I organized and led a Tinikling workshop for the Katipunan Club at UH Mānoa, with the support of the Philippine Department, teaching around 100–200 dorm students about one of the Philippines’ oldest and most iconic dances. The workshop introduced the history of Tinikling, from its origins in the Visayas to its colonial context, along with the traditional music (rondalla) and cultural costumes typically worn during performances. Students learned the basic bamboo clapping rhythms and beginner dance steps such as the sway, dip, basic, cross, and turn. Despite the large group, the energy was lively, with many students enthusiastically participating and helping each other practice. This workshop served not only as a dance lesson but also as a way to build community, share Filipino heritage, and celebrate cultural pride in a fun and interactive setting.
I organized and led a Baybayin workshop for the Katipunan Club at UH Mānoa as part of our Cultural Night celebration to help spread awareness about Filipino heritage. Held at the University Center, the workshop introduced participants to Baybayin, one of the pre-colonial Philippine writing systems known as an alphasyllabary, where consonants are paired naturally with vowel sounds. I explained Baybayin’s historical use for notes, poetry, and bamboo carvings, and highlighted its modern revival in art, tattoos, and fashion. Participants then practiced writing their own names in Baybayin, creating a personal connection to the script and the culture. This hands-on activity gave both Filipino and non-Filipino attendees a deeper appreciation for the Philippines’ rich history, while also celebrating language, identity, and artistic expression in a fun and engaging way.
I created and led an event called “Tinapay & Tagalog” for the Katipunan Club at UH Mānoa, designed to help students from FIL 100 to FIL 200 prepare for their written exams in the Department of Philippine Language and Culture. To support the students’ review, I carefully analyzed the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) from each course and formulated practice questions based on their learning targets, covering topics such as self-introduction, community descriptions, health issues, giving directions, and expressing opinions. The workshop combined structured review with interactive activities like charades using Filipino vocabulary to make learning more engaging and less intimidating. With the combination of snacks (“tinapay”) and language practice (“tagalog”), the event fostered a relaxed, supportive environment where students could refresh their skills, gain confidence, and build community with fellow Filipino language learners.