About

Mission Statement

The mission of the Filipino Student Association is to be a support organization that promotes unity and empowerment through the awareness of our diverse community. It strives to be a cultural resource for the community as well as to foster open forum based in mutual respect and understanding. FSA works to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the Filipino and Filipino-American experience through meetings and events that explore our identity, history, and culture.It is important to note that FSA is not (and does not assume to be) the sole representation of the Filipino community. FSA is an organization striving to recognize the vast diversity of our community, to respect all of our people’s lived experiences. Hence, considering the importance of organizing as a community of diverse Filipinos on our campus, FSA has committed itself to constantly questioning and holding itself entirely accountable to its actions in the hopes of being more supportive of the entire Filipino community and its allies.FSA is one of the few outlets for the Filipino voice(s) at UCSC. Through its social, cultural, and educational events, FSA hopes to play a crucial role in higher education.

Constitution

Constitution of FSA

Aspects

ACADEMICS

The goal of Academics is to further community education of Filipino culture through exploration of both colonial and present day Filipino history. We offer a class called Pilipino Historical Dialogue (PHD) that is devoted to promoting discussion of Filipino issues that are oftentimes left out of history classes and the news. Bringing Our Spirit and Energy in Solidarity (BOSES), which includes special guest speakers and Filipino performances, is a celebration held at the end of October as a close to Filipino History Month.

A STEP FORWARD

A Step Forward is an outreach program targeting admitted and prospective Filipino students from Northern and Southern California. This annual event is an invitation and encouragement for students to visit the university campus for an overnight stay. The program includes student mentors who engage the participants in a tour of the campus, dialogue about major programs and student organizations, and an introduction to the university through a Filipino perspective. Workshops include a fair of students and faculty members discussing the academic departments, the college system, and student organizations; a discussion on the importance of higher education and retention programs offered on campus; an exploration into and expansion of the Filipino Identity at UCSC; and an introduction to the Engaging Education and SOAR offices.

ALAY

Alay is an annual creative arts journal produced by members of the Filipino Student Association. It is a space for, not only Filipino Americans, but for all who choose to project a piece of themselves and their consciousness.

HALUAN

Now in its fourteenth year, this aspect has evolved from contemporary dance to hip-hop, and then claiming the name Haluan. Haluan translates into “being of mixed nature”, coming from the Filipino language of Tagalog. Haluan has grown from, but is still an intricate part of the Filipino Student Association (FSA). Since Haluan has been one of the main attractions of our Filipino community, the group has expanded in diversity tremendously.

KASAMA

As the newest addition to the PCC family, Kasama continues to grow and change with each year. Dances which have been done by Kasama include cha-cha, tango, salsa, swing, and samba.

ISANG HIMIG

Isang Himig means “one voice” in the Filipino dialect, Tagalog. This choir is composed of a variety of passionate and talented individuals whose goals are to bring about a greater awareness of Filipino culture to the community by way of music, develop, improve, and express one’s technical and performance aspects of music, and build a tight knit family within themselves as well as the community. One major event of Isang Himig is the annual production, “Pilipino Cultural Celebration” in the Spring. One must pass vocal auditions to be admitted.

KUYA-ATE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (KAMP)

The Kuya-Ate Mentorship Program is a big brother/sister program that creates and strengthens the bond formed within smaller communities or “families”. By implementing a family system of mentorship it allows for people to connect on different levels in hopes of individuals finding other individuals that remind them of comfort and of home, which can encourage them to stay in school. Through academic support, social events, and an overall learning experience, KAMP creates a strong communal atmosphere that provides students with the outlets that we need to maintain through this college experience.

PAGKAKAISA DANCE TROUPE (PDT)

The Pagkakaisa Dance Troupe (PDT) performs traditional folk dances from the many islands of the Philippines. From joining, not only will you learn the dances that you’ve seen in videos, festivals and cultural events, but learn the history and context in which these dances originated from.

PEOPLE POWER

People Power is derived from the name of the Filipino Revolution that ousted a dictator and restored democracy in the Philippines. People Power is also the FSA aspect which promotes the Filipino experience through acting and multimedia performances. Our diverse cast works in
different genre’s such as stand-up, improv, theatre, and scriptwriting. We want people who are creative, innovative, and…motivate-ive?

PILIPINO CULTURAL CELEBRATION (PCC)

Pilipino Cultural Celebration (PCC) is the aspect of FSA that caters to anyone who has interest in performing arts. It consists of 5 performing aspects: Pagkakaisa Dance Troupe (Pilipino folk dance), Kasama (ballroom dancing), Isang Himig (choir), Haluan (contemporary/hip hop dance) & People Power (play/theatre). The Pilipino Cultural Celebration is an event for participants and community members to come together and share their talents. Through music, song, dance, and theater, the cast members collaborate and produce an annual intricate show.

TECH CREW

Tech Crew is in charge of set-design, props, and stage management for the annual Pilipino Cultural Celebration. Tech is the backbone of PCC; without Tech, there would be no performance–people would be running around everywhere without direction. Through Tech, you can still play a major role in the creation of something beautiful such as PCC, even if you have no desire to perform on stage. So join tech you beezy! Remember guys:
Teamwork makes the dream work.

FSA also features…
ESOC (FSA)
Historian
Outreach
Publications
Secretary
Social-Cultural
Webmaster