The University of the Philippines Alumni Association, celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year, is holding an election of its council members during their General Meeting on March 20th. The event will be held at the YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Street in downtown Toronto, from 6PM to 11PM.

Aside from the election, the financial status and future plans and activities will be announced.

Registration and buffet dinner will simultaneously start at 6:30 PM. Entertainment numbers are in the planning board. While the association shoulders most of the expenses, attendees are requested to pay a token fee of $10 at the door. UP alumni are encouraged to confirm their attendance by contacting Daisy Bernabe at 905-479-7481 or by emailing her at bernabe@rogers.com, or Theresa Lumanlan at tlumanlan@rogers.com.

UPAA president Noel Cruz said that this general meeting would be another opportunity for UPians to meet and enjoy each other’s company. Known for their close camaraderie and spirited company, UPAA members meet regularly for their monthly Kapihan for breakfast, fundraising, news updates and networking. Their Mentoring Program offers assistance to newcomer alumni in search of job opportunities and contacts. Other committees are equally active.

Last year, one of their events is a joint project with the Philippine Artists Group whereby a Sketching of Life was held ---- a professional model posed for the artists, and the sketches were sold for fundraising. Also, UPAA Toronto was represented by prominent Mississauga artist Romi MananQuil at a solo art exhibit at the UP College of Fine Arts in the Diliman campus last year, in celebration of the UP Centennial. A delegation headed by president Noel Cruz was at hand at the art show, which was considered the most attended event in recent years. The delegation also presented a cheque for the UP Professorial Chair, to UP president Dr. Emerlinda Roman.

UPAA Toronto is one of the numerous alumni associations around the world that celebrated the 100th year of the founding of the premier state university. Three hundred alumni attended the UP Centennial Ball at the Marriott Hotel – Toronto Eaton Center, and former president Fidel Ramos, himself an alumnus, and who was in town for another event, took time to visit with the alumni. He regaled his fellow UPians with his irrepressible sense of humor and wit.

While known for their competitiveness, UPAA Toronto members are not traditionally keen on jockeying for Council positions during the election, but when nominated and voted, they serve with commitment, and responsibly. Too, it has been noted that UP alumni hold positions of leadership in the Filipino community.

UPAA president Noel Cruz stated that membership has increased tremendously in recent years, and this general meeting is also an opportunity for alumni who have not yet registered in the Membership Roster, to show up and rejoin their colleagues.