NEWS

USTAAHK founders formally welcomed Mr. Wolf, led by co-founder Ms. Chai Santos-Hall (in brown) and Castello del Vino and Valdivia's Ms. Claudia Capelvenere (2nd from left) at the association's Wine Tasting event at Mr. Wolf in Central on May 29 and whose businesses are among our Thomasian Alumni Card partners in Hong Kong

29th July 2024, Hong Kong SAR - The University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association Hong Kong Chapter (USTAAHK) has officially launched its "Thomasian Alumni Card Privileges Programme" (TACPP), making it the first international chapter to foray into such community-building initiatives in the city.

The programme - backed by the UST Office of Alumni Relations - was inspired by the UST-OAR's Perks and Privilege Programme, which has forged more than 50 partnerships across the Philippines with businesses ranging from resorts to spas, coffee shops and restaurants as well as medical and dental services, to name but a few.

The idea of having Hong Kong businesses recognise the UST alumni card was first proposed by Jan Yumul, president of USTAAHK during a video conference meeting with the UST-OAR team, led by its director Joreen Rocamora on March 13.

"As the UST Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) aims to be a catalyst in the inclusive, engaging, active and meaningful roles of the alumni community in support to the fulfilment of the university's Mission and Vision, we will work hand-in-hand with (USTAAHK) as we build a brighter future for our association and for all generations of Tomasinos who call Hong Kong home," said Rocamora.

The USTAAHK rounded up nine Hong Kong card partners who have formally recognised the Manila-issued lifetime validity cards - subject to annual USTAAHK membership renewal - for the launch, namely The Phoenix, Thirsty Shaker and Mr. Wolf in Central, Enoteca in Quarry Bay, The Conservatory and The Picture House in Sai Kung, Castello del Vino, Chi-Khan Inasal and Sobremesa in Soho.

Other businesses who formally joined the TACPP from July include Italian-Filipino restaurant 42nd Davis, Seiileafi, a performing arts institution that specializes in fire knife and Polynesian Dances, and Belgian bar and restaurant Frites. The USTAAHK Communications and Marketing Committee will be eyeing Lantau-based businesses to join the TACPP.

Jan Yumul, president of USTAAHK successfully convinces (and welcomes) Ms. Emma Ocampo of 42nd Davis Restaurant in Kennedy Town to join the growing pool of USTAAHK's partners in a meeting in June

"I am happy to say that our restaurant is delighted to be a venue partner (of) USTAAHK. With our exclusive discount offers, we eagerly anticipate welcoming your members to our restaurant for a wonderful dining experience," said Chai Santos-Hall, Co-founder & General Manager at Mr. Wolf.

"I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the successful maiden wine tasting event on 29 May at Mr. Wolf. It's wonderful to see such engaging and enjoyable events being organized for your alumni community," she added.

Claudia Capelvenere, Managing Director of Valdivia Wines, also belatedly congratulated USTAAHK for being the first HK chapter alumni in UST's 413-year history.

"We had a wonderful time meeting the USTAAHK members at our Italian Wine Tasting on May 29 with special guest Ms. Maura Marciante, from one of the oldest wineries in Italy - Zonin 1821. We look forward to celebrating more exciting Italian wine events," said Capelvenere.

The two USTAAHK partner establishment owners were referring to the association's Flores De Mayo Wine Tasting event, which was attended by more than a dozen participants who got a chance to sip the finest wines from one of Italy's largest family-owned wineries.

"On behalf of Chi-Khan Inasal and Sobremesa, we are deeply grateful for this opportunity to work with you. We are excited to become one of your partners for the UST Alumni Card. This partnership represents our dedication to providing an amazing experience to Hong Kong Thomasians," said Aamir Roxas Khan, founder of Chi-Khan Inasal.

"We'd like to thank our partners for sharing our vision of uplifting the profile of Hong Kong-based, Philippine-educated professionals starting with the recognition of our alma mater's excellence and standing as the oldest university in Asia. In the long run, we hope to help internationalise the recognition of the Thomasian Alumni Cards for thousands of alumni residing in different parts of the world," said Yumul.

"I am optimistic this will be a win-win and fruitful relationship with our Hong Kong partners as we at our association do our part to help revitalise Hong Kong's economy by supporting local businesses as they bounce back from the impact of social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope that this will widen the door for local establishments to recognise the Thomasian global alumni community and those who have made Hong Kong their favourite travel destination," she added.

The UST-OAR is the major arm of the UST in forging and sustaining ties with its alumni. The office was created during the Rectorship of Rev. Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo O.P. in 2007 as a separate office from the then Public and Alumni Affairs Office.

USTAAHK getting together for the first distribution of the Thomasian Alumni Cards at The Phoenix in Soho on June 7

For enquiries

Email: ustaahk@gmail.com

Events: Ms. Anna Pendry, founding public relations officer USTAAHK and chairperson, USTAAHK Socio-Cultural Events Committee

Sponsorships or partnerships: Ms. Tanya Sales, chairperson for external affairs, USTAAHK Communications and Marketing Committee

Media: Ms. Sarah Buckell, vice chaiperson for external affairs, USTAAHK Communications and Marketing Committee