NSW–Last 26 October 2024, Mapua Alumni Australia took centre stage at Liverpool Catholic Club to host the 3rd annual Philippine Alumni Extravaganza Grand Soirée.
This event aims to get the alumni of schools and universities from the Philippines together to connect and reminisce about their good ol’ student days. Major participating schools this year included: Don Bosco, St. Louis University, Ateneo University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and Mapua.
The event started with the University march and the energetic “Viva Mapua!” cheer of the Mapua squad!.” Mapua President, Anthony Belista then welcomed the audience. This was followed by messages from special guests Philippine Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil and Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega.
Alumni Got Talent sizzles
As per previous events, the much-awaited Alumni Got Talent got on the way and each school got the chance to show off their talent. And they did not disappoint!
UP Alumni Association of Australia (UPAAA) presented a combination of folk dances – Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Sayaw sa Banga and Sayaw sa Bangko – and bagged the first prize, their 3rd gold in the Alumni Got Talent competition. St. Louis University did a medley of Filipino folk songs; Don Bosco’s Aris Ortanez sang; Ateneo swayed to a Rhumba; and host MAPUA rocked their ‘booties’ and danced to their hearts’ content drawing screams from the audience.
Albert Prias led USTAA with an old-time hit, “Sumayaw Sumonod” while the others were the back-up dancers. However, when USTAA’s “secret weapon” joined in with “Dancing Queen”, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. The big surprise was none other than Philippine Ambassador De La Vega who happens to be a Thomasian herself. With the Ambassador ending her tour of duty in Australia next month, USTAA then invited the audience to a singing tribute of “Auld Lang Syne” and the Ambassador was visibly touched.
“I am deeply touched by your sweet tribute at the Alumni Soiree Extravaganza. Thank you USTAAA for all the love and support. You know where to find me in the DFA. Keep our motto alive: Truth in Charity! God bless,” said Ambassador De La Vega.
This year’s event was emceed by Marcus Rivera. The first Alumni Extravaganza was hosted by Ateneo University, followed last year by UST Alumni Australia. The 2025 Alumni Extravaganza Grand Soirée will be hosted by the UP Alumni Association of Australia.
