Ateneo de Naga Association of Southern California,
Los Angles (ADNASCLA)

In the spring of 1990, Tino Bernas dropped by Los Angeles to see relatives and friends and schoolmates (Ateneans from Naga). His cousin, Tony Martires, called some Ateneans and met with Tino one evening. During the get together, Tino mentioned the big plan of the Ateneo de Naga and ADNAA (Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association) to celebrate the golden jubilee of the school.

Taking the cue from Tino, the local alumni agreed to spread the work to other fellow alumni and met one morning in Glendale Park. About 20 Ateneans showed up and they decided to form an alumni association. However, it was suggested that more members be gathered and to hold an election two weeks after the lobby of the Philippine Consulate. From there, the Ateneo de Naga Alumni of Southern California, Los Angeles (ADNASCLA) was born.

Plans to join the Golden Jubilee Celebration did not materialize because the ADN and ADNAA changed the dates of the celebration and the ADNASCLA group could not adjust to those dates. However, through fund raising and contributions, almost $8,000 was sent as contribution to the endowment fund (Scholarship). ADNASCLA also came out with a souvenir journal for the occasion and celebrated the golden jubilee with a mass and dinner dance (Blue Ball). From then on, it sponsored scholarships individually and jointly.

ADNASCLA joined the newly formed All Ateneo Alumni of Southern California (AAASCA), which organized the first All Ateneo Convention in the summer of 1994 in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the reorganization, AAASCA was changed to AAAA, All Ateneo Alumni Alliance. And in the Spring of 1995, ADNASCLA was very active in organizing the Spiritual Renewals conducted by Rev. James Reuters, S.J. former Ateneo de Naga professor and mentor. Part of the proceeds was given to the Ateneo de Naga Scholarship program. In Fall of 1995, the “Wings of Song” project was initiated by ADNASCLA and was supported by the Ateneo Alliance. The musical concert was a smashing success, and the beneficiary of the funds was the Pagamutan Pangharap (Hospital for the poor), a project of Fr. James Reuter.

The late Peping Factora was the 1st President and later became the Chairman of the Board. He was instrumental in the organization of the alumni association in its early stages, and was very active and dedicated to the association’s various activities.

In the following years, Antonio Martires, Celso dela Cruz, Dodong Diamante, and Albert Serrano became the Presidents in succession. For the term, 2004-2005, the new executive officers are as follows:

PRESIDENT: Raul Ballesteros
VICE-PRESIDENT: Angel Martires
SECRETARY: Antonio Factora
TREASURER: Gene Martires Leano
CHAIRMAN OF BOD: Albert Serrano

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Raul Ballesteros
Joseph Bonite
Joelan Brillo
Celso dela Cruz
Dodong Diamante
Antonio Martires
Saturnino Reorizo
Alberto Serrano

Last May 2004, a new organization’s website was created: www.ADNASCLA.org . Its main purpose is to have a better communication between members and to promote the organization online. As of today, ADNASCLA has a roster of 120 members.