Fil-Am student-led club promotes Filipino culture, language
Photo from @umbhoypinoy/Instagram
“Kumusta ka,” and “Oo,” these conversational Filipino words encapsulate the warmth and simplicity of everyday interactions in the Philippines.
“Kumusta ka” serves as a greeting, reflecting genuine concern for the well-being of others, while “Oo” conveys a straightforward affirmation. Together, these words form the foundation of communication, fostering connections that transcend language barriers and embody the spirit of Filipino hospitality and camaraderie.
And these were just some of the words learned and shared by the members of Hoy! Pinoy!, the Filipino American cultural club at UMass Boston.
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Led by co-presidents Harvey Apale and Fasha Banson, this cultural club is on a mission to create a welcoming and safe space where members can dive deep into the rich Filipino and Filipino American culture.
As shared recently by The Mass Media, UMass Boston’s independent student publication, co-president Apale, a fourth-year student with a passion for sharing his heritage, spearheaded a special activity aimed at teaching the basics of Filipino, the national language of the Philippines.
Despite Filipino not being his first language, Apale’s dedication to preserving and sharing his culture shone through as he guided other members through the linguistic nuances.
Almost a month ago, they organized a “Learn Tagalog” event where they shared that the language is only one of over 120 languages spoken in the Philippines.
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“You might even learn how to swear in tagalog,” they jokingly wrote in the caption, where Apale candidly commented, “Does he know bisaya tho.”
Reflecting on their leadership journey since Fall of 2023, Apale and Banson emphasized their commitment to organizing educational events that explore the multifaceted nature of Filipino culture. Understanding this complexity, they strive to offer its members opportunities to connect with their roots while navigating their identity in the US.
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Among the club’s flagship events are Kamayan and Luzon Visayas Mindanao, cultural showcases that blend traditional Filipino dances with modern choreographies. As described by the publication, Kamayan is a spirited affair where Hoy! Pinoy! joins forces with Filipino clubs from universities across the greater Boston area.
As Hoy! Pinoy! continues to thrive as a hub of cultural exchange and appreciation, its members look forward to embracing their heritage with open arms and open hearts. With each event and initiative, they affirm the enduring bonds that unite them as proud Filipino Americans, hoy! Pinoy! hoy!
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