Photos by Maribel Salcido. Mexican and Filipino Clubs collaborated to celebrate their cultures.
A pabitin and a piñata hung out together one day.
And it was good.
A pabitin is used during celebrations in the Philippines. Similar to a piñata, it is made of colorful tissue paper and holds cellophane bags tied with vibrant ribbons. Southwestern College brought both cultures together to celebrate a pagkakaisa (unity), using both pabitins and piñatas to commemorate Filipino and Mexican heritage.
Monique Garcia, vice-president of the SWC Pagkakaisa Club, said misrepresentation of her beloved culture is real and Latinos can help.
“Although we are very different we have a lot of similarities with the Mexican culture,” she said. “The most important thing that we want to get out of this whole event is tolerance and inclusion.”
SWC does not have a Filipino-American history course due to low enrollment, said Pagkakaisa Club President Kimberly Ruelos. Cultural representation is too low for a college with a 10 percent Filipino student body, she said.
“Our parents are advocating for our history,” she said. “Why aren’t we in the (history) books? Why aren’t we being acknowledged?”
SWC has also cut Mexican-American studies said Jair Garcia Carillo, president of the SWC MECHA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán).
“The school leaves a lot to be desired as far as resources,” he said. “Not just books, but teachers, individuals that are here representing our culture.”
SWC’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) organized the week-long celebration.
Garcia Carrillo said celebrating both cultures would inspire unity.
“We want to promote and celebrate culture,” he said. “We need to celebrate why these two cultures are similar.”
The ASO and the History Club screened “The Delano Manongs,” a film about the nonviolent strike of Mexican and Filipino farm workers in 1965.
ASO President Mona Dibas said the event promoted social awareness.
“Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere,’” said Dibas. “You don’t have to be Filipino to advocate for the Filipino culture. You don’t have to be from that culture, religion or race to advocate for social change. An event like this might inspire (social change).”
Dibas said Filipinos need to be better represented in American history.
“I hope we can start something as a younger generation,” she said. “As our future generation, that can be our leaders, our doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, senators, presidents. We will not let you guys down. We will continue your legacy.”
