Volume 34 Issue 11
TOP LEFT:
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES
Incoming President Bro. Dan Nino, BOTTOM LEFT: Sis Betta David and Bro. Beeboy Mansilla
RIGHT SIDE PHOTO:
November 2014
Incoming Board of Directors
GLA OLD-TIMERS WILL LEAD THE WAY IN 2015 A new mix of very able veterans and few more APOGLA stalwarts have stepped up to the plate and offered their services to the group to lead the way for the organization next year at the conclusion of this year’s election last October 25, 2014 at Bro. Alex/Sis. Irma Almazan’s Club House in Cerritos, CA. The election was smoothly administered by Brods Angel Pangilinan, Tony Gomez and Doc Rolly Franco. Both retired and running unopposed in last month’s APOGLA elections, the duo of Brod Dan Nino and Sis. Betta David offers a whole lot of experience not only in APO affairs but also in government, industrial and commercial business applications as well as in life and in wisdom. Bro. Dan Nino, Psi ’70 is our outgoing Vice President and will be the incoming President for 2015. He had served the organization in various positions in the past as Chairman of the Board, Secretary and chairman of various committees. He retired 4 years ago as Sales Tax Collector with the California State Board of Equalization. He is currently a freelance Journalist, a Newsman, and a Business/ Tax Consultant. Sis Betta David, Sigma ’73 is one of the charter members of the organization and will be the incoming Vice President for 2015. The better half of PP/Brod Christian David, she is one of the members who guided the path of the organization through the years serving as Treasurer (2x), a member of the Board of Directors and
having chaired various committees in the past. She retired this year after working for many years from one of the largest aerospace companies in world, Boeing as an Industrial Engineer. She is now happy to occasionally sit in as nanny for her grandkids. To complete the elected executives for next year, who else but Bro. Beeboy Mansilla to the rescue. He will serve as Auditor for 2015. Bro. Beeboy, a finance executive by profession as always avails his services to the organization at the last minute when nobody filed for the position. On the other hand, the Board will have three (3) new Directors in Brods Ed Romero, Roehl Reyes and Sis. Melody Ang-Gayon. They will join Brods Eric Serrano, Jerome Paggao, Dan Nino and Sis. Emma Galang. The three new Directors will serve for 2 years. During their impromptu meeting right after the elections, Brod Eric Serrano was elected to remain as Chairman of the Board and Bro. Ed Romero will be the Secretary of the Board. Next year’s slogan will be: “Elevate our enthusiasm . . . let’s mobilize relentlessly.” With the team mentioned above, APOGLA is in good hands. But they cannot do it by themselves, let us all get enthused and relentlessly practice our LFS! - by chosy
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PRESIDENT’S MESSA MESSAGE GE The year is almost over! November is here and winter chill is coming. It is also the month that we c e l e b r a t e Thanksgiving. My special thanks to our co-chair Bro Roehl Reyes and Bro Eric Aralar for the successful “Feeding America” service project. Likewise, to Bro Alex and Sis Irma Almazan for a fun filled enjoyable Halloween party. For APOGLA, we will be celebrating our traditional Thanksgiving party and Awards night on November 22, 2014. Our host will be Sis Beth Ventura at her Winnetka, CA home. We will celebrate this occasion with a Thanksgiving Mass to show our gratitude for the blessings we received throughout the year. We will also recognize our members who have headed the task for the different APOGLA projects and activities.
Plan ahead – Our December affair and 34th Alumni Anniversary will be on December 13, 2014 at Long Beach Marriott. Its’ a big party time but most of all it’s the time to induct our incoming Executive Officers and Board of Directors for the coming year, 2015. Bro Dan Nino, our present Vice President and incoming President will chair this big event that will tantalize all your senses. But the year does not end till our traditional New Year’s eve party on December 31st. Watch out for the news on the venue for this year ending party. My time as 2014 President is coming to an end. I thank you all, Brothers and Sisters and family, for your time and support for making this year –”another successful year to remember.” Try not to miss out on ALL our year-end parties, as they usually are the best to enjoy the camaraderie of the APOGLA brand. The Holiday fun starts this Saturday. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! In LFS, Bro Jerome Paggao President
“A Legacy of Unity, Strength and Service”
Get your tickets now!
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BO ARD OF DIRECT OR’S CORNER BOARD DIRECTOR’S The elections are over. And with that, we look forward to the incoming year with the usual hope and enthusiasm of greater things to come for our Organization. There was only one candidate for each of the executive posts while there were several candidates vying for the three vacated Board of Director seats. The elected brethren are a good mix of youth and experience and should serve APO-GLA well as we continue into the next year. As we wind down our affairs for this year, it is significant to note that several sections of our Constitution and By-Laws as well as our Policies and Procedures are in need of revisions. Our Organization has grown significantly over the last few years, rendering some of these provisions obsolete. The purpose of our CBL and Policies/ Procedures is to keep it in step with the growth of the Organization, as well as to make it simpler for the leadership and the general membership to pursue its stated mission and vision. It is to this end that the incoming Board of Directors will continue to review our CBL and Policies/ Procedures Manual and make the necessary revisions and updates. One of the things that the Board wants to look into is how to encourage our membership to support our Organization through their annual dues. The lifeblood of any Organization rests in its ability to perform its avowed mission. However, without the much needed revenue from the membership dues, the leadership will be hard-pressed to perform this task. Although the previous Board, through a resolution, earmarked an initial capital outlay of $ 4,000.00 to jump start the incoming administration, so that they can hit the ground running at the start of the year. Nevertheless, this amount will have to be returned to APO-GLA coffers at the end of the year. The Board has also begun to look into the possibility of devolving or spinning off the Organization’s 501C3 component into either a separate entity or as a “subsidiary” of APO-GLA. This is to better streamline the BOT’s structure and focus on its main function on income generation for all our service activities, as well as separating it from the mainly social status of our Organization. This may require amending some sections of our CBL and the Policies/ Procedures Manual as well. The BOD-BOT have formed a committee to take a serious look into this.
The New Year will usher in a new partnership between APOGLA and the City of Los Angeles and the city’s communitybased service projects. Through previous discussions at City Hall, we have already identified one major project, “Heal the Bay”, a yearly project of the Public Works Department and under the district of Councilwoman Nouri Martinez. We will be paying a courtesy call with Councilwoman Martinez at City Hall in the near future. We are also awaiting other relevant projects directly under the Mayor’s Office that APOGLA can participate in on an annual basis and will form part of our yearly calendar of activities. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we all have a lot to be thankful for this year, individually and collectively. One of the distinct recognitions for APO-GLA this year was our bagging all the major ACNA Leadership, Friendship and Service Awards in the over 50-member Alumni Associations a few months ago in New York. We, as an Organization, continue to be blessed because we have great leaders and members in our midst. All it takes is to tap this well of talent and experience and put it to good use. And as always, we thank the Almighty for the continued support of our families, without whom we would not have achieved and continue to achieve our goals. To them and to all our Brothers and Sisters of APO-GLA, may I raise my glass and offer a toast, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AND ALL. In behalf of the BOD, Bro. Eric Serrano
Tribo ni Bado Newsletter is a monthly publication of the Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Greater Los Angeles exclusively for its members, families and friends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers, and are not intended to represent APOPGLA. Publisher/Editor Sancho Sy Editorial Staff Dan Nino • Fely Montecillo • Ruth Manalastas Photos/Graphics by Jobee Jovellanos • Eric Aralar • Hanigrace Arciga Florence Paggao • Various FB sources Contributors Jerome Paggao • Fely Montecillo • Eric Serrano Toti Ayo • Bob Cobarrubias • Sancho Sy Tony Gomez • Troy Agagon • Dan Nino
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HAPPENINGS in GLA . . . in pictur es pictures
FriNite Club in San Gabriel Valley hosted by Bro. Jobee and Sis. Hazel. Time for fellowship and time to brainstorm, share creative ideas, find, build, nourish and norture friendship that will last a lifetime.
Brod/Col. Edwin Portento, of Theta chapter and APO Lawman with spouse Col. Sheila Portento are welcomed by APO GLA brothers and sisters @Bro. Tony and Ella Gomez’s residence. The couple are recent APOGLA visitors. They were in Los Angeles for their FBI training.
LIVING AND EMBRA EMBRACING CING THE LIFE OF APO It was in 1977, my junior year when I decided to be a fraternity Sorority Night. Bonding time for APOGLA Sorority man. Unsolicited, and after mustering the needed courage, I sisters. walked in, geared up, and sought membership. APO was my only choice, UP Los Banos, Theta chapter. It was then when my life had changed. Transformed, molded into a better human being, an APO, a proud APO, a leader, a friend, always of service (and so are we all). I could not imagine a life of not being an APO, a “barbarian,” in the words of Bro. Mayor Jojo Binay (50+ years later die hard pa rin). Even up to now, during every major gathering and event, I still step aside looking at all the brethren around in awe, sharing mutual respect, imagining and trying to fathom what all these people from all walks of life and age had to go through to become selfless individuals, an APO - one of us, one of me and one of my family. Indeed, being a part of this big family that I have lived and will embrace till my dying days is a gift, a blessing. And for that, join me in praising GOD and in giving thanks to HIM for granting us this wonderful APO life and the experiences that all we cherish. Life is Good. APO is Good. GOD is Good. Happy Thanksgiving! Bro. Tony Gomez - APOGLA Past President 2005 - Dr. Librado I. Ureta Awardee 1999
Sis. Emma Galang, Estela Mendoza, better half of Brod Arman Mendoza, Bro. Bobet Lara’s brothers and all APOGLA kapamilya who are sick and suffering from illness. We are all praying for your speedy recovery. God Bless!
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FEEDING AMERICA SER VICE PICTURES SERVICE
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HALL OWEEN AND ELECTION 2014 PICTURES HALLO
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From the VP’s View
MY HOL Y LAND SPIRITU AL JOURNEY HOLY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:: PETRA, HERE WE COME (P ar (Par artt II) By Bro. Dan E. Nino, VP-Membership Petra, Jordan – Despite the fourhour travel from Amman, the capital of Jordan, Petra on the southern part of the country is a favorite tourist destination and Jordan’s valuable treasure. After a quick breakfast, we left Warwick Hotel by the Dead Sea at 8:45 a.m. and arrived in Petra at about 2 p.m. It’s a long trip in the middle of a dessert landscape. We had two stops along the route: a high end shopping store where I bought my Arab headdress and at Wadi Moussa (Valley of Moses) overlooking a stunning vista of exotic homes. Wadi Moussa with a population of 23,840 in 2004, is right before the entrance of ancient Petra which is part of Ma’an’s governorate. It was believed that prophet Moses passed through this valley on his way to the Promised Land and struck a water from the rock for his followers at the site of Ain Musa (Moses Water Spring). It is also nicknamed “Guardian of Petra” because it was here that Aaron, the brother of Moses was buried on nearby Mount Hor. After presenting our entrance ticket to the guard, we walked about 2.5 miles en route to Petra. We wanted to ride a chariot-like horse-drawn, three-passenger cart but the ride is $20 per person. We would rather spend this amount to buy souvenir items in Petra. Besides, walking is a good exercise. I practically limp towards Petra because my knee was a little bit in pain because my gout was bothering me. I forgot my medication at home and ate rich food and wine aboard Turkish Airline two days earlier. While walking with other tourists from around the world, we just entertained ourselves with banters and dealing with vendors selling their wares along the route. Before reaching Petra, we were entertained by a platoon of soldiers garbed in their ancient military uniform with their spears in drill formation marching to the beat of drums for about 30 minutes to the amusement of the tourists. The unpaved road hemmed in by cliffs as high as 80 meters leading to this tourist landmark, formed by geological formation is an unforgettable experience. Upon reaching this archaeological monument, you will be awed by its magnificence. Nabataeans who built these maze of structures in 106 A.D., were an ancient Arab tribes from the Arabian Peninsula who settled in Southern Jordan. The region was eventually annexed by the Roman Empire.
If you watched the movie Indiana Jones, you will get the bizarre feeling of what I’m writing about. There were 34 other amazing sites within the P e t r a compound but the main attraction where we were brought by our tourist guide, a Palestinian Christian, was the AlKhazneh, meaning the Treasury. We were dwarfed by the breathtaking façade 30 meters wide and 43 meters high with elaborate carvings, a fusion of Greek and Roman influence. The rock cut architecture is also described as a “rose red city” because of the cliff ’s reddish texture. We were barred from entering the cavelike entrance. Why is Petra well known as a tourist mecca? Petra which means stone in Greek, was carved like a palace with ornate columns and pillars out of a mountain cliff more than 2,200 years ago. Some sites were also used as Royal tombs of Nabataean kings and dignitaries. It resembles the iconic Mt. Rushmore Monument featuring four great American presidents carved out of a black mountain in South Dakota. Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. According to its history, There was a time when Petra was abandoned and was lost to the West until a Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Here, I bought a frankincense whose soothing aromatic scent is unparalleled. For the first time, I and my wife Myrna rode a camel — for a fee. She shrieked out loud when the monstrous mammal lifted us. The trip to Petra was tiresome, the walk was long and the weather quite hot but the experience was worth the journey. - denino1951@gmail.com
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GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo What is truth? This is a subject matter often discussed by writers, philosophers, great thinkers and leaders. Many have died for the truth. Saints, heroes, great leaders and martyrs have died for it. William Faulkner once said: “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty, and truth and compassion against injustice: and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.” Such is the impact of truth. So why bring up this topic here now? This beloved organization had been tested many times in the past to deal with the truth. Its leaders and its members had to make painful decisions and put their foot down with some important issues in its colorful history. But we sought the truth and the truth won. All of us know that as a small community in this society, we have stood our ground , chose to do what is right and always opted for the truth. Once more, our leaders are challenged with another issue where we once again have to seek the TRUTH. Once more, our character and integrity are tested. Once more, we have to stand firm against the onslaught of a lie. Once more, we have to take a closer look, investigate, and seek the truth. And in the end, we shall once more come out victorious ! **************** There is a new craze going around with the Sorority Sisters presently. They are communicating more often with each other through the viber and having fun! Here you can see sisterly love at its finest. The messages go on round the clock covering any topic under the sun like one’s concern for another sis which goes, “musta na allergy mo?” Sisterly love is fine and dandy in APOGLA I could say. Keep it up, ladies! **************** Congratulations to all newly-elected officers for the year 2015 led by incoming President Brod Dan Nino. We have a lot of work ahead of us and all members are looking forward to your leading the organization to a much better 2015. With Brod Dan Nino at the helm we can expect more exposure for the club not only in the USA but worldwide as he is a seasoned public relations man. Good luck to all of you and you have our best wishes for a more productive and exciting year! Allow me to express my admiration for the very efficient and smooth conduct of our electoral process by our COMELEC in the last elections. Bravo Brods!
UPCOMING EVENTS November 22 - GMM/Thanksgiving Party (see details on last page) December 13 - Christmas Party - Long Beach Marriott Hotel, chaired by Bro. Dan Nino December 31 - New Year’s Party - (venue to be announced) APO SAN DIEGO INVIT ATION INVITA Wha t: hat:
APO Alumni Assn. of San Die go Dieg 21st Anni sar Annivver ersar saryy & Induction Ball ffor or 2015-2016 Ex ecuti Executi ecutivve Of Offficer icerss When: December 27, 2014 7:00pm to 11:pm e: Anchors & Spurs Conference Wher here: Center (Hall of Fame) 2375 Recreation Way/Yama St. Bldg. #3210, San Diego, CA 92136 (Just off Navy Base San DiegoMain St. Gate) Attir e: Semi-Formal Attire: Tic Tickket Price: EARLY BIRD-$45.00 (deadline Dec. 17) Regular Price-$50.00 At the Door Price-$55.00 (on Dec. 27) Enjoy the good food, lots of dancing, prizes and surprises. After party and golf fun game TBD. Next day Brunch @ the Gordo’s residence. For Out-ofTowners, we recommend Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel. Standard Price: $78+tax. We want to welcome all of you fellow APO brods and sisses. See you all soon. Take care. MWAB, STCW, Bro. Gordon & Sis Edith Gordo
OBITUARY On behalf of the APOGLA family, our heartfelt condolences to Lucy, Jason and the whole Manaig and APOGLA family for the passing of our dear Brother Art Manaig. And to Bro. Cesar Noche for the untimely demise of his wife Evelyn. Our loving thoughts and prayers for the eternal repose of their souls.
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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.
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 Arnaldo, Manuel Arroyo, Geoffrey Ayo, Toti Bautista, Jimmy Baxal, Joel Bayani, JR Bayanos Jr, Felipe Bundalian, Mark Calvario, Rene Carrasco, Danny Clarete, Sam Cobarrubias, Bob David, Betta David, Christian David, Ramon De Guzman, Renato Delmolin, Froilan Emperado, Rudy Fisico, Ted
35. 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.
Flores, Rudy Ford, Rebecca Franco, Rolly Franco, Francis Ganzon, Ely Gapido, Bodjie Garrovillas, Ernie Gomez, Tony Imperial, Gloria Ingco, Bonjie Javierto, Mandy Jove, Nelson Jove, Shirley Junio, Virgil Jusay, Nelson Lara, Bobet Lautchang, Wilson Linsangan, Jun Madrigal, Jun Madrigal, Tess Magsino, Jimmy Mamaril, Ferdie Manalastas, Ruth Mansilla, Beeboy Marte, Rocky Martinez, Romeo Medina, Boy Medina, Raul Mejia, Francis Mendez-Yazon, Daemma 65. Mendoza, Armand 66. Miranda, Shane 67. Montecillo, Fely
November 17, 2014 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86.
Morallos, Oscar Nino, Dan Ninofranco, Egay Oscar, Angeles Paggao, Jerome Pangilinan, Angel Paras, Roland Parayno, Julius Paredes, Vic Pascual, Winston Pastores, Alex Peneza, Bobet Petrasanta, Rene Posadas, Rey Querubin, Ruben Reyes, Roehl Romero, Ed Rondilla, Dony Rubina Galang, Emma 87. Salvador, Buddy 88. Serrano, Eric 89. Somera, Herman 90. Sy, Sancho 91. Tarculas, Josie 92. Tarculas, Lito 93. Tecson, Raul 94. Valentino, Hero 95. Ventura, Beth 96. Villanueva, Erna 97. Vinluan, Jehiel 98. Yambot, Ferdie 99. Yenko, Rene 100.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 NO VEMBER NOVEMBER VEMBER,, 2014 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 SPOUSE: 01 - Jeanette Pascual 03 - Beth Alon Vilma Clor 05 - Mark Ventura 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 08 - Cocoy Almadrones Merluza 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 Antoine Aralar, Renee Antoine 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
11TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, November 22 WHAT: Thanksgiving Mass will start promptly at 5pm - Important Announcements - Awards presentation by the President - Pacquiao vs Algieri - Fellowship
WHERE: Sis. Beth & Anthony Ventura’s Place 7702 Oakdale Ave. Winnetka, CA 91306 DIRECTIONS:
Take the 101 - North Freeway Exit Tampa turn right Turn left on Saticoy Turn right on Oakdale Ave. House is on right hand side
CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Jerome Paggao - (818) 472-7049 Sis. Beth Ventura - (818) 667-8915
Jerome Paggao 29938 North CambridgeAve. Castaic, CA 91384
Stamps Here
http://alphaphiomega.org/