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THE L INK Th e O fficial P u b licat ion of P UC/AUP Alu mn i of West ern Nort h America

www.awesna.org Winter 2016

AWESNA SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge , 2101 West Vineyard Avenue

Oxnard, California , January 22-24, 2016

Keep Shining


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THE LINK

PUC/AUP Alumni of

Western North America

(AWESNA)

BOARD OF OFFICERS

Elmer Bangloy,DMD-President

Lita Laoyan,- Vice President

Eppie Manalo, - Secretary

Elenita Espiritu, Asso. Sec.

Ella Alcaide, - Treasurer

Rene Donato,-Auditor

Edwin Araba,-PRO

SPIRITUAL ADVISERS

Pastor VicLouis Arreola,III,PhD

Pastor Jose Manalo, Ed.D

Pastor Simeon Rosete, Jr.,DBS

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Roger RodriguezAlberta,Canada

Rachel Pedernal Cascadia,BC

Ardina Wang Pacific Northwest

Emily N. Garcia-Greater Northern CA

Noli Poblacion-Greater Central CA

Loida Miguel-Greater Los Angeles

Letty Banaag- Glendale,CA

Marjorie R. Huynh Loma Linda,CA

Miguelito Fernando, MD La Sierra

Teddy Malagar- IAPAA

Cristuto Genobaga-Las Vegas, Nevada

Ric Calla-Hawaii

Cris Anunciado,- San Diego,CA

Liberty Olive Macias-Young Alumni

AWESNA PAST PRESIDENTS

George Atiga, DMin. +

Celedonio Fernando,M.D. +

Romulo Valdez,M.D.

Eliseo Bautista,M.D. +

John Tulio, Esq.

Honesto Pascual,Jr., M.D.

Ulysses M. Carbajal,M.D.

Alfonso Miguel,Jr., M.D.,D.Hum

Alberto Bagingito, CPA,D.Hum

(+ Symbol means Deceased)

Volume 47 Issue 1 Winter 2016

AWESNATABLEof CONTENTS

Message from AUP PresidentLet your light so shine that they may

see your good works and glorify the Father.. May your topics of

discussion in this retreat reinforce your theme and give you a renewed

dedication to keep shining for Jesus. 4

The PUC/AUP Centennial Celebration As a concern alumnifortunate to be still alive, (God willing) for this celebration I am taking the initia-

tive to communicate with you prime movers in the AWESNA, EASNAC, Philippineand other alumni that we coordinate our efforts to have a Joint Convention in the

Philippines to celebrate this important occasion. 28

Keep Shining For Jesus We should never lose hope nor should we wavereven when life seems to be out of balance. Even when it seems so hard for us tobear the difficulties in life. Keep shining for Jesus at all times, unflinching and

persistent. 7

FAMILY MATTERS A family is more than a sum of members though

it consists of parents and children. It is a system wherein every member is

a unit by itself, and if combined with another member to establish a rela-

tionship such as husband and wife becomes another unit thus forming acomplex wholea spousal unit. 6

A Minute Devotion with God The Lord is our banner in 2016.Although demands of enormous challenges may be flying around us, we are to lookto the Lord who stands before us and rally behind us. Let's go to battle under the

banner of our Lord in 2016! 15

AWESNA Spiritual Retreat Our concluding theme Keep Shiningis acontinuity of our previous themes Trained for Service and Service Before

Self. Our theme song is Brighten The Corner Where You Are. 5

AWESNA : Keep Shining ! As we commence the new year, I want toagain thank you all for your contributions. In 2015, we heeded the call for better

communication and sincerely endeavoured to strengthen existing bonds whilefostering new ones. Let us continue to fuel the fire in 2016, and make it shine foreveryone to see. Lets keep shining on, moving forward, onward for Gods glory!

God Bless! 3


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THE LINK / Winter 2016 3

Message From the President

Dear Fellow Alumni,Seasons greetings to one and all, as another historic year in our Asso-ciation comes to a conclusion. At the beginning of this year we set some ambitious goals. Afterigniting and uniting, we sought to fan the flame of our progress, so that it might continue toshine on for future generations. And with the hard work and perseverance of the officers and ourmembers, we were able to achieve significant progress on our milestones.The AWESNA administration made an unprecedented outreach effort to all regions whereAWESNA operates, making formal visits to all 14 Chapter organizations in order to revive ac-tive membership and promote camaraderie between regions. We also made a concerted effort tofoster more communication and interaction between alumni and family members.We continued and expanded the various Chapter assistance programs to AUP, including:

1. The food assistance program, which supplies rice to needy students.2. The tuition assistance program, which grants financial aid to deserving students.3. The endowment fund, which provides financial assistance toward the upgrading of

university faculty.4. Continued medical/dental/optical outreach programs to the Philippines.5. And of course, we celebrated the historic opening of the College of Medicine (COM).AWESNA has been and will stay committed to help AUP in a anyway we can so that the Col-lege of Medicine will train the best Physicians.As we commence the new year, I want to again thank you all for your contributions. In 2015, weheeded the call for better communication and sincerely endeavoured to strengthen existingbonds while fostering new ones. Let us continue to fuel the fire in 2016, and make it shine foreveryone to see. Lets keep shining on, moving forward, onward for Gods glory!

God Bless!Sincerely,

Elmer E. Bangloy, D.M.D., D.Hum

AWESNA President, 2013-2016

Be Blessed. Be a blessing!

Keep Shining!

Standing Committees and Chairs:

Bangele Alsaybar PhD, Jr. Eppie Manalo PhD, Leni Espiritu, Co-Chair Oscar Pablo Wilma Dauglash Elmer Bangloy,Annielie Madigan, Co-Chair

History and Archives Honors and Awards Finance and Projects Membership Convention

Carmelita Laoyan, Harley Orzame DMD, Co-Chair Gladys Roman Roy Mananquil Ernesto Banaag MD Ben Cuizon MD, Elfrida Cuizon, Co-Chair

Community Affairs Social Evants Parlimentarian COMELEC Scholarship & Aid Program

Ruth Ranchez & Cres Pimentel Crisamar Anunciado PhD, Edna Domingo PhD & Gemma Banaag MSN Annie Madigan Immeldo Afenir, M. Bartolomew & N. Poblacion,

Co-ChairsGuest Relations Continuing Education Fund Raising Honor Class Coordinators

Jethrome Rolle & Benjamin Francisco MD Pastors Vic Louis Arreola, Jose Manalo, Sr. & Simeon Rosete Ernesto Banaag MD Alfonso Miguel MD, Jr.,MD

Sports and Recreation Spiritual Advisers Spiritual Retreat Administrative Adviser

Fe Asuncion & Fern Kintanar,Administrative Assistants

Elmer Bangloy, DMD,D.HumPresident

Carmelita LaoyanVice President

Eppie Manalo,PhD

Secretary

Ella Alcaide

Treasurer

Rene Donato

Auditor

Edwin Araba, MDPRO

Chapter Presidents:

Roger RodriguezAlberta, Canada

Rachel PedernalCascadia, British Columbia

Ardina WangPacific Northwest

Emily N. GarciaGreater Northern California

Noli PoblacionGreater Central California

Loida M. Miguel

Greater Los Angeles

Leticia Banaag

Glendale

Marjorie Reyno HuynhLoma Linda

Miguelito Fernando, MDLa Sierra

Cris GenobagaLas Vegas

Ric CallaHawaii

Crisamar Anunciado,PhDSan Diego

Liberty Olive Bautista Macias

Young Alumni

Teddy Malagar

IAPAA

PAST PRESIDENTS:

George Atiga, DMin.,Celedonio Fernando, MD,

Romulo Valdez, MD,Eliseo Bautista, MDJohn Tulio,Esq.,Honesto Pascual, Jr., MD,

Ulysses Carbajal, MD,Alfonso Miguel, Jr. MD,D.Hum

Alberto Bagingito,CPA,D.Hum


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4 THE LINK / Winter 2016


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Dear Fellow PUC/AUP AWESNA members and friends,

Our 2016 Spiritual Retreat followed by House of Delegates meeting is fast approaching! I extend this

invitation and encourage your full participation. Reservation deadline is January 4, 2016 (see attached

flyer for more information).

Our concluding theme Keep Shiningis a continuity of our previous themes Trained for Service

and Service Before Self. Our theme song is Brighten The Corner Where You Are. All execu-

tive officers and advisers are participants in the program: Dr. Elmer Bangloy, President; Lita Laoyan,

Vice President; Eppie Manalo, Secretary; Ella Alcaide, Treasurer; Rene Donato, Auditor; Edwin

Araba, PRO. Advisers: Pastor Simeon Rosete, Friday Vespers speaker; Pastor Jose Manalo, Sabbath

School Lesson Review moderator; Pastor VicLouis Arreola III, Hour of Worship speaker; Dr. Al-

fonso Miguel, Intercessory prayer.

Many thanks to our program coordinators and participants: Friday Vespers Loida Miguel, Los

Angeles Chapter; Sabbath School Marjorie Reyno Huynh, Loma Linda Chapter; Hour of Worship

Executive Officers; Sabbath Afternoon Dr. Miguelito Fernando and Crisamar Anunciado, La Sierra

and San Diego Chapters; Sundown Worship and Socials Olive Macias, Young Alumni Chapter.

There will be a dedicatory prayer for our 2016 Samar Mission Team after the Sabbath School lesson

review. All interested are invited to join. Thanks to Don and Gladys Roman for coordinating this

outreach event.

Our special musical numbers include: Aweng ti Amianan and Praise Unlimited, Eunice Jornada

directing; Dale and Stanley Araba; Singing Men, Noemi Tanada directing; Rollie Donato; Bangele

Alsaybar. Our pianists are Lorie Bangloy, Vespers; Noemi Tanada, Sabbath School; Weanne Estrada,

Hour of Worship and Sabbath Afternoon.

Sabbath afternoon program will feature Musical Numbers and Health Presentation by our alumni

panelists Dr. Eduardo Gonzaga (moderator), Dr. Bevan Geslani, Dr. Gina Siapco, and Weanne

Estrada. Refreshments will be served.

You dont want to miss our Saturday night socials as well! Come and enjoy AWESNA fellowship.

Thank you so much for your continued support and commitment!

Sincerely,

Lita Laoyan, VP, AWESNA

Overall Spiritual Retreat Program Coordinator

AWESNA Spiritual RetreatOxnard, California . January 22-24,2016


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Gods Goal for Creating the Human Family System

By Dr. Armand T. Fabella, PhD, RGC,RP

family is more than a sum of members though it consists of parents and children. It is a system wherein every member is a

unit by itself, and if combined with another member to establish a relationship such as husband and wife becomes another

unit thus forming a complex wholea spousal unit. Since each unit is whole, the term holon is used. We have different

holons in the family, such as: individual holon, spousal holon, parental holon, father-son holon, father- daughter holon,

mother-son holon, mother-daughter holon, sibling holon, etc., aside from nuclear family holon and extended family holon. How

many holons are there in your family? Every holon has a system which refers to a set of principles or procedures according to which

something is done, an organized scheme or method. A good example is the human body which is considered as a system of systems,

i.e., coronary system, circulatory system, digestive system, respiratory system, endocrine system, muscular system, nervous system,

reproductive system, urinary system, etc. Each system (or subsystem) is autonomous yet connected to another system. Thus it is

interacting, interdependent, and interrelated. Ellen White said: Each one is a thread which is to unite with other threads in compos-

ing a fabric (MYP 621). Individually, we are connected with our fellow men, a part of Gods great whole, and we stand under mu-

tual obligations. No man can be independent of the fellow men; for the well-being of each affects others (MYP 417). There are

mysterious links that bind souls together so that the heart of one answers to the heart of another. One catches the ideas, the senti-

ments, the spirit, of another (Ed 455). The family system can either be functional or dysfunctional. My Tagalog translation for the

word dysfunctional is palyado. There is no perfect family system in this world, not even the human family of Jesus when He was

born to the family of Mary and Joseph. Each family system lies in a continuum ranging from dysfunctional to functional side. In a 1

to 10 scale, where would you put your current family system? God created not only the institution of marriage, but also a family sys-

tem based on His image. What was His purpose? Then God said, Let us make human beingsin our image, to be like us. Gen. 1:26

(NLT). The Message Bible puts it this way: Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature.He created

them godlike, reflecting Gods nature. He created them male and female. Gen. 1:26, 27. As echoed by Ellen White: Higher than

the highest human thought can reach is Gods ideal for His children. Godlinessgodlikeness is the goal to be

reached (Ed 19). In a scale of 1 to 10, the closer your family system to 10 the more godlike it tends to be. How

do we know that our family system is functional and godlike? In the first place, God is a family but more than a

family of three (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). God is a system. God is love, rather than God has love. Based on

the image of God as a system, He prescribed the ABC blueprint for the human family system.

A

Family Matters


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ur only hope is in Christ and all other human activities in life

are just peripherals. No matter what you do and no matter how

busy you are the only thing that matters in the end is our goal

to reach Christ-likeness. To be with him and to be like Him. We should

never lose hope nor should we waver even when life seems to be out of

balance. Even when it seems so hard for us to bear the difficulties in

life. Keep shining for Jesus at all times, unflinching and persistent.

Elder H.M.S. Richards inspired millions of people through the Voice of

Prophecy. He was a man of great faith. Some of the Voice of Prophecy

recordings can still be heard at audioverse.org. At the end of the VOP

program he would sayHave faith in God, dear friend, in God. Let me

share with you a poem from his book, The Promises of God:

HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Have faith in God, and in the virgins Seed;

Have faith in God, His promise meets our need;

Have faith in God, from sin and Satan freed;

Have faith in God, dear friend, in God.

Have faith in God, His victory brings release;

Have faith in God, each day thy joy increase;

Have faith in God, soon comes His rest and peace;

Have faith, dear friend, in God.

The new year 2016 poses some new challenges ahead and it could be

overwhelming to most of us but if we rest our burdens at the feet of

Jesus and surrender all our insecurities and all whatever you have that

is hard to bear, just put all our trust in Him and He will carry them

through. Jesus said in the book of Mathew, Come unto me, all ye that

labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon

you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall

find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30. King James Version (KJV).

The world is full of evil hatred, murder, terrorism, killings, immorali-

ties, worldliness, selfishness ... it seems all signs are foretelling us of His

imminent return and it is happening at our very eyes. In spite of the

negative events that are happening around us let us keep our lights burn-

ing and shining for Jesus! Soon and very soon we will see our King

coming in the clouds of glory. Let us all be watchful and vigilant until

He comes!

I would like to thank Dr. Armand T. Fabella for sharing with us his

expertise on family matters. The most important unit in a society is the

family the basic structure that forms a solid foundation in a given soci-

ety. It is also the main target of the enemy. We see a lot of dysfunctional

families, much are more common nowadaysdivorce and multi-

structured family. Dr. Fabella is a well known and experienced clinical

psychologist, pastor, educator; he is also a former Adventist University

of the Philippines president. He is a man of God and Im sure our read-

ers will be blessed by him. We will begin here with a series, Gods

ABC Blueprint for Functional Family System. Readers are encouraged to

interact by asking questions. They can protect their privacy when they

use a pseudonym. Direct your questions to

The Link / Kuya Armand and we willforward your questions to him.

Let us keep our light shining for Jesus and

keep looking unto Him who is the author

and finisher of our faith . May the Lords

grace and mercy continue to fill us this

year, 2016. Keep shining for Jesus !

O


InsightBy Edwin [email protected]

Keep Shining for Jesus

We should never lose hope nor should we waver even when life seems to be out of balance. Even when it seems so

hard for us to bear the difficulties in life. Keep shining for Jesus at all times, unflinching and persistent..


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t was the year 1972, in April, as our class of Bachelorsdegree in Nursing of three tall and handsome lads and 47intelligent ladies proudly donned on a perfectly pressedgraduating black cap and gown, with a white Peter Pan collar(ladies) distinguished fashion for the Bachelors degree in

Nursing.

We conducted ourselves properly to the Commencement march to thedignified rendition as the first note ofPomp and Circumstance by Elgarstarted. Chin up, all ear to ear smiles, a very proud moment for all of us.We made it! What an accomplished feeling it was!

In June of that year, there were so many happenings; our scheduled one-week long National Board Exam, a very arduous determination to pass stage one of what a nurse has to go through and many more to come in

North America. There was a heavy torrential rain that poured over Ma-nila, resulted in deep water floods in the examination locale. We weredamped all day until were done at the end of the day. It was veryuncomfortable indeed.

A proclamation ofMartial Lawunder the presidency of Ferdinand Mar-cos; the immediate decision making of those families connected to NorthAmerica was to immigrate quick. Leave before immigration lawchanged, otherwise, the fear of long delay or being stuck in the Philip-

pines for indefinite time. While a few of us true and faithful to the socalled work of God stayed on and signed a 3-year contract with ManilaSanitarium and Hospital.

We did the best we can in honesty and perseverance as green R.N.graduates, realizing and doing our true calling in life. Most of us foundthe verdant side of life coming to North America here we come! Withsome classmates tarried behind. Years came, and years gone, lifesexperiences in intellectual, material, and social prosperity varies. Every-

body was busy as a bee, forgetting the true individual connection withone another, except on some very few occasions and whatever came in

between. At this point we forget to laugh loud again. Every life experi-ence was so serious, to make it to the top of North America, Europe, or

wherever one may be was the priority.

We went through individual experiences childrens graduation,childrens big weddings, first birth of a grand kid, divorces, and thecourage to be a single mom, and being a widow and be alone onceagain. All the joys and pains of life and only some faint smiles in

between.

Until Dr. Teofy and Merlinda Lapena Espiritu took over some gutsymove to organize and bring together again the classmates duringthe San Antonio General Conference. This time we are more wiser,

prosperous, young-er and beautiful too. (maraming salamat nga-rud!)

LOL- Lets laugh it out louder! Now most are retired, healthy andwell. We have so much fun to share freely. So much fun andlaughter that if the walls of the River Walk restaurants could partici-

pate with us in our laughter, the walls would laugh too. Loud thatis, and belly ached.

We laughed. We laughed. We laughed. What a memorable mo-ment never to forget. Let us get together again sooner than later.Sooner is our choice, for later may never come. Let us all for amoment share our thoughts and prayers in memory of Inday Adlaonand Esther Llasos to their eternal love and light. Amen.

Memoir of BSN Class 1972

Photo courtesy by Jun & Linda Mercado. BSN Class 1972

(Back row L-R) Grecia Merida Wuerstin, Ruth Casuyon Nuenke,

Marita Aguilar Reyes, Eunice Ibanez Bragg, Ofelia Miranda Oso-

rio, Diony Fabella Pena, Phoebe Diaz Russell, Tobs Tanada, Luz

Bareng (Najera), Edna Bacate Domingo. (Front L-R) Eunice Patri-

cio Villar, Merlinda Lapena Espiritu, Erlinda Gasmen Mercado,

Aurelia Garcia Gumangan, Wilma Jean Obanana Zman.

By Eunice Ibanez Bragg

I


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romoting AWESNAs theme,

UNITE and IGNITE, the organi-

zation has endeavored to plan and

has resolved to commit to imple-

ment programs aimed at achieving its goals.

Within the TEN (10) MONTHS after the

new set of AWESNA Officers assumed

office, the organization has witnessed posi-

tive signs indicating renewed and continued

interest in AWESNA affairs.

CHAPTER RALLIES: AWESNA Leader-

ship has likewise been responding to invita-

tions to rallies from different chapters,

which aim at reviving interest of members

and encouraging active participation in the

organizations programs and projects.

MY SINCERE APPRECIATION andTHANK YOU TO ALL AWESNA

OFFICERS AND CHAPTER OFFICERS

FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND UN-

CONDITIONAL GIVING OF THEIR

TIME, ENERGY, TALENTS AND RE-

S O U R C E S T O A C C O M P L I S H

AWESNAS GOAL AND OBJECTIVES.

1) October 5, 2013, Saturday, 5:45 p.m.,

Loma Linda Filipino SDA Church

INDUCTION OF NEW SET OF LOMA

LINDA CHAPTER OFFICERS

Devotional and Prayer by Pastor Nepthali

Manez, AUP Board Chair Remarks and

Induction of Officers by Dr. Elmer

Bangloy.

OFFICERS:

President Majorie Reyno

Vice President Armand ZabalaSecretary Clarita SiapcoTreasurer Fenina Garaza

Auditor Mar Velasco2) November 9, 2013 Saturday , San JoseFil-am SDA Church Service/YoungAlumni Rally/SocialsMorning Service Speaker:Pastor Jym TayagAfternoon Service Speaker:Dr. Elmer BangloyCoordinated by Gladys Roman and Liberty

Olive Bautista (Young Alumni Chapter

President)

AWESNA OFFICERS AND CHAPTER

MEMBERS PRESENT:

President Elmer and Lorie Bangloy

Fil and Ella Alcaide, Treasurer

Edwin Araba, PRO Odette and Oscar

Pablo, Chair Finance & Projects (members,

Northern CA Chapter) Pete and Cherry

Dela Cruz (LA Chapter)

Ernie and Emily Garcia, President Northern

CA Chapter, Jose and Carol Esposo

(members, Central CA Chapter) and San

Jose SDA Churchs Pastor Daniel Bo-

tabara

3) NOVEMBER 16, 2013 SATURDAY,

LAS VEGAS FIL-AM SDA CHURCH

CHURCH SERVICE/AFTERNOON

RALLY /ELECTION AND INDUC-

TION OF OFFICERS

Morning Service Speaker Dr. Vic Louis

Arreola Afternoon Service Speaker

Dr. Elmer Bangloy

Induction of Officers Dr. Elmer Bangloy-

Las Vegas Chapter, led by Cris Genobaga ,

began the series of chapter gatherings on

November 16, 2013. The AWESNA

leadership team participated in the church

services. It was also during this time that a

new choral group was born: the AWESNA

Officers Choir, which had their debut

performance during the afternoon service.

Elected Las Vegas Chapter officers are:

Cris Genobaga, President; Johnny Acang-

Vice President; Edie Sandro-Secretary;

Susan Acang- Treasurer; Arlene Gayares-

PRO; Oscar Fauni- Auditor; Pastor

Villamor-Meriales, Advisor.

AWESNA OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

IN ATTENDANCE: Elmer and Lorie

Bangloy, Alfonso and Loida Miguel, Rene

and Imelda Donato, Octavius and Cely

Quijada, Bert and Violy Bagingito, Annie

Madigan, Meldie Ward, Lita Laoyan,

Eppie Manalo, Edwin Araba, Fern

Kintanar, Fe Asuncionmaking a total of

16 from Los Angeles and Loma Linda.

Emphasizing AWESNAs theme, Unite

and Ignite, the President encouraged the

alumni to unite and volunteer for His

service and for our alma mater .

P

In Retrospect : AWESNA at a Glance,Year 1 (2013-2014)By Dr. Elmer Bangloy, D.M.D., D.HUM

President, AWESNA



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4) NOVEMBER 24, 2013, SUN-

DAY, RANCHO MIRAGE,

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFOR-

NIA. INVITATION OF

MARILYN VILLANUEVA-

BARTOLOMEW ( HOSTED BY

TED AND BETH MALAGAR).

PLAN TO REORGANIZE

THE CHAPTER.

OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE:

1)ELMER (PRESIDENT) AND LORIE

BANGLOY 2) LITA (VICE PRESI-

DENT) AND RALPH LAOYAN

5) JANUARY 5, 2014, SUNDAY,

LOMA LINDA FILIPINO SDA

CHURCH MEETING OF THE COM-

MISSION ON CONSTITUTION ON

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO

THE AWESNA CONSTITUTION

This meeting was led by Roy Mananquil,

Chair , Commission on Constitution.Proposed amendments were discussed and

voted on by the Commission on Constitu-

tion to be presented to the House of

Delegates for approval and ratification.

6) FEBRUARY 21-23, 2014 RESI-

DENCE INN-MARRIOTT AT RIVER

RIDGE, OXNARD, CALIFORNIA

SPIRITUAL RETREAT/BOARD OF

O F F I C E R S / H O D M E E T I N G

An overwhelming positive response from

members translated into more than SRO

(standing room only) attendance from Ves-

pers to the afternoon service. About 250

attended the weekend event. Also

noteworthy is the participation of all age

groupsYoung Alumni to Seniors, in both

spiritual and social activities. Above all,

attendees were treated to a feast of Gods

Word from all four (4) of the organizations

spiritual advisers. Sabbath School Promo-

tion Dr. Elmer Bangloy presented the

AWESNA LOGO which encapsulates the

organization theme UNITE and IGNITE

Speakers: Friday Vesper P a s t o r

Vic Arreola ,Sabbath School Lesson Study

Pastor Jose Manalo our of Wor-

ship Pastor Dale Barizo Afternoon

Devotional Pastor Simeon Rosete, Jr.

Proposed Amendments to the AWESNA

Constitution from the January 5 COMCON

were voted on and ratified on February 23,

2014 by 56 House of Delegates representa-

tives. Such amendments will enable the

organization to function efficiently and

ensure better interaction and participation

among the members. Commendation goes

to the Chair of the Commission of Constitu-

t i o n , R o y M a n a n q u i l .

7) AWESNA PRESIDENTS PARTICI-

PATION AS SPEAKER AT THE AUP

ACADEMY GRADUATION ON

MARCH 23, 2014, PHILIPPINE

INTERNATIONAL CHURCH, PUTING

KAHOY, SILANG, CAVITE CLASS

P H L O S O P H Y :

SUI GENERIS- WITH UNIQUE

C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S

8) MARCH, RP 2014 MISSION OUT-

REACH -CME/MEDICAL- DENTAL

MISSION MARCH 19, MANILA

ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER:

Dental-Medical-Nursing Symposium.

This years outreach program to the

Philippines reeled off with a symposium led

by Several members of the outreach team

served as resource persons: Elmer Bangloy,

Eduardo Gonzaga, Edna Domingo, Lita

Laoyan, Bella Litvin and a guest lecturer,

Dr. Tota Shimizu, a Japanese endodontist

specializing in microscopic Endodontics at

Glendale, California. Speakers shared their

expertise to the doctors, nurses, dentists and

medical professionals at the Adventist

Medical Center-Manila (AMCM), formerly

Manila Adventist Medical Center

(MAMC). The team then proceeded to the

following venues and served about 4,000

patients: ITOGON, BENGUET, BA-

GUIO (March 19-21) BANGAR, LA UN-

ION March 26-28)

9) AWESNA PRESI-

DENTS PARTICI-

P A T I O N A S

SPEAKER DURING

THE NATIONAL

ALUMNI CHAPTER

BANQUET, MARCH

24, 2014; 3:00 p.m.

A U P , S i l a n g , C a v i t e

THEME: HANDS FOR SERVICE

10) APRIL 26, 2014 CENTRAL VAL-

LEY CHAPTER CENTRAL VALLEY

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY/ AWESNA

RALLY/ CHAPTER ELECTION OF

OFFICERS Central Valley Chapter, led by

Noli Poblacion held their Chapter Rally in

the afternoon during their church anniver-

sary celebration. In his devotional

message, AWESNA President Elmer Ban-

gloy, commended the Chapter for active

involvement and underscored the value of

volunteerism and unity towards achieving

the goals of the organization and even-

tually contributing significantly to Gods

work through the training ministry of

AUP. Election was held and the Chapter

Officers are: President- Noli Poblacion

Vice Presidents: Fresno-Joe Esposo;

Hanford-LettyLachica

Bakersfield- Juvy Gaje;

Visalia-Clarita Dalida

Secretary Meri lyn Pimentel

Asso. Secretary- Andy Tuazon

Treasurer Ge mi ni an o Su li t

Asso. Treasurer- E d g a r F e d e r i c o

PRO J u d y O s e n a

Auditor Ju li th Ba tu la ya n

Advisors: Pastor Abel Pangan

M i k e M a r i a n o

AWESNA OFFICERS PRESENT: 1)

Elmer and Lorie Bangloy; 2) Alfonso and

Loida Miguel; 3) Rene and Imelda Donato;

4) Bert Bagingito; 5) Lita and Ralph Lao-

yan; 6) Ed and Alma Gonzaga; 7) Ernesto

and Miriam Banaag; 8) Fern Kintanar; 9)

Fe Asuncion, (10) Eppie Manalo. Total

AWESNA Attendees from Los

Angeles,Glendale, and Loma Linda-16.


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11) MAY 2 - 3 , 2014 HAWAII HonoluluFil-Am SDA ChurchWORSHIP HOUR SPEAKER-Dr. Elmer BangloyFulfilling Life of Service

AFTERNOON CHAPTER RALLYSpeaker- Dr. Elmer BangloyVolunteerism, Unite and Ignite

HEALTH LECTURE Lita LaoyanELECTION OF OFFICERS:President Ric CallaVice President Melba Arreola

ManzanoSecretary Brenda Cababa

DolormenteTreasurer Moises MedranoPRO Elmy Ann Cordova

PeraltaAuditor Romy VillosoAdvisors Vic Arreola

David MadridAlfred ReynoGilbert Agir

AWESNA OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE:Elmer and Lorie Bangloy; Lita and RaffyLaoyan

12) MAY 18, 2014 Rose Bowl Park, Pasadena,CA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.LOS ANGELES CHAPTER PICNIC-GAMES, FOOD and FUN!Hosted by LA Chapter President, LoidaMiguel, attended by about 50-75 members andofficers including surrounding Glendale,Temple City, White Memorial and PasadenaSDA church members.

13) MAY 24, 2014 Bakersfield, CA- YOUNGALUMNI RALLY and WORSHIP HOURSERVICEIN ATTENDANCE: Lita and Raffy Laoyan

MAY 24, 2014 -Reche Canyon, Colton,California

MEETING OF PHYSICIANS WITHCOLLEGE OF MEDICINE

FOUNDING DEAN, DR. DORISMENDOZA

Organized and coordinated by Dr. AlfonsoMiguel,Jr. the meeting was held at Drs. Wilson

and Mariclen Laos residence. Present at themeeting were: Dr. and Mrs. Alfonso Miguel,Dr. and Mrs. Elmer Bangloy, Dr. and Mrs.Felcar Morada, Dr. and Mrs. Tavy Quijada,Drs. Ed and Alma Gonzaga, Dr. Benny Banaag,Dr. and Mrs. Miguelito Fernando, Dr. and Mrs.RomuloTabo, Don and Gladys Roman, FeAsuncion and two other doctors from thePhilippines. A sumptuous dinner was served,

and a sundown devotional preceded the two-hour meeting on updates on the AUP

proposed COM.

14) MAY 31, 2014 SAN DIEGOFIL-AM SDA CHURCHSAN DIEGO CHAPTER WORSHIPHOUR/CHAPTER RALLYOrganized by Crisamar Anunciado,SD Chapter PresidentHour of Worship SpeakerPastor Limuel LiwanagAfternoon Rally Speaker-Dr. Elmer BangloyTopic: Unite and IgnitePresent were: Elmer and Lorie Bangloy, Litaand Raffy Laoyan, Ella and Fil Alcaide, Reneand Imelda Donato, Bert and ViolyBagingito, Annie Madigan, Ruth and DannyRanchez, Fern Kintanar, and Fe Asuncion.

15) JUNE 7, 2014 GREATER NORTHERNCALIFORNIA WORSHIPHOUR / CHAPTER RALLY- Emily Garcia, Chapter PresidentHour Of Worship Speaker

Dr. Ed GonzagaWalk Across The Room

Greetings on behalf of AWESNA

Dr. Elmer BangloyAfternoon Rally Speaker

Dr. Elmer BangloyVolunteerism-- Unite and Ignite

AWESNA Mission Report Lita LaoyanEmily Garcia pointed out that the Chapters

main focus is helping the working students ofAUP, especially the majority who arefinancially-challenged, and made anemotional appeal for help.

AWESNA officerspresent were: Elmerand Lorie Bangloy,

Lita and Raffy Laoyan,Ed Gonzaga SpecialProjects committeemember, Oscar Pablo,Edwin Araba and allGreater NorthernCalifornia Chapterofficers.

16) JUNE 27-29, 2014 CAMP HOPE,VANCOUVER, BRITISHCOLUMBIA, CANADACASCADIA CAMP MEETING/CHAPTERRALLY

(Rachel Ching Pedernal, ChapterPresident) Present were: Elmer and LorieBangloy, Alfonso and Loida Miguel,Marjorie Reyno, Fe Asuncion, Fern Kintanar,Richard and Wilma Dauglash.Morning Manna Speaker

Dr. Alfonso Miguel

Reaching Together in His ServiceAfternoon Health Lecture Dr. Alfonso Miguel, OsteoporosisAfternoon AWESNA Promotion

Dr. Elmer Bangloy4thJoint Convention;Volunteerism, Unite and Ignite

Sunday Afternoon Dinner given bythe Cascadia Chapter. It was not only a treatto meet with the Cascadia Chapter; extra treatwas eating very rare fruits: lanzones,

jackfruit, atis, guyabano, santol, etc. Aschapter President Rachel (Ching) Pedernalsummed it up, Our togetherness may seemquick and hasty, but the memories created

has rekindled in us the desire to unite andignite.17) August 29-31, 2014Hilton Lake LasVegas, Henderson ,NevadaThe 4th Joint AWESNA-EASNAC-ACCNA-ST Convention

This convention culminates the first year ofthis term and ushers in future, challengingyears of productive service for AWESNA,Alma Mater, and our LeaderGOD!


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he AWESNA Convention theme:Bridges For Today andEternity conveys a dramaticview on what each one of us has

to be for now until we reach our heavenlyhome. We are bridges in bringing peace andgoodwill to our fellowmen. Over the past

year we started a journey to reach our goalsand objectives. The road is sometimestough, long and tiring but its worth the tripas we cross the bridge to eternal glory. Mysincere appreciation and thanks to allAWESNA officers and chapter officers fortheir dedication, unselfish service, theirtime, and resources to accomplish goal andobjectives.

18) January 23-25, AWESNA SpiritualRetreat, Queen Mary, Long Beach, CATheme: Service Before SelfRetreat Guest Speaker: Pastor BenjaminDel Pozo

19) March 22-24,2015 Northern LuzonAdventist College Hospital, Artacho, Sison,PangasinanMedical/Dental/Optometry MissionLoma Linda Chapter President MarjorieReynoLoma Linda Filipino Church Pastor andMrs.Jose ManaloEvangelistic Outreach- Pastor VicLouisArreola, III, Speaker

20) March 18, 2015 Adventist Universityof the Philippines Constituency/AUP BoardMeetingDr. Elmer E. Bangloy: AWESNAPresident, Member- AUP Board

21) March 29, 2015 AUP GraduationCommencement ExercisesAlberto Bagingito AWESNA immediate

past President Awarded Honoris Causa Doctor of humanitiesAWESNA Officers present: 1. Dr. and Mrs.Elmer Bangloy 2. Pastor and Mrs. JoseManalo 3. Lita and Raffy Laoyan

22) April 4,2015 Glendale Filipino ChurchGlendale Chapter President - Letty Banaag

Greater Los Angeles Chapter President -Loida Miguel, Guest Speaker Dr. Francisco Gayoba, AUP PresidentAWESNA Officers present 1. Dr. andMrs. Elmer Bangloy, 2. Fe Asuncion,3. Fern Kintanar

23) April 17-19 Young Alumni Retreatand Picnic by the beach , Dana Point

Marina Inn, Dana Point, CACoordinators: 1. Liberty Olive Bautista-President 2. Don and Gladys Roman3.Armand Fabella ModeratorAWESNA Officers present: Dr. and Mrs.Elmer Bangloy, Lita and Raffy Laoyan,Marjorie Reyno

24) May 16, 2015 San Diego Fil-AmChurch, San Diego Chapter Rally, SanDiego ,CA

Hour of Worship Speaker:Pastor Jose ManaloCoordinator: Cris Anunciado, PresidentAWESNA Officers present: Pastor andMrs. Jose Manalo,Sr.

25) May 16, 2015 Greater NorthernCalifornia Chapter, San Jose Fil-Am SDAChurch, San Jose, CATheme: Jesus Living in UsHour of Worship Speaker:Pastor Dan BotabaraAfternoon Rally Speaker:Dr. Elmer E. BangloyCoordinator: Emily Garcia, GNCCPresident, AWESNA Officers present: Dr.and Mrs. Elmer Bangloy, Lita and RaffyLaoyan, Annie Madigan, Fe Asuncion,Oscar and Odith Pablo , Edwin Araba.

26) June 20, 2015 Central Filipino ChurchGreater Los Angeles Chapter officersInduction, CFC Church, Los Angeles, CAPresident: Loida Miguel, Vice President:Ruth Ranchez, Secretary: Mayflor Mallari,Associate secretary: Fern Kintanar,Treasurer: Josie Santa Ana, PRO: EstherArafiles, Immediate Past President andAdviser: Juanito Afenir,III Standing

Committee, Membership: Fe Asuncion,Cely Quijada, Tuition Aid: Esther Bautista,Needy Students: Ceres Durango and EstherVillanueva, Honors and Awards: MinnieTamayo, COMELEC: Philip Trilles andDeomie Zenith, Sports and recreation: DonRoman, History and Archives: CelsoCaagbay, Hospitality: Helen Rivero, LuzUlanday.

27) June 28, 2015 Pacific NorthwestChapter Rally, Portland ,OregonPresident and Coordinator: Ardina WangAWESNA Officers present: Dr. and Mrs.Elmer Bangloy, Lita and Raffy Laoyan

28) July 18, 2015 Hawaii Chapter Honolulu Fil-Am SDA Church, Honolulu,HawaiiHour of Worship Speaker:

Dr. Elmer E. BangloyAWESNA Mission Report: Lita LaoyanAWESNA Officers present: Dr. and Mrs.Elmer Bangloy, Lita and Raffy Laoyan

29) August 7-9, 2015 AUP College ofMedicine -Inaugural Program and WhiteCoat CeremonyAWESNA Officers in attendance: Dr. andMrs. Elmer Bangloy, Dr. and Mrs. AlfonsoMiguel,Jr., Lita Laoyan, Fe Asuncion,Annie Madigan, Meldy Ward, Dr. AlbertoBagingito, Dr. Edmund and Mrs. JuliaBagingito , with daughter Katie.

30) August 29, 2015 Alberta CanadaChapter Rally, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaPresident : Roger Rodriguez, Coordinator:Ben Barboza , AWESNA Officers present:Dr. and Mrs. Elmer Bangloy, Lita Laoyan,and Fe Asuncion.

31) September 4-6, 2015 AWESNA 43rdConvention, San Jose, CA Double Tree ByHilton Hotel and Suites, 2050 GatewayPlace, San Jose, CA 95110Guest Speaker: Dr. Larry Blackmer.

This convention culminates the second year

of this term and ushers in future challengingyears of productive service for AWESNA,alma mater, and our Lord God!


T

In Retrospect: AWESNA at a Glance,Year 2 (2015)By Dr. Elmer Bangloy, D.M.D., D.HUM, President, AWESNA


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Dear PUC/AUP Alumni and Friends,

AWESNA (Alumni of Western North America) is holding itsannual medical-dental outreach on March 22-24, 2016 in thecity of Borongan, Eastern Samar, one of the hardest-hitplaces by strong typhoons in the past two years. There willbe an evangelistic crusade to be held at the city plaza thatwill start March 12 through the baptism Sabbath on March

26. Our AWESNA team will arrive in Borongan on March21 for the medical mission to be held at the provincial hospi-

tal area and will join the crusade.

You have been our committed partners in providing services

to the physically and spiritually ill, so once more we extendthis invitation for you to join us in this outreach event. Yourresponse to this invitation to join this worthy cause of reach-ing out and serving our fellowmen in Borongan, Samar, willsignificantly contribute towards improving the lives of thosewho will be served.

For further information, please contact either Gladys ArabaRoman at [email protected] myself at clao-

[email protected]. There will be a dedicatory prayer for the teamduring our annual Spiritual Retreat on January 23, 2016 at theResidence Inn by Marriott, Oxnard, California. I appeal for

your prayers and financial support as well. You may send yourtax-deductible donation, check payable to AWESNA, Inc, forSamar Medical Mission, to our treasurer Ella Alcaide, 1712Orchard Avenue, Glendale, CA. 91206 or you may donateonline at www.AWESNA.org, click Donation then MedicalMission.

Any assistance extended to this noble cause is very much ap-preciated! May our Almighty God continue to bless us all asweKeep Shiningfor Him. Thank you so much for your contin-ued support to our organization. Mabuhay AWESNA!

Sincerely,Lita LaoyanVice President ,AWESNACell # 909-801-4152

AWESNA MEDICAL MISSION 2016

Borongan, Eastern Samar



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The AWESNA Young Alumni Medical-DentalMission will be held on March 22-24, 2016 inBorongan, Eastern Samar, one of the typhoon beltcities affected by super typhoon Yolanda. Theyearly medical mission team of AWESNA will becoming mostly from California with somelocal medical and dental practicioners from thePhilippines will be joining the group to perfomminor surgery and dentistry. Last years successfulmedical mission was held in Northern LuzonCollege, Pangasinan. Next years medical missionwill be led out by the young alumni team of OliveMacias and Gladys Roman. The med mission teamwill leave LAX on March 20, 2016 to Manila andshould arrive in Tacloban the following day. Evan-gelistic crusade will start two weeks earlier than themedical mission. Baptism and culmination of thecrusade will be on March 25-26, 2016. Departurefrom Tacloban to Manila will be on March 27, 2016.Let us pray for the success and safety of this medi-cal mission. The gospel preaching and healing areboth exemplified by our Saviour, Jesus Christ, whileon earth and we do the same gospel co mission infollowing His footsteps saving souls for Gods

kingdom. For more info, please contact GladysRoman at [email protected] and Lita Laoyan,AWESNA VP at [email protected]

AWESNA Young Alumni

Medical Mission 2016


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he Israelites won their first battle as recorded in Exodus17:13-16. But there was something more important goingon. They were going to learn about God. God tells Moses

to write something important (Exodus 17:14). The message wasclear: God would defeat the enemies of His people. In responseto God's message, Moses built an altar, or a memorial, and gaveit a name, one of the names of God (Exodus 17:15). He called itJehovah-Nissi. The Hebrew word nissi means "signal pole,""standard, ensign, or banner." Moses was declaring that the Lordis our Standard, and that we march under His banner or His flag.

What did God reveal in Israel's victory? What does God re-veal to us when we win victory? That He is Jehovah-Nissi. Whatdoes that mean? When we go to battle, we go with God's pres-ence. When we go to battle, we go with God's power. When wego to battle, we go with God's provision. When (not if) we areattacked by the enemy, we need to remember that He is Jehovah-Nissi. God is the source of our victory when we are engaged inbattle by the Devil, the world, or the flesh.

A great lesson in American History will always be a re-minder. In the First Battle of Bull Run in the Civil War, Gen.Thomas Jonathan Jackson was leading the Virginia troops of theConfederacy. The Confederates were being routed by the Unionforces. One man from another division saw General Jacksonmounted on his horse, leading his troops, and pronounced,"There stands Jackson like a stone wall! Rally behind theVirginians!" They did so, and the Confederacy won a decisiveand surprising victory at the outset of the war, dashing the

Union's hopes for a quick history. And Thomas Jonathan Jack-son was thereafter known as Stonewall Jackson. That day, hewas the "banner" for the Confederate troops. Although shotswere flying all around them, they saw Jackson, standing beforethem, as impregnable as a stone wall, and rallied behind him.

Similarly, the Lord is our banner in 2016. Althoughdemands of enormous challenges may be flying around us, weare to look to the Lord who stands before us and rally behindus. Let's go to battle under the banner of our Lord in 2016!

T

"Jehovah-Nissi in 2016"By Dr. VicLouis Arreola III

A MINUTE DEVOTION WITH GOD


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t was August 10, 2015 whenthe AUP College of Medi-

cine inaugural class of 16medical students started their

first year. The weekend before thatwas a very significant celebration ofthe opening of the new College ofMedicine building which was at-tended by dignitaries from the Gen-eral Conference of Seventh Day Ad-ventists. Dr. Peter Landless, Direc-tor of Medical Ministries Depart-ment; Dr. Lisa Beardsley-Hardy,Director of Educational Ministries;

Dr. Roger Hadley, Dean LLU Schoolof Medicine. In addition, Pastor Leo-nardo Asoy, SAPD President andPastor Alberto Gulfan, former SAPDPresident; Pastor Naphtali Manez,NPUC President and other leaders ofour Medical Institutions in the Phil-ippines were present. Other specialguests from our Alumni organiza-tions headed by Dr. Elmer Bangloy,AWESNA and Salcor Quines, EAS-NAC also graced the event. Of

course, CHED dignitaries, and sup-porting Physicians -Faculty mem-bers, who indicated their willingnessto serve in the teaching staff for thisnew fledgling COM in the Philip-pines marched in at the start of theprogram.The Sunday "White Coat" ceremonywas very colorful, presided by ourAUP President Dr. FranciscoGayoba and the Founding Dean ofthe COM- Dr. Doris Mendoza.

From a recent communication fromDr. Gayoba and Dr. Mendoza, theCOM inaugural class are "enjoyingtheir classes and the teaching envi-ronment". Dr. Doris Mendoza hasdone an excellent work in the reali-zation of the establishment of theAUP COM and continue to do so in

making sure that this endeavor willmove forward to fulfill its philoso-phy "Through Christ healing andwholeness". With this philosophyAUP envisions that the COM

becomes a leading Adventist medicaltraining school in the Asian-Africanregion- producing Physician-Missionaries as a force utilized as anopening wedge in spreading theGospel message not only in thePhilippines but to other regions ofthe world.Another item of interest is the liftingof the stringent rule of limiting thenumber of students from other coun-tries to enroll in the COM program

for the coming years. Hopefully, wewill get top-notched students to carrythe tradition of excellence as weendeavor to continue to provide thebest teaching environment followingthe blueprint of Adventist medicaleducation as described by Ellen G.White that is exemplified by Loma

Linda University Health Services, ourflagship medical institution.As we move forward, let us seek theLord in prayer on behalf of the AUPCOM with its medical faculties and

students. Let us all be united in supportof our very own AUP College ofMedicine with our finances andresources that will enhance its progres-sion in the coming years. It is myfervent hope that the God we serve"the giver of all good and perfect gifts"will richly bless you in all yourendeavors.Wishing all our Alumni and friends thebest for 2016 filled with Love, Joy,Peace and all the other good things that

come with it.

Updates on the AUP College of Medicine

I

By Dr. Alfonso Miguel, Jr. MD, D.Hum,


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ccording to the PCRM report ,there are more than 1.6 million people diagnosed with cancer in the

United States each year, the fourth highest incidence rate among peer countries in the world, and

there is an urgent need for a new direction in battling this disease. Second, and just as important, we want to

improve survival after cancer has been diagnosed by offering comprehensive information about the role of dietary fac-

tors in keeping people healthy. Approximately 80 percent of cancers are due to factors that have been identified and can

potentially be controlled, according to the National Cancer Institute. Not only do we have the potential to prevent most

cancers, we can also improve the survival rates of people who have cancer. Cancer starts when one cell begins to multi-

ply out of control. It begins to expand into a lump that can invade healthy tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

But this deadly disease can often be prevented and, when it occurs, can often be stopped in its tracks. At least one-third

of annual cancer deaths in the United States are due to dietary factors.1A recent review of diet and cancer shows that

much of our risk for colon, breast, and prostate cancer, among other types, is due to dietary factors. The link between

diet and cancer is not new. In January 1892, Scientific American printed the observation that cancer is most frequent

among those branches of the human race where carnivorous habits prevail. Numerous research studies have since

shown that cancer is much more common in populations

consuming diets rich in fatty foods, particularly meat and

dairy products, and much less common in countries with

diets rich in grains, vegetables, and fruits. One reason is that

foods affect the action of hormones in the body. They also

affect the strength of the immune system. While fruits and

vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxi-

dants, and phytochemicals that protect the body, research

shows that, by contrast, animal products contain potentially

carcinogenic compounds that may contribute to increased

cancer risk. Established or Suspected Obesity-Related Cancers. Gods original diet for man, according to Ellen G.

White, was a plant-based diet. Behold, God said, I have given you every herb yielding seed, and every tree , in

which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food. According to Gods original plan for mans diet,

grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the chosen diet for us by our Creator. - Counsels on Diet and Foods, p.81,

Cholesterol Levels High in U.S. Children and Adolescents

Why is childhood obesity prevalent in our society? It poses greater risks toward type two diabetes among children. High

levels of cholesterol are also higher. One in 5 children in the United States has high cholesterol with total cholesterol

levels over 200 mg/dL, according to a report published by the National Center for Health Statistics. Research-ers examined cholesterol data of 6-19 year olds as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Sur-

vey (NHANES). More than 7 percent of children and adolescents experienced high total cholesterol, with the

highest levels, up to 11 percent, among obese participants and those ages 16-19. Much to its high levels are

attributed to diet rich in fats and cholesterol. The key factor to lower cholesterol level is to develop a plan to

encourage them to eat a plant-based diet. Continued next page

Healthy Eating For Life

A

By Edwin Araba, MD



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Vegetarian Foods: Powerful for Health

Two themes consistently emerge from cancer research: Vegetables and fruits help reduce risk, while animal products andother fatty foods are frequently found to increase risk. When the terms fiber and fat are used, it is easy to forget thefoods from which they come. When you hear about the dangers of fat, think meat- and- dairy-based diets, aided and abet-ted by oily foods. Fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. There is no fiber in any product from ananimal. A vegetarian menu is a powerful and pleasurable way to achieve good health. The vegetarian eating pattern isbased on a wide variety of foods that are satisfying, delicious, and contribute to the risk of certain forms of cancer.

Vegetables (4 or more servings a day)

are packed with nutrients, includingvitamin C, beta-carotene, riboflavin,iron, calcium, fiber, and other nutrients.Dark-green leafy vegetables, such asbroccoli, collards, kale, mustard and tur-nip greens, chicory, and bok choy, areespecially good sources of these impor-tant nutrients. Dark-yellow and orangevegetables such as carrots, winter squash,sweet potatoes, and pumpkin provideextra beta-carotene. Include generousportions of a variety of vegetables in

your diet. Serving size: 1 cup raw vege-tables 1/2 cup cooked vegetables.Whole Grains (5or more servings a day)This group includes bread, rice, pasta,hot or cold cereal, corn, millet, barley,bulgur, buckwheat oats, and tortillas.Build each of your meals around a hearty

grain dish. Grains are rich in fiber and other complex carbohydrates, as well as protein, B vitamins, and zinc. Servingsize:1/2 cup hot cereal 1 ounce dry cereal1 slice bread Fruit (3or more servings a day) Fruits are rich in fiber, vitaminC, and beta-carotene. Be sure to include at least one serving each day of fruits high in vitamin Ccitrus fruits, melons,and strawberries are all good choices. Choose whole fruit over fruit juices, which do not contain very much fiber. Serv-ing size:1 medium piece of fruit 1/2 cup cooked fruit4 ounces juice

Top Five Foods You Cant Live Without

1.Beans and lentils add heartiness to soups, stews, chili, and other recipes. Plus, theyre loaded with cancer-fighting fiberand healthy plant protein. 2.Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cauliflower, collard greens, and Brus-sels sprouts contain potent cancer-fighting compounds and have been shown to help rid the body of excess hor-mones.3.Berries such as blueberries and blackberries are full of powerful antioxidants that help stop free radical damagewhich can otherwise lead to cancer. 4.Carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes,mango, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and squash are incredible sources of beta-carotene, which is crucial for cancer preventionand survival. Just one large carrot a day helps you meet your daily requirement!5.Whole grains such as brown rice, qui-noa, oats, and millet are rich sources of fiber and B vitamins, essential for health. Plus, theyre loaded with complex car-bohydrates to keep you full and help you avoid unhealthy snacking. Our bodies are designed by God to take food ac-cording to His original plan of diet consisting grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Happy healthy eating for life!

Edwin Araba, MD is a member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), PhysicianCommittee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), and International Society of Infectious Diseases(ISID).


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UNDER THE MANGO TREE

That was 64 Years Ago

A Flabbergasted Dean

hen Lally, my wife, was in her senior year at theCollege of oral and dental Surgery in 1950, Dr.

Eladio Aldecoa, President and Dean of CODS,

invited her to be a part-time dental assistant in his private prac-

tice. Her sweet personality and performance seemed to have

impressed him immensely.

I want you to join my faculty. He told her one day. To

prepare you for the job, I will send you to the U.S. for post-

graduate studies.

Aldecoa was flabbergasted when in May, 1951, Lally handed

him our wedding invitation and requested him to be our

Ninong (wedding godfather). Learning about the man she was

to marry, he exclaimed: How can you turn down my offer and

choose to marry one who does not even have a parish of his

own? (He did not attend our wedding).

On July 4, 195164 years ago Lally and I began our walk

and work together for God and His cause. (And I never hear

her say she regretted that she married a lowly minister in the

person of me). We, too, plan to continue our walk and work

together till the sun sets in our lives.

A Successful Evangelistic Approach

Lally, with her skill and know-how, proved to be a terrific asset

to my evangelistic crusades. Let me give you an example.

One of the first things I did when I entered a targeted town or

barrio at the time was to befriend some of its toughies. I

invited them to our home and introduced them to my wife.

(My three little girls were still little then). As per Filipino cus-

tom , we served them kalamansi drinks and cookies. Before

they leave, my wife would say: I am a dentist. I notice thatthere is something I can do for you. Please sit on my chair

(portable dental chair).

The new patients were just too happy to do so. Dental proce-

dures were still areexpensive in the Philippines. Teeth were

often left to rot. My wife would extract a decayed front tooth

from each of our guests. They left with big smiles; and adver-

tised widely that there were good new residents in town or barrio.

The toughie friends of our toughie friends look at us as friends,

too. Our meetings were never bothered or disturbed by unruly

elements.

Stones Enough For a Church Foundation

A fellow evangelist, the late pastor Teofilo Barizo, said that he

had enough stones for the foundation of a new church with the

stones thrown at his meeting hall. And some of these toughies

gave their hearts to the Lord. Goriong Tangkad (Greg the Slim)

was an example of one of them. (Read Chapter 14 of my book,

I Could Have Been A Monk).

A Simple Plea

We are not young anymore. The ravages of age have already

taken their toll on us. Although our brains are still lucid and

bright, our knees are already weak.

Fellow Travellers to the Land Made Newbreathe a prayer on

our behalf!

By Dr. Herman Reyes

W



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GREATER LA CHAPTER DONATESFOOD SERVICE AREA AT AUP COM BUILDING

Having raised more than $42,000 in donations from individual chapter members and some friends, the Food Service area at AUP College of Medi-cine Building was named after the Greater Los Angeles Chapter. The participation of these supporters is a testament of their dedication to help ful-fill the long dream of AUP to start a College of Medicine program to train young people for the Medical Ministry. Such gesture of support to ourAlma Mater makes a refrain from our AUP song more meaningful.

For true and faithful

we will always be,

By deeds and praises,

well honor thee,

And Hope God blesses

Thee, our AUP.


AWESNA Greater Los Angeles Chapter NewsLoida Miguel, Chapter President


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GREATER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHAPTER ( GNCC) REPORTBy Emily Nimo Garcia, GNCC President

Good day to you Ma'am.

The Lord had blessed me so much through the assistance of your organization to help me financially

in my education. Words are not enough how thankful I am of your support and it is my utmost prayerthat God will continually bless you and your organization as you had been a blessing to me and to my

other fellow scholars. Thank you very much for helping me come closer to my dreams and aspirations

and I am very happy to tell you that I am about to graduate this May 2016. As of now, I am a TeacherIntern in one of the public schools here near AUP. This could had not been possible without your con-

cern and support to us, working students to be able to attain Adventist Christian education.

I do pray that God will continue to bless your organization more as you help working scholars. Thankyou again for the love that you shared to me. I am teary-eyed of imagining my graduation day for I

will not be on that day without you. Thank you very much.

God bless you,

Kei Sapungan

FROM OUR MAIL BOX

e are doing fundraising. We are selling mini cookbooks for$8.00 each, fifty percent of thesales is our profit and it will go to our scholarship funds.Of thetwelve working students we provided with tuition assistance, 10

have graduated. Two of them have recently passed the Licensure Ex-amination for Teachers (LET) and are now employed. Leomar Percivalteaches at the 1000 Missionary Movement and Aven Lagrada works asgraduate assistant at AUP and plans to earn her Masters degree.

There are two more students that we are currently helping. Kei Sapunganis in her last semester and is doing her internship practice teaching. She

will graduate in May. Jay Ponsaran is in his junior year in Accoun-tancy.

Oscar Pablo, our chapter adviser, will be in the Philippines in Marchand he will interview some working students and we will accept eightworking students to receive financial assistance from our chapter.

Instead of holding a chapter rally this year, we plan to have an after-noon of fellowship and lectures on health and healthy lifestyle some-time in May. I have sent letters in the mail to our alumni informingthem of our chapter plans and reminding them to turn in their member-ship fee.

I plan to meet with the working students and provide them free lunchthis year if I could raise enough funds for it without using our chapterfunds.

W

Kei Sapungan


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AUP College of Medicine

Pioneer Medical Students


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Jon Sergei Jimenez ACLAN

Permanent Address: Lipa City, BatangasYouth: Lipa, BatangasCollege:UP - Manila Degree: BS Physi-cal Therapy Honors: Best Research Pres-entation. Other distinction: outstandingstudent leader; violinist/pianistWhy AUP COM?

Chose AUP COM believing that to be-come a compassionate and responsiblemedical doctor, ne needs a good founda-tion in character as well as in spiritual-ity which he believes Seventh-day Ad-ventist Education can provide. Maternalgrandfather, Dr. Benjamin Jimenez - anearly renowned SDA worker - had astrong influence of his life choices, aswell as both his parents who are physi-cians as well.

Jessly Rose Delos Angeles ACOBA

Permanent Address: Tumauini, Isabela

Youth: Cagayan ValleyCollege: Manila Adventist CollegeDegree: BS Nursing Honors: Magna CumLaude; Clinical Excellence Award

Other distinctions: graduated as ClassPresidentWhy AUP COM?

She recognizes AUPs high standards, itsquality Christian Education and has seenthe competent graduates it has produced.So, even if AUP COM were a novice inthe field of medicine, she believes its stu-dents will turn out to be truly wholisticphysicians ready to yield to Godscalling.

Student: Joy Lugas BELARMINOPermanent Address: Silang, CaviteYouth: CaviteCollege: AUP Degree: BMLSHonors: Deans List AwardeeOther distinctions:Why AUP COM?

She believes in the Philosophy, Mission andVision of AUP COM. She has been working asa medical technologist but would still like to

pursue her dream of becoming a physician. AtAUP COM she realizes students here have

greater opportunities to do personal ministriesunlike if they were in other schools.

Student: Janina Bianca Garcera CabiliPermanent Address: Matnog, Sorsogon

Youth: BicolCollege: AUP Degree: BMLSHonors: Cum LaudeOther distinctions:Why AUP COM?

My greatest dream in life is to become amedical doctor and be part of God's endtime mission, blessing people thru heal-ing. Since I started school I went toAdventist institutions and I believe thatAdventist Education is the best and thatAUP through its quality Bible-basedChristian education will help in the reali-zation of my dream.

Student: Christopher Dale Gallemit CHUAPermanent Address: Binan, Laguna

AUP College of Medicine

Pioneer Medical StudentsBy Lailanie Antonio Fronda


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Youth: Sta. Rosa, LagunaCollege: De La Salle University -Manila Degree: BS Pre-Med PhysicsHonors: -Other distinctions: Presented Thesis atthe 2014 DLSU Research Congress

Why AUP COM?

Although not an Adventist, an oppor-tunity to attend to a Medical Schoolthat enabled him to stay with his fam-ily proved to be an enticing offer asthe home is definitely the best place tobe when the going gets tough. Espe-cially in medical school where morethan blood, sweat, and tears will beshed. AUP COM is therefore the bestfit as not only are the Adventists re-nowned as health care trainers andproviders, the atmosphere of the cam-pus is conducive for the mind, as wellas for the soul.

Student: Lexan Erdin Lim CORDIALPermanent Address: AUP, Silang,CaviteYouth: AUP campusCollege: AUPDegree: BS Nursing Honors: Magna CumLaude; Clinical Excellence AwardOther distinctions: Top 6, Phil. NursingLicensure Examination;President, Graduating Class 2011Why AUP COM?

I believe that AUP-COM is the only medi-cal school here in the Philippines that pro-vide quality education and training and atthe same time emulates the Master Physi-

cian, Jesus Christ in His transforming heal-ing ministry. AUP emphasizes the value ofservice, the missionary spirit that Jesusexhibited when He healed the sick andthose who are in need. I also believe thatAUP-COM will equip me with all theworld class knowledge and skills necessaryto effectively provide care to my future

patients. I also admire the Goal of COM to

produce a holistic physiciansocial mobilizer,researcher, academician, clinician, manager andmost importantly, physician missionary.

Student: Weamirson Razon ESTRADAPermanent Address: Silang, CaviteYouth: AUP campus College: AUPDegree: BS Nursing Honors: Cum LaudeOther distinctions: student leader; Class Presi-dentWhy AUP COM?

He believes the AUP COM program will be

good - besides, living on campus it is very ac-

cessible. He says life will be easier here than

in other medical schools.

Student: April Rae Obregon GARCESPermanent Address: Makati CityYouth: Pasay and AUP

College: AUP Deg ree : BS B iol ogyHonors: Summa Cum LaudeOther distinctions:

Why AUP COM?

Having heard of the Sabbath-keeping problemsmany SDAs face at other medical schools, shekept hoping the AUP COM would start operat-ing soon after her graduation from premedicalstudies - and it did! She believes she canachieve many things at AUP COM.

Student: Paul Rothwel Condino DE JESUSPermanent Address: Sta. Maria, LagunaYouth: Laguna College: AUPDegree: BMLS Honors: Deans ListOther distinctions: Top 3, Phil. Med.

Tech Board ExamWhy AUP COM?

He chose AUP COM because he is convincesthat the Adventist faith is integrated in itscurriculum. There is no other medical school inthe Philippines that offers such unique and qual-ity instruction. He says I strongly believethat this school will provide a wholesome envi-ronment that will harness my total developmentin preparation for a life of joyful service as anexcellent, compassionate, Adventist MissionaryPhysician. The very long wait to have the pro-gram approved did not hinder my desire to be

part of the AUP College of Medicine:


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Student: Vanda Charisse C. DEJOLDEPermanent Address: Silang, CaviteYouth: MindanaoCollege: Father Saturnino Urios University

Degree: BS Biology Honors: -Other distinctions: -

Why AUP COM?

Her brother came across the announcement ofAUP COMs soon opening in Facebook. This

prompted her to apply because it is an Adventistschool and there will be no conflicts with Sab-

bath-keeping. Also, she trusts AUP COM hasincorporated spiritual concept of health in itsmedical education. In her words, . . . Being inthis school will make me more driven to what Ihope and plan to do in the future.

Student: Eimarlouyd P. MANSAGUITONPermanent Address: MVC, Valencia City

Youth: BukidnonCollege: MVC Degree: BS Nursing Honors: Magna Cum LaudeOther distinctions:Why AUP COM?

Having been in SDA educational institutions

since primary schooling, he firmly believes

that Adventist education is best.

Student: Aedrian Clifford RODRIGUEZPermanent Address: GMA, Cavite Youth: -College: AUP Degree: BMLSHonors: -Other distinctions:Why AUP COM?

He chose AUP COM not just because it isclose to home but more because here hewont have the Sabbath observance difficul-ties SDAs in other medical school experi-ence.

Student: Andy Graham Molina ROSASPermanent Address: Silang, CaviteYouth: Romblon

College: CPAC Degree: BS NursingHonors: -Other distinctions:

Why AUP COM?

He believes that AUP COM is Gods insti-tution for spiritual as well as academicadvancement and this institution and theenvironment is conducive for learning.

Student: Nim Franzio II A. SALAZARPermanent Address: AUP, Silang, CaviteYouth: AUP campus College: AUPDegree: BSML Honors: Deans AwardOther distinctions:

Why AUP COM?Since childhood he has lived on campus anddone all his studies here. Now, as he workstoward his dream of becoming a missionarydoctor, he thinks AUP COM is best for him.Here he hopes to work toward his passion tohelp the needy. He believes God has some-thing in store for him as a future physician-disciple.



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Student: Julienne Rowelie Aujero SANCHEZPermanent Address: Caloocan CityYouth: Caloocan City and BulacanCollege: AUP Degree: BS NursingHonors: Magna Cum Laude;Clinical Excellence AwardOther distinctions: -

Why AUP COM?She says Aside from AUP being my AlmaMater, this institution has provided me withhigh quality education and prepared me to

become a registered nurse, ready in servicefor others. AUP provides and equips stu-dents not only with necessary knowledge andskill for their chosen profession but alsohelps to strengthen faith and above all,teaches to put Christ as the first, best and lastin life. I strongly believe I can achieve mydream to become a world-class ChristianPhysician and serve others till the MasterPhysician comes.

Student: Alexzan Dela Cruz BERNARDINOPermanent Address: Imus, Cavite

Youth: Pasay CityCollege: AUP Degree: BSMLHonors: Magna Cum LaudeOther distinctions: -Why AUP COM?

He has always wanted to become a physicianknowing that way God could better use himto help the sick and heal not just their physi-cal bodies but most importantly their spiritualillnesses. The environment at AUP is a plusfactor, compared to other medical schoolcampuses.

Dr. Doris A. Mendoza, MD

Founding Dean, AUP College of Medicine;University of the Philippines College ofMedicine, Class 1975; Pediatric Residency,UP-PGH Medical Center; Fellowship inPediatric Cardiology, Kyoto University Hos-

pital, Kyoto, Japan; Fellowship in PediatricCardiology , Childrens Medical Center ofIsrael, Petah Tiqva, Israel; Clinical Mentor-ship in Pediatric Cardiology & PediatricHeart Transplant, International Heart Insti-tute, Loma Linda Medical Center; ClinicalMentorship in Bioethics, Spirituality, andWellness, Loma Linda University; Head,Institutional Ethics Review Board for Bio-Medical Researches, West Visayas State

University (Past); Fellow, Philippine Pedia-tric Society; Pediatric-Cardiologist; Acade-mician, Retired Professor V, after 36 years asPioneer Faculty at West Visayas State Uni-versity College of Medicine, Iloilo City.

Vision of the College of Medicine in the next

5 years:

By the end of 4 years, the first batch of medicalstudents would be graduating as the 5-star plus

physicians that the COM purposed for them tobecome: clinician, educator, researcher, man-ager-administrator, and social mobilizer. Butover and above that, they have been trained to

become missionary physicians. They wouldthen be proceeding on their fifth year as post-graduate interns who will put into clinical prac-tice all that they have learned.


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The 43rd AWESNA 2015 Convention in San Jose was a success attributed to God and to the host chapters, Central valley and

Greater Northern California; behind the scene are the hard working men and women of AWESNA. Building Bridges for Today and

Eternity is all about Gods providential leadings us to Him. What we do are just peripherals, and details that can go around and

around. But the main focus is to glorify God and Him only is the central figure in our organization. The FACES of AWESNA are

men and women who dedicated their lives to Serve and Shine for the Master . Here are happy faces of AWESNA who have the

willingness to use their God-given talents to serve the Alma Mater, AUP and the communities far and near. This year,2016,

AWESNA is going for a medical mission in Borongan, Eastern Samar. Let us work together to make this outreach event a success

and a real blessing to many people that were affected by calamities. Thanks to all willing helpers and God bless AWESNA!


Letty Banaag, Chapter President

THE FACES OF AWESNA


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The PUC-AUP Centennial Celebration(1917-2017)

Fellow Alumni,

Greeting hope youre all doing well and blessed this

new year.

Lately some alumni have been inquiring about next year

AUP centennial celebration wanting to know specifics so

they could plan to participate in this momentous mile-

stone celebration for our alma mater. So I took

the initiative to ask contact in the Philippines and they

too have don't know of any definitive on going effort toorganize at this point of time.

As a concern alumni fortunate to be still alive, (God will-

ing) for this celebration I am taking the initiative to com-

municate with you prime movers in the AWESNA, EAS-

NAC, Philippine and other alumni that we coordinate our

efforts to have a Joint Convention in the Philippines to

celebrate this important occasion. If this is something we

want then let us be cognizant that time is of the essence

and we need to move right away. Have a steering com-mittee and get the organizational infrastructure so we

could move on.

We know the AUP administration hands occupied run-

ning the school most especially the recent opening of the

College of Medicine which is understandably a large

undertaking, and we take our hat off to them. So I hope

we could band together as proud alumni and pool our

resources together to make this event happen.

Shine on Forever AUP,

Your humble foot soldier,

Laurence T. Gayao, MD

COMMENTARY

By Laurence T. Gayao,,M.D.


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AWESNA Treasurer, Ella N. AlcaideAWESNA, Inc.P.O. Box 11053Glendale, CA 912261712 Orchard Avenue, Glendale, CA 91206Tel. 818-240-2086 , Email: [email protected]

The StoryI'm Lailanie Fronda, a travel blogger/writer and a vegetarian runner. I'm a firm be-liever of quality and holistic education as a channel of growth and success. I grew up inPinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, and I'm an alumna of PAES (Pinamalayan AdventistElementary School).

I was in Saraburi, Thailand on Dec. 14-18, 2016 when typhoon Nona's wrath wreckedmy hometown & its nearby towns in our province, Oriental Mindoro. Since I had noWiFi connection until I got back to Bangkok on December 18, I had no idea how horrible the aftermath of thetyphoon was.

I was grateful that our house wasn't much destructed, some of our roof were torn and nowhere to be found. Butseeing the news online broke my heart, seeing the huge damage of our town to be particular. My heart sankupon seeing my beloved alma mater, PAES (Pinamalayan Adventist Elementary School), was devastated bytyphoon Nona.

Editors note: I would like to appeal to our alumni to help restore the PAES school building . If you feelimpressed to help and donate any amount please do so. Thank you in advance for your generous support.



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Adventist News


Leonardo R. Asoy, president of the Seventh-day AdventistChurchs Southern Asia-Pacific Division, died Tuesday after amonths-long struggle with a rare bone marrow disease. He was56.Asoy was just elected president at the General Conference Ses-sion in San Antonio, Texas, in July 2015, replacing the ailingAlberto C. Gulfan Jr., who died of cancer on Sept. 26.Asoy, who was hospitalized about two months after the GeneralConference Session, died at 8:35 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Advent-ist Medical Center-Manila, Philippines, from complications dueto myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare disease in which the bonemarrow is unable to produce adequate healthy blood cells.

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Pastor Leo-nardo R. Asoy, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division said in astatement. We request your continued prayers for the familyduring this tragic time. We cling to Gods enduring presence andHis promise of the resurrection.Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the Adventist world church,called Asoy a dynamic promoter and supporter of evangelism.He was a valiant guardian of the eternal truths of Scripture andthe marvelous Advent movement God has entrusted into thehands of Seventh-day Adventists, Wilson said on his Facebookpage.He offered his condolences to Asoys wife, Elma, and two adultchildren, Elnardz and Shawnette, on behalf of the Adventist

world church and said he and his wife, Nancy, had prayed forthem. We have prayed for them and will pray that the Com-forter will come close to them bringing the realization of theblessed hope we have in Christs soon return, he said.Funeral arrangements are pending, the division said.

The divisions executive secretary, Samuel Saw, will serve asacting president until a new president is elected, in accordancewith the General Conferences Working Policy. The secretaryalso serves as president in the absence of the president, accord-ing to Article VI of the bylaws of the General Conference Con-stitution. Saw filled that role during Asoys illness.

Eager to Serve as PresidentAsoy enthusiastically welcomed his role as president after hiselection last July. When Adventist Review/ANN reporter Mi-chael W. Campbell asked him what burdens God had placed onhis heart, he said he was especially eager to find ways to reachthe many Buddhists and Muslims in his division, which encom-passes the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and 10other countries.

One of the burdens we have in this territory is how to reachBuddhists and Muslims, Asoy said.He also expressed concern about nurturing new members andsaid he hoped to encourage all members to read the Bible andthe writings of Adventist Church cofounder Ellen G. Whiteregularly.This quinquennium has seen an average of 80,000 individualsbaptized each year, he said, speaking of the five years from2010 to 2015. Our challenge is to strengthen and nurture newbelievers in this division.Campbell, who interviewed Asoy backstage at the General Con-ference Session before newly elected division leaders went onstage for an official introduction on July 6, remembered himTuesday as a very gracious man.

Turning Trips into Mentoring SessionsLeonardo Remulta Asoy was born on Nov. 18, 1959, in Min-danao in southern Philippines, and graduated from the Adventist-owned Mountain View College in 1983 with a degree in theol-ogy. He first worked as a district pastor in Ozamis City in thechurchs Western Mindanao Conference and later as its youthdirector from 1988 to 1990.

In 1990, he earned a masters degree in pastoral studies from theAdventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) inCavite, Philippines.Whatever knowledge Asoy gained from his Adventist education,he returned hundredfold, friends said.Felixian T. Felicitas, dean of the School of Theology at Moun-tain View College, recalled traveling with Asoy on numerousevangelism outings early in their 15-year friendship.

Southern Asia-Pacific Division President

Succumbs to Rare Disease

Leonardo R. Asoy, president of the SouthernAsia-Pacific Division. (David B. Sherwin)

Leonardo R. Asoy was just elected to office six months ago.


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On most of our trips, Pastor Asoy wouldturn our long travels into mentoring ses-sions, Felicitas said. At times he wouldpark his blue pick-up truck and we would sitin the back, resting. He would simply sharehis ministry experiences to me. Little did Iknow then that this was his own little way ofteaching and mentoring me.Felicitas last saw Asoy at the hospital onDec. 23, two days before Christmas.We talked our conversation was filledwith his eagerness to hear news about me,my family, my ministry, and Mountain ViewCollege and we prayed, Felicitas said.As I was praying, I could hear his affirma-

tions and felt his deep commitment and lovefor Jesus. Felicitas gave Asoy a hug as heprepared to leave. Asoy broke into tears, say-ing: Pray for me. Serve well. Thank you!Then he added in a quivering voice, See youagain! Yes, Pastor Asoy, Felicitas toldtheAdventist Review. We will see you againon that great resurrection morning!

A Passionate Sabbath School LeaderIn the 1990s, Asoys church work took himto the South Philippine Union Conference,where he served as youth director and later as

Sabbath School and personal ministries di-rector. After a one-year stint as president ofthe Davao Mission in 2003, he returned tothe union to serve as ministerial secretary. In2007, Asoy accepted a call to serve as theSabbath School and personal ministries di-rector for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.He was passionate about Sabbath Schooland the importance of strengthening the faithof our members through lively and interest-ing Sabbath Schools, said Linda Mei LinKoh, director of the Childrens Ministriesdepartment of the Adventist world church,

who worked with Asoy for the past nineyears.Koh said Asoy organized large SabbathSchool congresses and always invited her toprovide training for the children SabbathSchool teachers and leaders. Because of hiswit and humor, Asoy also was known as asought-after interpreter for foreign speakersin division-wide meetings hosted in the

southern Philippines, friends said.

A Celebration of Piety and Humil-

ityAsoy served as president of the South Phil-ippine Union Conference from 2011 untillast year, turning it into one of the best-managed unions in the Adventist Church,known for its forwarding-looking leader-ship, evangelistic fervor, and team spirit,said G.T. Ng, executive secretary of theAdventist world church and a friend ofAsoy for more than two decades.Ng said he would long remember the oneday that Asoy left the hospital to attend theopening of the Southern Asia-Pacific Divi-sions year-end meetings on Nov. 6. Asoyhad been confined to his hospital room for47 days, but he made it a point to be dis-charged from the hospital in time to attendthe morning worship of the opening ses-sion.With a distinct voice he welcomed thedelegates, Ng said. He spoke with re-sounding gusto, saying how grateful hewas to be present in the midst of fellowleaders from the unions. He thanked theassembly for their prayers on his behalf.

He described his medical condition and thedoctors prognosis of his recovery.He was fully committed to the Lord andto the full restoration of health. I saw withmy own eyes the extraordinary valor andtenacity of a godly man.Ng described Asoys life as a celebrationof piety, humility, zeal, and unflinchingcourage.Though assailed with great odds, he dem-onstrated exceptional fortitude, he said.Like the Apostle Paul, he could say, Thisone thing I do, in his lifelong commitment

to the mission of the church. Here is a val-iant soldier of Christ waiting to see HisMaster face to face soon.

-

Reported by Andrew McChesney,

News Editor ,Adventist Review


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AWESNA 44th Annual Convention

Honolulu, Hawaii, September 2-4, 2016

Co-hosted by the Loma Linda and Hawaii (Aloha) Chapters

COMING SOON!

Please support our nextAWESNA Medical Mission 2016 inBorongan, Eastern Samar,

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