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!