Tuesday, 5/20/97 Samahang’s silver celebration Students and
alumni come together to commemorate 25 successful years of sharing
Pilipino culture with the UCLA community
By Frances Lee Daily Bruin Staff They were the faces of the
past, present and future, spanning nearly three decades of UCLA
Samahang Pilipino. For the estimated 800 people who gathered May 16
to 18 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Samahang, it was more
than just a reunion – it was a "coming home." Organized by Samahang
and the Pilipino Alumni Association (PAA) of UCLA, the silver
anniversary program was a three-day event held both on and off
campus, marking the culmination of a year-long celebration.
Representatives of the group from three decades gathered to mark
the occasion. A quarter of a century after the first potluck dinner
meeting of 16 people in 1972, the organization has grown into a
300-member strong student group that promotes academic, cultural,
social, political and community awareness. The group’s expansion
was a fact that did not escape the attention of the four founders
of Samahang, three of whom returned to celebrate the occasion.
Jennifer Masculino Tolentino, Samahang’s first president, recalled
how "Samahang grew from a need to feel a sense of belonging – that
was (one of) the achievements of Samahang." That need to belong,
and develop a sense of community was what originally drew the
founders – J. Tolentino, Florante Ibanez, Casimiro Tolentino and
Sheila Napala – together. Looking back, even they were overwhelmed
at what Samahang had grown into. "Twenty five years ago, we wanted
to see other faces like our own and have a family on campus,"
Ibanez said. "Over the years, we’ve seen the progress and growth of
the organization and we can look back with a lot of pride at what
this organization has accomplished." Those accomplishments include
a long history of political, social and community activism. Through
growing pains and ideological differences, Samahang has stood the
test of time. But one of the group’s most important accomplishments
is in sharing and educating other students about Pilipino culture,
one of the group’s trademarks throughout the years. According to
Ibanez, he had originally envisioned having another potluck to
commemorate the 25th anniversary. But one thing led to another, and
the "potluck anniversary" snowballed into a weekend-long
celebration. The weekend began with an opening night reception on
Friday, a historical symposium and a fundraiser dinner and dance on
Saturday and ended with a family picnic on Sunday. Proceeds from
the fundraiser will benefit the Samahang and PAA scholarship funds.
For past members of Samahang who attended the event, it was almost
as if they had never left the group. Far from simply being an
opportunity for old friends to reminisce, the past and present were
brought together by their shared love of Samahang. If there were
generation gaps, they were quickly bridged by the common bonds of
cultural pride. As UC Regent Rick Russell, a guest at the
reception, noted that there was a "seamless interaction" between
everyone, despite the fact that 25 years of history separated them.
It was this "seamless interaction" that gave the anniversary
celebration a feeling of a family reunion – a family of Samahang
brothers and sisters. To Aris Tagle, a 1994 alumnus and chair of
PAA, the event was "a unifying force. The dynamic is unique –
students and alumni working together. What we wanted to bring here
was that student-alumni interaction." Such interaction is an
integral part of the organization and one of the keys to its
success. "Samahang was a home away from home," said Marlon Dumlao,
a 1993 alumnus and current vice-chair of PAA. "I think that’s why
(it) is still standing today." Saturday’s historical symposium
sought to recount more reasons why the group has flourished over
the years, looking at 25 years of Samahang history from the
perspectives of past members of the organization. Also highlighted
were some of the group’s major contributions – such as implementing
retention programs, pushing the university for Pilipino history
courses and the growth of Pilipino Cultural Nights. Additionally,
it included speculation about the future of Samahang. "What you
learn from us today," said 1977 Samahang President Robert Ricasa to
the audience, "share with your brothers and sisters." Throughout
the weekend, it became apparent that the younger generation would
take that advice to heart. "I (know) I’m a real Pinay and I like
what my culture is," said Cristina Tolentino, the 8-year-old
daughter of founders Jennifer and Casimiro. "Especially my favorite
foods!" Mike Trias, a fourth-year sociology student, concurred with
J. Tolentino’s sentiment. "(Samahang has) become like a second
family to me," he said. That sense of family is something Samahang
has spent the past 25 years cultivating, and is one of the reasons
the group has grown into its current form. It is also a driving
force behind why people who graduated 25 years ago still return,
optimistic about the group’s future. "It has been quite a journey,"
said Roy Ramirez, a third-year computer science and engineering
student, and current president of Samahang. Ramirez addressed 800
people at the dinner, accepting city resolutions and accolades from
community leaders congratulating Samahang on 25 years of success.
Five students were also presented with scholarships from Samahang
and the PAA during the dinner. "I feel pride at what we’ve
accomplished," said J. Tolentino. "No one can take it away from us.
I hope this will affect those coming after us, and that they don’t
have to struggle, they don’t have to seek the answers." The spirit
of Samahang was best summed up towards the end of the evening, when
the group linked arms to sing their theme song. "Here we are
together, sharing our dreams… We are brothers and sisters, always
and forever… We are brothers and sisters, we live as one…"
Photos by JANA BODERMAN Students perform "Jota Cavitena," at the
Samahang celebration. A student looks at exhibits as part of the
25th anniversary celebration.