On October 1, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 pm, the Andrews University Filipino International Association (AFIA) hosted an entertaining welcome back bash for their club members at the field behind Beaty Pool. They advertised that there would be an assortment of delectable snack goodie bags and co-curricular credit options for students. This casual event and its tranquil location amongst the serene greenery of AU was the perfect opportunity for students to unwind after a week of tedious assignments and stress-inducing exams.
When members arrived at the luscious location, AFIA officers handed them the methodically packaged goodie bags as publicized, complete with delicious guava candy, fruit jelly cups, and sky flakes. Also, there was pancit canton, hi-chew, and Maeil yogurt flavored soft drinks. Lively music blasted from a strategically placed speaker while many club members eagerly consumed the various treats. AFIA officers arranged multiple engaging activities for members’ enjoyment on the field, such as volleyball, spike ball, a balance beam for pillow fights, football, tinikling, and kali. There were several individuals actively participating in these invigorating games as they socialized intently with other students.
Andre Canubas (sophomore, biology pre-med), AFIA’s social vice president, and the AFIA cabinet and interns were responsible for brainstorming entertaining activities. Under his guidance, they secured a venue, arranged for members to receive co-curricular credit, purchased snacks, and ensured that the event proceeded as planned. He graciously explained the purpose of including tinikling and kali stick fighting as an engaging activity that members could try. “Tinikling is a traditional Filipino dance that portrays the struggle of farmers who had to protect their rice crops from the Tikling bird. Kali stick fighting is a form of martial arts derived from the Philippines that incorporates hard bamboo sticks for combat and defense. Traditional Filipino arts represent the challenges and difficulties Filipino people have victoriously overcome. There will be several tinikling and kali stick fighting teaching events this month, so please feel free to come and receive a co-curricular credit!”
After an hour, the AFIA officers presented the spicy noodle challenge and affably asked for volunteers. Two willing volunteers were selected from the crowd, and they both kneeled in front of a table. Plastic spoons and bowls filled with piquant Buldak noodles were bestowed on both. An announcer with a microphone allowed them to begin devouring their savory food against the immense pressure of a timer. Students cheered them on enthusiastically from the sidelines as they violently crammed noodles into their mouths while powering on despite their scorched mouths. Finally, an individual won the challenge, and students celebrated the subsequent victory.
Overall, the relaxing event was a success and a testament to AFIA officers’ ability to plan and provide appealing events for its members to enjoy thoroughly. This aspect was evident from the positive feedback from attendees of the welcome back bash. Sophia Ialysheva (freshman, finance) cheerfully expressed that the gathering exhibited “ ...a chill atmosphere with friendly people, delicious food and fun recreational activities for students to appreciate.”
What can new and returning AFIA members expect this year from one of the most prominent cultural clubs on campus? As October is Filipino American History Month, AFIA has some enlivening events not only for your enjoyment but to spread awareness of Filipino culture on campus. Jaden Leiterman (sophomore, medical lab science), AFIA’s president-elect, announced there would be a plethora of “...Tuesday co-curricular choices and revitalizing chapel programs. There is even the White Rabbit Night Market at the end of the month and more intriguing events planned for the year!”
If you have not signed up to join AFIA, please consider being a member of one of the massive cultural clubs on campus to be truly enriched by learning more about Filipino culture and interacting with a diverse group of students. The club officers are hardworking and passionate about providing a positive and energetic environment for their members, evident from this welcome back bash alone. If you have any questions or want to stay updated about upcoming AUFIA events, please follow their Instagram account @auafia.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.