University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin

10/08/2026

UPAA-Wisconsin joins the entire Filipino American community in celebrating Filipino American History Month. The month of October commemorates the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, when a group of Filipino sailors landed at Morro Bay, California. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized this annual celebration.

This year's theme, "Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories," highlights the many ways Filipino Americans have helped shape the fabric of American life and history. For centuries, Filipino Americans have made enduring contributions to this great nation. We honor those who came before us and paved the way toward a more inclusive and equitable United States.

We also remember the families and communities left behind in our motherland, and reflect on the enduring truth that wherever we may be, we carry with us the heritage, resilience, and history of a courageous people.

Happy Filipino American History Month!

10/05/2026

Salamat po, Consul Ella!

10/05/2026

EXCITING NEWS! 🤗 🥳

UPAA-Wisconsin's newest committee, the SOCIAL EVENTS committee, is beginning a new tradition.

You're invited to UPAA-Wisconsin’s "First Friday Funday" Launch Event: Karaoke Night! Bring your friends, family, and favorite songs for an unforgettable evening of fun and community.

📅 Friday, November 6
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Heritage Hub @ Philippine Center
🍿 Lemonade, chips, and dip will be provided (while supplies last), and feel free to bring snacks to share!

To RSVP, just reach out to any UPAA-W member or tag your go-to duet partner in the comments, and don't forget to SAVE THE DATE! 🎶✨

10/01/2026

LOOK: Several UPAA-Wisconsin members attend the special mass held Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Milwaukee to commemorate the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

This year's theme, as chosen by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, is "Even just one of these children", to focus the world's attention to minors directly experiencing the impacts of global migration, and the need to ensure their care and well-being.

The UPAA-W represented the Philippines, alongside other countries like Afghanistan, Eritrea, Colombia, Mexico, and Ukraine.

For details on what transpired at the event, please read the full article on our website, written by Ito Conti and Ike Pahm: https://upaaw.org/upaa-w-joins-archdiocese-of-milwaukee-in-celebrating-the-112th-world-day-of-migrants-and-refugees/

09/30/2026

🎬 You've seen the film... now discover why it matters.

Join us for a special Community Fireside Chat on "Forgotten Island" on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 PM at the Philippine Center's newly renovated Heritage Hub!

Come learn more about the history, culture, and conversations inspired by the film while connecting with fellow community members. Explore the new Heritage Hub, meet new friends, and help us celebrate and preserve our shared heritage. 🇵🇭

Meet one of our featured guest panelists:
Marianne Nacanaynay
Communication Arts PhD Student
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Discussion Panel Moderator:
Floresa Balondo (VOH Committee Chair; President-Elect, UPAA Wisconsin)

This event is free and open to all! Light Filipino snacks will be served. Hope to see you there!

**This event is organized by the UPAA-Wisconsin Value Our Heritage (VOH) Committee in partnership with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation (PCCCF).

09/29/2026

🎬 You've seen the film... now discover why it matters.

Join us for a special Community Fireside Chat on "Forgotten Island" on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 PM at the Philippine Center's newly renovated Heritage Hub!

Come learn more about the history, culture, and conversations inspired by the film while connecting with fellow community members. Explore the new Heritage Hub, meet new friends, and help us celebrate and preserve our shared heritage. 🇵🇭

Meet one of our featured guest panelists:
Consul Ella Karina Mitra-Yaeger
Consul for Cultural and Public Diplomacy, Philippine Consulate General in Chicago

Discussion Panel Moderator:
Floresa Balondo (VOH Committee Chair; President-Elect, UPAA Wisconsin)

This event is free and open to all! Light Filipino snacks will be served. Hope to see you there!

**This event is organized by the UPAA-Wisconsin Value Our Heritage (VOH) Committee in partnership with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation (PCCCF).

09/29/2026

🎬 You've seen the film... now discover why it matters.

Join us for a special Community Fireside Chat on "Forgotten Island" on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 PM at the Philippine Center's newly renovated Heritage Hub!

Come learn more about the history, culture, and conversations inspired by the film while connecting with fellow community members. Explore the new Heritage Hub, meet new friends, and help us celebrate and preserve our shared heritage. 🇵🇭

Meet one of our featured guest panelists:
Juan Fernandez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian History, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Discussion Panel Moderator:
Floresa Balondo (VOH Committee Chair; President-Elect, UPAA Wisconsin)

This event is free and open to all! Light Filipino snacks will be served. Hope to see you there!

**This event is organized by the UPAA-Wisconsin Value Our Heritage (VOH) Committee in partnership with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation (PCCCF).

09/27/2026

LOOK: More photos from yesterday’s very well-attended block screening of “Forgotten Island” at the Marcus Majestic Theater in Brookfield.

The event was part of UPAAW’s Value Our Heritage (VOH) programming for 2026. The second event happens this coming Saturday at the Philippine Center Heritage Hub. Guest panelists will come to discuss the cultural value of the film to Filipinos in America and all over the world. 🇵🇭

Please visit www.upaaw.org/voh for more info.

(Photos from VOH Chair Floresa Balondo)

09/27/2026

THANK YOU to our Wisconsin Fil-Am community for coming out today and making our Forgotten Island block screening so special! 🍿✨

Between the ube rolls and popcorn, the shared giggles at every Pinoy-coded joke, and the pure nostalgia felt by many of us in the audience, it was truly an unforgettable afternoon.

“Forgotten Island” is out now in theaters! Be sure to catch Jo and Raissa’s amazing journey on the big screen! TAYO NA! 🇵🇭

09/23/2026

“Forgotten Island” SHINES with a 100% FRESH RATING from Rotten Tomatoes!

Tickets for our special block screening are almost GONE but do catch the film when it hits theaters in two days!

If you want to watch with the UPAAW community on Saturday, just comment below and we’ll reach out to you for available seats.

TAYO NA! 🏝️

Early reviews are in for , currently it's Fresh at 100% on the Tomatometer, with 22 reviews: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/forgotten_island?cmp=TWRT_Movie_ForgottenIsland_Early