The Midwest Association of Filipino Americans is holding its annual conference will come to MSU for the second time since it began this weekend.
Telecommunication senior Romeo Salvani said he is excited about the conference this weekend because the event will help promote unity.
“Things this year are the best we have had them,” the co-president of the Asian Pacific American Student Organization said. “We have a great lineup of speakers, workshop presenters and performers. The purpose is an opportunity for Filipino Americans to express their pride and learn about their culture, and for this university to get some education about the Filipino American culture.”
Last year, the conference was held at Marquette University in Wisconsin. MSU was chosen for this year’s event after a bid was put in by members of the general committee.
The conference, which is being held for the sixth time, features various performances throughout the weekend. The event includes workshop presentations, a one-woman theatrical performance, guest speakers from the Filipino community and a talent show with Filipino groups from across the country.
Kevin Nadal, adviser for the conference and an academic guidance counselor in the Office of Supportive Services, said he thinks this year’s conference will top last year’s turnout of 300 people.
“We have a lot of presenters from all over the country coming,” he said.
And Nadal said the event was designed to promote awareness about Filipino culture.
“The purpose is to spread cultural awareness of Filipinos in America and bring them together to network and promote unity.”
Bindi Patel, co-president of Asian Pacific American Student Organization, said she thinks the event will allow students to experience Filipino culture.
“The purpose is to educate students on being Filipino American and Filipino American identity,” the international relations and marketing senior said. “It’s another form of education that students get to use to learn about the culture. I think they will walk away with more knowledge. They will see Filipino culture expressed through performances.”
For more information, contact Kevin Nadal at (517)353-5210.
