UP Alumni & Associates in Manitoba, Inc. [Staging Site]

Author: upaamb-infocomm

  • UPAA-MB Inc. Celebrates the Yuletide Season

    UPAA-MB Inc. Celebrates the Yuletide Season

    The UPAA-MB, Inc. celebrated its third annual Christmas Party last Friday, December 7th at St. John Cantius Hall, 768 Mountain Avenue.

    Despite the plummeting temperatures, the event was well-attended by its members, families and friends. Dinner was served buffet-style, prepared by volunteer members.

    To start the night’s program, the Membership Committee showed a short video presentation to showcase how far the organization has become, starting from the idea of creating the group way back in 2006 and reaching forward to its present state. The committee also held games, raffles and prizes to children and adults as part of the festivities.

    The Membership Committee also awarded its first Member of the Year Award to the organization’s most outstanding member for his/her contributions for the past year. The award was given to Jullie Quijano, whose achievements include going over and beyond her responsibilities and scouted for members using social media tools. She capped these off by being the organization’s founding chairperson in 2011.

    The event ended with announcement of the raffle draw winners. Jeusa Raflores won the 50/50 draw while Kristine Acab-David won the Silent Auction prize of Cappuccino Set.

  • Ashley Saulog Receives 2012 UPAA-MB Inc.’s Bursary Award

    Ashley Saulog Receives 2012 UPAA-MB Inc.’s Bursary Award

     UPAA-MB Inc., in partnership with UM-Sigaw, is proud to announce its 2012 bursary recipient. Ashley Saulog has been selected by UM-Sigaw’s officers and UPAA-MB Inc. representatives through an application process, interview, academic standing evaluation, financial need and community service. Ashley has received the bursary amount of $250.00.

    Ashley is 18 years old and graduated with honours from St. Boniface Diocesan High School. Aside from the bursary she has received from us, she also applied and successfully received scholarships for university. She also volunteers at the Winnipeg Harvest and actively assisted elementary school children at Holy Ghosts School.

    Ashley is planning to enter and graduate under the Faculty of Nursing.

    Congratulations Ashley, and we express our sincerest appreciation to UM-Sigaw for continuing to support us with this project.

  • UPAA-MB Participates in the 2012 Manitoba Marathon

    UPAA-MB Participates in the 2012 Manitoba Marathon

    The finish line at the 2012 Manitoba Marathon

    June 17, 2012 – Weeks of training is finally put to the test as UPAA-MB members and family participate in the 34th annual Manitoba Marathon. The annual Father’s Day event’s goal is to raise awareness and raise funds to assist people living with intellectual disability. It is also quickly becoming an annual UPAA-MB tradition, and lines up perfectly with this year’s T-Shirt design contest theme of “active and healthy living.”

    The participants enjoyed perfect running weather and a mosquito-free route as they ran their respective events.

    The following members (and family) participated in this year’s events:

    Full Marathon

    • Norman Garcia
    Half Marathon
    • Lourdes Casañares
    • Jullie Quijano
    • Peter Tan
    10k Run
    • Kristine Acab-David
    • Dennis Flores
    • Jackie Flores
    • Joanna Ocampo-Flores
    • Anna Maniquiz
    • Salvador Maniquiz
    • Bless Ramos
    Mini-Mites
    • Mandy Flores
    Congratulations to all participants. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the runners. See you all next year!
    Cooling down after the race
    UPAA-MB at the Manitoba Marathon. Photo by Jeffrey David.
    UPAA-MB at the post-race lunch


    More marathon photos by Jeffrey David can be found in our gallery.  CLICK HERE


  • UPAA-MB Congratulates Our Registered Architect, Dennis Flores

    UPAA-MB Congratulates Our Registered Architect, Dennis Flores

    UPAA-MB is committed to promoting professional development and educational advancement among our members and our community.  We would like to congratulate our very own Dennis Flores for achieving his professional designation as a Registered Architect and for becoming a Member of Manitoba Association of Architects.
     
    Dennis Flores with fellow members of Manitoba Association of Architects 2012. Photo courtesy of Winnipeg Free Press.
     
    Dennis has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the Philippines.  Before migrating to Winnipeg, he has worked around South East Asia and United States.  His experience included working on consultant and client sides of his profession.  At present, he is working on the construction side.
     
                           
                                                                  Our architect at work. Photos courtesy of Daryle Malchuk.
     

     1) When did you arrive in Winnipeg? How was your experience as a new immigrant?

     We arrived in August 2004.  As an optimist and coming from a land, where the people are resilient to adversity, it was easy for me adjusting to a new life in a place unlike home.  Winnipeg in general is a smaller, friendlier, safer and has a slower pace of life than in the Philippines.  The most challenging aspect for me in adjusting was looking for the job that I would really love.

    2) One of the challenges that new immigrants face is getting their first Canadian work experience and reference.  Can you share to us how did you get your first job? And was it related to your Philippine educational background or work experience?

     I remember calling all the architectural firms in the yellow pages and leaving them a voicemail expressing my willingness to work for them pro bono for 2 weeks, just to let them gauge my professional capacity.  I got a call back after 13 hours and got hired the following day.  I am fortunate to land my first job in Canada as an Architectural Technologist.

     3) What made you decide to pursue your professional designation?

     The challenge of getting it and the vision that I can accomplish it.

     4) What are the processes you have to go through in order to become a registered architect?  How long did it take?

     The first step was to get my academic credentials accredited by my profession’s corresponding accreditation body, which is the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (www.cacb.ca).  After getting certified, I had to apply as an intern member with the Manitoba Architects Association (www.mbarchitects.org).  Upon completion of the mandatory hours of experience, I was allowed to write the exams for the Architects Registration (www.exac.ca).

     It took me more than 7 years to become a registered architect.

     5)  What advice would you like to give other Filipino architects, who are planning to migrate to Winnipeg?

     Preparation.  More preparation always leads to better execution.  This is why I always encourage friends to start their career path while they’re still in the Philippines.

     

     

  • TUKLAW – “Pakita Mo ang Snake Mo!”

    TUKLAW – “Pakita Mo ang Snake Mo!”

    Summer is almost here which means it’s the perfect time for snake viewing again. As UPAA-MB would not let this

    opportunity to pass, the Membership Committee organized a trip to the Narcisse Snake Dens located at Narcisse, Manitoba last April 29, 2012.

    This winter home of the world-famous Red-Sided Garter Snakes is about an hour drive from Downtown Winnipeg. Members had fun learning more about the snakes as they went along the trails while actually adoring the beautiful day and nature.

    It is not yet too late to visit the dens! You may click here to have more information about the place and snake activity. Most importantly, keep posted for this is just the start of UPAA-MB activities for Summer 2012.