UPAAS is B.E.N.T.E (2 Dec 2023)

UPAAS is B.E.N.T.E (2 Dec 2023)

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Singapore (UPAAS) celebrated its 20th Anniversary on 2 December 2023 with a Gala Dinner at the Raffles Town Club. More than 130 UPAAS members and supporters attended this milestone event. The Guest of Honour, His Excellency Medardo Macaraig, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Singapore, also a UP graduate, gave a congratulatory message.

The theme of the event embodied the journey of the association from PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE.

The PAST

This segment of the programme highlighted the two decades of camaraderie and community service in UPAAS. Past Presidents and founding members were featured in a video that highlighted the memorable moments such as the Metrocuisine Cookbook fundraising project, Barrio Fiesta events, Walkers’ activities, outreach projects for the community, Tambayan sessions, etc. However, the most moving part of this segment was the feature on the UPAAS Scholarship Program. What better way to convey the significance of this program by having our very own former UPAAS Scholar and now a UPAAS officer, Ms Leirald Reyes, who shared her journey as a student and scholar to where she is now.  She gave a very powerful testimonial of the transformative impact of the scholarship program. Her words were truly heartfelt that left many of us in deep admiration and gratitude for the opportunity to give back.

Ms Leirald Reyes, former UPAAS Scholar now serving as a volunteer-officer of UPAAS Management Committee

UPAAS has supported 18 university scholars with 4 students currently studying and in good academic standing. Contribute any amount to the UPAAS Scholarship Fund via UPAAS UOB infinity business account: 372-307-446-9 or UEN: T03SS0198ESCH.

The PRESENT

The speech of UPAAS President, Ms Kathryn Vasquez, highlighted the spirit of volunteerism and social cohesion in UPAAS. She shared the partnerships and collaborations on various projects with the People’s Association’s Integration Division, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, OFW Kindness Movement, Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Las Pinas. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and tireless efforts of UPAAS officers, advisers and volunteers, the backbone of the association.

Congratulations to UPAAS Mancom 2023 for successfully organising this milestone event!

The 20th Anniversary event also marked the launch of the UPAAS Oblation Award. This award aims to recognise UP alumni who have exemplified excellence and honour in their profession, contributed to community projects of social and cultural significance (local or international), and supported UPAAS programmes. The award was also given to an organisation that made significant contributions to UPAAS’ social causes. This recognition hopes to inspire UPAAS members and partners to continue to strive for excellence, and contribute their talents, skills and resources to make a positive impact to the community. The third and final award was for the UPAAS Oblation Award – Longest Serving Officer. Congratulations to the following award recipients:

UPAAS Oblation Award – Outstanding Alumni: Eric Tinsay Valles
Eric Tinsay Valles obtained a Master of Arts degree in English Studies at the University of the Philippines. He obtained a post-graduate degree at the Nanyang Technological University. He is currently an English lecturer at NUS High. Eric is a prolific writer and a poet. He has published two poetry collections, A World in Transit (2011) and After the Fall: dirges among ruins (2014); and co-edited several anthologies, including Get Lucky (2015) and SG Poems 2015-2016 (2016). He is president of Poetry Festival Singapore, which turns 10 next year. He has gained recognition and awards for his literary work. More importantly, he has been a community volunteer and supported many creative writers through talks and workshops. He is also an active member of UPAAS.

UPAAS Oblation Award – Esteemed Partner: Lee Foundation
Lee Foundation is Singapore’s largest private charitable institution. It has supported various educational causes, healthcare, medical endowment and disaster relief efforts.

The Lee Foundation’s generous contribution to the UPAAS Scholarship Programme in 2009 enabled the fundraising project, “Metro Cuisine: Cosmopolitan Finger Foods” cookbook. This project led to the establishment of the endowment fund for the UPAAS Scholarship Programme. Since 2006, UPAAS has supported 18 university scholars with 4 students currently studying and in good academic standing.

Members behind the “Metro Cuisine: Cosmopolitan Finger Foods” cookbook fundraising project accepted the award on behalf of the Lee Foundation. The latter provided seed funding for UPAAS Scholarship Program Endowment Fund in 2009.

UPAAS Oblation Award – Longest Serving Officer: Jennel Saludades
Jeng obtained her degree in BS Biology at UP Los Baňos. She served 11 years as an officer in various positions. She was the UPAAS President for 2 terms in 2019 and 2020. She has been a dedicated volunteer and leader. Her contribution to UPAAS is immeasurable.

The UPAAS Oblation Award trophies were specially designed and produced by the tribal communities of the Tigwahanon – Manobo of Mindanao, Philippines. The symbol of UP, the Oblation, lies prominently at the center surrounded by geometric elements that depict mountains, rivers and paths that the tribal communities walked daily.

The FUTURE
This segment embodies our hopes and dreams for UPAAS. It is our collective hope that UPAAS remains relevant amidst the ever-changing landscape and will continue to inspire members to go the extra mile to contribute and serve the community.

To mark the 20th Anniversary, UPAAS bestowed its first NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to the first 100 members.

The event will not be complete without a message from the UPAAS Founding President, Ms Mary Ann Chua. She echoed the message of UP President, Angelo Jimenez, during his inauguration – “to transform UP into a learner-centered digital university engaged in transdisciplinary scientific, cultural, and artistic pedagogy, research, and public service. To strengthen linkages with UP alumni who serve as the University’s partners and ambassadors to the world”. She encouraged everyone to stay connected with the UP Family and to forge ties with other UP Alumni Chapters to synergise efforts in service of the community.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to our wonderful emcees, Dr Gene Navera and Ms Krtiz Obordo. You were dazzling, fun and engaging.

UPAAS Music Club led by UPAAS Vice Pres John Rosado III gave a rousing performance of the song, Seasons of Love, from the musical Rent.

Many thanks for making this event a success!

Table Sponsors:
R&T Co. Strategic Processes Inc (Mr Ho Sun Yee and Ms Portia Dizon-Ho)
@crisisproofwithejae
Nina and Amil Reyes
Kathryn Vasquez
Janelle-Lim Kanna
Leirald Reyes

Sponsors in-kind:
Don Lechon’s Mr Kris Bibal
ConnectR
Elle Quan
Chi Ching
Mimmie Ong
Nina Reyes