For Aidan Sanchez, co-president of the Filipino American Student Association (FASA), the Ate Kuya Ading (AKA) program has been a crucial part of his time at UP. AKA is a mentorship program whose purpose is to support underclassmen and give them a sense of family at school away from their families. ‘Ate’ means older sister, ‘kuya’ means older brother and ‘ading’ is the equivalent of ‘little sibling’.
“For me personally, the AKA program was an extremely formative part of my first two years at UP,” Sanchez said. “It's kind of like a mentorship program where they're really here to support you and help you.”
FASA emphasizes community and belonging in its events, such as its annual Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN), which is highlighted in the AKA program.
At this year’s eleventh annual PCN on April 12, doors will open at 4 p.m. Food — pancit, lechon kawali, okoy, veggie lumpia, rice and more — will be catered by Bon Appetit and will be served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The final section of the night will include 11 dances to embrace and share Filipino culture with the UP community. Heavily anticipated dances include the Tinikling, the Warrior Dance and the final senior dance which will feature FASA’s graduating seniors.
The AKA program is just one of many factors that contribute to FASA’s prosperity and its annual end-of-year PCN. PCN chair and senior Camille Dela Cruz began planning this year’s event last May. The program as a whole typically sets the planning process into motion in October.
This year’s theme of “Ating Hiling,” or “our wish,” is focused on the future, building upon last year’s theme of legacy, or “Pamana,” according to Dela Cruz.
“This year, I really wanted to think of the future — [what] did everyone want for this PCN or even their experience now, even here at UP or post-grad?” Dela Cruz said. “[What] are their wishes? How do those all come together into becoming something that we can all strive for and support one another.”
A key element of FASA and the PCN event is building a sense of community, particularly for first-year students or others who may not yet feel a greater sense of involvement.
“The program itself empowers the underclassmen to want to take more than just a step into the doorway of the community,” Dela Cruz said. “And I think that's going to continue to foster, and it's what's really going to keep PCN going forward because people are going to stay involved.”
Dela Cruz also stresses that FASA and PCN are not limited to Filipino students; they welcome anybody with an open mind and open heart.
“I feel like what it should be, like with any cultural club going forward, is just ‘This is a really nice, welcoming environment,” Dela Cruz said. “ I would like to learn more about ‘what is Filipino culture? What is the history of it?’ And anyone who is wanting to learn about that is always welcome into our kapamilya — family.”
Consistent with FASA’s emphasis on family and community, they are often supported by families who assist in the event’s setup. This includes those local to the Portland area, as well as several of the club members’ own families who travel to campus to help and attend PCN.
For last year’s PCN dress rehearsal, a group of parents cooked in a dorm kitchen for over 100 student performers and volunteers, according to Sanchez.
Because the club puts so much effort and money into the event, it can often struggle to break even. But despite asking for donations to support the event, Sanchez clarifies that PCN is not a fundraiser but a mutual gift with the UP community.
“What's more important to our club is just the exchange of culture,” Sanchez said. “Of course, we charge for tickets, but at the same time, we also try to make it as affordable and accessible as possible to fill all 864 seats we have.”
Building on the themes of this year and last year, the club looks to the future, allowing “adings” to become “ates” and “kuyas”. FASA co-president Cleithon Paguirigan hopes future students carry on the celebration of Filipino culture after he graduates.
“I just hope in the years coming up that we continue to be proud of our culture,” Paguirigan said. “As someone born in the Philippines who immigrated here, I just hope that that kind of continues on, even while I'm gone.”
Tickets for UP students, staff, faculty and alumni are available here. General admission tickets, meal point donations and volunteer forms can also be found on FASA’s Instagram page.
Kaeden Souki is a reporter for The Beacon. He can be reached at souki28@up.edu.
