Filipino students celebrate history month on Diag

By Karen Schwartz

Daily Staff Reporter

Delicately balancing a candle on her head and one in each hand, Nursing freshman Charlene Bugais focused on her dancing as she and others shared a piece of their heritage with the crowd assembled on the Diag.

The dance was just one of the many exhibitions held on the Diag yesterday as part of a Filipino American Student Association celebration of history, culture and heritage. Aimed at increasing the visibility and understanding of Filipino culture, the event also featured speakers and ethnic foods.

"October is Filipino American history month, and we figured what better month to bring people together," FASA President Ruben Lazaro said.

Yesterday also marked the 413th anniversary of the first written records about Filipinos landing on the shores of what is now California, said FASA Vice President Jose Evangelista.

At the event, FASA also displayed a pictorial history of Filipinos in America.

Rodolfo Altamirano, a FASA group mentor and director of the International Center, said he hoped the event would redirect common misconceptions.

"We've been seen as second-class citizens, and we have to show our different role in the 21st Century," Altamirano said.

Office of New Student Programs Assistant Director Connie Rose Tingson, who serves as one of the group's mentors, said she was impressed with the students' efforts.

"We (as mentors) are just here supporting the students. They've really taken ownership of this. It's theirs and it turned out great," Tingson said.

Lazaro said FASA, which established itself at the University in 1986, aims to teach Filipinos more about themselves and also to educate others on the culture.

"You don't have to be Filipino to join, although that's the common assumption," Lazaro said. "The FASA is here for everyone to learn."

The group meets on Thursdays, alternating between events and meetings. Members participate in workshops and social activities, and they plan on attending two Midwest conferences to meet others and learn on a larger scale.

Students interested in joining the FASA can visit www.umich.edu/~fasa for more information.

ABBY ROSENBAUM/Daily

Filipino students participate in the Filipino American Students Association celebration on the Diag yesterday.