Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month started with a big celebration Thursday, May 1, at the Student Union Conference Center.
The celebration quickly attracted both students and faculty, as they all gathered to enjoy the food, performances and connecting with their peers.
“It’s important for our students who are Asian American and Pacific Islander to show off their talents,” said Outreach & Welcome Services Program Coordinator Lawrence Punsalang, who helped set up the event.
To kick off the event, Shannah Hermano recited the Panatang Makabayan, one of the national pledges of the Philippines. Then, student Joaquin Sagun gave a land acknowledgement: a formal statement that acknowledges the indigenous people of a land or territory. Afterward, the performances began.
Several individuals and a group performed in front of an audience of students and faculty. Student Jin Christian Rimando sang while the others danced.
Then members of the Kapwa club performed Caiñosa and Tinkiling, two Filipino dances.
Following the group performances, three individuals performed dances that shined a light on their respective cultures. Shanyda Soe performed a traditional Burmese dance, while Jocelyn Abad and Jayna Abad performed two Tahitian dances, Ori Tahiti and Aparima, respectively.
“Performing with them helped me feel united with them,” said Kapwa club President Heidriani Nanon, who further explained that preparing for the event and performing in front of the attendees made him feel closer to those who performed alongside him.
The group dances paved the way for the solo performers to take the stage and showcase their own traditional dances.
“I feel so proud and happy to perform for my culture,” said Soe.
Kapwa Club Advisor Abbey Duldulao was adamant that this event was for students to celebrate, after a long, studious semester. She expressed that this year’s AAPI Heritage Month celebration would be more relaxed with “so many things going on right now.”
She also expressed delight in seeing not only students enjoy the event, but also the number of faculty that came to participate.
The celebration went on without a hitch, giving students and faculty a chance to come together and have fun.
Student Ethan Balamiento explained that this event was a great opportunity for everyone to come together and show pride for their respective cultures. He also enjoyed getting to see friends and the food delivered from places like Yummy Hawaiian BBQ, Panda Express, and Island Pacific.
The event was made possible with the collaborative efforts of Kapwa Club, Asian, Pacific Islander, & Desi American Program (APIDA), and sponsorship from Equity & Inclusion and Student Life.
