Homecoming sa Konsulado in New York Growing Stronger on its 5 th year

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1 PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL NEW YORK P R E S S R E L E A S E PR-MTD November 2016 Homecoming sa Konsulado in New York Growing Stronger on its 5 th year Twenty-three alumni associations of Philippine universities and colleges joined together for the annual Homecoming sa Konsulado hosted by the Philippine Consulate General New York on 5 November 2016 now headed by Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon De Vega (Center) New York, 5 November 2016 Twenty-three alumni associations of Philippine universities and colleges reconnected in another successful edition of the Homecoming sa Konsulado 2016 (HSK) on 5 November 2016 at the Lobby and Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. Nearly 170 alumni attended the homecoming now on its 5 th year. In her welcome remarks, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, who just assumed her post early this week, expressed the Consulate s appreciation on the evolution of the HSK through the years. She emphasized that at the heart of the HSK is an exhortation for all participants to have a homecoming and reconnection to the Philippines. Consul General Dizonde Vega was part of the initial core group which conceptualized the HSK in 2012.

2 The whole day event was devoted to strengthening ties among members of each alumni association and to encourage collaboration and connection with other alumni associations through games, performances, a traditional salu-salo, among other activities. Mrs. Nelsie Parrado, current President of the UP Alumni Association of the USA (UPAA) presented the initial outline of a Mentoring Project to be run by HSK volunteers. A pilot project targeting provincial elementary schools is being formulated for The program also featured a special dance number by the Alumni Association of the Mindanao State University (MSU) and Philippine Women s University (PWU) and Bayanihan Dance Troupe alumna Mrs. Nerissa Abadilla. The event was hosted by Mr. Antero Martinez of the Ateneo de Manila Alumni Association and Ms. Ninez Arreglado of the Assumption Alumni Association. Mr. Alex Esteban, the Over-All Chairman of the HSK Working Committee served as Stage Coordinator for the event. The University of the Philippines bagged the highest contingent prize with the attendance of 40 members from its four alumni associations. Raffle and door prizes were provided by the different alumni associations and their individual members as well as corporate sponsors. Consular services were provided by the post to HSK participants while the UP Medical Alumni Association (UPMASA) manned a health and wellness booth during the HSK. The participating alumni associations of HSK 2016, who also participated in the planning meetings hosted and led by the Consulate, were Assumption College, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Letran College, Maryknoll College (Miriam), Mindanao State University, Paaralan sa Konsulado, Philippine Women s University, St. Paul s College, San Beda College, University of San Carlos, University of the Philippines Nurses of the East coast, UP Alumni Association of New York; UP Alumni Association of America; UP Medical Alumni Association, University of Sto. Tomas, Notre Dame of Marbel University, Philippine School of Business Administration, University of Visayas, and St. Scholastica s College. HSK 2016 was supported by corporate sponsors GMA Pinoy TV, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Western Union.END.

3 Twenty-three alumni associations joined together for the annual Homecoming sa Konsulado hosted by the Philippine Consulate General New York on 5 November 2016 which is now headed by Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon De Vega (Center -Third row from top). HSK 2015 (photo courtesy of Boyet Loverita) Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (Left) thanked and congratulated the 23 alumni associations for sustaining the Homecoming sa Konsulado and encouraged them to support the mentoring project which was presented by Ms. Nelsie Parrado, President of UP Alumni Association in America (right).

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5 Among the alumni associations which attended HSK 2016 were (from top right) Silliman University, Assumption College, Maryknoll College, De La Salle University, Mindanao State University, Philippine Women s University, Letran College, Ateneo de Manila University, Paaralan sa Konsulado, and University of the Philippines. (photo courtesy of Ms. Grace Labaguis of GMA Pinoy TV. (Last photo) Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega administered the dual citizenship oath of Ms. Solita Kennard.

6 Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon De Vega joined the Homecoming sa Konsulado 2016 Working Committee led by the Over-all Chairman Alex Esteban (5 th from L). Ms. Ninez Arreglado, President of Assumption Alumni Association and Mr. Antero Martinez of Ateneo de Manila Alumni Association led the fun filled day as co-emcees. Mindanao State University Alumni Association performed Yakan dance entiled Kapped Tendong while Philippine Womens University also rendered a Putong Dance to welcome the new Consul General Ma Theresa Dizon-De Vega as she assumed her new post in New York. Consul General Ma Theresa Dizon-De Vega (1 st from R) and HSK 2016 Overall Chair, Mr. Alex Esteban (1 st from L) awarded the grand prize winner Grace Concepcion (2 nd from L) of UP-College of Nursing Alumni Association (UPNEC), Batch 1986, an economy class round trip ticket to the Philippines donated by Philippine Airlines represented by Ms. Charisse Arboleda.

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