Skyline College Theater became a living archive as the Kababayan Learning Community (KLC) successfully produced and presented its 21st annual Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN), In The Frame, on April 23 and 25, 2026.
With its theme focused on legacy exploration, PCN 21 also captures the weight of parental expectations and the bridges that connect the diaspora to its ancestral roots.
During the opening introduction, student-director Jenna Tolentino and producer John Mark Lachica reminded the audience that the evening was intended to be more than a performance. They described the play as a “peek into our home, our history, and the things that make us who we are.”
That sentiment was echoed in the play’s narrative, set in 2013 at Daly City and traveling back to the 1990s in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It follows 19-year-old Josephine “Jojo” Pangilinan, a young woman caught between her passion for photography and her father, Celso, who demands that she pursue a stable career in law. The drama unfolds when a forgotten camera case is discovered in the family’s basement, just as relatives from the Philippines arrive for a visit.
While the final curtains fell after only two-night performances, the production was also the culmination of a year-long marathon not only for the scriptwriters but also for Dr. Liza Erpelo, instructor for English 103 & 104: Applied English Skills in Cultural Production and KLC Coordinator.
“After 20 shows at Skyline College, suffice it to say that no two Pilipino Cultural Nights have been alike. Each of them has their different challenges and triumphs, moments of sheer frustration as well as those breakthroughs and accomplishments that folks never thought they would achieve. Some days made us want to throw our hands up in the air in exasperation; other days, we wish we could just freeze time, because that moment, that one snapshot, was just that special,” Dr. Erpelo quoted.
The journey began in the Fall of 2025 with conceptualization, research, and scriptwriting. It transitioned into a rigorous Spring schedule of auditions, dance and acting rehearsals, and technical design.
“From the beginning of my journey with KLC, I have been deeply moved by the powerful impact of PCN on its community and audience. I hope to continue contributing to this tradition, giving back to the community that helped me feel at home at Skyline and connect with my identity as a proud Pinay,” Tolentino shared when asked why this year’s production means a lot for her.
Beyond the production, PCN 21 also collaborated with other Filipino American Communities, who became a great addition to the play’s success. Skyline College Kababayan Learning Community collaborated with the Katipunan Learning Community at College of San Mateo, Katipunan, the Skyline Dance Program, Barangay Dance Company of San Francisco, and Mike Medrano from AftaShock and OGB (Oldies But Goodies) dance troupes in San Diego. Other people also made significant contributions to this year’s production. Here’s the link to the Playbill: https://canva.link/h91v29pnvd0y3br.
In The Frame was brought to life by the writing team, including John Mark Lachica, Jenna Tolentino, Aileen Bucog, Carlo Cortez, Ash Dumlao, Francesca Mecano, Joshua Mendiola, Jerrick Molejona, Nicholas Raj, Jasmine Sebastian, Serra Turdici, and Dr. Liza Erpelo.
KLC awards recognition and the 2026 Friends of Kababayan Scholarship
Beyond the frame, the Gala Night on April 25 also celebrated student success. As per tradition, KLC honored its graduating students and its Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) scholar and recognized their hard work and achievements as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey.
This year’s scholars were also named and presented the 2026 Friends of Kababayan Scholarship. Among them are Angel Kate Canlapan, Kimberly Cabrigas, Lianne Keira Biado, Roniella Roque, and Stella Valencia. These awards provide financial support for their education and recognize their dedication to the community.
By combining these awards with the cultural show, the KLC pictured its commitment to both heritage and the future. While In the Frame explored the fragile inheritance of the past, the scholarship presentation focused on investing in the next generation.
By John Mark G. Lachica
