UPAAW celebrates Maligayang Pasko (Merry Christmas)
By Ed Escall
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Wisconsin Chapter gathered on Dec. 5 in
St. Eugene Church Hall, Milwaukee, to celebrate two events — their annual Christmas Party and
theorganization’s 35th anniversary. The event, well attended by members, their families, friends
and guests, was also a time for reconnection and reminiscence.
There were carols while attendees savored the catered dinner. Then Roger Austria, the
founder, made a brief presentation of the UPAAW history and achievements while a video slide
played. Afterwards, the kids were given presents.
Then it was show time. The members were grouped in two — those 50 and under and those
over 50. A contest, 'Pasiklaban, was set up for the groups to compete. There was a panel of three
judges to critique but the audience's decision was final.
The 50's and under did a “The Graduate” song and dance version, topped with Filipino
favorite solo songs “Anak” by Linus Sto. Thomas and “I will Survive” by Fe Quevedo-Visaya and
a ballroom dance number by Oscar Toledo and Kathy Uy. While these acting went on, four Peanut
characters wandered around.
The over 50's were fearless, uninhibited and funny, which the audience loved most. The
Supreme Songbirds, wearing wigs and shining evening dresses, disguised their true age as they
tried hard to lips sync to a tune. The All-Male Revue, donning wigs, lipsticks and wearing their
wives’ bras danced the hula, and they totally brought thunderous laughter from the audience. The
Singsons brought a pensive mood and smiles from their love dance that begged for attention.
The Show Girls in black and white was delightful to see. And the finale, the military march of
the Rayadillios (UPAAW members) and the inspection of the troops where the inspector magically
turned into a Michael Jackson dancing “Billy Jean” brought the ultimate laughter.
As predicted, the older 50 group was the winner!
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Wisconsin Chapter gathered on Dec. 5 in
St. Eugene Church Hall, Milwaukee, to celebrate two events — their annual Christmas Party and
theorganization’s 35th anniversary. The event, well attended by members, their families, friends
and guests, was also a time for reconnection and reminiscence.
There were carols while attendees savored the catered dinner. Then Roger Austria, the
founder, made a brief presentation of the UPAAW history and achievements while a video slide
played. Afterwards, the kids were given presents.
Then it was show time. The members were grouped in two — those 50 and under and those
over 50. A contest, 'Pasiklaban, was set up for the groups to compete. There was a panel of three
judges to critique but the audience's decision was final.
The 50's and under did a “The Graduate” song and dance version, topped with Filipino
favorite solo songs “Anak” by Linus Sto. Thomas and “I will Survive” by Fe Quevedo-Visaya and
a ballroom dance number by Oscar Toledo and Kathy Uy. While these acting went on, four Peanut
characters wandered around.
The over 50's were fearless, uninhibited and funny, which the audience loved most. The
Supreme Songbirds, wearing wigs and shining evening dresses, disguised their true age as they
tried hard to lips sync to a tune. The All-Male Revue, donning wigs, lipsticks and wearing their
wives’ bras danced the hula, and they totally brought thunderous laughter from the audience. The
Singsons brought a pensive mood and smiles from their love dance that begged for attention.
The Show Girls in black and white was delightful to see. And the finale, the military march of
the Rayadillios (UPAAW members) and the inspection of the troops where the inspector magically
turned into a Michael Jackson dancing “Billy Jean” brought the ultimate laughter.
As predicted, the older 50 group was the winner!
