October is nationally recognized as Pilipino American History Month (PAHM), and given UCLA’s diverse demographics, there is no shortage of events and activities throughout campus celebrating the Pilipino American identity.
Plenty of Pilipino and Pilipino American student organizations contribute to this vibrant culture, all of which fall under the UCLA Pilipino Council of the Mabuhay Collective (PCMC). As an umbrella organization, PCMC unites these various groups, enabling community engagement and empowering students to celebrate their heritage through a variety of initiatives and programs.
One student who is especially involved in PCMC is Kathryn Alcantara, a second-year psychobiology major who is the director of UCLA’s PAHM events.
Alcantara says that one of PCMC’s missions is to “unite the space.” “We are still one Pilipino community here on campus, and we don’t want there to be a divide,” she added. Alcantara’s personal involvement within PCMC has also been just as transformative for her.
“PCMC definitely helped me in the sense that it was a good starting point for leadership,” Alcantara said. “It’s made me also mature more … I feel like I’m more responsible now as well.”
Within PCMC specifically, Alcantara is the director of PAHM at UCLA and spearheads the entire celebration. This year, she has focused on the theme of community, and the planned events and activities will explore everything from food and dancing to colonialism and imperialism. As the director, Alcantara says, “I get to open other people’s eyes to these topics, especially if they haven’t explored it before.”
One way PCMC has celebrated PAHM is by posting a plethora of educational insights on their Instagram. It highlights Pilipino history, such as the Manong generation, the first generation of Pilipino immigrants to arrive in the US. There are also interviews with Pilipino American students and educators who gave their insight on the importance of PAHM.
Ali Magallanes, a second-year human biology and society major and the Samahang Pilipino Education Coordinator, said on Instagram that coming to UCLA and being a part of all the different Pilipino organizations gave her “sense of home” where she could “celebrate her Pilipino culture.”
However, the highlight of UCLA’s PAHM festivities arrives on October 29 with the much-anticipated Palengke Festival, hosted in Bruin Plaza. This marketplace showcases Pilipino vendors offering a variety of foods, handmade crafts and artisanal goods, celebrating the cultural heritage of the Pilipino community.
Now in its second year, the Palengke Festival aims to provide an opportunity for people to experience Pilipino culture while simultaneously supporting local Pilipino-owned businesses. “We’re supporting their Pilipino business, and also giving them more of an outlet to share what they love to do,” says Alcantara. This festival is not just about shopping, but also about building connections and educating people about Pilipino and Pilipino American identity.
Nearly half of all Pilipino Americans live in California, and Los Angeles has one of highest concentrations of Pilipino Americans. It is crucial for the community to find a sense of belonging on campus. Alcantara adds that she resonates most with being Pilipino: “I feel like it’s very important to make our stand – make our presence known.” By sharing this cultural pride, the Pilipino and Pilipino American community strengthens its voice and representation throughout UCLA.
While Alcantara feels UCLA has done a great job building an inclusive environment for the community, there is always room for improvement.
“We are represented, we are heard here on campus,” Alcantara said “[But] we have to be able to advocate for our brothers and sisters … we are here to support them.”
Visual Credit: Andrew Green
