Philippine Students’ Association presents, Bayanihan: It Takes a Village Fundraising Gala

Bayanihan is a Filipino custom that embodies the spirit of communal unity, cooperation, and helpfulness. The term originates from the Filipino word "bayani," which means hero or someone who performs an extraordinary act for the benefit of others.

Traditionally, the bayanihan spirit was exemplified through a communal effort to move a house or a barn from one place to another. In this practice, members of the community would gather together to help lift and carry the house or barn to its new location.

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After a 2-year hiatus, the Philippine Students’ Association (PhilSA) brought back its annual Fundraising Gala in April 2023. The success of the fundraising event was celebrated with a full-course buffet, a photobooth, a 360-degree film, a red carpet entrance, a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle, a raffle draw, a cash bar, a dance floor, and live performances from various artists.

On April 29th, the Philippine Students’ Association of the University of Alberta held a fundraising gala themed "Bayanihan: It Takes a Village" in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Pusong Pinoy. The Stollery Children’s Hospital aims to advocate for and improve children's healthcare to provide them with the best chance for a long and healthy life.

Headquartered in California, USA, Pusong Pinoy (Heart of a Filipino) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to helping underprivileged children in the Philippines. Pusong Pinoy's mission is to provide assistance to various public schools and organizations with effective programs designed to advance the well-being of disadvantaged children in the areas of education, healthcare, and social services.

The successful fundraising event was celebrated with a lineup of showcasing talents and inspiring guest speakers, including local artists Himalaya and Cataleya, PhilSA alumni Nicole de Grano and Rupert Gomez, and the Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta's “LuzViMinda” Medley, along with performances of the Canadian and Philippine National anthems. PhilSA members also performed the famous traditional Filipino folk dances called Tinikling and Sayaw sa Bangko.

An influential group of speakers also attended the event, including Edmonton Elks CEO Victor Cui, Amazing Race Canada Season 8 Filipina sisters Franca and Nella Brodett, PhilSA’s past presidents and alumni Beatriz Rubio, Maissie Hillman and Kevin Chavez Laxamana, and a virtual remark from the Minister of Tourism of Canada, Randy Boissonnault (PC MP).

The gala's success was a result of the Bayanihan movement that showcased the achievements and vision of cooperation and mutual support, which symbolizes the Filipino resilience and community spirit. The event was made possible with the help of sponsors and the efforts of PhilSA’s executives and committee.

The Philippine Students’ Association, or PhilSA, is a nonpartisan and not-for-profit organization that was established in March 2011 at the University of Alberta. PhilSA allows students, alumni, and staff of the University of Alberta to celebrate Philippine heritage both on and off campus.

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