“What does it mean to be UP Alumni?” This video showcases and ponders about the role of UP Alumni as forerunners of hope and inspiration for the UP Community and the Filipino people, in the name of honor, excellence, and service.
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UP OAR holds the first Balik-Tanaw sa UP Diliman
A trip down memory lane…
On February 24, 2024, the University of the Philippines Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) successfully conducted the first Balik-Tanaw sa UP Diliman– a free walking tour within the campus grounds.
Mostly attended by UP alumni and armed with their newly purchased 1908 caps, the eager participants leisurely walked around the academic oval. Guided by Wander Manila’s Benjamin Canapi, who is also an alumnus of UP Diliman, the group learned facts about the artworks, buildings, and green spaces.
He shared anecdotes of sites and tales of events that took place within UPD such as historic AS or Palma Hall. He also pointed out new buildings and more recent additions to the grounds: the new University Health Service with its expanded facilities, the multi-level Shopping Center, which is now called UP DiliMall, and the on-going construction of FC (Faculty Commons).
The younger members of the party were surprised to know that there used to be a golf course within the campus. The supposed sinking of Sunken Garden or that Fernando Poe, Sr. was the model for the Oblation: both myths were busted during the tour.
The event became an avenue for the participants to reminisce about their good old days. They also met new and old friends. Tour guide, Mr. Benjamin Canapi himself, along with his 1995 batchmates at the College of Mass Communications, Ms. Jaymie Divinagracia and Ms. Aby Yap were thrilled to meet Prof. Elena L. Samonte-Hinckley, who was the University Registrar when they were students. Now a retired professor from the Department of Psychology, she was the oldest participant in the walk. Her student number starting with ‘68.
As the group rested on the steps of Quezon Hall, Canapi reminded everyone of the historic Diliman Commune. People discussed the significance of the university and the impact of its students and graduates to Philippine society.
“Does anyone want to sing UP Naming Mahal?,” Canapi asked.
“Sure!” the crowd responded.
“Memorize niyo?”
The group laughed and comforted themselves with many photos to commemorate the nostalgic event.
Aside from creating opportunities for alumni to revisit their alma mater and to immerse themselves once again in the UP community, OAR endeavors alumni to reconnect with the University and to actively participate in UP events and projects.
The Balik-Tanaw sa UP Diliman was free, but if you are interested in supporting future OAR projects, we still welcome any amount of donations or you may still purchase some of our merchandise through online registration: bit.ly/Balik-TanawSaUPDiliman. All proceeds will be used to fund various OAR outreach programs.
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UP Launches Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship
Last October 23, 2023, the Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship Fund was launched at the Bulwagang Tandang Sora. Five deserving students from the College of Social Work and Community Development received the certificates of scholarship awarded by UP officials.
The awardees were Brandt Ivann Paul U. Aquino, Jedidiah M. Apolinario, Adeza Ann EM. Azares, Perrie A. Rejuso, and John Bryan R. Salamanca.
Dean Lenore Polotan-Dela Cruz of the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) opened the program while Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, Dr. Jeanette Yasol-Naval shared the inspiring story behind the endowment. Scholarship benefactor Ted I. Benito joined the launch through Zoom.
To honor the legacy of his mother, Director/Producer Ted I. Benito generously contributed to help support CSWCD students in accomplishing their academic endeavors. Thus, the Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship Fund was born. It seeks to provide financial aid for students who are taking Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) and Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW).
Fe Parajas Israel Benito (UPD, AB Major in Social Work 1954) was actively involved in various charities, which greatly contributed to the development of Filipino communities in the Philippines and abroad. She was also an active member of the Filipino American community in Los Angeles, helping enrich the Filipino culture even on foreign soil. She was also the first Filipino recipient of the prestigious Cardinal’s Award, which honors leaders of the Catholic community for their services.
The scholarship program is a joint effort of Mr. Ted Benito and family, the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD), the UP Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), the Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG), which is under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), and the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, UP Office of Alumni Relations (UP-OAR).
To help expand scholarship opportunities for the UP Community, you may contact the Office of Alumni Relations for donations and other project partnerships through [email protected] or visit https://alum.up.edu.ph/.
Text by: Ken Russell M. Peñaflor
Photos by: Jomari C. Valdez and Ken Russell M. Peñaflor