Manny Pacquiao, The Black Eyed Peas member, apl.de.ap, and Cerise Pempengco. What do all of these people have in common you ask? Why they are all from the Philippines of course!
With the large and diverse student body that exists at the University of Arizona, there are many clubs and organizations present on campus that offer opportunities for students to experience and learn about a new culture. One of the many cultural clubs on campus, the Filipino American Student Association (FASA), offers students a chance to learn more about the Filipino culture as well as to have fun and make new friends.
Open to all who wish to join, FASA is a club that allows its members to be immersed in Filipino culture as well as giving them a sense of feeling connected to the UA campus. Deo Mopera, a current member of FASA, said, “FASA is a good club that provided me with a gateway to being a part of a community along with becoming involved on campus. At the same time, the club has given me a chance to form lasting friendships.”
With the club’s welcoming and friendly vibe, FASA has attracted a diverse group of members from all over campus. When asked what makes FASA such a unique club, Amanda Yanez, 24, said, “FASA is a club based on promoting Filipino cultural awareness but you do not have to be a part of the Filipino culture itself in order to join. I am not Filipino, but I have learned a lot about the culture through this club by learning traditional dances such as Tinikling and Carinosa.”
However, being a cultural club, FASA does provide its members with a sense of belonging and pride. Members are encouraged to celebrate who they are as individuals as well as celebrating their culture and where they come from. Mico Pano, 20, said, “Being a member of FASA, I feel a sense of belonging as I am comfortable with being myself with the other members. The members and the club itself makes me proud to be Filipino.”
           Overall, FASA is a well-rounded club as Mopera said, “It is a community of great people that are there to support others, to socialize, and to become more connected to campus.” Any students that are looking for a fun and energetic club that will enable them to meet new people as well as providing them with an opportunity to learn about a new culture and customs should definitely consider becoming a part of the FASA family.
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