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About the UPAAA Grand Reunion and Convention
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 year, GRC 2025 is co hosted by the UP Alumni Association Houston Chapter, on October 17 and 18, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Houston, known for its dynamic cultural scene, world-class dining, diverse entertainment options and the Space Center, offers the perfect backdrop for our celebration. From its iconic skyline to its bustling arts district, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Why Attend?
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Meet UP alumni and non-alumni friends and supporters of UPAAA from the U.S., Canada, the Philippines and beyond. With multiple opportunities for fellowship, networking and knowledge exchange, there’s something for everyone: |
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The UPAAA Network includes our chapter members, UPAAA CPH (College of Public Health) Global and UPAAA Upstate NY-New England. We also partner on events and programs with UPAA Arizona, UPAA Houston, UPAA Nevada, UPAA New Jersey, UPAA San Diego and UPAA San Francisco. "There is strength in numbers, and if we all work together as a team, we can be unstoppable." -Craig Kielburger |
held in New Brunswick, New Jersey, October 19 to 22, 2023 Welcoming guests from the Philippines: Former Philippine Vice President Ma. Leonor (Leni) Gerona Robredo and University of the Philippines President Angelo Azura Jimenez. The hardworking Registration Committee had them both to themselves, without the hordes of admirers who crowded them all throughout the GRC.
The Registration Team Letty Umali, Janet Castillo, Luthgard Sapal, Pearl Ontalan, Linda Mangaoang, Guia Palma, Joy Celo assisted by go-phers Winston Umali, Ed Celo, Dot Tome, Mark Umali. Also in photo are Romy Aquino and Rod Macadaeg (Photo courtesy of Daisy Macadaeg)
The WELCOME RECEPTION on Thursday, October 19 This intimate gathering set the tone for the entire GRC - fellowship, informality, fun! UP President Jimenez and well-known UP alumna Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis even showed us they can carry a tune: the Godfather theme "Speak Softly Love" - in Italian no less - and the Beatles' "Yesterday", respectively. And who can top Broadway star Lora Nicolas Olaes' rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade" (from Funny Girl). Program hosted by Winston Umali, Noel Gamboa with singers Janet Castillo and Ronald Seludo PRICELESS MEMORIES
DAY 2: Friday, October 20 The ISKOlympics Fun Run Intrepid people braving the cold and the rain and still loving it! Watch this short video, courtesy of Dustin Dalisay.
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Day 2: Friday, October 20, 2023 Keynote Address followed by Convention Sessions |
Atty. Loida Nicolas-Lewis introducing the Keynote Speaker.
Filipinos Changing the World: Carmencita David Padilla, MD: National Scientist of the Philippines, Medical Geneticist and mover of health care policies in the Philippines |
Keynote Speaker, Former Philippine Vice President Atty. Ma. Leonor (Leni) Gerona Robredo  Filipinos Changing the World:: Clarina R. dela Cruz, PhD: Breaking the "glass ceiling" in Physics; Group Leader, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee |
Filipinos Changing the World: Benildo G. delos Reyes, PhD Plant geneticist, Leading research against world hunger |
Filipinos Changing the World: Marilou C. Areno, DComm Educator, championing Pride in the Profession |
DAY 2: October 20, 2023 FELLOWSHIP and JUBILARIAN NIGHT
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"Sayawan Na" - enjoying the line dancing
Jubilarians showing off their medallions |
Dr. Joy Celo, Board Secretary and Vice Chair of the GRC Committee, receiving the UPAAA Presidential Award for Service, flanked by Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Atty. Leni Robredo, UP President Angelo Jimenez, UPAAA Past President Nelsie Parrado and UPAAA President Dr.Jose David (from left to right)
Atty. Jose P. Santos, the first UP-educated Filipino lawyer to pass the Pennsylvania Bar without a degree from the USA, receiving his Diamond Jubilarian medallion |
The UP Alumni and Friends Rondalla providing musical entertainment and serenading UP President Angelo A. Jimenez with us.
And we honor fellow alumni In Memoriam (Prepared by Joe Santos and Duno Dantis)
Click here and be in for a surprise! |
DAY 3: Saturday, October 21 Convention Sessions |
Food Insecurity: The Philippine Experience Robert H. Lo, DVM : To attain food security, government and the private sector have to ensure the quality and maintain the safety of our food supply. We have to invest in the education of our youth in food production and farming. These are goals of his company in the Philippines, RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. |
Shelter Insecurity: The Philippine Experience Francis L. Delos Reyes III, PhD: At Gawad Kalinga, people are empowered to lift themselves from poverty by making them the builders of their own communities - sweat equity and values formation. Both government and private organizations are involved in making these communities work. Teach Filipinos to become entrepreneurs and empower them with education, along with shelter security, to give them dignity and help alleviate poverty. |
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The 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, Angelo Azura Jimenez "U.P. must be a hub for transformational change and that engaging communities and helping solve real-world problems should be a part of the UP academic experience. Ultimately, the goal is for UP to become a global university that asks the consequential questions of our time and, acting locally, strives to address the serious issues confronting the country and the world." |
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One of the last two Convention sessions on Day 3: The UP Alumni Network How UPMASA, UPAA Arizona and UPAAA College of Public Health Global Chapter work From left to right: Romulo Aquino, PhD - President, UPAAA College of Public Health Global Chapter; Guia Palma, MD, moderator; Marilou Areno, DComm - President, UPAA Arizona; Henry Echiverri, MD- President, UPMASA | Our IMPACT: UPAAA Scholarships, other forms of financial assistance and the UPAAA Permanent Endowment Fund and why UP alumni and other friends of UP pay it forward Panelists: Joy S. Celo, MD - UPAAA Chair of Scholarship Committee; Ma Cristina and Amador Colmenar - PEF and scholarship grant donors; Francis Sy, MD, DrPH - PEF and scholarship grant donor
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DAY 3: Saturday, October 21 Gala and Awards Night
The Oblation statuettes for the 2023-2024 UPAAA Distinguished UP Alumni Awards (UPAAA Awards Committee: Joy S. Celo, Nina I. Lojo and Luz Micabalo, with six guest judges) (Photos courtesy of Vivian Balagtas)
Recipients of the 2023-2024 UPAAA Distinguished UP Alumni Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Service Award for a UP alumni organization
The Jubilarians celebrating again during Gala night, with UP President Angelo Jimenez, Atty. Leni Robredo and UPAAA President Jose M. David, MD in the center (foreground) |
And so it ends on Sunday, October 22, 2023.... Until 2025 for the 23rd Biennial UPAAA Grand Reunion and Convention
Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr. Gregory Gaston, a farewell buffet breakfast and a short meeting of the incoming UPAAA Board. A fitting end to a truly memorable Reunion! |
