Kapwa Pilipino Cultural Night 35

Pilipino Cultural Exchange Presents Kapwa Pilipino Cultural Night 35 Friday, April 26 & Saturday, April 27 @ 7:00 PM Danee, a non-binary high-schooler, embarks on a journey of self-discovery to reconnect with their Pilipino heritage. Raised in isolation from Pilipino culture due to their mother Marinel's secretive past before immigrating to the United States, Danee's exploration reopens generational and cultural wounds, straining their relationship. Meanwhile, Danee's best friend, Kelly, helps them along the way as they grapple with their own hidden struggles stemming from a strict Catholic upbringing. Their exploration together leads to more unexpected revelations. Will both Danee and Marinel learn to confront their connections with Pilipino culture and identity, or will the secrets tear them further apart? In the 1970s, Pilipino Cultural Exchange (PCE) launched "Panahon Na," meaning "The Time is Now," initially as a sponsored performance by the Stockton-based Luzviminda Dance Troupe. Over time, it expanded to include dance shows, fashion displays, and a Pilipino dinner. In 1992, PCE hosted a full-day Pilipino Cultural Fiesta on campus. In the late 90s, both Panahon Na and the Fiesta merged into Pilipino Cultural Night, held in the Performing Arts Center on campus. Since then, PCN has become one of PCE's major events, featuring members showcasing talents in singing, dancing, acting, and set design to bring Pilipino culture to life on stage. Pilipino cultural nights (PCNs) are not just specific to Cal Poly. They are a cultural phenomenon born out of the identity crisis of incoming Filipinx-American college students in the 70s-80s--yearly productions celebrating Pilipino history and culture which represent the richness of the Filipinx-American experience. They are opportunities to learn and explore the stories of those who came and trail blazed before us! We put in the work to learn about our own history, which is rarely ever taught in schools, through the performing arts, typically including singing, dancing, and a theatrical script. PCNs showcase the richness of Pilipinx culture to other Filipinx-Americans and the greater communities around us.