(Fe Visaya)
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W) celebrated a festive and heartwarming Christmas Party attended by nearly 100 alumni, family members, and friends. Inspired by this year’s theme— “UP UP UP, It’s our moment… We are GOLDEN!”—the event blended nostalgia, creativity, and the bold spirit of UP excellence.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from President Joselito Conti, setting the tone for a night filled with celebration, music, and community. Festivities began with holiday favorites and timeless classics performed by the PCCCF Strummers, filling the venue with the joy and warmth of cherished Filipino Christmas traditions.
President Conti followed with an inspiring year-end report prepared by Ike Pahm, highlighting UPAA-W’s remarkable accomplishments in 2025. He proudly shared that UPAA-W received the Outstanding Alumni Group Award from the UP Alumni Association in the Philippines, presented in July at the Bahay ng Alumni. At the same ceremony, Gerry Ramos received the Distinguished Alumni Award in Architecture and Service. In October, both UPAA-W and Gerry Ramos were again honored with parallel awards by the UP Alumni Association in America (UPAAA) in Houston, Texas—a historic milestone for the organization.
President Conti also recognized UPAA-W’s significant academic contributions over the years, highlighting the establishment and support of two Professorial Chairs in UP, further strengthening the association’s commitment to academic excellence and faculty development.
Looking to the year ahead, President Conti introduced incoming UPAA-W President Jaime “Beaver” Flores, who will lead the association into its 52nd year. He also presented the Board of Directors nominees—Floresa Balondo, Cream Pepito, Rowena Punzalan, and Roselle Rogers—all of whom received a strong vote of confidence from attending members.
Scholarships and community initiatives were central to the evening’s celebration. The successful Iskolar ng Bayan Fund Drive enabled the launch of two new incoming freshman scholarships, expanding UPAA-W’s long-standing support for two graduating UP students. The newly established Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship, made possible through a generous $30,000 donation from Dr. John and Evalynne Pickeral, will support nine UP students for all four years of their academic journey.
UPAA-W continued to strengthen its outreach efforts as well. The association maintained its support for Feed the Hungry in Milwaukee, helping local families in need, with Global Inspiration, represented by Kathy Carr and Rose Paul, acknowledged as its most generous partner in these efforts. UPAA-W also supported EatSkolar, a fundraising initiative helping UP Diliman students who struggle to afford daily meals, ensuring that no Iskolar ng Bayan is left hungry while pursuing their studies.
Serving as emcee, Roselle Rogers kept the event lively and engaging, especially during the ever-popular Bring Me game. Guests enjoyed a hearty and festive dinner catered by Bert Gamelo.
Music played a special role throughout the celebration. The UPAA-W Choir, under the leadership of Choir Director Nellie Anne Mallory, delivered beautiful performances of Payapang Daigdig (with guitar accompaniment by Linus Santo Tomas), Ikaw Lamang a cappella, and It’s Christmastime, accompanied by a recorded piano track by Bianca Enriquez. Guests also joined in enthusiastic community singing led by Ray Ballecer, adding warmth and nostalgic joy to the evening.
Two members were honored for their exemplary contributions: Ike Pahm received the Distinguished UPAA-W Alumni Award, while Elena Sommer was recognized as Youth Ambassador by the Philippine Civic and Cultural Center Foundation.
A crowd favorite, the annual skit performed by the UPAA-W Board of Directors and officers, took center stage—this year infused with a playful nod to the popular K-pop demon hunter theme. The comedic showdown, Kill Joy vs. Life of the Party, featured lively numbers including O Lumapit Ka/Golden and Katawan by Hagibis, culminating in a spirited Soda Pop dance finale. The performance filled the room with laughter and applause.
The 2025 UPAA-W Christmas Party beautifully capped off a golden milestone year—celebrating 51 years of unity, excellence, community service, and the unwavering UP spirit. True to the theme, “UP UP UP—It’s our moment… We are GOLDEN!”, the evening reflected the pride, resilience, and heart of the UP alumni family.