Check out the rest of the photos on our Facebook page, courtesy of Joey Anatalio!
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) marked an exceptional milestone on November 16, 2024, with its Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM) and Christmas Party at the Holiday Inn in Vancouver. Celebrating 45 years of "Honor, Excellence, and Service," the event elegantly balanced reflection and revelry.
The evening began with an enriching Annual General Meeting (AGM) featuring a Land Acknowledgement, the national anthems of Canada and the Philippines, and heartfelt remarks from key figures, highlighting President Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua's detailed achievements report for UPAABC over the past year. The occasion also saw the induction of new board members for the 2025-2026 term, highlighted by the esteemed presence of Consul Analyn D. Ratonel, who led both the discharging and induction ceremonies. A deep sense of pride and continuity was palpable as the UPAABC's vibrant history was honoured and ushered into the future by a short speech by Incoming President Stephen Andrada.
The celebration seamlessly shifted from formalities to festivity. The Christmas spirit was fully embraced as the party unfolded with a dynamic performance from the musical duo Pat Fernandez and Rawnna Crisostomo, followed by a tribute to the association's 45 years through a poignant video presentation. The room was alive with energy, especially during the games hosted by Allen Baylosis. Highlights included awarding the Iskotography 2024: Whispers of the Fall photo contest winners and the Best Aurora Borealis attire, while a spirited raffle added to the excitement. Guests also enjoyed two unforgettable sets of live music from Ian Zeta, whose soulful melodies punctuated the night's joyful atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for the evening's celebration of community, culture, and camaraderie
The camaraderie was palpable as the night wound down, with a joyous community sing-along of the iconic "UP Naming Mahal" and a final group dance by past and present Board members. What started as a formal occasion blossomed into a memorable celebration of not just the association's enduring legacy but the shared spirit of its members—who, united by their roots and values, genuinely know how to celebrate life, service, and tradition. (MBB)
Check out the rest of the photos on our Facebook page, courtesy of Joey Anatalio!
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Editor's Note: The deadline for nominations have now passed. Thank you for your support!
Warm greetings, fellow Iska and Isko, The UPAABC’s Board of Directors for the Term 2023 to 2024 finishes on December 31, 2024. As we continue to strengthen and grow our alum network, we are excited to invite you to participate in an important process: nominating for the incoming Board of Directors for Term 2025 to 2026. Your involvement is crucial to ensuring a diverse, dedicated, and visionary leadership team to guide our organization into the future. Why Your Participation Matters: Your unique perspective and experience as an alum make you invaluable to our community. By giving your nominations, you help us shape a board that truly represents the interests and aspirations of our alum network. Deadline: September 27, 2024, 11:59PM If you have any questions or need further information, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We deeply appreciate your continued support and commitment to our alumni community. Your active participation in this important process is highly valued and we look forward to your valuable contributions. Thank you unconditionally. Yours Sincerely, Bella Balisi Bevilacqua President, 2023 & 2024
Can't get enough of Balagtasan? Relive this timeless celebration through photos! Also check out our Facebook Page for a live recording of the event and the complete album of photos!
Balagtasan 2024 would not be possible without the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia.
We would also want to thank our venue sponsor for tonight, which has been the home of Balagtasan for 4 years, Praise International Church through Team Art and Charen. We would also want to acknowledge our premium sponsor from Greatway, your independent Insurance broker, Vicki Buechler. We would also like to thank our regular sponsors: Foundation for a Path Forward, United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC), Hablon Styles and Hues, Northam Law: A Law Corporation, Terra International Food Inc., and UMAC Express Cargo. We would also like to thank our food sponsors, Cucina Balai, Paradise, and Think Tank; and our media sponsor PNT: Reyfort Media Group. Lastly, to the generous donations of oragnizations and fellow UPAABC members: Rotary Club of Mountainview Vancouver, Dr. Iris Radev, Tita Leonore Lim, Tito Dodie Lucas; and Tito Bert Parungao Muli, maraming salamat po sa inyo. Calling all Filipino international students in BC! Join us for a free mentorship session on September 7th at the Surrey Public Library - City Centre. Hear from industry professionals in the fields of project management, human resources, data analytics, and trade and entrepreneurship and learn about how you can succeed in different career paths. This event is organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) in partnership with KPU Pinoy. Register for this session here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/we-are-here-for-you-kpu-tickets-998938109777 On July 6, 2024, UPAABC — in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the Migrant Workers Office — brings their mentorship series to Kelowna, BC. This session brings mentors on project management and financial services, trade and entrepreneurship, accounting and audit, settlement and employment, and careers in public service at Nechako Gathering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC. This program features an all-UP alumni mentors: Vicki Buechler, Rhona Doria, Mary Tecson, Melvin Magno, and Ahmed Tillah. Thank you to Vicki of Greatway Financial for sponsoring lunch for this event! We wrapped up Filipino Heritage Month with participation in various celebrations, and we're gearing up with July with our own events and our annual summer picnic!. Here are some highlights from the past month! June 8: Flagraising at the Filipino PlazaMembers and friends alike join UFCABC's flagraising and community fiesta. UPAABC's very own Mark Panganiban together with siblings, also known as the Romanaks, and Ian Zeta represented UPAABC with the singing of the national anthems along with marvelous song and dance performances for the crowd! June 15: Philippine Heritage GalaUPAABC represent at the annual heritage gala hosted by the UFCABC! We are joined by regular and new members such as Jelda Miranda, Deniece Liza! Congratulations to outgoing UFCABC Vice President Rene Alcantara for a successful term, and congratulations to former UPAABC President Mylene Lim for joining their Board for 2024-2026! June 22: Pinoy Festival at BurnabyUPAABC joined the community parade with FAM; and set up a booth at the Pinoy Festival: Panahon na Para Magsaya 2 in Burnaby!
Many thanks to Gilbert Bercero, Rene Alcantara, Deniece Liza, Jelda Miranda, Jholina Gamboa, JM Caquilala, and Jasper Mallonga for manning the booth, and thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hi! We also received ~50 sign ups from prospective members. Exciting!
A tribute to our superb artists, Lenore R.S. Lim, Danvic Briones, Delia Laglagaron. Then some songs by the gorgeous Singing Sisters, Charen Divina Cusi, Melissa Remulla-Briones, Buena Kilala Chua. Food was great, thanks to Lory of Cucina Balai!
Thank you to our very own Pau Adalid for the videography and editing! Join us for an enriching experience of industry mentorship and networking!
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the UP Alumni Association in BC, in collaboration with Filipino International Student Association - University Canada West, proudly present "Employment Integration in BC Through Industry Mentorship." 🗓 Date: 14 May 2024 (Tuesday) 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM 📍 Venue: University Canada West – East Lobby, 1461 Granville St., Vancouver, BC This in-person event aims to provide invaluable support to our kababayans seeking professional integration into Canadian industries. Featuring a stellar lineup of industry mentors, all accomplished members of the Filipino Community in Canada, this event promises insights, guidance, and networking opportunities. We extend a warm invitation to you and your network to join us. While the focus is on Filipino International Students, Open Work Permit Holders, and Permanent Residents are equally encouraged to attend. Scan the QR code to register. We look forward to your presence at this enriching event. See you there! April 13th is just around the corner! Excited yet?
Please take note of the following crucial points to ensure smooth processing of our tickets and entry to the MADZ concert: 1. We have a complete tracker of the Madz concert's ticket reservations and purchases. To ensure a smooth process, we kindly ask those who still need to pay to settle your payments by EOD April 11, 2024. 1.1. For your convenience, if you prefer to pay as you claim your tickets on event day and location, please email [email protected] denoting so. 1.2. If you prefer to pay cash, please bring and hand in the amount to avoid inconvenience. The UPAABC and organizers will not be compelled to bring cash changes to the venue. Electronic payment is always preferred. 1.3. Payments by cheque are also welcome. Address the check to "UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN BC." 2. All sponsorship and ticket payments must be sent to [email protected]. 3. All tickets not explicitly asked to be mailed out to them will be CLAIMED on a "WILL CALL" basis. There will be a Registration Desk at the concert location where you can claim your tickets against registration. 3.1. Please bring your ID for verification purposes. This is to ensure there is no conflict in the ticket claims and assignments. 4. To avoid inconvenience, Please be at the venue to claim your tickets at least an hour before the concert begins. 5. Event Location Website: https://www.thecathedral.ca/. The website has an overview map of Christ Church Cathedral. 6. Parking, Washrooms, and Elevators: https://www.thecathedral.ca/programs/plan-your-visit. The link also contains all relevant transit information. Please make sure to check it out before leaving for the concert. 7. We still have concert tickets available. There will also be a ticketed dinner with the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Scan the Eventbrite QR Code in the poster or click this link straight ahead for your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../the-philippine-madrigal... On behalf of the UPAABC Board, I thank you all for your unwavering support and determination to make this eventful day happen. Thank you so much, and see you all there! Sincerely, Bella Balisi Bevilacqua President, 2023-2024 University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia |
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November 2024
President's MessageDear UPAABC Comrades,
It is 4AM, and it has taken me forever even to just give a quick notch at my keyboard to type this. I have to be stupendously honest that I have been having anxiety to even start writing. The last time I’ve been into this very same mood and situation was when I delivered a speech in front of a graduating class that asked me to become their Guest Speaker. And, yes, I have gone through the same struggle. I was only able to make out a good write up that I thought – actually -- made sense two hours before I was made to join the class upstage. Having narrated all these, I don’t think I’d be able to make the kind of sense that will satisfy your true-blue, forever-hungry-of-new-knowledge, green-and-maroon minds and souls. But… Here it goes! On behalf of the Board, I will try and do my utmost best to deliver in the same way I have come to realize just how humble and open-minded you all were to give me this chance to serve our Isko floor with the highest post and honour– given, at first, my “reluctant” leadership behaviour—for 2023 and 2024. To an Iskolar ng Bayan, to serve is always pleasurable. There is this indescribable tinge of mixed anticipation and excitement that comes with a bit of anxiety and gratefulness whenever the trumpet of service and calling sounds its horns. Yes, the trumpet always howls from up the mountain to make sure that everyone down in the valley hears the loudness of the message. And, sure, the whole UPAABC township never fails to grasp and decode the Morse code of “pagtatanghal” ng mga “humayong” hinubog na anak ng bayan galing sa pambansang pamantasan ng Pilipinas, ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. It is of an august honour to serve as President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia for years 2023 and 2024. The new Board is here not to shake and rattle. We are here to keep up because you guys have already been shaking and rattling and swinging the UPAABC wagon amid the constantly changing winds of time. We are here to uphold and respect legacies and footprints that are meant to stay, as we all are also here to work with you the necessary transformations that our organization will need to continue thriving in the next long years, as it already did for almost five golden decades now. Allow the new Board and I to polish the specifics of our Strat Plan and Proposed Calendar of activities for 2023. Your suggestions have been heard, and we want to make sure that one and all is happy to participate in each of the mapped activities. We will retain traditions that define the UPAABC family; we will introduce exciting youngblood programs that will make this family and comradeship even more impactful. Allow me to express the deepest, warmest accolade and respect to our President Emerita, Anita “Cookie” Aytona, and the past board for their invaluable contributions, projects, and unconditional support to the newly-boarded officers. Without you all being our mentors, who would we be today and tomorrow? Many thanks for the untiring calibrations! Without all these timely tools, how do we carry on from today until the boat is ready to sail on its own? There are no words to properly express our gratitude. On behalf of the 2023 and 2024 Board of Directors, maligaya at malikhaing Bagong Taon! Thank you, unreservedly, in advance, for your soaring and cradling support! Gracias, Maribel “Bella” Balisi Bevilacqua President, University of the Philippines Alumni Association in BC A.D. 2023 & 2024 |