On May 2 and 4, 2024, the Kababayan Learning Community at Skyline College presented its 19th annual Pilipino Cultural Night, Ang Aking Ritmo: My Own Rhythm, in the Main Theatre. The play was written by the ENGL 103 class in the Fall of 2023 and then produced by the ENGL 104 class in the Spring of 2024 under the guidance of Dr. Liza Erpelo, who teaches both courses. The 26-person cast and crew were led by Dr. Liza Erpelo, coordinator of the Kababayan Learning Community; Jonathan Justo, Kababayan counselor, COUN 100 instructor, and Kapatiran Seminar instructor at Westmoor High School; and Anne Osila, this year’s Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant.
The link to the show’s program can be found here: https://bit.ly/PCN19program
This year’s script was very personal to the writing team, as they tackled challenging topics such as familial expectations, utang na loob and obligations, intergenerational trauma, and clashing communication styles in Filipino families.
In addition to acting, the students showcased a traditional Filipino folk dance, “Subli,” taught by Bonifacio Valera and assisted by Jae Tioseco, a Kababayan Learning Community alumnus, from Barangay Dance Company. The students also performed in three hip hop numbers choreographed by Jonathan Justo and student Mika Yangco, and a collaborative piece with other students Isaac Camacho, Carlo Cortez, Eunice Isorena, and Jasmine Sebastian. This year’s PCN dancers also received advising and mentoring from Mike Medrano and Sam Sahagun, U-Jam Fitness instructors and troupe members of Afta Shock, a Culture Shock San Diego dance program.
All proceeds from the ticket sales went directly to the Friends of Kababayan fund for student scholarships, future productions, and our new Study Abroad Philippines program launching this summer. More information about the Kababayan Learning Community and ways to donate can be found here: https://skylinecollege.edu/kababayan/index.php
At Gala Night on May 4, in addition to acknowledging this year’s 10 graduates/transferring students, the Kababayan Learning Community also honored this year’s recipients of the Friends of Kababayan scholarships:
Kirsten Faith Bautista
Lianne Cayabyab
Megan Salariosa
These shows would not be possible without the help of several important people. Many thanks to the Theatre Events Manager, Joshua Harris; Amanda Bortoli and Skyline College Graphic Arts & Graphic Production; Danni Redding-Lapuz, Social Sciences/Creative Arts Division; Chris Gibson, Language Arts Division, and the support from this year’s Measure K Innovation Fund.
Thank you, see you again next year for our 20th show, and mabuhay!
Article by Dr. Liza Erpelo
Photos by Kevin Santiago, Jayan Pintor, and Dr. Liza Erpelo
