Upcoming Activities/Events/Message from the President/CEO
Saturday, December 27, 2025, starting at 11:00 am at the Buffet House located at 651 Palomar Street in Chula Vista.
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For upcoming UPI meetings, please check and save the date(s) listed below:
Future meetings: TBD
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UPI News Update – November 11, 2025: Veterans Day, General Membership Meeting Highlights, Upcoming Community Events
Dear UPI Team, Friends, and Valued Supporters:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day — a U.S. federal holiday dedicated to honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in both wartime and peacetime.
Unlike Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their lives in service and is observed on the last Monday of May, Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11 for all living veterans and their invaluable contributions to our nation .
With Deep Gratitude
To all veterans: thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your unwavering dedication to our country.
As John Delaney reminds us:
“Veterans come from all walks of life, and they live in small towns and big cities, in red states and blue states.”And in the words of Elmer Davis:
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
Veterans Reflections
Please see the attached file, which includes two powerful poems — I Am A VETERAN and IT IS THE VETERAN — offering heartfelt insight into the meaning of service and sacrifice.
UPI General Membership Meeting Recap – Saturday, November 8, 2025We had a fun and productive UPI general membership meeting last Saturday at the Bay Terraces Community & Senior Center. Despite many of our officers and members attending a Veterans Day event earlier that day in National City — where FAMOS was honored in the program — they still arrived on time and engaged fully in the meeting.
All agenda items were discussed with positive energy and forward momentum.
Exciting News: Filipino American Veterans Park Approved
One of the most inspiring topics was the announcement of a newly approved project: the creation of the first-ever Filipino American Veterans Park in the City of Chula Vista. This milestone is being led by Mayor John McCann, with FAMOS as the primary Filipino American community organization leading the task force, supported by UPI,FASH, and many other community leaders and groups.
The park will feature a Filipino American Veterans Monument, making fundraising a top priority — both for the monument itself and for the park’s grand opening ceremonies. This initiative will continue to be a central focus at upcoming FAMOS and UPI meetings, and we hope for the community’s full support.
It’s worth noting that many key officers and members across FAMOS, UPI, and FASH are the same dedicated individuals, simply serving in different roles — a testament to their deep commitment to our community.
Upcoming UPI Officer Elections
Another key topic at the meeting was the upcoming election of all Executive Committee and Board of Director Officers. The Nominating Committee, chaired by our COO, will prepare a list of qualified candidates to be presented at the March 2026 UPI General Membership Meeting. A secret-ballot election will follow at the April 2026 meeting.The newly elected officers will serve a four-year term (2027–2030), with their formal installation taking place during the October 2026 UPI 4th Anniversary, Cultural Night, Installation of Officers, and Awards Ceremony.
Cleft Surgery Project: A Promising Start
We’re thrilled to share the successful launch of our long-awaited Cleft Surgery Project in the Philippines, in partnership with Smile Train Philippines Foundation, Inc.Our COO — also serving as the UPI Cleft Surgery Project Coordinator — reported the successful cleft lip surgeries of two babies from Pangasinan, located in the greater Luzon region of northern Philippines.
Thanks to our donation of $825.00, these two basic surgeries will have a lifelong positive impact on the lives of these beautiful children.
Please note: the attached Smile Train Philippines report has been redacted to comply with data privacy regulations. The original document is on file and marked For Official Use Only (FOUO).
Thank You for Supporting the RMX Holiday Event
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all UPI members and officers who attended and supported the RMX Holiday Event — hosted by Esta Velasco and the RMX Dance Group — last Friday, November 7, 2025, at Dance Headquarters.
Esta Velasco isone of our most active and generous UPI members. Her unwavering support consistently brings not only a strong turnout but also vibrant dance performances that uplift our events and community spirit.
As community partners, it’s important that we continue to support one another whenever possible — strengthening our shared mission and celebrating each other’s contributions.
Upcoming Community Events – Let’s Support Whenever Possible
Please see the list below for upcoming events, including several new additions not mentioned in the last UPI News Update.
Sunday, November 16, 2025: UPI Viejas Casino Fundraising Trip. Bus departs the Sweetwater Road Park & Ride Area in National City at 9:00 AM straight to Viejas Casino & Resort. A few more seats are available. Please be there by no later than 8:55 AM. There’s no Mira Mesa Park & Ride Area pick-up.
Saturday, November 22, 2025: National City District 3 Neighborhood Thanksgiving at El Toyon Park from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. UPI, FAMOS, and FASH jointly will serve free snacks and water. Please see the attached flyer for additional information.
Saturday, November 22, 2025: La Jolla Town Council Multicultural Festival by the Sea, free event at La Jolla Recreation Center from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Saturday, November 22, 2025: Silayan Filipina Showcase 2025 at the Restoration Church on 10960 Via Frontera, San Diego, CA 92127 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Event Fee – $50. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025:Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater San Diego Holiday Steak Party at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse located at 668 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Event Fee: $70 for members / $75 for non-members. Please see the attached flyer for details.
Until the next UPI News Update.
According to G.K. Chesterton:“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Wishing you a meaningful Veterans Day.
Very respectfully,
“United to Serve”
TeddyTeddy C. Datuin UPI President & CEOWebsite: https://www.unitedpilipino.orgFacebook: Upi Pilipino
