Catherine Guevarra’s feet jumped quickly in rhythm with the wooden sticks.

Moving her body to tinikling, the national dance of the Philippines, the pre-dental sophomore took part in the Philippine American Student Society’s kickoff for Filipino History Month on Wednesday at the rock on Farm Lane.

“We just want people to know we’re here,” Guevarra said, who is a member of the society. “We’re really friendly and open and multicultural.”

Guevarra said the group was hoping to increase diversity with the event.

“It’s important to share cultures,” she said. “Ignorance comes from not knowing and not understanding.”

While encouraging people to try the dance, Guevarra wore a teal mariaclara, the national dress of the Philippines. She said it symbolized grace and purity.

“Because in our culture, women are supposed to dress properly and always be gentle,” she said.

The tinikling dance is named after a native bird of the islands, said microbiology junior Marissa Macandog, a member of the society.

“Slaves were punished with bamboo sticks like these,” Macandog said. “They put steel spikes on them and the slaves would have to jump as fast as they could to avoid getting hurt.”

The ritual has evolved into a traditional dance for entertainment, she said.

Lem Goopio took his turn operating the sticks used for the rhythmic dancing.

“Clapping’s pretty easy, but dancing’s different,” the marketing freshman said. “It looks easy. You would think it was simple but it can be dangerous.”

Kristen Mendiola, information officer for the society, said Wednesday’s event was only one of several planned for October.

“We were just trying to get the word out that we’re here,” she said. “We wanted to be more public about it.”

The first annual “Rice Bowl” will take place on Saturday at the IM Sports-East field. Students can take place in a scavenger hunt or a rice eating contest.

The group is also planning “Ma’arte Night” a talent show to take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 in Akers Hall Common Grounds Coffeehouse.

“It’s just to show off what you got,” she said, mentioning that all students are welcome to perform.

Food industry management junior Paul Williams stopped by to watch the cultural dances.

“This dance thing is pretty cool,” he said. “I’ve never seen it before.”

Though Williams said it was fun to watch, he wouldn’t participate.

“I’m not that coordinated,” he said. “But I think it’s wonderful.”