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UPAA Western Australia: Strengthening Bonds, Supporting Scholars

by Ruth Lopez

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association – Western Australia (UP Alumni WA) has quickly grown into a vibrant, purpose-driven community. Since its official launch on 11 November 2023, the association has welcomed over 150 members from all UP campuses, representing batches 1957 to 2018—a strong start for Iskos and Iskas now calling WA home.


At its core, UP Alumni WA is about connection, culture, and service. Guided by the ideals of honor and excellence, it champions alumni interests while promoting UP’s academic mission and social values. The group focuses on building strong networks, supporting members, and collaborating with communities in both Australia and the Philippines.

A major highlight this year was Livin’ La Vida ‘90s, the association’s inaugural fundraising event held on 10 May 2025. The 90s-themed dinner dance combined nostalgia and purpose, with lively music, great food, and joyful dancing. The night also featured heartfelt presentations on the Lingap Iskolar Program, which supports students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and low-income backgrounds in the Philippines. UP Alumni WA is proud to support this meaningful initiative through its own scholarship grant.

Earlier community events helped build strong momentum. The Tambayan networking series kicked off with Touchdown Australia, where alumni shared stories of migration and resilience. The second Tambayan celebrated Filipino food and culture; the third tested wit in a fun-filled Time’s Up quiz; the fourth focused on financial literacy and empowerment and the fifth raised funds via a quintessential Australian sausage sizzle.
Meanwhile, Palarong Pinoy brought the community together through classic Filipino games like Patintero, Sack Race, Sungka, Tumbang preso and a zucchini-filled Pipino Relay. The laughter, teamwork, and playful energy revived memories of home and created new ones in WA. This was conducted during the Filipino Grand Fiesta, in partnership with the Filipino Australian Club of Perth.

With each gathering, UP Alumni WA deepens its roots and widens its reach— connecting alumni, honoring heritage, giving back and continuing to offer husay at dangal para sa bayan. As the association looks ahead, it remains committed to making a lasting impact, both in Western Australia and in the Philippines.

Throwing your best thongs (slippers) for Tumbang Preso.
Throwing your best thongs (slippers) for Tumbang Preso.
Jiving to 90s music at the Livin' La Vida 90s dinner dance.
Jiving to 90s music at the Livin' La Vida 90s dinner dance.
Jumping like a kangaroo to win the sack race
Jumping like a kangaroo to win the sack race
UP Alumni WA brought back traditional Filipino games to the WA Grand Fiesta
UP Alumni WA brought back traditional Filipino games to the WA Grand Fiesta
Carillon is published by the University of the Philippines Office of Alumni Relations