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Carrying Estrel’s Light Forward: The Pickerals’ Gift to the Iskolar ng Bayan Fund

A tribute to Estrella Espejo’s enduring legacy of love, sacrifice, and the power of giving

(By Ike Pahm and Ito Conti)

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When Drs. Evalynne and John Pickeral pledged a $30,000 scholarship to the Iskolar ng Bayan Fund, they weren’t simply making a donation—they were honoring a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering love, and selfless devotion. The UPAA-W Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship Award is a deeply personal tribute to Evalynne’s sister, Estrel—a woman who dedicated her life to supporting her siblings and serving others.

Through this scholarship, Estrel’s legacy lives on—not only in memory, but in action. Over the next twelve years, nine scholars from the different campuses of the University of the Philippines will receive the financial support and encouragement to complete their college degrees. These students will carry forward the values that shaped Estrel’s life: compassion, humility, and the quiet power of giving.

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Who We Are

We are the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W).

We aim to advance the core values and principles of our alma mater, the University of the Philippines, in pursuit of excellence.

We engage in various activities to raise funds to support UPAA-W’s scholarship program, assist in community service as well as promote awareness of Filipino heritage and culture among its members and community.

Celebration Through the Decades

What We Do

Scholarships

UPAA-W offers scholarships to deserving students in Wisconsin and UP campuses. Fundraising activities and generous donations from the community and association members fund these scholarships.

Professorial Chair

UPAA-W provides funding for professorial chair to deserving faculty staff to support research, teaching, and service activities. The main objective is to assist UP retain and attact distinguished faculty members.

Value Our Heritage

UPAA-W believes in the power of heritage in shaping our future. Through its Asuncion Miteria-Austria VOH, educational symposium and community events are held annually to preserve and share the rich Philippine heritage, values, and cultural traditions.

Feed The Hungry

UPAA-W members volunteer twice a year, in Spring and Winter, to feed the hungry. This activity, coordinated with a local church in downtown Milwaukee, serves 80 to 120 homeless individuals. We also distribute new clothes donated by New Threads of Hope in coordination with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation.

Volunteering

UPAA-W members regularly volunteer to help the  Free Medical Clinic at the Philippine Center, held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Members also support our Cultural Booth at the Holiday Folk Fair where we showcase the rich traditions of the Philippines.

Outreach

UPAA-W proudly hosts the first day of Simbang Gabi, on December 15th, a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition that brings our community together in faith and fellowship. Join us as we honor this beautiful tradition, fostering unity and spiritual reflection during the holiday season.

Socials

UPAA-W hosts a vibrant Barrio Fiesta in the spring, celebrating Filipino culture with traditional food and friendly competition. Our Summer Picnic brings members together for a day of fun and camaraderie. We close the year with a festive Christmas Party featuring funny sketches and creative performances.

Voices of Our Scholars​

Don Ray Ramos, Fine Arts, UP Baguio

I am grateful to be a recipient of the Curvelo-UPAAW Scholarship. Your generosity allows students like me to pursue a college degree. This scholarship will help me complete my Fine Arts degree, which requires many art materials and fieldwork.

Growing up in a less privileged community, I understand the value of education and have seen my parents’ struggles to support my studies. This scholarship inspires me to succeed and complete my degree, so I can support my family.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Iskolar Ng Bayan Fund

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