The 2025 Philippine Alumni Extravaganza Grand Soirée brought connection, energy, and a full dance floor to West HQ in Rooty Hill, NSW, on 25 October, as graduates from more than a dozen Philippine schools gathered for an evening of entertainment, food, and camaraderie.
Hosted by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Australia – New South Wales Chapter (UPAAA-NSW) as part of its 45th anniversary, the Grand Soirée was the culminating event of the 4th Philippine Alumni Extravaganza. The program featured the Alumni Got Talent competition, as well as the awarding of the winners of the Golf Challenge (Don Bosco) and Bowling Challenge (Technological University of the Philippines) held earlier in the month.
Messages of support and highlights
In her message, UPAAA-NSW President Pamela Ventura said hosting this year’s Alumni Extravaganza was a fitting way to mark the association’s 45 years of community service. She added that the milestone shows how much alumni can achieve together through supporting education and outreach projects while fostering a stronger Filipino-Australian community.
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales, a UP alumnus, acknowledged the alumni’s role in promoting Filipino skills, talent, and professionalism in Australia. He lauded UPAAA-NSW for its enduring commitment to the UP values of honour and excellence. Consul General Charmaine Aviquivil, a steadfast supporter of Filipino organisations in NSW and also a UP alumna, said gatherings like the Alumni Extravaganza keep Filipino culture and generosity alive within the diaspora. The occasion also drew warm greetings from UP President Angelo Jimenez, who emphasised the value of keeping alumni connected through projects that help students in need.
Emceed by Brian Lorenz and Alyssa Baldicano, the highlight of the evening was the Alumni Got Talent competition. The Saint Louis University Alumni Association of Australia took top honours for their Cordillera cultural dance, with Don Bosco alumni placing second with a nostalgic medley of Everly Brothers hits. As the evening wound down, everyone was on their feet as crowd favourites from the ‘70s to the ‘90s played—a light-hearted finish to an occasion grounded in shared purpose and fellowship.
A collective effort
This year’s Alumni Extravaganza brought together six main participating organisations: the Ateneo Alumni Association of Australia, Fore Don Bosco Golf Club, Mapúa Alumni Australia, Saint Louis University Alumni Association of Australia, University of Santo Tomas Alumni Australia, and UPAAA-NSW. They were joined by alumni from Adamson University, De La Salle University, Miriam College, Our Lady of Fatima University, Technological University of the Philippines, and University of the East.
The event was made possible through the support of major sponsors ProMed Australia, Hills Weight Loss & Reflux Clinic, Park Central Family Practice, and Philippine Airlines, as well as advertisers and volunteers. Proceeds from the Alumni Extravaganza will go towards the scholarship and outreach projects of the participating alumni organisations.
Looking ahead
UPAAA-NSW’s next event is its 45th Anniversary End-of-Year Party and Election of Officers on 6 December. For updates, visit their Facebook Page or Instagram.
Photos:
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales with the UPAAA-NSW Executive Committee
Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil
Saint Louis University Alumni Association of Australia – 1st place, Alumni Got Talent
Don Bosco alumni – 2nd place, Alumni Got Talent
Official photos by Rey Saballa Photography.
