Filsa - Filipino International Student Association at UCW

09/26/2025

✨ Tulay sa Pag-Unlad: Closing Our Summer Term with Inspiration ✨

What an inspiring way to wrap up the season! 🌞🌉
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined Tulay sa Pag-Unlad virtual event, the last event of our summer series, featuring 4 incredible UCW alumni panelists (Micaela Maglalang, John Argayosa, Ana Cantillon, and Lia Sanuco) and our dynamic keynote speaker, Prof. Gabriel Daza.

The conversation overflowed with life lessons on overcoming challenges and bridging the path toward personal and professional growth. 💡

Key Takeaways to Carry Forward:
🌱 Be open to change and stay adaptable
🤝 Get yourself out there—network and build connections
💛 Choose your community wisely
🏡 Nurture yourself and your relationships with family
🙏 Pray and ask God for protection and guidance
🎉 And most of all—don’t forget to have fun along the journey!

Thank you to our speakers, panelists, and every attendee who took time to listen and share. What a perfect finale to a season of learning and connection—here’s to building more bridges ahead! 💫

09/22/2025

🚀 1 DAY TO GO! 🚀
The countdown is almost over—FILSA Hub Virtual Event happens tomorrow! 🌟

Get ready to soak up insider wisdom from UCW alumni who turned their dreams into thriving careers. 💡

Here’s why you can’t miss it:
✨ Real-world strategies you won’t find in textbooks
✨ A chance to connect with trailblazers who once stood where you are
✨ Fresh ideas to power your own journey

📅 It’s all happening tomorrow, Sept 22, thursday 6pm-8pm —are you ready to grow, connect, and be inspired? We can’t wait! 💥

Register to get the MS Teams link:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Qyxi9WSOY0iu1AzEkI08iNBDdRO0m75NkvB7Nn6KSQZUQVhIN1U2OFlOQVdYVjlXRlJSTERTUlNMOC4u&origin=QRCode&fbclid=IwY2xjawM7hEVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjUUdOQkQ2Ylp1c1dudDFFAR7idsdO9YuQGoQtuVD0OTnZf1ZL_0FcZaRfNsk0SQSzF4V2ct7mKyazEL9TcA_aem_PQAkyfk7OkaEQi9fcSXOdg

🌉✨ FilSA invites you to our FIRST-EVER FilSA Hub! ✨🌉

📅 When: September 22, Monday, 6:00–8:00 PM
💻 Where: Virtual Event via MS Teams (link will be shared upon registration)

Theme: “Tulay sa Pag-unlad: Connecting Past, Present, and Future.”

FilSA Hub is a new quarterly virtual gathering that brings UCW Filipino students and alumni together to:
✅ Reconnect and network
✅ Gain academic and professional insights from alumni panelists across diverse industries
✅ Celebrate milestones
✅ Receive mentorship and career guidance
✅ Keep the UCW Filipino spirit alive — even beyond graduation 🎓🇵🇭

💬 Hear from our inspiring alumni — the pride of the Filipino at UCW — as they share their journeys and offer valuable advice to help YOU prepare for life after graduation.

🎁 Bonus: Register for a chance to win exclusive UCW goodies!

👉 Don’t miss this milestone event. Be part of the bridge to progress and success!

🔗 Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLPLzTYd48vdIktwwSMzeNKbO1Kzv93_9ldLsz3N2FdeMo7A/viewform?pli=1

09/20/2025

✨ 2 DAYS TO GO! ✨
The wait is almost over—are you ready to be inspired? 🙌

Join us at FILSA Hub and gain firsthand insights from our amazing UCW alumni who’ve turned their dreams into reality. 💡 Hear their real stories, learn their strategies, and discover how you can level up your own journey.

📅 Just 2 days left—don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and be motivated by leaders who once sat where you are now.
Are you excited? We sure are! 🔥

🌉✨ FilSA invites you to our FIRST-EVER FilSA Hub! ✨🌉

📅 When: September 22, Monday, 6:00–8:00 PM
💻 Where: Virtual Event via MS Teams (link will be shared upon registration)

Theme: “Tulay sa Pag-unlad: Connecting Past, Present, and Future.”

FilSA Hub is a new quarterly virtual gathering that brings UCW Filipino students and alumni together to:
✅ Reconnect and network
✅ Gain academic and professional insights from alumni panelists across diverse industries
✅ Celebrate milestones
✅ Receive mentorship and career guidance
✅ Keep the UCW Filipino spirit alive — even beyond graduation 🎓🇵🇭

💬 Hear from our inspiring alumni — the pride of the Filipino at UCW — as they share their journeys and offer valuable advice to help YOU prepare for life after graduation.

🎁 Bonus: Register for a chance to win exclusive UCW goodies!

👉 Don’t miss this milestone event. Be part of the bridge to progress and success!

🔗 Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLPLzTYd48vdIktwwSMzeNKbO1Kzv93_9ldLsz3N2FdeMo7A/viewform?pli=1

09/03/2025

🌉✨ FilSA invites you to our FIRST-EVER FilSA Hub! ✨🌉

📅 When: September 22, Monday, 6:00–8:00 PM
💻 Where: Virtual Event via MS Teams (link will be shared upon registration)

Theme: “Tulay sa Pag-unlad: Connecting Past, Present, and Future.”

FilSA Hub is a new quarterly virtual gathering that brings UCW Filipino students and alumni together to:
✅ Reconnect and network
✅ Gain academic and professional insights from alumni panelists across diverse industries
✅ Celebrate milestones
✅ Receive mentorship and career guidance
✅ Keep the UCW Filipino spirit alive — even beyond graduation 🎓🇵🇭

💬 Hear from our inspiring alumni — the pride of the Filipino at UCW — as they share their journeys and offer valuable advice to help YOU prepare for life after graduation.

🎁 Bonus: Register for a chance to win exclusive UCW goodies!

👉 Don’t miss this milestone event. Be part of the bridge to progress and success!

🔗 Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLPLzTYd48vdIktwwSMzeNKbO1Kzv93_9ldLsz3N2FdeMo7A/viewform?pli=1

09/02/2025

🌟 FilSA Volunteering at Sine Pilipinas 2025 🌟

Last August, FilSA supported the Sine Pilipinas 2025, a Filipino International Independent Film Screening organized by the Filipino-Canadian Society for Interactive Arts & Events. Our volunteers enthusiastically supported this meaningful cultural event that brings Filipino stories to the big screen — all FREE and open to the public! 🎬✨

We’re especially honored to see PCG Dr. Gina Jamoralin supporting this initiative, alongside University Canada West (UCW), who proudly stands as one of the sponsors.

💡 For FilSA, this reflects what we stand for: building connections, promoting Filipino culture, and collaborating with our community beyond the campus.

This term has been full of partnerships with Filipino organizations — a reminder that our role as students and alumni extends into strengthening cultural pride and supporting and engaging with the broader Filipino-Canadian community.

Volunteering at Sine Pilipinas is more than service — it’s about living our objectives:
✔️ Connecting students with culture and community
✔️ Creating opportunities to lead and serve
✔️ Celebrating Filipino heritage with pride

We are grateful to be part of this journey. 💙

09/02/2025

🌟 Celebrating Filipino Language & Culture Through UPAA in BC's Balagtasan 🌟

FilSA is proud to have volunteered under UCW’s booth at the UPAA in BC's Balagtasan, a successful event that showcased the richness of our heritage. 🎭✨

Balagtasan, a traditional Filipino form of debate in poetic verse, is more than just performance—it’s a celebration of the beauty and power of the Filipino language. 🇵🇭📝

We were honored to witness the presence of Mayor of Surrey, Brenda Locke, Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina Jamoralin, UPAA BC President Stephen Andrada, and the supportive Filipino community who made the program extra special.

We were also happy to see a few UCW alumni on this occasion—reminding us how events like these connect students, graduates, and the wider Filipino community in BC. 💙

For FilSA, moments like these matter because they strengthen our connection to our heritage while fostering unity, collaboration, and pride in being Filipino in BC. 🙌

Maraming salamat to UPAA BC for this inspiring celebration and for giving us the privilege to take part in keeping our culture and language alive!

08/20/2025

Mga Kababayan!

We’ve got a special chance to gather and learn together!

Join us for “Conversation with Minister Rechie Valdez: Breaking Barriers in Business and Achieving Equity and Empowerment”

Wednesday, August 27
4:00 – 5:30 PM (Doors open at 3:30 pm)
Metrotown Banquet Hall, 6515 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby

Dont miss this rare opportunity to hear from Minister Rechie Valdez, the first Filipina elected as MP in Canada, as she shares insights on business, equity, and empowerment.

This special event is proudly organized by the University of Phillipines Alumni Association in BC (UPAABC), Pinoy Festival Alliance, and Filipino Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Greater Vancouver

FREE, but spots are limited.

Register here: tinyurl.com/withministervaldez

Kita-kits!

08/17/2025

Proud to Serve: FilSA Volunteers at PCG Vancouver’s Business Session for Filipino-Canadian Entrepreneurs 🇵🇭🇨🇦

Last Thursday, August 14, FilSA had the privilege of volunteering at the Business Session for Filipino-Canadian Entrepreneurs hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.

At FilSA, we believe that empowering our kababayans starts with access to the right knowledge and resources. This session gave participants valuable tools to navigate their business journey in Canada, including:
✅ Rules and regulations for business registration
✅ Ways to access capital
✅ HR regulations
✅ Practical tips for success in the Canadian market

As an international student, attending sessions like this is eye-opening. It’s not just about learning the technical side of doing business, but also about understanding the community you want to build it in. It will inspire us to dream bigger and prepare better for the future.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to PCG Vancouver for hosting this impactful event, and to our incredible FilSA volunteers for their dedication and service to our community. 💙

08/13/2025

Whether you are a small business owner or someone who is looking to start your entrepreneurial journey, getting the right information is key.

If you are keen to learn and acquire this critical information, it's a good idea to register in PCG Vancouver's Business Session for Filipino Canadian Entrepreneurs in Vancouver happening this 14 August 2025!

In this session, you will have the opportunity to learn about rules and regulations on business registration, ways to access capital in Canada, HR regulations, and other information that can help you in your business journey in Canada.

Register through this link: https://forms.gle/DAkX4trHS8zX2Jj89

08/08/2025

🌞 Summer Term Kick-Off! 🌞

Last week, we held our first Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting for the Summer Term — marking the start of an exciting new chapter for FILSA! 🇵🇭✨

We’re proud to introduce our Board of Trustees — the next generation of leaders who will carry FILSA forward. We’re excited to mentor them as they step into their roles, ready to show their leadership and dedication to serving the Filipino community at UCW. 💪

This term will be one of big transitions, but also of fresh ideas, inspiring initiatives, and a few exciting launches we’ve been planning behind the scenes 👀.

📌 Watch this space — the best is yet to come.

Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino sa UCW! 🇵🇭❤️