July 18, 2008

President's Message

Happy 100th Birthday to our beloved University of the Philippines!

U.P. celebrated its birthday with simple ceremonies in Diliman on June 18. According to Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, “It was a hectic week but very exciting. It started with the Parangal, giving centennial awards to former UP presidents, and UP alumni who became national scientists and national artists. There was a grand extravaganza: Pamantasang Hirang - History of UP in Songs and Dances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It ran for three nights. The main theatre was filled to capacity. All were very enthusiastic after the show. Then, there was the “Grand Homecoming and Reunion at the Araneta Coliseum, about 3,000 alumni attended, another rousing affair.”

We are overwhelmingly blessed to have great achievers in our midst who represented UPAA Hawaii to these festivities and who traveled to the Philippines to receive their awards, namely:
Amy Agbayani, PhD: UPAA Most Outstanding Alumna Award;

Teresita Ramos, PhD: UPAA Outstanding Award in Academic Leadership;

Jorge Camara, MD: UPAA International Alumni Achiever Award; and,

Lindy Aquino, PhD: UPAA Lifetime Achievement Award. Lindy has also been notified by the UH Manoa Chancellor that she is the recipient of the 2008 Hung Wo and Elizabeth Lau Ching Foundation Award for Faculty Service to the Community.

The above-named awardees also brought with them the ceremonial $5,000 check donation of UPAA Hawaii to the Centennial Fund to be used for the faculty.

In May, we participated in the Filipino Fiesta with a float depicting the future. We rallied the youth and they performed Maglalatik and Itik Itik behind the float all throughout Kalakaua. We also had a booth showcasing UPAA in Hawaii with UP memorabilia depicting our 100 years in a beautiful garden setting.

The book, Memoirs of UP Alumni Abroad, compiled by Dr. Menchee Fulgado came out in May containing memoirs of twenty three (23) UPAA Hawaii Alumni in time for the Centennial Celebrations in the Philippines. Our contributions in the amount of $2,500 formed part of the funds turned over for the restoration of the Carillon.

More exciting times are ahead as we have our next Induction of Board and Officers on August 29, 2008. Hope to see you then!

Mabuhay ang U.P.! Aloha and God bless!

Leorosie N. Zabanal
UPAAH President 2006-2008

No comments: