UPAA‑W Celebrates FASO Members at Philippine Cultural Night (PCN)

Amid a rainy Sunday evening on April 12, 2026, several members of the UPAA-W gathered at the UW-Madison Memorial Union to proudly support and celebrate their children at the Filipinx‑American Students’ Organization’s (FASO) annual Philippine Cultural Night (PCN).

PCN is FASO’s signature cultural event, showcasing Filipino history, traditions, and contemporary expression through music, dance, and performance. This year’s program was led by Cultural Committee Head Jesseree Reyes and highlighted months of preparation, collaboration, and creativity by student performers.

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture

The evening featured a dynamic lineup of performances, including traditional Filipino dances such as tinikling and pandanggo sa ilaw. These numbers artfully blended tradition and modernity, moving from classical Filipino music into contemporary hits like Eraserheads’ “Ligaya” and BINI’s rendition of Ryan Cayabyab’s beloved classic, “Da Coconut Nut.”

Audience members were also treated to an impressive demonstration of Filipino Martial Arts, focusing on Kali, a parent system known for its emphasis on flow, adaptability, and versatile weaponry, including arnis (stick‑based defense) and eskrima (close‑quarters combat).

Adding to the richness of the program, FASO’s singing group, Kumantayo, delivered powerful renditions of the United States and Philippine national anthems, as well as crowd‑pleasing performances of well‑loved Filipino songs by the Eraserheads and the APO Hiking Society.

The night concluded with a headlining performance by RC Avenue, a Los Angeles‑based R&B artist. Attendees also enjoyed raffle giveaways, a photo exhibit, and remarks from FASO’s Co‑President for Externals, Charles Woller.

UPAA‑W was honored to be a proud sponsor of this student‑led cultural celebration.

Proud Parents, Proud Performers

The UPAA‑W members in attendance enthusiastically cheered on the following student performers, matching the students’ own energy and excitement throughout the evening:

• Erika, daughter of Director Trina and Eli Bando, performed in the FASO Modern number, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, and as part of the Kumantayo ensemble.
• A’isha, daughter of UPAA‑W 2026 Board President Beaver Flores and Annalyn Flores of Waukesha County, performed in Tinikling and FASO Modern.
• Eli, son of Director Erick and Eden Orille, performed in Pandanggo sa Ilaw.
• Bella Toledo, daughter of Director Becky and Oscar Toledo, performed with Kumantayo and in FASO Modern, Tinikling, and Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

Director Floresa Balondo was also present to support the performers, joining members of the wider Filipino community in Madison, including the Philippine‑American Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas (PAMANA). Madison‑based UP alumni Omar Dumdum (PAMANA Secretary) and Neil Lomibao were also in attendance, with the group gathering for a photo during intermission.

Student Reflections: The Power of Family Support

UPAA‑W asked the students to reflect on their experience after PCN and what it meant to have their parents’ support in the audience. Here’s what each of them had to say:

Erika Bando:

“I think the most prominent feeling in the aftermath for me was just immense pride in myself and everyone who was a part of this event. We’ve worked so hard on these performances, and it has been such a special and fulfilling experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and connect with my culture and community like this.

It means the world to me to have a family that always supports me and makes me feel loved. I always want to put on my best performance for them!”

A’isha Flores:

“Now that PCN is over, I feel so proud of myself and my community for showing up to celebrate Filipino culture in such a special way. I also feel especially proud of my FASO ate, Jess, who planned and organized the event as this year’s cultural chair. It has been incredibly rewarding to see all of the performances come to life after spending months practicing beforehand.

I’m so grateful for my parents showing up to support me at PCN. Seeing them in the audience made me feel so loved and special, and it means so much to me that I have such an encouraging support system!”

Eli Orille:

“It honestly feels rewarding now that it’s over. It was so cool seeing all the hard work for the performances come together successfully. Having my parents there supporting me meant a lot. Them being in the audience made the experience even more meaningful.”

Bella Toledo:

“I was a little overwhelmed leading up to PCN, but now that it’s over, I wish I could go back in time to redo it! This was my final and favorite PCN, and I had soooo much fun singing and dancing alongside my friends. I’ll miss being able to perform like this.

I was so happy to have my parents at PCN and show them what I’ve been working on for the past few months. Performing dances and songs that they’re familiar with made me feel especially connected to them. I’m so grateful for their support!”

Celebrating Identity, Community, and Culture

It was truly heartwarming to witness Filipinx‑American students celebrate and express pride in their identity and heritage in ways that were genuine, joyful, and creative. Congratulations to FASO, its leadership team, and all of its talented and dedicated members for organizing another meaningful and memorable Philippine Cultural Night.

UPAA‑W is proud to stand beside these students and families as they continue to build community, honor culture, and inspire the next generation.