Monday, May 19, 2008

Casino Trip, and Minutes of the May 15, 2008 tele-meeting

Hi, folks, here is an update on what is happening re: Las Vegas re-union.

On May 10, 2008, the San Diego members led by Manang Vida Esteban Dacanay, Dhel Artatez Devera, Martina Carpio Vergara and Ernie Sacman sponsored a casino trip. We were able to raise $800.00 contributed to AMOR from the trip ($700.00 from the money refunded by the bus operator, and $100.00 contributed by Tony Devera (Dhel's sweet) who hit a big one in the slots. Also at the casino trip were Dan and Myrna Nino, me (Caesar) and Rose. Once I get hold of a picture, I will try to pose the picture in this blog. THANKS TO THE SAN DIEGANS FOR SPONSORING THE EVENT.

We also had a telephone meeting on May 15, 2008. The meeting minutes is below:


AMOR UGNAYAN AT PAGTUTULUNGAN 2008
AT GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO ON OCTOBER 18, 2008
4000 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103


MINUTES OF THE TELE-CONFERENCE MEETING 05-15-2008 at 6:00 PM PAcific time

Participants: Caesar Natividad, Vida Dacanay, Dhel De Vera, Dan Nino, Chito Capitan, Gil Mislang (with apologies to those unable to participate, as the meeting was scheduled with very short notice time)

1. The meeting by telephone began at 6:00 p.m.

2. The group began the discussions with why Mangatarem can use our help: the schools are in need of repair and may be dangerous; the beneficiaries of the prior medical missions are very thankful. Manong Dan reported that the ceiling of one of the Central School buildings is about to collapse.

3. Manang Vida talked about why organizing Mangatarem Schools Alumni Association (to include overseas residents, as well as Philippine residents) makes sense (Philippine based residents will not feel left out when we work on various projects and events.) Gil asked why another organization is needed. The group agreed that this topic will be tabled for another day.

4. There was unanimous agreement that we will seek contributions for funding to jumpstart the repairs of Mangatarem National High School.

5. The group discussed other ideas like: to initiate and sponsor “most beautiful school in Mangatarem” contest; alkansiya program (contribution of 30 cents a day is a significant amount when calculated for a year); approaching pharmaceutical companies for free or cheap medications (Chito Capitan will follow up); Gil will look into availability of paint materials, etc.

6. The discussion then turned to the status of the October 18, 2008 Las Vegas reunion.
a. Mam Tina Vergara, Manang Vida and Manang Dhel have already mailed out approximate 190 tickets, based on labels of AMOR names and addresses provided by Manong Dan.
b. Manong Dan will submit additional labels as soon as he is able to type them out.
c. We will begin follow-up calls in two weeks so we can confirm how many will participate.
d. As for non-Mangatarem residents who would like to attend, each one should be allowed to invite as many as he/she wants, as long as the dinner tickets are paid. (This is still open to discussion, though.)

7. How can we ensure significant participation in the re-union?
- Make sure that the invitation is extended to as many individuals as possible
- Gil already has a directory of Mangatarem overseas residents in Excel-format. Gil suggested that it is so much easier to work with the Excel-format, in terms of sorting, selecting columns, mail-merge capabilities. One objective is to arrive at a comprehensive list.
- Dan to share his directory of New York/New Jersey members
- Chito Capitan to follow-up via phone calls/ others for New York/New Jersey members

8. Manong Dan will draft a press release. He will provide this draft to Caesar, Manang Vida and the rest for review before publication. He will also try to get a mention of the event in The Filipino Channel (“TFC”).

9. Topics postponed for another meeting:
a. The need for a new organization Mangatarem Schools Alumni Association
b. Participation by various chapters in afternoon mini-convention, and also in the evening program (souvenir program messages, pictures to be included in the souvenir program, entertainment number during the evening program, roles in the program itself (emcee, speaker, etc.) (***Note: We probably will talk to the various chapter presidents and officers individually to get their inputs and to confirm program participations.)

10. Meeting review: For next meetings, to ensure greater participation, we have to give longer notice to invitees, and we will consult with invitees re: availability. Over-all, however, the meeting was productive, with several suggestions discussed, and various tasks clarified and assigned.

11. There will be a sit-down meeting (not a teleconference meeting) at Minda Esteban Papilla residence in Walnut, CA either on June 28 or July 12.

12. Meeting was adjourned at about 7:00 pm Pacific time. Thanks to all the participants.


*** End of meeting minutes ****

If you received tickets and advertising solicitations, please respond sooner rather than later. That way, our job will be a little bit easier. Thank you!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Looking forward to the casino trip

Hi, folks:

An update on what is going on with the AMOR Ugnayan at Pagtutulungan 2008 -

1. The tickets will be ready by Thursday. The invitation letters will be sent out next week, so expect to receive something in the mail.

2. Some of us will go to a San Diego Casino on Saturday, May 10. We will have a meeting (after a good lunch, and after winning some money from the slot machines).

3. We will have a teleconference meeting on May 15, 2008, at 6:00 P.M., Pacific time. We will extend special invitations to the presidents of the various Mangatarem associations. Others who would like to participate are very welcome. I'll post the phone number and the participant code in this blog later.

Again, I would like to remind you of the date, October 18, 2008, in Las Vegas, NV.

Ciao, and until the next post.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

NEW DEVELOPMENTS AS OF APRIL 22, 2008

Hi, everybody.

We have decided on the band who will entertain us on October 18, 2008 in Las Vegas. The band will include Carina Afable. So for those who are from that certain generation, you probably know who Carina Afable is. For those who are a little bit younger, I assure you that you will be wowed by Ms. Afable. Thanks to Manong Dan Nino for contacting the band.

Also, the tickets should be ready for distribution next week. The tickets will cost $65.00 each. We will, of course, do our best to put on a good show. Your suggestions will be much appreciated. If you know anyone with Mangatarem roots who enjoys performing, please let us know.

Have a nice day!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Pictures in the blog




This is a test on posting pictures in the blog. I hope the pictures turn out OK. I understand the stage in the Mangatarem Central School was donated by our kababayans from Illinios. Kudos to Eddie Lalas and folks. What a good job!

The other one is a reunion of batch 72 Mangatarem High School. Las Vegas 2007. Sabit ako. There is Alma C. too. To those who were in the re-union, but not in the picture, I apologize.

If you would like a picture to be published in the blog, please e-mail to me at natividadlaw@aol.com. I am certain people would like to see pictures of medical missions, etc.
Thanks again for visiting this site, and for your patience. Hope to see you in Las Vegas in October 2008!

Teleconference Meeting on April 9, 2008

Hi, folks:

On April 9, 2008, the AMOR had a first! Well, we had a meeting by tele-conference. So there were seven participants, 3 in San Diego (Manang Vida, Manang Dhel, Mam Vergara, 1 in Cerritos (Manogn Dan), 1 in Walnut (Minda Papilla), 1 in Santa Clarita (Mel Oxciano), and me (Caesar Natividad) in Diamond Bar. Thanks

The things discussed, agreed to and decided upon were:

1. Gold Coast Hotel was reserved for October 18, 2008.
2. The theme/name of the event is AMOR Ugnayan at Pagtutulungan 2008 - to recognize that our main objective is to organize to help and make a difference towards our hometown.
3. The ticket price will be at $65.00 each.
4. The souvenir program prices will be as before, ranging from $300.00 for the back page, to $35.00 for 1/4 of a page.
5. Instead of another meeting at Caesar's place on May 10, 2008, there will be a casino trip/meeting instead. This will be scheduled one Saturday in May 2008, at a casino in San Diego. Manaang Dhel to confirm the date.
6. Atty. Mel Oxciano and Atty. Natividad will start the groundwork for the tax-advantaged status of the Mangatarem Schools Alumni Association.

For the next meeting, I expect the following to be discussed:

1. The procedures to be followed as we invite as many of our kabaleyans to the event.
2. A discussion on the program on the night of the event itself. We will need input from everybody so we can put on a good show.
3. Anyone would like to volunteer to coordinate the printing of commemorative T-shorts to be sold at the event or even earlier.

Note: Anyone who would like to participate in the next tele-conference meeting, please e-mail me your name, e-mail address, and time zone. My e-mail address is natividadlaw@aol.com.

Bye for now. Thanks.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Minutes of the 03-15-2008 Meeting

AMOR LAS VEGAS 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 03-15-2008

Attendees: Manuel Dumlao Sr. and Miriam Dumlao, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Flannery, Tony and Dhel De Vera, Vida Dacanay, Caesar Natividad, Mrs. Artatez, Flor Zordilla, Bernie and Nani Martinez, Pruding and Wilma Cagampan, Jun and Teresa Asperin, Martina Carpio-Vergara, Leoncio and Noemi Dumlao, Mercury and Margarita Estrada, Myrna Nino, Denver Nino, Alexa Nino

Date and time: March 15, 2008, at 1:00 pm

Place: Manong Bernie and Manang Nani's place in Torrance, CA

1. Mr. Leoncio Dumlao, AMOR SoCal president, opened the formal meeting at about 2:00 p.m., at Manong Bernie and Manang Nanie’s place in nice and windy Torrance, CA. This was immediately after everyone had a fill of Manong Bernie’s roast pork and sinigang. There were some really good potluck stuff as well.

2. The following were discussed or done:

a. Prayers led by Manong Bernie

b. Report by Manang Nani re: AMOR SoCal funds

c. Report by Manong Dan re: request of Mangatarem Central School for funding of roofing project over the cemented playground. The group resolved that the price of approximately 1,600,000 pesos is too much. We will inform Dr. Quijano, principal of Mangatarem Central School, that we will be unable to finance the project. The $1,000.00 given to Mangatarem Central School may be spent on improving the home economics facilities or to buy vide educational materials.

The discussion then centered on the AMOR Las Vegas reunion.

d. Report by Manong Dan re: prospective hotels. The decision on what hotel was postponed. (Later on, the steering committee decided that the reunion will be at Gold Coast Hotel. Thus, the reunion will be on October 18, 2008 at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.)

e. Various committee chairpersons were either assigned or volunteered:

1. Program Committee – to plan for the October 18, 2008 event schedule: who will emcee; what band; speakers; awards; beauties, etc. Chairperson – Dan Nino
2. Sat afternoon convention – Atty. Mel Oxciano
3. Souvenir program / solicitation / ticket distribution / invitations: Co-chairpersons – Ms. Martina Vergara and Ms. Dhel De Vera
4. Decorations: Ms. Cherry Mislang Victorino
5. Coordination with various chapters – Caesar Natividad, Vida Dacanay, Dan Nino
6. Executive co-chairpersons: Caesar Natividad and Vida Dacanay

f. Discussions on the formation of Mangatarem Schools Alumni Foundation. The foundation will serve as a vehicle for Mangatarem schools alumni to contribute to worthwhile projects. The initial project will be the repair/rebuild of the Mangatarem Central School, which is now dilapidated and condemned.

There will be various levels of contributors like platinum sponsor, silver sponsor, gold sponsor, etc.

The collections and expenditures will be transparent to everybody. A running list of collections and expenditures will be published in a website regularly (maybe every quarter or twice a year.) In addition, a “wall of contributors” (a la Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC) is proposed.

The attendees made initial pledges totaling $1,350.

Atty. Caesar Natividad and Atty. Mel Oxciano will apply for a tax-advantaged status of the foundation.

g. Next meeting on May 10, 2008, at Caesar Natividad’s kubo-kubo at 1316 Indian Well Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, starting at 12:30 p.m.

h. Committee chairmen expected to prepare written report, and make presentation to meeting attendees on next meeting. Meeting was adjourned.

i. Then we had the dance intructional, with Manong Bernie as our DI.

Thanks to Manong Bernie and Manang Nanie for hosting the meeting. That roast beef is the best.
Thanks to the attendees from far away: San Diego and Oxnard.
Thanks to Manong Dan for following up on the various hotels.
Thanks to everybody for a lively and productive meeting.

As soon as Manong Dan sends me the pictures, we will publish the pictures in this blog!

For the next meeting, please invite as many as you can. The more hands, the easier. The more heads, the better decisions.


Prepared by AMOR SoCal Recording Secretary Ms. Teresa Asperin

Reviewed by: Caesar Natividad and Vida Dacanay – Co-chairpersons

Sunday, March 16, 2008

How to post comments...

Well, I just found out that in order to post comments, you need to register with Google. Which is quite easy (I think.) Click on the portion which says sign in, then type in your e-mail address in the proper spaces, and then type in a password. As usual, TRY NOT TO FORGET YOUR PASSWORD. Then you can key in your comments.

I do hope that us "oldies" can use this new stuff called blogging to communicate and coordinate. Maybe soon, we can even start posting stuff at youtube...

If you like the idea of this blog, can you send the blog address to 4 or 5 others? Thanks a million.