Pangasinan Society of Calgary

2011 - 2012 PRESIDENT'S PROFILE

Leopoldo Mendoza Profile,
PASOC President, 2011 and 2012

Mr. Pol Mendoza is the undisputed "founder" of PASOC. He thought of this idea when he moved to Calgary from Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they had organized a successful Pangasinan Group of Manitoba. Together with a small no. of province mates residing in Calgary, they drafted a Constitution and By-Laws of PASOC in order to register the Society as a social club with the Alberta Consumers & Corporate Affairs under the Society's Act. That was in 1988. In December of same year, Pol was chosen as the first PASOC President. He served for 4 years from 1989-1991. From then on, he remained an active participant in all PASOC projects and activities.

Pol Mendoza was born and raised in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. He was born in 1944. He married Marina, (his wife of 38 years now) in 1972. They have two (2) children, Sheila and Tracy, and six (6) grandchildren - Marijade (MJ), Justin, Veniz Paulo Antonio, Warren, Zoie and Quintin.

He immigrated to Canada in 1970 landing initially at Winnipeg where he stayed for 10 years. Despite being a Mechanical Engineer in the Philippines, he has to try various skilled jobs such as painter, welder, and machinist in his early years at Canada just like most migrating professionals. He upgraded his skills and eventually earned a Certificate in Engineering Technology from the Province of Manitoba. As a registered Engineering Technologist, he has been doing drafting and designing jobs since 1976.

In 1980, they moved to Calgary for the proverbial "greener pasture". Calgary then offered better job opportunities and personal advancement. He worked as a Design Engineer with Jager Industries where he stayed and gained more valuable experience for 8 years. Pol retired subsequently from Pacific Automation Limited as a Design Engineer in 2008. All in all he had worked in the "Truss Industry" for 25 years.

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2011 PASOC OUTGOING PRESIDENT'S PROFILE

Mar Aquino,
PASOC President, 2010 and 2011

Mr. Mar Aquino was born in Lingayen, Pangasinan in 1958. He is married to Josie Aquino, a childhood sweetheart. They were blessed with three (3) children namely, JR, Jennifer and Mary Kate.

He is a graduate of Pangasinan State University at Lingayen in 1982 with a degree in Automotive Mechanics. After his schooling, he was immediately employed by Francisco Motors Corp at Pamplona, Las Pinas. He worked there until 1984. In the following year 1985, he went overseas to work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he stayed until 1994 working as a mechanic for the Mercedes Benz Co.

He immigrated to Calgary, Alberta in 1995. Believing that he has already obtained extensive experience in his chosen field, he established his own business in 1997. To aid him more in the effective management of his businesses, he took up and completed a "Small Business Management Course" at Mount Royal College in 1999. His business is called World Wide Starters & Alternators Specialists, LTD located in Bay 121, 4770 Westwinds Drive NE. Likewise, his wife Josie manages a convenience store -JMJ Pilipino Grocery Store located at the same address. Aside from his involvement with PASOC, Mar is also an active Lay leader at Sacred Heart Parish Church at 14" Street, SW. He is also an avid supporter of Sports Development programs by personally funding and managing a basketball team that plays in local tournaments.

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2011 PASOC EDITORIAL

By:Joven Bautista,
PASOC Vice President, 2011 and 2012

One of the many
sayings of my predecessors that have greatly influenced me is about peacemaking. It has relevance to my life as a volunteer that have gotten to a life of community servant. "Shall I inform you," a benevolent leader commonly suggests his members of a task (euphemism) which is better than instructing, advising and dictating.

As a young member of PASOC in the late 80's, I was keen about the gestures of the senior members' congeniality. In fact, I was attracted to such. I came from a family of a politician in Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines, that's why I can relate to peace-making moves.

Likewise, I am aware of the causal factors of enmity and its effect, with malice tearing up friendship, camaraderie and joy. Like me, all members have a good motive in joining PASOC. Many of us want to be in harmony with everyone, regardless of one's role. Sociable as many of us are, we long to be a part of a group, to create a community without indifference and antagonism. Regardless of one's financial status, direction is geared towards respect, on the basis of fairness. As in a small political structure, democracy is practiced taking its course to peaceful resolution of conflict if peacemaking dialogue doesn't work. Lately, there has been issues that's getting to the nerve of some concerned club members. To my opinion, amicable settlement from opposite ends remains feasible. Honest, candid and consistent measures that are based on a shared awareness of leader's sentiment and/or background are what the involved party ought to be aware of, to achieve genuine reconciliation. Having been with Pangasinan Society of Calgary for the past 22 years, change of administration comes with a new set of challenge. If hurdled, it proves member's sense of pride for its solidarity and resiliency, because we focus on the issues.

PASOC has gone through the test of time, known to be one of the Filipino community's oldest non-profit organizations. Its name is identical with actions, carrying its objectives put weight on leadership trainings. Hence, the spirit of volunteerism is enhanced with its application to serve. Over the years, funds raised from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission enabled the club to continue with the following programs: Grants for Scholarship and Basketball Tournaments for Youths; Senior's Talent Night and other related assistance that are extended to members in-need- with the approval of the board. In the course of all activities that include summer picnic, camping, family gatherings with Gala Night held every December in celebration of Christmas and the "turn-over of responsibility rite" by the outgoing to the incoming president, relationship has never faltered.
If, among handful members, rift and discontentment exist, to my perception, it remains manageable to date. It takes the leaders and majority of the club members to combat such. PASOC shall keep its signature brand, of solidarity, harmony and coherence, amidst gusting winds from opposite direction sometimes. In capsule, PASOC relationship is of primary importance. It assumes a deeper and wider significance only if it can contribute, which I believe it will, to communal harmony, members' integration through a healthier relationship. It is for this noble reason that I am attempting to explore ways in which a fruitful attempt might start from the very essence of forgiveness and acceptance to the things that we can't change.
If Christmas is symbolic of giving and forgiving, may PASOC live each day like Christmas as celebrated by Christians globally for peace' sake...

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