Colorful traditional garments, energetic dance performances and a packed-out audience filled the CUB Senior Ballroom Saturday night as the Filipino American Student Association hosted its 33rd annual Filipino Culture Night at WSU.
Filipino Culture Night is one of FASA’s largest annual events, bringing together a multitude of students, families and community members to celebrate Filipino heritage through traditional food, dance, music and cultural storytelling. This year’s FCN drew the largest crowd in the event’s history, with organizers announcing that the ballroom sold out. Despite record attendance, FASA organizers remained well prepared, adding seating and coordinating activities to keep the program running smoothly.
“We have been planning for this event since the start of the school year,” said Tyler Bokuku, vice president of external affairs for FASA. “A lot of preparation goes into making an event of this size possible, but with the help of our twenty-two cabinet members in FASA, we were able to bring our ideas to life.”
Throughout the night, performances, games and cultural presentations reflected the themes of “Pusong Pinoy” and “Pagkakaisa Sa Lahat,” which translate to “Heart of Filipinos” and “unity among all.” The theme also emphasized the idea of “FASA love,” a phrase club members described as representing inclusivity, community and a sense of belonging.
Nikkei Angela Fabia-Lactaoen, FASA historian, said the event is intended not only to celebrate Filipino traditions but also to introduce them to a wider audience.
“FCN celebrates and honors traditions in the Philippines, but also provides a welcoming environment for people from other cultures to learn about and embrace Filipino culture,” Fabia-Lactaoen said.
Several cultural dances were performed throughout the evening, highlighting different traditions from the Philippines. One of the standout performances was Tinikling, a traditional Filipino folk dance where performers step and jump between two rapidly clapping bamboo poles while sliding on the ground in rhythm with music. The routine began with traditional Filipino music before transitioning into faster-paced modern songs, blending cultural tradition with modern influences.
Other performances included the Maglalatik, Sayaw sa Bangko and Cariñosa dances, each showcasing different elements of Filipino history and culture through movement.
For Fabia-Lactaoen, the performances reflected the spirit of Filipino culture.
“The dance performances and the fun-loving and welcoming energy of the event best represent cultural elements of the Philippines,” Fabia-Lactaoen said.
One of the largest reactions from the audience came during the second-to-last performance. It was a modern dance routine choreographed by Sage Ramiscal and Sofia Fiona Santos. Four groups of performers presented separate routines before joining together for a final large group dance, highlighting how Filipino culture continues to evolve and adapt over time.
Beyond performances, the evening included interactive activities designed to keep attendees engaged. Guests received trivia cards upon entry that corresponded with information presented throughout the program. Those who completed the cards could redeem them for free snacks from Crystal’s “Sari-Sari Store,” a FASA-run fundraiser that helps support club trips and future events.
A raffle during the evening also featured the chance to win Filipino-inspired clothing items, including a one-of-a-kind 3D printed barong tagalog shirt and detachable butterfly sleeves from the San Francisco-based Filipino American brand Niana. All of the proceeds from the raffle went to supporting disaster relief in the Philippines.
The evening concluded with a recognition of graduating FASA members, followed by a video reflecting on the meaning of “FASA love.” In the video, club members described the phrase as representing inclusivity, community and the small acts of kindness that make the organization feel like home.
“Spreading Filipino culture and displaying FASA love is what the event is all about,” Fabia-Lactaoen said.
More information about FASA and upcoming events can be found on the organization’s Instagram page: @wsufasa.
