The Original Ugat Lucena Association, Inc.

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The Original Ugat Lucena Association, Inc. Ugat Lucena is a non profit organization.

The Original Ugat Lucena Association, Inc. warmly invites everyone to a very special celebration as we gather to share t...
30/09/2026

The Original Ugat Lucena Association, Inc. warmly invites everyone to a very special celebration as we gather to share the joy of Christmas and welcome a new chapter of leadership.

Come celebrate the bonds that connect us, honor those who have served, and welcome the leaders who will carry our association forward.

Please save the date.

The Legacy and VisionHistory The Original Ugat Lucena Association Inc.The story of our organization is a beautiful tapes...
13/07/2026

The Legacy and Vision
History The Original Ugat Lucena Association Inc.

The story of our organization is a beautiful tapestry woven from faith, cultural pride, and an enduring commitment to community. What began as a joyful gathering of Lucena’s youth has blossomed into a prestigious institution—a sanctuary of high society with a profound and beating heart for selfless public service, guided by an optimistic vision for the future of our beloved city.

The Grace of Yesteryears: The Bulaklakan Tradition

The journey began with the May Flower Festival, affectionately known as the Bulaklakan. This month-long devotion commenced every first of May, drawing the community together to honor Saint Ferdinand, the Patron Saint of Lucena, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Guided by the spiritual leadership of the Parish Priest, Padre Conti, the festivities were overseen by the town's prominent elders, the Hermana and Hermano. Alongside them stood the Hermanito and Hermanita—the refined young gentlemen (binata) and elegant young ladies (dalaga) from Lucena’s foundational families, returning home from prestigious universities in Manila for their summer vacation.

Every evening, the air was filled with devotion as these young souls offered fresh blooms at the main altar, their voices harmonizing to the sweet strains of "Tuhog na Bulaklak." As each week drew to a close, this pious offering gave way to an evening of sophisticated camaraderie. The kabinataan and kadalagahan gathered for the traditional Sayawan, sharing laughter over local minokmuk and refreshing glasses of lemonada or calamansi juice.

The Rise of the Lucena Varsitarians and CONQUEVAR

Inspired by this deep sense of kinship, these elite college students formalized their bond, organizing themselves into the Lucena Varsitarians. To fund their grand annual ball, these enterprising youth walked the tree-lined streets of the town, inviting fellow young Lucenahins to join for a modest membership fee of five pesos. Every centavo collected was used to mount a spectacular celebration on the 29th of May—the glorious tapusan (culmination) on the eve of the Lucena Town Fiesta. It became the most anticipated social event of the region, welcoming high society, distinguished guests, and neighbors from across the province.

This beautiful tradition flourished each summer until the outbreak of World War II. Following the dawn of peace and the end of the Japanese and American occupations, a wave of revival swept through the province. Mirroring the spirit of Lucena, neighboring towns established their own elite youth groups: the Cupids of Sariaya, the Chevalier of Candelaria, and the proud Varsitarians of Tayabas, Pagbilao, Lucban, Atimonan, and the I Do of Tanauan, Batangas.

Bound by a shared vision, these groups united to form a grand alliance: the Confederation of Quezon Varsitarians, affectionately known as CONQUEVAR. Their glamorous annual galas, held at the historic Quezon Capitol Auditorium or the open courts of the Tong Ho Institute, became legendary showcases of youth, elegance, and unity.

Resilience Through Adversity

By the early 1960s, the venue of the annual ball found a grand new home at the newly constructed Leon Guinto Memorial Amphitheatre. However, history soon tested the region. When the local coconut industry faced a severe economic downturn, the province's economy suffered. With heavy but hopeful hearts, the organizers placed the annual Sayawan on a temporary hiatus, proving that the group valued the economic well-being of its people over mere festivity.

The Rebirth: From Varsitarians to UGAT Lucena

The flame, however, was never truly extinguished. In the late 1970s, a vision of renewal sparked in the hearts of Lucena’s finest young professional couples. A foundational meeting was called at the Montreal Street residence of the esteemed Chief of Police, Pablito Tolentino, in University Village.

Gathered around the table were visionary couples:
• Chief of Police Pablito Tolentino and his spouse
• Walter Calayan de Asis and Zenaida Lopez
• Atty. Rolando "Olan" Zabalerio and Loretta "Lita" Edaño
• Demetrio "Metring" Batario and Cita Lopez
• German Alzate and Patria Alzate

Seeking a name that would honor their deep heritage, Atty. Olan Zabalerio eloquently suggested UGAT LUCENA (The Roots of Lucena), a poetic reminder that their members were the direct descendants of the town's pioneering families.

Though their initial plans were tragically shelved following the untimely assassination of Chief Pablito Tolentino, the dream lived on. In the late 1970s, the group reconvened with renewed vigor at Kabukiran, the charming new restaurant owned by the Zabalerio spouses. They extended an elegant invitation to the young professional couples of the city, permanently shifting the organization’s focus from a simple student social club into a sophisticated, lifelong society dedicated to the uplifting of Lucena.

A New Dawn of Sophistry and Shared Leadership

On May 29, 1983, the grand revival finally came to fruition at the Leon Guinto Memorial Amphitheatre (now the Quezon Convention Center). This historic first event was masterfully led by its pioneering Presidents, Atty. Rolando Zabalerio and Loretta Cadavillo Galangas.

The following year, on May 29, 1984, the torch of elegance and leadership was passed to German Alzateand Zenaida Lopez-de Asis, featuring the radiant 14-year-old Carina de Asis as Muse, gracefully escorted by Kabataang UGAT President Dan Jamil.

The Evolution of Identity: A Season of Growth

As grand organizations flourish over many decades, it is a natural and beautiful part of their evolution to experience seasons of growth, transformation, and refinement. Much like a historic, deeply rooted tree whose branches naturally spread out in different directions to catch the sun, an association spanning generations may find its paths naturally diverging.

In 2014, in a spirit of mutual respect and an enduring love for our city, the original collective arrived at a crossroads. A decision was reached to separate into distinct entities, allowing different groups to pursue their respective visions and governance styles. Far from a sign of discord, this graceful transition was met with a mature understanding that when a noble cause becomes too vast for just one vessel, expanding the labor simply means more hands are working to serve the public good.

To ensure the structural permanence, historical continuity, and cultural legacy entrusted to us by our founding families, our chapter formalized its path. Today, we are legally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the official name The Original Ugat Lucena Association Inc. Furthermore, to safeguard our rich heritage, our organization holds the official Intellectual Property Office (IPO) registration for the timeless name Ugat Lucena. This legal milestone is held not with pretense, but with a profound sense of humble stewardship.

Hopes, Goals, and an Optimistic Future

As The Original Ugat Lucena Association Inc., we look toward the horizon with boundless optimism and renewed vigor. Our mission has transformed from a traditional social club into a dynamic vehicle for sustainable community development. We believe that true high society is measured not by the grandeur of its galas, but by the depth of its compassion and the height of its ideals.

Our objectives are clear, forward-looking, and heart-led:
• Unwavering Civic Partnerships: Pledging a fiercely dedicated, steadfast alliance with the local government of Lucena to support city-wide progress, civic modernization, and local social developments.
• Revitalized Social Experiences: Elevating our annual gatherings into highly engaging, modern social initiatives designed to spark deep, lasting bonds of unity, inclusivity, and camaraderie among all Lucenahins.
• Educational Philanthropy: Expanding our scholarship programs to ensure that brilliant, underprivileged young Lucenahins have access to the country's finest universities.
• Cultural Preservation: Establishing digital archives and community initiatives to keep our rich local traditions, like the Bulaklakan, vibrant and meaningful for future generations.
• Socio-Economic Assistance: Deploying compassionate medical missions, livelihood workshops, and immediate relief systems to uplift our most vulnerable sectors.
• Empowering the Youth: Nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders through the Kabataang UGAT, instilling in them the values of integrity, civic duty, and selfless altruism.

We honor all those who walked with us in the past, and we celebrate any endeavor that seeks to elevate our hometown. With open hearts and an unwavering devotion to our origins, we march forward, ensuring that the elegant, loving, and charitable spirit of the original pioneers burns brighter than ever before.

(If anyone still have old photos of Ugat Lucena that you want to share, we would love to have a copy and have them posted here too. ❤️ Thank you)

The Story of UGAT CHARITIESWhere Compassion Took RootEvery enduring legacy begins with a single idea—an idea born not me...
08/07/2026

The Story of UGAT CHARITIES
Where Compassion Took Root

Every enduring legacy begins with a single idea—an idea born not merely from vision, but from a genuine desire to serve. Before UGAT CHARITIES became the enduring tradition of service it is today, it first started as a simple idea ------ one that would later be embraced, nurtured, and brought to life by many dedicated leaders, members, volunteers, and supporters. Like every worthwhile endeavor, UGAT CHARITIES has its own story to tell. It is not the story of just one individual, but a story of an idea that found its way into the hearts of many. This is the story of how that journey began.

In 2014, as preparations were underway for the leadership of the 2015 TOULAI Ball Presidency, then Incoming Lady President Liezl Visorde envisioned something that would eventually become one of the organization's defining legacies. She believed that every charitable endeavor undertaken by TOULAI deserved more than to be remembered as an isolated outreach activity. Instead, each act of service should become part of a greater purpose—a unified movement dedicated to uplifting lives, restoring hope, and strengthening communities.

From this vision, UGAT CHARITIES was conceived. More than a name, UGAT CHARITIES became the heart of TOULAI's social responsibility—a banner under which every act of compassion, volunteerism, and community service would flourish. It was founded upon the belief that genuine leadership finds its highest expression in serving others, especially those who are most vulnerable and often forgotten.

The vision was clear: to improve public well-being by providing meaningful assistance to individuals, families, and communities through sustainable charitable initiatives. Guided by this purpose, UGAT CHARITIES embraced a broad mission of relieving poverty, promoting health and education, protecting the environment, encouraging community development, and inspiring volunteerism. It existed not for recognition or profit, but to create lasting and measurable impact through compassion in action.

When Lady President Liezl Visorde assumed office alongside Gentleman President Dr. Sherwin Llego, the vision quickly became reality. Rather than limiting charity to occasional outreach activities, their administration established a culture of sustained community service through a series of organized, purposeful, and carefully designed programs that reflected the ideals of UGAT CHARITIES.

Among the “pioneering” initiatives that laid the foundation of the movement were:
• Series of Computer Literacy Projects, equipping individuals with valuable digital knowledge and practical skills.

• Series of Feeding Programs, including:
o Food for Kids — an eight-month sustained feeding program for undernourished children.
o Feed A Kid — community feeding initiatives extending immediate nourishment to children in need.

• Series of Dermatological Missions, featuring:
o Skin Sake
o Save My Skin
o Skin Awareness Drive

• Alis Kuto, a community health campaign promoting hygiene and wellness among school children.

• Series of Dental Missions, including:
o Tooth Brigade
o Dentists in Mission

• Book Fund: Empowering Youth Through Education, which established reading nooks and donated bookshelves and educational resources to elementary schools.

• Participation in the Rotary Club of Lucena Circle's "Makinig" Reading Program, promoting literacy and the joy of reading among young learners.

• "We Care" Youth-to-Elder Outreach Project, where TOULAI Youth Officers extended care and donated essential necessities to elderly beneficiaries in partnership with Kiwanis.

• TOULAI's first large-scale Membership Drive, highlighted by a successful city-wide motorcade that strengthened public awareness and organizational growth.

These pioneering programs became the “first chapters” in what would evolve into a lasting tradition of service. They were just the beginning.

The birth of UGAT CHARITIES also came at a defining moment in TOULAI's history. It emerged during a period of organizational second year of transition, when the association experienced a separation that resulted in two distinct legal organizations, each pursuing its own path and vision. While such a moment naturally brought uncertainty, it also presented an opportunity to reaffirm TOULAI's identity and purpose. The Original Ugat Lucena Association Inc. started its new phase on the 2014 term of Gentleman President Ramil Estrope and Lady President Jenny Suarez Lopez.

For the leadership these first two pairs of Ball Presidents, the most meaningful way to demonstrate that TOULAI remained vibrant, united, and deeply committed to its mission was not through words alone, but through action. They believed that the organization's presence should be felt where it mattered most—in the lives of the people it served. Rather than allowing the transition to define the organization, they chose to let service define its future.

It was within this context that UGAT CHARITIES became more than a charitable banner; it became a powerful expression of TOULAI's continuing commitment to the community. The administration deliberately initiated a diverse and sustained series of outreach programs—feeding initiatives, medical and dental missions, educational projects, youth development activities, literacy campaigns, and community engagement efforts—not only to respond to genuine needs but also to affirm that TOULAI remained steadfast in its purpose. Every project became a visible reminder that the organization was alive, active, and making a meaningful difference. Instead of making noise through controversy, TOULAI chose to make its voice heard through compassion, generosity, and purposeful service.

Those pioneering initiatives became more than successful projects; they became a declaration that regardless of changing circumstances, TOULAI's roots remained firmly planted in its enduring commitment to uplift lives, strengthen communities, and inspire others through selfless acts of kindness. It was a legacy that proved the truest measure of an organization is not found in the challenges it faces, but in the hope it continues to bring to others.

Yet perhaps the greatest achievement of UGAT CHARITIES was not simply the projects it accomplished, but the culture it inspired.

What began as a vision during one presidency soon became a legacy embraced by many. Each succeeding TOULAI Ball President carried the torch forward, adopting UGAT CHARITIES as the collective identity of their own charitable initiatives. Through every administration, the movement continued to grow—expanding in scope, reaching more communities, and touching countless lives throughout the years.

Recognizing the need to sustain and strengthen this growing legacy, the concept founder, 2015 Lady President Liezl Visorde, later proposed the creation of a dedicated UGAT CHARITIES Committee, which was subsequently led by 2015 Dr. Sherwin Llego and 2009 Past President Erikka Barcelona. Their leadership helped institutionalize the movement, ensuring that its mission would continue beyond individual terms of office and become an enduring pillar of the organization.

Today, UGAT CHARITIES stands as one of TOULAI's proudest legacies—a living testament to what can be achieved when compassion is transformed into organized action. What began as a single idea in 2014 has blossomed into a continuing tradition of service, powered by the generosity, commitment, and volunteer spirit of TOULAI members, partners, and supporters.

Its roots continue to grow deeper with every project undertaken, every volunteer inspired, and every life transformed.

For in the end, UGAT CHARITIES is more than a program.

As the roots of UGAT CHARITIES continue to grow deeper, so too does its commitment to creating meaningful change. The journey is far from over, and the story continues to unfold. With every passing year, the community can look forward to more inspiring, impactful, and life-changing initiatives ---------- projects that will continue to touch hearts and uplift lives. It is the enduring spirit of TOULAI—where leadership is measured by service, compassion becomes action, and every act of kindness creates lasting memories and leaves a legacy for generations to come. ❤️

We cordially extend an invitation to all to join in the 43rd Annual Ugat Benefit Ball scheduled for May 30, 2026, at Q...
01/03/2026

We cordially extend an invitation to all to join in the 43rd Annual Ugat Benefit Ball scheduled for May 30, 2026, at Queen Margarette Domoit. This event promises an enjoyable evening filled with camaraderie amongst family and friends.

Your attendance and support are invaluable in aiding the success of this Benefit Ball, enabling us to continue our annual community projects in Lucena. We eagerly anticipate your presence and support.

Address

Lucena
4310

Telephone

0427103942

Website

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