University of the Philippines
Alumni Association in America
Join us for a free virtual conversation with recipients of the 2025-2026 Outstanding U.P. Alumni Awards. Be inspired with their stories.
Friday, October 10, 2025
9:00 PM Eastern
Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89671720931?pwd=QFehE1DPN4JNTdtcaTDbX5LmASnduS.1
Meeting ID: 896 7172 0931 Passcode: 298239
Moderator
Lisa Boquiren, UPAAA Public Relations Officer
GUESTS
Ildeme “Demee” Mahinay Koch
Outstanding U.P. Alumnus in Business Leadership and Innovation
With nearly 30 years of experience, Demee Koch is a trailblazer in conscious beauty and ethical entrepreneurship. She is the founder of the globally recognized Swiss luxury beauty brand DE MOI, with a focus on compassion, integrity, and environmental responsibility. Named one of the Most Influential Filipinas in the World by Global FWN [Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network), Demee is a thought leader, global speaker, and author, known for inspiring women to embrace their power through her bestselling books, including Bold, Brave, and a Little Bit Extra.
She is a founding investor in wellness ventures like Soursop Nutrition by BeMe, a philanthropist, and a film industry advocate through her work with OneUp Film Studios and the San Diego Film Festival.
Recognized by the Asian Consulting Group for her contributions to sustainable business, Demee continues to champion ethical consumerism, women’s empowerment, and global change.
"My journey from Cebu to the global stage has been shaped by grit, grace, and a purpose far greater than myself. UP taught me the value of service, and that success means little if it doesn’t uplift others. This recognition isn’t just mine; it belongs to every woman, dreamer, and changemaker who dares to rise despite the odds. To my fellow alumni: never forget the power of your roots and the impact of your voice. May we continue to lead with integrity, compassion, and the courage to create meaningful change in the world.”
Venazir Martinez
Outstanding U.P. Alumna in Art, Culture and Social Change
Venazir Martinez is a Filipina visual anthropreneur and street muralist who graduated cum laude with a Fine Arts degree from UP Baguio. Her award-winning thesis, Hila-bana, launched a movement using street art to revive Filipino heritage through cultural symbols.
Founder of the Hilabana public art movement, Venazir transforms urban spaces into vibrant narratives of identity, heritage, and community. Her work has gained international recognition, including exhibitions in the U.S. during Filipino American History Month.
She was awarded The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award in 2024 and the National Mural Award at Mural Fest 2025 in Utah for her powerful contributions to public art.
Through a global network of murals, Venazir weaves stories of migration, identity, and resilience—inviting communities to reconnect with their roots and reimagine a shared cultural journey.
"UP made me believe in the power of art to spark dialogue, build bridges, and transform spaces using only my brush. Art introduced me to the world, and with it, I’ve worked hard to leave an impact wherever I go."
The UPAAA Grand Reunion & Convention (GRC) is a biennial gathering of UP alumni and non- alumni for the purposes of fellowship, knowledge exchange and fundraising for UPAAA's flagship initiative, the Scholarship Program.
On its 23rd biennial celebration, GRC 2025 is co-hosted by the UP Alumni Association Houston Chapter (UPAAH). UPAA Houston was conferred by UPAAA the Outstanding UP Alumni Group Award during the 22nd GRC held in New Jersey in 2023.
CLICK HERE for MORE INFORMATION on the GRC webpage!
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