UPAA Service Awards

UPAA - Central California

U.P. Los Baños appreciation memento is presented by Johnny Quijano to Wilma Cabacungan during the July 27 General Meeting in Turlock, California.

The UPAACC organization spans from Stockton to Fresno. Although some members as far north as Sacramento, and south as Visalia have joined UPAACC. General meetings are hosted during the Fall. A meeting was held in Fresno on October 19th, 1997.

One of the projects of the association is to ship books to the various UP libraries. Last September eighteen balikbayan boxes of books were delivered to UP Iloilo, UP Cebu, UP Mindanao, UP Baguio, UP Tacloban and UP College of Nursing, Manila.

The UPAACC scholarship program is named after the late Crisologo Cabacungan, who was instrumental in initiating the scholarship. In appreciation for supporting the last scholar, a chemical engineering graduate of UP Los Banos, Los Banos gave a memento to UPAACC. The memento was presented to Wilma Cabacungan, widow of Chris Cabacungan, during the general meeting in Turlock.

UPAACC is supporting a new scholar this year. She is a third year B.S. student of accounting enrolled in UP Iloilo. She is from Dugasong, Antique.

UPAA - Central California"s General Meeting in Turlock, California on July 27, 1997.

UPAA - Northern California Chapter (Berkeley)

Berkeley, CA - The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Northern California - Berkeley Chapter, recently installed its 1997 - 1998 set of officers at the Forge Room of His Lordships in Berkeley. Consul General Teresita Marzan served as the installing officer.

In an unanimous vote of confidence, Ceny Alfonso-Duldulao was re-elected president together with Raffie Rey, 1st Vice President for Program & Development; Evangeline Poe-Quesada, 2nd Vice President for Ways & Means; John Sabio, Secretary; Alexis Alcantara-Zulueta, Treasurer; and Rene Santos, auditor. Norma Veluz-Lacambra, being the immediate past president, keeps her post as parliamentarian while Edna Mercado-Victorino, one of the most respected members of the chapter, again chairs the Advisory Board. Dr. Mellie Lopez-Francisco is the president emeritus of the chapter which was founded 29 years ago.

Also inducted into office are the following committee chairs and co-chairs: Norma Villarente (Archivist/Historian); Norma Veluz Lacambra & Edna Mercado Victorino (Awards); Alexis Alcantara-Zulueta (Budget); Virginia Jean Guevarra (Hospitality); Danny dela Cruz & Rene Satos (Membership); Minda Dominguez-Azarcon & Oty Medina Balagot (Music); Rene Satos & Vangie Poe Quesada (Newsletter); Alexis Alcantara Zulueta & Raffie Rey (Philantrophy / Scholarship); Jay Castro & Gene Maristela (Protocol); Vangie Poe Quesada & John Sabio (Properties); Arlene Quintans-Macaraeg & Cota Deles Yabut (Publicity); and Jorge Flor-Cruz & John Sabio (Transportation).

Using silk vines and small white and pink flowers to duplicate the cadena-de-amor, new members Anthony Estrada, Cynthia David-Jocson, Irene Quintans-Macaraeg and Lilia Cruz-Scaglione were inducted into the chapter. The chapter is known for its observance of the cadena-de-amor ceremony which is a traditional part of graduation ceremonies at the University of the Philippines. Candles of various colors were also used to install the officers and members into office. The candles were adorned with multi-colored ribbons which correspond to the respective duties and functions of each position.

The highlight of Duldulao’s administration was the Chapter’s performance of ”Ang Ganda ng Ating Musika”, a musical which utilized the talents of its members in singing, dancing, and theater arts. The group performed to a standing ovation at the Hoffman Theater of the Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

UPAA-Berkeley Rondalla perform during "Ang Ganda ng Ating Musika" show. Shown standing on the left is Rondalla Maestro Celestino "Bayani" Tan. Playing the cellostanding on the right is Oty Medina-Balagot, past president of UPAA-Berkeley.

UPAA-Berkeley, known for its museo (Philippine Folklife Museum), chorale, folklorico dance troupe, kulintang ensemble, and family repertory theater, also launched its newest project, “The UPAA-Berkeley Rondalla” during this performance.

Maestro Celestino “Bayani” Tan and his wife, Melissa, (formerly lead ethnic instrumentalist and vocal soloist, respectively of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company) head the group. The Rondalla was made possible by a grant from the prestigious California Arts Council and Fund for Folk Culture. UPAA-Berkeley was one out of only 24 awarded the grant from among hundreds of applicants throughout the state of California.

The entire cast of "Ang Ganda ng Ating Musika" at the Hoffman Theater of Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA.

The Rondalla entertained the crowd amidst cheers and applause. Cecile Azarcon and Arnaldo Inocentes, vocal coach to movie stars, came to San Francisco from Seattle to lend their talent and expertise to the group. Accompanying herself and Arnaldo on the piano, Cecile played elegantly. They both wowed the crowd with their ingenuity and vocal styling.

Heading the chorale is Minda Dominguez-Azarcon, mother of Cecile, herself an award-winning soprano. She is also a voice and piano teacher. The folklorico dance troupe is under the able guidance and tutelage of master dancers and choreographers Norma Veluz-Lacambra and Winston Balingit. The Palabuniyan Kulintang Ensemble is headed by Master Artist Danongan S. Kalanduyan, the first Filipino to receive the National Heritage Fellowship Award (1995) from the National Endowment for the Arts. The family repertory theater is under the able leadership of Cota Deles-Yabut and Norma Veluz-Lacambra.

The Museo or Philippine Folklife Museum, which occupies three rooms at the Philippine Consulate Building in San Francisco, is under the guidance of Dr. Mellie Lopez-Francisco and Cota Deles-Yabut. The museum, aside from its exhibit on Philippine artifacts, fibers and fabrics, also holds a special exhibit on the centennial of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

After all the rigors of production and performance, the chapter then went on a fun-filled relaxing cruise to Baja Mexico aboard Royal Caribbean’s Viking Serenade. Both activities generated funds to support UPAA-Berkeley’s cultural and scholarship projects.

UP graduates are invited to join the chapter. For information on how you can join this group, please call membership chairs Danny dela Cruz (510) 933-4284 or Rene Santos at (510) 825-2317.

THE U.P. Nursing Alumni Association International 18TH ANNUAL REUNION

UPNAAI held its 18th annual reunion and dance at the Anaheim Hilton in California on August 2, 1997. It was a huge success.

The guest of honor was Cecilia Laurente, Ph.D., Dean of the UP College of Nursing, herself a Pearl Jubilarian (UPCN ‘67). Dean Laurente invited everybody to come to the Philippines in April 1998 to help celebrate the College of Nursing’s 50th Anniversary. In honor of the occasion, Josie Villanueva, President of UPNAAI presented Dean Laurente with a $10,000 check for the micro-parasitology fund at the UP College of Nursing. UPNAAI has previously donated $7,000 for the same cause.

Guest speaker to the breakfast seminar was Linda Agustin Simunek, Ph.D., JD, Founding Dean and Professor, Florida International University School of Nursing. She spoke very eloquently about “Commitment to Nursing Excellence in the New Millennium.” Rozzano Locsin, RNC, Ph.D., presented his research on “Living Nursing as Graduates of a Caring Based Program”.

UPNAAI Presidents & Advisors, left to right: Connie Orillo-Oliveros ('94), Mely C.M. de Leon ('90-'91), Josie Francisco-Villanueva ('96-'97), Luz Martinez-Latus ('92-'93), and Naty Octaviano-Matitin ('95).

The 1997 JV Sotejo Medallion Award of Excellence was presented to Aurora Santos-Yapchiongco, GN ‘50, MA, Ph.D., Dean UP College of Nursing 1984-1990, by Mely DeLeon, previous President of UPNAAI. This prestigious award is given to deserving UP Nursing graduates who exemplify Dean Sotejo’s ideal of outstanding community leaders. Dr. Yapchiongco was appointed by President Fidel Ramos to chair the Board of Nursing Professional Regulation Commission. As a nurse leader, she worked on the movement for nursing research, education and practice leading to the formation of the Integrated Registered Nurses of the Philippines. She continues to be a major force in the nursing profession and serves as a nurse consultant for World Health Organization and the Department of Health.

The dinner dance was well attended. UPCN class ‘72, the Silver Jubilarians, presented a video montage of their college days and dedicated a medley of songs to Dean Sotejo and Ida Sison, a classmate who passed away at the age of 35. Sixteen of them were able to come to the reunion. UPCN ‘67 celebrating their 30th year had the best attendance as usual, with 22 classmates coming from all over the world. Class spirits shone and the alumni and their families are looking forward to the next reunion.

California Veterinarian 7th Convention-Reunion in Fresno

California veterinarians celebrated its 7th bi-annual veterinary convention reunion that was held in Fresno California August 30th through September 1st (Labor Day weekend).

In attendance were 150 veterinarians from Northern and Southern California and other states; all gathering to reminisce their college years at the U.P.

The seminar speakers were Dr. Deborah Crippen, D.V.M. ‘83, Dr. Stewart Parker, D.V.M. ‘50, Dr. Alicia Carlos, D.V.M. ‘57 and Dr. Cesario Zamora, D.V.M. ‘59. Dr. Crippen was the immediate past president of the California Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Parker is a successful retired small animal practitioner in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Carlos was staff veterinarian for the Carnation Company in Washington State. Dr. Zamora is an Associate Professor of Anatomy at Pulman College of Veterinary medicine in Washington State University.

The convention was hosted by the Northern California Association of Filipino Veterinarians. Their President, Dr. Emilio Zamora, D.V.M. ‘65, extended his invitation to all U.P. veterinary alumni graduates and other colleges to unite in the celebration of continued advancement and excellence in veterinary medicine.

The highlight of the three day event was the picnic and reception. The picnic was held at Fresno Park where families and friends gathered together to celebrate. The dinner dance reception was held at the Fresno Convention Center with guest speaker Dr. Mauro Manuel, U.P.L.B. Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The members of the convention planning committee are Chair Dr. Fred Aquino, D.V.M. ‘57, President and President-elect of the Southern California Filipino Veterinary Medical Association, Drs. Johnny Calimlim and Winston Ramos, D.V.M. ‘67. They will be planning an international Filipino Veterinary Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in the year 1999.

U.P. Alumni Association, San Francisco

The U.P. Alumni Association, San Francisco Chapter was organized in 1973 with the following objectives:

1. To provide for organized alumni assistance to the University in the fulfillment of its mission as an academic institution; to this end it shall assist the University to raise funds required for its efficient operation; to endeavor to establish various scholarships, either through organizational funds or by obtaining donations and other grants from university alumni and others who are in a position to make such contributions;
2. To perpetuate Philippine tradition and culture among its members and other Filipinos residing in California. To this end it shall sponsor and participate in cultural programs and activities.
3. To assist prospective members who are new in California to adjust to their new environment by lending them assistance in seeking jobs and good housing locations.
4. To promote a better understanding and unity among its members residing in California, in particular, and the United States, in general.

Dr. Lydia C. Fontan, PRO and Past President of U.P.A.A. - San Francisco

Within its limited resources, it has responded to the requests of U.P., especially those requests during the president’s visits.

In response to one of President Jose V. Abueva’s requests during his visit in 1988, a Chapter Directory was published in 1990 and has been since updated. The directory, listing the expertise of the alumni, has served as a speaker’s and a resource person’s bureau.

The Chapter also responded to the U.P. Library Fund Campaign of President Abueva in 1992. During the visit of President Emil Q. Javier in 1994, the Chapter hosted a forum on the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, as well as a dinner dance for President Javier and party. Nathaniel Dueñas, the incumbent president, has organized some projects for Pahinungod.

The Chapter also organized a dinner party on June 6, 1997 for President Javier and Dr. Antonio S. Racela, Jr., Executive Director of the Friends of the University of the Philippines Foundation in America (FUPFA). At the dinner party, hosted by Dr. Louie Cabaluna, executive vice president of U.P. Alumni, San Francisco and his wife, Imelda, Dr. Javier updated the San Francisco U.P. Alumni, as well as the Berkeley U.P. alumni who were also in attendance, with the latest U.P. innovative programs that continue with its mission of creating leaders of intellect and character.

As the Philippines enter globalization, President Javier said, “it is the goal of U.P. to produce graduates who are able to grow in a world without borders, yet remain connected to the nation and its traditions.”

Dr. Racela shared with the alumni five programs of planned gift giving to U.P. through FUPFA from 1996-2001: THE UNIVERSITY CLUB; THE ALMA MATER CLUB; THE PRESIDENT’S CLUB; THE REGENT’S CLUB; AND THE U.P. MILLENNIUM 2008 CLUB. For brochures on these programs, call the Friends of U.P. Foundation in America, (816) 931-2771.

One of the main activities of the Chapter is the sponsorship of an annual homecoming. This event is attended by not only Chapter alumni, but also officers and members of the neighboring U.P. Alumni Associations of Berkeley and Sacramento.

A very important feature of the homecoming is honoring an outstanding alumnus or alumna. The following have been so honored:

Dr. Purificacion Cecilio Fontanoza, retired, was the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation for the State of California; Mr. Mar C. Tano, a retired Senior Engineer at Bechtel; Mrs. Ligaya G. Avenida, Director of Human Resources, San Francisco Unified School District; Dr. Corazon Alafriz Ponce, Administrator, San Francisco Unified School District; Dr. Panfilo S. Belo, Jr., Professor of Science and Nutrition, San Jose State University; Atty. Leonard de Vera, practicing lawyer; Dr. Lydia C. Fontan, Professor of English, West Valley College, Saratoga, CA; Dr. Consuelo T. Gomez, retired principal of the Filipino Education Center, San Francisco; Dr. Rodolfo S. Duterte, Founding President of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California; Mr. Alfredo Almendrala, then Consul General of the Philippines in San Francisco; Dr. Angelo K. Ozoa, Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner of Santa Clara County, CA; And Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga, the first Asian-American female to get elected to the Vallejo School Board of Education, Solano County, and Dr. Lene Martinez, past president of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California.

The Chapter also supports activities of other U.P. Alumni Chapters in California, and chapter members serve as resource persons on Philippine cultural activities in the community, especially those of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. The Chapter has a membership that extends beyond the borders of San Francisco, from way up north in Redding, to the East in Vallejo, and way down south in Salinas.

The officers and members of the Chapter are practitioners in their line of training and are actively involved in community affairs. They have held key positions in community organizations and agencies: Dennis Mesina, past president of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California; Victoria Peach, past president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County; Flor Manuel, past president of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, (PICPA, USA); Constancia Sonico, past president of the Board of Trustees, Hartnell Community College in Salinas; Romulo Uytingco, past president of the Filipino American Public Employees Society of Santa Clara County (FAPESCO); and Jocelyn Mina, past cabinet secretary of Lions District 4-C4 in San Francisco.

Currently, Elvira de la Vega is the Executive Director of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County, and Dr. Mira Sinco is Dean of Admissions, City College of San Francisco.

The Chapter has also established a U.P. Alumni Foundation in the Bay Area. Its goal is to serve as a permanent medium for responding to the needs of the Alma Mater. It is also designed to give the Chapter a concrete and visible identity as an organization that cares for its University. For more information about the San Francisco Chapter, call Dr. Lydia C. Fontan, PRO at (408) 374-2659 or FAX (408) 379-6090.

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