Category: Events

Celebrating 45 Years of Excellence: A Night of Reflection, Unity, and Festivity at the UPAABC Christmas Party

11/26/2024

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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Balagtasan 2024: 10th Wave of a Timeless Tradition

9/2/2024

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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.

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We Are Here For You in Surrey on September 7, 2024

8/20/2024

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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

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Upcoming event: The Filipino International Students Convention 2024

1/12/2024

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Join the Filipino International Students Convention 2024 and learn about settlement, employment, and integration supports for international students.

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UPAABC stages 9th Season of Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan

8/25/2023

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By Bella Balisi Bevilacqua
August 18, 2023, Friday, 7PM-9PM was no ordinary day for the Filipino community, especially the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia.

The 9th Season of “Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan '' was held at the Praise International Church in Surrey, BC, and was attended by an audience of more than a hundred strong. The show is an annual event hosted for free admission by the UPAABC, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.

Program opened with the Himig Kabataan’s rendition of both Canada’s and the Philippines’ National Anthems, Welcome Remarks by UPAABC President Bella Balisi Bevilacqua, and Consul Erika Abad on behalf of Consul-General Arlene Magno.

Line of performances included UP alumnus Cliff Belgica’s Ivadoi Bendian Dance - a traditional Cordillera tribal war dance, Ikaw and Rosas ng Pandan (Harana/Kundiman) by Himig Kabataan, and the timeless traditional dance numbers of PCG to the tune of Alitaptap and Binatbatan. (“Binatbatan” is an Ilocano occupational folk dance translating the old, painstaking process of weaving “abel”, the Ilocano’s indigenous woven cloth.) Former UP Diliman Professor Veronica Caparas recited her original historical narrative poetry with the title, “Wika Mo, Wika Niya, Wika Ko… Anong Wika Yan?”.

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UPAABC and PCG Vancouver celebrate Balagtasan anew

8/21/2022

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With the theme, “The Philippine Language in Song, Serenade, Debate, Poetry, and Dance – 8th Chapter (Harana, Kundiman, Balagtasan, Tula, at Sayawan – Ikawalong Yugto), the University of the Philippines in British Columbia (UPAABC), in partnership with the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver, held its traditional annual event of the Balagtasan to celebrate “Buwan ng Wika” once more.

The event kicked off with an enlivening “La Jota” dance number from the Philippine Consulate Vancouver. Next performance was a mesmerizing rendition of “Dahil Sa Iyo” and Paru-Parong Bukid” by the Holy Cross Regional High School Choir, a Catholic senior high school group based in Surrey. They were performing for UPAABC the first time and are expected to execute anew in the coming years.

The highlight of the program, Balagtasan, had the theme, “Bakit Mahal Pa Rin Kita, Pilipinas?” that conveyed the current realities of Filipinos living abroad, to which debaters argued on the “whys” and “hows” of showing love for the Philippines while living a more quality life away from its nest. In the end, audience participation decided that “to love the Philippines with full-cycle idealism is impossible while the mother land never delivered expectations, especially on the issue of financial stability.”

The much-awaited singing number, “Harana”, has given much joy to the audience as Friends, Apothic, and Music (FAM), a group that also hails from the University of the Philippines, gave the traditional version of Harana a modern twist by performing Filipino love and dance songs from the 1970s.

This year’s celebration of UPAABC’s and PCG Vancouver’s Balagtasan wrapped up by singing “Ako ay Pilipino” and with a simple dinner prepared for sponsors, performers, and guests.

Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula at Sayawan: Ikawalong Yugto is presented by the UP Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. UPAABC would like to give its wholehearted thank you to the generous support of Hablon Styles & Hues, Sun Life, Irene Querubin from RE/MAX, Praise International Church, Friends, Apothic, and Music (FAM), Iris Radev, M.D., T1 Mobile, United Filipino-Canadian Associations in BC, Paradise, Grandt Kitchen, Eat Kanadiyan, and Vicki Buechler from Greatway Financial.

By: Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua

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Photolakad 2017

8/1/2017

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Mga Isko at Iska!

Get it while its is hot! We mean, the sunshine!

Join us for this year's PHOTOLAKAD 2017. Photolakad is a UPAABC activity that aims to bring us together and enjoy an activity we all love - KODAKAN!📸

We will meet at the A-maze-ing Laughter Statues at Morton Park near English Bay at 10 AM, on August 5, Saturday, and photograph our way to Granville Island where we will finish our trip.

THEME: VANCOUVER SEAWALL IMAGES IN COLOUR

Photos will be taken from the Seawall, like scenery, structures such as buildings, Science World, Inukshuk, laughing statues, people, etc.

A good photographic image will always stand out among different categories. For example - a toddler trying to catch a ball and laughing like crazy, elderly couple holding hands while watching the scenery, a paddle boater dwarfed by a monster tanker, stone formations on the seawall, the crowd of shoppers in Granville Market, dragon boaters with Science World behind them, etc. We will consider these examples as copyrighted, so you have to think of your own images! :-)

There are plenty of photo opportunities on the Photolakad route. You just have to use your eyes and be creative.

Winners will be chosen by our distinguished UPAABC founders and respected artists and will be presented during our Christmas Party and AGM on November 25, 2017 at Van Dusen Gardens. Winners get a print copy of their work, as well as bragging rights! 😎

Tito Bert Quibuyen is Chief Organizer of this activity. Thanks Tito Bert!

See you all there

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Balagtasan Part 3

6/25/2017

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Mga Kapatid,

Maraming salamat po sa pagtingkilik ninyong lahat sa “Harana, Kundiman, Balagtasan, Tula at Sayawan – Ikatlong Yugto”. Marami pong mga panauhin ang nagalak at natuwa sa kanilang mga natutunan, at sila rin ay nasiyahan sa mga bilang ng tula, balagtasan, kantahan at sayawan.

Nagpapasalamat po kami ng lubos sa ating mga kapita-pitagang mga miyembro na nagbigay ng kanilang oras as angking talento sa palatuntunan - Charen Divina Cusi, Tony Aytona, Melvin Magno, Arthur Fabian, Irene Querubin, Cee Belg, UPAABC Choir sa pamumuno ni Teacher Ruby M. Cortes, Athena Adan, at ang ating mga guro ng palatuntunan na sina Thess Reyes Zamora at Paula Aurora Nuarin. Taos-puso rin kaming nagpapasalamat kay Luis Molina Pedroso at ang kanyang maybahay na si Reah, sa tulong na iniabot din nila, pati na rin kay Leonore Lim.

Lugod kaming nagpapsalamat din sa ating miyembro na si Sony Obregon, na kabilang sa Kwantlen Polytechnic University Languages and Culture Department, na siyang nagbigay-daan sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating samahan sa KPU. Salamat din sa ating miyembro na si Consul Cham Guevara, at ang kanyang mga tauhan sa Philippine Consulate General sa kanilang paglathala ng mga yamang kultural ng Pilipinas.

Sabay na rin ang pasasalamat namin sa mga panauhing nagbigay din ng kanilang oras upang mapalaganap natin ang ating kultura at salita - si Rosielle Facun, G. Leni at Gng. Lettie Arboleda, Mayo Landicho, Alex Anayas, Gng Anita Aguirre-Nieveras at ang New Life Dancers ni Aida Canonigo at Irene Nazaire Aquino.
At sa ating mga tagapang-tangkilik, ang Cabalen Sweets, Quik Bite Restaurant at ang Ria Padala ni Gigi Astudillo, pati na rin ang UFCABC sa pamumuno ni G. Joel Castillo.
Sa pamamagitan ng ating palatuntunan ay nagkaroon lalo ng malawak na kaalaman ang mga taga-Vancouver tungkol sa yamang kultural ng ating bansa. Nawa'y maging magandang hakbang ito sa pagkakaisa at pagpapahalaga sa ating mga Pilipino dito sa ating lupang napiling lipatan.
Maraming maraming salamat po, at magkita po tayong muli sa susunod na taon.

Dios mabalos!

UPAABC Execom 2017-2019

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association in BC, in cooperation with The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, and the Languages Department of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) presents - The Philippine Languages in Song, Serenade, Debate, Poetry and Dance – Third Chapter (“Harana, Kundiman, Balagtasan, Tula at Sayawan – Ikatlong Yugto”). The event will be held at the Melville Centre of KPU Richmond Campus on June 24, Saturday, from 2-4 PM.

This event is a first for UPAABC and KPU, and this a cultural exchange that will allow the Filipino culture and languages to be made known to Filipinos and other cultures that make up the multicultural fabric that is Canada. This is a chance to display and feature our own diverse culture to the people of Vancouver through this exchange, and do it through music, song, art and food.

Rediscover your roots with poetry, songs and dances in the different dialects, and enjoy an actual Balagtasan unfold before your very eyes!

Come join us and let's show Vancouver the rich diversity of the place we call HOME!

God bless you!

HONOUR & EXCELLENCE!
UPAABC Execom

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Welcome to our UPAABC web site

3/3/2011

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Fellow members,

Welcome to UPAABC Online - the official website of the University of the Philippines in British Columbia!

In February 2011, your Board of Directors sounded a call for volunteers to develop the first full-fledged public website for UPAABC. After a few email exchanges, the working group was formed, consisting of Joseph Solis, Lou Corpuz-Bosshart and Eric Inigo. While the initial plan was to work with an external consultant, we realised that we could build and launch the site ourselves, and so this site became reality.

But this is just the first step. With UPAABC Online now live, the next step is for all of us to make it a true community for UPAABC members. Get to know the site and send us your thoughts, articles, photos, videos, artwork and columns! Suggest news and features. Author a new blog, comment on someone else's blog, or post a classified ad. Tell the community about a promotion or a new venture. Simply email your contributions and suggestions to [email protected] and let's work together to make it happen.

Mabuhay ang UP!

Enjoy the site,

The working group

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Get Involved with UPAABC

Would you like to get more involved with UPAABC by volunteering or supporting our initiatives? Complete the Engagement Interest Form today:
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For more information, please email [email protected].

Celebrating 45 Years of Excellence: A Night of Reflection, Unity, and Festivity at the UPAABC Christmas Party

Balagtasan 2024: 10th Wave of a Timeless Tradition

We Are Here For You in Surrey on September 7, 2024

Upcoming event: The Filipino International Students Convention 2024

UPAABC stages 9th Season of Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan

UPAABC and PCG Vancouver celebrate Balagtasan anew

Photolakad 2017

Balagtasan Part 3

Welcome to our UPAABC web site

Pillar Partners

Get Involved with UPAABC

Volunteer for the Newsletter

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