Category: News and Updates

  • 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, Inc. Hosts Filipino Inter-Organization Bowling Tournament

    UPAA-MB, Inc. Hosts Filipino Inter-Organization Bowling Tournament

     

    The University of the Philippines Alumni Association and Associates (UPAA MB) hosted the first inter-organization Pinoy bowling tournament which was held last November 24, 2012 at the Chateau Lanes in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

    The event aimed to raise funds for donation to the Christmas Cheer Board and to promote the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation among Filipino organizations in Winnipeg.   The event took off with a ceremonial roll by the group presidents and team captains of the 10 competing teams.  Of this number, eight teams represented Filipino organizations in Manitoba, which included Bibak Association of Manitoba, Damayan Manitoba, Filipino-Canadian Technical Professionals Association of Manitoba (FCTPAM), Isabela Association of Manitoba, Mabuhay League, St. Edward Parish, and the UPAA-MB. Two other teams, namely RaRa Boys and Buddy-Buddy, were formed by twelve individual participants.

     

    The half-day event was filled with fun and excitement as the participants cheered as they scored strikes and spares or missed the pins. The tournament culminated in the awarding of prizes to the winners. The RaRa Boys Team garnered the championship after amassing a score of 2684, followed by the St. Edward Parish Team with a score of 2421 and the Mabuhay League Team with 2397 pins. Francis Ballesteros of RaRa Boys Team clinched the Best Male Bowler award with a score of 533, while Virgie Gayot of Bibak Association of Manitoba received the Best Female Bowler award with 273 pins.

    UPAA-MB expresses its gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who made the event a success. Through their support, the tournament generated a total amount of $409.62. Proceeds will go to the Christmas Cheer Board that coordinates gift giving to add joy to its recipients – the needy individuals and families in Winnipeg, this Christmas. There is certainly no doubt that we look forward to having more activities, events, and interactions with the other organizations in the future as we all strive to promote unity and stronger camaraderie within the Filipino community here in Winnipeg.

     

  • UPAA-MB’s 3rd Annual Christmas Party

    UPAA-MB’s 3rd Annual Christmas Party

    UPAA-MB, Inc. cordially invites you to its Annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 7 at 6:00 PM. The event is going to be held at the Fraternal Society of St. John Cantiusa, 768 Mountain. Entrance Fee is $5.00.

    Potluck Dinner, Drinks and Fun Activities await! Please RSVP by November 24.

    For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

  • UPAA-MB Inc. holds its second Annual General Meeting

    UPAA-MB Inc. holds its second Annual General Meeting

    The University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba Inc. held its second annual general meeting last October 20th at 4:00 PM. Around 30 members and their families have attended and renewed their membership this year which the organization considered as a great turnout.

    During the assembly the constitution amendments were presented by this year’s Ad hoc committee. These amendments were unanimously voted and approved by the board. The committee heads also presented their annual reports. It was then followed by nominations of Honorary and Associate members. Nominated associate members are currently under review and for approval by the board and will be announced at a later date.

    The organization also held its election of officers. The following are UPAA-MB Inc.’s new set of Board of directors:

    Chairperson – Anna Juangco-Maniquiz
    Secretary – Tintin Acab-David
    Treasurer – Danjae Medina
    Membership – Bless Ramos
    Social Responsibility – Divine Teodoro
    Fundraising – Pong Maniquiz
    Information & Communications – Nikki Mailom

    The incumbents will be working and training with the previous board during their transition period. They will be taking office starting in January 2013.

  • 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.