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The associations origins can be traced back to 1975 with the early activities of the De La Salle alumni members in the Los Angeles area. A group of alumni would get together for informal social gatherings when Manalo Carrillo received a call from the late Brother Benedict, then Vice President of Alumni Affairs for De La Salle University. Brother Ben informed Mr. Carrillo of the existence of another La Salle alumni group in the Los Angeles area organized by Messrs. Marcel Levy and Barredo. The groups agreed to merge and formed what officially is now called the De La Salle Alumni Association of Southern California (DLSAASC). The organization was headed by Mr. Carillo for approximately eight years. In subsequent years, the DLSAASC was headed by the following Chapter Presidents:
- Chito Bautista (DLSU)
- Ramon Manalo (DLSU)
- Paul Daza (DLSU)
- Tito Gabaya (DLSU)
- Dodie Dolendo (LSGH '79)
- Willie Atienza (DLSU)
- Sam Misa (DLSU '83)
- Andrew Say (DLSU '84)
- Benel Se (DLSU)
- Juan De La Rama (DLSU '77)
- Val Creus (DLSU '85)
- Tito Laureola
- Manolo Carillo
- Denny Cagampan III (LSGH '77) - current President
In April 10, 2003, thanks largely to the efforts of Sam Misa, DLSAASC was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization.
DLSAASC strives to keep the La Sallian spirit alive through its various events, including Family Picnics at the Malibu Park and Scholl Canyon Park in Glendale, which were attended by over 100 alumni, families, and friends. Some years back, the organization hosted the victorious De La Salle basketball team - NCAA champs, with a Chinatown reception. The late Brother Ben, during his occasional Los Angeles visits, would inevitably join the the alumni meetings, including a barbeque lunch at Mr. Carrillo's residence. A succession of Christmas parties were hosted by Mr. De La Rama at his Calabasaa residence, by Mon and Noel Pineda at their building facility in Downey, and by the Association at the local La Salle High School in Pasadena. For the last five years, the organization has hosted several invitational Golf Tournaments which have evolved as a vital source of funds for various philanthropic needs including scholarships, donations to Bahay Pagasa (House of Hope - a home for needy women) and Kuya Center (an organization that takes care of young street boys) in Metro Manila area. In 2005, the Tournament raised $10,000 for the aforementioned causes. In 2004, DLSAASC launch the first Bi-Annual “Brother Ben” Open Golf Tournament in honor of the late Brother Benedict who continuously encouraged the Association, and kept the alumni informed about the latest events & developments in various Christian Brothers facilities throughout the Philippines.
The De La Salle Alumni Association of Southern California has worked tirelessly to keep alive the La Sallian spirit, and continues with this mission through the efforts, commitment and dedication of its Southern California alumni volunteers, members, families and friends.
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