On Feb. 23, students gathered to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of Asia at an Asian Culture Club (ACC) event.

   ACC provides a platform for students to learn about the various traditions and heritage of East, Southeast, and Southern Asian countries. Recently, the club organized a party that focused on the traditions and history of the Philippines, a Southeast Asian nation. 

   Similar to their past events, student representatives from Missouri State University (MSU) were invited to educate ACC members about different Asian cultures and encourage them to participate in activities and try new foods. 

   During this event, the MSU student representatives taught a traditional Filipino folk dance called Tinkling, which translates to “to perform it tikling-like.” This dance originated during the Spanish colonial era and mimics the “tinkling” movements of a bird in rice paddies. The folk dance features dancers jumping in and out of two rapidly clapped bamboo poles, which is typically accompanied by string music.

   ACC was also fortunate to have the opportunity to try a variety of Filipino snacks and drinks. These included sponge cakes infused with popular Filipino flavors, such as ube, a purple yam, and pandan, which is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Other treats include polvoron, tamarin candy, black tea, ube wafers, and more. 

   “I grew up with a bunch of these snacks, so I am happy to be sharing my culture with my peers,” sophomore Fiona Caler said.

   Another activity they participated in was coloring their own “jeepney,’’ which is the most popular form of transportation in the Philippines. Similar to a shuttle bus, it is known for its vibrant designs and distinguished features. Once all the students had finished coloring, a contest was held to determine the best design. The winner was chosen by the audience’s vote and received a candy prize.   

   Although multiple students from non-Filipino backgrounds attended the party, they still found it interesting and entertaining to learn about different cultures.

   “I am not Filipino myself, but I had fun learning and trying new things,” junior Braxton Fitch said.

   Students also found that attending this party was a good way to connect more with their Filipino peers.

   “I have a couple Filipino friends, so I’m glad I was able to learn about their traditions and culture,” Fitch said. 

   Overall, the Filipino Culture Party, hosted by ACC, was a resounding success, leaving many students feeling proud and grateful for the opportunity to spread their culture amongst their peers who were happy to learn and try new things.