UP Alumni Association of Toronto marks 45th year in a dinner-dance gala

UP Alumni Association of Toronto marks 45th year in a dinner-dance gala

Awardees Mogi Mogado, Mayrose Salvador, Diana Roldan, Rene Sevilla, Alice Herrera, and Noel Cruz receiving the award for Geny Toribio (+). Also in photo: trophy artist Omel Masalunga, UPAAT President Agnes Manasan, Award Selection Committee Chair Fred Gamboa, and Consul General Orontes V. Castro. Photos courtesy of Rene Sevilla.

Agnes Manasan, UPAAT President giving her opening speech

Alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP) and friends gathered for the first time after almost 3 years, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the UP Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT). The well-attended dinner-dance gala was held at the Novotel Toronto North York Hotel on November 26.

The event brought together young and old members to reminisce, reconnect, and raise funds for the organization’s projects. Games, surprise performances, DJ music and the AC Project Band kept the party going until way past midnight.

UPAAT recapped its accomplishments in the last 45 years with a video presentation, and paid tribute to its members who have passed on.

The highlight of the evening was the Awarding Ceremony, which gave due recognition to UP Alumni who have made a huge impact within the organization and in the Filipino community in Toronto. Among the recipients were heritage architect Diana Roldan, scholarship program proponent Rene Sevilla, Pueblo Science charity founder Dr. Mayrose Salvador, artist Mogi Mogado, former UPAAT president Alice Herrera, and philanthropist Geny Toribio (posthumous).

80s alumni with awardee Diana Roldan, from L-R: Chat De Leon, Nova Rellosa-De Leon, Zayne Manubay-Espino, Cindy Li, Tere Gonzales, Dindo Gonzales.

L-R: Bay Bernabe,Dr. Vicky Santiago, Omel Masalunga, Dr. Mario Andres, Jo Flach, Diana Gamboa

L-R: UPAAT founding member Bay Bernabe, Dr. Mario Andres, Ted Cresencia, Maripi Leynes, Leizyl Sobrinho, Francis Rementilla

L-R: Linda Etzkorn, Lynette Custodio, Mila Eustaquio-Syme, Mary Ann San Juan, Fanny Calucag

L-R: Jay-R Villanueva, Sonia Villanueva, Diana Gamboa, Noel Cruz, Fred Gamboa, Rex Manasan, Agnes Manasan, Beth Ruivivar, Cress Vasquez, Alice Herrera, Romy Herrera