Minutes of March 13, 1999 meeting, Northern California Contingent:

Agenda prepared and Presided by: Olet Abad

Attendees: Johann Y., Edgar C., Joji P., Arnel C., Jun U., Gilbert C., Wally B. Special guests were Sisters Rosaline and Virginia from the Sisters of Social Services and Greg and Annie Improgo.

1. Wally started it off by summarizing the meeting of the socal contingent. It was duly noted that they kicked off their fund raising by contributing money to buy a full page ad for the Philippine Boys Choir program.

Previously, Olet met with Aleli Geronimo, an associate of the Sisters of Social Services. In a nutshell, she informed Olet that there were 1800 tickets available for the April 30th concert of the choir. Since there is only one concert date here in the Bay Area, the push was to sell the tickets. Olet was given 50 tickets and eight were bought by Johann and Edgar after the meeting (thank you very much!). Help get the word out about the concert through various means - media, local churches, employee associations, etc.

2. Medical Mission - There was a concensus within the group that the socal contingent is more capable coordinating this event due to their expertise in this field. We from norcal will get directions from our brothers in socal on what we can do for this mission.

3. Johann suggested that we try to contact Dick Manlapaz who, he believes, is trying to pass the board or get his medical license. (Johann, this is a tasker for you. Thanks.)

4. April 16 mini Reunion in Socal - Some members of the norcal contingent have expressed a desire to go to the mini reunion the socal boys are organizing for April 16. There were no firm commitments, though. Maybe if Arnel could arrange for special discounts for our contingency to stay at a nearby Hyatt...?

5. Olet noted the purpose of the medical mission. We know it is an altruistic event to help the disadvantaged, the poor. The question that arises is: is this a one shot deal? Are we doing this because it is our once-in-a-lifetime contribution just like our once-in-a-lifetime silver jubilee? Can this become an on-going annual event? How can this become an on-going event? What about those who are outside the medical profession? How can they participate in this mission? We don't want to leave anyone out who wants to participate one way or another.

Joji made a suggestion of establishing a fund wherein members will contribute a certain amount every month (one suggestion was $10). It was envisioned that this fund will be used to grant a scholarship to a needy student to help in tuition or other expenses. Wally shared his experience during his senior year about the help he received so that he could finish high school.

We are calling on everyone to brain storm on the scholarship fund. We need someone who has experience in establishing a non-profit organization and registering it. Let us pool our resources for this.

6. There was a suggestion, or rather a question, on how to summarize our batch's Echoes so that it would fit the website. Sonny V., is that possible? It was also noted that your website will be changing in the near future. Let us know what we need to do to keep this thing going.

Webmaster's Note: Anyone who has a website may want to take on this task and we could link to each other. I apologize if cannot accept this challenge as it will put my "quality time" with my family in jeopardy.

7. Family Pictures (real or unreal ones) - Will be mailed to Olet who will scan them and send to Sonny V.