More than 170 UP alumni and their friends and supporters gathered at the Lionsgate Hotel in Sacramento on September 25, 2010 to celebrate the UPAASV’s (University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Sacramento & Vicinity’s) third anniversary.

UPAASV President Pete Manansala led the celebration which aimed at raising funds to support the association’s goal of “reaching out to the underprivileged.” According to Pete, the association aims to provide services in both the Philippines and the Sacramento area.

In the Philippines, the UPAASV provides financial aid and school equipment (such as computers) through scholarships and other programs at UP and other institutions of learning, distributes Christmas packages for disadvantaged children, and at one point provided water pumps for schools in remote areas of the country. In Sacramento, the UPAASV supports local community activities, such as collecting foods and clothing for the homeless through a program called Loaves & Fishes.

A highlight of this year’s celebration was a performance by the 15-member UPAASV Choir, which thrilled the audience with a medley of songs. The Choir has performed at many events around the Sacramento area, including the Filipino Heritage Night and the Randho Cordova International Festival. All proceeds from the Choir’s performance are donated to charities.

Photo shows Pete Manansala addressing the UPAASV group. Click here for 3rd Anniversary pictures. Click here for a video of the UPAASV Choir’s performance.