Samahang Pilipino celebrates tradition, culture with exhibits in Pilipino American History Month

Marynoelyn Jacob pointed to a painting.

“This one is my favorite. I’ve worn that dress and I’ve done that dance,” she said.

The Kerckhoff Grand Salon was transformed Sunday night, with 47 paintings hung throughout the room, as members of the Samahang Pilipino cultural committee set up for the first event in a series to celebrate Pilipino American History Month.

The paintings illustrate a range of topics from traditional Pilipino dance to a painting of the recent Typhoon Parma in the Philippines, painted by the artist last week, Jacob, a member of the cultural committee said.

“It shows that culture isn’t static. It shows the evolution,” she said.

Paloma Doreza, cultural coordinator for the organization, said the art exhibit features art from provinces in the Philippines and from artists she met at the Festival of Pilipino Arts and Culture in August. Though the group has had art shows in the past, this is the first time it has part of a month-long series.

The month of October was established as Pilipino American History Month by the Pilipino American National Historical Society, Doreza said.

She added that many members of the Pilipino community are not aware that the month was established and that it is a great opportunity to celebrate culture and history.

“It’s about connecting history and understanding our roots. Bridging the old and the new,” Jacob said.

In addition to the art show, the group will host a panel with Pilipino veterans from World War II and local artists. Doreza added the artists are UCLA alumni and the founders of Samahang Pilipino, which will relate to theme of bringing together the old and the new.

“(The month) is a great opportunity for students to come in and learn about their culture through ways they’re familiar with,” Doreza said.

She added that the group will also have a box at each event to collect money that will go towards antibiotics, clothing and food for the victims of Typhoon Parma.

With reports from Daniel Schonhaut, Bruin senior staff.

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