Cal Poly Pomona Presents
Class-E-Board Production
press kit
about
barkada LEADERSHIP Carl Gallardo President Dillon Sanchez Vice President Nicole Jane Calinawan Academics Chair Emeline Allenegui Culture Chair Maurice Rhee Sports Chair Jherray Babida Social Chair Andrew Yeo Treasuer Sean Fabros Secretary Mark Ruidera ASI/MCC Representative Iggy Gutierrez BEC Coordinator Kelsey Estrada PR Representative Juli Pineda External Affairs Paige Gutierrez Historian
Barkada is a group of people whose aim is to promote recognition and better understanding of the Pilipino culture at the California State Polytechnic University of Pomona Campus and the surrounding community. Barkada focuses on these four aspects: Academic, Culture, Social, and Sports. While each area is responsible for multiple events throughout the year, these are a few of the main focuses.
Academics
As one of the main pillars of Barkada, the academic aspect is responsible for ensuring that Barkada members are still focused on their studies. A few traditional academic events include Kuya/Ate/Ading Program, P-Grad, Academic/Alumni Workshops/Panels, and Study Sessions.
Culture
Culture is one of the biggest aspects that Barkada pushes forward. We as family, friends, students, and people believe that we can only go so far without knowing our culture, but it will always play a big role in our lives. In our club, we elect an eboard member, a Culture chair, to help remind us who we are.
Social
As one of the main pillars of Barkada, the social aspect exists to promote the development of people skills, to create memories for a lifetime, and to just have fun during one’s college years.
Sports
This aspect of Barkada encourages the members to physically challenge themselves by taking part in the athletics offered at Cal Poly Pomona and by Barkada.
A b o u t PACN...
Barkada has been an outlet for its members through the four aspects of academics, social, sports, and culture. These four aspects allow the members to express themselves in different mediums. Pilipino American Cultural Night or PACN is one of Barkada’s biggest events representing various issues that affect the Pilipino/Pilipino-American community. Through the art of theater and traditional Pilipino cultural dance, these two mediums weave together a story that will captivate the audience and present issues that are relevant to today’s Pilipino/Pilipino-American community performed by an all-cast of Cal Poly Pomona students.
Lost Seconds follows two timelines of Filipino Americans… Year 2033: Mia is home from her first quarter in college. Just reeling off her first rejection from Roman Empire Publishing, she tries to keep her spirits up by preparing for her Debut with the help of her friends. The only problem is her mom keeps nagging her every step of the way. Enter Wesley Mercado. He is the son of the first Filipino American Laker champion, and he’s on a quest to find the head of Roman Empire Publishing to get his father’s book published. The first person he turns to for help is Mia, who isn’t pleased to see him. Year 2009: Alexia and Max are seniors in high school and they’re preparing for their futures. Both of them are underdogs in their own right. Alexia is the proud Filipina American willing to fight for her people even though she is ridiculed for it. Max is the hardworking shadow of his seemingly perfect best friends – Sam and Isaac. With both struggling with their personal issues, they try to find their place in the real world as second generation Filipino Americans. Join us as we celebrate our culture through song, dance, and acting!
culture chair and bec... - 4th year in Cal Poly Pomona - Communications major, emphasis in Public Relations; English minor - 4th year in Barkada - 2011-2012 Public Relations Representative - 2012-2013 Culture Chair
Emeline Allenegui
Allenegui’s involvement in PCN/PACNs include cultural dancing, costume and prop making, promotions, actor directing, and writing. She completed a reel of short films and projects during high school before focusing on writing. She continued to build her portfolio throughout college. In addition to writing classes at her campus, she was accepted into and attended the inaugural session of Yale’s Summer Writing program for film writing in 2013, where she work shopped Lost Seconds. As this year’s Culture Chair, she is in charge of promoting and teaching culture within Barkada and its surrounding communities. She is responsible for organizing all cultural related events and planning the annual PACN. She has led many workshops focusing on the current state of Filipino-Americans and identity this year, and she seeks to give a means to discussion in Barkada’s 23rd PACN. Lost Seconds will be her 7th PCN/PACN and her directorial debut for the stage.
- 2nd year in Cal Poly Pomona - Math major - 2nd year in Barkada - 2012-2013 Barkada Entertainment Coordinator Gutierrez has been participating in Pilipino/PilipinoAmerican Cultural Nights for 13 years. His involvement ranges from St. Paul the Apostle Church’s PCN as a dancer and eventually to a choreographer in 2009 and 2011. He took his experiences with him into high school in Troy PSST’s PACNs for all four years. He served as a modern and cultural dance choreographer from 20082011, and he co-directed his own PACN titled The Basic Bonds: Redefining the Limits for the 2009-2010 term. He served as PSST’s president in his senior year before continuing his cultural dance career in Cal Poly Pomona. In his freshman year, he coordinated three dances and held a minor acting role before working his way up to become this year’s Barkada Entertainment Coordinator. Gutierrez maintains and manages relationships with Barkada’s Cultural Dance Troupe, Barkada Modern, P.Notes, and Barkada band. This year he revisits his role as a cultural dance leader in Lost Seconds. This will be his 11th PCN/PACN.
Iggy Gutierrez
meet yl eoaud rs
Carissa Cespedes
Year: 1 Major: Psychology Goal: My goal is to get through college with amazing memories and lots of new friends “What I really love about this PACN is how I can relate to my character so much. She has gone through a lot but she is able to remain optimistic despite everything just because of her fresh perspective on life. I love how she can do that and I honestly look up to people who are like that. When I got the role to play her, I was really excited because I could become like the people I idolized and wanted to be like. I hope I do her justice.” About Alexia Canson: A passionate girl, she pours her soul into fighting for her people. Ironically, this behavior doesn’t go over well with her peers. While she is unapologetic of who she is, Alexia has learned how to fear her own classmates and their judgments. It’s because of this that she sometimes questions herself. Is she Filipina or American? Both? Is it worth trying to be an example?
Joshua Padiernos Year: 3rd Major: Biology Goal: To never give up on my goals (Med School, happiness, meaningful impact in at least someone’s life, and so on) no matter how long it may take me “I thoroughly enjoy participating in PACN for several reasons. I get to see my loved ones almost on a daily basis, which is pretty rare, especially at this stage in my life with all of our hectic schedules. We should be thankful with the past and learn what these people have done for us. I also love to participate in PACN’s because I may not get another chance at this ever in my life. The biggest reason why I wanted to do this was because I had something to prove. I needed to prove to myself that there isn’t any reason to be shy or afraid of when trying new things. And if I am afraid, then that means I’m actually doing something with my life that’s meaningful. Despite the outcome, whether I do well or fail, (which I know I won’t) I will be that mature and wiser.” About Max: An intense and mostly fun guy, Max is always trying to impress everyone, following trends. He has always been in the shadow of someone, especially to Isaac, so he works hard to measure up. Frequently let down, he uses humor to lighten a situation but behind closed doors something’s tearing him from the inside out. His mom has been on his case ever since his brother skipped town. He’s been holding up well, at least for now.
Karynna Carlos Year: 3rd Major: Civil Engineering
“What I like about this PACN is that I get to become closer with everyone in Barkada. I also like that this PACN made me break out of my shell because I would have never thought that I'd actually audition for PACN. Years before, I've always wanted to be more involved with PACN, but I was always too shy. I always just wanted to be the one behind the scenes. So I'm really glad that I did it this year or else I wouldn't have made so many great friendships with everyone.” About Sam: She’s one of the guys, and most people stay out of her way. She talks a lot. A LOT. Her best friends Max and Isaac never hear the end of it with her. Sam is extremely self aware and perceptive of others. Her passion is in linguistics and constantly strives for academic excellence. She grew up with a quasi-traditional Filipino family who always find a way to embarrass her.
Justin Dominguez Year: 1st Major: Engineering Technology “This PACN is important to me because of how it has brought everyone closer together. Going to practices, dancing, reading lines, and just being together has made this such an amazing experience. I have gotten closer to so many people and that’s the best part of PACN, the bonds that we make with one another. As we put in tons hard work and effort we are rewarded 10 fold with all the memories and good times we make. PACN is what we make of it, so lets give it our all and make this the best PACN yet.” About Isaac: The classic golden boy. Charming, intelligent, basketball star, loved. Though he’s one of the most influential figures in school, he succumbs to the pressure of stereotypical cool guy. He has good intentions but sometimes fails to realize how he’s affecting others. There is a lot of weight placed on his shoulders to be “the hero,” whether it’s from his family, friends, and himself.
Lindsey Baylon Year: 2nd Major: FRL
“I decided to do PACN this year to meet new people, but on the way I have learned a lot about my culture and have made stronger bonds with people than I could have ever imagine in barkada.” About Mia: It’s her first year in college but she’s back at home for her debut. She’s a young aspiring writer, but her ambitions drove her to submit a manuscript early. Reeling off her first rejection, she doesn’t let it get to her as she attempts to rally her friends and family for a Winter break celebration. Wesley’s presence is more of a nuisance especially since she doesn’t know him well at all. She’s positive but very stubborn. It takes a lot to change her mind. A chance event. A dramatic speech. A person.
JeanLuc Felix Year: 4th Major: Urban and Regional Planning Goal: Graduate and have a job in the planning field “This PACN is important to me because even though this will be my 4th for Barkada, it will be my first time taking on a supporting acting role. It’s unfamiliar territory for me and I’m excited to try something new.” About Wesley: Also in his first year of college, he is on a mission during his Winter break when he tracks down Mia. As the son of the first Filipino-American basketball player to win a NBA championship, he has grown up with certain perks, a private jet and an endless supply of ties and hair gel to name a few. He swears he will get what he wants even if he has to do all of the work. He is aware that everyone thinks he’s shallow and easy to take advantage of. He has quite a bit to prove to the world.
Minors Julia Talavera Year: 1st Major: Communications - Public Relations emphasis “PACN’s important to me, because it has allowed me to learn about another culture that I initially didn’t know much about. More importantly, this experience has helped me form more friendships with my cast mates, dance coordinators, and acting directors. I’m happy that it’s allowed me to get so much closer to a lot of people in Barkada.”
Brandon Tran Year: 3rd Major: Biology “Haha truth is, I don’t know what to say so... I’m just going to ramble about why I love PACN so much. PACN aside from being a night of culture, it’s about learning all the things that make you who you are. Many people may not realize it but we take so much from all cultures. I love being in PACN because I am able to learn and understand Pilipino culture and share the experience with everyone there. This is my 3rd year doing it and it has always been a wonderful experience. All the people I meet, everything I learn, and all the issues that are explained. It brings in new perspective.”
Rodrigo Lim Year: 2nd Major: Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology “This is my first PACN with Barkada and I am an actor/coordinator/dancer and just ecstatic to be apart of it. I also made new friends, well family.”
C ast and Crew Alexia Canson.......................Carissa Cespedes Max........................................Joshua Padiernos Isaac......................................Justin Dominguez Sam...........................................Karynna Carlos Mia.............................................Lindsey Baylon Wesley Mercado.........................Jean-Luc Felix Cynthia Rose................................Julia Talavera Keith.............................................Brandon Tran Mitchell Yeung Minor.......................Rodrigo Lim Bernadette.....................................Kate Legaspi Abigail.............................................April Truong Danni..........................................Kevin Custado Julian...........................................Keane Medina Angelo.........................................Rickey Santos Bryan.............................................Joseph Gaite Marc................................................Alex Edrada Max’s Mom...........................................Lydia Lei Alexia’s Dad...............................Danillo Fajardo Alexia’s Mom...................Danielle Delos Reyes Sam’s Mom..................................Karima Reyes Sam’s Dad................................Rogelle Zamora Lauren Motus...........................Samantha Belen Therpist................................................Mica Tan Miles.............................................Eddie Santos Reporter................................................Kyle Tan Student..........................................Oliver Rafols Acapelicans 1....................................Aina Abad Acapelicans 2..........................................Tristan Acapelicans 3.....................................RJ Reyes Acapelicans 4....................Brandon Evangelista Acapelicans 5..........................Michael Belicano Lolo Xander...................................Sean Fabros Lola Michelle..............................Minette Estepa Lola Hanna.................................Kelsey Estrada Lolo Andrei.................................Aaron Gallardo Iggy..............................................Iggy Gutierrez Emeline..................................Emeline Allenegui Carl...............................................Carl Gallardo Mark..............................................Mark Ruidera
COMMITTEE LEADERS Suite Coordinators Maria Clara Aaron Gallardo, Juli Pineda Moro Nicole Jane Calinawan, Eddie Santos Traditionalist Nick Busante, Denise Mae Abril, Daniel Verdejo Kordilyera Jerald Kumagai Mark Ruidera Rural Cody Guerrero Aldrin Dorado Promotions Kelsey Estrada, Paige Gutierrez Costumes Nicole Jane Calinawan, Juli Pineda Stage Crew Maurice Rhee, Jherray Babida Music & Sound Aaron Gallardo Fundraising Sean Fabros, Andrew Yeo ACTING DIRECTORS
Juli Pineda Kelsey Estrada Aaron Gallardo Danielle Delos Reyes Mark Ruidera Carl Gallardo Shea Salinas Minette Estepa Dillon Sanchez
dance
suites
Maria Clara
Named after the main character in Jose Rizal’s novel, Noli me Tangere, the Maria Clara suite originates from the Spanish period when Western European ways of life were introduced into the Philippines. Pilipinos took European dances, such as the jota and waltz, and made them their own by adding their own unique flair. In this suite, love and courtship are prominent themes, highlighting the regalness and charm of the mestizo and mestiza Filipinos.
Moro
By the end of the 12th century, traders and settlers from the Malay Peninsula and Borneo introduced Islamic faith to the islands, specifically in the region of Mindanao. The Muslims in the Philippines, also known as Moros, were able to resist Spanish conquest. Thus, they preserved the Islamic lifestyle that markedly differs from the majority of the Philippine population. The dances are characterized by vivid colors and rhythmic movements which reflect the influence of Arabian and Indo-Malaysian cultures.
Traditionalist
Scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago are slowly disappearing pagan tribes. These tribes of indigenous peoples untouched by neither colonization nor time consist of 18 ethnolinguistic groups: Ata, Bagobo, Banwaon, B’laan, Bukidnon, Dibabawon, Higa-onon, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Manguwangan, Manobo, Mansaka, Subanon, Tagakaolo, Tasaday, T’boi, Teduray and Ubo. Dances of these tribes often reflect thanksgiving, worship, or prayers for bountiful harvests.
Kordilyera
Also known as Cordillera, a term meaning “knotted rope” which the Spanish used to describe the mountainous region of central Luzon, this suite portrays the courtship, victory, and worship dances of the Igorots who lived in there. The Igorots were once known to hunt down and decapitate the heads of their victims, just one of the ancient pagan rituals. Music, dances and rituals played a large part in the lives of these mountain people.
Rural
After a hard days work, the farmers on the Philippine countryside gather with their friends and family in the barrios and perform impromptu dance numbers, meant to celebrate the simple joys in life. For the rural people, dancing was a form of relaxation. The countryside, especially in the Visayas, is known by some as the true Philippines, so it is no wonder that the most famous Philippine dances originate from this area.