UPAAA 23rd Biennial
Grand Reunion
& Convention
October 17 & 18, 2025
The Westin Galleria, Houston, Texas
Committing to Honor, Excellence, Service
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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.
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?
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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: Awards |
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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. |
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ACCOMODATIONS HOTEL INFORMATION: Westin Galleria Houston Book your hotel stay here at the UPAAA group rate. Cut-off date for the group rate is September 25, 2025.
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| The 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, Angelo Azura Jimenez, meets with Christine Azcona, UPAA Houston GRC 2025 Co-chair, to invite him to GRC 2025, October 17 and 18, in Houston, Texas. Barring "unforseeen circumstances", President Jimenez will be one of our honored guests and speakers. [Photo at the UP President's Office, Diliman, QC, on August 16, 2024, courtesy of Christine Azcona.] |
MAKE AN IMPRESSION: ADVERTISE IN THE GRC 2025 SOUVENIR JOURNAL |
Nominate Exceptional Alumni for the 2025-2026 UPAAA Awards!
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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. Book your hotel stay at the UPAAA group rate here or scan the QR code. Cut-off date for the group rate is September 25, 2025. 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 Q4: Is there a registration fee? A: Yes, there is a registration fee of $125 to $450. Early bird rates are available until June 30, 2025. Installment options are available until January 31, 2025, by paying a minimum of $100 at a time until January 31. Q5: Can I bring a guest? A: Absolutely! Guests are welcome. Please register your guests as you register yourself. Event Details Q6: What is the schedule of events? A: A detailed schedule with speaker names will be available as soon as the speakers confirm their participation. There is a "Program Schedule" above. Highlights include a Texas-themed Jubilarian night on October 17, 2025 and a Gala night on October 18, during which Outstanding UP Alumni will be honored. Q7: Will meals be provided? A: Yes, meals will be provided during the event, including dinner on October 17 and 18, breakfast and lunch on October 18. Coffee will be provided during breaks. Accommodations Q8: Where can I stay during the reunion? A: We have partnered with Westin Galleria Houston.. Please check the “Accommodations” section for more information and the booking link for the UPAAA group rate which will be available until September 25, 2025. Regular hotel rates will apply after this date. Q9: Is parking available? A: Yes, detailed parking instructions will be sent to registered attendees closer to the event. Communication Q10: 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. Q11: Who can I contact for more information? A: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at grc@upaainamerica.org. You can also use the contact form on our website. Additional Information Q12: What should I wear to the reunion? A: The dress code is business casual during the day activities, Texas-themed casual during Jubilarian night on October 17 and formal during Gala Night on October 18. In Houston, Texas, average high temps in October is 82F and the average low is 59F. Temperature can vary, however, and Houston may experience highs in the 90s. Q13: Can I get a refund if I can’t attend? A: Please refer to the UPAAA Refund and Cancellation Policy here. |
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 2024 in New Brunswick. |
Day 1: Thursday, October 19, 2023 Registration and Welcome Reception
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_________________________________________________________________________________________ Day 2: Friday, October 20, 2023 Fitness Challenge 2023 and Keynote Address followed by Convention Sessions
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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
Filipinos Changing the World: Benildo G. delos Reyes, PhD Plant geneticist, Leading research against world hunger |
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: Marilou C. Areno, DComm Educator, championing Pride in the Profession |
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DAY 2: October 20, 2023
FELLOWSHIP and JUBILARIAN NIGHT
"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.
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And we honor fellow alumni In Memoriam
(Prepared by Joe Santos and Duno Dantis)
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Click and be in for a surprise ! 
Ang Dalagang Pilipina
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DAY 3: Saturday, October 21
Convention Sessions
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.
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. |
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The 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, Angelo Azura Jimenez What can the University do for you? "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
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, 2023 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! |
