UNIVERSITY of the PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
MESSAGE
On behalf of the University of the Philippines, I greet you all, our beloved UP alumni
in the USA, on the occasion of your 19111 UP Alumni Association in America (UPAAA), Inc.
Grand Reunion and Convention. I congratulate the tireless UPAAA officers and members, led
by president Nelsie Tabudlong Parrado, the various Committee Chairs, the members and
officers ofthis year's host chapter, the UPAA ofNew Jersey, led by its president Juan C. Ferrer,
and everyone who worked hard to make this three-day grand reunion and convention a rousing
success.
I also congratulate this year's UPAAA Awardees and Jubilarians, as well as the
incoming officers of the UPAAA for 2018-2019, who will be inducted later during this event.
I thank you all for continuing to bring honor to your Alma Mater and to your country through
your commitment to excellence and selfless service in your professional and personal lives.
Your theme of "Renew, Reflect, Rejoice" is especially significant for both UP and the
UPAAA. As my administration sets forth to achieve our vision ofUP as a leading regional and
global university in an environment that sustains 21st century learning, knowledge creation and
public service for society and humanity, we too have taken time to reflect on the
accomplishments of the past administrations, the progress that UP has made over the years,
and the challenges that still must be faced. We too have renewed our commitment to UP's
principles of honor and excellence with compassion. And we, too, rejoice in what UP has
achieved, giving thanks for the rich, diverse and unified community ofscholars, public servants
and alumni-the best that the country can offer-that is the University of the Philippines.
As with UP, so it is with the UPAAA, and we in the UP Community are one with you
in renewing your mission to help preserve UP as the national center ofacademic freedom, with
open lines of communication between it and its alumni in America, and advancing the
intellectual, cultural and economic pursuits of UP alumni in America. We are one with you in
reflecting on all that the UPAAA has accomplished, from conducting projects such as
collaborative missions and fundraisers for poor but deserving students in UP Diliman and UP
Mindanao, establishing professorial chairs to support our UP faculty, fielding UP alumni
experts as guest lecturers and mentors for UP students, and serving to build and strengthen ties
UP alumni across the US, thereby nurturing the UP spirit that connects every member of the
UP Community. And we are one with you in rejoicing in and in celebrating the people, the
achievements, and the moments of camaraderie of the UPAAA, Inc.
2F NORTH WING, QUEZON HALL, UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY IIOl, PHILIPPINES
I [email protected] 632-9280110 OR 632-9283014 TELEFAX 632-9206882
2
UNIVERSITY of the PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
With this, I look forward to many more years of the close, dynamic partnership between
the UPAAA and UP, as we work together to transform our beloved University into the world
class institution of higher education we envision it to be.
Once again, congratulations to you, and I wish you all an enjoyable, unforgettable 19th
Grand Reunion and Convention.
zF NORTH WING, QUEZON HALL, UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY 1101, PHILIPPINES
I [email protected] 63Z-9Z80110 OR 63Z-9Z83014 TELEFAX 63Z-9Z0688Z
4
Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines
NEWYORK
MESSAGE
On the Occasion of the 19th UP Alumni Association in America, Inc. Grand Reunion and
Convention
I convey warmest congratulations to my fellow lskolars ng Bayan on the
successful holding of the 19th UPAAA Grand Reunion and Convention.
As you gather in New Jersey this year, to reconnect and to meet other fellow UP
Alumni as well as to welcome the recently-installed University of the Philippines' 21st
President Danilo Lardizabal Concepcion, may this occasion serve to further inspire all of
us to continue to live and work by our alma mater's motto - Honor and Excellence.
Honor in conducting our lives, our work, our service to others and to our
respective communities always guided by strong ethical convictions and the duty to be a
force for good.
Excellence by using our knowledge, skills, and expertise in elevating our chosen
professions and helping those who have yet to find their calling through mentoring,
educating, training, and best practices sharing.
Indeed, being an /skolar ng Bayan knows no geographical limitations. Whether
you share intellectual capital or physical resources with the Philippines or with your
communities in the United States, as lskolars ng Bayan, we must continue to work for
harnessing the collective power of our overseas UP Alumni Community in supporting
our beloved UP and by doing so, the country.
Again, allow me to wish all of the UPAAA members a productive and enjoyable
Reunion and Convention.
Mabuhay ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas - UP Nating Mahal!
11.,,.�i.u.· �dtU
MA. THERESA B. DI ON-DE V, GA
Consul General
UP AB '89, UP Faculty Member, 1989-94
27 October 2017, New York
556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Tel. No.: (+1) 212 7641330 / Fax: (+1) 212-3821146
email: [email protected] • www.newyorkpcg.org
5
UNIVERSITY OF TFoHuEndPeHdIL19IP8P1INI E5S01A(cL)(U3M) NI ITAaxSSIDO: 8C0IA-0T8I1O6N10i9n AMERICA, INC.
[email protected], wNwJ w07.u4p1a0ainIam(2e0ri1c)a7.o9r4g-7321
EXECUTIVE BOARD 2016-17 MESSAGE
National President October 26, 2017
Nelsle Tabudlong Parrado, CLTC (NJ)
B.S. Hygiene '68, CPH '71 Greetings! Welcome to our 19th Grand Reunion and Convention!
Vice President- East
Mary Anne AJabanza Akers, Ph.D. (MD) It is heartwarming to be able to gather together as alumni, enjoy the camaraderie and
B.A. Sociology '79, M.A '83 warmth of a reunion. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of this
Vice President - West great organization, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America, Inc.
Daisy Rodriguez, MPA (CA) (UPAAA). Together with the Board of UPAAA, we steered the organization achieve what
GN '65, B5N '69, MN '71 the founder, Dr. Arsenio Talingdan, envisioned in 1981, that is, to unite UP alumni as one,
Vice President - South in its goal for organized alumni assistance to our alma mater to fulfill its mission as an
Ruby Leah Ordinario Agnir, M.A. (FL) academic institution of excellence.
AB English Speech & Drama '59
Vice President - Midwest The theme "Renew, Reflect, Rejoice" of this Grand Reunion explicitly expresses its aim to
Alida May Brown Stapleton, M.A. (Ml) connect with fellow alumni in the US. The search for the alumni started with a request to
BS Physical Science '59 the Office of Alumni Relations which graciously gave us the list of alumni abroad, over a
Seaetary thousand in all. I would like to express my gratitude for the courtesies accorded me when
Zenaida Mendoza Sarmiento, RN (IL) I visited the office of the UP President Danilo Concepcion to pay my courtesy call last
GN '67 August 2017. President Danilo Concepcion honored us with his presence at this grand
Assistant Secretary reunion and for sharing with us the "State of the University of the Philippines". Thank
Leonarda Zafra Santos, RN (NJ) you President Concepcion! The Office of the Alumni Relations led by Professor Ranjit Rye
GN '72, BSN likewise was very helpful in completing my task in UP as well as sharing with me possible
Treasurer projects UPAAA can consider funding. There are many areas in the UP system that
Ma. Cristina Torres Colmenar, MBA (CA) definitely needs our assistance as an organized alumni organization. A good example is at
B.S. Statistics 79 UP Mindanao I visited in August. The Officers and Members of the UPAAA Board have
Assistant Treasurer discussed projects we can fund moving forward. Funding a scholarship project for
Leodegario "Gary" Q. Camacho, CPA PFS (NJ) financially in need students can still be a worthy project even if the tuition fees have been
B.S.B.A. Accountins '74 waived in UP. As "lskolar ng Bayan", it is time to give back to our university which played
Auditor a big role in who we are today. I have been dreaming for a collaborative project with the
Benita Marla Barros-Murrel, Ph.D. (Ml) other UPAA chapters in America. In time, I believe it can be done.
B.S. Education '71, MAT 75
Assistant Auditor I congratulate the Distinguished Alumni Awardees and the Jubilarians. You exemplify
Raissa Jean De Los Reyes Bagtas (CA) what UP alumni is - honor and excellence.
B.S. Psychology '93
Public Relation Officer
Aurora Soriano Cudal Rivera, D. Hum. (CA)
B.S. Education '52, CPH '58
Assistant Public Relation Officer
Racquel Lalo Sabas (CA)
B.S. Tourism '03
Parliamentarian
Carlos Garcia, Esq. (NY)
B.5. Mil. Sc. '61, AB Pol.Sc. '64, LLB '65
Historian
Luzviminda Sapin Micabalo, MPS HCA (NV)
B.S. Nursing '58
Regional liaison Officers
East
Jose David, MD (NY)
B.S. Psychology '79, MD '83
Carmencita Quesada Fulgado, Ph.D. (NY)
AA '60, AB' 61
West
Zenaida Estoque Ply (CA)
S.S. Math '71, Diploma Stat 75
Joe Santos (CA)
B.S. Business Economics '81
Emma Narvaez Aquino (TN) I am grateful and thankful to the members of the UPAAA Board who unconditionally gave
S.S. Pharmacy '67 me their full support during my term, especially in the preparation of this event. I also
Federico Agnir, Ed.D (FL) would like to thank the UPAA New Jersey, more particularly their president, Johnny
AB History & Speech '59 Ferrer, Ph.D., for hosting the 19th Grand Reunion and Convention, and the unwavering
Midwest assistance they gave. Together with his Officers and Members of the Board, they helped
Olive Rocha Aliga, M.A. (IL) in insuring the success of this grand reunion and convention. I also would like to thank our
B. Music '73. guests, sponsors, and advertisers for their assistance. Lastly, I thank my family for the
Erlinda Rojas Santos, Ph.D. (CO) support they have given me.
B.S. Phar '56, MS Ph
Mabuhay!
Past National Presidents
Juanita Santos Nacu, GN 67, BSN 68, MA PCC, EdO (2013-lS) Nelsie T. Parrado, CPH, ClTC
Romulo F. Aquino, B.S Hyg, '72, Ph.0. (2011-2013) President 2015-2017
Belinda A. Aquino, AB '57, Ph.D. (2009-11) UPAAA, Inc.
Francisco S, Sy, BS '70, MO '75, D. PH (2007-09)
Theodore B. M. Aquino, BSCE '71, (2005-07)
Fel E. Tabangay, AB '69, LLB '74 (2003-05)
Josefina P. Abaya-Wee Sit, BSE, '54, Med.. 67 (2001-03)
BenjamlnV. Marte, AA '51, BS '53, MD 'S9 (2000-01)
carmencita Q. Fulgado, AA '60, AB '61, Ph.D. (1995-99)
aemencio C. Apeles, UPHS, AB '61(1994-95)
Reuben Seguritan, AB '66, LLB '(1991-93)
Luzvimlnda Sapin Mlcabalo, BSN'S8, MPS (1988-91)
Constancia s. Uy, MD '67 (1986-87)
BenitoVasquez, BSA '59 (1984-SS)
Founding President
Arsenlo Talingdan, AA'Sl, MPA '56, Ph.D. (1981-83)
6
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (UPAA)
Ang Bahay ng Alumni Tel +63-2- 920-6868, 920-6875
Magsaysay Avenue, U.P. Campus Fax +63-2-929-8327
Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Email [email protected]
Philippines Website http://www.upalumni.ph
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MESSAGE
2015 - 2018
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the U.P. Alumni Association
OFFICERS: (UPAA), I am extending my warmest congratulations and best wishes to
the U.P. Alumni Association in America, Inc. (UPAAA), on the occasion of
Ramon M. Maronilla your 19th UPAAA Grand Reunion and Convention at the Renaissance
President Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin, New Jersey.
Oscar P. Palabyab It is heartening to know that since UPAAA was founded in 1981 in
First Vice-President New Jersey, you have been holding biennial conventions and grand
reunions, as well as raising funds to extend support to our beloved Alma
Reynaldo C. Laserna Mater - the University of the Philippines.
Second Vice-President
The theme of your Reunion, "Renew, Reflect, and Rejoice" is short
Teodoro J. Herbosa and crisp, but rife with many meanings and ramifications. And it is very
Third Vice-President timely. Indeed, it is time to renew, the UPAAA having turned 36 years old
this year; time to reflect on what you have and have not done; time to
Pacita C. Gavino rejoice over your many accomplishments.
Secretary
On the part of the UPAA, this year we are celebrating the UPAA's
Remedios Lapidez-Femandez 104th Anniversary with the theme "Itanghal ang Dangar, which echoes
Assistant Secretary the motto of the University: "Honor and Excellence". This is amply
demonstrated yearly by the UPAA'S bountiful harvests of Distinguished
Amroussi T. Rasul Alumni Awardees, who keep the banner of the Alma Mater flying high as
Treasurer the country's one and only "national university" - by hewing close to its
ideals of service, excellence and leadership.
Romeo D.C. Nones
Audffor With the invaluable assistance of its many chapters, the UPAA has
not ceased to give back to the University through its many programs and
Neil Andrew N. Nocon projects. It is my hope that all UPAA chapters, not the least of which is
Public Relations Officer the UPAAA, will tirelessly continue to join hands with us in the spirit of
the UPAA rallying cry: "All as ONE to keep U.P. No. 1!"
Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr.
Legal Counsel I wish all the participants in this milestone gathering a most
meaningful and fruitful Grand Reunion and Convention!
MEMBERS:
ie��u-�L
Yolanda Bello-Pajaro RAMON M. MARONILLA
Louis C. Biraogo President and Alumni Regent
Feliciano G. Calora, Jr.
Andrew Byron V. Co 7
Pedro L. Dela Cruz, Jr.
Leticia De Ocampo-Elegado
Hermenegildo C. Dumlao
Fernando B. Malveda
Emmanuel T. Mangosing
Domingo C. Palarca
Pastor Marcelo M. Reyes, Jr.
Victor B. Valdepei\as
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:
UP President
UP Director of Alumni Relations
Immediate Past UPAA President
Presidents of Chapters of
College, School & Institute
Alumni Associations
Presidents of City, Provincial,
& Foreign Alumni Association
Chapters
Romeo S.A. Cartos
Executive Director
University of the Philippines Alumni Association of New Jersey
October 26, 2017
Dear UPAAA 19Th Grand Reunion and Convention Attendees,
On behalf of the UP Alumni Association of New Jersey, designated co-host of the
UPAAA 19th Grand Reunion and Convention, I welcome you all to the vibrant state of
New Jersey, the Garden State. Thanks for coming. We hope and expect that you
will all take full advantage of your attendance to rekindle old friendships, meet new
friends, share your life experiences and acquired expertise in your respective fields,
and most of all commit and be engaged in giving back to our alma mater.
Unquestionably, we UP alumni take unbounded pride in being products of the
premier educational institution in the Philippines. This year's theme highlights our
life's journey from the moment we stepped on the UP campus brimming with youthful
excitement and enthusiasm yet nervous with anticipation of what laid ahead, up to
the present, having benefitted (and still benefitting) from the sweat and tears (literally)
we expended while at the university. Lest we forget, we also had fun.
We wish to welcome our distinguished guests led by the recently elected and
inducted 21st President of UP, Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion. We are honored by your
presence.
We are proud to confer heaps of congratulations unto our alumni awardees who
have exemplified the ideals of UP by distinctively contributing to the
advancement and enhancement of their chosen fields of endeavor! Well done indeed.
We would like to thank all the volunteers who have devoted countless hours and
energy planning, organizing and executing the tasks needed to ensure the success of
this event. We couldn't have done this without you.
Finally, UPAA-NJ congratulates Nelsie Parrado for tirelessly, patiently and
capably leading her team to accomplish UPAAA's goal of staging a successful
19th Grand Reunion and Convention.
Take care and enjoy,
Johnny C. Ferrer, Ph.D.
President, UPAA-NJ, 2017-2018
8
@�. .
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (201) 794-5344
E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (201) 475-1581
October 26, 2017
University of the Philippines Alumni Association
in America, Inc.
24-09 Cambridge Road
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to offer a warm welcome to the dedicated officers and members of the University of
the Philippines Alumni Association in America, Inc., esteemed guest Mr. Danilo Concepcion,
President of the University of the Philippines, and all those gathered here today at UPAAA's 19th
Grand Reunion and Convention. I wish you a successful and productive convention as you
Renew old friendships, Reflect on life's journey over the years and Rejoice in the many ways
you have collectively made a positive difference in the lives of others.
In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, we are blessed to have Nelsie Parrado, a good friend and
distinguished resident of the Borough, who has served others in so many ways. Through her
leadership as one of the founders and past president of the Filipino-American Association of Fair
Lawn, past president of Sunrise Rotary Club of Fair Lawn, and current president of UPAAA,
Nelsie has touched so many lives in so many ways. From providing supplies for those touched
by tragedy in the Philippines to awarding academic scholarships to deserving students at Fair
Lawn High School, we are so proud to have her as a member of our community.
On behalf of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Fair Lawn, please accept my sincere best
wishes for continued success in UPAAA's future endeavors. Your efforts are sincerely
appreciated.
JJC/mp
9
“UP Alumni as Agents of Effective Change: A Call to Action”
UPAAA, Inc 18th General Assembly, Convention, & Reunion
2015 October 9, 10, & 11 San Diego, California
October 27, 2017
Greetings UP Alumni, Family and Friends!
It has been two years since I wrote the 2013-2015 Presidential message. Time goes by fast! The good news is that
we have achieved and more what we had set as Projects for our “A Call to Action!” The fruit of our coming
together, our donations, and funds raised with our Souvenir Journal made a Shared Vision a Reality. Maraming
salamat Po!
A. Project Agapay: GAP…Gawa, Aral, Payo $10,401
The concept of a Collaborative Project between UP alumni and current UP students in the university campus
happened not only in UP Diliman but also in UP Mindanao! My husband and I left for the Philippines to evaluate
and deliver the funds to the only two received proposals: UP Student Catholic Action and UP Concert Chorus.
Then, the Molave Residence Student Hall proposal was added.
During our 4th and last week, we had lunch with Atty. Ramon Maronilla, President, UPAA UP System. He invited
us to join their delegation to UP Mindanao. We accepted. In UP Mindanao, we worked with the staff, interviewed
students, evaluated, approved their proposals and handed their funding in cash all done in three days! Wow!
We were so impressed with our UP students’ quality of work. Instructor and advisor Julius Neil Piala’s dedication
to his Communication students was exceptional. The UP Mindanao Projects were outreach to high school students
with UP alumni speakers and local businesses as sponsors. The GypSEA Project was an outreach to the Badjao
youths.
For UP Diliman, UPSCA did five Projects: 1) Institutional Visits, 2) Academic Assistance to Sampaguita Kids, 3)
Two-Day Service and Non-Profit Organizations Job Fair, 4) Midyear Urban Work/Leadership Seminars for Youth
Ministry, 5) End of the year Membership Retreat. For UPCC, they got their Full Body Mirror for Choreography
Rehearsals and provided training for different choir groups. Awesome!
Awards: 2) UPCC $2,000 3) Molave Residence $1,800
UP Diliman $6,800 1) UPSCA $3,000
UP Mindanao $3,601 1) 1st GypSEA Camp Project $994 3) Pamamahayag Project $366
2) HINABI Project/IMC Summit $1,266 4) Speak Up Competition $1025
B. Project Tahanan: BalikUPDorm $2126
Initial donation was $1,000 each from UPAA, Inc and UPAA San Diego for a total of $2,000. However, when we
met with Dr. Shirley Guevarra, Officer-in-Charge for Office of Student Housing, UP Diliman and Ms. Maricel
Rodriguez, OIC for Acacia RH, we learned of their current donation program “balikUPDorm.” It has three levels.
We chose the highest level Dormmate Package Php 100,000. And added $126.00 to the $2,000 cashier’s check to
make a total of Php100,000.
Above are the facts and data for Project Agapay: GAP and Project Tahanan. To experience the Heart of these
Projects, please come and listen to the stories that came about because you cared to share your blessings and
brought life-changing experience for our UP students and Alumni in the Philippines, myself and my husband
Florentino included. Day 2 October 27, Friday 2:35 PM.
God bless us all!
Dr. Juanita Santos Nacu, GN ’67, BSN ’68, RN, MA PCC, EdD
President, 2013-2015 UPAAA, Inc
[email protected]
10
Message
WARM GREETINGS TO ALL FELLOW UP ALUMNI
AND FRIENDS,
Once again we are gathered in unity in this joyous
alumni occasion which we anticipate every two
years to re-dedicate collectively and individually our
continuing our traditional role in supporting and
promoting our U.P. alma mater as an institution of
higher learning. This biennial event is also an occasion to recognize
our fellow alumni overseas who continue to keep our tradition of
academic excellence and professional achievement. They make us all
proud wherever we are also because they showcase some of those
U.P. legacies that define us through life that include critical thinking
and independence of mind.
I would like to echo and paraphrase my message during my stint as
UPAAA, Inc. president in 2011-2013. I said, while we always strive
to show our loyalty to U.P. through our generous donations to assist
our alma mater in many of its projects and expressed needs, it
would be consistent in our overall mission to make our position
known in matters of national interest to U.P. Diliman, the U.P.
System and to those in-charge of governance, no matter what our
politics maybe. We are all still Filipinos and U.P. after all, is also
national university supported by tax payers and civic-minded citizens
of the Philippines. We are all former Iskolar ng Bayan.
Let me convey my congratulations to President Nelsie T. Parrado and
her officers for their hard work and dedication to get this difficult
task of organizing this auspicious event to a successful fruition. It
has been a pleasure working with all.
Mabuhay ang U.P., ang Pambansang Pamantasan ng Pilipinas!
Onward U.P.! Mabuhay ang UPAAA, Inc.!
Romulo F. Aquino, Ph.D.
11
UNIVERSITY of the PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in AMERICA, Inc.
ESTABLISHED IN 1981
September 17, 2017
Dear Fellow Alumni:
Welcome to the 2017 University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America
(UPAAA) 19th General Assembly and Convention, October 26-28, 2017 in Iselin, New
Jersey. We are deeply honored and grateful for your presence.
We were able to raise $36,000 from our previous three conventions (2005, 2009 and
2011) for the UPAAA Professorial Chair Endowment Fund. On Dec. 20, 2012, I signed
the Deed of Donation with UP President Alfredo Pascual that established this endowed
professorial chair. It will rotate every 2 years to an outstanding faculty member in one of
the three units of the UP system: UP Baguio, UP Visayas and UP Mindanao. This
endowment fund is managed by the UP Foundation. We have not received any reports
from the faculty recipients. We will continue to follow up with UP Foundation and these
two units of UP to make sure our contributions are being used to benefit the students.
Let us strive to be effective change agents in our community and continue to support our
Alma Mater to provide excellent, affordable, and relevant education to all Filipinos.
Thank you and Mabuhay!
Sincerely,
�
Francisco S. Sy, MD, DrPH
President
UPAAA, 2007-2009
12
UNIVERSITY of the PHIUPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in AMERICA
ESTABUSHED IN 1981
EXECUTIVE BOARD
2001-2003
National President
Josefina Abaya Wee Sit (IL)
Vice President East
Nelsie T. Parrado (NJ)
Vice President South
Fel Tabangay, ESQ (TX)
Vice President West
Lydia C. Fontan, PhD (CA)
Vice President Mid-West
Delia Hidalgo-Rayos (Ml)
Secretary
Alma Ambrosio Chand (Ml)
Treasurer
Iluminada Aquino-Sotelo (IL)
Assistant Treasurer
Felinda M. Villa (TX)
Auditor
Alma Hildalgo Onrubia, CPA (CA)
Parliamentarian MESSAGE
Lualhati V. Ferro (FL)
Felicitations and a heartwarming welcome to all conventioneers and guests!
Public Relations Officer May this 2017 UPAAA, Inc. General Assembly and Convention provide some
Fe Casimiro Nievera (IL) wholesome, enriching, invaluable and gratifying experiences.
Liaison Officers "REVIEW, REFLEC1; REJOICE"; indeed, is an apropos theme for this
East Region great event which will impel the dedicated members ofthe UPAAA, Inc.
Rhoda D. Santos, CPA (NJ) Board ofDirectors and the UPAAA, Inc. general membership to respond
Carmencita Q. Fulgado, PhD (NY) effectively and accordingly.
South Region UPAAA, Inc. has the great potential and capability as an organization to
Emmelina S. Ceguerra, CPA (FL) undertake another project and endowment to benefit "U.P. BELOVED" as
Luceli C. Cuasay, PhD (TX) once proven during my UPAAA, Inc. presidency in 2001-2003 when a
Lura Colorado, (TX) $25,000 Professorial Chair in Perpetuity was established.
West Region Ultimately, I beseech the current UPAAA, Inc. Board of Directors and all my
Theodore Aquino (CA) fellow alumni to support and assist all means to perpetuate the image ofthe
Roque C. Hilomen (CA) University ofthe Philippines as a premier educational institution in Asia.
Sonja 0. Menor (CA)
Sid dela Cruz (NV)
Mid-West Region
Benedicto B. Manzano (Ml)
Benito Kalaw, PhD (IL)
R.M. Austria (WI)
Erlinda Rojas Santos, PhD (CO)
Past Presidents � "I:' atr-;.All for the love of UP,
Arsenio Talingdan, PhD ,a
Founding President (1981-83) Josefina P. Abaya-Wee Sit
Benito Vasquez (1984-85)_ B.S.E., '54; M.Ed., '67
Constancia S. Uy, MD (1986-87) President, UPAAA 2001-2003
Luzviminda Sapin-Micabalo (1988-90)
Ruben Seguritan, Esq. (1991-92)
Clemencia Apeles (1994-95)
Carmencita Q. Fulgado, PhD (1996-99)
Benjamin V. Marte, MD (2000-01)
13
University of the Philippines Alumni Association
New York Chapter (UPAA-NY)
Dr. Carmencita Quesada-Fulgado, President
85-15 Edgerton Blvd Jamaica Estates NY11432
M E S S A G E from UPAAA President 1995-97, 1997-99
Do you believe in destiny? And that everything happens for a reason? In 1981, UPAAA was founded in New
Jersey and the East Coast remained its seat until in the early 1990s
we went westward, Fred Quevedo MD was elected President.
Unfortunately, for personal reason he resigned and the California
vice president Clem Apeles (now deceased) assumed the position
and appointed me, second vice president to be overall chair of the
next Grand Reunion and Convention preciously voted, Florida 1995.
Though from New York, I did not hesitate, for this was an
opportunity to try an idea, having a 3-day reunion with specific
educational and fundraising component, beyond “passing the hat”
and pledges. And so it happened!
Success begets success, or was this destiny, I was elected
National President and the 1997 Grand Reunion and Convention
was voted to be New Jersey, again not my State, but at least close
by. I would bus to Trump’s Taj Mahal, then, it was very much a
destination. NJ chapter more than welcomed hosting it, and while there was a 50/50 financial arrangement, the net
profit went all to UPAAA. And, so what happened? I was re-elected National President, with Las Vegas as the
1999 venue.
However, there was no alumni chapter yet existing in Nevada. As it has been said, “build it and people
will come”. I wrote to OAR, and obtained addresses they have specified Las Vegas and I wrote to them. When I
arrived with my high school daughter Joy, there was a letter waiting for me in Circus Circus which gave me
courtesy accommodation when I said as President I was scouting a possible venue for 1999 UPAAA convention.
I was met by a group of 7 UP alumni, though not willing to host but more than happy to help, attend and promote
the event. They introduced me to a non-UP high-roller who helped me negotiate with Excalibur, while we
arranged for Pres. Pres. Nemenzo’s stay in The Venetian. And so it happened!
In Atlantic City we already had 24 States represented and VIPs from Diliman, the state representation
not just increased, but attendance since many just drove from
California. By this time also, UPAAA has moved from the Preamble
upon which it was founded to actually having its By-Laws and
Constitution, passed and ratified, with charity status and 501C3. The
original UPAAA green logo (above) from which the UPAA-NY logo
was patterned made its debut. When my 2-terms was over, in 2000
with 3 other officers, we came to Diliman to sign the Deed of
Donation (DOD) specific for scholarship endowment fund with
President Francisco Nemenzo. Scholarship Committee was formed
for UPAAA Texas 2003 when I was appointed by Pres Fel Tabangay
Chair of Ways & Means and in 2006 together we signed the DOD for the UPAAA Scholarship II…all funds
efficiently managed by UPFI. Then, it was not surprising to friends that in 2007 I was appointed Commissioner
Abroad for the UP Centennial Celebration, not a surprise, but destiny, MEMORIES Project, my brainchild. It
was in DC that we celebrated the success of Book I Memoirs of UP Alumni Abroad (2008) in a by invitation only
“ Party After Party” after the UPAAA 2009 gala…and to many you know the rest of history!
YOU are now here , dear fellow alumni and friends. Whether here before or your first time, consider this
UPAAA biennial event your destiny, I never left UPAAA since being “distinguished” in 1989. You are
distinguished yourself by being here. Let us look forward to attending UPAAA 2019 reunion, and during these
two years ahead, …adapting from a winning slogan, … together Let us make UPAAA Great Again !
University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America
Founded in 1981
MESSAGE
I am pleased to send warmest greetings to all in attendance at tonights 19th UPAAA biennial
convention and reunion. It is indeed an honor to greet and welcome the President of the University
of the Philippines, Mr. Danilo Concepcion and Atty. Ramon Maronilla , UPAA President and their
party.
UPAAA has been in existence since 1981 and through the years, alumni have gathered each
reunion years to celebrate, renew ties and reminisce the good times of their college life. It truly
give us the feeling of being connected once again to our beloved Alma Mater, more so, with the
presence of President Concepcion and Atty. Maronilla. Hopefully, our reunion will foster and
rekindle the spirit of loyalty and unity among the UP alumni in the United States .
It gives me pleasure to congratulate the 2017 UPAAA officers, especially, President Nelsie
Parrado, for her leadership, hard work, diligence and effective collaboration in making this
convention successful.
Best wishes to all. Have fun and enjoy the evening!
Luzviminda Sapin (Gonzalez ) Micabalo
UPAAA President 1988-1991
14
SNAP SHOT HISTORY OF UPAAA INC.
Part of history are excerpts from Messages of Dr. Arsenio Talingdan,
Founder & First UPAAA National President, 1981-1983
By Luzviminda Sapin Gonzalez Micabalo
UPAAA Inc. Historian & Past President 1988-1990
May 25, 1981 - UPAAA was organized and founded by Dr. Sept 12, 1992 - 50 delegates of UP Alumni organization in
Arsenio Talingdan in New Jersey. He was elected as its America led by UPAAA Inc. led by President Atty.
First President. Reuben Seguritan and Dr. Jaime Velasco , past president
The goals of UPAAA were to: of UPAA Southern California, held a meeting at the
Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim California. All delegates
(1) Preserve the University of the Philippines as the present voted to recognize UPAAA Inc. as the duly
national center of academic freedom organized umbrella group of all UP Alumni organization
in the US and Canada.
(2) Open and maintain lines of communication October 23, 1994 - Joint Reception for UP President
between the University and its alumni in Emil Javier and Chancelor Perla Santos Ocampos
America, soliciting funds for "UP Faculty Development " at Army
& Navy Club , New York City
(3) Advance the intellectual, cultural and economic May 15, 2011 - 501 (c) (3) revoked automatically by IRS
pursuits of UP alumni in America. for failure to file Federal Income Tax return for 3 years.
Date of Notice March 12, 2012.
May 25, 1981 - The first UPAAA Scholarship Trust Fund December 12, 2011 - UPAAA Inc. New Jersey State
was launched in New Jersey with $10,000 goal. Registration was revoked .
Sept. 28, 1981 - UPAAA Articles of Incorporation was May 22, 2012 - UPAAA Inc . President Romulo Aquino
filed and registered in New Jersey as a non-profit-, non- delegated Luz Sapin Micabalo to secure a new IRS EIN
partisan and non-sectarian organization. for UPAAA Inc. Bureau of Internal Revenue Service
Dr. Arse Talingdan thereafter initiated the formation and issued UPAAA Inc. a new Employer ID No. (EIN).
organization of the following UPAAA Chapters and their AAuugguusstt1177,,22001122: UPAAAA Iwnacs. wreagsisrteegreisdteirnedtheinStthaeteSotafte
first sets of officers. oNf eNveavdaad.a.EEntnityityNnuummbbeerrEE00431262012-99.
UPAAA New Jersey - May 25, 1981
UPAAA Florida September 16, 1981
UPAAA New York -December 16, 1981
UPAAA Pennsylvania - May 23, 1982
January 23, 1982: Dr. ArsenioTalingdan applied for IRS
number and was issued EIN number 22-2382657
August 20, 1982 - UPAAA Inc. helped launch "Friends of July 30, 2014 - UPAAA Inc received its Federal Income
UP Foundation" at the request of UP Pres. Ed. J Angara Tax Exemption Status as a 501 (c) (3) according to the
in a letter to UPAAA Inc. dated June 18, 1982. . Reception Bureau of Internal Revenue. Effective Date of
held at the United Nation with UN Undersecretary Exemption is August 20, 2012.
Rafael Salas. Several UP alumni from New York were on UPAAA Inc. is classified as a public charity under the
the FUPFA board i.e Dr. Enteng Limcaoco, Loida Bureau of Internal Code section 509 (a) (2) .
Nicolas Lewis and Luz Sapin Gonzalez Micabalo and UPAAA Inc. under its founding president and
Dr. Archie Laano., among others. succeeding presidents laid the seed and foundation for
September 13, 1982 : Dr. Arsenio Talingdan applied for what UPAAA Inc. is now. It has held a combination of
Federal Tax Exemption . IRS approved UPAAA Inc. as biennial general reunions since 1981 to 1991 and a three
tax-exempt under section 501 (c)(3) of the Bureau of day conventions and general assembly since 1995.
Internal Revenue and Foundation Status under Section UPAAA Inc has honored and awarded distinguished
509 (a) (1) and 170 (b) (1) (v1) of the US Bureau of alumni from various parts of the United States and
Internal Revenue Code abroad, i.e., as far as Paris, France. It has raised funds
March 1991 - UPAAA Inc. led by Atty. Reuben Seguritan for Scholarship and Professorial Chairs for UP Diliman.
in cooperation with the New York Philippine Consulate, More challenges and opportunities await the future of
gave a reception to world famous Lea Salonga of Miss UPAAA Inc. leadership. More can be achieved for UP by
Saigon, at the former Penta Hotel, New York City. being united in spirit and deed to make UP a great world
September 12, 1992 - UPAAA Inc. reception for UP class University of Excellence.
Pres. Jose V. Abueva soliciting funds for UP UPAAA history is work in progress in collaboration
Reseach Endowment Fund. with current and past UPAAA presidents.
15
19TH UPAAA GRAND REUNION & CONVENTION PROGRAM
DAY 1 OCTOBER 26, 2017 THURSDAY
8:00 AM Registration Location: Foyer
Opening of Books and Arts Exhibits Pre-function room/Foyer
Tour of New York City (Optional)
6:30 PM Welcome Reception
DAY 2 OCTOBER 27, 2017 FRIDAY
8:30 AM Opening Ceremonies Location: Diamond A
Invocation - Rev. Father Gregory Ramon Gaston, SThD, Rector, Pontifico Collegio Filippino
*Lupang Hinirang - Aida Gamboa
*Star Spangled Banner - Roly Catiis
Welcome Remarks - Nelsie T. Parrado, CLTC, President, UPAAA
9:00 “Message and Introduction of Keynote Speaker”
Consul General Theresa Dizon- De Vega
Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines, New York
10:00 Keynote Address - “State of the University of the Philippines"
President Danilo Concepcion, University of the Philippines
Q & A - Moderator: Juan C. Ferrer, PhD, President, UPAANJ
-10:45 BREAK-
11:00 “The UP Education – How did We Change the Communities We Live In" -
Max G. Ventura, President/CEO, Philam Life Foundation
Q & A - Moderator: Lara Gregory, Esq.,
11:35 “The Role of Alumni in Insuring the Sustainable and Continued Growth of the Alma Mater”
Atty. Ramon Maronilla, President, UPAA UP System
Q & A - Moderator: Ludy Corrales , Past President UPAANJ
12:05 PM Nomination of Candidates for 2018-19 UPAAA Officers
Federico Agnir, EdD, Chair, Committee on Nomination & Election
12:15 LUNCH (Paid) Location: Diamond B
12:45 Introduction of Guest Speaker - Clarita Ramos, Past President, UPAANJ
“Music is No Monkey Business” - Michael Dadap, Artistic and Music Director, Children’s Orchestra Society
Q & A - Moderator: Flor Yalong, The Philippine Chamber Rondalla of NJ
1:35 Panel Discussion: Diamond A
“Opportunities for Investments and Retirement In the Philippines”
Marivic Acosta, Senior Vice Pres./Managing Director Megaworld Int'l
“Understanding the Millennial: An Educational Imperative”
Mary Anne Alabanza Akers, PhD, VP UPAAA East, Dean and Professor, Morgan State University
2:25 Q & A - Moderator: Norie Quesada Catiis, Past President, UPAANJ
2:35 UPAAA 2015 Project AGAPAY "Gawa AralPayo/GAP Implementation in UP Diliman & in UP Mindanao”
Juanita Santos Nacu, EdD, UPAAA, Inc. PresIdent, 2014-2015
3:15 Reunion of Different Classes, Sororities, Fraternities Sapphire A & B
5:30 Assembly of Jubilarians
6:30 Fellowship Night: Theme- “ Unity in Diversity” Diamond A & B
Daisy Rodriguez, UPAAA VP West, Chair, Fellowship Night
RONDALLA Music: UP Alumni & Friends Rondalla . Diane Valencia, Leoncito de Lara, Matilde Chua, Rodolfo Reyes
and Philippine Chamber Rondalla of New Jersey, Inc. - Cordelia Gow, Nephtali de Jesus, Rosemarie Pablacio
Clarita Ramos, Nathaniel Soliven, Flordeliza Yalong
12:00 AM - ADJOURN
16
fiiijiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii�iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-
... '
CONVEN'flON PROGRAM-DAY 3, 0<;:TOBER 28, 2017, SATURDAY
..
6:30 AM Breakfast (Paid) Location: Diamond.A& 'B
. .. Presenta_ Hon of'Sponsors: .Megaworla lnt'I: PAL, LBC
8:00 Introductioi:i. and.Overview_
' '
� , •:• "}'he Nature of Bal�nce: 1 Daisy fv!.,Rod�_iguez, RN, MP;'\ .· � .· ·
Theory.''- MN,
'
•:• "Implications-fa Balanced Life: The Rewards of Giving"- Carmerrcita Q. Fulgado, Ph.D., Past UPAAA President
·
Open forun:i/Q & A
8:30 Concurrent Breakout Panel Sessions
Panel A: "Seeking Ba, lance of Body, Mind, ancJ Spirit" DiamondA
.Mo9erat9r: D�isy M. R�drigu�z, RN, M}.f, MPA
•:• "Towards a Balanced Life: Health and Well Being" Josephine Cabildo Aparri, RN, Ed.M
•:• "· Finding Spfritual Balance" - FatJ-ier' G�egory Ramon D. Gaston',: STh'D ,• .
•:• 1 Disrupting_A, ging� New Realities'� - J�e Garb'anzos,-MPH/EMB1\ ··-.· '.
•
Open Forum/Q & A
Panel B: "Balanced Lif�: Finding Peace and Purpose" Sapphire A
M?derator:_ Carmencita Q. F�lgado, Ph.D.
°
•:• "·self-Fulfillment Through·Balancing Career and Fainily" - Racquel Lalo Sabmi
. · •:• ,,· Th_ e' Arts'for a Balanc· ed'Life" - Ruoy Leah 0..Agnir, MA
•!• "• Burnout and Stress: l.;.bafance i n ,M·• od.e. rn Life'; -• Jose Dav0 idI ·, MD , ...
I' .f
.f I
Op_e;n Forum)Q & A : , . _. ., - 9:30 BREAK -
9:45 "The History of UPAAA- a Panel Discussion" Diamond}J
--
Connie S. Uy, MD, UPAAA President,1986-87 ·
Phoebe Andes Roi:nero, UPAA NJ Past Presi9ent
. LUf'. Sap[n Mi�abalo, UPAAA,Presi?ent 1,988-91, UPAA4 Hisroriari;
I l :00 Q & A Moderator br. Romy Aquino, VPAAA P�esident 2011-'13 , .,.
11:15" "The S'uccess Story of UPMASA" ·: .'
Connie S. Uy, M?, Past:' President, National_,UPMA-SA
.,
Professor, Department" ofPediatrics,, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School
Q & A Moderator: Jovenia S. Celo, MD ·
11:35· Workshop:"UPAAA - What Path· to Take Moving Forward?"
· · · . -12:00 Noon· LlJNCH. (�aid)·-
1 ;00 PM B. usiness' Meeting an·d El'ect.ion .
. t. .Pre- sident's 'Report-.. Nelsie -Parrado,'CL, ·'IC,..UPAAA'P-resident
Treasurer's Report - Ma, Cristina T. Cqlmenar, MBA, UPAAA Tr�asurer
. -· . -· ..• '
Pre�entation ofcandid.ates - Fe9erico Agnir;,EdD, Chair, Nomination & Election
',
Election ofOfficers
--
4:00 Declaration ofUPAAA Elected Officers, 2017--2019
- 4:30 ADJOURN -
7:30 Qala Nigh(- Ruby Agnir, VPAAA VP South, Gala C_hair DiamonaA, B, C
'• I • '• 0 • '• I :I •
· Presef!tation ofJubilarians - Nardz Z. Santos, Chair · .
Presentation ofUPAAA Awardees - Ftancis Sy, MD, Award Committee Chair, UPAAA Past President
lnduction of"the UPAAA·2017--:2019 Officers ,,
. .. • -12:00 AM ADJOURN-
'
..
DAY 4, OCTOBER 29, 2017, SUNDAY
*Ffrst Boarq Meeting ofN�wry Elected. UPAAA Boa;d
17
201 7 UPAAA EXHIBIT OF BOOKS & ART·BY UP ALUMNI IN AMERICA
continued
DAISY MAGALIT RODRIGUEZ, RN,MN, MPA • ROBYN MAGALIT RODRlGUEZ, PHO
IN LADY LIBERTY'S SHADOW: The Politics of Race and
.. THE BALANCE CONCEPT IN NURSING:
NEW PERSPECTIVES IN SU.RVIVAL AND HEALTH* lmmigr�tion in New Jersey
Published by the UP Press, November 2016 Published by Rutgers University Press
,- •· I •I
(rutgersuniversitypress.org).
The central idea of this book is the concept of balance Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriguez is the only daughter of U.P. .-
presented in two parts: Part I- Understanding balance, alumna, Daisy Magalit Rodriguez, an author herself. She
and Part II- Balance in Health and Nursing. This book is an associate professor of Asian American studies at
attempts to explain the nature of balance through five the University of California, D�vis and previously
universal elements that support the survival of human professor for six years at Rutgers University in New
beings: adaptation, equilibrium, homeostasis needs Jersey. Her other published books are "Migrarlts for
a�d health, interacting positiv_ely or negatively ;o creat� Export: How the Philippine State Brokers Workers to the
a balanced or imbalanced state. A state of balance or World, 'and "Asian-America: Sociological and
imb�lance emerges as these �lements fnteract with l�terdisciplinary Perspective�" as c:o-author.
each other. Human behavior influenced by the "In Lady Liberty" Shadow examines popular white
elements of balance instinctively, purposefully, and perceptions of danger represented by immigrants and
naturally, defines the way human beings respond to their children, as well as the specter that lurks at the
influences bot. h within (internal envir1:mment) and edges of suburbs in the shape of black .and Latino
outside (external environment) the human body. All of underclass and the ,ever more nebulous hazc}rd of
the elements of balance described are present in 1:ioth (presumed-Islamic) terrorism that threatens to
ttie_ internal and external environments. Culture is part undernJine "life as w,e know it". Robyn Magalit
of the external environment- where balance concepts Rodrigl!ez explores the impact. of anti-immig�ant
have been imbedded in most cultures around the world. municipal ordinances on a range of immigrant groups ·
living in varied suburban communities, from the
Built on a theoretical framework with underpinnings undocumented Latinos in predominantly white suburbs
from the various social, psychological, and physical to long-established Asian immigrants in "majority
sciences, the author developed several new models and minority" suburbs. The "American Dream" that
concepts to f�rther expand on the balance concept, suburban life is supposed to represent is shown to rest
namely, the Behavior Pyramid, Dynamics of Balance and on a racialized, segr�gated social order meant \o be
Imbalance, Human Being as·an Open System, Health- • enjoye� only by whites. Although it is a case study of
Illness Balance Continuum, Zone of Equilibrium, New Jersey, In Lady Libe0rty's Shad�w offers crucial '
Balance-Seeking Human Behavior and ·the Nursing Insights that can shed fresh ligh, t on the national ·
Process !3alan£e Model. The Balance Health Nursing immigration debate."
Model (BHNM) incorporates all these concepts and
models into one all-encompassing model that provides
a unique holistic approach to nursing and healthcare
practice. Tlie author also developed a Health
Assessment Balance Tool which can be used in assessing
health status of clients in any•health care setting.
*The book has been recently .recognized among the
finalists of the.2017 361h National Book Awards by the
National.Book Development Board (NBDB) and
the Manila Critics Circle (MCC), Non-Literary Division,
Best Book on Professions.
21
PRESIDENT DANILO L. CONCEPCION
University of the Philippines
The newly installed UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, or Danicon as he is fondly
called by his friends and students, is the Dean of the UP College of Law.
President Concepcion is widely respected as one of the Philippines' leading
authorities in Corporation Law, specifically corporate governance, rehabilitation, and
insolvency.
He was a consistent honor student who graduated valedictorian in both elementary and
high schools. He finished Agricultural Engineering, summa cum laude, at the De La Salle-
Araneta University in 1979 and topped the Board Examination for Agricultural Engineering
that same year. He obtained his LL.B., cum laude, from the UP College of Law in 1983 and his
LL.M., from the University of London in 1986 as a Chevening Scholar, where he specialized
in commercial arbitration, securities law, international finance, and international economic and
trade law.
He was elected member of the Batasang Pambansa in 1978 and served until 1986 as a
representative of the youth sector. He was appointed Associate Commissioner of the
Securities and Exchange Commission in 1996 and served until 2000.
President Concepcion served as President of the De La Salle-Araneta University from
2000-2002 on secondment from UP. He returned to UP in 2002 and served in various
capacities as Associate Dean of the UP College of Law, Head of the UPLaw Center, and
Director of the Institute of Judicial Administration until May 2006. He was appointed Vice
President for Legal Affairs of the UP System in February 2011 and was elected the 14th Dean
of the UP College of Law in June 2011. In 2015, he was appointed Executive Director of the
UP Bonifacio Global City.
Currently, he sits at the Board of Governors of the Philippine Red Cross. He also
teaches at the Philippine Judicial Academy and is a member of its Civil Code Committee.
President Concepcion is a member of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Governing
Board, as well as the Supreme Court of the Philippines' Committee on Legal Education and
Bar Matters.
22
MA. THERESA B. DIZON-DE VEGA
CONSUL GENERAL
2017 UPAAA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN
PUBLIC SERVICE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
Since joining the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1994, Consul General De Vega has
served in increasing levels of leadership in Mexico, Hong Kong, China, United Kingdom and
now, New York City. She aims to promote greater synergy and instilling cooperative spirit
among various organizations. She encourages the Fil-Am community to be involved in making a
difference in their own towns and cities, increasing Filipino participation and visibility in
“mainstream America.” This past June, she met with the New York Police Commissioner James
P. O’Neil to promote stronger cooperation with NYPD.
Consul General De Vega obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English (cum laude)
from U.P. in 1989 after which she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the College of
Arts and Sciences. She completed her Master of Arts degree in English at Queen’s University,
Ontario, Canada in 1991 and later obtained her Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from Ateneo de Manila
University Law School, passing the Philippine Bar in 2000. She has a Graduate Diploma in
China Business Law (with Distinction) from the University of Hong Kong and was a fellow at
the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong in 2008.
In recognition of her multi-faceted leadership qualities, Consul General De Vega has
received numerous awards of distinction conferred not only by Philippine Presidents (Order of
Sikatuna; Order of Lakandula; Gawad Mabini) but also by the Government of the Kingdom of
Spain (Medal of Civic Merit).
23
NELSIE TABUDLONG PARRADO, CLTC
PRESIDENT, UPAAA, INC.
2011 UPAAA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA FOR HUMANITARIAN SERVICE
Nelsie T. Parrado has always been involved in community activities and organizations.
She believes in sharing her talent, resources and time. Thus, she volunteers and joins
worthwhile community based organizations since migrating to the US in 1984. She
has taken leadership position as president in these organizations such as the Handang
Tumulong Foundation, Inc., (HTFI), the Sunrise Rotary Club of Fair Lawn, the
Filipino American Association of Fair Lawn, and currently, the University of the
Philippines Alumni Association in America. During her tenure as its leader, she was
able to spearhead projects that are still being implemented to date, i.e. annual HTFI
5K Run. She has received numerous recognition and awards, notably the honor of
being chosen in 2009 as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in America,
and being bestowed in 2014 the Paul Harris Fellow, a most prestigious award given by
the Rotary International, in recognition of her leadership and the community services
she rendered. She graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Hygiene, class 1968, at the University of the
Philippines, and completed her Certificate in Public Health in 1971 also in UP. In her hometown of Fair Lawn, NJ,
she has served at the Planning Board, and currently sits as a member of the town’s Board of Ethics. Since 1985, she
has worked at New York Life Insurance Company as a Financial Service Professional. In 2002 she was elected by
her peers to the Agents Advisory Council, the first Filipino agent to win the post in a companywide election. She
holds a Certificate in Long Term Care.
Nelsie and Steve, her husband of 45 years, are now empty nesters. All their three children – Sandra, Sherry-
Ann and Steve II – have flown out of the nest to have their own families.They dote on their four grandchildren
–Ava, Harry, Alex and Charlotte. They are longtime residents of Fair Lawn, NJ for the last 33 years.
JUAN (JOHNNY) FERRER, PHD
PRESIDENT, UPAA NEW JERSEY
Johnny Ferrer obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics at the University of
the Philippines, Diliman on a full four-year scholarship from the National Science
Development Board (NSDB). He taught undergraduate physics courses at U.P. He
eventually went to pursue his Ph.D. in nuclear physics at the University of Ohio,
Athens, Ohio, on a U.P. Fellowship, as well as, teaching/research assistantship grants.
Upon finishing his Ph.D. he worked for and retired from AT&T Laboratories in
Middletown, New Jersey. He is married to Lourdes (Odie) Ventura Ferrer, graduate of
UP BS Foreign Service, in 1968. They have one daughter, Jasmine, who obtained her
A.B. from Georgetown University, and her Ph.D. from Columbia University. She is
now a Senior Partner at Korn Ferry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology companies. Their
son-in-law, Jason, obtained his Medical degree from Columbia University and
Bachelor from Princeton University. Johnny and Odie have two granddaughters, 7 and 12 years old, both attending
Stuart Country Day School in Princeton, NJ.
Johnny’s late father was a clerk from Isabela and late mother was a seamstress from Pampanga. Johnny is
the eldest among five siblings- two brothers and two sisters (one deceased). Early in life, he garnered honors and
awards. He was an exchange high school student in Minneapolis Minnesota under the American Field Service
(AFS). He was elected Boy Mayor of Manila, highest elected political position. Further achievements include being
a valedictorian in elementary school at Dr. Albert Elementaty School, Sampaloc, Manila and a salutatorian in high
school at Ramon Magsaysay High School, Espana, Manila.
Johnny’s hobbies and interests are diverse from reading fiction to watching concerts, plays, ballet, opera,
movies, teleserye; to traveling (to date – 45 countries and about 200 towns and cities); to singing; to solving
crossword puzzles (Sudoku, WordWarp, Freecell); and to trading stocks.
24
A' TTY. RAMON M. M' ARONlLLA �J;��.�:�-,..·.;','."". _=i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i =i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i l
UP ALUMNJ A�SSOCIATION P�ESIJ)ENT
GuEsr ·sP-EAKERs
. ..
Atty. Ramon M. Maronilla fi;st se"rved as· member of the·UPAA"Board of
Directors ih 2006-2009. He returned three years thereafter for a second term to ·
become UPAA Second Vice President for 2012-2015. On July 3, 2015, he was
elected by members of the Board.as 31st UPAA President.for 2015�2018. Atty.
.MaroniJla is e�gaged in private law pr�ctice,with.his o.wn Ram�n.M.Maronilla.
Law Office. Concurrently, he is servirig as President of the City ,of Malabon .
Uhiv.ersity. Atty. Maronilla is a leading figure in government and commun'ity:
affairs: He -is a .Founding Member' of .the Quezon City: Trial.· Lawyets
Assocfation; Lifetime Member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines,
Quezon City Chapter; Centennial Year President of Club Filipino (1998); ·
Director of the North Greenhills ·Association, Inc.; Chairman of the PNP
. Council. of Community Elders. in San ·Juan City, Metro Manila· (2004);
Exec1,1tive ,Dire9tor of th� People's. Secr�tariat fo� the ConsJitutional Com'missipn (1,986:J 987); H� is a,long-time,
membet of the PhiIippine·Constitution Association· (I?HlLCONSA).
asAtty:
Maroni. lia is a former -Preside1;t '6f tlie Citize1�s Legal· Aid s·ociety of the 0 He also served
Philippines.
: General Lega·I Cqunsel ·a;1d Executive· Vi�e President ·of the Philip,pine faycees· in 198 i. Among: the honors Atty...
Marooilla has received are: Outstanding Professional of Libon, Albay (2004); and Gintong Arna Award for
Excellence -in Law ai1d the Judiciary (1999)..· Atty. Mon M-aronilla is married to R-ebecca f Maronilla, former·
UP�A Board Secretary, by �horn he has six children-. four boys and two girl�.
.' '
MAX G. VENTURA
rrutsIDEN°T'& CE�, PiIILAM LiFE Fo.UNDATION ·:
Max G. Ventura is currently the President and CEO of Philam Foundation, the
Corporate Social Responsibility arm .of the Philam Group of Companies and has
been an advocate for ?Orporate social respoosi_�ility si· nce he joined Phi_lamlife in
2000.- He' also· got involved with' forest conservation-and indigenous people's-
. rights· when he . serve' d. as deputy director of' the' Nori-Timber Forest Products
EgrxaQqhu{la.ntgede .Pfrrooig:nr, atmhefo.Ur"nSiovuetr.h�it.ayn.dof�otuhtt;he,Pahsti.liApspiianebsa��etijthin )\1anila..'Mr.·ventu�a.
a de�ree i� busin�ss
administratio_n· (1991) and was actively' invofyed in the student counc-(1 where he ..
served as b�tch representative and �ventually Vice-Chairmar of the College of
Business Administration. He has a master's degree "in development management
from the Asian Institute of Management (200. 6), anq was a Fujitsu sch. olar for the
East-West Knowledge Leaders..Program of the Japan-1\°merica Instifute of Management Science (2009) ·111 Hawaii
where he graduated with distii1ction and'Model oflnnovation Awardee. He· is currently taking up his Doctorate in
Busi\1es� Adf!iil)istration at twh�orDk�aLs aa,S_Ja�_sIlueiUt.Vniovleur,nstietye_ranind tea�he_s .CSR at the' (:oliege <?f St Benilde. B� st�rted, hi�
P,ath in social_ developmert the ��rly 90's a�signed to P�iiippine Pm:tnership for !he .
:Development of.Ruman Resources in Rural Areas Mindanao o.rganiz1ng ai1d helping out farmers ··during the ..
implementation of tl1�· Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. He unqerwent formation as a �esuit seminarian in
preparation for priesthood but he eventually left in 2000 to continue a life of service as a lay person. He believes in
"doi.ng good while doing well. " and tries to live out a (aith based life of service�
25
,., /''" - ..'', ', . :. f -...:,_ ·,. t . :l' . f -...:,_ ·,. t J .,. ' /'
... 1.._':'
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\ [ ,l 2017 U' ._,PAA"' AI' Aj W' ARP'l.E• E' S J\
E · , ,/ .Jo
COSME R. CAGAS( MD IN P EDIATRICS & COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ,.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS .Ct
Dr. Cagas has numerous accomplishments in his career as a physician and has made ; '\
major impact on the lives of underserved populations in the Philippines as a ' ,, f�-
humanitarian. He earned his MD degree from the University of the Philippines in :\
. 'I
1960. He has devoted 40 years in pediatrics as a practitioner, teacher and researcher.
:
He has published 55 scientific articles and several chapters in textbooks of pediatrics
"
and child health. He has demonstrated his strong leadership by founding 4
:\
organizations in the U.S. and one in the Philippines. UP Medical Alumni Society in
,·
America (UPMASA) was established by Dr. Cagas in 1980. It has grown into15
.,.
chapters in the US and has developed a multi-million endowment fund to provide for
student scholarships, professorial chairs, construction and renovation of buildings
and facilities at UP-PGH. Philippine Economic and Cultural Endowment (PEACE) has built more than 2000 artesian
wells in rural areas of the Philippines since 1986. Christ Philippine Missions dedicated a $130,000 church in Upper
Paatan, North Cotabato. It has supported more than 300 scholars at all grade levels in schools in Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao since 2002 and feeds about 700 children in five elementary schools since 2010. Association of Filipino
Physicians of Southern Illinois established in 1977 and provides science scholarships to high school students every
year in the last 32 years. He founded DADS Foundation in 2005 which is based in Digos, Davao del Sur and serves as
vehicle for US donations to the Philippines to support charitable projects. He has numerous awards including the first
UPMASA Life Achievement Award in1999, the 2002 LINKAPIL Award for dedicated service to fellow Filipinos by the
President of the Philippines, and the 2015 True Rizalist Award from Knights of Rizal. !'
Rov COLOMA .,. .. l' .,. ,·
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN CULTURE AND THE ARTS ,.
Roy Coloma has successfully combined his love for music with a science-oriented ,.
career. He is a certified piano teacher and is a member of the Livonia Piano Teachers
Forum, the Michigan Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National .Ct
Association. He took piano lessons as a young boy growing up in the Philippines,
entering the University of the Philippines as a science scholar, graduating Bachelor of ; '\
Science in Physics in 1967. Continuing with his music interests, he sang with the U.P.
Christian Youth Movement (UPCYM) Choir and was its student conductor when the 'I
Choir won a national choral competition. Roy has graduate degrees in Industrial
Engineering from Wayne State University (Detroit, 1970) and Operations Research from f�-
Case Western Reserve University (Ohio, 1972). After a successful career in Ford Motor
Company, he spends his retirement years being actively involved as a church pianist and organist, performing solo or :\
ensemble, accompanying singers, choirs and congregation in various churches primarily in the Detroit metropolitan
area. He provides musical entertainment to people of all ages, in public libraries, assisted living places, nursing homes ' ,·
and hospitals, schools while also promoting Filipino music. He learned from piano mentors from the Royal
Conservatory of Music in Toronto; Schoolcraft College, Michigan and University of Michigan. During two summers in <
St. Petersburg, Russia he studied piano and piano pedagogy at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. Roy loves to
teach piano to the young as it is his life-long gift of music for the future generations. ' ,, t"
:,
42
'·
2017 UPAAA AWARDEES
ELIZABETH Y. FONG- DE LEON, MD, FAAP
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN NEONATOLOGY & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Dr. Fong-de Leon is the Chief of Neonatology, Virtua and Medical Director of the
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She is an Attending Neonatologist,
NICU, Virtua Voorhees Special Care Nursery, Virtua Memorial. She is a Clinical
Associate Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and was an Associate Professor
of Clinical Pediatrics at UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Fong-de
Leon was the President of the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey Inc.
from 2014 to 2016. She was President, University of the Philippines Medical
Alumni Society of America (UPMASA) Delaware Valley Chapter from1986 to 1988.
She was a member of a medical mission to Calapan, Mindoro, Philippines in 2017.
She is an active member of various hospital committees including the Virtua
Women’s Leadership Committee, Virtua Pediatrics Leadership Committee, CHOP-
Virtua Pediatric Steering Committee, and Pediatrics Advisory Council. She is a Fellow, American Academy of
Pediatrics, Philadelphia Perinatal Society and Fellow, Thomas Bond Society, Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Fong-de Leon
has received numerous awards including the Virtua 2015 President’s Award, Top Doc NJ Monthly Magazine, SJ
Magazine from 2008 to 2014, the 2010 March of Dimes Award of Excellence, the Virtua SuperSTAR Team Award in
2007 and 2013, and the 1987 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, Department of Pediatrics at Cooper Hospital.
She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in B.S. Pre-Med cum laude in 1971 and the
Doctor of Medicine degree in 1975.
AIDA GAMBOA
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN MUSIC EDUCATION
Aida Gamboa is a voice teacher and choir conductor at John Adams Middle
School in Edison, New Jersey and cantor at St. Cecelia’s Church in Iselin, New Jersey.
She is an active member of the New Jersey Music Education and the American
Choral Directors Association. She has performed in numerous concerts including at
the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, to name only a few. Her commitment to
music education is unique. Aside from her previous employment as music teacher
at St. Helena’s School, St. Francis Cathedral School, Woodbrook School and John
Adams Primary School, Aida has served as Music Director for the Filipino Families
and Friends of North Edison youth summer camp since its inception more than 15
years ago. As time permits, she coaches many community choir groups. Aida
obtained her Bachelor in Music and Masters of Music degree in Vocal
Performance and Music Education from the University of the Philippines.
She taught voice in U.P. until 1992 and also worked as Chairman of the Voice Department of St. Scholastica’s College
in Manila. She was a member of the multi-awarded and world-renowned U.P. Madrigal Singers (MADZ), training
under its founder, Andrea Veneracion. In recognition of her contributions to music and music education, Aida has
been multi-awarded, among the recent ones being 2014 Outstanding Classical Performing Artist Award from PACCAL
(Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League); 2014 Outstanding Alumna (Education) from UPAA-NJ; 2015 New
Jersey Master Music Teacher from NJ Music Educators’ Association; and 2015 New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts
Education.
43
2017 UPAAA AWARDEES
CYNTHIA J. JAMESON, PHD
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN CHEMISTRY AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
Dr. Cynthia J. Jameson is Professor Emerita of Chemistry at University of Illinois
Chicago. She earned her BS degree from the University of the Philippines in
1958 and her PhD from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in1963. She
was Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University, 1978 & 1985, at Oxford
University, 1992-93, and at University of Milan-Bicocca, 2007. She was a
Program Officer for Experimental Physical Chemistry, National Science
Foundation, 1990-91, and Miller Visiting Professor, University of California,
Berkeley, 2002. Dr. Jameson has contributed significantly to a fundamental
understanding of the NMR chemical shift as a molecular electronic property.
One characteristic of Jameson’s work is her interest in general trends and over-
arching relationships, not just specific systems. Her contributions have usually
involved providing the basis for a fundamental understanding of a limited body of data, and on this basis,
predicting a systematic global pattern which emerges much later. Dr. Jameson’s studies of distribution and
dynamic behavior of adsorbed species in what had been traditionally called “microporous” solids addresses a
topical problem of both basic and technological importance. Actually the pores are in the nano-scale. What
makes this research unusual is the combination of a detailed molecular level understanding of the fundamental
processes with an awareness of the relevance of the results to potential technological applications. Her prior
work focused on zeolite NaA, a well-characterized crystalline system. Dr. Jameson’s lab has determined directly
the distribution of Xe atoms in the cavities of a microporous solid by observing individually the trapped clusters
Xe, Xe2, Xe3, and Xe8 in NMR. The chemical shifts of the clusters vary with temperature as they undergo changes
in configurations within the cavities.
LENORE RAQUEL-SANTOS LIM
2017 UPAAA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Lenore has a strong passion and commitment to art education and art printing,
producing prints and promoting the art of printmaking and everything about
Philippine Art. Aside from this Outstanding Alumna Award, Lenore is a UPAAA’s
2017 Golden Jubilarian, having graduated from U.P. in 1967 with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Fine Arts. She has also attended printmaking courses in New York’s
School of Visual Arts and Robert Blackburn Printmaking. She has taught Art in
various capacities: at U.P. College of Fine Arts, UN School in New York, Place des
Artes in Canada, Mobile County Public School in Alabama and International
School in Manila. Her works of art have been displayed as solo or group exhibits,
in the US, Canada, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Among her numerous
awards of distinction are as UPAA Diliman’s Outstanding Professional Awardee for Fine Arts; the Pamana ng
Pilipino Award;100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US and Women’s Achievers Award by PACCAL (Pan
American Concerned Citizens Action League. Aside from being a past President of UPAA in Canada, she was
President of the Society of Philippine American Artist in America, Inc. where she remains to have an active role.
In 2006, she founded the Lenore RS Lim Foundation for the Arts, Philippines, her social advocacy to develop and
promote Filipino artists in the US and the Philippines. She continues to work closely with the UP College of Fine
Arts by holding art and art technique workshops for its faculty and students.
44
2017 UPAAA AWARDEES
EVELYN MANDAC, SOPRANO
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN MUSIC
Evelyn Mandac graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines
College of Music. She studied at Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio under a
full scholarship and completed her Master’s degree at the Juilliard School of Music
in New York City as a Rockefeller full scholar. She is included in the International
Who's Who in Music & Musicians' Directory (13th Edition, 1992/93). Since her
1968 US debut in Mobile, Alabama in Orff's Carmina Burana, Evelyn had well-
acclaimed performances with most eminent singers, either in opera or in concert:
soprano Brigitte Nilsson, tenors Richard Tucker, Jan Peerce, Placido Domingo,
Swedish baritone Hakan Hagegard, mezzo sopranos Marilyn Horne, Jennie Tourel,
Shirley Barrett and Marion Lippert. In 1975, she performed at New York’s
Metropolitan Opera House as Lauretta in Puccini Gianni Schicchi. The only Filipina,
thus far, to perform at the Met, she had lead roles in more than 20 operas staged
at the Met and other major opera houses in Europe and North America. Her engagements have included
international festivals such as England’s Glyndebourne, Austria’s Salzburg and Helburn, Italy’s Ravinia, and
appearances in Toulouse, Turin, Rome and Geneva, etc. She has sung with some of the world’s most eminent singers.
She sang the operatic roles of Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme, Manon in Massenet’s Manon, Princess Liu in
Puccini’s Turandot, Micaela in Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Melisande in Debussy’s Pelleas et Melisande, Gilda in
Verdi’s Rigoletto, Leila in G. Bizet’s Les Pecheures de Perles and Inez in Meyerbeer’s L’ Africana. Her lighter roles
include Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Anna in Verdi’s Falstaff, Norina in
Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Sophie in Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, Mozart’s Der Zauberflöte and Le Nozze di Figaro.
SUSAN PINEDA MERCADO, MD, MPH
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN GLOBAL HEALTH
Dr. Mercado is a global health expert with over 15 years of work experience with
the World Health Organization (WHO). She is the current Director of the first
Division of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and Health through the Life-Course in
the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. As Director, she has steered the
consensus-building process that resulted in Member States guidance documents on
high-priority public health programs and captured the shared vision of 36 countries
and areas for the focus and direction of this Division. These guidance documents
have all been endorsed by the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.
She is an ethical leader and champion of health promotion, community health,
women and children’s health, tobacco control, urban health, disaster preparedness
and resilience, and mental health in emergencies. She is a management expert in
large health organizations with extensive national experience as Deputy Minister of
Health (Undersecretary) and Chief of Staff, Department of Health, Philippines, handling portfolio of health sector
reform, public health systems development and international health cooperation. She is a radio and television host,
media presenter, producer, columnist, professorial lecturer (medicine/humanities/philosophy), grassroots trainor,
researcher, theater and drama teacher. She has received many awards including the 2017 “100 Most Influential
Filipina Women in the World” Award Category: Innovator and Thought Leader from Filipina Women’s Network, USA,
the 1998 “Women Helping Women” Award from Soroptimist International, and the 1995 Ten Outstanding Physicians
in Community Service (TOPICS) from the Auxiliary of the Philippine Medical Association. Dr. Mercado earned 3
academic degrees from the University of the Philippines: the Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Magna cum laude in 1979,
the Doctor of Medicine degree in 1987 and Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree in 1994.
45
2017 UPAAA AWARDEES
PATRICIO F. REYES, MD
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN NEUROSCIENCE AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
Dr. Reyes is the Director of the Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease &
Cognitive Disorders Clinics at Phoenix Veterans Administration Healthcare System
in Phoenix, Arizona. He is Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer and Chairman,
Scientific Advisory Board of Yuma Therapeutics Inc. in Boston, MA, Chief
Technology Officer and Medical Advisory Board Member, Premier Biomedical
Inc., Chief Medical Officer and Board Member, Retired NFL Players Association.
He was Professor of Neurology/Neuropathology at Thomas Jefferson Medical
College in Philadelphia. He was Professor of Neurology, Pathology and Psychiatry,
and Deputy Chair, Department of Neurology and Director, Center for Aging,
Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorders and Brain Bank at
Creighton University School of Medicine. He served as Associate Editor, Frontiers
in Sport Neurology, American Academy of Neurology, and as Associate Editor, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. He
has published and made numerous presentations on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and related disorders. He has
received numerous grants and awards including the 2005 Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum Award
from the American Academy of Neurology, the 2006 Centennial Awardee for Research from U.P. College of
Medicine, the 2009 Distinguished Educator Award from American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians,
2011UPMASA Lifetime Achievement Award, 2011 and 2012 Best Doctors of America (Neurology), 2013 Balik
Scientist Award from the Philippine Dept. of Science and Technology, 2016 Physician of the Year from Filipino
American Association of Arizona. Dr. Reyes graduated from the University of the Philippines with a BS degree in
1966 and the M.D. degree in 1971.
ANN MAUREEN ROUHI, MS, PHD
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Dr. Rouhi is the Director of Communications of the College of Sciences at the
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta. She develops and
implements effective communication strategies for seven units of the college to
ensure proper internal and external communications of the college. Dr. Rouhi
previously served in different managerial and editorial positions, including Deputy
Editor-in-Chief, Editor-in-Chief for Chemical and Engineering News (C&EN), and
Director of Editorial and Business Development for C&EN Asia. C&EN reports
current events in the chemistry enterprise, including recent advances in research,
education, industry, funding, and regulatory policy. Its audited circulation is
approximately 129,000, and it is produced by staff based in Washington, DC,
Edison, NJ, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, and Oakland,
California. She received B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural chemistry from the University of the Philippines, Los
Baños, and a PhD in chemistry from the University of London. Her professional experience includes independent
research and teaching in the Philippines and in Iran, scholarly publishing, journalism, and news organization
management. She began her career in scholarly publishing as a copy editor trainee at the American Society for
Microbiology and her career in journalism as a production editor at C&EN. Dr. Rouhi’s leadership and management
skills were honed by 27 years of service at the American Chemical Society, a nonprofit professional organization
with a multidisciplinary membership of more than 154,000 chemists and chemical engineers.
46
2017 UPAAA AWARDEES
SIMEON A. SEVANDAL, JR., MD
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN MEDICAL MISSION AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES
Dr. Sam Sevandal is a retired physician with training in internal medicine. He has
demonstrated strong leadership and commitment in medical, humanitarian and
charitable activities including serving as President, Philippine Medical Association of
Chicago in 2013; President, UPMASA Chicago Chapter in 2008, and as Chairman,
Information Dissemination Committee, Mu Sigma Phi Foundation. As President of
Surigao Association of Illinois, 2 terms, 1997-99 and 2014-2016, he led on five (5)
occasions’ three-day medical missions to Surigao del Norte province, during the
years: 1997, 1999, 2005, 2007, and 2015. He raised money for Yolanda typhoon relief
in 2012. He initiated a scholarship program for deserving college students from
1999-2004 in Surigao City. As President of UPMASA Chicago Chapter, he held a
fundraising (Dance Fest VI) which completed the fund to form a professorial chair
for his classmate Dr. Magdalena Cruz-Palileo and donated money to PGH indigent fund and a Chicago homeless
shelter on 71st and Kedzie. He joined the PMAC-UPMASA Medical Mission in Calumpit, Bulacan, 2001 and the
UPMASA Medical Mission in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental in 2006. As President of Philippine Medical Association of
Chicago, he led the medical mission in Surigao in January 2013. He raised funds for the carabao-dispersal program for
the Mangyans in Mindoro and to the Teachers’ Development Program in Tagkawayan Quezon in April 2013. He has
received many awards including 2007 Outstanding Surigaonon Award, Metro Rotary Club of Surigao, 2012
Humanitarian Awards Little Company of Mary Hospital Chicago Illinois, 2013 Humanitarian Award, Philippine Lions
Club of Chicago, 2014 Golden Humanitarian Award by Philippine –American Social Service, Chicago and 2017
Outstanding Community Service Award, UPMASA. Dr. Sevandal graduated from UP with BS degree in 1968 and MD
degree in 1972B.
ALEXANDER SY, MD, MBA, FCCP, FACP, FAASM
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN PULMONARY MEDICINE & MEDICAL EDUCATION
Dr. Alexander Sy is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of
Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine,
Wake Forest University. He is the Director, Intermediate Care Unit at Wake Forest
Baptist Health in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He was a Professor of Internal
Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. He was an Associate Professor of
Clinical Medicine at University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He is a
Diplomate of the American Board of Pulmonary Medicine, American Board of Critical
Care Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine. He is a member of the
editorial board of the Journal of Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine and serves as a
peer reviewer for several scientific journals including: Mayo Clinic Proceedings,
CHEST, American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Respiratory Care, Journal of Clinical
Outcomes Management and the Biomedical Journal- Health Care: Current Reviews. He has received many awards
including the 2009 Presidential Citation from the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the 2010 Award of Academic
Achievement in Medical Management from the American College of Physician Executive, the 2012 Recognition
Award for Distinguished Service on the Pulmonary Physiology, Function and Rehabilitation Network from the
American College of Chest Physicians, and the 2012 Best Doctors in America in Sleep Medicine. Dr. Sy graduated from
the University of the Philippines with a degree in BS Biology Magna cum laude in1982, and the Doctor of Medicine
degree in 1986. He earned his MBA major in Medical Management in 2014 from Isenberg School of Management at
University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA.
47
2017 UPAAA AWARDEES
NATHANIEL L. TABLANTE, DVM, MPVPM, MS, DACPV
2017 UPAAA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Dr. Tablante is a Professor and Extension Poultry Veterinarian, and Associate
Director, Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine, in Virginia-Maryland
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland. He is a prominent
veterinarian in government, industry and academia. He has extensive experience in
poultry health management, epidemiology and biosecurity, and has authored and
co-authored numerous articles and educational materials on poultry health,
biosecurity and disease prevention. He has also served as consultant on poultry
biosecurity and Avian Influenza preparedness and response in the USA, Russia,
Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia. He has won many
awards including the 2012 Edward H. Ralph Delmarva Poultry Industry (DPI) Medal
of Achievement, the 2006 Bruce Calnek Applied Poultry Research Award, American
Association of Avian Pathologists, the 2005 Excellence in Extension, University of Maryland Alumni Association,
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Chapter. Dr. Tablante graduated from the University of the
Philippines in 1976 with the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his Master of Preventive
Veterinary Medicine (major in Public Health) at the University of California-Davis in 1985, and the Master of
Science (major in Poultry Health and Epidemiology) at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada in 1995, and is a
Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.
JORSHINELLE (JORSHI) TALEON-SONZA, PHD, MFA
2017 UPAAA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN LITERATURE AND Education
Dr. Sonza is a multi-awarded literary artist, and among which are five Palanca
awards, a UPAAA August 2017 Outstanding Alumna Awardee in U.P. Diliman and
UPAAANJ Outstanding Alumna Award. Her book, “Haiyan and Other Stories About
the Homeland”, was recently published by the U.P. Press, and is nominated for a
2017 award for an anthology category. She recently completed the first draft of her
memoir, “The Girl from Payaw” and she hopes it will be published in the U.S. She
has a BA Creative Writing and MA Linguistics degrees from U.P., MA in English and
Comparative Literature from College of New Jersey, PhD in English and
Comparative Literature from Drew University and MFA from the New School, New
York. She served as instructor in various English departments: U.P., Maryknoll and
La Salle College in the Philippines; DeVry University, Rutgers and College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey. All her
literary pieces are exemplary and unique in that, while written in the US, they deal with the Filipino experience,
providing all-inclusive scope of marginalized everyday characters: an undocumented maid, an oppressed statesman
under martial law, an abused housewife, and so on. A strong advocate of increasing Filipino visibility in US, her
guiding principle in her writings is “Filipino First” and in representing THE Filipino. Dr. Sonza is highly supportive of
community projects, including but not limited to UPAANJ (where she is a long-time member serving in various
capacities through the years) and Filipino American Association of St. Magdalen, Flemington, New Jersey (where
she is a founding member/officer).
48
2017 UPAAA AWARDEE
LOURDES SANTOS TANCINCO, LLB
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN LAW
Lourdes Santos Tancinco is the principal at Tancinco Law Offices, APC, a full
service law firm providing expertise on immigration matters. She works
tirelessly to help the Filipino World War II veterans in the US who are citizens
under the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1990 (IMMACT) but do not
qualify for Veterans Benefits. She is Chair and founding member of the San
Francisco Veterans Equity Center, a not-for-profit advocacy organization for the
Filipino war veterans, and provides pro bona services through the Fil-Am
Veterans Legal Clinic. A 1982 University of the Philippines Bachelor of Arts
(Political Science) graduate, she obtained her U.P. Bachelor of Law degree (LLB)
in 1987 and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1993. She is admitted to
the United States District Court, Northern District of California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the
Ninth Circuit. She is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers
Association, the American Bar Association and the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California. Attorney Lou
assists the Filipino American Development Foundation, the Bayanihan Community Center, the Alexis Apartments of
St. Patrick's Parish in San Francisco, and the National Network for Veterans Equity. Through articles she writes for
the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), local newspapers and websites and through the Filipino
Channel and GMA, she provides guidance and information on various immigration matters. For all these exemplary
community involvement, she has been multi-awarded: Award of Excellence from the Minority Bar Coalition, the
Tessie Paredes Civil Rights Award from Filipinos for Affirmative Action (FAA), Outstanding Alumna Award from the
University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco, and the Jose Rizal Social Justice Award presented
by the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California.
2015 UPAAA AWARDEES
Information: www.UPAAinAmerica.org
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