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. 

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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. 

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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. 

 

#connectingUPalumni

CALL for NOMINATIONS UP Alumni Awards 2024

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) launches the search for nominees to the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards 2024 The awards ceremony will be held at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City on Monday, August 17, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.         

The UPAA grants the awards to UP alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their chosen fields of endeavor and have given outstanding contributions that bring about significant benefits to society and distinct honor to the University. Recognition is given to those with accomplishments that impact the communities in which they are, or have been active in, whether on the local, national, or international level.

The categories for nominations are:
UPAA Most Distinguished Alumna and/or Alumnus Award
UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards
UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards
UPAA Distinguished Service Awards
UPAA Multigenerational UP Alumni Family Awards

The 2024 UPAA Awards urges sectors and groups to identify alumni nominees who are everyday heroes or unsung achievers making a difference through their quiet work in obscure areas of the country or foreign territories.

Nominations for the awards are accepted from any UP alumnus or alumni chapter until Monday, April 1, 2024.

The awarding ceremonies will be held during the UP Alumni Homecoming on August 18, 2024, a red-letter day that we eagerly anticipate.

For details, please contact the UPAA Secretariat at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Magsaysay Ave, UP Diliman, Quezon City, tels. 7910-6390; 7587-8722; or email [email protected] .

Read the 2024 UPAA Awards Prospectus

UP Launches Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship

Five students from College of Social Work and Community Development receives the certificates of scholarship awarded by UP official.

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.

Scholarship benefactor Ted I. Benito joins 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.

Singer and songwriter Mr. Martin Nievera delivers an inspiring speech to the Fe Parajas Israel Benito scholars.

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