Message from Brod Mel Adriano ’69 / APO Philippines National President

Last Thursday, October 9, 2008, your National Council with the cooperation of APO Lawman Association honored Brod PDG Jess Verzosa with a Testimonial Dinner for his recent promotion as the Chief of PNP in the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza, Ortigas, Pasig City.

More than 400 of our brethren, in their Sunday’s best, anxiously awaited the arrival of the honoree, whose schedule was delayed because of an urgent matter in Congress. By 8PM the ballroom, initially reserved for 300, had expanded its capacity to 400. Many more of our brods and sis were left to SRO or just stayed in the hotel lobby.

In attendance were an impressive cast of virtually the “Who’s Who” of APO. Cabinet Secretary Bebot Bello, DENR Undersecretary Eli Quinto, DENR Director for NCR Cora Davis, DILG Secretary’s Chief of Staff Jun Veron Cruz, Marikina RTC Judge Alice Gutierrez, Former PITC Secretary and Governor Obet Pagdanganan, LWUA Leyte Administrator and former Vice Governor Gang-gang Villasin, MSU Vice President Dax Macaraya led the contingent of government officials. Five APO Past National Presidents also attended to convey their honors, i.e. Tony Dimaano, Cary Lazo, Marney Alquiza, Rod Mapoy and Jimmy De Castro. Elected officials in attendance were Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Adiong, Biliran Gov. Roger Espina, Bohol Vice Governor Julius Herrera and numerous other town and municipal mayors, councilors (too many to mention). Seven of our generals were also there, PNP CSupt Ding Pace, PNP CSupt Ireneo Bacolod, PNP CSupt Sam Tucay, PNP CSupt Tagoy Santiago, PNP CSupt Boni Bonifacio, Brig Gen Jojie Segovia and BJMP Gen Alonto. Again, Sr. Supts and Supts in attendance were too many to mention.

The program started with an impressive Entry of Colors by a PNP contingent. This was followed by invocations in Muslim and Christian. We recited our Scout Oaths and Law, Mission statements and sang our National Anthem. Brother John Lesaca showed us why he was an award winning violin player. His renditions of favorite left the audience breathless in admiration of his music. The PNP Combo also provided entertainment for all.

Brod Jess arrived at 9:30pm and the crowd even got excited. He was introduced by brod SAF Gen Tagoy Santiago. When it was time for Brod Jess’ speech the whole room was quiet eagerly listening to everything the CPNP said.

Several toasts were led by USEC Quinto (Leadership), Judge Alice (Friendship) and Col Fortune Guerrero (Service).

The evening ended with brod Jess going around the room for photo-ops with all those in attendance.

It was a night that gave us great APO Moments!

• Please allow me to thank our generous donors of red wines for the occasion, Brod Gene Carino (Gamma Epsilon) and Brod Romy Ripalda (Alpha Epsilon).
• Thank you to APO LAwman AA led by its President C Supt Tagoy (Pi) for partnering with us.
• Thank you also for the hardworking NAO staff led by our NED Tito Garcia (Eta).
• Thank you too to Sis Lina Revalo (Epsilon) for helping out in the reception.
• Thank you to the beautiful Omicron sisters (whose names I am missing) for being our gracious usherettes for the night.

Photos courtesy of___