09 November 2016 – Twenty-three alumni associations of Philippine universities and colleges reconnected in another successful edition of the Homecoming sa Konsulado 2016 (HSK) on November 05 at the Lobby and Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. Nearly 170 alumni attended the homecoming now on its 5th year.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Consul General to New York 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 Dizon-de Vega was part of the initial core group which conceptualized the HSK in 2012.

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 2017.

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