A Post-Valentine’s Day Kapihan in Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA, February 20, 2016 – What do Torontonians do on a warm February morning? For this bunch of rambunctious UPians in Toronto, it was time for another Kapihan!

Begun years ago as an informal gathering of fellow alumni, members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT) turned their “once in a while” kapihan into a regular event. Every other month or so, the group gathers for a late morning breakfast at a chosen Filipino restaurant to break bread and catch up on the latest news and gossip. On February 20th, UPAAT members gathered to celebrate a late Valentine’s Day Kapihan at B’s Sizzling Restaurant in Mississauga. The all-you-can-eat Filipino breakfast prepared by B’s did not disappoint a single person. On the menu were Garlic rice, scrambled eggs, tapa, longganiza, pandesal, chopped fruit, and of course, bottomless kape.

Alice Herrera, UPAAT President, played host during the 3-hour event. Following the Valentine’s theme, the program began with a “past and present” presentation of photographs of married members from the early years of their relationship up to the present. A highly modified version of The Newlywed Game also left the crowd in stitches.

On a more serious note, President Herrera also used the gathering as an opportunity to talk about the issues surrounding mental health. Speaking to the gathering was Dr. Maselle Virey, a UPAAT member (UP Diliman, 1974; UP Medicine, 1978) and clinical psychiatrist, a Lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine (Department of Psychiatry), and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who presented an eye-opening talk on the stigma and misconceptions of mental illness.

Next on the UPAAT agenda is the Kapihan sa Hapon at the Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays take on an American League rival in their quest for a World Series title. If you are a member of UPAAT, make sure you read your email for special ticket purchase information for this event. If you are not yet a member of UPAAT, send an email to upaaexec@gmail.com to join.

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About UPAA Toronto

UPAA Toronto, a community organization established in 1977, seeks to foster communication and interaction among its members by providing social and cultural programs and events, and endeavors to involve its members more effectively in the activities of the University and the community.

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For media inquiries:

Rafael Fabregas, Public Relations Officer, UPAAT

email: raf@rafaelfabregas.ca.