MELLIE B. SORIANO
Chairman of The Board
2012 -2013 Overview
February 1, 2014
Nov. 2011 was indeed a very special year in the history of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA as 501C (3) organization.
On this day – the PB-USA held its election and elected its new set of officers and Board Of Directors.
On that day – we elected a new President who has many years of experience in the field of industry and running his own business. Someone who has a large network of professionals he has cultivated though the years.
This person is very passionate about helping other people become successful and most importantly someone who has the vision of leading PB-USA to be an organization that will enrich the lives of its members and mind you – he has the capability to do so.
Ladies and Gentlemen – the person I am referring to is non- other that the President of PB-USA Mr. Eddie Ferrer.
Then of course we proceeded  and elected the PB-USA, Inc. Board member led by yours truly as the Chairman of the Board. .
PB-USA- Inc. became a 501C(3) organization during the term of PB- USA Past President Mr. Dan Nino.
As the governing body of any non-profit organization – the Board Of Directors has to re-visit our by-laws and made sure that the PB-USA, Inc. is in confirmation with  the rules and regulations as a 501C (3) organization.
We made some resolutions and amendments, deletions and additions of the current by-laws of the PB-USA, Inc. and of course all these were presented to the general membership and was overwhelmingly approved.
The current By-laws can be requested from the PB-USA-Inc. with certain condition and criteria.
Several meetings, special meetings from both the Executive branch and the Board of Directors then followed  – emphasis on the following matters to name a few:
1. How to make the PB-USA- Inc. the best 501C(3) organization there is.
2. Fundraising, Fundraising, Fundraising and more Fundraising.
During one of the Board meeting a lot of Fundraising  suggestion were discussed – among which are the following:
1. Raffle
2. Trip  to Casinos
3. Beauty Contest
Raffle – We were very successful with this fundraising – the PB- USA, Inc. made a substantial amount to carry out our mission.
Trip to Casinos – again we were able to raise a nice chunk of dinero.
Beauty Contest – Oh what a night that was. Congratulations to all the beautiful young ladies who participated and most importantly to the parents – thank you very much. Of course – how can I forget the handsome Emcee that night – non-other than Bong Soriano – good job Bong.
Also kudos to all those who in one way or another have helped the Beauty contest a success.
1. Mr. & Mrs. Leo Arce and Family – Director of the beauty contest.
2. The parents of the beauty contestant themselves.
3.  Mr. & Mrs. Roger Cabal for the awesome and beautiful decorations.
4. Most importantly to all our patrons, donors, guests, relatives and friends -and to everyone who were present – thank you.
Of course – let us not forget that PB-USA’s main mission is to sponsor deserving students from our Province Of Pangasinan to fulfill their dreams and we will continue to do just that. With the help of each and every one of us we have sponsored scholars from different towns of Pangasinan. Some of them are now professional.
Of course- things were not as easy they seems to be- problems were encountered along the way and that is to be expected.
Problems did not stop PB-USA, Inc. to continue its mission. Our very abled and generous President – Eddie Ferrer thought of having a trade show seminars and WALLA – the 1st trade seminar (How to Start Import Export Business) was launched – at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel. Prominent guest speaker were in attendance among them were;
1. Representative from Federal Food Administration
2. Logistics and Transportation Director Of Marketing
3.  Representative  of California Board of Equalization
4. And our very own Consul General of Los Angeles Helen Barbers Dela Vega.
The 1st Trade and Product Sourcing and manufacturing seminars was created to help our Kabaleyan in our Province of Pangasinan better their livelihood & to help introduce their products in the global market. It is also established for the following reason:
1. Bring awareness to the many of one of kind product that were made in the Philippines.
2. Help establish profitable business relationship between entrepreneur and the local manufacturing companies in the town and cities of Pangasinan.
3. Bottom-line – the PB-USA, Inc. is committed to help our people in our beloved province of Pangasinan.
Sept, 21, 2013 came the 2nd phase Trade Product Sourcing and Manufacturing Seminar. This time it was held at our very own Leisure Coast resort – Bonuan, Binloc Dagupan City.
Again, prominent guest were in attendance and invited.
Among them:
1. Hon. Board Member Ranjit Shahani and Clemente Arboleda.
2. Our Friend Mr. Raffy Barraan – Provincial administrator.
3. Rev. Monsignor Sabangan
4. Mr. Roger Oriel – Owner and Publisher of Asian Journal
5. Atty. Virgil Sy – CEO of American Ranch
6. Mr. Felix Lopez- Pres. of Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce South West Corridor Cerritos, California to name a few.

This 2nd seminars was an event that mark the first of its kind produced by the Pangasinan Brotherhood – USA, Inc. The event was about entrepreneurship, social responsibility and exploring possibilities.
I remember that there was entertainer from the 1950″s saying that if opportunity is not knocking – build a door.

This quotation is what the PB-USA, Inc. is exactly trying to do. PB- USA, Inc. is trying to create opportunities for the Province of Pangasinan, the people of Pangasinan and both Pangasinan and United States member to become entrepreneur – and lastly for the world to see what the Province of Pangasinan can do for the world.
Once again this event was produced by a leader who had a tremendous amount of opportunity to help many people of different level from our province of Pangasinan. – this leader is none other than the President Eddie Ferrer.

Let us give him a very, very warm of applause.
Of course there were more activities and event that had happened during our first term of office 2012- 2013 and to name a few
1. Launching of Ex President Fidel Ramos book signing.
2. Our Annual Christmas Party
3. And many More.

In conclusion 2012 – 2013 were very challenging 2 years and yet fruitful in the history of PB-USA, Inc. as a 501C(3) charitable organization.
Then come Nov. 9, 2013 and you the general membership elected the new nine (9) Board members of the PB-USA, Inc.

Being elected again as the chairman of the Board for the year 2014-2015 – I will assure you that we will not stop but only continue to do the best we can to leave – up to your expectation.
The newly elected Board have elected the new President – once again -non – other than  Mr. Eddie Ferrer and yours truly as the Chairman Of The Board.

On behalf of all the following newly elected Board members – I ‘d like to thank you for once again  giving us the opportunity to serve you – The PB-USA, Inc.
Mr. Eddie C. Ferrer – President elect and Board Member.
Mrs. Lina Cabal – Vice Chairman of the Board
Mrs. Rhenee M. Coquia – board Secretary
Mrs. Nieves Coquia – Board Member and Membership chairman
Mr. Lino Caringal – Board Member and Executive Vice President
Mrs. Lydia Ceralde – Board Member and Scholarship Chairman
Mr. Ely Turingan – Board Member
Mrs. Elie Madrid – Board Member

At this point I am sure each and every one of us knew what destruction typhoon Yolanda has brought to the Philippines – specially the Visayan regions.
President Eddie Ferrer have the following proposed resolution which were overwhemtly approved by the Board of Director:
1) Help a small Diocese in the Province of Samar – the town of Borongan in cooperation of Fr. Ven who is   from Samar. Mechanics and details of this matter are almost in its finishing stages.
2) .Disbursement quota in the amount of $ 3000.00 for the construction of one unit house for the homeless. (Be it know that the $ 3000.00 was donated by EC Ferrer CHB, Inc. owned by Pres. Eddie Ferrer) This project is in Manmana GK Villasis, Pangasinan and for your information the money was already wired last t Jan. 21, 2014.
3). Of course we will forget our deserving scholar from Pangasinan.

This is all for now and stay tuned – more to come !

Thank You and God Bless us all

Mellie B. Soriano – Chairman Of the Board

Welcome Speech – Trade, Product Sourcing and Manufacturing – 01-26-2013

Mr.  Carlos Martinez Tomatis  Division – Vice President ABF Global Supply Chain Services, Inc. Consul General Helen Barber Dela Vega, Rev. Ven Amidar ,Anna Benevente ,President Eddie Ferrer, members of the Pangasinan Brotherhood USA, distinguished guests and invited guest, ladies and gentlemen –

I am very excited this morning to extend a very warm welcome to all of you to this wonderful event, here at the Long Beach Marriott. This event will give you a glimpse of the tremendous potential of doing business in the Philippines, more specifically, in the cities and Towns of Pangasinan and neighboring provinces. As chairman of the board of PBUSA and on behalf of all the board members of PBUSA, we are glad that you are all here and ready to discover the possibilities of partnering with the various cottage industries in the cities and Towns  of Pangasinan. Welcome to the Trade-Product Sourcing and Manufacturing seminar.

We hope that this event will create genuine interest in Philippine products … bring awareness to the many one of kind products that are made in Pangasinan … and help establish profitable  business relationships between entrepreneurs and the local manufacturing companies in the Cities and Towns  of Pangasinan. Imagine the possibilities. (Doesn’t that sound exciting?)

Organizing this event was not easy. Only someone who has many years of experience in the import/export industry and running his own business, someone who has a large network of professionals he has cultivated through the years, someone who is passionate about helping other business people become successful, and lastly, someone who has the vision of leading PBUSA to be an organization that enriches the lives of its members.  The individual who was responsible for bringing all of this together is none other than our very own Eddie C. Ferrer, President of EC Ferrer Custom Broker and Forwarding Company and the current president of PBUSA. Inc. We thank you, Eddie.

When I first heard of his proposal to organize this event, I knew that it was not going to be easy. Regardless, the rewards of putting up such an event would be undeniably great for all in attendance and associated with the event. The PBUSA board members gave their full support to make this event a reality. This event is timed just right. According to a major newspaper in the Philippines, an article which ran on December 12, 2012, it stated that Citibank and HSBC are forecasting a bright 2013 for the Philippines. Some of the points mentioned were increasing growth in private consumption… wise government spending and investing… and a resilient remittance industry. It was also mentioned that the investment in public infrastructure could very well be the medium-term “game changer “for the Philippines. Now is the right time to explore what could be a very profitable venture in the cities and Towns of Pangasinan.

We hope that by the end of this seminar, you too will feel the excitement. Again, on behalf of the board members of PBUSA…..WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE!

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
 MELLIE B. SORIANO

 MESSAGE

Feb. 5, 2012 1: 00 PM –  First Meeting – Marriot Courtyard, Garden Grove, California

Thank You for your presence

As this is our first meeting – it will be short one.

I am sure that we all heard  President Eddie Ferrer  who cannot emphasize enough that our main mission during his administration is to raise funds and follow the rules and procedure of the 501 C (3).

As your Chairman, I will try to adhere with the mission. This mission will not be possible without your help and cooperation – not only are we going to help the PB- USA but we will be helping some less fortunate individuals.

Also, as you’re Chairman – I would like to emphasized transparency amongst us. It is also important to me your attendance when a meeting is requested or as scheduled. San-aagi tayo – so let us help each other. I f for no valid reason you were not able to attend meetings – I will take it personally.

As you know we are all working voluntarily? We were nominated, accepted the nomination and finally got elected as board member without any hesitation or objections. So – with that said – I hope that we will do our responsibilities as board member without any reservation and hesitation. Let us keep the PB_USA attain its mission and goals.

As a governing body and policy maker of the organization we should adhere or practice the Good Governance of the 501C(3) organization which I just handed to you.

If we will follow this practice – we are going in the right direction and at the same time our organization will be legally and fiduciary in compliance with the Federal and State laws.

As a member of the board, we have the duty to exercise reasonable care when we make decision for the organization. Reasonable care is what an “ordinary prudent” person in similar situation would do. A board member never uses information gained through our position for personal gain. We must always act in the best interest of the organization. We must be faithful to the organization’s mission. We cannot act in a way that is inconsistent with the organization goals.

We, as board member are trusted by our members and the public to manage donated funds to fulfill the organization’s mission. We want to make sure we follow the law and approve all major projects. We are required to attend most board meetings – thus indicating our dedication to the organization.

We the member of the board are expected to set an example by donating to the organization whatever we can – to open the door to other contributor – and finally board member should be comfortable with fund raising.

Last, but not least – let us not ask what PB- USA can do for us but rather- what we can do for PB- USA

Thank You

Inanaroc ya kabaleyan – Good Afternoon

– I ‘d like to introduce myself to you who do not know me yet and let me re-introduce myself to those who already know me.
My name is Mellie Soriano from Bayambang / Lingayen, Pangasinan and I am the current Chairman Of The board of the Pangasinan Brotherhood – US. Inc.

I have been a member and have held various positions and has serve several past presidents since Kuya Ernie Reyes term – to the present

That being said – I have never seen such very dedicated officers, chairman of the different committees and even members of the current leadership of our very conscientious, dedicated, hardworking, very aided and not to mention very generous – President Eddie Ferrer

I am sure that each and everyone of us noticed a lot of changes, improvements and betterments with the PB-US. Inc., now we have our website – thanks to Mr. Julius Sinlao. ASlso, thanks Mrs. Lina Cabal, for the first time – we have our Quick Book.

And to the chairman of the different committees – namely Mr. Dom Dela Cruz, Mr. Nanding Soriano, Mr. Tony Barlongo, Josie Braganza, Bart Garcia, Lourdes Goodall, Dan Nino, Mel Oxciano, Bong Soriano, DJ E-man and Mr. Estrada – kudos to all of you.

Going forward – as your Chairman of the Board – I have been in contact with President Ferrer and his Finance chairman – Nanding Soriano as to the result of our first big event – our June 9, 2012 Induction and Gala Night. It was an up roaring success, Of course – nothing is perfect. There positive and negative feedback. However – most of the feedback are positive. No event will be successful if it were not for the team effort of all the officers and  various committee’s headed by Mrs. Nieves Coquia and Mrs. Phenee Ferrer

And have you noticed the stunning decoration that night? Gorgeous .. ha? Thank to Mr. and Mrs Roger Cabal and let not forget the golden and stunning ladies of the PB-US who without any hesitation have danced the New York, New York with Mrs. Cecil Ranches  as the choreographers. And lakas ng apog naming – hindi ba? Thanks also to Jane Coquia to lead us all singing the national anthem of Pangasinan

How about those guys dancers from San Nicolas – WOW !! To Josie Braganza who provided the beautiful corsage and botanies – thank you. Congratulation and thank you to all who participated in one way or another during our Gala night.

Since I was elected as the Chairman of The Board I have had several meetings with the board members. The Board of Directors had approved some resolutions and addendums to our constitution and by-laws to be incorporated in order to be compatible with our mission statement.

One very important resolution that was approved by the board is FUND RAISING – This is the key to be successful as being a 501c(3) organization.

Your Feedback are very much appreciated

Of course – all of the approve resolutions and addendum will be presented to the general membership.

I am going to sit down with the President and his staff to set aside a general membership meeting which will include the presentation of all the board resolution and
addendum.

Meantime – the President and his staff are continuously studying strategic planning and implementation on how to raise more funding for our scholarship program and other activities.

All officers, members, committee chair, Town council of president and their members are encourage to help our mission a success

We are still on our early stages as being 501C(3) organization ans such it needs nurturing and should provide strong foundation – so that future leaders  or the new generation can follow  & preserve the fruits of our hardwork and therefore a more successful PB-US.Inc.

Again – ask not what PB-US can do for you but rather what you can do for PB-US

Thank You and God Bless

Highlight of PB-USA’s Initial Event and Phase One out of the four (4) phases of the organization’s project on Trade and Livelihood eventually culminating to a successful “ Faire Expo” in the City of Artesia, CA in October 5, 2014  

Local producers in Pangasinan were able to display their products with the support and participation of Governor Amado Espino, Vice-Governor Ferdinand Calimlim, Board Members and key provincial entourage who came along for the event.  Phase One on “Trade and Product Sourcing” was held at the Marriott Resort Hotel in Long Beach, CA in January 26, 2013. Shown in photo are Dom delaCruz (Chairman on Community Relations), Mellie Soriano (Chairman of the Board),  Anna Benevente ( Senior Regulatory Specialist-Registrar Corporation – on FDA matters), Consul General Hellen dela Vega ( Southern California/Nevada/Texas), Carlos Martinez Tomatis ( Division Vice President – ABF Global Supply Chain Services), and Eddie Ferrer (President-PB-USA, Inc.).  U.S. buyers and importers were among the 162 attending seminarians. 

It was a whole day session on Product Sourcing, Custom Clearances, Food & Drug, Shipping Logistics, Banking-Letters of Credit, Board of Equalization requirements, and subjects relevant to assisting the importation of local products in Pangasinan.

Updated Election Rules and Regulations Governing
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Inc.
501 ( C ) ( 3 )

Election On September 27, 2015

The following Rules shall govern the conduct of election of this organization based on the approved AMENDMENTS and BOARD RESOLUTIONS made by the Present Board of Directors.  Accordingly, the Board of Directors appointed the following members to act and serve as COMELEC in the management and supervision of the election proceedings:

1. Dom DelaCruz ( Chairman )
2. Tony Barlongo ( Vice-Chairman)
3. Dan Nino ( Member)
4. Mel Oxiano ( Legal Adviser)

Rules and Regulations

All Members qualified to vote and be voted upon must pay the following fees: $15.00 for Council President members. $10.00 for non-Council President members and for new membership.  These fees must be paid and received by September 20, 2015.  No collection of membership dues/donations on election day.  Only paid manifested members will vote.

Applicants for Board of Directors must submit their application forms by September 15, 2015.  There is no fee but a generous and discretionary donation (any amount) is respectfully requested to accompany the application forms to be a member of the board.

Voters shall elect 9 candidates as members of the Board of Directors and any ballot not marked with 9 names or in excess of 9 shall be null and void.

ELECTION DAY shall be on September 27, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to be held at the Marriott Courtyard, Cypress, CA.  At exactly 4:00 p.m., the polls shall be closed.  However, voters who are already in the polling place by 4:00 p.m. shall be allowed to vote.

Lists of qualified voters shall be submitted by the Chairman Membership Committee to the Board of Directors for confirmatory verifications on the date following the deadline to receive membership dues/donations on September 20, 2015.

Dear Kabaleyans, Fellow Pangasinenses,

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

Our Election day will now be on SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY, 1:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M., AT MARRIOTT COURYARD, 5865 KATELLA AVE., CYPRESS, CA 90630.

Requirements and proceedings ( Election Rules and Regulations) are simplified to facilitate and provide more time for members to wisely choose and elect our Board of Directors.

Urgent items to keep in mind:

Membership Dues/donations must be paid and received by September 20, 2015. Registration and Renewal forms were distributed during our last general membership meeting – August 16, 2015.  However, we will mail, e-mail, and post the forms in our website – www.pbusa1.com.  ( Applicable for members with addresses and e-mails registered in our portal registry)
***If unable to receive, retrieve, and print said forms, please mail in your dues/donations ( payable to PB-USA, Inc.) and indicate your Town with your e-mail address and phone number (if possible).  Mail payments to : PB -USA, Inc., 6480 Leone Way, Cypress, CA  90630.  $15.00 for Council President members . $10.00 for non-Council Presidents and for new membership.  These dues/donations must be received by September 20, 2015.

Applications forms for Board of Directors must be submitted and received by September 15, 2015. We will do the same process as with the above membership renewals and registrations. No fee for the application but a  generous and discretionary donation ( any amount) is respectfully requested to accompany the application forms from the candidates.  Again, forms were distributed during our last general membership meeting.  However, we will mail, e-mail, and post said forms in our website.  If unable to receive and print the forms, please call and e-mail us for assistance. Phone#’s 714 759 0064, 562 397 7753.  E-mail address- edrenjac@aol.com.

Applications must be received by September 15, 2015.  Send completed forms to PB-USA, Inc., 6480 Leone Way, Cypress, CA  90630.

For more details, progressive reports. and updates regarding our election, please check your mails, e-mails, and tune in to our website – www.pbusa1.com.

Our election committee headed by Dom dela Cruz ( Chairman) and Tony Barlongo (Vice-Chairman) will be posting and  disseminating the simplified election rules and regulations.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Eddie Ferrer
President
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Inc.

This past weekend I attended an event in San Francisco, Ca celebrating a 50 year anniversary. Many people attended and all were dressed elegantly. Food was scrumptious and there was plenty of great music, played by a live band, to dance the night away. It was held at a place that most people would consider “fancy”. The celebrants were very happy that they have reached this milestone. They knew that celebrating 50 years of being together was not an easy feat. It took a lot of commitment, belief, faith and perseverance. The celebrants, after reviewing their 50 years, realized they built something inspiring.  They were proud of themselves. By the way, I am not talking about a wedding anniversary even though it might have seemed like that. The event was for the UPA ( United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. 50th year Golden Jubilee Celebration).
There were a lot speeches reminiscing about the past and what the organization has gone thru in terms of challenges.There were also many thought provoking comments about the future. Most importantly everyone enjoyed the event and basked in the spirit of accomplishment.  Why do I mention this?

I mention this because PBUSA will be celebrating its 38th year of existence next year. PBUSA also has come along way. When you see a celebration like the one UPA had, you get inspired and think of all the great  possibilities that can happen with PBUSA. There are so much more we can do and so much more we can look forward to as an organization. Anything is possible for this organization. It can be an agent of change. It is an agent of change. With it’s current structure it can do a lot of great things. PBUSA is already involved in scholarships, building modest homes for some families of Pangasinan, helping create livelihoods in some of the towns and continue to donate to the areas that were affected by typhoon Haiyan. All of this being done under the status of a 501(c)(3). On top of that, PBUSA has built a very interactive, informative, robust website (www.pbusa1.com) that is meant to inform, educate and entertain its visitors.

The election is next month and we will choose the people who will lead us for the next two years. I think that PBUSA will easily be around to reach its 50th year. I want to see it continue to exist and see the members fully utilize the tools, its people and resources to make a difference in people’s lives big or small here in the U.S. and in the Philippines. The election of new leaders will definitely make a difference in how we will progress on the road to that 50th anniversary.

Please attend this upcoming meeting (August 16th, 2015, 1-5 pm, Marriott Courtyard 5865 Katella Avenue, Ca 90630-Cypress Room). Be there to understand and contribute to the future of PBUSA. There will be an orientation in how the election will take place next month. Have lunch at the meeting because free refreshments will be served. This usually means sandwiches, cookies, brownies, fruits and drinks. To all the current members, please attend and continue to be a contributor to the success of the organization. To all prospective members, get to know us and fully grasp that we are an organization who are always looking for fresh ideas and people who want to be a part of a fun and community oriented organization.

Be well, Be thankful and Be great!

Ferdinand “Bong” Soriano
Youth and Hospitality Officer
Pangasinan Brotherhood of America
www.pbusa1.com

please click here for the video

Can you believe that it’s almost time to elect new leadership in PBUSA. The election is this coming September. Will this organization continue to build on what it has accomplished from the last two years? Will it strive to elect leaders that are visionaries, action and people oriented, progressive, committed and most of all fun loving. Being in a community organization requires its members to have a sense of fun but knowing that for an organization to thrive it needs people who can strike a balance. The balance  between fun and having definite and worthwhile goals that benefits the community at large.

Where do you want PBUSA to go? Let’s continue to share ideas and act on them. Let’s continue to have input and dialogue in our Facebook page and website where we all want Pangasinan Brotherhood to become. There has not been any better time in the history of PBUSA where there are so many ways in which each member can provide their “constructive” input in how the organization can flourish as a whole. You can give your input by attending the meetings, posting on our Facebook page as well as blogging on our state of the art website. I hope that in the next few weeks, the members as well as potential members of PBUSA can briefly reflect on where this organization can potentially go. In it’s current state, PBUSA can POTENTIALLY unify different town associations, be a bridge between the people of Pangasinan and the community of Pangasinanses here in the U.S. We now have the credentials to truly aspire to properly raise funds because of our 501(c) non-profit status that can truly benefit people in many ways like scholarships, encourage entrepreneurship, disaster relief and social functions (that’s right…dancing, picnics etc.) that can unite friends and families.

In the next few weeks, please take the time to visit our Facebook page and/or our website and provide your input. Please understand that PBUSA has a lot to offer. There lived an individual named Earl Nightingale who told of a story entitled “Acres of Diamonds” (you can Google it or Youtube the story. It’s about seeing the potential in everything. You just have to have the right attitude.

Be well, Be thankful and Be great!

Bong Soriano