Letter from the culture chair

Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Good evening everyone and welcome to Barkada’s 30th Annual Pilipinx-American Cultural Night! Letter from the Culture Chair

This journey to PACN wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work from everyone involved. I am extremely blessed to have worked with such an amazing group of people who have not only provided their time and effort, but also endless support. Despite the turn of events, I’m thankful for those who have stuck by our side in these difficult times. This may not have been the PACN we expected to put on, but that doesn’t stop us from moving forward and ultimately doing this for the culture. There may have been a pause in the world, but that doesn’t mean that culture stops there.

With that being said, I am proud to present this year’s PACN, Kailangan Kita. Kailangan Kita translates to I Need You and is inspired by the topic of mental health in the Pilipinx community; it has always been a delicate subject, usually being brushed over, downplayed or ignored. The story follows Valerie, a third year university student, as she comes to terms with the shifts and changes that come with the reality of facing the future. Valerie is just like you and me. She works hard in everything she puts her mind to, but beneath the surface she is burdened with her inner thoughts, her doubts, fears, and regrets. This story is a tribute to those who struggle with mental health, to those who choose to hide behind the facade of a smile, and to those who keep trying to tell themselves it’s okay. It’s my message to you, that everything will be okay.

Kailangan Kita translates to I Need You, and the “You,” in any case, is what keeps you going. I want to thank the “Yous” in my life and who made PACN possible. I want to thank everyone involved, Committee Heads, Dance Coordinators, Acting Directors, and Cast and Crew--this night would not have been possible without all of you. I especially want to thank my Co, this year’s BEC, Jazzerine. Thank you for sticking by my side, not just PACN, but in everything we’ve done this year. I wouldn’t have wanted to lead such a production with anyone else. Thank you for listening to what I have to say, for keeping me sane, for always supporting me, and getting me out of my comfort zone. Even though our term is approaching its end, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of this duo because this duo is a forever thing.

Thank you to Bougi-E Board for the endless support throughout everything, especially in this season. I’m so thankful to share this milestone with all of you. Through the ups and downs we’ve faced this year, we have always come back stronger. You all have kept me going this year. Thank you to my parents, for being supportive and understanding throughout my whole life in everything I’ve done. No matter how busy or how old I get, I know I’m always going to need you two. Thank you to Wholesome Line, from my adings to my grands to my great grand(s)--thank you for always putting a smile on my face and making my lonely only-child self not so lonely. Thank you to my best friends Sam, Isabelle, and Vincent, the rest of Gucci Dolce (Kelvin, Ate Kayla, Geoffrey, honorable mention Danison), Benny’s (Kayla, Alyssa, Leika, Kaila, and Roleen), Manong Matt, and my day ones from church (Lauren, Jeremiah, Kuya Ralph, Vanessa, and Ate Paulyn). Even though we’re all focused on our own hustle, thank you for the constant love and support.

Most of all, thank you to the faith that has kept me going, even when it felt like I was hanging by a thread. I would most definitely not be here if it weren’t for my faith.