The WSU Filipino American Student Association (FASA) will host its annual Filipino Culture Night at 6 p.m. tonight at the Ensminger Pavilion.

“The theme for this year is ‘Kapamilya Namin,’ which means ‘our family’ in Tagalog,” said Joni Cobarrubias, FASA public relations officer and former Evergreen photographer. “The basis of this event is to emphasize the whole familial atmosphere, which is incorporated in the FASA organization.”

Cobarrubias said traditional Filipino food will be served at 6 p.m. and cultural dances will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are $13 for WSU students and $14 for the public. Tickets will cost $15 for those who just want to attend for the dances.

“The goal of this fun and sociable event is to spread our culture and bring everyone together as one big family,” FASA Treasurer Ty Baker said.

Cobarrubias said through this event, the Filipino culture will be showcased, but it is also an event to welcome the community and have them come together to enjoy a night of activities.

The menu will include chicken pancit, chicken adobo and pineapple pie. Veggie stir fry will also be provided as a vegetarian option, she said.

FASA has hosted Filipino Culture Night since the organization started, but she said this year’s show will be larger than past years.

“This event goes to show that anyone is welcome regardless of one’s culture, and one should always be free to express it,” she said. “This event is our way of expressing aspects of Filipino culture through dance.”

Cobarrubias said this event will feature dances such as Tinikling, the traditional Philippine folk dance that uses bamboo sticks.

“We had scheduling conflicts as a main roadblock,” Baker said, “but we overcame it and are looking forward to throwing an enjoyable event where people can come and get a glimpse of what Filipino culture entails.”

Cobarrubias said the event aligns with FASA’s slogan, “Empowerment Through Unity,” because of the emphasis on inclusivity, which is emphasized in events they host.

“One does not need to be Filipino to come to this event or come to our organization as well,” she said. “The goal is to spread unity, connection and diversity around the multicultural community.”