Pangasinan Society of Calgary

Fellow members, these accomplishments were made possible by your cooperation and support. We can tap each other’s shoulder for the good work, the unity and the fulfillment of our set goals.

From the bottom of my heart, I THANK YOU all. LONG LIVE PASOC! MABUHAY!!

News around Pasoc 2007

2007 activites:

• Leadership Training Seminar
March 24 & 25 Four Pointe Sheraton (Canmore)
Chairpersons Joe & Litz Malicdem Phone: 720-6898

• Summer Picnic July 7 `Bowness Park
Chairpersons Mar & Josie Aquino Phone:244-4489

• Annual Camping Aug. 17 to 19 TBA
Chairman Narlo Serquiña Phone: 293-0504

• Youth Basketball Tournament Summer Break Bishop MacNally HS Gym
Chairman Rene Ramos Phone: 293-6569

• Youth Summer Camp Summer Break TBA
Chairman Mar Licudine Phone: 255-3714

• Seniors Night Sept. 15 Ha Tien Restaurant
Chairperson Dita Serquiña Phone: 293-0504

• 4th Children’s Christmas Party Dec. 16 TBA
Chairpersons Tony & Fe Ong Phone:280-6288

• 20th Christmas Celebration Dec. 22 Carriage House Inn
Chairpersons Fermin & Nida Mejia Phone: 248-6970

News around Pasoc 2006

The Executive Board of the Pangasinan Society of Calgary (PASOC), through the initiative of its energetic President, Dita Serquiña, is pleased to announce the following programs and/or activities for 2006:

1. INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE - for boys and girls aged 12 to 15
In line of PASOC’s objective to support youth in their participation of extra-curricular activities through sports, Committee Chairman Rene Ramos has made arrangements with Bishop MacNally High School for use of the school gym during Saturdays in the months of July and August, 2006. No fees shall be collected from the participating youth except for a $20.00 T-shirt deposit refundable upon completion of the tournament. PASOC is looking for six teams to complete the line-up and schedule. Fore more info, please contact Rene Ramos at 293-6569, Clem Tigley at 273-1762 or Joven Bautista at 285-8542. This Youth Development Program is funded from the proceeds of the Casino fundraising under the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

2. SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORM
In continuation of PASOC Scholarship Program introduced by Past President Narlo Serquiña, Committee Chairperson Nida Mejia is pleased to announce the approval of the Scholarship and Bursary Programs. The Pangasinan Society of Calgary (PASOC) offers scholarship to children (General Public) who are now enrolled or are planning to enroll in any post secondary school in Calgary.

Academic achievement and financial needs are the main criteria of this award; however, consideration is given to applicant’s community involvement, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, character integrity, motivational and personal goals.

A. ELIGIBILTY
1. This Program is open to the General Public
2. High academic records and achievements
3. Financial needs
4. One year residency in Calgary

B. FINANCIAL ASISTANCE (Bursary)
1. One semester award of $500.00
2 Children of low income or single income family.
3 At least 75% average in academic achievement
4 Active in extra-curricular activities, leadership skills and community involvements.
NOTE: Two (2) awards will be given

C. ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP (Academic Excellence)
1 High academic performance with a general average of at least 85%.
2. One semester award of $500.00
3. Active in extra-curricular activities, leadership skills and community involvements.
NOTE: Three (3) awards will be given
To obtain an application form,
please contact any of the following:
Nida Mejia – 248-6970,
Clem Tigley – 273-1762 or
Narlo T. Serquiña – 293-0504
download the Scholarship Application Form here.

All applications must be received by Scholarship Committee no later than August 31, 2006. The successful applicants will be awarded on December 23 during PASOC 19th Christmas Celebration at the Carriage House Inn. All successful applicants will be notified a week before the awards night.

Likewise, this scholarship and bursary program is funded from the proceeds of Casino Fundraising as approved by Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

SUMMER PICNIC 2006
PASOC Vice President and Committee Chairman Fermin Mejia is pleased to announce that this year’s summer picnic will be on July 8 at Bowness Park. As we have done in the past, it will be a pot-luck picnic and all members and their families are encouraged to attend. Traditionally, it will also be a General Membership meeting and this time it coincides with the Election of Officers for 2007 and 2008. For details on the picnic, please contact Fermin Mejia @ 248-6970. For the elections, you may contact any of the following PASOC Past Presidents: Pol Mendoza @ 293-4793, Narlo T. Serquiña @ 293-0504, Joven Bautista @ 285-8542 or Greg Lacuata @ 256-7575.

ANNUAL CAMPING 2006
Camping Chairman Narlo T. Serquiña has booked Leisure Campgrounds in Pine Lake, AB to be this year’s venue for camping. For further details and registration, please contact Narlo at 293-0504. All campers must be pre-registered and no registration on arrival will be accepted. Mark your calendar. The dates are August 11 – 13, 2006.

OTHER PROGRAMS
Recognizing the fact that the youth is the future of the Society, Board Member Mar Licudine is working on the framework of Youth Leadership Training Program. As time is the essence, the proposed time-table will be carried over for the next administration.

Likewise, seniors are not neglected in this year’s administration. In fact, they are the number one priority. Seniors Programs Committee Chairman Joefre Alcantara has presented his proposal on seniors programs. Further details will be announced soon

News around Pasoc 2005

LEADERSHIP TRAINING SEMINAR
On a cold wintry morning of February 13, 2005, PASOC officers led by its President Dita Serquiña met on a southwest Home Depot parking lot. Their destination: Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Canmore, Alberta. The group is heading to its second Leadership Training Seminar. Being newly inducted to their respective offices, these officers were enthusiastic of this week-end at the doorstep of picturesque Banff National Park.

This seminar is indeed fruitful and informational especially to the officers who are serving the society for the first time. The invited speaker was Pastor Cliff Gonzales who efficiently presented good pointers on how to motivate one’s self and be productive for the betterment of the association. It also served as a good medium of interaction among the officers and their spouses, of getting to know everybody during the fellowship that followed after the seminar. The overnight merriment was truly memorable and enjoyable.

In attendance were the following couples: Narlo & Dita Serquiña, Fermin & Nida Mejia, Joven & Flora Bautista, Greg & Liza Lacuata, Mar & Marimon Licudine, Mario and Bernadette Carrera, Alma & Dexter Bragas, Joe & Dollie Alcantara, Mar & Josie Aquino, Manny & Mila Cabrera, Rene & Bonnie Ramos, Joe & Litz Malicdem, Pete & Cely Calica, Clem & Ancie Tigley and PASOC Founder Pol Mendoza.

SUMMER PICNIC
The Annual PASOC Summer Picnic was held on July 9, 2005 in Bowness Park. As in the past, it proved to be a fun-filled day not only for kids but for members of all ages too. It was attended by approximately 150 members who feasted on the abundance of foods and drinks plus the whole lechon courtesy of the Filipino Calgarian Seniors Club thru its President, Mr. Pete Calica. Incidentally, Mr. Calica is also an active member of PASOC Board of Directors.

Rene & Bonnie Ramos, Chairpesons on Parlor Games had an enjoyable moment with the kids and seniors alike. Board Member Cesar Elarco and Dollie Alcantara led those dancing enthusiasts in teaching new line dancing moves. Picnic Chairpersons Fermin & Nida Mejia ensured that supplies were readily availalable. Picnic is scheduled on July 6, 2006.

ANNUAL CAMPING
August 12 to 14 was marked as 2005 PASOC Annual Camping. As a result of a week-long massive flooding that plagued the Calgary area in early June of 2005, PASOC Annual Camping has been moved from its original site of Riverbend Campground in Okotoks to Leisure Campgrounds in Pine Lake, Alberta. The place is relatively not new to PASOC. Leisure Campgrounds has been the favorite of the association during the time of President Pol Mendoza.

Nestled atop a hilly section of an abandoned golf course, around thirty families enjoyed the serenity, solace and comfort of this place away from home. The traditional pot-luck lunch and dinner gave everyone a chance to sample one’s favorite dish. The perennial ‘kambing’ chef, Narlo Serquiña did not disappoint the attendees for his superb ‘kambing’ dishes. On Saturday, Aug. 13th, the crowd joined Narlo & Dita’s 28th Wedding Anniversary celebration.

PASOC & THE COMMUNITY
PASOC Officers for 2005 & 2006 started the year with a ‘BANG’. On New Year’s Day, Presidents Greg Lacuata and Dita Serquiña presented a cheque of $800 to YES Foundation as its donation to YES’ Scholarship Program. PASOC’s presence is noticeable and felt in the functions of various Filipino associaions such as: CAFFA’s Presidents Gala Ball, CARE Foundation Dinner & Dance, CAFFA’s Independence Day Picnic, Consul General Felixberto Guerrero’s Independence Day Gala, dinner and dance functions of the Calgary Filipino Seniors Club, PRESAF, Young Once, Golden Generation Seniors Club, Calgary Wildrose Lions Club, Zambales Association, Filipino Cabletow Society and the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation’s Fundraising Ball.

The society has also donated the amount of $921.21 to the various Seniors organizations as bus rental to their field trip in Canmore, Alberta held in mid-September, 2005. In line with the Youth Development Program, PASOC has also donated considerable amount to the Martial Arts class headed by PASOC member Lawrence Macaraeg and to the Calgary Pilipino Basketball Association. PASOC has sponsored numerous basketball teams over the past and is the current sponsor of Greg Lacuata’s Sovereign Financial Services Basketball Team.

CASINO FUND RAISING
Introduced in 1994 by then PASOC President Narlo T. Serquiña, Casino Fundraising has become the most profitable activity for the Pangasinan Society of Calgary. Thanks to the able leadership of Committee Chairman Clem Tigley, Jr. and the army of volunteers for this year’s drive netted the Society $82,741.32. These unsung heroes have just sweetened the almost depleted funds of the Society and can now pursue its many projects with a welcome sigh of relief.

Volunteers for the two day-event are: Clem Tigley - General Manger; Fermin Mejia, Pete Calica and Joven Bautista as Alternate General Managers; Bankers were Joe Alcantara, Dexter Bragas and Mar Licudine; Cashiers were Tom Frank, Mario Carrera, Tony Ong and Rene Ramos, Volunteer Chip Runners were Greg Lacuata, Bong Gamayo, Alma Bragas, Nida Mejia, Porfirio Quilloy, Elpidio Barri, Cesar Elarco, Narlo T. Serquiña and Pol Mendoza. Meanwhile, the Count Room was manned by Dita Serquiña as Supervisor, together with Bonnie Ramos, Ancie Tigley, Iluminada Narvas, Alice Elarco and Flora Bautista.

PASOC KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Christmas is for everyone... However, it has a special meaning in a kid’s heart. With this in mind, PASOC Executives have included Children’s Christmas Party to its annual Calendar of Events. In 2004, sixty-five PASOC Kids enjoyed an afternoon at the Holy Family Activity Centre with the Shriners’ Clowns Unit. Gifts were provided by Santa ‘Pete’ Claus to each kid while food and the program were chaired by Narlo and Dita Serquiña.

This year’s celebration is held at the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation building in Westwinds Drive NE on Dec. 10th. Seventy-nine children have registered so far, which kept Chairpersons Cesar Elarco and Nida Mejia up and running and ensured that no kid will go home empty-handed. Santa ‘Clem’ Claus shared his familiar wit and HO-HO-HO with the kids.

For the second time in as many years, Mar Aquino donated lechon to the pot-luck dinner. For 2006 schedule, it is tentatively set on the second Saturday of December.

CASINO FUNDRAISING: PASOC’s Second Lifeline
By: Clem Tigley Jr.

Volunteer-based community organizations depend on a variety of fundraising activities to deliver, promote, implement/execute and financially support their programs and services. This requires sheer patience and perseverance coupled with hard work that demands volunteers to dedicate their precious time to the cause. It is this aspect of the cause that challenges those dedicated and service minded individuals who take pride in their volunteer work and find fulfillment in accomplishing something worthwhile by delivering essential services to the community. Most of our volunteers undertake these responsibilities with pride and dignity and are compensated with the self-satisfaction of their volunteer accomplishments.

PASOC has been known to be very pro-active participant and performer in providing for needed community projects while achieving success in their ventures. PASOC volunteers are leaders in successfully reaching club objectives while overcoming the rigor and difficulties throughout their journey. We are paving the way for the next generation who will take over after us.

The main fundraising activity that provides a very healthy dividend for PASOC is the sponsorship of Casino Fundraising activity (one of the main lifelines of the club) spearheaded by the Chairman “yours truly”. This initiative requires a lot of volunteer hours and manpower as well as dedicated and committed chairmanship and management to attract committed volunteers to get involved and participate. With no one receiving payment for these services, it has become a personal sacrifice made by all volunteers to make this a successful program.

The AGLC (Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission) has very stringent guidelines, rules and regulations to be followed for these types of activities. From submitting the intricate application forms, recruiting the required number of volunteers to be approved by the gaming commission and up to the disbursement of Casino funds or use of proceeds along with periodically submitting the financial report (which must be pre-approved by the gaming commission), one can appreciate all the effort and time the club Treasurer spent to cope up with the demand.

As a result from these year’s (2005) casino fundraising activities, PASOC generated a hefty pooled share of
$82,741.32. Truly a fruit of their labour, this is a very healthy sum of funds that will financially support PASOC’s ability to provide needed services to the community. As Chairman of this particular fundraising activity, I wholeheartedly thank all volunteers for their precious time and effort. These volunteers are really all the unsung heroes of the club.

PASOC officers, through the solid leadership of PASOC President Dita Serquiña, have been challenged with the creation of different programs for the club and the whole community at large. The funding for these activities has been pre-approved by the gaming commission.

The following is a list of activities/programs we have
embarked on:

1. Ethno Cultural Activities (details of programs are being finalized)

2. Promotional Activities

3. Volunteer Conference/Seminars/Training

4. Youth Development Programs (Leadership training, Sports & etc.)

5. Senior Citizen Activities

6. Facility/Equipment

7. Donations Within Alberta of $1,000.00 or Less

8. Administrative Cost

9. Scholarship Programs ( to download criteria, guidelines and forms click here.)

While the different working committees finalize the details of each of our programs, including the budget for each activity, we would encourage the members of the club to participate and get involved. Through our desire to continue delivery of these essential community services, we submitted our application for the next sponsorship of Casino Fundraising activity and received the approval from AGLC for our club next Casino activity by the second quarter of year 2007 (April/May/June). AGLC will announce and inform the club of the actual date once it has been drawn.

Some members and officers of PASOC attended the AGLC sponsored seminars with topics on “Use of Casino proceeds” emphasizing and highlighting its guidelines. These members will act as our resources to ensure that the funds are use wisely.

So once again, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and the volunteers of the Club.