University of the Philippines
Alumni Association in America
Join us for part 6 of a series of free virtual conversations with the recipients of the 2025-2026 UPAAA Outstanding UP Alumni awards. Hear their remarkable stories and be inspired.
Friday, September 26, 2025
9 pm Eastern
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83561157060?pwd=uLV4b1ScJe5W3tkRjGBXbHGFrSCfab.1
Meeting ID: 835 6115 7060 Passcode: 812456
Moderator
Marilou C. Areno, DComm; UPAAA Assistant Public Relations Officer
GUESTS
Outstanding UP Alumnus Award in Educational Leadership and Advocacy
Dr. Ronie Mataquel is a respected educator, scholar, and community leader. He co-founded the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) and served as its National President from 2013 to 2020, advancing educational excellence and civic engagement in Filipino communities. (Read about UNIFFIED here.)
He holds multiple advanced degrees, including two doctorates in education and development administration, and a postdoctoral degree in strategic management and leadership. He currently teaches STEM at John Bowne High School in New York and serves as an adjunct lecturer at several colleges.
Dr. Mataquel has led numerous community initiatives in both the U.S. and the Philippines, including a multicultural adult literacy program in the Bronx. His work has earned him many honors, such as the 2024 Bugal Kang Antique Award, the UFT Excellence in Education Award, and multiple national recognitions for leadership and service.
From humble beginnings, Dr. Mataquel’s life and work reflect a deep commitment to education, cultural pride, and community empowerment.
Stanley Omar PB Samonte, PhD
Outstanding UP Alumnus Award in Agricultural Innovation
An internationally recognized rice breeder, Dr Samonte is Associate Professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research. A graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (BS Agriculture, cum laude; MS in Plant Breeding) and Texas A&M University (PhD in Plant Breeding), he leads the Specialty Rice Breeding Program focused on developing high-yielding, high-quality, and stress-tolerant rice varieties.
His groundbreaking work has resulted in the release of nine rice varieties—including low glycemic index, jasmine-type, basmati-type, and high-anthocyanin rice—seven of which are patented. His breeding innovations have significantly improved U.S. rice competitiveness and quality.
Dr. Samonte has secured over $8 million in research funding, published more than 370 technical and scientific papers, and delivered numerous invited talks worldwide. His work integrates advanced genomic tools, marker-assisted selection, and UAV-based phenotyping to accelerate rice improvement.
The UPAAA Grand Reunion & Convention (GRC) is a biennial gathering of UP alumni and non- alumni for the purposes of fellowship, knowledge exchange and fundraising for UPAAA's flagship initiative, the Scholarship Program.
On its 23rd biennial celebration, GRC 2025 is co-hosted by the UP Alumni Association Houston Chapter (UPAAH). UPAA Houston was conferred by UPAAA the Outstanding UP Alumni Group Award during the 22nd GRC held in New Jersey in 2023.
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Book your hotel stay at the UPAAA group rate here
or scan the QR code.
Cut-off date for the group rate: Sept. 25, 2025
About the Westin Galleria Houston: Recently renovated, modern elegance meets timeless comfort in the vibrant heart of Texas. The hotel is nestled amidst the iconic Galleria mall. https://www.marriott.com/en- us/hotels/hougw-the- westin-galleria- houston/overview/
About Houston: Extending to Galveston Bay. Houston is closely linked with the Space Center Houston, the coastal visitor center at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex. The city’s relatively compact Downtown includes the Theater District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera, and the Historic District, with 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants. ― (Google)
Airport Information:
The nearest airport to The Galleria is Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) Airport which is 12.8 miles away. Other nearby airports include Houston (IAH) (18.6 miles).
IAH (Bush Intercontinental): Bigger, more international flights, hub for United Airlines but further from the Galleria. HOU (Hobby): Smaller, mostly Southwest Airlines, closer to the Galleria, quicker city access, often cheaper fares.
Choose IAH for connections and options, HOU for convenience and Southwest.
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