(Atin Ito, April 2011) - A regular Kapihan meeting of the UP Alumni Association in Toronto held on April 30 at ax's Restaurant served as the venue for the induction of the new UPAA council.  To serve for a term of 2 years, the new council is composed of Rose Tijam (President), Marlene Mogado (Vice President), Rhodora Liboro (Secretary), Alice Herrera (Treasurer), Gena Baldivia (Auditor) and Marie Chris Garingalao (Public Affairs Officer).  The other council members are: Abe Tomas, Agnes Manasan, Benjie Abis, Chyrell Samson, Don Alinea, Fanny Calucag, Gody Dolor, Michelle Montojo and Rosemarie Gerardo.  Outgoing president Joe Zalaga, who will sit as ex-officio member of council inducted the new council into office.

In accepting her position as president, Rose Tijam said that she intends to continue on with several of the highly successful projects complete by the past council, such as for example, the Tee UP High benefit golf tournament the objective of which is to raise funds for UPAA's professorial chair and scholarship funds, the Career Development program, co-sponsored by Scotia Bank and the Kapihan series.  "There is no need to reinvent the wheels." said Rose Tijam.  She added that during her term, she intends to initiate new projects such as a leadership seminar and a 35th anniversary celebration in 2012.

Outgoing president Joe Zagala (far right) inducts the new council and executive officers of the UPAA Toronto.  Shown L-R are: Ben Abis, Michele Montojo, Abe Tomas, President Rose Tijam, Public Affairs & Communications Officer Marie Garingalao, Agnes Manasan, Vice President Marlene Mogado, Secretary Rheea Liboro, Treasurer Alice Herrera, and Auditor Gena Baldivia. Not in picture are members Don Alinea, Rosemarie Gerardo, Cheryll Samson, Fanny Calucag and Fred Dolor.