Kilusan Pacific (KP) is hosting its annual Pilipino Culture Night (PCN) at University of the Pacific on Saturday, March 29, in the DeRosa University Center Ballroom.
The event exhibits dance and drama productions in collaboration with performers from Delta and the broader Stockton area that celebrate Filipino culture. Showtimes for the event are 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., tickets are $14 at the door.
According to the organization’s Community Coordinator, Xavier Martinez, Kilusan was founded in 1994, and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.
The Dance events will feature contemporary and traditional dance performances by the Kilusan Hooligans, a student-led dance group currently composed of 35 dancers, founded by Jonas Sung in 2012.
“I thought it was really important to provide space for beginners to feel safe and for those with lots of experience in Dance, it was a space for them to share their experience and practice creative leadership,” said Sung.
The Hooligans welcome people of all cultures and experience levels local to the San Joaquin area.
“Although it is a Filipino club, KP is a culture that welcomes everyone,” said Martinez, who is of proud Mexican descent.
Of the 35 dancers, 10 are students at Delta, including the Lead Facilitator for the intro to Asian American studies course and actor, Aliza Paulino, who will be performing in the lead role of PCN’s drama portion of the event titled. With Love, K.P.
Paulino will assume the role of Chriselle Mae as she navigates life post-grad, trying to balance the expectations of her family, pressures of adulthood while trying to keep her relationship with her boyfriend Lorenzo (played by Pacific student, Josh Fontanilla) a secret.
“A major theme of the production is the battle between prioritizing family while simultaneously choosing oneself and happiness … if you’ve ever felt lost or frustrated about life, With Love, K.P. is a show you won’t want to miss,” said Paulino.
Kilusan Pacific has emphasized creative collaboration in all aspects of its productions, from choreographers to actors.
“Everyone I’ve met has been very sweet and welcoming … I’m glad we can share our Filipino culture together while building relationships and strengthening our community,” said Paulino when speaking on her experience working with Pacific students.
Aside from PCN, Kilusan Pacific also hosts events at Pacific that incorporate various sectors of the Stockton community, including elder luncheons and high school picnics that “host all the highschools in the 209 area,” according to Martinez.
In addition to hosting its own events, KP also works in collaboration with Stockton organizations like the Filipino Women’s Club and Filipino-American National Historical Society as a way of “giving back to the community,” said Martinez.
