University of the Philippines

Alumni Association in America


2025 GRC Logo by Rosseau Nilo Maamor, BS Computer Science 2024, UP BaguioUPAAA  23rd Biennial

Grand Reunion

& Convention

October 17 & 18, 2025

 The Westin Galleria, Houston, Texas

                                                     Committing to Honor, Excellence, Service

Prefer to register offline?

Click here and here to download then print the GRC brochure

with a paper registration form.

See you in Houston in October!   Let's Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present,

and Shape the Future


Winston C. Umali, MD

UPAAA National President

(Click on the image for Dr. Umali's invitation.)

Click to view GRC invitation video

Pearl G. Ontalan

UPAAA GRC Committee Chair

(Click on the image for Ms. Ontalan's invitation.)

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.

Houston, from its iconic skyline to its bustling arts district,  is known for its dynamic cultural scene, world-class dining, diverse entertainment options and the Space Center, offering the perfect backdrop for our celebration.

Why Attend?

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:

Awards
Dancing
Dinner
Group mixers
Panel discussions
Parade of Jubilarians
Photo opportunities
Sponsor exhibits


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.


An Invitation from U.P. President Angelo A. Jimenez


The 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, Angelo Azura Jimenez.

invites you to the UPAAA 23rd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention

(Click on the image for President Jimenez's message.)

Spotlight on our GRC Speakers


Honorable Robert Lester F. Aranton, UP Alumni Regent and President, UP Alumni Association (UPAA),

invites you to the UPAAA 23rd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention

(Click on the image for Regent Aranton's message.)







ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTEL INFORMATION:  Westin Galleria Houston

The special reunion group rate has expired. Guests may book directly with the hotel at their current rates


Thank you, GRC 2025 Sponsors !

 DIAMOND 

Megaworld International 


PLATINUM 

Fe Odsigue Punzalan, RN-BC, MSN, PHN, QIDP,  

Atty. Fel Tabangay & Mrs. Crystal Tabangay, RN 


GOLD (and Event Underwriter) 

Francisco S. Sy, MD, MS, DrPH 


SILVER 

Max & Vivian Balagtas

Lucy Buencamino, MD

Equitable Advisors

On Call Home Care Services


BRONZE 

Advantrix; E.G. Enriquez & Co., Inc. (H&R Block Franchisees);  Jose M. David, MD;  Doeren Mayhew;

Mac S. Fojas (Seven Seven Global Services);  Martina Zaratan Fortich, RN, CNOR, RNFA;

Mu Sigma Phi Foundation;  Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis;  Jun B. Orteza, Ph.D. and Mrs. Cherry T. Orteza, RN (Saving Your Future Corp);  Atty. Tomas Rodriguez;  William H.E. Romero, MD;  Winston C. Umali, MD and Mrs. Letty Umali, RN;  UPAA of Nevada;  Benigno C. Valdez, Ph.D. & Mrs. Marilou Valdez 

UNDERWRITER 

Daisy B. Macadaeg, RN 

MEDIA PARTNERS 

Lawin Media Network of Houston, Texas, One Philippines Texas News, PHLV Radio of Las Vegas, Philippine Post of Los Angeles, The Filipino Press, Via Times Newsmagazine of Chicago 

************************************

We are grateful for the overwhelming support for GRC 2025. Our event sponsorships and souvenir journal ad opportunities are now closed.  For those who were unable to participate this year, we encourage you to register for and celebrate with us in Houston, and support other programs of UPAAA!

Honor Exceptional UP Alumni during the

2025-2026 UPAAA Awards ceremony

Meet the 2025-2026 Outstanding UP Alumni Awardees online during a series of virtual conversations on Zoom.  Be inspired by their stories, especially how their U.P. education shaped their lives.

Details here and here.


Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Q1: What is the date and location of the alumni reunion?

    A: The alumni reunion will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 and October 18 at the Marriott Galleria Houston, 

5060 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77056(713) 960-8100.  

          The special reunion group rate has expired. Guests may book directly with the hotel at their current rates

         

Q2:  Who is eligible to attend the reunion?

    A: Alumni of the University of the Philippines and non-alumni are all welcome.  Click the Registration button above.

Registration

Q3:  How do I register for the reunion?

    A: You can register by clicking on the link at the top of this page. Follow the prompts to complete your registration.  If you are not yet ready to register, save this link https://upaainamerica.org/grc

Please register by October 16. Walk-in registrations are welcome on the days of the event with a $25 surcharge.

     B:  We realize not everyone wants to register online or may find it difficult to register online.  You may register with a paper form.  

           1)  Download and print the GRC 2025 trifold brochure which has the registration form here and here.

           2)  Follow instructions on the form, mail the completed form and pay your registration fee.

Q4:  Is there a registration fee?

    A:  Yes, there is a registration fee of $125 to $450. Early bird rate of $400 for FULL REGISTRATION was available until June 30, 2025. The regular FULL REGISTRATION after June 30 is $450.

Please register by October 16. Walk-in registrations are welcome on the day of the event with a $25 surcharge.

For those already registered, cancellations are no longer permitted, but you are welcome to transfer your registration to a friend or family member.

If you have special circumstances that may prevent you from attending, please contact us at grc@upaainamerica.org so we can work with you in good faith.

Click here to read the full cancellation (and attendee CONSENT) policy →]

Q5.  How do I pay my registration fee?

    A.  Payment Options

    Online Payment: Pay securely through our website using a credit card or PayPal. 

    Zelle Payment: You can also pay via Zelle to upaainamerica@gmail.com. Please include “GRC Registration” in the memo along with your name. 

    Check Payment: Make checks payable to UPAAA, writing “GRC Registration” in the memo. Mail to the address provided. 

UPAAA, Inc.

Attn:  Fe G. Seligman

P.O. Box # 563

5073 Central Avenue

Bonita, CA 91908


Q6. May I bring a guest?

Yes, guests are welcome! When registering, you have two options:

  • If your guest is attending the same event or events: Add their details after entering your own, then complete both registrations together.

  • If your guest is attending a different event or events: First complete your own registration, then start a new, separate registration for your guest.

If you have any issues registering a guest, feel free to contact our support team at grc@upaainamerica.org

Q7: What is the schedule of events?

    A: A detailed schedule, including speaker names, is provided above..  Notable social events include a Texas-themed Jubilarian Night on October 17, 2025, and Gala Night on October 18, where we will honor Outstanding UP Alumni.

Q8: Will meals be provided?

    A:   Yes, the following meals are included in the registration fee. Dinner will be provided on October 17 and 18, as well as breakfast and lunch on October 18. Additionally, coffee will be available during breaks.

Accommodations

Q9: Where can I stay during the reunion?

    A: We have partnered with the Westin Galleria Houston for accommodations. However, the special reunion group rate has expired. Guests may book directly with the hotel at their current rates.

Communication

Q11: How will I receive updates about the reunion?

    A: Updates will be sent via email to all registered participants. Be sure to provide your current email address during registration.  Periodically check this website, too, for updates.

Q12: Who can I contact for more information?

    A: Please reach out to us at grc@upaainamerica.org. You can also use the contact form on our website.

Additional Information

Q13: What should I wear to the reunion?

   A:   The dress code is business casual for daytime activities, Texas-themed casual for Jubilarian Night on October 17, and formal attire for Gala Night on October 18. In Houston, the average high temperature in October is 82°F, with an average low of 59°F. However, temperatures can vary, and highs may reach the 90s.

Q14: Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

    A:  Please refer to the UPAAA Refund and Cancellation Policy. (Click the link.)

As the event approaches, cancellations can no longer be made. You’re welcome to transfer your registration to a friend or family member.  Please email us for assistance at grc@upaainamerica.org.

REMINISCE ABOUT GRC 2023

The 22nd UPAAA Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention, October 19 to 22, 2023 in New Brunswick, New Jersey



Attending the UPAAA GRC 2023 inspired me to sign up for membership so I can be

connected once again to UP.


Q:  Why did you join UPAAA?

A:  I had such a great time at the UPAAA GRC last October 2023 in New Brunswick.


Day 1:  Thursday, October 19, 2023

Registration and Welcome Reception

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2:  Friday, October 20, 2023

Fitness Challenge 2023

and

Keynote Address followed by Convention Sessions

Jubilarian Celebration


Day 3:  Saturday, October 21

Convention Sessions

Gala and Awards Celebration




















Gala and Awards Celebration, Saturday, October 21






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!



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