Experience ‘Mga Kuwento’: Where Filipino stories shine in podcasts, art, and festivities

Gear up for a cultural adventure and see Filipino culture up close through the lens of ‘Mga Kuwento’—a two-day event in Juneau that features festivities, food, and the unveiling of a podcast series commemorating Alaska’s first Filipino American History Month celebration.

“Mga Kuwento” promises to take you on a journey across Filipino flair. The newsroom KTOO, in cooperation with executive producer Tasha Elizarde, a proud Juneau native with Filipino roots, is working to share the kwento (story) of her community through the podcast series.

Alongside this podcast, Elizarde also curated an exhibit at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and an exciting community celebration to give Filipino culture the spotlight it deserves.

The heart and soul of “Mga Kuwento”

Elizarde, the creative brain behind this Filipino venture, shares her inspiration with KTOO.

“I was young when my grandmother passed, but it’s through ‘Mga Kuwento’ that I have learned how she scolded kids causing mischief in the Hall and helped Filipino families settle in Juneau when they first migrated. Her story, as well as the stories of the thousands who’ve shaped Juneau over the last century, are quickly being forgotten.” “Mga Kuwento: will pave the way to rekindle these forgotten stories again.

During the two-day celebration, expect a feast of Filipino cuisine, music, traditional martial arts, and cultural workshops. The event will also look into the history of almost a century of Filipino culture in Alaska. You’ll also get to witness Alitaptap Dance Group and groove to Filipino artists like Salissa Thole, Kainoa Thole, Mark Rosales, Bryan Bolanes, Ysabel Wilson, Herbie Caparas, and Flordelino Lagundino.

You may also like: Enjoy everything Filipino arts can offer at Fil Fest USA 2023

Two days of Filipino culture

Mark your calendars for the schedule of activities:

• Oct. 6 – New podcast launch: Dig into the Filipino culture with this podcast via ktoo.org or your go-to podcast app
• Oct. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Exhibit opening: Don’t miss it at Juneau-Douglas City Museum art; it will display photos from the 1920s, dance costumes, parades, and art, taking you back into the roots of Filipino culture
• Oct. 7 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Community celebration: Be part of the Filipino Community Inc. for a day filled with Filipino food, live music, historical installation, and workshops at the Filipino Community Hall, 251 South Franklin Street.

As Filipino as it can get, it’s not just a celebration but a heartwarming experience bringing tons of nostalgia, taking you back to how it feels like to be home.