Together We Build a Community
We Transform Lives
UPAA-W 2025 Highlights
Celebrating Generosity, Heritage, and Hope
(By Ike Pahm)
From national awards to expanded scholarships, cultural celebrations, and community outreach, UPAA-W made a lasting impact in 2025. We strengthened academic excellence through professorial chairs, supported Iskolar ng Bayan with the EatSkolar program, and united members through vibrant socials.
This year also marked the launch of the Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship, a transformative initiative that will empower nine scholars over twelve years. In addition, our system-wide scholarship expanded to include two freshman awardees annually, ensuring broader access to education for deserving students.
Together, we honored tradition, embraced service, and inspired the next generation. Padayon!
Events
News & Announcements
“This Food Tastes Like Home”: UPAA-W Concludes 2026 Feed The Hungry Program with a Heartwarming Gathering
(Floresa Balondo) Members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W), their…
Value Our Heritage 2026: UPAA-W Celebrates the Groundbreaking DreamWorks Film Forgotten Island
(Beaver Flores) (Photo contributors: Floresa Balondo, Ito Conti, Beaver Flores, and Becky Toledo) “We are…
UPAA-W Joins Archdiocese of Milwaukee in Celebrating the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
(Ito Conti & Ike Pahm) On Sunday, September 27, 2026, members of the University of…
Who We Are
We are the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W).
We aim to advance the core values and principles of our alma mater, the University of the Philippines, in pursuit of excellence.
We engage in various activities to raise funds to support UPAA-W’s scholarship program, assist in community service as well as promote awareness of Filipino heritage and culture among its members and community.
Scholarships
UPAA-W offers scholarships to deserving students in Wisconsin and UP campuses. Fundraising activities and generous donations from the community and association members fund these scholarships.
Professorial Chair
UPAA-W provides funding for professorial chair to deserving faculty staff to support research, teaching, and service activities. The main objective is to assist UP retain and attact distinguished faculty members.
Value Our Heritage
UPAA-W believes in the power of heritage in shaping our future. Through its Asuncion Miteria-Austria VOH, educational symposium and community events are held annually to preserve and share the rich Philippine heritage, values, and cultural traditions.
Feed The Hungry
UPAA-W members volunteer twice a year, in Spring and Winter, to feed the hungry. This activity, coordinated with a local church in downtown Milwaukee, serves 80 to 120 homeless individuals. We also distribute new clothes donated by New Threads of Hope in coordination with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation.
Volunteering
UPAA-W members regularly volunteer to help the Free Medical Clinic at the Philippine Center, held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Members also support our Cultural Booth at the Holiday Folk Fair where we showcase the rich traditions of the Philippines.
Outreach
UPAA-W proudly hosts the first day of Simbang Gabi, on December 15th, a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition that brings our community together in faith and fellowship. Join us as we honor this beautiful tradition, fostering unity and spiritual reflection during the holiday season.
Socials
UPAA-W hosts a vibrant Barrio Fiesta in the spring, celebrating Filipino culture with traditional food and friendly competition. Our Summer Picnic brings members together for a day of fun and camaraderie. We close the year with a festive Christmas Party featuring funny sketches and creative performances.
Iskolar Ng Bayan Fund
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