Since 1995, Seattle University’s United Filipino Club (UFC) has orchestrated its annual Barrio Fiesta, one of the largest cultural celebrations on campus each year. This year’s Barrio March 7 brought together around 600 attendees, including students, alumni, families and community members, for an evening of food, music, philanthropy, skits and performances celebrating the richness of Filipino traditions. This year’s theme, Mangisalakan, roughly translates to “one who saves from harm or oppression” in Ilocano.

“We’ve been working on this Barrio for the past nine months. We have over 130 performers and over 100 volunteers helping make it happen,” Nikki Sales, Co-chair of Barrio Fiesta, said.

While Barrio typically sells out within a day, this year set a new record. Benjamin Ebalobo, President of the United Filipino Club, credited the Barrio co-chairs Sales and Jacob Caddali, a fourth-year political science and public affairs major.

“Our tickets were live for under one minute,” Ebalobo said. 

Ebalobo explained that the club organizes several programs throughout the year that support Filipino and Filipino-American students on campus. One of these initiatives is the Kuya Ate Ading Program (KAAP), a mentorship program that pairs older and younger students to build connections and provide guidance.

“A lot of people come to Seattle University and do not feel the same love or connection they feel back home,” Ebalobo said. “We want to create a home away from home that is cultural and welcoming.”

The program opened with both the national anthem of the U.S. and that of the Phillipines: “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Second-year Nursing major and UFC member Elysa Pascua and “Lupang Hinirang” performed by local Filipina-Desi artist Manisha. Decorations included colorful, paper-cut letters and fish. 

Three local vendors were also present: Bibi’s Beads, offering jewelry-making materials; Arajin, featuring stickers and stationery; and Ji Designs, selling clothing, accessories and other items. 

Throughout dinner, the stage came alive with a variety of performances. Marianas TaoTao Tano, Seattle U’s club for individuals from the Marianas Islands, kicked off dinner with cultural dances of their own. They were followed by Rhythmix, Seattle U’s Dance Collective, who performed a dance cover to Pantropiko by BINI, a popular Filipino girl group. Sayaw sa UW,  the Folk dance group from FASA sa UW, performed multiple dances to traditional Filipino folk music. Sayaw was followed by the Silk and Spice Girls, who came all the way from Oregon to perform traditional Lao and Esan dances. Seattle U’s Hui O Nani Hawaii club brought us back to the island theme, showcasing Hula dances, giving a sneak peak to their legacy event, Luau, that will take place April 25. The dinner performances were closed out by Manisha who performed her original singles, also promoting her performance at The Crocodile March 21.  

According to Diane Cabico, UFC’s event coordinator and one of Barrio’s choreographers, the performances were designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Filipino cultural expression.

“In Filipino culture, family is the biggest thing,” Cabico said. “We always try to prioritize having family come to watch us because it means so much to us. We have worked so hard for months to put this event together.”

For many attendees, the event was both entertaining and deeply meaningful. Rod Paulino, whose daughter Danika is a second-year nursing student, attended Barrio for the first time this year.

“It’s a full house,” Paulino said. “It’s a really immersive experience with typical Filipino food and performances. I was not able to get tickets in previous years, so it is great to finally be here and see everything.”

Many attendees embraced traditional attire for the event. Students and families wore formal dresses, Barong Tagalog shirts and Filipiniana gowns. The Barong Tagalog is a lightweight men’s shirt typically made from delicate fabrics like piña or jusi and worn untucked over dress pants, often featuring detailed decorative stitching along the front. Filipiniana gowns are elegant dresses or blouses known for their distinctive butterfly sleeves and flowing silhouettes, often crafted from silk or organza and adorned with embroidered designs.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came during the event’s Miracle Minute, a brief fundraising segment that encouraged attendees to contribute to the club’s philanthropic efforts. This year, the UFC will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Foundation for Philippine Progress, an organization dedicated to supporting community development and educational initiatives in the Philippines. The segment served as a reminder that beyond celebration and cultural pride, the event also carries a strong commitment to giving back and uplifting communities.

The evening concluded with a senior recognition and closing remarks honoring the many volunteers and organizers who made the event possible.

After months of rehearsals, planning meetings and collaboration, the 32nd Barrio Fiesta stood as a testament to the dedication of the United Filipino Club and the strength of its community. Through food, dance, music and shared celebration, the event not only highlighted Filipino culture but also created a space where students, families and the broader Seattle U community could come together in appreciation and pride.