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ALPHA PHI OMEGA (Philippines) ALUMNI COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA

March2010

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3rd CouncilMeeting

2010 Edition

ALALALALALOHA STOHA STOHA STOHA STOHA STAAAAATE HOSTSTE HOSTSTE HOSTSTE HOSTSTE HOSTS3RD ACNA MEETING3RD ACNA MEETING3RD ACNA MEETING3RD ACNA MEETING3RD ACNA MEETING

ACNA Pres. Bro. Ben Castro installed into office three of his Executive officers, namely: Bro. PaulVillafuerte, Auditor; Bro. Bong Estrada, Membership Commissioner and Bro. Alex Dulay, ID

Commissioner during 2nd Council Meeting @ Stevenson Ranch, CA hosted by APO GLA.

By Brother Toti Ayo, Beta Kappa’72

With the life that He has given me and myfamily, I have all the reasons to be gratefulfor all the little and simple things that I amblessed with in life. Blessings that many,if not all of us enjoy, although sometimeswe just don’t realize. One of these manyblessings is the gift of friendship that weenjoy with our Alpha Phi Omega brothers,sisters and members of our family.

We are given the opportunity to serve andto lead. Trusted with a great privilege and agreat gift that we ought to appreciate andbe thankful for. The trust that we are givenis a sacred covenant that is too precious tobe broken. With this gift, however, is acorresponding responsibility that comesalong. It is this greater responsibility thatis bestowed upon us by our respectiveAlumni Association membership in ACNAthat we should ever be grateful for and makesure that by our actions, we are heldaccountable, with our utmost commitmentto preserve its highest moral and ethicalvalue and standard to do what is right anddeserving of our membership in Alpha PhiOmega whom we all are ambassadors of.

Brothers and Sisters, allow me to reach outto you all, as I reach out to the members ofour ACNA Board as they gather in Hawaiifor the semi-annual Board Meeting thisMarch.

I am hoping to express my thoughts as theycome by and hopefully, I am able to makesense.

Comes the Labor Day Weekend inSeptember, we shall be celebrating our 10thBiennial Convention in San Francisco .While much has been, since our inceptionin September, 1990, there is yet a lot to beand our best years are still ahead of us.Slowly but surely, we shall work togetherto deliver and meet our objectives. Ourcommitment and enthusiasm will benecessary; but, among other things, ourteamwork and our ability to get things donewill be that important.

Aloha!!! You may have heard that word a thousand times, but have you heard how itis articulated?

One thing for sure…you’ll find out when you come and set your foot on the Island ofOahu for the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA), thatHawai’i (pronounced as hah-vah-ee), also known as the Aloha State, is a reflection of thefriendliness of the people, relaxed atmosphere, the blue ocean as a reflection of the bluesky, the beautiful weather, the impeccable beach of Waikiki, the cheap shopping at theswap meet at the Aloha Stadium and more, are just the beginning of an unforgettableexperience you will have during your visit.

The opportunity entrusted to me by our brothers and sisters in Alpha Phi Omega AlumniAssociation of Hawaii (APO-HI) is a great privilege. For almost three years to date whenthe unimaginable became a reality, when the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood ofAlpha Phi Omega brings everyone together, no matter what school, what State, whatcountry we all hail from, we always become one Alpha Phi Omega.

Come and enjoy the spirit of aloha and what Hawai’i is all about, and what a better wayto spend quality time with our families and friends. This occasion is next to perfect –doing business with pleasure.

Let us all make this event the most productive, most fun-filled, and the most “talk-of-the-town” quarterly meeting of the Alumni Council of North America (ACNA) and as youreturn to your homes, may you take with you the spirit of Aloha and a renewedcommitment to Leadership, Friendship and Service.

In Leadership, Friendship, Service,Sis. Coy B. Blanco, Epsilon Beta, 77’BPresident, APO-HI (DY 2010-2011)

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The Councilis a publication of the Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines)Alumni Council of North America exclusively for its

members, families and friends. The opinionsexpressed hererin are those of the writers, and are

not intended to represent APO-ACNA.

Message from the PresidentMessage from the PresidentMessage from the PresidentMessage from the PresidentMessage from the President

Publishing EditorSancho Sy

ContributorsCoy Blanco • Ben Castro • Toti Ayo • Ian Beltrano

Mar Garchitorena • Bems Domingcil • AldousEnciso • Cora de Jesus • Ferdie Yambot

Front page photo by Andy Cordero

The Council15226 Ryan St. Sylmar, CA 91342

email: [email protected]

Brothers and Sisters, my warmest fraternal greetings!

It’s been one year and 3 months since I took office and I could say that collectively as APO ACNAOfficers and Members, we have accomplished what we have purportedly set for our term. Someof the worthwhile projects we have accomplished so far are as follows:

1. Revolved to help APO SAPOC Learning Center by donating $1,500.00 every year2. Conducted the 7th APO ACNA IHMDO in Tondo, Manila on May 24, 20093. Donated $1,200.00 to APO Philippines for local HMDO held in Boracay, Aklan on May

28, 20094. Encouraged the attendance and participation of 80 APO ACNA members to the APO

Philippine Convention in Boracay, Aclan in May 2009.5. Donated more than $10,000.00 to APO Philippines for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Ramil6. Spearheaded (thru the leadership of Bro. Ferdie Yambot) the collection of emergency funds in the amount of $2,500 for

Sis Rhoda Carandang’s son7. Donated $500.00 to APO Boy Scout of the Philippines and another $500.oo to APO Alumni Congress thru Bro. Art

Libot.

The 3rd quarterly meeting in Hawaii on March 27, 2010, will once again stir us to stay true and committed to the three guidingprinciples of APO: Leadership, Friendship and Service. In this meeting, I encourage all Alumni Association Presidents to reporton the status of their collections for the APO ACNA Cash Raffle Project – a program which aims to raise funds to finance ourvarious projects and to enable the next set of APO ACNA leaders have sound financial resources to start with.

Further, we will also tackle the programs for the 10th Biennial Convention in Newark, CA on September 3-5, 2010. APO CVC AA,under the leadership of Bro. Butch Garcia, is in the thick of preparation with the able assistance of Bro. Bong Estrada, the over-all chairman for the Convention, who is spearheading the different steering committees. With their leadership, we could lookforward to a successful and meaningful convention.

Having said that, I invite all APO ACNA brothers and sisters to join the 10th Biennial Convention “TARA NA, APO ACNA SABAY AREA”. Together, let us enjoy the splendor of the place and the warmhearted hospitality and friendship of brothers andsisters in the bay area.

Mabuhay ang APO ACNA, Mabuhay and APO sa buong mundo.

In LFS,Bro. Ben J. CastroPresident, APO ACNA 2009-2010RD, APO ARNA 2009-2010

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‘Teamwork will make us stronger’ - has ever been said. Everyorganization talks about it, but not very many are effective with it.With all that we, as ACNA, has yet to do and become, we have tocommit ourselves and believe that we can work together to achieveour goals. Our mind will have to be committed to the team spirit, the‘team-first’ mind-set as our well-being and our credibility is at stake.

As an ACNA, our aspiration is to grow and mature. We want tocreate a beautiful landscape for the APO world to see, be a part ofand enjoy its beauty.

There are times, however, as there will be those times when we find ithard to grow especially when there are too many distractions anddetractors - as ever there are and will be. We have seen these elementstime and again. But we have to be firm and keep our focus. Remember,in every green grass, a weed/weeds grow. We have to know andunderstand how weeds affect a beautiful landscape. If we don’t takecare of these weeds, it will take over its beauty. We have to pull theseweeds out, otherwise, our growth will be restricted.

Having extended and exercised a keen sense of listening andunderstanding to make sure that we do not give up on some groups orindividuals just because we find it or we find them difficult to workwith, our resoluteness and our firm resolve, will not be in question. IfI may use the words of Goethe: “Things which matter most must neverbe at the mercy of things which matter least.”

An Unchartered Course

Let us remind ourselves that we, as ACNA, in this North AmericanContinent is trekking an unchartered course. Our task to build ACNAis an unfinished one. We are creating a system. We are building astructure, an institution. Together, let us think hard and know what wewant and know where we are going. We know we have issues toresolve. Let’s work on them thoroughly, one at a time. The process willnot be easy. It will require time, commitment and sacrifices on our part- considering the priorities we have on our daily lives - our family, ourwork and our own commitment to our local communities.

With this in mind, we have to understand and respect our respectiveissues and concerns which may be different from other AA’s. We haveto be patient, but we have to persevere. We have to learn and knowmore about each other and about what we can share and contribute tothe organization as a whole. By expanding our knowledge on differentissues, we empower ourselves.

The success of ACNA will demand from every member AA, a concertedeffort. Our success or failure is a shared responsibility. With ourdiversity, it is from our individual strength that we shall build from.

We shall be building on our strength as we continue to work on our values!

Having said these, it becomes imperative that we establish cooperativesystems and structures. Forget about ARNA if it’s an issue that isholding us back. Let’s make ACNA work, and ARNA will find itsproper place within us in North America with ease.Now how do we make ACNA work better and stronger?

Just as what we’ve been doing in the past, it is that endless effort inmaking every ACNA-member Alumni Association organizationallystrong. With strong member-AA’s in ACNA, we have no doubt, ACNAwill be stronger than ever.

Among other things, with all that we ought to do to continue buildingACNA’s structure, is our effectiveness in resolution of issues such ashow we can moderate or facilitate accepting applications for recognitionof alumni groups like “APO Hollywood”. At the heart of APOGLA, abreakaway group finds its way to seek for recognition and acceptancefor membership from ACNA. A sensitive subject that it is, the fact thatAPOGLA stands on its way, is a red flag that should be noted.

If, in considering the granting of recognition we might claim that wehave seen this happen with other AA’s in the past, so we just have tolet it be, it is important that we dig thru the rubbles of the past for us tobetter understand if this is beneficial for us all or not. The ACNABoard has its hands full this upcoming meeting in Hawaii.

This brings me to an important aspect in our ACNA structure buildingefforts.

It is time to consider as I strongly suggest for the creation of a ‘DisputeResolution Commission’ created by the ACNA Board. Among otherthings, AA related issues on disputes shall fall under this Office. Restassured, we have capable men and women in ACNA to make thisOffice work responsibly, effectively and credibly.

A functional and effective organization in ACNA is what we care about.Shall we have to depend or do we expect the National Executive Boardof APO Philippines to resolve these kinds of issues if and when theyarise? If you think so, I’d ask you to think long and hard.

Whatever problems we have as AA’s in this North American Continentwill have to be resolved under the rules and procedures set by thisCommission, which is subject to the Federal and State Laws of theland. Emphatically, ACNA should have a tooth to bite when a memberAA doesn’t toe the line. If ACNA can’t do it, its effectiveness is inquestion.

All these years, we expect every local AA to find its rightful way toresolve issues that need resolving. Sometimes, an AA falls short ofthis expectation. But they should be able and capable of doing so,otherwise, they don’t deserve to exist as an organization, more so, amember association of ACNA.

In the meantime, in the absence of this Commission, on the issuewhere ACNA accepted and is due to consider “APOHA’s” application,with facts to be presented to the ACNA Board this upcoming meetingin Hawaii - why APOGLA stands on its way; it becomes obvious, thatany favorable justification given to “APOHA”, shall have a grossnegative effect on ACNA in the long run.

Undeniably true, anything less than responsible membership in ACNAdestroys the trust, credibility and respect in our efforts to strengthenthe structure we long to build. We owe this to all ACNA-memberAlumni Associations and to all members of Alpha Phi Omega whofinds some inspiration on what we do. It is a greater task and a greaterresponsibility for us not to fail them!

To all the members of the Board who will spend their personal time andprovisions in Hawaii for this semi-annual board meeting, we applaudyou. To all the members left behind in their respective AlumniAssociation locations, may we all share in the effort and the commitmentas we seek perfection of the Strong Circle we want to be, and with ourhead held high, let’s sing to the tune of the Toast Song we call our own.- TA

THE THE THE THE THE AAAAACNCNCNCNCNA A A A A WE LWE LWE LWE LWE LONG ONG ONG ONG ONG TTTTTO BO BO BO BO BUILD UILD UILD UILD UILD By Brother Toti Ayo, Beta Kappa’72Continued from page 1

APOkids @WangoTango

Con

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APO BRITISH COLAPO BRITISH COLAPO BRITISH COLAPO BRITISH COLAPO BRITISH COLUMBIA UMBIA UMBIA UMBIA UMBIA AA AA AA AA AA NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSCongratulations to Bro Aldous Enciso of Delta OmicronChapter , Batch 1990 and of APO British Columbia AA forwinning the BC2010 logo-making contest with the score of 5out of 7 from our panel of judges. He will be awarded $100USD thru paypal or western union for his effort and talent.

The winning entry was used as official logo for the BalikChapter 2010 Project held simultaneously in Metro Manilaand various chapters in the Philippines in commemoration ofthe 60th Foundation Anniversary of APO Philippines lastMarch 2, 2010 . It will be printed in calendars, tarpaulins,banners, flyers and other items

The organizers wish to thank all the participants of the BC2010logo-making contest and also the judges.

Submitted by: Bro Aldous EncisoChapter: Delta Omicron Batch: 1990

AAAAACNCNCNCNCNA NAA NAA NAA NAA NATION GIVES TION GIVES TION GIVES TION GIVES TION GIVES TTTTTO BRINGO BRINGO BRINGO BRINGO BRINGLIGHT LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT TTTTTO BABY MAO BABY MAO BABY MAO BABY MAO BABY MATTHEW’STTHEW’STTHEW’STTHEW’STTHEW’S

VISIONS VISIONS VISIONS VISIONS VISIONS by Bro. Ferdie Yambot

Thanks a million… ACNA Brothers and Sisters!!!From deep in theheart of Sis Rhoda Santos Carandang, her very own words follow:

“Thank you so much for helping my little angel Matthew...It wouldnot have been possible for me to seek help without your full effort.I will never forget your kindness for even though you dont knowme personally indeed you have pushed the fund raising to help usin proceeding with the transplant for my baby. I will keep everyoneupdated with pictures of Matthew as soon as they the transplant isdone... In return I will always include all of you in my daily prayers.God Bless your good heart . . . May we always be!!!”

As a mother, she could have begged openly on the streets and/orgiven her own life for baby Matthew but she didn’t need to becauseher caring brothers and sisters in ACNA poured, not only their wallets,but more importantly, their prayers, for the wellness of APO babyMatthew. Our collective effort is going a long way as baby Matthewis getting the needed medical care. In one private conversation duringsolicitation, one astig brother was almost teary eyed in saying….. “this is what being APO is about.. caring and loving!”.

Bro. Prez Ben Castro and Treasurer Bro. Jesse de Leon were quick inrunning the ball when Matthew’s need was published but hardlybeing noticed. Once sanctioned, it gained momentum and pledgesfrom all corners of ACNA started coming in. The overall runningtotal at the time of writing is more than $2K (and still growing), andthey have been timely reaching the hands of Sis Rhoda in time forthe actual need.

“And still growing” as declared earlier, Matthew’s guardian angelsremain to be in BEGGING mode, so just look Prez Ben and Bro. Jessestraight in the eyes and without saying anything, pour even youcoins in their pockets.

The APO-ACNA magic continues on!!! - FY

that you can’t avoid reading in various posting in all APOegroups. Do these Brods & Sis have the chance andopportunity to meet and mingled with their other brethrenon the other side? Of course NOT!!! It is sad and this is justbecause of the wrongdoings of a small group and theirspiteful scheme.

What happened to truth & honesty? What happened tohonest discussions, consultations and dialogues? Whathappened to owning to our mistakes and accepting theconsequences of our actions? What happened to sayingsimply “I am sorry”? Yes, all of these are out of the windowbecause the other alternative is easier to do. It is easier tojust form another AA even if it infringes on geographicalterritory of others. It is easier because we member-associations and our members condone it. Why? because itdoes not affect you directly and does not know the permanent“hurt” it creates.

Let’s STOP condoning and allowing these grandstandingand attacks by bad apples within our organization as if it isokay. Let us stop these bad attitudes that corrode and eataway the moral and ethical value of our brotherhood. Let usmake a stand to prevent this split-up from happening withother member-associations once and for all. Let us standup with what our constitution and brotherhood demands.And let’s make sure that we are not rewarding bad andethical misdeeds.

HOW??? Let us not make a mistake again of endorsing aspiringAA unless the existing member-association directly affectedand nearest to the area gives their permission and approval.Let us not allow ACNA to be used as an instrument of divisionand facilitator of split-ups but instead let us make it as avanguard for growth and development of member-associationsas envisioned in our ACNA CBL.

In Leadership, Friendship and Service, MAR GARCHITORENA, Theta ‘62

AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER TTTTTOOOOOACNA MEMBER ASSNSACNA MEMBER ASSNSACNA MEMBER ASSNSACNA MEMBER ASSNSACNA MEMBER ASSNSContinued from page 8

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APO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARATHON SERTHON SERTHON SERTHON SERTHON SERVICE PRVICE PRVICE PRVICE PRVICE PROJECTOJECTOJECTOJECTOJECT

The APOGLA water station crew serving for the 24th time out of LA Marathon’s 25 years of existence.

The Vaseline boy Pres. Lito Tarculas & Event chair Egay Ninofranco

Rene Yambot and Co. hands water to runners Elite women runners

Los Angeles Marathon runners The Music Crew: DJ Chosy & Jerome P

Brods Lester, Toti, Sis. Ophel, Tony, Christian & Henry The Music Crew: DJ Chosy & Jerome P

March 21, 2010 - Sunset Strip Los Angeles

The LA Marathon Service Project has beena highly anticipated event by both veteranand novice APOGLA volunteers. Manningthe water station for the past 24 years of theevent’s 25 years of existence, this year’sevent is another fun-filled experienceheaded by Service Project chairman emeritusBro. Egay Ninofranco and at least 150 or sovolunteers this time at Mile 13 in the heartof Sunset Strip in West Los Angeles.

It started in 1986 which was inspired by theSummer Olympics of 1984. The LA Marathonwas created to benefit a lot of charitableinstitution and organizations in the spirit ofsportsmanhip. This year it will benefit 38Charitable Institutions and Organization and twoAffiliated Charities with HONDA and K Swissas the Major Sponsors which provided t-shirtfor the volunteers and prizes for the runners.

As a first time volunteer, it is amazing tonote the sincerity of the brothers, sistersand their family to render service. Let’s startthe night before the LA MARATHON. Itwas the 3rd GMM hosted by Sis. EmmaGalang at her residence in North Hills, CA.In the meeting, the LA Marathon wasdiscussed and wrapped up by Bro. RoehlReyes in behalf of Bro. Egay Ninifranco.Final instructions, directions, were providedand advised to come in early before 6 AMto avoid street closures. The GMM endedup with the Toast Song then of course along lasting Fellowship. Some brothers,sisters and family members went home earlyto have a goodnight rest, just to be able towake up early and be at MILE 13 on time toprovide and render service, but othersstayed not just to socialize, drink, spentample time with their brethren but to listento APO stories that are both meaningful andeducational to a young brod like me.

It was already 12:30 AM and although therewere still lots cold thirst quenching beer todrink and quite a few brothers showing theirdedication to finish them we decided to headfor the APO Fraternity House in Duartte,CA. We managed to arrive in the residenceof the brother and kill more time and so wedecided to play some cards and drink a bottleor two and so it is 3:00 AM and we had anice almost two hours sleep an excellentmuch needed rest.

Its about 05:30 AM Sunday morning andluckily we managed to weave thru streetclosures and park safely at a gasolinestation. There were already brothers and

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sisters ahead of us and Chairman Egay started giving clear ordersand directions like a Team Leader during a Code Blue everything isprecise, clear and concise and most of all with respect. At 0615, thestrong men of APO started unloading the more than 18 tables andwater bottles from the truck and setting up the tables on both sidesof the streets, by 07:00 brothers and sisters started mixing Poweradejuice to the Powerade container which is like a keg and othersstarted putting the hundred of cups in the table to be filled withwater and Powerade.

It was nearly 08:00 and food started coming in full blast such asDinuguan, Puto, Spaghetti, Puto, Pandesal and of course the famous“Lugaw/Arroz Caldo” cooked Under the Influence assisted byMaster Chef Joel Pablo, that is why the poor chicken looks likebeen slaughtered when put in the LUGAW but at least it is not aRoad Kill and honestly it really taste good and everyone is havingan excellent breakfast .

Then you hear camera’s clicking and flashes catching our attention,Madam Caroline and Ka Bonjie were busy distributing the LAMarathon T shirts. Everything is all set and everyone’s ready toprovide water and Powerade to the LA MARATHON runners. Now,it was waiting time, a couple of minutes passed by and still norunners, so to kill time and break the ice, brothers and sisters starteda cheering competition with a Hep hep hooray on both sides of theSunset Boulevard while listening to the sounds provided by thebest DJ in town APOGLA’s very own DJ Chosy.

Then the LA Marathoners started coming with hand cyclistparticipants first to pass by then the elite runners and finally a bigwave of Los Angelenos, in all walks and forms, some are runningsome are walking.

By 11:30 the last mixed of Powerade is running out but there are stillrunners swamping in and was overwhelming until there is none leftof Powerade but there’s still plenty of water for the runners butsome of them were just walking already. At 12:00 PM , ChairmanEgay instructed everyone to start cleaning up and pack up andload the tables and containers to the truck. Exhausted Brothers,Sisters and Family Members started cleaning up though tired andweary you can still see to their face the dedication and loyalty toAPOGLA as everybody helps in every task even sweeping thestreet because of the massive trash in the streets full of drinkingcups then after that it ended up with picture taking again. After theclean up some of us decided to leave, including yours truly to restbut other brothers, sisters and family members stayed to attend aFELLOWSHIP.

It was another very successful APOGLA SERVICE PROJECT. Thankyou very much Bro. Egay Ninifranco for a colossal but wellcoordinated service. Just imagine about 25,000 runners for this 25th

LA Marathon which is a 26.2 miles trek and for everyone’sinformation, won by Kenyan Runners, Wesley Korir for the MenDivision, who is also the winner in last year’s LA MARATHON andEdna Kiplagat for the Women Division.

I am proud not just to be part of this Service Project but most of allto be there to render it the APOGLA WAY.

Glad to be of SERVICE.By: Eric Aralar, Delta Nu

APO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARAAPO-GLA LA MARATHON SERTHON SERTHON SERTHON SERTHON SERVICE PRVICE PRVICE PRVICE PRVICE PROJECTOJECTOJECTOJECTOJECT Cont. from page 5

Sis. Rachella William giving water to a marathoner

APOGLA spouses (from L to R): Winnie Calvario, Racquel Ayo,Maricar Ansula and Pilucci Franco

APOGLA brods (from L to R): Troy Agagon, Joel Pablo, Joar Rayala,Bodgie Gapido, Jbee Ramos, Henry Valdecantos, Francis Mejia

and Shane Miranda

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APO HAAPO HAAPO HAAPO HAAPO HAWWWWWAII AII AII AII AII ALALALALALUMNI UMNI UMNI UMNI UMNI ASSOCIAASSOCIAASSOCIAASSOCIAASSOCIATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONWELWELWELWELWELCOMES COMES COMES COMES COMES ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL THE DELEGATHE DELEGATHE DELEGATHE DELEGATHE DELEGATESTESTESTESTES

FFFFFAMILIES AMILIES AMILIES AMILIES AMILIES AND FRIENDSAND FRIENDSAND FRIENDSAND FRIENDSAND FRIENDSTTTTTO O O O O THETHETHETHETHE

3RD Q3RD Q3RD Q3RD Q3RD QUUUUUARARARARARTERLTERLTERLTERLTERLY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETING

2010-2011 OFFICERS& BOARD OF DIRECTORS

APO DFW 10th Year Anniversary:Celebrating A Decade in the Tradition ofLeadership, Friendship and Service

The year 2010 marks a momentous event for APO-DallasFort Worth. A decade ago six organizing members namelyBros. Bong Coronel, Jun Tapay, Ivan Reyes, DonArmamento, Sis.Tess Reyes and twelve charter membersinstituted what is now known as APO-DFW. Today, APO-DFW continues to thrive with numerous service projectsand community projects.

As part of our year long celebration, APO DFW will launchthe APO DFW Commemorative Badge. This badgesymbolizes the continuous tradition of Leadership, Friendshipand Service in the Texas state. This is a limited edition badgeand worthy of a collectors item.

To learn more on how to avail our badge kindly [email protected].

DDDDDALLAS-FORALLAS-FORALLAS-FORALLAS-FORALLAS-FORT T T T T WWWWWORORORORORTH TH TH TH TH AA AA AA AA AA NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS

COY BLANCO, Epsilon BetaPresidentRAY ELIDO, Alpha PhiVice-PresidentJOCIEL DOMINGO, Beta PhiSecretaryGIOVANNI DEL ROSARIO, Beta LambdaTreasurer/E-group KeeperMARC LAGPACAN, Delta AlphaPIO/HistorianMELVIN CALIVOSO, Beta LambdaBusiness ManagerMARIA VICTORIA CRUZ, DeltaAuditor

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDANILO ABADILLA, Gamma BetaChairman of the BoardISRAEL CRUZ, Delta - DirectorSONNY BELARDO, Theta - DirectorCOY BLANCO, Epsilon Beta - DirectorJOHN JACINTO, Gamma Beta - DirectorRUBEN PAULINO, Gamma Beta - DirectorTHOM PASCUAL, Beta Lambda - Director

AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER TTTTTO O O O O AAAAACNCNCNCNCNAAAAAMEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER ASSOCIAASSOCIAASSOCIAASSOCIAASSOCIATIONSTIONSTIONSTIONSTIONS

by Mar Garchitorena, Theta Chapter

ALPHA PHI OMEGA(Philippines)

ALUMNI COUNCIL OFNORTH AMERICA (ACNA)

www.apo-acna.org

2009-2010EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Bro. ENGR. BEN CASTRO - PresidentSis CORAZON DE JESUS - 1st VPSis BELLE TUMBOKON - 2nd VP

Bro PAUL VILLAFUERTE - AuditorBro JUN CAHAPISAN - Secretary

Bro SANCHO SY - 1st PROBro JUN DE CASTRO - 2nd PRO

Bro Dr. JESSE DE LEON - TreasurerBro WINDELL DELOS REYES - Webmaster

Bro ART LIBOT - Ambassador &Liason Officer

Bro BONG ESTRADA - MembershipCommissioner

Bro ALEX DULAY - ID CommissionerALL PAST ACNA PRESIDENTS

- Council of Elders

2009-2010BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bro TOM FERRERAS - British ColumbiaBro BUTCH GARCIA - Central Valley of CABro BEMS DOMINGCIL - Dallas-Fort Worth

Bro ROMY VALLE - District of ColumbiaBro LITO TARCULAS - Greater Los AngelesBro CAESAR MITRE - Greater Washington

Bro GERRY ARANTE - Las VegasBro DAVID LLACUNA - Metro Houston

Bro LITO PIER - MidwestBro LARRY RECENO - MississaugaBro EDUARDO VASQUEZ - Montreal

Bro ANDY CORDERO - Northern CaliforniaBro EDWIN APOSTOL - San Diego

Bro ARNOLD ABAYA-Sn Francisco-SiliconValleyBro PJ ACLAN - South Bay

Sis LEA TUAZON - Southern OntarioBro TOLENTINO ARELLANO - TorontoBro DING BORILE - Washington State

Bro RUEL CRUZ - Alberta, CanadaSis COY BLANCO - Hawaii

Bro RAMON BARRAMEDA - East CoastBro FRANK SUZARA - Florida

Mga mahal kung kapatid,

Over the years some of our member-associations had encountered problems andtribulations brought about by a clique of members seceding and forming their owngroup within the same geographical area where an established Alumni Associationexists. We as ACNA had failed to prevent this from happening although our CBL hassafeguards that could avoid this circumstance. We have failed to act and insteadcondone acts detrimental to the best interest of our member-associations and theCouncil as a whole. We have the opportunity to correct something that is gravelywrong and implement what our CBL has called for.

The law is on our side. The present ACNA CBL clearly states underArticle 6, section 6.1 A member association shall be suspended by amajority vote of the the Board of Directors on grounds prejudicial to the best interestsof the Council. Any action, conduct, or deliberately induced circumstance that willfullyviolates any provision of this Constitution and By-Laws, or otherwise strikes at thevital interests of the Council, induces paralysis of the Council government, impugnsthe Council as an institution, fragments the general assemblies of the local associations,and impairs the morale of the local membership is deemed prejudicial to the bestinterests of the Council. Any prejudicial action by an individual member which iscondoned, sanctioned, countenanced, or otherwise approved by his alumniassociation, either by direct affirmation or silence, is deemed an action by said alumniassociation. This shall subject said alumni association to the provisions of this article.

Although this may apply to present member-associations but why should we allowthose applying for membership and those people who had shown bad faith andbehavior from the very start be admitted in this August Body? ACNA should put aSTOP to this nonsense so that no other AA will ever experience again this unpleasantand appalling situation.

Let’s STOP rewarding and tolerating bad faith and bad behavior by giving thesepeople free pass!!! Why reward those who want to tear down the brotherhood whichwe all value dearly? I know some member-associations would argue that it is good toget rid of bad apples in their own organization. Some would also say that spreadingour tenet of Leadership, Friendship and Service is a noble cause. Yes, I agree.Propagating our ideals to others is laudable except when it means destroying andattacking the very fiber of the strong bond that connects us as brothers and sisters.BROTHERS FOREVER!!!

Ask yourself, is it worth creating a divide amongst us??? Ask any member-associations that had experienced splitting-up, if they still have fellowships and get-togethers with members on the other side. Ask any members who at one time oranother were very closed with each other, as if their day was not complete withoutseeing one another, if they still see each other after the split-up. Ask if their relationshiphave blossomed or has it deteriorated? This is sad because our sacred vow as brothersand sisters go down the tube once they belong to different sides. Say goodbye tofriendship, brotherhood and camaraderie, and let’s welcome lasting animosity thatpermeates between members of these two groups once these split-ups happen. Evenreal “kumpadres and kumares” relations sour and gets affected. Brods & sis livingclose by no longer see each other. Why??? Because they belong to different sides.This happened too many times and it is about time that we address and put a stop onthis uncalled for split-ups. This completely disregards and goes against the verynature of which we as APO stand for.

Disenfranchisement of newly arrive Brods and Sis in the area. Yes, how aboutthem??? And we are not even talking about those visiting Brods & Sis. They are putin an uncomfortable and difficult position of being thrown in the middle. Surely theyare in the losing end. They become victims trying to balance these malicious exchanges

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AAAAACNCNCNCNCNA 3rA 3rA 3rA 3rA 3rd Qd Qd Qd Qd QUUUUUARARARARARTERLTERLTERLTERLTERLY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGY COUNCIL MEETINGHosted by: APO HAWAII ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Venue: Waikiki Resort Hotel2460 Koa Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Please visit APO-HI website or see registration team for all event prices: www.apohawaii.org

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - Registration: Delegates/Non-delegates, Tour Guides, Golf Tournament, Poker, Karaoke, and Luau3:00 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Entertainment: Pupus and Refreshment will be served

6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room

Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Golf Tournament Venue: Navy Marine Corps Golf Course, Pearl Harbor.

9:30 am: Departure from Waikiki Resort Hotel 10:00 am: Golf Course Check-in 11:00 am: Tee-off5:00 pm: Departure from Golf Course

- North shore Tour: Guided tour for an all day event to North shore.8:30 am: Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel5:00 pm: Bus arrives at Waikiki Resort Hotel

- Polynesian Cultural Center: This tour package includes only transportation, not entrance fees to the center.11:00 am: Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel9:00 pm: Bus departs from Polynesian Cultural Center right after dinner show

- Entertainment: Pupus and Refreshment will be served6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua room

Friday, March 26, 2010 - Golf Tournament Venue: Klipper Golf Course, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay

9:15 am: Departure from Waikiki Resort Hotel10:00 am: Golf Course Check-in11:00 am: Tee-off5:00 pm: Departure from Golf Course

- Pearl Harbor / City Tour: Tour to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites followed by visiting Historic Honolulu City8:00 am: Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel

- Poker Night: US currency only. Winners will be awarded at the Luau Party on Saturday6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room

- Karaoke Night: 8 pm – 11:30 pm, Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Entertainment: Pupus and Refreshment will be served

6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua room

Saturday, March 27, 2010 - ACNA Meeting: Breakfast and lunch will be served for delegates and non-delegates

8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Room - Hanauma Bay tour: Oahu’s best spot for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and a great picnic,

7:00 am – Bus departs from Waikiki Resort Hotel2:00 pm – Bus departs from Haunama Bay

- Luau Party: The awards presentation and induction of officers will be concurrent with the Luau dinner.6:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Waikiki Resort Hotel, Lehua Ballroom

Sunday, March 28, 2010 - Brunch: 10:00 am, Brother Pin Cruz, Waikiki Condo

Schedule of ActivitiesSchedule of ActivitiesSchedule of ActivitiesSchedule of ActivitiesSchedule of Activities

Sis. Cora receives certificate from Pres. Ben C. Delegates pose before the meeting Brods Troy, Dony, Ben & Sis. Cora

Group picture with Pres. Ben Castro Brods Butch G, PaulV, BongE & AndyC Dancing time during Luau Night

APO Ladies @ Luau Night Bro. Andy & spouse, Bro. Art, Precy & Bro. Butch Bro. Bonjie entertains the crowd @ Luau Night

GLA Raffle winners Bro. Art & Gie Rivera Bro. Cesar G leads square dance Karaoke time with Bro. Andy C.

Group picture Sunday going home brunch hosted by Bro. Dony & Elsa Rondilla

Pictures from 2nd ACNA COUNCIL MEETINGPictures from 2nd ACNA COUNCIL MEETINGPictures from 2nd ACNA COUNCIL MEETINGPictures from 2nd ACNA COUNCIL MEETINGPictures from 2nd ACNA COUNCIL MEETINGhosted by APO Greater Los Angeles August 21-23, 2009 at the Marriott Residence Inn, Stevenson Ranch, California