Bayanihan Back-2-Back Rising with UPAABC in August

By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua, Deniece Liza, & Jelda Jayne Miranda

On August 27, 2025, the UPAABC, in collaboration with the Pinoy Festival Alliance and the Filipino Canadian Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Honourable Minister Rechie Valdez during her visit to Vancouver. The event, titled “Breaking Barriers in Business: Achieving Equity and Empowerment,” brought together over 80 Filipino business owners, professionals, youth leaders, and community advocates for a robust exchange of ideas and experiences. The gathering spotlighted the community’s resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to equity, hallmarks of the community’s bayanihan spirit that continue to shape Canada’s economic landscape. Minister Valdez emphasized the vital role Filipino Canadians play in building the nation, creating businesses, generating jobs, and driving innovation. Her message underscored a shift in narrative: Filipino Canadians are no longer just participants in the economy; they are leaders, changemakers, and visionaries. The event catalyzed deeper collaboration and a renewed push to amplify Filipino influence across Canada’s business and professional sectors.

Mayor Brenda Locke with UPAABC’s Board of Directors during Balagtasan, a colourful celebration of Filipino heritage through poetry, music, and dance that beautifully showcased our community’s spirit and creativity. (Photo: Facebook Page, The Mayor of Surrey, BC.)

On August 29, 2025, the UPAABC, with support from the United Way Kapwa Strong Fund, successfully hosted “Balagtasan: A Celebration of Community Spirit through Arts and Culture” at Praise International Church in Surrey. The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina Jamoralin, and councillors from Surrey and Burnaby. It was a vibrant showcase of Filipino heritage, resilience, and creativity, featuring traditional dances from BIBAK, soul-stirring performances by Argel and Dr. Veronica Caparas, and a nostalgic musical journey led by Dave Dagta, FAM and Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. The evening celebrated both tradition and transformation, with Filipino-Canadian youth reimagining the iconic Tinikling through a modern hip-hop lens. A thought-provoking Balagtasan piece exploring dual citizenship sparked reflection and dialogue, while the community honoured victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy through a healing music session by Niniane. From solemn tributes to joyful celebration, the event embodied the enduring spirit of bayanihan and the evolving cultural identity of Filipino Canadians.

On August 16, 2025, Ms. Anita Aytona represented the UPAABC to receive the prestigious UPAA Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter given at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Simultaneously, Ms. Aytona, current Chairperson of UPAABC’s Scholarship Program, formally launches the run of UPAABC scholarships in UP Los Baños’ College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology and UP Diliman’s College of Fine Arts.

Honour. Excellence. Service.

Ms. Anita Aytona is seen in this photo with UP President Angelo Jimenez and UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Aranton during the Awards Night on August 16, 2025. (Photo from UPAABC Archive)

Top: Ms. Aytona with UP Diliman-College of Fine Arts scholar Robert Valencia; Bottom: Ms. Aytona with the first wave of UPAABC’s scholars from UPLB. (Photo from UPAABC Archive)