Face Masks for a Cause
written by Misha Pallorina Enriquez
header photo by Katrina Cammayo Mears
What’s colorful, keeps you protected, and gives back to UPIS?
The ALAB UP face masks are designed and produced by UPIS Batch ‘97 to raise funds for UPIS high school students in need. The face masks are locally produced and printed by a small business based in Antipolo, Rizal, so you can be sure your purchase supports Pinoy entrepreneurs.
“With the pandemic and the rise in use of disposable masks, we wanted to offer a more eco-friendly option towards hygiene and safety,” says Abigail Diokno Gaffud, project head from Batch ‘97. “We didn’t anticipate it would sell so fast. We had to re-stock right away!”
The colorful woven banig pattern was conceptualized by Batch ‘97’s Brian Rodrigo Llagas and symbolizes the group’s strength in unity and diversity. April Dalman Davis designed the masks and coordinated the product photography.
The face masks are double-layered and made of neoprene, with an opening for an optional filter.
The ear loops are adjustable and can fit even the youngest members of the family.
Alumni from the Philippines and abroad showed overwhelming support for this fundraising effort.
“It’s heartwarming to see the batch coming together on this project, from planning to production then delivery and of course buying the face masks,” says Frances Josef Hernandez, Fundraising Committee Head. “Our fellow alumnus Jaime Borja even hand-delivered some of them to our classmates.”
Jaime Borja of Batch '97 delivering ALAB UP face masks
UP community members and beyond masked up to show their support.
19th UP President Emerlinda Roman and grandson
Atty. May Tan, corporate lawyer and professor at the UP College of Law
Atty. Gabi Concepcion - TV host, lawyer, professor and wife of current UP President Atty. Danilo Concepcion
UP Fighting Maroon Ricci Rivero and ALAB UPIS chair Joy Cruz
Francis Diaz, Tokyo Paralympics Chef de Mission
John Consulta, GMA 7 news reporter
PJ and Dindi Roman
Rina Tan, Community Relations Officer of Nowhere To Go But UP Foundation
Get your ALAB UP face masks now for only Php600 for a set of three. Now available in the Philippines, US, HK, SG, and soon in NZ and Australia.
Your purchase benefits UPIS scholars in need and other homecoming activities.
Follow @alabupis on Instagram and Facebook for more exciting products and tag #ALABUPIS.
About ALAB UPIS:
A project of UP Integrated School Batch ‘97, ALAB UPIS is raising funds to help underserved UPIS scholars, give back to faculty and staff, and host the school’s 2022 homecoming. Shop UP and UPIS inspired merch or donate here. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag #ALABUPIS!