Graduates and former students of the University of the Philippines were invited to attend the Grand Reunion/General Meeting of the UPAA in Toronto on Friday, October 14 at YMCA Central, Toronto. Close to 200 UPians were expected to enjoy an evening of nostalgia and fellowship, and to take advantage of the occasion’s opportunities for networking. The event started at 7:00 p.m.

To “keep the UP spirit alive”, guest speaker Consul Julius Torres, Mass Comm 1979, gave a short talk about social responsibility and the need for engagement among the UPAA members. Consul Torres has been in Toronto for the past two and a half years, after postings in Brussels and Canberra, and is very sensitive to the needs of the Philippine community.

Bayani Bernabe, president of the association, presented the upcoming social events starting with a barn dance in November (get those pedal pushers out!) and current and forthcoming projects and activities. It is hoped that events of this kind will nurture the desire for more involvement among UPAA Members. In this regard, Dr. Mario Andres and Dr. Vicky Santiago gave an update on the progress of the Scholarship Fund campaign which was nearing a successful conclusion.

Proud to be a U.P. GRAD? Remember the days? Dr. Andres also entertained the audience with a series of slides on the Diliman campus and campus life, then and now. There were prizes and surprises, and lots of interesting trivia. Food and non-alcoholilc drinks was served and a nominal fee of $10.00 was requested at the door.

That was an event not to be missed. Jo Flach was Chair of this event.

UPAA Toronto Barn Dance 2005 .