Love Strikes for a Cause 4

brings community together at UPAA‑MB bowling tournament

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

	Alvin Jake Vergara, Yo Muan, and Emmanuel Dimatulac showing some of the winter clothing and gear collected for the Koats for Kids campaign.

The University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba Inc. (UPAA‑MB) held its fourth annual bowling tournament, Love Strikes for a Cause 4, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at LaVérendrye Bowling Lanes in Winnipeg.

The event brought together UPAA‑MB members, their friends and families, and colleagues from different sectors for an evening that combined friendly competition, networking opportunities, and community service.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Team Caring for Our Environment Manitoba emerged as the first‑place winners, followed by Team Justice in second place and Team Musica Singers in third place. Other groups that took part were Ukrainska Komanda, Team Salvation Army, andTeam Legends League.

The tournament was organized by Ann Evangelista, Head of the Information and Communication Committee, with the support of UPAA-MB directors and members Sunshine Cherevko, Emmanuel Dimatulac, Kat Dimatulac, Cecille Mendoza, and Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

In line with UPAA‑MB’s commitment to social responsibility, the bowling tournament coincided with two important initiatives. The first was Koats for Kids, a program that collects and distributes gently used winter outerwear to Winnipeg families in need. The collection of donations during the event was led by Yo Muan, Head of the Social Responsibility Committee.

The second initiative was a 50/50 Raffle to launch the annual bursary fundraising campaign, facilitated by Alvin Jake Vergara, Head of the Fundraising Committee. The bursary funds support students across various campuses of the University of the Philippines.

Reflecting on last year’s contribution from UPAA‑MB, Shan Pilar, Project Associate of the Padayon UP Public Service Office, said, “Thank you very much for your generous donation to the student scholarships fundraising campaign. Your support is truly appreciated and makes a meaningful difference to our students.”

UPAA‑MB also announced that membership for 2026 is now open. Members will receive updates next month regarding the organization’s planned activities for the year. Members in good standing will be eligible to participate in the election of the UPAA‑MB Board of Directors scheduled for October 4, 2026.

New and renewing members are invited to join by contacting Emmanuel Dimatulac, Head of the Membership Committee, at membership@upmb.net.