Kasamahan Pilipino Club members kicked off FilipinX History Month by hosting a student mixer in the WINN Center on Oct. 12.
KP Club is open to everyone and their purpose is to encourage cultural awareness and Filipino excellence through various social and educational activities, according to a statement read by KP members during the mixer.
“It is a pretty important month. October is FilipinX American History Month and we wanted to honor FilipinX history,” said 19-year-old anthropology major and Club President Alyanna Manzano. “The point of the mixer was to educate our fellow KP members but also any CRC staff or students interested in learning more.”
At the start of the event, students were encouraged to introduce themselves and grab traditional Filipino food that was catered. Club members spoke about Filipino History and culture while students ate.
Members mentioned different varieties of terms used in Filipino culture like Filipino, Pinoy, Filipina, Filipino-American and how the term has transitioned to FilipinX.
Manzano said it’s very important for students to come to these events because it can get lonely for students and students can gain a community by attending.
“The point is that it’s important to highlight the fact that we have always been here,” Manzano said. “Today, Filipinos are the second largest Asian-American community in the country.”
James Manuel, an 18-year-old biology major, said the event was successful and he enjoyed going.
“I am Filipino and I am looking for a community where I think I can belong and connect with my culture,” Manuel said.
The event ended with students talking and performing karaoke.
Alejandra Trejo, a student personnel assistant for the campus PRIDE center, said students can find a sense of community when they go to these events.
“It makes it a lot more enjoyable than to just come here on campus and leave right after,” Trejo said. “You start to build a community with students who have similar interests, look like you and definitely having that is really nice for students.”