For Ryan Abenes, the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans conference this weekend was one step toward ending stereotypes about Filipino Americans.
“You have to have these events so people can know about other people’s issues,” said Abenes, president of the MSU Philippine American Student Society. “It’s not a black and white society at all, and people are seeing that every day. Being educated is the first step in making a change.”
The sixth annual Filipino association conference was held this weekend to honor Filipino heritage and promote unity.
The event, which began Friday and was held at the Union, featured workshops, a talent show, a spoken word presentation, traditional dancing and a theatrical performance. The conference was held to promote education and understanding about Filipino culture.
About 250 people from all over the United States attended the free event, which cost about $15,000 to run.
Abenes, a marketing junior, participated in the talent show portion of the conference workshops.
“One comment I got from a presenter was that this was one of the most memorable conferences she has ever attended,” Abenes said. “The workshops were educational, entertaining and interesting. We had a nice turnout.”
Abenes said his favorite session was the hip-hop workshop, which focused on accomplishing goals in life and the role of Filipinos in the music industry.
“Even though we had a big impact on the culture, we are misrepresented,” he said. “In order to change that, we have to support one another and get our voices heard. The only way to do that is to support each other. In order to see things we want to see, it starts with us.
“Whatever you want to do, be passionate about it and do it to the best of your ability. You can’t go forward without knowing your past.”
Rodolfo-Jose Quiambao, a no-preference freshman who participated in the talent show Sunday afternoon, said the events kept people’s attention.
“The (Filipino association) committee worked hard and it paid off,” the Asian Pacific American Student Organization member said.
“I think the conference re-instilled Filipino activism in the Midwest.”
Sarah Wahab, a communication senior and member of APASO, said the event exposed people to issues affecting Filipino Americans such as unity.
“The workshops varied from multiracial issues to different areas of culture,” she said. “It gives Filipino Americans a chance to share their culture with other people. It shows the stereotypes are not true.”
