Message of Thanks
to all Alaminos Associations in California

First and foremost, Thank You … Thank You very much for the honor you have bestowed in me. It was indeed an honor to be invited as the Guest Speaker for your wonderful events. Alaminians here are always getting news about your gatherings in the States and being able to participate as their representative made the events more personal and special to them and me.

Secondly, Thank You for the exemplified hospitality you have extended to me. It was the epitome of the customary Filipino hospitality known all over the world. It definitely was a delight to see so many familiar faces and a pleasure to meet new Alaminians and friends of Alaminos!

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I would like to take this opportunity to summarized and re-capitulate my recent California trip.

Initially, it began with an invitation to be the Inducting Officer for the unified Alaminos associations of San Diego. As time permitted, we were able to schedule meeting with associations in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Areas. The associations I was able to meet with are:

San Diego: Alaminos City Assn. of San Diego County (uniting the Alos Assn., Lucap Assn., San Vicente Assoc.) and Alaminos High School Alumni Assn. International - Jimmy Boton, Pres.

Los Angeles: Alaminos Pangasinan Assn. of U.S.A. - Rolly Piol, Pres.; Alaminos Pangasinan Assn of Southern California - Tita Romero, Pres.; United High School Alumni Assn. of Alaminos Pangasinan World Wide - Lina Cabal, Pres.; and The Brotherhood Pangasinan in America - Gil Mislang, Pres.

San Francisco: Alaminos Pangasinan Assn of Northern California - Memi Bautista, Pres.

At each of the events, I was given the honor as Guest Speaker to make a speech on the developments of Alaminos after becoming a city. Basically, my presentation was a "State of the City" report in which I spoke about the developments of Alaminos. Some of the topics I touched on are the City Mall/Public Market construction, the City Hall Renovation, the completed infrastructure projects like Farm-to-Market Roads, and future projects like the possibility of an airport in Alaminos. During these events, I was able to answer your questions both at the group and personal levels. It truly was a good opportunity to share news and ideas of our emerging city.

The last on the trip agenda was attending a City Council Session for West Sacramento City, Yolo County with Bill Resendez. The City Council, which includes City Mayor William G. Kristoff and four member Council, graciously welcomed me with a Mayor's Proclamation and a Key to the City of West Sacramento. A point of interest is that two of the Council Members are Filipinos with one having roots in Alaminos namely, the Honorable Mark Pompeo Montemayor. At the council session, I presented our desire to form a Sister Cityhood relationship with West Sacramento, which was well received. The groundwork and preparations for forming the relationship are now in progress. Hopefully, the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement will be at the end of October or first week of November 2002. West Sacramento should not be confused with the city across the Sacramento River, The City of Sacramento and Capital of California, which has Manila as its Sister City.

Jimmy Boton is also looking into the possibility of Sister Cityhood relationship with either Chula Vista or National City both in San Diego County.

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The unification of the San Diego associations thru the efforts their hard working officers is marvelous and admirable. Quoting ACASDC Advisor Alex P. Duque in his message for the Souvenir Program:

"I am referring to the merger of the different organizations existing m San Diego namely Alaminos High School Alumni Association International, Alos Association of U.S.A., San Vicente Association of U.S.A. and Lucap Association and other barangays from Alaminos. These associations are sometimes operating and functioning separately and independently in their honest efforts to attain their respective goals and objectives. We cannot over emphasize the marked advantages of the merger. Under this set up, the barriers between them are torn down and demolished thereby allowing them to operate as one. More often than not, we used to engage in competitive endeavor, beneficial or destructive, more often destructive. Under this merger since there will be more active members, it follows that we shall accomplish more in terms of benefits, both for the association as well as our brothers and sisters in Alaminos whom we intend to assists and serve."

If this unification can be extended worldwide, WOW! Imagine the resources available toward the uplifting of Alaminos. It would be BAYANIHAN talaga at its best! Without losing your identities, individual associations can form affiliations for a common projects or goals. What one group may lack, another may have. Ultimately our common goal is for the good of our hometown and its citizens.

An invitation is extended to all Alaminos associations worldwide to submit your group's profile and information for posting on our website. Let us show the projects and achievements of your association to the rest of the world!

Through our website Alaminians worldwide can stay up to date on the progress and events as they happen in Alaminos. The website has a forum board for the exchange of ideas and discussion of issues. It is a good venue to give feedback to the city government and to gets answers of questions concerning Alaminos. The website is available for your associations and for other Alaminians throughout the world. Let us stay connected through the Information Superhighway. In addition to my old email address of citymayor@alaminoscity.com, you can also use mayor@alaminoscity.gov.ph.

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Finally, I would like to give thanks to our friends at www.AlaminosCity.com. They have been instrumental in the scheduling and coverage of this memorable trip. By following their motto toward the fulfillment of their vision, they have provided the technological tools that will help the growth of Alaminos, thanks guys!

ac.c MOTTO - "The dreams of few for the benefit of ALL."
ac.c VISION - To showcase The City of Alaminos globally.

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Sa inyong lahat, my deepest and most heart felt respect, appreciation, and THANKS.

Mabuhay Alaminos,
Mayor "Dong" Fontelera