Hadrian Apoderado - President

Can Hadrian sell us his idea ???

Call him "Conan", or "Cognac" or just plain Apo, the man who unleashed Fil-AM's youth into the world of sports! Judging from his performance as "sports boss", as well as working with people, you might think Fil-Am's business is run by the proverbial Crispa Redmanizers gang since Hadrian Apo and Vic P ambled into the house. Dont think that the hype is unfair to the past volunteer officers whose work got FACN back on its feet, mostly with the power of membership drives and potlucks they coordinated before Apo showed up. But, the reality is, the volunteers had done all the stuff that's really made the association better. I would say Vic P + Apo H and new officers' timing was impeccable. The Fil-Am's renaissance and turnaround was going to happen anyway. The only miniscule problem left was the renewed excitement in our youth membership and challenging programs for our charities. He graduated high school from New Delhi, India and got his bachelors at UST, Manila. Born in Manila in September 1963, 5th of 11 children (7 bros + 4 sis), parents are from Bulacan. Married to former Sonia Udarbe, from Zambales, an active duty Air Force Tech Sergeant. They have an energetic bubbly son, they call J. C. (guess, born Dec 25?). Apo and Sonia own a 4 br house in Washington State. Apo is 39 years old, a Computer Exec for 16 years, from the Philippines, to the Middle East, to the States; he quit job to join Sonia here in Naples as a moral support to her...and literally jumped out of vacation and back into the arena as Fil AM's vice-president. Ferchrissake, this man just got here!? It's increasingly clear that Apo isn't just about bringing results and talent to Fil-AM as he is unleashing what's already there. The impact of his ideas has begun to reach the membership, as he explained below in our conversation:

Q: What is your happiest moment in Italy, so far?

Apo: We celebrated a Mass with the Pope, John Paul in Rome, 2 weeks ago.

Q: What do you do in your spare time, when not touring European countries?

Apo: Quality time with J.C., Internet, working out, reading, learning the

Italian Language, Basketball with the guys!

Q: What profession/s other than sales would you like to attempt?

Apo: Educator or Professional BB Coach, maybe it's a little bit too late for this one, but originally, my mother wanted me to become a "priest". Lord have mercy!

Q: What job would you not like to participate in?

Apo: Any job in Emergency Room! I've seen enough ER grossness on TV, yuck!

Q: What's your favorite phrase and/or words of wisdom?

Apo: "It has to happen between your ears before it happens in your life!"

Q: Who's your role model? WHY?

Apo: Mahatma Gandhi...because he advocated peace thru non-violence, peaceful protest etc. I want to get introspective and resolve a longstanding problem in Fil-Am, (tour coordination). If I can get the parties to talk, then alls swell in our FAN. Cant give you the details right now, but I am positive, therell be peaceful accord.

Q: Who do you want to speak with if you can talk to famous people? WHY?

Apo: I did, I had a chance to speak with Muhammad Ali in Saudi Arabia. WHY? He is really the Greatest!

Q: What are your pet peeves?

Apo: I am sorry, I do not understand the question...(pause)...oh, ok...people with b.o. and halitosis! Hahahahaha

Q: What's your favorite expression/phrase Tagalog or English?

Apo: "Anak ka ng tipaklong!" (translated---son-of-a..!)

Q: What do you want our Fil-Am to remember you as you leave Naples?

Apo: Too early to say, I am a visionary, but have not done anything yet, shall we just say, I'm still working on it.

Q: Why did you volunteer for officer of FIL-AM Naples? Vice President, that's a lofty position!

Apo: I somewhat felt the responsibility of continuing the Fil-Am Naples legacy and would be honored and privileged to be of service to our Filipino-Americans here in Naples as well as other places. I got big plans for our generation Y, too.

Q: What will you ask God if you see Him at the Pearly Gates?

Apo: To forgive all my sins and bring us everlasting PEACE on earth.

Q: What will you want to be if He gives you a chance to return to Earth? WHY?

Apo: I would rather stay in Heaven! WHY? I'll tell you later, over 3 shots of cognac, hahahaha!

Apo is winning big points for improving the youth sports program conceptualized by our very own First Lady Sonjie... In an organization as small and ponderous as Fil-AM can be, even after a year of reorganization, Apo's institutional iconoclasm is a significant accomplishment. He brings credibility with our community and youth. Fil-AM needed more than astute leadership atop its successful association. It needed excitement, which Apo delivered with help from his team of go-getters hungry for larger-than-life personas. Apo is a well-traveled salesman, a sports guy's Sports Guy. He's a loving family man. He leans back in his chair, drinks cognac and talks sales, charities and community projects -- in more than one language, if need be. Amor, Noe, Miles and the volunteers' legacy in our association will remain, but for Apo - making success at Fil-AM -- and making sure the success endures -- is so important. The man is obsessed with putting Fil-AM on the map. He has established contacts all over Italy, Germany and Spain Fil-Ams. The Friendship and Goodwill intramural games were his brainchild! Miles would be the first one to concede that their tenure wasn't one continuing success story. But Apo's smart enough to know that the full verdict on Vic + Apo's leadership and influence isn't likely to come in until November next year 2003.