UPAA-W Leads Visual Arts Segment in Successful “Sining ng Panahon” Symposium

In celebration of Filipino American History Month, the Sining ng Panahon Symposium brought together artists, scholars, and community organizations to showcase the richness of Filipino creativity across diverse art forms.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W), through its Asuncion Miteria-Austria Value Our Heritage (VOH) Committee, proudly led the Visual Arts segment of the event—highlighting how art continues to reflect, preserve, and shape the Filipino experience.

UPAAW’s featured guest speakers, Ginger Leopoldo, Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig, and Abby Mendoza, shared updates on CIRCA Pintig’s ongoing projects in Chicago as the organization marks its 35th anniversary. CIRCA Pintig is a Filipino American theatre company that has, for over three decades, empowered immigrant communities through the arts, education, and service. The organization creates socially relevant productions that amplify diverse voices, develop new works, and address pressing social issues through theatre (circapintig.org). They also discussed collaborations with local artists on a new mural installation at the Rizal Center—an inspiring creative expression of Filipino identity and community pride.

The UPAAW session was conducted via Zoom, while other organizations presented in person. Despite initial technical challenges, the VOH team quickly adapted, ensuring a smooth and engaging session. The discussion was facilitated by Cream Pepito, Chair of the AMA-VOH Committee.

During the program, UPAAW was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from FANHSWI President Isabel Maria Piana for its collaboration, along with a plaque and proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, officially designating October as Filipino American History Month in Wisconsin. The proclamation was read by the Honorable Angelito Tenorio, Wisconsin State Representative for the 14th Assembly District—the first elected Filipino official in the state.

The Sining ng Panahon Symposium was a collaborative effort among several Filipino American organizations, including UPAA-W, FANHS, PAMANA, HIMIG, Silahis, and FAAWIS, each highlighting different facets of Filipino art and culture.

The program concluded with a moving performance by the SamaSama Project, presenting The Great Filipino Songbook—a musical journey through the Philippines’ most beloved songs, from classic kundiman and harana to timeless OPM hits shaped by American pop and jazz. Blending story and melody, the performance celebrated the nostalgia, pride, and shared heritage that unite generations of Filipinos.

The evening was capped by general dancing, with lively music provided by the SamaSama Project, bringing everyone together in a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and community spirit.