In a momentous occasion, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest existing university in Asia, celebrated the launch of its pioneering alumni chapter in Hong Kong. This marks a significant milestone in the university’s 413-year history, as more than 100 alumni, business representatives, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations gathered to inaugurate the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association Hong Kong Chapter (USTAAHK).
The USTAAHK aims to uplift and empower Filipino professionals in Hong Kong, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and improving healthcare for migrant domestic workers. Additionally, the association plans to promote Philippine arts and culture in Hong Kong through various events, including exhibits, live demonstrations, workshops by Filipino artists, and musical performances by UST groups.
The establishment of the USTAAHK was officially recognized by the Hong Kong government in December 2023, and it is also a registered Philippine organization with the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong.
The USTAAHK is made up of 13 founding members, namely Ms. Jan Yumul, president of USTAAHK; Mr. Nobel Gabasan, vice president; Ms. Anna Pendry, public relations officer; Mr. Erwin Regalado, secretary; Mr. Byron Agarano, treasurer; and Mr. Joel Almeda, auditor. Ms.Pendry, Mr. Gabasan, Mr. Almeda, Mr. Agarano, and Mr. Regalado, also serve concurrent roles, as chairperson, Socio-Cultural Events Committee; vice chairperson, Socio-Cultural Events Committee; chairperson, Finance Committee; vice chairperson, Finance committee, and chairperson, Sports and Games committee, respectively.
Other founding committees include Ms. Tanya Sales Manzano, chairperson for external affairs, Communications and Marketing ; Mr. John Go, chairperson for internal affairs, Communications and Marketing; Ms. Joy Alba, chairperson,
Membership and Presence; Ms. Maureen Pickering, vice chairperson, Membership and Presence; Ms. Jenely de Ocampo, chairperson, Advocacy; Ms. Michelle Rea Yongque, vice chairperson, Advocacy; and Mr. Victorino Baltazar, vice chairperson, Sports and Games.
The induction ceremony, held at The Hive in Sheung Wan, was attended by esteemed guests, including Germinia Aguilar-Usudan, the newly designated Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong, who delivered a keynote speech and administered the oath to the USTAAHK’s founding officers. Aguilar-Usudan emphasized the values instilled by the university, such as competence, compassion, and commitment, and encouraged the alumni to serve their community and alma mater with pride.
Dr. Evelyn Songco, chairman of UST Alumni Association Inc. (USTAAI), also graced the event, likening the birth of an alumni association to the joyful occasion of a child’s birth. She highlighted the importance of faith, hope, and charity in sustaining the association and fostering connections among alumni.
The induction ceremony received support from guests who flew in from UST Manila, including representatives from the UST Office of Alumni Relations. The event was also attended by distinguished figures from various sectors, including academia, NGOs, and business.
Notable sponsors of the event included San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited, Siony’s Lutong Bahay, Kambal Gallery, Grandpa’s Crib and Gastropub, Pickering Marine Group, and Ace Cho Photography.
The establishment of the USTAAHK represents a significant milestone for the university and its alumni in Hong Kong. It symbolizes their commitment to fostering a strong community, promoting Filipino culture, and making a positive impact on society. With the launch of this historic chapter, the USTAAHK is poised to embark on a new era of collaboration, growth, and service to the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Sponsoring the event were San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited, veteran Filipino caterer Siony’s Lutong Bahay, Kambal Gallery, Grandpa’s Crib and Gastropub, Pickering Marine Group, and Ace Cho Photography.
Media enquiries
Email: ustaahk@gmail.com
Contact:
● Ms. Anna Pendry, Founding Public Relations Officer, University of Sant
Tomas Alumni Association Hong Kong Chapter
● Ms. Tanya Sales Manzano, Founding Chairperson for External Affairs,
University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association Hong Kong Chapter
(report by Rodolfo Canete)
