm. What with the nice prizes given for the raffle along the way? And how can we forget the non-stop eating! We felt like we were in Baliwag Transit buying/selling the favorite Filipino travel food. We would like to thank Bro Ed Romero for coordinating this event. And thank you for those who participated in making this event possible. Our next Buscapades will be in September. We hope to see new and old faces in the next trip. Next month, our Family Picnic will be a water adventure to be held on August 16 at 747 Rimgrove Park, Valinda, CA 91744 and this will be coordinated by Bro Sammie and Mylene Zamora. Following our picnic, our monthly GMM will be at Bro Jobee Jovellanos and Sis Hazel Salas’ residence, a short distance from the park. And Not to Forget, everyone who planned to go to New York should try to get his or her airfare soon for the ACNA convention that will start on August 29, 2014. We have to show our support for our very own APOGLA Brother and Sister, ACNA President Lito Tarculas and 1st Vice President Irma Almazan for the culmination of their term. Just a friendly reminder, please pay your annual dues to our Treasurer, Bro Troy Agagon. Also, watch out for more announcements, as we are now halfway to the year. Let’s make ourselves busy for APOGLA! Maraming Salamat, Bro Jerome Paggao APOGLA President
“A Legacy of Unity, Strength and Service”
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BO ARD OF DIRECT OR’S CORNER BOARD DIRECTOR’S Can’t believe that we are into the second half of the year. The months just flew by like a blur. As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun”.
the limelight of the local political landscape and our mettle will be tested, as an Organization that can translate its principles into concrete action. With everyone’s commitment and participation, we can surely overcome any challenge that may arise. During the last GMM, the uproar over Resolution 2014-01 - the Creation of the Editorial Group has finally subsided. The proponents who initially questioned the duties/ responsibilities and purpose of the Editorial Group, as specified in the Resolution, withdrew their previous motion. The name of the Editorial Group was also replaced by one that is more apt to its function. Henceforth, in Resolution 201401, they will now be known as the Website Team, whose sole function would be to update our APOGLA website. We likewise commend Bro. Art Rivera for taking up the position of interim Chairman of the Website Team until the end of this calendar year. The other two Resolutions, namely the addition of the position of Assistant Treasurer and the deferment of the Policy/ Procedure prohibiting the Board of Trustees to chair fund-raising projects for this calendar year, were approved by an almost unanimous vote of those present.
And fun indeed was the order of the day during our latest Buscapade to Pechanga. It started quietly at the first pick-up point in Panorama City. There were around 15-20 people that were picked up at around 8:30 am, including the Project Chairman and the President. Everyone boarded grudgingly and settled into their seats, probably still feeling the effects of having to wake up so early in the morning. The tour bus then made its way to the second pick-up point where majority of the participants were. Soon everyone embarked and the Back-Seat BoyZ made their way to the back of the bus. After the welcome speeches and invocation were delivered, PANDEMONIUM erupted. All the way to Pechanga, there was a chorus of laughter and reveille that rang throughout the bus. There were all types of food served, from crispy In behalf of the Board, chicken skin to hard-boiled eggs and balut, Bro. Eric Serrano sandwiches and not to mention the hors d’oeuvres being distributed by Ka Ferdie. Then there was the APO juice, a few rounds of it and suddenly there Tribo ni Bado Newsletter was a festive atmosphere permeating throughout the is a monthly publication of the bus. There was never a dull moment. As they say, Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) “One good turn deserves another”. Can’t wait for Greater Los Angeles exclusively for its members, the next Buscapade scheduled for September! families and friends. The opinions expressed herein st
On July 21 , a select few officers of APOGLA will be meeting with the Executive officers of LA City Mayor Eric Garcetti. We will be laying the groundwork for a possible face-to-face meeting with the Mayor, where we in APO-GLA, will offer to partner with the City of Los Angeles in the Mayor’s community outreach and civic-oriented programs. As we start spreading our wings in pursuit of one of our cardinal principles of Service, it is now important for all of us to rally around the Leadership and buckle down to the work ahead. We will soon be thrust into
are those of the writers, and are not intended to represent APOPGLA. Publisher/Editor Sancho Sy Editorial Staff Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Ruth Manalastas Art/Photos by Jerome Paggao • Ed Romero Graphics by Sancho Sy Contributors Jerome Paggao • Fely Montecillo • Ed Romero Bob Cobarrubias • Eric Serrano Troy Agagon • Dan Nino
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PECHANGA CASINO B USCAP ADE 2014 BUSCAP USCAPADE Naturally, our groups were in diverse mode of activities, others went directly to try their lucks at poker, slot machines, etc. while some preferred to just enjoy the variety of foods at the buffet, while the rest continued to make fellowship, drinking their favorite alcoholic beverage until the service bus arrived. At exactly 4:00 P.M. we boarded our bus ready to go home, and being the Buscapade Chairman, it was my duty and responsibility to validate that no one was left behind at the Pechanga Casino. After diligent verification and counting, exactly 53 passengers were all present and accounted for. This signaled the time to leave Pechanga Resort & Casino. Although some lost, others had the providence of Lady Luck and won! The “Back-Street-Boys” rushed at the tail section of our service bus and continued the fellowship as if there’s no more tomorrow. Over all, we had so much fun during the Busdcapade trip! Lastly, I would like to thank the following for their unwavering support and cooperation to make this wonderful Buscapade a thing to be remembered and cherished, namely Bro/PP Ferdie Yambot, Bro Jobee Jovellanos, Bro/PP Sancho Sy, Bro/PCOB Sancho Sy, Bro/PCOB Tony Amon, Sis/BOD Ophel Amon, Sis/VP ACNA Irma and Bro Alex Almazan but most especially to Bro/PP Jun Lisangan and Bro/Prez Jerome Paggao. See you all on the next Buscapade again! God Bless!
Continued from page 1
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4th of JUL Y CELEBRA TION @T AR CULAS’ PLA CE JULY CELEBRATION @TAR ARCULAS’ PLACE
MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
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- WHA TEVER HAPPENED WHATEVER IN PECHANGA WILL BE CHR ONICLED IN TNB CHRONICLED
From the VP’s View
By Bro. Dan E. Nino, VP-Membership Kudos to Bro. Ed Romero and his team for successfully organizing our first 2014 Buscapade to Pechanga Casino in Temecula. There were 53 brave souls who boarded a huge tour bus with the hope of winning some big bucks. Although gambling is a game of luck, the bottom line is, those who joined us in this fun trip is their way of helping our APOGLA raise some needed funds. At the same time, have fun and fellowship in the trip. I gained a couple of pounds with the succulent balut distributed by Brod Alex Almazan, cold cuts from Brod Ferdie Yambot, empanada from Brod. Geoffrey Arroyo or was it Brod Ed. They were like flight attendants of an airline serving us food. The coup de grace was the sumptuous buffet lunch at the casino where we occupied a long table exclusive for APOGLA. On top of that, Sis Irma Almazan brought a dozen fedora hats, ala Bruno Mars as raffle prizes. I won one. Brod Ed also brought about four dresses he bought from Bloomingdales as raffle prizes. Pampasalubong kay kumander. Even if I didn’t win in pai gaw, at least I won a leather fedora hat. Brod Rey Manikad who was “dressed to kill or dressed to die” in his dark double-breasted suit with a matching black hat whispered while we were eating at the buffet restaurant that he won $400 in black jack. I told him that I never won in black in the casino. He said, “not me.” He was seated behind me with his wife. Brod Rey, one of the original APOGLA mainstays looked pinkish, robust and healthy. He is a survivor of a pancreatic ailment. Welcome back Brod Rey. Inside the bus, I took the opportunity to announce that before they sink in their teeth in the casino and lose all their greenbucks, I urge them to pay their membership dues. The first to respond was Brod Danny Carrasco of Pi Chapter. Then on our way home, I saw Brod Nelson Jusay rambling towards the end of the bus presumably to seek Brod Troy to also pay his 2014 annual dues. I overhead him, “I’ll better my dues now.” As usual, the “back seat boys” had a date with Sis Remy. You can hear them ribbing one another in good clean fun. And as usual, the most vociferous was Brod Geoffrey who never run out rib-tickling jokes. After I parted with my precious hundred bucks, I just whiled away my time discussing business with Brod Tony Amon and dreamed that our business vision will come to fruition. I was also pleased to see PP Francis Mejia and lovely wife Oyet. He said, I’m now back in circulation. Welcome back brother. Like the oft-repeated Las Vegas slogan, the parallel adage as espoused by Sis Irma — who also served as flight broadcaster — whatever happened in Pechanga stays it in Pechanga! It doesn’t apply to a newsman like me. He..he..
OBITUARY
On behalf of the whole APOGLA family, our heartfelt condolences to Sis Liezl Rey and the Mamaril Family for the untimely passing of Bro. Jun Hizon Mamaril of Psi Chapter and APO-Alberta. May the Eternal Light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.
To all APOGLA kapamilya who are sick and suffering from illness, especially Bro. Art Manaig. We are all praying for your speedy recovery.
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo My heartfelt birthday wishes to all July celebrants. May you all receive more of God’s blessings now and forever! Here are some important data about your birth month. July was named by the Roman Senate in honor of the Roman general, Julius Caesar, it being the month of his birth. Before, it was called Quintilis. On the average, it is the warmest month of the Northern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of summer) and the coldest month in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Here are some “nutty” holidays for the month. It is National Anti-Boredom month, National Hot Dog month, and National Ice Cream month. There are also funny days observed in July. July 18 is National Caviar Day, July 21 is National Junk Food Day, July 27 is Peanuts’ Day and July 29 is National Lasagna Day. More serious in tone though, are the ff: July 20 is Moon Day, July 24 is Amelia Earhart Day and Cousins’ Day, July 26 is Aunts’ and Uncles’ Day and July30 is Father-inLaw Day. ********************* Allow me to congratulate Brod Ed Romero and all those who aided him for making the Buscapade such a riot and such a fun experience. It was bonding to the max. The “Riders” were a pampered lot. Brod Ed really left no stone unturned as he saw to it that everyone was comfortable and having a great time Brods Ferdie Yambot, Jun Linsangan, Geoffrey Arroyo and others, and yes, even Prez Jerome acted as stewards serving us “balut”, “empanadas”, boiled eggs (overheard someone saying, what? no salt?), “chicharon”, etc. etc. Thanks to all who donated food. We were already full even before arriving at Pechanga’s buffet! Sis Irma Almazan handled the raffle along the way with great patience and deft in the midst of the boisterous group led by Geoffrey Arroyo. We had so much fun I already am looking forward to the next Buscapade. So once again, kudos to Brod Ed Romero and his group for a very memorable Saturday! ********************* APOGLA was host to some visitors this month. PP Sis Emma Galang intimated to me that a warm welcome was extended to Sis Bernie de Ono-Cruz (Beta Eta, San Pablo), Susan de Ono -Laset (Alpha Sigma, who arrived from Japan and Brod Noel Capulong (Theta Chapter). Brod Noel is actually a balik APOGLA as he had been out of circulation for awhile. All three joined the 4th of July celebration in the residence of PP Lito Tarculas ahd Sis Josie. During the GMM last June, Brod Lito served as host to visiting Brod Rolly Bautista from Baguio City. While here, Brod Rolly met with other APOGLA brods and sisters. ********************* We extend a warm welcome to Brod Rocky Marte and family who arrived recently from their European sojourn for a breather from their busy schedule. The Marte family went Europe hopping touring the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria. Brod Rocky said that no matter what, he is happy to be back in the fold of close friends, specially brods and sisters of the APOGLA family. We can say that Brod Rocky is one lucky guy surrounded by a devoted wife, Precy, and two beautiful daughters to boot. His daughters, Hannah and Helena, as you might know already, are both candidates to the Ms. Phil. USA Beauty Pageant. The contest will be held come July 27, 2014, at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (Address: 320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776). To vote, one has to go to Ms. Phils. USA link, click like on our candidates, photos, scroll down, type your email address, and then submit your vote. Come on let’s support our own, ok?
UPCOMING EVENTS JULY 19 (8am thru 3pm)Basketball tournament chaired by Bro Kusay Bundalian & Bro Ferdie Mamaril @ LA Mission gym, Downtown, Los Angeles July 19 - GMM (after game) to follow at Bro Tony & Sis Ophel’s residence in West Hills, CA August 16 - Family Picnic chaired by Bro Sammie and MiSis Mylene Zamora August 16 - GMM (after picnic) to follow at Bro Jobee Jovellanos and Sis Hazel Salas residence in West Covina, CA (Short distance drive from the picnic area) August 29 - 31 NYC Convention September 20 - Operation Gratitude at National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, CA to be chaired by Bro Eric Aralar September 20 GMM (after service) to follow at Bro Rey Manikad’s residence September (TBA) Buscapade 2 October 5 - APOGLA Golf Tournament chaired by Bros. Vinz Argonza, Jimmy Magsino and Angel Pangilinan October 18 - Feeding America Service Project chaired by Brothers, Eric Aralar and Roehl Reyes
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TREASURER’S REPOR T as of 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.
Advicula, Robert Agagon, Troy Almadrones, Malou Almazan, Alex Almazan, Irma Amon, Ophel Amon, Tony Ang-Gayon, Melody Ansula, Bong Aquino, Fidel Arabit, Edwin Arabit, Jeff Aralar, Eric Arciga, Grace Argonza, Vinz Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Baxal, Joel Bayani, JR Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Clarete, Sam David, Betta David, Christian Emperado, Rudy Flores, Rudy Franco, Rolly Ganzon, Ely Garrovillas, Ernie Gomez, Tony Imperial, Gloria Ingco, Bonjie Javierto, Mandy Junio, Virgil Jusay, Nelson Linsangan, Jun Madrigal, Jun
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.
July 15, 2014
Madrigal, Tess Mamaril, Ferdie Manalastas, Ruth Mansilla, Beeboy Martinez, Romeo Mejia, Francis Mendez-Yazon, Daemma Mendoza, Armand Montecillo, Fely Morallos, Oscar Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Paredes, Vic Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Petrasanta, Rene Posadas, Rey Querubin, Ruben Romero, Ed Rondilla, Dony Rubina Galang, Emma Salvador, Buddy Serrano, Eric Somera, Herman Sy, Sancho Tarculas, Josie Tarculas, Lito Tecson, Raul Valentino, Hero Ventura, Beth Villanueva, Erna Vinluan, Jehiel Yambot, Ferdie Zamora, Sammie
Please send your $50.00 Membership Dues to: TROY AGAGON 27447 Elder View Drive Valencia CA 91354 All checks must be made payable to: APOGLA
BIR THD AY BIRTHD THDA CALEND AR CALENDAR JUL Y, 2014 JULY July 07 - Geoffrey Arroyo Boy Ramos Joel Baxal Kokoy Conopio 08 - Gil Pagado 09 - Louie Serrano Rodrigo Pepino 17 - Betta David Carlo Mayo Rene Petransanta Larry Rivera 18 - Lito Tarculas 20 - Rudy Flores 22 - Ruth Manalastas 24 - Danny Blancada 26 - Ferdinand Mamaril 27 - Mandy Javierto 30 - Roland Paras Spouse: July 03 - Eva Lagasca 05 - Ghie Ghie Paras 06 - Julie Tecson 12 - Josefina Sillorequez Carmelle Venturina 13 - Emy Fisico 17 - Winnie Calvario Josie Masocol 25 - Ruby Morallos Ching Salinas 28 - Araceli Petrasanta APO KIDS: July 02 - Pamela Jayoma Aubrey Rivera Pocholo Jaime Serrano 03 - Marianne Lacsamana Jan Tarculas 04 - Carlo Aure 08 - Genelle Arroyo 10 - Chelsea Agagon 14 - Justin Armand Javierto 18 - Aileen Ventura 22 - Bryan Cajucom 23 - Chuckie Yenko Paola Villaver 24 - Mara Davi 29 - Desiree Arante
7TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, July 19 - GMM after the basketball game (starts tentatively around 6pm) WHERE: Tony & Ofel Amon’s Place 22761 Eccles St West Hills, CA 91504 CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Jerome Paggao - (818) 472-7049 Bro. Tony Amon - (818) 970-4214
Jerome Paggao 29938 North CambridgeAve. Castaic, CA 91384
Stamps Here
http://alphaphiomega.org/