Volume 33 Issue 01
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALPHA PHI OMEGA GREATER LOS ANGELES
January 2013
APOGLA 32 Years of Leadership, Friendship and Service
GLA’S group picture, commemorating it’s 32nd anniversary at Knotts Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park, California last December 15, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WELCOME 2013 NEW YEARS MESSAGE The year 2012 showed how we Filipinos continue to stand firm and remain hopeful in spite of the tragedies we face and humble in the face of victories. I pray that the coming year will fill us with a renewed sense of joy, guided by the grace of God as we continue our journey towards a more prosperous Philippines. Together, we can build the nation of our dreams - a nation where our children and the coming generations can live in peace, prosperity and dignity. Isang Maunlad, Maginhawa at Magandang Buhay sa Bagong Taon para sa ating lahat! (Sgd.) Jejomar (Jojo) Binay Vice-President of the Philippines
GLA Attends APO USA Anaheim Convention! The APO USA Convention set foot in California December 27-30, at the Anaheim Marriott next door to Disneyland. For the first time, GLA brods and sisters got to witness and participate in a gathering of almost 2,000 delegates from the different chapters of the country and experience another milestone in our APO lives. Friday, December 28 was set as Alumni Day with several seminars and workshop scheduled. The ICAPO (International Council of APO) conducted its meeting from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM attended by Lester Arevalo, Domel Evangelista, Roland Paras, Lito Tarculas, Rocky Marte, and other brothers. We arrived in the afternoon and with
Bobet Lara, Jun Linsangan, and Bonjie Ingco. While walking around, we were overwhelmed by the large number of delegates gathered in the sprawling lobby of the hotel. Geoffrey Arroyo made arrangements for our free parking and we shared lunch at a nearby Subway with other brothers. While the Fellowship Banquet (6:00 – 8:00 PM) was going on at the Grand Ballroom with 1500 in attendance, our group (18 of us) dined at Coco’s Restaurant for a quick Prime Rib Dinner as we have to rush back to the anticipated “Meet and Greet” between APO USA and APO Philippines. We then proceeded to Suite 426 and we saw a gathering of US Brothers dressed up in Barong Tagalog or Terno as they [See Covention on pg 6]
2
http://alphaphiomega.org/
President’s Message My dear Sisters and Brothers of APOGLA, The busy holiday season have come and gone. As life settles back to my new normal, I look back at the 2012 and ask myself if this year would go by as quickly as the last one did. What is now staring me in the face is the New Year; a mark of a new beginning, which in turn, brings renewed hope and renewed strength. It is already that time to get busy laying down the groundwork of all those fragmented ideas in ones head. It is like a jigsaw puzzle when one tries to analyze what might fit and scraps things that won’t. There are just too many things to do and I would have to just pick and choose which are relevant. Then I remembered those words that would eventually make me focus – We Lead, BUILD and Serve! These will be the words I would live by. In keeping up with our ideals, let me reiterate on the acronym I had envisioned for this term. The word is B-U-I-L-D. B is for Balance. This year, we aim to have balance in our programs and projects. We will reintroduce some sports to increase camaraderie amongst members and involve their families. We will focus on service and cut down the number of fund raising projects that tend to overburden our members. Even the venues of our meeting will be spread out to different areas. U is for Unselfish Undertakings. It is our goal to develop benevolent projects within and outside APOGLA, which are now spearheaded by our Board of Trustees. We are uplifting our standards and outsourcing other patrons outside our circle. I is for Integrity and Individuality. We will be trustworthy. If that is the only thing left for us to do, we will be the last man standing. We believe in transparency. Also, we embrace programs of sports, arts and human development because we recognize that we are all different and we have different interests too. That will keep us glued here to our family, that is GLA. L is for Link or the Loop that will connect us with other benefactors and associations enabling us to serve both here and abroad. We are developing this Adopt-A-Sitio program with the Office of the Vice President, which will start enabling us to give back to our needy countrymen. D is for the undying Dedication and Devotion of the leadership and membership. That is true love for APO and what it stands for. That is the passion we share with one another, the fire within us that keeps us going even through rough patches. We are off to a great start with our first service project just a week away on Jan. 26. It is our second Food Bank project and is chaired by Sis Malou Almadrones. That is the close of our 1st month. Immediately following, on the first week of February, is Ladies Night. This is being chaired by Sis Hazel and Sis Daemma. We are approaching this differently. A fundraiser it will NEVER be this year. The romanticism and the celebration of love is the main focus here. We will keep it more intimate for all you hopeless romantics. We continue our celebration of love on February 23, as we give our time to help feed our destitute homeless brothers and sisters. We have Sis Ann to thank for spearheading this service project. After the service, we continue to have our 2nd GMM. The venue will still be determined. On March 16-17, ACNA will convene its board members [See next column]
Board of Directors Corner Message from your Chairman of the Board We look back at last year and the years before with sincere appreciation for what has been accomplished and in 2013 we look forward to an interesting, exciting and hopeful year for all of APOGLA. I am honored and a privileged to work with distinguished men and women of the Board of Directors who come to the table to share their talents, skills and expertise. We welcome Alex Pastores and Jun Salinas in their first elective and tenure as Directors. I am excited to work with “The Presidents,” the likes of Alpha Chapter International President Ophel VitaAmon, Gamma Epsilon President International President Raul Tecson, Past GLA President Emma Rubina-Galang and GLA President Amelia Melody Ang-Gayon in the Board. And with a team of this caliber, expectations and standards are raised. We look to the membership for inspiration, to the community for service, to our families for support, to the future for hope, and to the heavens for guidance. Let us all savor this journey together. Cheers! Bro. Art Rivera [From previous column]
in its first meeting to be held in Chicago. Locally, on Mar.17, we will have Brother Egay, as Chair, lining up the volunteers again early in the morning as we give our time and effort to man the LA Marathon water station. Our March GMM is on Mar.23. As part of balancing all venues, we are going to hold it in sunny Palm Spring with Bro. Vinz as host. So please plan to head out early. Besides arranging a game of golf, we might be able to entice our spouses to go shopping at Cabazon or to go gambling. Lastly, on March 31 will be our Easter Picnic. So here are the 1st quarter activities. Please join us. Don’t miss out on the fun. We appreciate everybody who could extend a helping hand. We are only as good as our members and we need your unending support. We are just starting our year. We are hopeful and grateful for the many years we shared and yet, another year is upon us. Let us roll up our sleeves and hand in hand, let us get to work to make this, another year for the books!!! Sis. Amelia Melody Ang-Gayon President, 2013
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 Mishael “Boy” Medina Editorial Staff Toti Ayo • Ferdie Yambot Ann Asuncion• Marilou Almadrones Ed Romero • Fely Montecillo Art/Photos by Fancis Mejia • Roland Paras • Sancho Sy Contributors Art Rivera • Amelia Melody Ang-Gayon Domel Evangelista
3
http://alphaphiomega.org/
Executive Officers 2013 President: Amelia Melody Ang-Gayon Vice-President: Rachella Williams Secretary: Bodjie Gapido Treasurer: Josie Tarculas Asst.Treasurer: Beth Ventura Auditor: Malou Almadrones PRO: Dan Nino TNB Editor-In-Chief: Mishael “Boy” Medina Presidential Asst.: Geoffrey Arroyo ACNA Liason: Lito Tarculas ARNA Liason: Francis Mejia Webmaster: Domel Evangelista Sgt-at-Arms: Fidel Aquino Henry Valdecantos Executive Director: Sancho Sy Adviser: Dony Rondillo Adviser: Eric Serrano
Area Coordinators Inland Empire: Rocky Marte Los Angeles: Rudy Flores San Fernando Valley: Bayani Valentino San Gabriel Valley: Sammie Zamora Orange/South Bay: Roland Paras Santa Clarita: Bonjie Ingco Antelope Valley: Tess Madrigal Ventura County: Chito Atangan
GLA Presented Lifetime Achievement Award to Adriano
APOGLA presented Magleo “Mel” Adriano, the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his selfless service to APOGLA and of his services to APO Philippines first as Regional Director of NCAR, and his two-terms as National President. Today, he seats in the Board of Directors of APO Philippines and the International Council of APO. He also served as President of APO Sigma Alumni Association and was a pioneering member of UP APO Alumni Association and APOGLA which he calls his “home.” Brother Mel is now based in the Philippines and is President/CEO of American Resources Group Philippines, Inc., a sales/service organization servicing the Semi-Conductor Industry. by AR
2012 Librado I. Ureta Award Goes to Geoffrey Arroyo
APOGLA 2013 1st EXECOM MEETING
Board of Directors 2013 Art Rivera - Chairman of the Board Raul Tecson - BOD Secretary Ophelia Vita-Amon Amelia Melody Ang-Gayon Emma Rubina-Galang Alex Pastores Jun Salinas
APOGLA’s Librado I. Ureta Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a brother or a sister who has shown exemplary display of the Fraternity’s Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. This year the award was given to Geoffrey in recognition of his years of dedication, continued commitment to the goals of GLA and unending service to the association, its families and the community. Geoffrey is the embodiment of a Brother who does finds joy in making the group happy with his stories, jokes and antics, he who goes on ceaselessly in helping out in projects, programs or simple household chores and in everything else that he can do and share. Since joining GLA in 1983, he became a permanent fixture in the group having served in various capacities and responsibilities as Treasurer, Secretary, Auditor, PRO, Director, Project Chairman and Vice-President. He received the award during the Annual Christmas Ball at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel and was joined on stage by his children Gilchrist and Genelle and the past recipients. Congratulations, Brother Geoffrey, “may your tribe increase!” by AR
Board of Trustees Hadrian Lara - Chairman Tony Amon F. Thomas Ayo Edgar Ninofranco Victor Paredes
4
http://alphaphiomega.org/
ICAPO Deliberates APhiO Expansion Fraternal Greetings! In behalf of ACNA Executive Officers and Board of Directors for ACNA DY 2013-2014, I wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with abundance, joy and treasured moments. At this wonderful time of year, many of us will gather together with family and with fellow APO brethren to celebrate the holiday season, sharing food, conversations and laughter. As an APO, we can also share commitment to make a better place for men everywhere, especially those who are in desperate need, whether in our communities or in far-away places. Brethren, let us begin our New Year by rededicating ourselves to fulfilling our founder’s dream to “Make a better world in which to live, and in which to make a living and life”. Let us commit ourselves to one another that we may all stand shoulder to shoulder to confront the challenges ahead. Challenges, both internal and external, which may stand in our way. We should ever strive to be an unbroken circle One ACNA, unbowed and undaunted by the trials of our past and the challenges of tomorrow. We shall continue to demonstrate our efforts to achieve our noble purpose and uphold our values - with One Voice, loud and clear, our guiding principles: Be a Leader, Be a Friend and Be of Service to others. Let us always treat each other as a family. We need to treat each other with respect and we can disagree without being disagreeable. We need to respect and appreciate personal beliefs that may be different from ours. The choice is ours: dwell on what divides us and fall, or work on much that will keep us strong and united! Given your trust, I want ACNA to be a “Center of Unions”, where we become “Friends, Brothers and Sisters” - without fear of compromising our own conviction. As your President, I will do my best to Lead our beloved ACNA with thoughtful compassion. Firm in conviction and determination, it is my hope that we develop a good leader, a better brother, and a better person in us all. Looking forward to lead and to serve you all my Brethren. Thank you very much. All the best in LF&S, Brother Lito Tarculas PRESIDENT ACNA DY 2013-2014 ACNA Executive Officers DY 2013-2014 Lito Tarculas – President Irma Almazan -1st Vice President Mariano Abbariao Jr. – 2nd Vice President Madonna Castro – Secretary Thom Pascual – Auditor Aleks Garcia – Treasurer Leo Baltazar – PRO Sancho Sy – Editor-in-Chief, The Council Windell Delos Reyes – Webmaster Jayde David – Webmaster Alvin Pacheco – ID Officer (Canada) Jun Madrigal – ID Officer (US)
“ACNA Cares, ACNA Shares”
Alpha Phi Omega-USA held their Biennial National Convention last December 27-30, 2012, in beautiful Anaheim, California with the theme Time to Shine: Anaheim 2012. One of the highlights of the convention is the meeting of the International Council of Alpha Phi Omega (ICAPO), an international coordinating body that promotes the ideals of Alpha Phi omega around the world. ICAPO’s charter was signed in 1994 during the Dallas-Fort Worth APO–USA Convention. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by ICAPO Chairman Bro Lester Arevalo, Eta 72 and member of the APO-GLA. Other officers during the meeting were Vice Chairman Wilfred Krenek, APO-USA Past National President and Secretary Beth Tom. Former Chair of the ICAPO who attended the meeting included Brothers Allen Wong and Edward Richter. APO-GLA members who were in the meeting were Brothers Geoffrey Arroyo, Domel B. Evangelista, Rhoel Reyes, Jeff Shwartz and Mary Shwartz. Several brothers from the Philippines and the United States also attended the meeting. Bro. Lester gave a report on the services, advances and challenges for the APhiO-Philippines while Bro Wilfred updated the council on APhiO-USA’s developments and expansions. Bro Rhoel shared with the council the services of the APO Alumni Council of Northern America (ACNA). The council’s discussion focused on the efforts and actions needed to further the ideals of Alpha Phi Omega around the world, particularly in Australia, Canada, and most recently, in Ireland. Highlights and results of the discussion were: a. ICAPO shall strongly encourage APhiO-USA to develop an action plan to charter three collegiate chapters in Canada within two years b.ICAPO shall likewise strongly encourage APhiOPhilippines to develop an action plan to charter/recharter three collegiate chapters in two years in Australia. c. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats should be performed for each chapter. d. Progress reports shall be submitted to the ICAPO officers on these extension efforts every six months and that those progress reports shall be distributed to the national boards of directors of both national organizations. It is highly recommended that the first report includes any concerns regarding cultural or language differences that may need to be overcome, and letters from the target universities or colleges stating their willingness to allow Alpha Phi Omega on their campuses. New officer were elected for the next two years. Bro Wilfred of APhiO-USA was elected Chairman with Bro Lester as his Vice Chairman. Brother Beth remains the council’s Secretary. The meeting was adjourned at 12 Noon. The ICAPO is one of APhiO’s best service instrument. One of the greatest services is to introduce the principles of Alpha Phi Omega and have the youth from all around the world experience the fraternity’s ideals. by Bro. Domel Evangelista
http://alphaphiomega.org/
The APO USA Convention at the Anaheim Marriott
International Council of Alpha Phi Omega
5
G O I N G S O N... BY : FELY LOGARTA - MONTECILLO
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY BRODS AND SISTERS ! It’s 2013 and we’re looking ahead to a busy, busy year. Activities are already lined up and once more we are all raring to go and serve. I would like to welcome you all to the maiden issue of this column which seeks to inform you about other activities our members are involved in. At the same breath, we may also include outstanding APO activities from the Philippines which we feel you should be aware of and some interesting tidbits from the home front . BRO. JOJO LLAMOSO of the GAMMA EPSILON CHAPTER recently celebrated his 50th birthday with a bash in his West Covina residence. A band provided the dancing music for the evening which saw fellow Gamma Epsilonians and other brods from other chapters in a jovial mood. Present were: Brods Francis Franco, Francis Mejia, Raul Pecson, Alex Aquino, Jojo Sarao, Lester Arevalo, Joel Pablo, Stephen Castro, Alex Pastores, Bodjie Ingco, Nonot Rosales, Troy Agagon and Jun Pereyra. ### BRO. EGAY NINOFRANCO of the BETA Chapter was beaming with pride as he informed us that the outgoing President of the APO National Chapter , Jimmy de Castro, comes from BETA Chapter too and he will be one of the candidates f or the APO Party List in the coming 2014 Phil. elections.Running with him will be former Justice Secretary Bebot Bello. Meantime, BRO. EGAY also announced that the final draw for the Raffle being sponsored by the BETA Chapter as a fund raising activity of Bicol NA (for North America) for the International Convention which will take place in the Bicol Region in the Philippines next year, will be held on Feb. 16, Saturday. Prizes at stake are : Cash prize of $2,500. - first prize; Cash prize of $1,000. - 2nd prize; and C ash p;rize of $500.- third prize. ### Our heartfelt condolence to our brods of the THETA CHAPTER who recently lost two of their members who passed away recently - the late Brods Jimmy Domingo and Jim Batol Batch 66. As is customary , they immediately solicited funds to extend help to the respective families of the deceased in the Phils. The THETA CHAPTER also continues to support the two brods accused in the hazing case in the Philippines. They are continuously raising funds for the legal defense of the accused brods. ### From the ALPHA CHAPTER, a happy bit of news. Brod Jojo Banaria, ALPHA’s current Treasurer, just had a very successful heart by-pass surgery. Brod Jojo , his family, friends and relatives are all giving thanks to the Lord for his recovery. Sis Ophel Amon, the current president of ALPHA Chapter, proudly informs us about the very successful launching of the first service project of the ACAA in the Philippines which was the Medical and Dental services participated in by many of its alumni members using funds raised by the US based members and other members from various parts of the world.W ith the desire of service in their hearts, their US counterparts are inspiring their Phils.- based members to keep up the good work. Sis Ophel also happily announced that they are looking forward to the arrival of a Sis from the Phils., Sis Norma Arciaga who is visiting Los Angeles soon!. Again, another reunion of the ALPHA CHAPTER is in the offing and another prospective member of the APOGLA is in the making! ### We welcome any news, any information you would like us to include in this corner. Pls. contact yours truly thru tel. no. (818) 263-9855 or email me (felymontecillo@yahoo.com).
Hasta la vista!
6
http://alphaphiomega.org/
Please send your $40.00 Membership Dues to: Josie Tarculas 12943 Bordeaux Court Moreno Valley, CA 92555 All checks must be made payable to - APOGLA.
BIR THD AY BIRTHD THDA CALEND AR CALENDAR J ANU AR Y 20 13 JANU ANUAR ARY 2013 MEMBERS: 02- Domel Evangelista 03- Ellen Apura 06- Richard Villamin 07- Mike Chua 08- Jun Madrigal 13- Oscar Angeles Ernie Garrovillas 14- Wilson Lautchang 20- Bobet Lara 21- Wilson Arucan 24- Gil Magno 25- Lino Chatto Albert Peralta Leonardo Caldoza 28- Vinz Argonza 30- Rico Lainez
APOGLA MEMBERS AT APO USA CONVENTION [Convention, from page 1]
shared the evening and mingled with representatives from APO Philippines, GLA, South Bay and other alumni associations. The Welcome Suite was absolutely crowded but the exchanges were pleasant and memorable to say the least. We got to share thoughts, ideas, and APO experiences with both alumni and resident brothers and as they say “it was well worth it!” Aside from the abovementioned brothers, we were joined by Rosalie Licauco (Eta Chapter and representing the Office of Vice President Jojo Binay), LA Tourism Deputy Director Manny Ilagan and wife Meg, APOGLA President Emma Galang, APOGLA President-Elect Melody Ang-Gayon, Melvin and Eleonor Villaver, Sancho and May Sy, Dony Rondilla, Bodjie Gapido, Shane Miranda, Hazel Salas, Daemma Yazon and Ted Topacio (Eta, who’s daughter is also APO USA). Our children Nikki and Glenn had a grand time in their very first APO
Convention attendance and like myself, immersed in everything APO! There was also a Casino Night and a Club for the members to enjoy. The most visited was the fabulous APO Store filled with “everything APO” spread all over the ballroom. Everyone had fun browsing, posing for photographs and buying some of the coveted memorabilia. The most anticipated client was Mel Gonzales, who did not disappoint and purchased a lot to share during his trip to the Philippines. Sunday, December 30 was the Awards Banquet (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM) and we were fortunate to have witnessed a beautifully scripted and delivered program. The whole experience was an interesting learning journey and indeed, we learned a lot, we were inspired and we had fun, and ‘Time To shine!” for all in attendance. by Bro. Art Rivera
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 Nath. Evangelista 12- Grant Gomez 22- Chinggoy Serrano 24- Clarissa Tecson 27- Maria Rica Serrano Hazell Arucan
7
G L A ’ s 3 2nd A n n i v e r s a r y C e l e b r a t i o n Pictures
ACNA Induction of Officers
Back to Back Prexy Lady
CONGRATULATIONS!!! To the Proud parents, Patrick and Kimberly Ayo; Grand Parents Bro. Toti/ Racquel Ayo to their first bundle of joy Josiah Thomas Ayo, born last Nov 24, 2012
2012 APOGLA APOKID SCHOLAR
Emily Kristine Ayo Youngest daughter of Bro. Toti and Racquel Ayo. Graduated high school at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, CA. Currently, a college freshman taking up General Biology at Cal Poly Pomona. Intending to pursue a career in the medical field.
1ST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WHERE: Central Adult Day Health Care 1825 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90057 WHEN: Saturday, January 19, 2013 Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. CONTACT PERSONS: Sis. Melody Ang-Gayon (323) 712-0212 Sis. Rachella Williams (310) 387-9575
Directions: From Northwest: Fwy 101 South Exit S. Alvarado Right. Left, Beverly Blvd. From Southeast: Fwy 101 North Exit S. Alvarado Left. Left, Beverly Blvd.
Please Check Google Maps, Mapquest or Yahoo Maps for your detailed directions.
Stamps Here
Melody Ang-Gayon 1010 N. Central Ave.,#224 Glendale, Ca 91202
http://alphaphiomega.org/ Please join us on Saturday, January 26, 2013 8:30 am to 12:00 pm for Alpha Phi Omega of Greater Los Angeles’ Community Impact Project! We will volunteer at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank assembling food packages for over 23,000 low income seniors, women with infants, and children in Los Angeles County. The food packages consist of food items like canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, cereal and other non-perishable food items. By giving just a little of our time, we can make a big difference in our community. Parking is available at the site but carpooling is HIGHLY recommended as there are VERY limited parking spaces. The warehouse for volunteering is located at 2825 E. 54th St. Vernon, CA 90058.