Volume 35 Issue 1
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES
January 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WELCOME 2015 GLA’s 34th Anniversary Celebration
MO THER OF ALL ENTER TAINMENT EXTRA VAGANZA MOTHER ENTERT EXTRAV BY SIS. FELY MONTECILLO
From all indications, the APOGLA’s 2014 December Affair held at Marriott Hotel-Long Beach was the “Mother of All Entertainment Extravaganza” billed the”Musical Journey To The Past.” As soon as the speeches, induction of officers, presentation of gavel, presentation of plaques, the hall’s ambience was heightened with a non-stop entertainment prepared by the Entertainment/Executive Committee. The lights were dimmed and there was eerie silence for anticipation. Voila! The first segment was ushered in by six APO ladies – Melody Ang-Gayon, Winnie Calvario, Betta David, Florence Paggao, Josie Tarculas and Irma Almazan — rocking the house with their performance of Madonna’s “Material Girl.” The excited crowd was thrilled even more when dollar bills were tossed into the air. “That was cool,” gushed by a guest seated to me. It was segued to Sis. Melody Ang-Gayon’s interpretation
of “Sing” popularized by Carpenters with the children of Bro. Eric Aralar providing the choral background. This was followed by Michael Buble’-inspired “The Way You Look Tonight” impersonated by Bro. Eric Serrano garbed in his white tuxedo. In a scintillating performance, he danced the jazzy music with Sis Emma Galang during the instrumental portion. “That was neat, very classy,” exclaimed by another guest. The audience of more than 180 guests became euphoric when three Beatles impersonators Bro. Dan E. Nino, Bro. Oscar Angeles and Bro. Vic Paredes dished out Ringo Starr’s “Act Naturally and Paul McCartney’s “I Saw Her Standing There.” An unexpected audience participation came to the fore when a couple of sisters from out of town boggied and jerked to the beat. Someone queried if it was really Bro. Dan’s live voice that was singing the lead vocals. [See Entertainment on pg 4]
2
PRESIDENT’S MESSA GE MESSAGE Elevate Our Enthusiasm; Let’s Mobilize Relentlessly By Dan E. Nino Being a president is a destiny. Many aspire but only one is chosen. Perhaps, I’m one of those chosen to lead. And I’m humbled. It’s God’s appointed time. There’s a perception that if people see a potential in you, the position will seek for you and not you seeking the position. My precepts during our 2015 administration are simple, straightforward and I believe they are doable. I chose the theme: Elevate our enthusiasm; Let’s mobilize relentlessly because it reflects our aspiration, our hopes and desires. We have meaningful activities and project next year which need mobilization like “Heal The Bay” or the so-called “Coastal Cleanup Day” on Sept. 19. Besides, we need to locate our brethren who we haven’t seen for a long time. We mailed 150 invitations but 15 letters came back or 10 percent of attrition because of address change. There are lots of brethren who want to fellowship and caucus with us but some of them had moved. We have to find them. Let’s build bridges, not barriers. Let’s welcome those who like to join our cause and organization. Let’s collaborate. We should network. We should reach out. We should build relationships. I advocate for consensus building. I advocate transparency in our dealings. But ultimately, the buck stops here. We should empower people and build their confidence. For all the things that we do, I know I can’t do it alone although some of our members claim that APOGLA is a well-oiled machine, we still need the support and participation of everyone. We should grow together. We should journey together. Whatever, we can do to our fellowmen. Let us do it now. We might not pass this way again. Let’s mobilize and become men and women for others. (Editor’s Note: The president’s corner for this first issue of TNB was culled from his inaugural speech on Dec. 13, 2014 to set the tone for his 2015 administration.)
BO ARD OF DIRECT OR’S CORNER BOARD DIRECTOR’S Happy 2015 Brothers and Sisters! Our Board of Directors is already on the move. We had our first meeting last Dec. 29, 2014 at Sis. Melody Ang-Gayon’s office . This was followed by our first 2015 meeting on January 9 at Sis. Emma Galang’s residence. Presently, we are focusing our sight on the improvement and proper implementation of our policies and procedures - how they are to be implemented and how we can make them attuned to our present day needs. In the past, we had encountered issues we had to resolve using these procedures. We believe if improvements in them will be made, issues and grievances brought up will be resolved faster. It is imperative that we take a closer look at our CBL and our Policies and Procedures to make sure there are no conflicts and redundancies in them. Of foremost importance to the present board is the assembling of our individual goals and expectations. We then have to consolidate them to set the tone for the Board of Director’s term and for the future of our beloved APOGLA. We therefore ask the general membership to send us your suggestions that you may become a part of this great effort. Our aim is to be able to define where we want GLA to be and we’ll come with a strategy on how to accomplish this. While the Board of Trustees is working with their scheme for 2015, we in the Board of Directors will work with them to ensure we will provide them with the resources they need. We assure them of our wholehearted support and cooperation for it is only in unity that we achieve success. Let us remember, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” We have enumerable things to do. This will be a busy term so we need to be more efficient for a productive year. Let’s start our GLA’s 35th year PRODUCTIVE for a PROSPEROUS 2015!
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 Mike “Boy” Medina Editorial Staff Ferdie Yambot • Fely Montecillo • Eric Serrano Photos/Graphics by Jobee Jovellanos • Sammie Zamora • Hanigrace Arciga • Melody Ang-Gayon• Ed Romero Sancho Sy • Francis Mejia• Dan Nino Contributors Jehiel Vinluan • Fely Montecillo • Eric Serrano Toti Ayo• Bob Cobarrubias • Sancho Sy Henry Astorga• Ophel Amon • Dan Nino
3
GLA – POTPOURRI by Bro. Eric Serrano
Ho w Ma y We Ser ve You? How May Serv 2015 – ACNA enters a new chapter of its storied life stuffed with new plots, story lines, images, dramas and footnotes which, at the end of two years, will yet again add to its ever expanding narrative.
ACNA is more alive than ever and moving forward! In the meantime, there is a job to be done. In behalf of the ACNA President, it is with eagerness that we’re letting all ACNA constituents know that the PRO, the function that serves ACNA and its publics is open for business and is ready to serve. What to expect: Closer Communication – this means we’ll get the information to the grassroots and make absolutely sure that every individual stakeholder in ACNA affairs is wired to the latest whys and wherefores of ACNA life. The goal is to inform and in the process reduce misreads and misinterpretations of ACNA messages. Keener Understanding – this implies a state of being in addition to function. Meaning, ACNA will, as it has done in the past, be the ever-magnanimous body that will always endeavor to accommodate differing thoughts and opinions in spite of the slings and arrows some unleash at it. Communal Acceptance – every individual member of ACNA is an APO; but, not every APO is ACNA. Perhaps, there is no tighter syllogism than that. Translation: ACNA will embrace those who are just as willing to embrace her. After all, we are APO. And it takes both hands to form a good embrace, and it takes two people to execute one. Tightly-coupled Cooperation – uniting a bunch of fiercely independent AAs and getting them to march to the same tune is like rounding up a clowder of cats who answer to the call of different owners. But try we do anyway as it we have done the last 25 years. And lo and behold, challenging as it is, it works. Such is the spirit of APO in action: it works wonders. Judicious Feedback – No query will go unaddressed is a policy that members should demand and quite assuredly can expect from this ACNA leadership as it moves forward these next two years. The President realizes that an open and liberal exchange of thoughts and information is key to forging credible relationships across AAs and individual APO members. So, how may we serve you? Henry Astorga ACNA PRO (USA) – 2015 APOAA NorCal – Chair, BOD
During the middle of last year, we had an opportunity of developing a working relationship with a contact (a high school classmate of a close friend) at City Hall. She works as the Assistant Director of the Office of Community Beautification of the Public Works Board. Her offices, luckily enough, were in the same floor and just a few hundred feet from the Mayor’s Office. Initially, Bro. Dan Nino and I went and introduced our Organization to her and our desire to establish a partnership with the City of Los Angeles in their community projects. Soon after this initial contact, a contingent of APO-GLA Officers, who included Bro. Jerome Paggao, Sis. Emma Galang, Sis. Melody Ang-Gayon and I, met with a few of the Filipino-American staff members of Mayor Eric Garcetti and established a good rapport. They promised to provide APO-GLA a list of possible City Hall and Mayor Garcetti’s pet community projects that we, as an Organization, can participate in. Several e-mail and text messages were exchanged. In November, through a Board Resolution, the Board of Directors officially adopted the “Heal The Bay” Service Project as an annual APO-GLA activity starting in September, 2015. And finally, in December of last year, we were invited to attend a mixer sponsored by the Mayor’s office, bringing together Fil-Am commissioners of various City organizations as well as volunteer groups. Those in attendance were BOD Chairman, Bro. Roehl Reyes, Past Presidents Sis. Melody Ang-Gayon, Sis. Emma Galang and I. There was a loud cheer when APO-GLA was introduced that evening. Over cocktails, we also had the distinct opportunity to meet with Mayor Eric Garcetti’s chief-of-staff, a Hispanic lady by the name of Ms. Anna Guerrero. Hereupon, we will be adding a regular feature in our Tribo Ni Bado highlighting the activities in connection with our partnership with the City of Los Angeles.
Heal The Bay When this project was initially offered to us last year,themembers of the APO-GLA contingent to City Hall presumed that this was similar to our Beach Clean Up project where we participate from time to time. Although similar in its purpose, we were to find out that this project is much, [See Heal,on pg 5]
4 [Entertainment, from pg 1]
After Entertainment Part 1, it was time for Bro. Jerome Paggao to deliver his valedictory address and present the plaque-encrusted gavel to incoming President Bro. Dan E. Nino which “symbolizes the office and emblem of the president; to preside over the APOGLA corporation, wielded in a manner which will bring credit to the president and honor to the members.” Bro. Dan delivered an emphatic five-minute address. “Being a president is a destiny. I’m humbled. In God’s appointed time, if they see a potential in you, the position will seek for you and not you seeking the position,” he said.” Bro. Dan also presented Bro. Jerome his plaque of recognition for his leadership in 2014. Raffle ensued with a treasure-filled array of prizes including a bike donated by Bro. Alex and Sis Irma Almazan. The second set of entertainment was another thriller. Bro. Bobet Lara in full Elvis Presley regalia wowed the crowd with his rendition of the classic “Teddy Bear.” This was followed by The Buckinghams “Don’t You Care, a mellow ditty interpreted by Bro. Vic Paredes. Another down memory lane classic was “Up Up and Away” by The Fifth Dimension as performed by familial spouses Winnie Calvario, Ella Gomez, Sis Melody Ang-Gayon, Bro. Eric Serrano and Bro. Oscar Angeles. As the saying goes, save the best for last. Eight macho APOGLA brothers: Dan E. Nino, Christian David, Bong Ansula, Rene Calvario, Art Rivera, Vic Paredes, Jun Salinas and Lito Tarculas brought the house down with their HAGIBIS’ simulated song and dance, “Katawan.” The crowd became euphoric and the performers received a standing ovation. Even Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, the guest speaker and inducting officer and his wife Gloria were amused by the animated gyrations of the performers. They stayed till the end even joined in the singing of the APO Toast Song. Brothers Art Rivera and Lito Tarculas were the stars of the Hagibis performance because of their Igorot costume showing their sexy butts and shapely legs. Bro. Dan N, impersonated the Lone Ranger, Bro. Christian D, was the U.S. Navy man, Bro. Jun S, the construction worker,, Bro. Bong A, the Harley biker, Bro. Rene C, the fashionista and Bro. Vic Paredes, the macho man. A keen observer aptly described it as a “blockbuster.” There was also an audience participation when Sis Ann Asuncion, Sis Hazel Salas and Sis Ann Brizelda Macam promenaded swiftly across the Hagibis performers as they crooned the portion: Lingon agad pag may babaeng dumaan, Lalo na kung maganda ang katawan, At saka nakakalokong tingnan. The night was capped by more fellowship and food including lechon donated by Bro. Beeboy Mansilla at the Hospitality Suite on the eight floor of Marriott Hotel. This time around, no cops, security guards or hotel guests complained about the high decibel noise of the revelers. The solution: All rooms around the fellowship suite were occupied by the brethren and sisterhood. No wonde
GLA ’S December Af es GLA’S Afffair . . . in pictur pictures
5 [Heal, from pg 3]
[ Earthquake. from previous column]
much larger in its scope and objective. It is a part of the California Coastal Commission and in a larger way, part of The Ocean Conservancy, a movement involving 150 countries, which leads International Coastal Cleanup Day and is the largest volunteer event on earth. Heal the Bay, as an organization, is celebrating its 25 year as the Los Angeles County Coastal Day Coordinator. It not only concentrates cleanup efforts in Southern California coastal waters, but also its watersheds, rivers, basins, storm drains, tributaries and including the Santa Monica Bay. The Coastal Cleanup Day is held every 3rd Saturday of September (unless it overlaps with any Jewish holiday) and has multiple cleanup sites both at the beach and inland areas.
near future. But in the future, we can request and “own” a particular site to provide our exclusive APO-GLA annual service, similar to how we have managed Mile 13 at the L.A. marathon. I can envision that in the near future, we may also erect an APO-GLA marker to stake our claim to that area.
During our first meeting with Heal the Bay Program Director, Ms. Meredith McCarthy at their Santa Monica office, Bro. Dan and I were able to present APO-GLA as a reliable partner/ volunteer to undertake this endeavor on an annual basis. Among the sites presented, we were partial to Lake Balboa for so many obvious reasons. Lake Balboa is in the center of San Fernando Valley, where we have a large concentration of brethren living within the area or very close by. One of our regular projects, the Tree Planting/ Tree Care sponsored by the Tree People also has Lake Balboa as one of the sites for their service project, where we can hold joint service projects and finally, we have numerous colleges and universities within close proximity, if and when we decide to include our collegiate brethren in this activity. Each site has its own On-Site Coordinator or “Captain” as they are known. To be accorded this title, one has to attend a 4-hour training at the Heal The Bay’s Santa Monica office. There is no limit as to how many can take this training and once accredited as a “Captain”, one can train as many people without going to the Santa Monica office. The “Captains” would be provided with teaching materials and certificates of completion for all the people that they had trained. This training will typically start in late April or May and hopefully, a few of us will get that training to certify us as On-Site Coordinators. Initially, Ms. McCarthy recommended that we work with the local councilmember as all the tools/ materials for the cleanup will be provided. For the Lake Balboa area, it would be Councilwoman Nouri Martinez of District 6. We will be paying a courtesy call to Councilwoman Martinez in the very [See Earthquake on next column]
Remembering the Northridge Earthquake (Resilience by Design)
Last Saturday, January 17, APO-GLA was invited to attend a Community meeting entitled Resilience By Design in Northridge, CA at 11:30 am, presided by Councilmember Mitchell Englander and Dr. Lucy Jones, in remembrance of the Northridge earthquake of 1993, which caused extensive damage/ devastation and what the City’s leadership was doing in terms of earthquake preparedness and damage prevention. The community meeting was held at the LAPD PALS Center in Northridge on Devonshire and Wilbur Streets. The keynote address was delivered by Mayor Eric Garcetti. The meeting was well attended, in fact was overflowing with people that the organizers had to deny entry for the latecomers because they were prevented to by the Fire Marshall. Mayor Garcetti answered questions from the community stakeholders and members of the different neighborhood councils. One question from a female grade-schooler on how to secure things in school to prevent potential injury to the students drew a loud cheer from the crowd. While Sis. Emma Galang and I arrived just before 11:30 am, we were no longer allowed to enter as the function room was already filled up, with people lining up the hallway outside. We were assured however, by the event organizer, Max Reyes, the Mayor’s West Valley Area Representative, that there will be more invitations to such events in the future, including arranging for a select group of APO-GLA officers to pay a courtesy call to Mayor Eric Garcetti in the very near future. Hopefully, APOGLA, the “New Kid on the Block”, will be able to show them exactly what we can do.
6
Kumander APO by Bro. Jehiel Vinluan
The name Kumander Apo, whose image is unknown. It started during my college years. I just dropped out from the Philippine Military Academy and had planned to participate in the 1989 Alpha Phi Omega Biennial Convention in Davao City. The problem was, how could I produced a such amount of money, an allowance, and registration? It was hard to ask my parents for money just to go to Davao City. So, I decided to make solicitation letters approved by the chapter and asked for help to any amount who wants to give. I passed by at Philippine National Bank, Cabanatuan Branch to see Bro. Emmanuel “Emac” Macapagal ( Eta ’62 ), who was in charge as the loan officer/Assistant Manager. I had shown him the solicitation and just smiled. All he said was “go with me and follow me” and I did. We used his jeep going to via Papaya and Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. It seemed so displeasing because I was a bit worried and didn’t know what was going to happen. Bro. Emac just smiled. I had never noticed this place before. It was so remote when we got closer to the gate. We saw two bodyguards with AK rifles standing both sides, opening the gate. I was amazed how well known Bro. Emac was at this place. We still went for another 100 meters to got to the camp house. As soon as we got there; we noticed a big table, a big man in the center and on the rear were another two bodyguards armed with AK rifles. At the same time, Bro. Emac approached the guy with the APO handshake. While I followed him with the same handshake, I was surprised with the followings questions he asked. The man asked, “what is your intention to go here?” With a relief, that man was a brother of Alpha Phi Omega. We explained that I was going to the APO Biennial Convention in Davao hoping that they would help a resident brother from Epsilon Omicron to any amount of will help. The man called his other bodyguards with his gun bag, but it was full of cash in rubber band. I couldn’t expressed my happiness on that day. He gave me bundles of money. I couldn’t even remember if it was 50 pesos or 100 pesos each, but it was a great day. We stayed a little longer telling stories when they were neophytes. It was a very joyous moment just being able to talk with them complete with pulutan and drinks. It would not had happened without the concern of Bro. Emac. There were only two representatives in Nueva Ecija. We were in one bus, the whole two days from the ferry boat and the Jeep new all the way to convention. We elected Bro. Tony Dimaano from Pi chapter as the new National President, we were together from the start of the trip.
2014 LIBRADO I. URETA AWARDEES Bro. Tony Amon and Sis. Ophel Vita-Amon By Bro. Eric Serrano
Meet the 2014 Dr. Librado I. Ureta Awardees, husband and wife tandem Bro. Tony and Sis. Ophel Vita-Amon. The LIU Award is the highest recognition that APO-GLA can bestow on its members. Bro. Tony and Sis Ophel both belong to Alpha Chapter (Far Eastern University). Since the late 80’s, they have both been active with the Association in various capacities. Bro. Tony has been chairman of many service and fund-raising projects, became Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2011 and concurrently a member of the Board of Trustees as well as Chairman of TOFASS (The Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Students). Sis. Ophel has repeatedly served in the Executive as Secretary and Treasurer and was a 2-term member of the Board of Directors serving as the Board Secretary. Both of them have provided exemplary selfless service to APO-GLA in whatever capacity, always willing to lead and to serve, through thick and thin, unnoticed and unrecognized. During the organization’s growth, Bro. Tony and Sis. Ophel have been one of its pillars, improving its lot internally and in the community through their dedication and hard work. They were not only active during APO-GLA’s formative years, they were also raising a family at the same time. In the words of their daughter Dainty, “Raising a family is never easy…and my parents always been there unconditionally through thick and thin…supportive even when we made mistakes, knowing and hoping that we were being raised well enough to eventually make the right decisions. They have done so much for the family and everyone else but never expect anything in return… They are not perfect… but they have done what is in the best interest of each member and will continue to do just the same or even more whether it is for their own family and for the whole APO family.” Truly, serving APO and APOGLA runs through their blood. Congratulations again, Bro. Tony and Sis. Ophel, from your APO-GLA family. Both of you are so richly deserving of this recognition.
7
PARENTS OF FOUR TOF ASS AWARDEES OFASS GRA TEFUL TO APOGLA GRATEFUL by Bro. Dan E. Nino
Four TOFASS recipients expressed their profuse thanks to APOGLA for providing their children $1,000 supplemental scholarship grants in their first year of college on top of the handsome plaque. This was conveyed to TOFASS Chair Bro.Tony Amon and 2015 APOGLA incoming President Dan E. Nino after the taping of the awarding at Kababayan Today on KSCI Channel 18 on Dec. 13 in Santa Monica. Four of the awardees including their close kin were interviewed by the show’s host Giselle Tongi, a former actress from the Philippines. “In unison, they chorused, “We commend APOGLA. We are blessed. You are doing a noble service to our Filipino-American community. Perhaps when our children have graduated from college and found jobs, they can also reciprocate by raising funds for the next generation of TOFASS awardees. We are thankful for this honor.” The five judges who screened the applicants were two journalists Lydia V. Solis and Myrna Aquitania, Immigration lawyer Mel G. Oxciano, ABC School Board Member Lynda Johnson and Businessman Felix Lopez. The four TOFASS recipients are: Leia A. Moyse who graduated valedictorian from Avalon High School, CA is a recipient of numerous academic pins from her English, Science, Math and History from her teachers, she is now enrolled at UC-San Diego pursuing Mechanical Engineering. Her parents are Scott and Annie Moyse. An avid tutor, Leia is an independent thinker, a problem solver, an achiever with outstanding personal and academic integrity. She was president of Culture Club and Robotics Club. Marie G. Rosario, an All-American and AP scholar who graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona, CA, is now enrolled at UC-San Diego pursing Environmental Engineering. Her parents are Martin and Clarissa Rosario. Marie excelled in many of her subject areas. She had consistently taken and succeeded in numerous Advanced Placement and Honors courses during her high school years. In addition to her volunteer hours, she plays the violin and piano and trains in Taekwondo. She was elected as president for the California Scholarship Federation High School and member of National Honors Society. Jonathan Patrick Masterson 1V, an AP Scholar who graduated with high honors from Los Alamitos High School, CA is now enrolled at John Hopkins University pursuing Biomedical Engineering. Her parents are Jonathan and Joyce Masterson. Jonathan travelled to Australia to participate in a cultural exchange; a certified Taekwondo, a black belter, a drummer for his high school Jazz Band for two years and member of OSCHA Rock Band. Jonathan was a member of Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society. As a typical Fil-Am student, he strives to represent his culture in the blending pot of nations by being the best student he can be. Caitlin C. Ner who graduated as valedictorian from Eagle Rock High School, CA, is now enrolled at Harvard University pursuing Preparatory Medicine. Her parents are Willy and Angeline Ner. Caitlin was Co-President of her school’s California Scholarship Federation; member of Honors Society; a classical pianist; a JV Captain in volleyball; captain in Track & Field; and officer of her High School Student Government.
Four TOFASS recipients display their handsome plaques in addition to the $1,000 checks in front of KSCI Studio in Santa Monica after the taping of Kababayan Today hosted by former actress Giselle Tongi. From left: TOFASS Chairman Tony Amon, awardees Jonathan Patrick Masterson !V, Marie G.Rosario, T.V. host Giselle Tongi, Caitlin C. Ner, Leia A. Moyse and Bro. Dan E. Nino, Chairman of TOFASS Screening and Media Affairs Committee.
Inside Channel 18 Studio. Kababayan Today host Giselle Tongi (center) interviews Bro. Tony N. Amon (extreme left) with TOFASS awardee Leia A. Moyse and her mother Annie Moyse. -
8
GOINGS ON by Sis. Fely Montecillo HAPPY 2015 Brothers and Sisters! We all hope and pray that this year will be a better year than the previous one. Luckily, Goings-On is on its third year already coming out every month without fail. Whew! That’s really something for me. People familiar with deadlines know what I’m talking about. But it was sheer joy bringing it to you. We hope we have been successful in sharing the tid-bits of news with you And so, we’re back once again sharing news bits which we hope you won’t get tired of. * * * In the Chinese calendar, 2015 is the year of the sheep ( goat or ram). It is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its fleece to make brushes and skin to keep warm. Thus it is close to the meaning of good things. According to astrology those born in the month of January fall under the sign of Aquarius. It says those born in this sign are ambitious, love to teach and be taught , always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. They like to criticize , are hardworking and productive, smart, neat and organized, sensitive and have deep thought, know how to make others happy, quiet unless excited or teased, rather reserved, highly attentive. So , to those celebrating their birthdays this month, happy birthday to you guys and gals! *
*
*
APOGLA is honored that ACNA officers for 2015-2016 were also inducted coinciding with the December Affair of APOGLA on Dec. 13. Our brethren from out-of-state and out-of-town joined our fellowship. They included incoming President Bro. Aleks Garcia from APO DallasForthworth, First VP Sis. Irma Almazan of APOGLA, Secretary Bro. Vin Vin Vedar of APO San Diego, and Treasurer Sis. Cindril Palencia of APO Midwest Chicago. They were installed by Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido. Bro. Aleks Garcia succeeded Bro. LitoTarculas of APOGLA. Bro. Lito delivered his brief valedictory address while Brod Aleks Garcia delivered his inaugural address. *
*
*
I know they must have been congratulated a thousand times but I still would want to do so here in my humble column. Congratulations to ALPHAN couple Bro. Tony and Sis. Ophel Amon for winning the Librado Ureta Award. They truly deserve it! I’ve been a witness to the fact that they were just young lovers when Sis. Ophel already joined APO and to be closer to her, Bro. Tony also decided to join our beloved organization. The rest is history and you can see them up to now devoting their precious time to APO! May there be more like you Bro. Tony and Sis. Ophel! *
*
*
Once again, the Sisters had another successful bonding session in Lake Arrowhead recently. Nine of them were there on a week-end, rented a cabin and enjoyed each other’s company. I need not elucidate the details of what nine wacky women could do in two days! Sisters Emma Galang, Melody Ang-Gayon, Grace Zara, Josie Tarculas, Liza, Ann Asuncion, Hazel Hermoso and kids, Ruth Manalastas, Deamma Yamzon and kids enjoyed the weekend to the hilt with the snow, the scenery and of course, the sisterhood! The mystery however, is how some naughty brothers made it there too. They also looked like they were having a nice time. Wonder why?
TREASURER’S REPOR T REPORT Paid members as of January 20 1. Almazan, Alex 2. Almazan, Irma 3.Amon, Ophel 4. Amon, Tony 5. David, Betta 6. David, Christian 7. Nino, Dan 8. Vinluan, Jehiel
UPCOMING EVENTS What: The Dr. Librado I. Ureta Foundation Election Meeting (Potluck) When: Friday, January 23, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. Where: Holiday Inn, 1133 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach CA 90813 Tel. No (562 590 8858) 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015: Visit and floral offering at Bro. Bado’s gravesite on his 24th death anniversary (+January 22, 1991) Forest Lawn Memorial ParkSunnyside, 1500 East San Antonio Drive, Long Beach CA 90807 Tel. No. (800 204-3131) 5:00 p.m.Saturday: Presentation of Dr. Tessie Maquiso during the APOAA-Greater Los Angeles meeting at the home of Bro.Tony and Sis Ophel Amon, 22761 Eccles St., West Hills CA 91304 Tel. No. (818 970-4614)
APO Phil. Nat’l Convention May 21 to 24, 2015 Dumaguete City
9
APOgla New Years Celebration Residence Inn, Santa Clarita
JANU AR Y 201 5 JANUAR ARY 2015 020306070813-
The New Year’s Eve Bash is now weeks old and the fun and joy still linger on. Watching the smiles, the laughter, the drinking, the eating, the games, the dancing and the happiness that lasted until we closed the conference hall at past 2:00 AM, brought us equal joy and satisfaction for hosting and organizing this family fun adventure. We thank you all for coming, for sharing in the food, the drinks, the prizes, the games and special appreciation to the little ones for ringing in the new year ala GLA! Food and drinks was abundant, stories, kantiyawan and alaskahan were overflowing! We had Dinuguan with a Gigantic Puto, Paella, Shrimp Alfredo, BBQ Chicken, Carved Ham, Kinilaw, Lechon, Pancit, Shrimp Cocktail, Sapin Sapin, Fruit Salad, Buko Pandan, Cookies, Cakes at marami pang iba! Beer, Wine, Cognac, Soda, Coffee, were also bottomless! After the countdown, we sang Auld Lang Syne and the APO Toast Song and the mandatory “Twilight Time” of Troy. Again, thank you all for being part of the celebration, Adios 2014 and Welcome 2015! Mabuhay! by Bro. Art Rivera
Please send your $50.00 Membership Dues to: OPHEL VITA AMON 22761 Eccles St., West Hills, CA 91304 All checks must be made payable to: APOGLA
Domel Evangelista Ellen Apura Richard Villamin Mike Chua Jun Madrigal Oscar Angeles Ernie Garrovillas 14- Wilson Lautchang 20- Bobet Lara 21- Wilson Arucan 24- Gil Magno 25- Lino Chatto Albert Peralta Leonardo Caldoza Sammy Clarete 28- Vinz Argonza 30- Rico Lainez SPOUSE: 11- Andrew Millano 13- Ella Gomez 20- Minda Chin 24- Myrna Nino 26- May Sy Alma Delmolin 27- Nel Lautchang APO KIDS: 01- Michale Arevalo Matt Emperado 04- Celeste Medina 05- Don Adriano 07- Lindsey Mejia 09- Alexa Reyes Aileen Talabis 10- Andrew Nathaniel Evangelista Jan Arciga 12- Grant Gomez 22- Chinggoy Serrano 24- Clarissa Tecson 27- Maria Rica Serrano Hazell Arucan
1ST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHEN: Saturday, January 24 WHAT: General Membership Meeting - Meeting will start promptly at 5pm - Dr. Tess Maquizo’s Presentation - Fellowship Afterwards
WHERE: Bro. Tony and Sis. Ophel Amon 22761 Eccles St., West Hills, CA 91304 DIRECTIONS:
Fwy 101 North Exit Topanga Canyon Blvd, Left Roscoe Blvd, Right fallbrook Ave., Right Eccles St., House is on your Left.
CONTACT PERSONS: Bro. Dan Nino - (562) 921-5116 Bro.Tony Amon - (818) 701-9022
Dan Nino 12450 East Oakcreek St., Cerritos, CA 90703
Stamps Here
http://alphaphiomega.org/