Welcome to our home page...
We are the men and women who work as staff of the Diplomatic Missions (Embassies) of various countries to the United Nations in New York.
We ourselves come from different countries - and not necessarily from the same countries that we serve - but we have joined hands to form a veritable association of people of different nationalities, color, and creed. Our main aim is, of course, to look after our common welfare, but more specifically we try to provide opportunities for wholesome entertainment and interaction. We have health and fitness equipment, conduct sports tournaments, and also programs for improving members' skills and knowledge.
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. Rene Tubilleja (New Zealand) |
President | |
Manuel San Luis (Thailand) |
Vice President | |
Valentino Tarquian (United Arab Emirates) |
Treasurer | |
Willibrod Barrientos (Tanzania) |
Assistant Treasurer | |
Ricardo Reyes (Namibia) |
Secretary | |
Teodulfo Ignacio (Ethiopia) |
Assistant Secretary | |
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
Victoriano Arias (Algeria)
Allan Cuaton (Swaziland)
Winnard Fiebor (Ghana)
Eriberto Gascon (Australia)
Sonny Manalansang (Suriname)
Eduardo Silva (Mauritius)
Benny Wakkary (New Zealand)
OTHER OFFICERS
Auditors:
Vic Garingan (France)
Jun Casino (Namibia)
Liaison:
Rolly Torres (South Africa)
Edgardo Silva (Lesotho)
Ways and Means:
Antonio Pacheco (UAE)
Manuel Bienvinida(UAE)
Antonio Baro (Zimbabwe)
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On February 17, 1998 our member Oscar Briones had a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of his wife Carolyn, mother Erlinda, and babysitter Lucia. Oscar and his 2-year old son Carl are in critical condition at a Syracuse Hospital, near the site of the crash. Please pray for the recovery of Oscar and his son, and the repose of the souls of his departed family members
UPDATE (April 1998): Oscar says thanks to all for the well-wishes, flowers, financial contributions, and most especially, for the prayers. He sincerely believes that his son Carl's and his miraculous recovery is attributed to the many prayers said in their behalf. Last Saturday, 17 April, the members of ALSPEM got together at Rolly Torres' place for prayers and to give Oscar a little get-together for his birthday...
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SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
NEWSLETTER
‘97 ALSPEM Christmas Party
by Rolly Torres
For the third consecutive year since its inception, the Association of the Local Staff of Permanent Missions to the UN held its traditional and very successful Christmas Party. As usual food was bountiful, the music blared favorite Christmas Carols, as well as dance music that catered to all generations. Among the throng of party-goers were a lot of new faces, not present last year. This, an obvious testimony to the fact that, yes, the Organization is continuing to grow and expand its membership.
One thing great about every ALSPEM party is the almost absence of exclusivity. In addition to ALSPEM members and families and personal invitees, practically all ALSPEM friends are welcome to attend. Among this group were members of the UN Ballroom Dance Club who delighted the crowd with their dancing expertise. Truly there was never a dull moment as everyone tried to strut their best on the dance floor. Members of the UN Security also attended in good numbers, reinforcing the tight bond and good rapport between the two groups. Lastly there was this group of former UN-connected people who have moved on with their lives but came back just for this night to reminish and touch base with old acquaintances.
This year’s Christmas Party was structured to be more free-wheeling, which meant more time at the dance floor and less time listening to speeches. Our President, of course, Mr Rene Tubilleja gave his traditional Christmas greetings to everyone. The raffles were held and some very lucky people went home happy with the prizes they won. Before anyone realized it, the Christmas bash has ran its course. Overall we were all treated to a great time as only an ALSPEM Party can!!
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF ALSPEM
By Ricardo Reyes,
Sports and Recreational Committee Chairman
Before ALSPEM came into fruition, the atmosphere in the Drivers' Lounge was a newspaperman's place. Swapping stories, gossips, rumors, etc., were the only activities one can enjoy to pass the time. This, of course, is aside from cleaning the car or doing the overtime sheet with a cup of coffee or tea. Imagine! This had been going for decades. While the United Nations organization assemble above ground, drivers of multinational origins gather underground in the basement parking, sitting bored until called. Most of these drivers have talents and even higher educational attainments. That is why it was only a matter of starting something which can motivate these people to make use of their abilities. When the Association started 2 years ago there was a campaign to start making the Lounge livelier. It begun with a few people offering $10 each as contribution to purchase a Pingpong table. That created a chain reaction so that more people were motivated to do the same. In a short time the item was ordered and the fun had begun. It did not stop there, however, as a dart board was soon added and then a chessboard.
In 1995, some members suggested a Billiard Pool Table. It was a great idea but for the cost of $2,300 or so. It seemed impossible to raise that amount. After some helpful suggestions and discussions the amount could only be reached by giving incentives to those who can invest in the so called ALSPEM Billiard Cooperative. The plan was to make players pay for the games and the profits shared. Encouraged, members gladly contributed with larger sums at $10 per share. In due time a 9' Billiard Table was purchased and was installed in April, 1995. Everyone came to enjoy the game and talents developed. At the present time we are in the midst of the final rounds of a billiard tournament. The champion and first placer will be awarded big trophies. As regards other physical fitness programs, we bought an elecric treadmill. For outdoor lovers, we like to organize camping trips and other excursions.
ADDRESS: Murray Hill Station, PO Box 691, New York, NY 10156 TELEPHONE: (212) 963-1234 ext. 7677 (United Nations) (212) 223-9564 |